Best eSIMs in Malaysia: 2023 Buying Guide

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.

Those are some generous data allowances, right?

And you can even get unlimited data if you want.

See how much it would cost you to use 10 GB while roaming – much more than what Holafly would charge you for unlimited data for 90 days!

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Malaysian mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad. Let's do this.

Original publication: 6th of March 2023. Last updated: 25th of September 2023.

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Table of Contents

In a Hurry? A Quick Introduction

I will write about 17 eSIM options in Malaysia (and explain why they are included).

But if you want to quickly check out what the best eSIMs are for Malaysia without my analysis and explanations, here is an overview of the eSIMs covered in this guide:

• Malaysian mobile operators (five offer eSIMs to prepaid customers – read more in my Malaysia SIM card buying guide)
• Airalo Sambungkan eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (best value for money)
• Alosim Malaysia eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
• Holafly Malaysia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 90 days (unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
• Nomad Malaysia eSIM with ten choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money… too – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)
• Airalo Asialink eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money for 13 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
• Holafly Asia eSIM with unlimited data for 5 to 30 days (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
• Nomad APAC eSIM with seven choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for up to 16 Asian and Oceanian countries)
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 30 GB (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance again but for up to eight Asian and Oceanian countries (can be cheaper than Nomad's APAC eSIM)
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (109 or 139 countries) at high(er) prices – use code ADU123 for 3 USD off)

Note: the promo codes mentioned above can also be used for regional and global eSIMs (they are not restricted to country-specific eSIMs only). In other news, the eSIM providers are in alphabetical order per grouping (Malaysia-only, regional & global) – not in order of preference (you would have to read the complete guide to find out which eSIMs I love the most for Malaysia 😜).

Let's truly get started, shall we?

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eSIMs offered by Malaysian Mobile Operators

To get the best service available, in terms of reception and speeds, you want to go with the local mobile operators directly instead of with a travel eSIM.

That is because you will have a higher priority on the network in case of network congestion.

However, that does not mean travel eSIMs will always be slow.

In fact, some mobile operators throttle (prepaid) on select plans or all plans for “optimization” reasons (read: we cannot be bothered to invest in our network).

Anyway, which Malaysian mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers?

Currently, Celcom Malaysia, Digi Malaysia, Maxis, Malaysia & U Mobile Malaysia offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.

But you have to deal with Malaysia's SIM card registration scheme, which is mandatory for anyone using Malaysian SIM cards and eSIMs – it can be a time-consuming affair.

(Why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your (critical) personal data if the mobile operator does not secure your data properly, like what happened in Australia (10 million Optus customers were affected, where info, like passport numbers, were stolen (including mine – luckily not my passport number but my boyfriend was not as lucky) or Indonesia (1.3 billion SIM card-related data was hacked)).

While mobile data is already affordable in Malaysia, getting any of the travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide will not break the bank – not at all.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad, & SimOptions offer attractive eSIMs for Malaysia – some allow their eSIMs to be set up before arriving in Malaysia and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad, & SimOptions before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's see what these travel eSIM providers have to offer in Malaysia, right?

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Airalo eSIMs for Malaysia (Sambungkan)

If I could only get one travel eSIM during my trip because I do not have the time or opportunity to buy a local SIM card or eSIM, I would always get an eSIM from Airalo, like its Sambungkan eSIM for Malaysia.

Not only does Airalo have eSIMs for more than 200 countries and territories, which is an insane number on its own, I almost always have the best network performance with its eSIMs.

Additionally, its eSIMs are frequently one of the cheapest compared to its competition, including the ones mentioned in this guide, which is remarkable on its own.

If you have no idea who or what Airalo is and are confused right now, worry not – I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options based on four years of using Airalo eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Airalo anyway in this guide).

Basically, what Airalo does is partner up with local mobile operators to sell plans through its eSIMs in a convenient way on its platform.

In many Asian countries, Airalo works with Singtel from Singapore, the country's best mobile operator, which can then be used in various Asian countries.

That way, you do not have to fly to Singapore, get its SIM card, buy a roaming plan, and then go to Malaysia with your new package.

Not only would this be expensive, but it would also be a waste of time (unless you already planned on visiting Singapore anyway, like a transit).

So, I already told you that Airalo's Malaysia eSIM is called Sambungkan.

