Why an eSIM is Recommended for Malaysia
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, Malaysia does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Free WiFi vs eSIM
Free WiFi is indeed widespread in Malaysia (hotels, cafes, shopping malls), but it has risks:
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, even in remote areas.
Network Coverage in Malaysia
Malaysia has good 4G/5G coverage (97%) thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Maxis |
97% |
Yes |
35% (leader) |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Celcom |
96% |
Yes |
30% |
LinkeSIM, Saily |
| Digi |
96% |
Yes |
30% |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Kuala Lumpur: perfect 4G/5G throughout the capital
- Langkawi: excellent coverage on the island and beaches
- Penang: excellent in the city and tourist areas
- Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak): good coverage in urban areas, note limited coverage in the jungle
- Cameron Highlands: good coverage in inhabited areas
- Malacca: excellent coverage in the historic city
How to Install Your Malaysia eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Malaysia (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Malaysia eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Malaysia eSIM 2026"
countryCode="MY"
countrySlug="malaysia"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$47",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Maxis network (leader 35%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value for money
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Maxis network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
Conclusion
For all travelers to Malaysia, an eSIM is highly recommended as French roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB).
Best choice: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 10 GB at $4.50 remains very economical.
Note: If you plan to explore the Borneo jungle, expect limited coverage in remote areas.
Malaysia eSIM FAQ
