Malaysia: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

Malaysia – known for the Petronas Twin Towers, jungles & the Batu Caves.

The year-round weather also makes it a popular travel destination for those wanting to escape the cold winter in their own country.

The issue with Malaysia, however, is that there is so much to do that you would need a lifetime to explore it all.

Several mountains can be explored, such as Mount Kinabalu.

Many exciting theme parks are scattered across the country as well, including LEGOLAND Malaysia and Sunway Lagoon.

And for those who want to stay away from all the crowdedness, you can even visit several islands, such as Sipadan Island.

Oh, and do not forget about East Malaysia, with the states Sabah and Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan – all on Borneo (shared with Brunei and Indonesia).

Malaysia is an affordable travel destination, but it may be expensive for Southeast Asian standards.

What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Malaysia.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Malaysia.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Malaysia cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Malaysia for as low as 4 USD and up to 99 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and unlimited data to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

Original publication: 6^th of March 2023. Last updated: 7^th of March 2024.

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Table of Contents

An Introduction to eSIMs for Malaysia (+Discount Codes)

Malaysia is lucky because it has numerous eSIM providers that have eSIMs for Malaysia specifically, regional Asia eSIMs that cover Malaysia & global eSIMs that cover the country and at least 100 more across multiple continents.

The eSIM providers I have used extensively and have eSIMs for Malaysia are Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions.

Airalo has three types of eSIMs for Malaysia:

• Airalo Sambungkan eSIM for Malaysia: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 4.50 USD) and 20 GB (30 days @ 40 USD)
• Airalo Asialink eSIM for Malaysia and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 5 USD) and 100 GB (180 days @ 185 USD)
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM for Malaysia and 125+ other countries: 12 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 9 USD/15 USD (+10 minutes/10 SMS)) and 20 GB (1 year @ 69 USD/89 USD (+200 minutes/200 SMS))

Discount code APR15 is available for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. Existing Airalo customers can use code APR10 instead for 10% off (both codes are valid until the 31^st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Alosim has competitively priced eSIMs for Asian destinations, including Malaysia. It also has 5G NR access in countries where Airalo eSIMs do not have such access (with roughly the same prices). Alosim has two eSIMs for Malaysia:

• Alosim Malaysia eSIM: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 4.50 USD) and 20 GB (30 days @ 40 USD)
• Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM for Malaysia and four other East- and Southeast Asian countries: four eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 5 USD) and 10 GB (30 days @ 27 USD)

You can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly is known for having unlimited data plans. This is also the case for many Asian countries, including Malaysia. It has two eSIMs for Malaysia:

• Holafly Malaysia eSIM: eight eSIMs with unlimited data for five days (19 USD) to unlimited data for 90 days (99 USD)
• Holafly Asia eSIM for Malaysia and ten other Asian countries: six eSIMs with unlimited data for five days (27 USD) to unlimited data for 30 days (79 USD)

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ to get 5% off your order (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Nomad often has the lowest-priced eSIMs ($:GB ratio) for (popular) Asian destinations, which also applies to Malaysia. It has three types of eSIMs for Malaysia:

• Nomad Malaysia eSIM: nine eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 4 USD) and 50 GB (30 days @ 45 USD (on sale))
• Nomad APAC eSIM for Malaysia and 14/19 other Asian and Oceanian countries: 11 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 8 USD/10 USD) and 20 GB (30 days @ 29 USD (on sale)/62 USD)
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM for Malaysia and seven other Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 6 USD) and 30 GB (60 days @ 60 USD)
• Nomad Global eSIM for Malaysia and 108/138 other countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 19/25 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 45 USD/57 USD)

You can use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order.

Lastly, we have SimOptions with AIS eSIM2FLY Asia. It is the most comprehensive Asia eSIM I know of (not limited to East- and Southeast Asia, as the others mentioned so far, but also Central Asia, South Asia & the Middle East and South Asia). It also has 5G NR access in numerous countries. However, only one AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM exists:

• SimOptions/AIS eSIM2LY Asia eSIM for Malaysia and 31 other Asian countries: 6 GB (eight days @ 19.90 USD)

Now that you have an overview of the eSIM providers I will write about, we will go through them alphabetically and cover all their options for Malaysia.

