Macau (Macao) – a city-state that is mostly known for gambling.
It is also referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia, as it is one of the few Asian territories where casinos are readily accessible.
But are there other things to do in Macau besides gambling? For sure.
If you are unafraid of height, dining in the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center is certainly a thing you want to do.
Walking around Macau Fisherman's Wharf or Senado Square is a no-brainer either.
And if you are looking for history, head to A-Ma Temple, Monte Fort & the Ruins of St. Paul's.
As you can see, there is something for everything in Macau.
What you should not do, in many cases, is roam internationally in Macau – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Luckily, SIM cards are not too expensive in Macau – the same applies to mobile data rates.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Macau?
You can get a Macanese SIM card for between 33 MOP (4.10 USD) and 100 MOP (12.45 USD) from CTM, 3 (Three) & SmarTone in their stores. Resellers, like 7-Eleven and PARKnSHOP, sell SIM cards too. SIM cards are also sold at Macau International Airport (HKG).
Now, these prices may seem a bit high, especially compared to countries in Southeast Asia.
But they are still (way) cheaper than international roaming.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Macau. Let's do this.
Original publication: 22nd of December 2019. Last updated: 26th of November 2023.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Macau?
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Macau, I recommend going with CTM. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds.
Macau has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- CTM Macau (Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau – 澳門電訊有限公司)
- 3 (Three) Macau (3澳門)
- SmarTone Macau (澳門數碼通)
Anyone 18 or older living in or visiting Macau can buy a Macanese SIM card with some restrictions, and you do have to comply with Macau's SIM card registration regulations.
And if you are younger than 18, you can still get a SIM card if your parents buy one for you (in their name).
The main restriction is that you can only have ten active SIM cards in your name in Macau.
Besides those restrictions, you are free to use Macanese SIM cards.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Macanese SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Macanese SIM cards:
- CTM Macau: 88 MOP & 100 MOP
- 3 (Three) Macau: 33 MOP/45 MOP 1, 50 MOP & 100 MOP
- SmarTone Macau: 88 MOP & 100 MOP
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date MOP (Macanese Pataca) to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between MOP and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 MOP = 0.10 USD
- 10 MOP = 1.25 USD
- 100 MOP = 12.45 USD
- 1000 MOP = 124.45 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Macau
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Macanese eSIM, you can get one from CTM or SmarTone.
But remember that you have to comply with Macau's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Macanese eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Macau.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Macau only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Macau eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Macau travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Macao Mobile (Macau only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Macau
- Holafly: Macau – all variants include unlimited data
- Nomad: Macau & APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: DEC15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, DEC10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Macau eSIM buying guide.
Macanese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through CTM Macau, 3 Macau & SmarTone Macau, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Macau can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
CTM Macau (Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau – 澳門電訊有限公司)
CTM Macau (Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau – 澳門電訊有限公司), just CTM, is the largest mobile operator in Macau.
As the former monopolist, it still has the best network performance and the most customers.
CTM uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2019
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: N/A – launching early 2023
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about CTM:
* Coverage
* How to Get a CTM SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – CTM Macau
CTM has the best coverage in Macau.
While this is true for all the other Macanese mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is CTM's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – CTM Macau
You can get a CTM SIM card for 88 MOP or 100 MOP in CTM stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. CTM SIM cards are also sold at Macau International Airport (MFM).
The following two CTM SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 MOP | Social Card | N/A | “Unlimited”, 5 GB (30 days) 1 | 480 minutes | 60 days |
| 100 MOP | IDD Prepaid Card | 20 MOP | N/A | N/A | 180 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the CTM Online Everywhere in Macau – CTM's tourist offering.
The following two CTM Online Everywhere in Macau SIM cards are available:
| Price | Data | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MOP | 3 Days Plan | “Unlimited”, 2 GB 1 | 3 days |
| 200 MOP | 7 Days Plan | “Unlimited”, 4 GB 1 | 7 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
Do note that CTM has many more SIM card lines, including SIM cards for Macau and Hong Kong, Greater China (China, Hong Kong & Macau + Taiwan at times) & travel SIM cards (that sometimes can also be used in Macau).