The Sambungkan eSIM uses the Digi Malaysia network on 4G/LTE (no 5G NR access yet, but some Airalo eSIMs already do, so it is only a matter of time).

That way, you can use the Digi Malaysia 4G/LTE networks without going through Malaysia's SIM card registration requirements (legally, of course)!

Anyway, you have six (previously four) Airalo Malaysia eSIM options:

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 (new), 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 (new), costing 40 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

Honestly, the Airalo Sambungkan eSIM is fantastic and loved by many Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially considering its options and prices.

Let me highlight some strengths and weaknesses of the Airalo Sambungkan eSIM before you make your purchase decision (but we still have plenty of Malaysian travel eSIMs to cover, so do not be too quick!).

Airalo Sambungkan eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Airalo's Sambungkan eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can purchase and set up your Sambungkan eSIM before arriving in Malaysia (and activate it upon landing)
  • The eSIM will start once you have it enabled and are in Malaysia – not earlier (so you can pre-purchase your eSIM months in advance in peace – I do this often)
• You can skip Malaysia's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Digi Malaysia network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Airalo website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)

Airalo Sambungkan eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Airalo's Sambungkan eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Sambungkan eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Malaysian) phone number either)
• While you get access to Digi Malaysia network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Digi Malaysia itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• The Malaysian mobile operators have much more generous data allowances (while Sambungkan's is capped at 20 GB, but top-ups are available)
• There are no unlimited data plans (unlike some other options mentioned in this guide)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Sambungkan eSIM

Airalo Sambungkan eSIM Overall Thoughts

I have been a big fan of Airalo and its eSIMs in years, as mentioned in my Airalo review, including the Sambungkan eSIM.

It offers reasonable data plans for low prices, especially compared to international roaming.

You get fast (up to 4G/LTE) speeds and access in Malaysia without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, you cannot call or text with the Malaysia eSIM, as it is a data-only eSIM.

But if you wish to make actual calls, not through VoIP apps like WhatsApp, consider buying a Malaysian SIM card instead (an in-depth guide).

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Alosim eSIMs for Malaysia

Alosim is an eSIM provider covering 130+ 150+ countries.

Although I only started using its eSIMs in 2023, I like them a lot.

Mostly because Alosim eSIMs have 5G NR access in popular destinations in Asia.

Something even Airalo, the King of eSIMs, does not offer (yet).

And you know I am all about that speed 🐆.

In Malaysia, Alosim uses the Maxis Malaysia and Celcom (Axiata) Malaysia networks.

Just like Airalo, Alosim often partners with the best local network(s) in a country, which I love.

And the eSIMs are affordable too!

You have the following six Alosim Malaysia eSIM options:

1. Malaysia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 4.50 USD
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 – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
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 September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

And as I am always looking out for you, use code PTW for 5% off your Alosim eSIM purchase!

Just note that when you have installed your Alosim eSIM, you always have to manually change the Access Point Name (APN) to alosim instead of the default one, as in the screenshot below.

Of course, Alosim mentions this on the installation page, but it is not something you have to do with man eSIM providers.

So I thought I would mention it here as a heads-up 😜.

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Holafly eSIMs for Malaysia

Another eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

In June 2022, Holafly introduced something that no other travel eSIM provider had done by that time.

You can now get unlimited data plans for Malaysia, several other Asian countries, all European Union member states & a handful of other countries.

Wait… there is an eSIM provider offering unlimited data plans, and I (you reading this) have never heard of it? Who is Holafly? 🤔

I have an in-depth review explaining how Airalo works and all its options, based on two years of using Holafly eSIMs – you can read it now or later (I will briefly introduce Holafly anyway in this guide).

Okay, back to unlimited data eSIMs – is it truly unlimited?

Yes… at least that was what I was told initially.

A few weeks later, though, this paragraph was added to its “Can my connection speed be reduced?” FAQ:

[…] if the mobile operator estimates the usage of more than 90 GB of data in a month, it may temporarily reduce the speed to 256 Kbps – 1 Mbps to avoid affecting other users. This limitation is intended to prevent network saturation and will be removed within 24 hours.

One of Holafly's competitors (an eSIM reseller) tried to hit a daily fair-use limit.

It realized that speeds get throttled after using more than 2.5 GB to 3 GB daily.

Interesting, is it not? 🤔.

Anyway, Holafly's unlimited data plans for Malaysia are the most expensive ones mentioned in this guide.