But if you already have an eSIM store in mind, click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions.

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Airalo eSIMs for Malaysia (Sambungkan, Asialink & Discover+)

Airalo has three types of eSIMs that can be used in Malaysia only or include Malaysia:

• Sambungkan – Malaysia only
• Asialink – Malaysia and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries
• Discover(+) – Malaysia and 129 other countries worldwide with 5G NR access in Malaysia (+calls and SMS (up to 200 minutes/SMS) for global use if you choose the “+” variant, regardless of the selected eSIM)

Remember that discount code APR15 is available for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. Existing Airalo customers can use code APR10 instead for 10% off (both codes are valid until the 31^st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Airalo does not need an introduction because it is the largest eSIM store out there.

It also claims to be the first store, which is probably true but not something I could confirm (but it does not matter anyway).

With eSIMs for almost all countries and territories, Airalo practically has a global reach with its offering.

In the case of Malaysia, Airalo has three eSIMs covering the country: Sambungkan, Asialink & Discover(+).

Sambungkan is Airalo's Malaysia-only eSIM.

Whereas Asialink can be used in Malaysia and 13 other East- and Southeast Asian countries.

Get the Asialink eSIM if you visit two or more destinations supported by the eSIM – it will be more cost-effective.

Finally, we have the Discover and Discover+ eSIMs, which support 125+ countries worldwide, including Malaysia (and the Discover+ variants offer a phone number, something the Sambungkan eSIM does not have, and up to 200 minutes and 200 SMS).

Let's go over the six Airalo Sambungkan eSIM options we have:

1. Malaysia/Sambungkan 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Malaysia/Sambungkan 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 8 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Malaysia/Sambungkan 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10.50 USD
4. Malaysia/Sambungkan 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Malaysia/Sambungkan 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 25 USD
6. Malaysia/Sambungkan 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

You can use the following Malaysian mobile networks with the Sambungkan eSIM:

Check out my Malaysia SIM card buying guide for more information on how Malaysian mobile operators perform.

Next, we have the Airalo Asialink eSIM, which can be used in 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.

It is Airalo's second-most popular regional eSIM (behind Europe (review) – it has seven regional eSIM, including Asia), based on what Phone Travel Wiz readers use.

This makes sense, as flights within East- and Southeast Asia can be incredibly cheap with the rise of low-cost carriers and relatively favorable visa policies.

The old version of Airalo's Asia eSIM came with unlimited data, although you only got 4 GB of high-speed data before your speeds got reduced to 128 Kbps (embarrassingly slow).

Worry not; the new offering is significantly better. Let's go over the Airalo Asialink eSIM options now:

1. Asia/Asialink 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
2. Asia/Asialink 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Asia/Asialink 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 20 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Asia/Asialink 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Asia/Asialink 50 GB eSIM for 90 days, costing 100 USD
6. Asia/Asialink 100 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 185 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

You can use the following Malaysian networks with the Asialink eSIM:

As mentioned earlier, the Airalo Asialink can be used in 14 countries, which includes Malaysia and (some) neighboring countries.

You can find a country breakdown in my ongoing Airalo Asialink review or the map below.

I aim to use the Asialink eSIM in all supported countries by the end of 2025 (perhaps 2024, but I want to explore other continents in 2024), giving you insights into how the eSIM performs in each destination.

I have tested the eSIM in eight countries so far – you should check my Airalo Asialink eSIM review if you are interested in getting it for yourself.

Finally, we have Airalo's Discover and Discover+ eSIMs.

Its global offering used to be called Discover Global, to be used in 84 countries (87 was its peak).

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (the maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations.

Well, my concerns were heard (which is why I love working with Airalo) because Airalo revamped its global eSIM to Discover(+), covering 125+ countries (including Malaysia), having 5G NR access in 30+ countries & giving you the option to purchase plans with minutes and SMS.

You get an Austrian (+43) phone number if you buy any Airalo Discover+ eSIMs, so you do not have to deal with excessive international call rates with your primary/home SIM card or eSIM (this does not apply to the normal Discover eSIM).