I only focus on local SIM cards in my guides to make things easier for you (else, I would have discussed way too many SIM cards in my Hong Kong and Thailand SIM card buying guides too – the latter already has 20+ SIM cards per mobile operator).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While CTM does have eSIMs, they are (currently) not offered to prepaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Macau, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from CTM (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Macau or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Macau eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Macao Mobile (Macau only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Macau – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Macau – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Macau, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Macau eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with CTM for now.
Note that CTM offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFI (Voice over WiFi) yet.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – CTM Macau
CTM top-up vouchers are sold in CTM stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Macau.
To top up your CTM SIM card, call 1772 and follow the instructions.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *122# to check your CTM balance.
You can also top up and check your balance on the CTM Buddy app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – CTM Macau
CTM has three data-featured prepaid plans:
CTM plans can be activated by dialing #321#.
I will list all the prices in MOP (Macanese Pataca).
To convert MOP to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
The Social Unlimited Data Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Dial #321# to activate Social Unlimited Data Plans:
| Price | Plan | Data 1 | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 MOP | Social Unlimited Data Plan 1 | “Unlimited”, 5 GB | 480 minutes | 30 days |
| 198 MOP | Social Unlimited Data Plan 2 | “Unlimited”, 15 GB | 480 minutes | 30 days |
| 298 MOP | Social Unlimited Data Plan 3 | “Unlimited”, 25 GB | 480 minutes | 30 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
Data Once-Off Plans – CTM Macau
The Data Once-Off Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Dial #321# to activate Data Once-Off Plans:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 MOP | Plan 1 | 2 GB | 30 days |
Online Everywhere in Macau Plans – CTM Macau
The Online Everywhere in Macau plans are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial #321# to activate Online Everywhere in Macau:
| Price | Plan | Data 1 | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 MOP | 3 Days Plan | “Unlimited”, 2 GB | 3 days |
| 188 MOP | 7 Days Plan | “Unlimited”, 4 GB | 7 days |
1 +unlimited data @ 256 Kbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!)
APN/Internet Settings – CTM Macau
- Name: ctm
- APN: ctm-mobile
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
3 (Three) Macau (3澳門)
3 (Three) Macau (3澳門), just 3, is the second-largest mobile operator.
Three, as a company, is active in Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Indonesia (as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison), Italy (as Wind Tre), Macau, Sweden & the United Kingdom.
3 uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2019
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: N/A – did not participate in the August 2022 bid for a 5G NR license
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about 3:
* Coverage
* How to Get a 3 SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – 3 Macau
3 has extensive coverage throughout Macau.
While this is true for all the other Macanese mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is 3's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – 3 Macau
You can get a 3 SIM card for 50 MOP (Macau MOP$50 Travel Pass) or 100 MOP (3ree Data Prepaid), or a SoSIM SIM card for 33 MOP/45 MOP in 3 stores or from resellers, like 7-Eleven, Circle K & PARKnSHOP. SIM cards are also sold at Macau International Airport (HKG).
You also have the 3 SoSIM SIM card. For 33 MOP 1, you get 10 GB and 10 000 local minutes for 30 days – the most popular 3 SIM card.
They can only be purchased at PARKnSHOP.
Until the end of 2022, this SIM card will cost 33 MOP (promotion price). However, 3 is known for extending deals for another few months, so we have to see if you will indeed pay 45 MOP as of 2023 or not
Dial ##120*1*# to change the system's language to English (or ##120*2*# for traditional Chinese and ##120*3*# for simplified Chinese).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
3 has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Macau because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from 3.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Macau in my Macau eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Macao Mobile (Macau only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Macau – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Macau – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Macau, APAC (up to 20 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Macau eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with 3 for now.
Note that 3 offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – 3 Macau
3 top-up vouchers are sold in 3 stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Macau.