But they are not prohibitively expensive (luckily) – that is the price you pay for unlimited data for up to 90 days.

The Holafly Malaysia eSIM uses the Maxis Malaysia network.

You have the following eight Holafly Malaysia eSIM options:

1. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
5. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
6. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
7. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
8. Malaysia unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

Holafly Malaysia eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Holafly's Malaysia eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Malaysia's SIM card registration requirements
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Maxis Malaysia network
• You do not have to deal with hard data caps because you get unlimited data (72 GB – here I come!)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Holafly's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

Holafly Malaysia eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Holafly's Malaysia eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Holafly Malaysia eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Malaysian) phone number either)
• While you get access to the Maxis Malaysia network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with them themselves because you will be roaming on their network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity, supposedly, starts as soon as you scan the QR code, not upon using it in Malaysia
  • I say supposedly because I have installed eSIMs literally months in advance and had no issues using them later, but I do not want you to experience this issue with your hard-earned money
• While you get “unlimited” data, the soft cap seems to be 2.5-3 GB/day and 90 GB per month (if you get the 30-, 60-, or 90-day eSIM)
  • I have not experienced this soft cap myself
• You cannot use your phone as a hotspot (tether) with any Holafly unlimited data eSIM
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot top-up your eSIM – you have to buy a new one (in case you stay in Malaysia for a bit longer than initially planned)
• Holafly is the most expensive eSIM provider in this guide for Malaysia-only eSIMs

Holafly Malaysia eSIM Overall Thoughts

I love that Holafly decided to innovate and offer unlimited data plans (although unlimited should be written as “unlimited” instead).

I was not a fan of Holafly when it had travel SIM cards (discontinued) because they were crazy expensive (I am talking about 20 USD for 1 GB of data in some Caribbean nation expensive).

Luckily that is not the case with its eSIMs, so I have used Holafly eSIMs in many countries and counting.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase (yes, you can use it multiple times)!

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Nomad eSIMs for Malaysia

Nomad, not to be confused with the (Digital) Nomad lifestyle, has been an eSIM provider I have seen grow significantly over the years.

It has added eSIMs for way more countries than before (improving availability), added more data options (up to 100 GB of data) & DROPPED its prices for many countries.

Incredible, I have to say 🥹 – which is why I have used its eSIMs in more than 25 countries in the past two years.

Remember when I said that 100 GB eSIMs are available? Malaysia is one of those countries.

Recently, Nomad started working with JoyTelecom for most APAC (Asia-Pacific) destinations, including Malaysia).

This allowed Nomad to offer more and cheaper plans than those on the Truphone network.

Not that its Truphone plans are bad… but they can be pricey in some countries (even in Asia – luckily not for Malaysia anymore).

And unlike Truphone, JoyTelecom is transparent with what local partner it works with.

That is Maxis Malaysia in the case of Malaysia.

You have the following nine Nomad Malaysia eSIM options:

1. Malaysia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (Maxis), costing 4 USD/4 EUR/3.50 GBP/5.50 CAD/4 CHF
2. Malaysia 3 GB eSIM for 15 days (Maxis), costing 6 USD/6 EUR/5 GBP/8.50 CAD/5.50 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Malaysia 5 GB eSIM for 15 days (Maxis), costing 9 USD/8.50 EUR/7.50 GBP/12.50 CAD/8.50 CHF (price dropped) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Malaysia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 15 USD/14 EUR/12 GBP/20.50 CAD/13.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Malaysia 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 18 USD/17 EUR/14.50 GBP/24.50 CAD/16.50 CHF (price dropped)
6. Malaysia 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 23 USD/21.50 EUR/18.50 GBP/31.50 CAD/20.50 CHF (price dropped)
7. Malaysia 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 28 USD/26.50 EUR/22.50 GBP/38.50 CAD/25 CHF (price dropped)
8. Malaysia 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 36 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 CAD/32.50 CHF (price dropped)
9. Malaysia 50 GB eSIM for 30 days (Maxis), costing 45 USD/42 EUR/36 GBP/61.50 CAD/40.50 CHF (price dropped)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

And you know that I have a lovely deal waiting for you: use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase!

Nomad Malaysia eSIM Pros

What are the main perks of Nomad's Malaysia eSIMs?

• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees
• You can skip Malaysia's SIM card registration requirements and any queues at the airport or in town
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to the Maxis Malaysia network
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can manage your eSIM easily on the Nomad website or its apps (Android and iOS)
  • If you need more data, top-ups are available (at the same prices as listed earlier – not at a markup)
• If you, somehow, experience any problems, Nomad's support team responds surprisingly quickly (even on weekends)

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Malaysia eSIM Cons

What are the main cons of Nomad's Malaysia eSIMs?

• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Malaysia eSIM – it is a data-only eSIM (so you do not get a (Malaysian) phone number either)
• While you get access to the Maxis Malaysia network, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Maxis Malaysia itself because you will be roaming on its network (and not be a native customer)
• The eSIM's validity starts after 30 days of purchase, not upon using it in Malaysia
  • During select promotions, this gets extended (up to six months I have seen), but do not buy your eSIM too early, else it will self-activate after 30 days and simply expire
• There are no unlimited data plans (although this may or may be coming soon… I know of nothing 🤫)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Malaysia eSIM

Nomad Malaysia eSIM Overall Thoughts

Generally, I am happy to have seen Nomad grow and become much better over the years.

Especially for its offering in many Asian countries.

This resulted in me using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries so far (and I share my experience in my Nomad review).

From becoming a mediocre option to one of the leading eSIM providers (especially for many Asian eSIMs) within a year is quite an achievement.

And to celebrate, use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad eSIM purchase… like the Malaysian one!

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Best eSIMs for Asia & the World (including Malaysia)

So what if you plan to visit a neighboring Asian country?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo, Holafly or Nomad eSIMs in any country than Malaysia.

Luckily, some of the eSIM providers mentioned so far do have eSIMs that can be used throughout most or all of Asia.

And there are also some global eSIMs with attractive prices that can be useful if you visit Asia and another continent or region.

I highly recommend these Asia or global eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple Asian countries to save money!

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Airalo Asialink eSIM

Following Airalo's popular Eurolink eSIM, which can be used in 39 European countries, Airalo introduced the Asialink eSIM, which can be used in 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries ¹.

¹ currently, newly bought Asialink eSIMs cannot be used in Singapore. Airalo is working on re-including Singapore in its Asialink offering

Previously, you got unlimited data with the Asia Unicom eSIM (which was actually only 4 GB of high-speed data and unlimited @ snail speeds).

So I am happy that the old Asia eSIM is gone 🗿.

Anyway, this Asialink eSIM has become very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers – mostly because these eSIMs give you up to 100 GB of data for 180 days.

Currently, the most data you can get with the majority of Airalo eSIMs for Asian countries is up to 20 GB of data, so it is a significant upgrade.

This is amazing for travelers like me who do use a lot of data (you would be surprised how much data I use in some countries, lmao).

The Airalo Asialink eSIM can be used in the following 14 countries:

Below is an overview of how much each Airalo Asialink eSIM costs:

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 September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

I aim to use the Asialink eSIM in all supported countries in 2023 (and probably 2024 too), giving you insights into how the eSIM performs in each nation.

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AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM

There is a new kid on the block with 5G NR access in several Asian countries with its Asia eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Asia.

Okay, AIS (Thailand) is not new at all – it is the largest mobile operator in the country.

What is relatively new, however, is its updated AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

You still get 6 GB of data for 15 days in 32 Asian countries.

But you also get FREE 5G NR access in about a dozen supported countries – and more will be added shortly.

And I can tell you that not many eSIM providers have this benefit for Asia (including the ones in this guide)… so this is a unique selling point for the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

Now, many resellers are selling this eSIM – but I recommend getting it from SimOptions.

Mainly because SimOptions was probably the first travel SIM card company I started working with in 2019.

But also because its price is competitive (19.90 USD) – even while offering STELLAR after-sales support (which not all AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM resellers do… they just tell you to contact AIS directly, smh).

Alright, the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM can be used in the following 32 countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

It is nice to see when an eSIM provider does not consider only some East- and Southeast Asian countries as Asia 🗿.

What is more: you get a Thai phone number (+66) that can be used for incoming calls and SMS.

If you go to the SimOptions website and look at its Asia eSIMs, you will see the following six eSIMs:

I will talk about the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM in the global section (it also allows for 5G NR access in quite a number of countries).

But why do I only mention and recommend the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM from SimOptions?

Mostly because the eSIM is vastly superior to any other Asia eSIM SimOptions sells.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM covers an equal number of countries as the Smart Traveler eSIM and more than the China Unicom Hong Kong Smart Data eSIM and the 3 Hong Kong 30-Day APAC Pass eSIMs.