Although Airalo improved its global eSIM significantly, it did not increase the prices for its eSIM.

In fact, you get a “discount” of up to 20 USD if you use the Discover eSIM (the one without a phone number, minutes, & texts).

Anyway, 12 variants of the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs are available:

1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

The image below shows you the Malaysian mobile networks that can be used with the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs.

For a full country list of where the eSIM can be used, you should check out my ongoing Airalo Discover+ eSIM review.

Although the map below may be useful if you know your world map well.

In every country I visit where I test country-specific Airalo eSIMs, I also try out its Discover+ eSIM (if it can be used there).

So you better check it out every now and then to see if I wrote about the country/countries you plan to visit and read about the eSIM's performance in said country, as it is not always perfect.

Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Japan) still refer to Discover Global and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.

So to recap: get the Sambungkan eSIM if you only stay in Malaysia, the Asialink eSIM in two or more supported countries to save $$$, or the Discover(+) eSIM if you visit multiple countries on multiple continents within a year and do not wish to install multiple eSIMs.

Whatever Airalo eSIM you choose, you will have a smooth experience with any in Malaysia.

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Alosim eSIMs for Malaysia

Alosim has two eSIMs that can be used in Malaysia only or includes Malaysia:

• Malaysia – local use only
• Asia Five Pack – Malaysia and four other East- and Southeast Asian countries

Alosim promised me that it plans to expand the coverage of its Asia eSIM. For now, it can also be used in Hong Kong (5G), Malaysia, South Korea (5G), Taiwan (5G) & Thailand (5G).

Remember to use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Alosim, backed by AffinityClick, is an eSIM provider gaining ground in 2023.

Mostly because it has been expanding its eSIM coverage in a good direction.

You probably have never heard of AffinityClick, but you may have heard of the Hushed app with more than 8 000 000 (8 million) downloads: Temporary & Second Phone Number App for Wifi, Data Calling & Texting.

Because of this, you may get a phone number for calls and SMS with any Alosim eSIM in the near future… as that is the logical step right, AffinityClick? 😏.

At the moment, you have two eSIM options for Malaysia with Alosim: one for Malaysia only and one for Asia, including Malaysia.

You have the following six Alosim Malaysia eSIMs:

1. Malaysia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Malaysia 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 8 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Malaysia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
5. Malaysia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 25 USD
6. Malaysia 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

You can use the following Malaysian mobile networks with your Alosim Malaysia eSIM:

For more information on how these mobile operators perform, check out my Malaysia SIM card buying guide, where I discuss the performance of each SIM card (in terms of coverage and speed).

Next, we have the Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM, which… can be used in five Asian countries.

Who would have guessed 🗿.

It can be used in Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan & Thailand, and the eSIM has 5G NR access in all of them (except Malaysia).

It is the least covered Asia eSIM in this guide, as all the others cover at least six Asian countries + Australia and New Zealand.

But unlike some other regional eSIMs, 5G NR is not as widely available as with Alosim's Asia Five Pack – so that is something to keep in mind.

Let's see how much each of the five Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIMs cost:

1. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
4. Asia (Five Pack) eSIM 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 27.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11^th of October (2023 data only).

Go with the Alosim Malaysia eSIM if you only stay in Malaysia and the Alosim Asia Five Pack eSIM if you go to Hong Kong (5G), Malaysia, South Korea (5G), Taiwan (5G), and/or Thailand (5G) within 30 days to save some money.

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Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia

Holafly has two eSIMs that can be used in Malaysia only or include Malaysia:

• Malaysia – local use only
• Asia – Malaysia and ten other Asian countries

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off any Holafly purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly is, together with Airalo, one of the most popular eSIM providers.

Holafly made a name for itself by introducing unlimited data plans in June 2022, which was uncommon back then.

While more eSIM providers have unlimited data eSIMs nowadays, Holafly has been expanding its unlimited data offering from the initial 45 countries to about 100 nations in 2023 (and still counting in October 2023).

To prevent abuse, you cannot tether (mobile hotspot) with any Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.