The following (online) 3 top-ups are available:
- 50 MOP
- 100 MOP
- 200 MOP
To top up your 3 SIM card, dial ##122*VoucherCode#, or call 66031212 and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial ##122*123456#.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial ##122# to check your 3 balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – 3 Macau
3 has two data-featured prepaid plans: 3G Local Data Package & 4G Data Package.
I will list all the prices in MOP (Macanese Pata).
To convert MOP to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
3G Local Data Package – 3 Macau
3G Local Data Package are combo bundles with data, (without 5G NR access) and minutes.
Dial the Activation Code to activate 3G Local Data Packages:
| Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 MOP | Local Data Package 1 | 200 MB | N/A | **168*1# |
| 28 MOP | Local Airtime | N/A | 800 minutes | **161*1# |
| 48 MOP | Local Data Package 2 | 1 GB | 1000 minutes | **168*2# |
| 98 MOP | Local Data Package 3 | 2.5 GB | N/A | **168*3# |
| 188 MOP | Local Data Package 4 | 4 GB | N/A | **168*4# |
| 298 MOP | Local Data Package 5 | 8 GB | N/A | **168*5# |
1 +3 GB of data, 1000 local minutes & unlimited on-net SMS
4G Data Package – 3 Macau
The 4G Data Package, as the name implies, are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial the Activation Code to activate 4G Data Packages:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 MOP | 200 MB | 30 days | **268*1# |
| 48 MOP | 2 GB | 30 days | **268*2# |
| 88 MOP | 4 GB | 30 days | **268*3# |
| 148 MOP | 4.5 GB | 30 days | **268*4# |
| 198 MOP | 7 GB | 30 days | **268*5# |
APN/Internet Settings – 3 Macau
- Name: 3 MO
- APN: mobile.three.com.mo
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
SmarTone Macau (澳門數碼通)
SmarTone Macau (澳門數碼通), just SmarTone, is the smallest mobile operator in Macau.
SmarTone is also active in Hong Kong, where its prepaid offering is much better than in Macau 🥲.
SmarTone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2019
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2300 MHz (Band 40) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: N/A – did not participate in the August 2022 bid for a 5G NR license
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about SmarTone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a SmarTone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – SmarTone Macau
SmarTone has extensive coverage throughout Macau.
While this is true for all the other Macanese mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is SmarTone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – SmarTone Macau
You can get a SmarTone SIM card, called SmarTone Spot, for 50 MOP with 30 MOP credit in SmarTone stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. SmarTone SIM cards are also sold at Macau International Airport (MFM).
You also have the 30 Days Prepaid Card targeting migrant workers (although the mobile operators mainly refer to them as Domestic Helpers) from Indonesia and the Philippines.
While anyone can get the 30 Days Prepaid SIM card, it is more expensive than SmarTone Spot (100 MOP with 300 on-net minutes), and the data-featured plans are less generous.
The only reason you would get the 30 Days Prepaid SIM card is for the reduced international call rates to Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
CTM has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Macau, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from SmarTone.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Macau eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Macao Mobile (Macau only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code DEC15 (15% off – first-time users only) or DEC10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Macau – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Macau – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Macau, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Macau eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with SmarTone.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with SmarTone.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SmarTone Macau
SmarTone top-up vouchers are sold in SmarTone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Macau.
The following SmarTone top-ups are available:
- 50 MOP
- 100 MOP
- 200 MOP
To top up your SmarTone SIM card, dial *137*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *137*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Dial *137# to check your SmarTone balance.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SmarTone Macau
SmarTone has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Local Data Plans. It is a data bundle (without 5G NR access).
I will list all the prices in MOP (Macanese Pataca).
To convert MOP to your currency (let's say HKD – Hong Kong Dollar) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Dial the Activation Code to activate Local Data Plans:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 MOP | 3 GB | 30 days | *123*6*2227# |
| 58 MOP | 5 GB | 30 days | *123*6*2228# |
| 78 MOP | 10 GB | 30 days | *123*6*2229# |
APN/Internet Settings – SmarTone Macau
- Name: SmarTone
- APN: smartone
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Macau
Getting a SIM card from CTM would do you well when considering a Macanese SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
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