Moreover, the performance with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM will be (significantly) better because it often works on the network of the best local mobile operator.

Furthermore, it costs roughly the same as the other eSIMs.

The only main drawback with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM is that it has the shortest validity – eight days.

Unless you plan in staying all 32 supported countries for maybe an hour before flying again, it will be impossible to use the eSIM in all of them.

Let alone two or three countries within eight days.

So yes, it is a regional eSIM, but you will most likely use it in one or two only.

But unlike the other eSIMs, you will get 5G NR access with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM.

But if you want to explore your options, check out the SimOptions site.

Although I believe you will have a better experience with the AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM or the other Asia eSIMs mentioned in this guide.

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Holafly Asia eSIM

Holafly also has an eSIM for Asia.

Well… a very narrow definition of Asia because it only covers 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries.

But there is was another problem with this eSIM: you can could use up to 500 MB per day with the Holafly Asia eSIM, even though your total data allowance is 6 GB or 10 GB.

Yeah, you do not get unlimited data with the eSIM, even though the European variant does 🥲. Now you do 🥳. Just like in European and North American eSIMs.

The Holafly Asia eSIM can be used in the following 11 countries:

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

1. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 27 USD/27 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 7 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/34 CAD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 37 USD/37 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/59 CAD
5. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
6. Asia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

And, of course, you can get 5% off by using code PHONETRAVELWIZ!

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Nomad APAC eSIM

Another affordable eSIM for Asia is Nomad's APAC (Asia-Pacific) eSIM.

One thing to be aware of is that the APAC eSIM is split into two plans: 15 Countries Plan and 20 Countries Plan.

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in the following 15, or 20 countries:

¹ 15 Countries Plan
² 20 Countries Plan

Below is an overview of how much each Nomad APAC eSIM costs:

1. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (validity extended), costing 8 USD/7.50 EUR/6.50 GBP/11 CAD/7.50 CHF
2. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 10 USD/9.50 EUR/8 GBP/14 CAD/9 CHF
3. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 13 USD/12.50 EUR/10.50 GBP/18 CAD/11.50 CHF (price dropped)
4. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD/16 EUR/13.50 GBP/23.50 CAD/15.50 CHF (price dropped)
5. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 23 USD/21.50 EUR/18.50 GBP/31.50 CAD/20.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 12 USD/11.50 EUR/10 GBP/16.50 CAD/11 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
7. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 28 USD/26 EUR/22.50 GBP/38.50 CAD/25 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
8. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 37 USD/34.50 EUR/29.50 GBP/50.50 CAD/33 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
9. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 26 USD/24.50 EUR/21 GBP/35.50 CAD/23 CHF (validity extended) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
10. APAC (15 Countries Plan) 20 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 62 USD/57.50 EUR/49.50 GBP/84.50 CAD/55 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
11. APAC (20 Countries Plan) 30 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 65 USD/60.50 EUR/51.50 GBP/88.50 CAD/57.50 CHF (price dropped)

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 13^th of September (2023 data only).

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM

Nomad has another eSIM that can be used in Asia (SEA – Southeast Asia) and Oceania.

This is Nomad's newest regional eSIM and the one with the most generous data allowances.

Previously, the countries covered by this eSIM were the same as Nomad's old APAC eSIM (the one that was semi-expensive and got updated).

Well, Nomad brought the eSIM back, changed its name, dropped the prices & added way more data options.

Honestly, I would love for Nomad to add these data options to all of its eSIMs for roughly the same prices.

It would become one of the, if not the, best eSIM provider in terms of price:data ratios.

The SEA-Oceania eSIM can be used in the following eight Southeast Asian and Oceanian countries:

• Australia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global)

Airalo was probably the first eSIM provider to introduce a global eSIM – it was called Discover Global.

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

Such as extending the validity of most plans (maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations (like many regional Airalo eSIMs do nowadays, even country-specific ones).

In August 2023, Airalo made a radical change to its global eSIM.

Until then, the eSIM could be used in about 85 countries – always up to 4G/LTE (with some networks on 3G only).

This eSIM was powered by FL1 Telecom Liechtenstein (network name can be Mobilkom (Liechtenstein) at times).

This mobile operator worked well in Europe and some Asian countries, but it was often one of the slowest performing (Airalo eSIMs).