Initially, its Asia eSIM sucked, giving you 6 GB for 15 days (44 USD) and 10 GB for 30 days (54 USD).

That does not sound too bad… until you realize you could use a maximum of 500 MB daily.

After numerous complaints (from me, Phone Travel Wiz readers & its customers), Holafly also introduced unlimited data for its Asia eSIM.

I love seeing eSIM providers taking my and their customers' feedback into account AND doing something about it 😎.

First, let's start with the Holafly Malaysia eSIM, which gives you unlimited data between five days and 90 days:

1. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD
5. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD
6. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD
7. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD
8. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

Compared to Airalo's and Alosim's eSIMs (and Nomad and SimOptions mentioned later), these eSIMs are pricey.

But unlike them, Holafly gives you unlimited data for up to 90 days.

But there is a catch: as of August 2023, Holafly eSIMs are throttled @ 18 Mbps (even if you have 5G NR access), except for its Europe eSIMs (review).

This was not the case before that month (I even extensively used the Europe eSIM in July 2023, where I had normal/fast speeds until I headed to North America in August 2023 and noticed that its speeds were throttled in every country I visited after that).

While 18 Mbps is not terrible, it is also not amazing – especially knowing I have had download speeds of up to 160 Mbps before in various European countries.

But if you do not care about the fastest speeds, you do not have to worry about this speed restriction.

Next, we have the Holafly Asia eSIM, which can be used in 32 European countries, including Malaysia.

Just like the Holafly Malaysia eSIM, this eSIM is speed-restricted @ 18 Mbps.

And unlike the Holafly Europe eSIM (review), the Holafly Asia eSIMs are more expensive than the country-specific Holafly eSIMs.

For example, the Holafly Italy eSIM (review) and the Holafly Europe eSIM have the same options and prices as the images below.

The Holafly Asia eSIM can be used for up to 30 days, costing a maximum of 79 USD (up from 64 USD in August 2023), which only costs 64 USD in Europe).

I have been told that Holafly is actively trying to decrease the price and offer more options, but it may take a bit.

Below is an overview of how much each Holafly Asia eSIM costs:

1. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD
2. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD
3. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 37 USD
4. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 79 USD (priced increased) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

If you visited multiple supported countries during your trip, getting the Holafly Asia eSIM will be more affordable than buying multiple country-specific eSIMs.

The eSIMs are the same, except for the country-specific ones being geo-restricted (but the same roaming partners are used).

To discover which countries the Holafly Asia eSIM can be used in, check out my Holafly Asia review or the map below.

I never tried out the old version of the Holafly Asia eSIM (the one with 6 GB for 15 days and 10 GB for 30 days) because I thought it was of lousy value (and while I actively discouraged Phone Travel Wiz readers from using it, some did and had good experiences with it).

But since it was turned into an unlimited data eSIM, the speeds have been restricted to 18 Mbps like the country-specific Asian eSIMs, even in countries where speeds are incredibly fast.

As a result, I will not use the eSIM in every Asian country I visit anymore (unlike other regional Holafly eSIMs, like the European one) because I know the results will be the same.

But if things improve, I will pick the eSIM up again – you know I love testing eSIMs 🤪.

Anyway, go with the Holafly Malaysia eSIM if you only stay in Malaysia and the Holafly Asia eSIM if you go to two or more supported countries to save some money.

And remember, your speeds will be throttled @ 18 Mbps at all times (even on 5G NR) + you cannot tether (to prevent abuse).

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Nomad eSIMs for Malaysia

Nomad has four types of eSIMs that can be used in Malaysia only or include Malaysia:

• Malaysia – local use only
• APAC – Malaysia and 14 or 19 other countries, depending on the eSIM, in Asia and Oceania
• SEA-Oceania – Malaysia and seven other Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries
• Global – Malaysia and 109 or 138 other countries, depending on the eSIM, worldwide

Be sure to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order (new customers only).

Nomad, on average, has the cheapest eSIMs for Asian countries.

It also often has the most generous data allowances (up to 50 GB and even up to 100 GB at a time).

And some destinations even have unlimited data plans.

