Stay online in Malaysia from the moment you land in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Kota Kinabalu. Install a data eSIM before you fly, keep your usual number for calls and texts, and use maps, Grab and messaging apps from the arrivals hall onwards, from the city to the islands and Borneo.
Malaysia eSIM
Malaysia eSIM plans
Every plan is data only, priced in US dollars, with no contract and nothing to return.
Our picks
Three plans we would buy ourselves, by the trip you are taking. Every plan we sell is listed below.
Short trip
4.2 GB
0.6 GB a day
7 days
A week or so away: maps, messages, rides and the odd video call.
$1.19 per GB
$4.99
Buy this planLong trip
22.5 GB
1.5 GB a day
15 days
Two weeks or more, with room for photos, streaming and work email.
$0.49 per GB
$10.99
Buy this planHeavy use
Unlimited data
15 days
You stream, work online or share your connection every day.
Full speed for the first 5 GB each day
$23.99
Buy this plan
Fixed data
One allowance for the whole trip, used at your own pace.
Daily data
A fresh allowance every day, slower above it until the next day.
Unlimited data
No cap on data, with a fair-use speed limit after heavy daily use.
Also covered by Asia Pacific
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Asia Pacific
Also covered by Global (170 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (170 countries)
Also covered by Global (75 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (75 countries)
No eSIM, no charge. If your payment goes through and we cannot issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. Refund policy
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Local networks. See which ones it uses in Malaysia
Which Malaysia plan fits your trip
Malaysia plans come in three shapes, from 1 to 30 days. The plan cards above show what is on sale:
- Daily data, 0.6 GB or 1.5 GB a day. Suits steady use: maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos every day.
- Fixed data, from 20 GB for three days up to 60 GB for two weeks. Use it however you like over the trip.
- Unlimited, 3 to 15 days. For heavy users and remote work. A fair-use policy applies; the plan details say how.
See fixed, daily or unlimited for how each type behaves.
Coverage from the peninsula to Borneo
Coverage is strong in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru and Ipoh, along the North-South Expressway and on the main islands such as Langkawi. It thins out in the Cameron Highlands and other hill areas, on the smaller islands such as the Perhentians and Tioman, and in the rainforest of Sabah and Sarawak away from the towns. Download offline maps before a jungle trip, a dive trip or a long drive.
Arriving at the airport
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. When you land at Kuala Lumpur KLIA, Penang or Kota Kinabalu, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only and keep it off on your usual SIM. You can then book a Grab, check the KLIA Ekspres into the city or message your hotel from the arrivals hall.
How much data do you need?
A typical traveler using maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos uses about 1 GB a day. Video calls, streaming and sharing your connection with a laptop push that up quickly.
Visiting more than Malaysia?
The Asia Pacific plan covers Malaysia together with Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and other destinations in one install, and the global plans cover it too. They suit a trip that crosses into Singapore or Thailand: check the country list on the plan before you buy. Compare the cost with your own carrier in travel eSIM vs international roaming, and see eSIM for Thailand if your trip continues north.
Networks in Malaysia
Malaysia's main mobile networks are CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Unifi Mobile. 5G runs on a shared national network, and U Mobile is building a second one. A travel eSIM connects to one of them as a roaming partner, which is why data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. The partner network can differ from plan to plan, so check the plan details, or ask us at support@esimlounge.com before you buy.
How to install your eSIM
Install it at home before you fly, then switch it on when you land.
Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Most phones from the last few years do.
Scan the QR code
Scan the code from your email while you still have Wi-Fi at home. It takes about two minutes.
Switch on when you land
Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts if you like.
Malaysia eSIM questions
Does the eSIM work in Sabah and Sarawak?
Yes, in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and the other towns. Coverage thins out in the rainforest, on Mount Kinabalu and on remote islands, so download offline maps before you go.
Can I use it in Singapore too?
A Malaysia plan works in Malaysia only. The Asia Pacific plan covers both Malaysia and Singapore with one install.
Does the eSIM work on Langkawi and the Perhentians?
Langkawi has good coverage in the towns and resorts. The Perhentians and other small islands are patchier, especially on remote beaches, so expect weak spots.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, and the eSIM carries your mobile data. Keep data roaming off on your usual SIM to avoid roaming fees.
When does the plan start counting days?
On most plans the days start when the eSIM first connects to a network in Malaysia, not when you install it. The plan details say how yours works.