Now, Airalo's global eSIM is called Discover(+).

It is powered by eSIM Go (which is basically Drei Austria).

The difference between the Airalo Discover and Airalo Discover+ eSIMs is that the latter has calling and texting functionalities (with an Austrian +43 phone number).

Because of this, Discover+ eSIMs can be up to 20 USD more expensive than regular Discover eSIMs.

For the previous Airalo Discover Global eSIMs, you paid the same prices as the Discover+ eSIMs for worse availability (85+ countries instead of 130+) and no calling or texting at all.

So… it is an upgrade 😎.

Not only that, but you (finally) get 5G NR access in quite some countries (55+)¹ as well.

¹ click here, press select the variant you want & click on network to see which network(s) allow for 5G NR access. You often have access to multiple local networks, but not all have 5G NR access (and some do not even give you 4G/LTE access)

Moreover, the most expensive option is now valid for a whole year (365 days) instead of 180 days.

The Airalo Discover(+) eSIM can be used in the following 130+ countries:

You have these 12 Airalo Discover Global eSIMs:

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
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 – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7^th of September (2023 data only).

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AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM

SimOptions also sells a global eSIM: AIS eSIM2FLY Global.

And it can be used in 140+ countries for 15 days – 53 of them with 5G NR access.

The AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM can be used in the following countries:

¹ with 5G NR access

If you get this eSIM from SimOptions, which I recommend, you will pay 39.90 USD.

The main issue I have with the AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM is its short validity.

Making it hard to call it an actual global eSIM… unless you can somehow visit 140+ countries within 15 days – something not even I can do🧐.

Still, it is a relatively affordable global eSIM covering 140+ countries… with 5G NR access!

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Nomad Global eSIM

Besides Nomad's eSIM for Malaysia, it also has a global eSIM that can be used in Malaysia and a total of 109/139 countries (including most European ones).

While Nomad's Global eSIM covers a few more countries than Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs (109/139 vs. 130 (previously 85+)), it is significantly more expensive than Airalo (but not the most costly global eSIM in this guide).

Even so, Phone Travel Wiz readers have shown interest in this eSIM and have had positive experiences with it, especially after Nomad improved it (with its 139 Country Plan powered by eSIM Go (has 5G NR access in 50+ countries) instead of the 109 Country Plan by Truphone (4G/LTE only).

Anyway, you have these six Nomad Global eSIMs:

1. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 25 USD/23.50 EUR/20 GBP/34 CAD/22.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
2. Global 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go) costing 19 USD/18 EUR/15.50 GBP/26 CAD/17 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
3. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 40 USD/37.50 EUR/32 GBP/54.50 CAD/35.50 CHF (price dropped) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
4. Global 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go), costing 40 USD/37.50 EUR/32 GBP/54.50 CAD/35.50 CHF – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
5. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (109 Countries Plan by Truphone), costing 45 USD/42 EUR/36 GBP/61.50 CAD/40 CHF (price dropped) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
6. Global 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (139 Countries Plan by eSIM Go), costing 57 USD/53 EUR/45.50 GBP/77.50 CAD/50.50 CHF – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 13^th of September (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)

Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.75 EUR/2.35 GBP/4 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Malaysia

So, we reviewed some eSIMs that can be used in Malaysia.

I will give you a quick recap of each and link to their product pages in case you need more info or want to purchase an eSIM already (just remember the activation policies of Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions – do not buy their eSIMs too early):

• Airalo Sambungkan eSIM (best value for money)
• Alosim Malaysia eSIM (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options)
• Holafly Malaysia eSIM (unlimited data eSIMs)
• Nomad Malaysia eSIM (best value for money… too)
• Airalo Asialink eSIM (best value for money for 13 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
• AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
• Holafly Asia eSIM (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
• Nomad APAC eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance for up to 16 Asian and Oceanian countries)
• Nomad SEA-Oceania eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance again but for up to eight Asian and Oceanian countries (can be cheaper than Nomad's APAC eSIM))
• Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (reasonable extensive global coverage (84+ 130+ countries) at attractive prices + calling and texting options (new))
• AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (53/143) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
• Nomad Global eSIM (extensive global coverage (109/139 countries) at high(er) prices)

Remember to use code the relevant discount codes for (ADU123 (Nomad), PTW (Alosim), or PHONETRAVELWIZ (others)).

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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.