Yeah… I really recommend Nomad eSIMs for most Asian destinations.

In Malaysia's case, you have the Nomad Malaysia eSIM.

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in Asia Pacific (Oceania), including Malaysia.

The Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM can be used in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Oceania, including Malaysia.

Finally, the Nomad Global eSIM can be used in more than 100 countries, including Malaysia.

Let's start with the Nomad Malaysia eSIM with ten options:

1. Malaysia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4 USD
2. Malaysia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
3. Malaysia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 7 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 9 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Malaysia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Malaysia 15 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD
7. Malaysia 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 22 USD
8. Malaysia 30 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 60 28 USD (on sale)
9. Malaysia 40 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 75 36 USD (on sale)
10. Malaysia 50 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 90 45 USD (on sale)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

The Nomad Malaysia eSIM uses the Maxis/Hotlink Malaysia network.

If you want to know whether this network is any good or not, check out my Malaysia SIM card buying guide, where I go much more in-depth about Malaysian mobile operators.

You should know that the Nomad Malaysia eSIM is powered by JoyTelecom (a sub-brand of Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) and CSL Mobile).

That is not an interesting fact (except for nerds like me 🤓), but eSIMs powered by JoyTelecom are throttled @ 42 Mbps or @82 Mbps, depending on the country (even on 5G NR).

While this is significantly faster than Holafly's eSIMs (@ 18 Mbps), I still wanted you to know about this speed restriction.

Some speed devils like myself do care 🐆.

If you plan to visit neighboring countries, you may be interested in Nomad's regional eSIM covering Malaysia: Nomad APAC eSIM and Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM.

By getting the Nomad APAC eSIM or the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM, you only have to purchase one eSIM instead of multiple country-specific ones, saving you money.

Let's start with the Nomad APAC eSIMs, you have two variants: the 15 Countries Plan and the 20 Countries Plan.

JoyTelecom powers the 15 Countries Plan (and is also speed-restricted), while the 20 Countries Plan is powered by eSIM Go (which we remember from Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs, right)?

JoyTelecom eSIMs, while covering more countries (20), are consistently cheaper than eSIM Go eSIMs (15 countries).

I go much more in-depth about the difference between the two providers in my ongoing Nomad APAC eSIM review, but this is what you need to know for now.

Both the 15 Countries Plan and 20 Countries Plan eSIMs work in Malaysia.

And you have these 11 Nomad APAC eSIMs:

1. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 8 USD
2. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 10 USD
3. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 13 USD
4. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD
5. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 23 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 28 23 USD (on sale) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 38 29 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
10. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 62 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
11. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 30 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 65 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

For a full list of countries the Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in (for both the 15 Countries Plan and the 20 Countries Plan), check out my ongoing review.

Next, we have the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM.

Unlike the Nomad APAC eSIM, the former does not have two “country plans” – all eSIM options cover the same eight countries: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam.

JoyTelecom still powers these eSIMs, and you have these six options:

1. SEA-Oceania 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 6 USD
2. SEA-Oceania 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 11 USD
3. SEA-Oceania 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 14 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. SEA-Oceania 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 19 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. SEA-Oceania 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. SEA-Oceania 30 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 60 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

As I said earlier, getting a Nomad APAC eSIM or a Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM will be the cheapest way to stay connected in the APAC region if you plan to visit two or more supported destinations.

Finally, we have Nomad's Global eSIM, which can be used in Malaysia.

Personally, I have never been a fan of this eSIM because of how expensive it is.

Sure, I understand an eSIM covering more than 100 countries will be expensive, but cheaper alternatives exist (especially Airalo's Global eSIMs).

This is why I do not use this eSIM at all – it is too pricey.

But why do I even include it in this guide?

Because some Phone Travel Wiz readers do love this eSIM and actively purchase/use it.

This was mostly when Airalo's global offering covered 84 countries, while Nomad's global eSIM covered 110 countries instead.

Since June (Nomad) and July (Airalo) partnered with eSIM Go for their global offering, both cover 130+ countries with their eSIMs – but Airalo's is somehow (significantly) cheaper than Nomad's… AND had the call and text feature.

If Nomad introduces this (soon), I do not know.

However, I suspect the popularity of Nomad's global eSIM will drop because of Airalo's improved offering.

Enough doomer talk, there are three eSIMs per provider (Truphone – 109 Countries Plan and eSIM Go – 139 Countries Plan):

1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30^th of December (2023 data only).

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

¹ 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
² 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
³ 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

To summarize: get the Nomad Malaysia eSIM if you only stay in Malaysia and the Nomad APAC eSIM or the Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM in two or more supported countries to save money (get the eSIM Go variant for 5G NR access in variant countries).

You can get the Nomad Global eSIM, which can be used in at least 108 other countries besides Malaysia, but Airalo's updated offering made Nomad's uncompetitive (for now).

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SimOptions eSIMs for Malaysia

SimOptions has one (recommended) eSIM that can be used in Malaysia and various other Asian countries:

• AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM

SimOptions has been a SIM card reseller since at least 2016.

In 2021, it started selling eSIMs, now its primary focus.

So, SimOptions has eSIMs specifically for Malaysia; as the screenshot below shows, why am I talking about the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM?

The SimOptions Malaysia eSIMs are powered by JoyTelecom, a partner Nomad primarily works with in Asia.

The SimOptions Smart Traveler eSIM is powered by Dtac Thailand. It is a mobile operator I strongly dislike – mostly because of deceptive marketing and lousy service. You can read my Dtac Thailand review if you want, but it specifically focused on its performance in Thailand.

The eSIMs offered by SimOptions are not as affordable as Nomad's… and I do not want you to waste your money when cheaper options are available, especially when the same partner is used.

But the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM is different – it is by AIS Thailand, formerly Thailand's largest mobile operator (until TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand merged into True Corp).

The eSIM covers 32 primarily Asia countries (not limited to East- and Southeast Asia, like most regional eSIMs, but also the Middle East and Oceania).

In fact, here is the country list:

¹ with 5G NR access

Not only that – you also get 5G NR access in countries where most other eSIM providers do not have such access yet, and a Thai phone number (+66) for free incoming calls and text messages.

All for just 19.90 USD.

But what is the catch? Well… you only get 6 GB of data for eight days.

So, the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM is not for those who want to tour around Asia for a prolonged period because the validity is too short (but other eSIMs mentioned in this guide will do well).

In fact, the eSIM is best used in only one country – two at most if you do not use a lot of data.

I have used the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM in numerous countries (my review is on its way), but not in all supported countries I visit because it will become too expensive.

But if you were to use the eSIM in Malaysia and a (covered) neighboring country, care about 5G NR access, do not use a lot of data & want a phone number for incoming calls and SMS, the eSIM can be a good alternative from the others mentioned so far.

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Malaysia

That was quite a journey! There are so many eSIM options for Malaysia or options that cover it.

And this was not even an exhaustive list! Many more eSIM providers have eSIMs for Malaysia.

But the five I listed in this guide have good reviews. Moreover, I have tested them extensively in multiple countries on multiple continents and had (consistently) good experiences with them.

I will give you a quick recap of each eSIMs mentioned in this guide and link to their product pages in case you need more info or are ready to purchase an eSIM already (take note of the activation policy of Nomad (Truphone) eSIMs – do not buy those eSIMs too early).

Malaysia-only eSIMs:

• Airalo Malaysia eSIM
• Alosim Malaysia eSIM
• Holafly Malaysia eSIM
• Nomad Malaysia eSIM

Asia eSIMs (mainly East- and Southeast Asia + Australia and New Zealand), which include Malaysia:

• Airalo Asialink eSIM
• Holafly Asia eSIM
• Nomad APAC eSIM
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM
• SimOptions AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM

Global eSIMs, which include Malaysia:

• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (with calling feature)
• Nomad Global eSIM

And do not forget to use one of these discount codes for extra savings:

• Airalo: APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. If you have, use APR10 for 10% off (each code can be used 3000 times among all Airalo customers, so better redeem it quickly!
• Alosim: PTW for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
• Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
• Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD (or your currency's equivalent) if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM

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Buying a SIM Card in Malaysia

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Malaysian SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.