Best eSIMs for Traveling in Malaysia [Field-Tested & Recommended]

Whether you're traveling for leisure or business in Malaysia, choosing the right travel eSIM can make a big difference (it absolutely does). In this article, I will highlight 4 travel eSIMs worth considering, each carefully reviewed and compared based on my hands-on field tests in Malaysia.

As someone who has lived in Malaysia for three years, I’ve not only compared pricing and features but also personally tested these eSIM services. This firsthand experience provides deeper insights to (hopefully) help you choose the right prepaid eSIM for your stay in Malaysia.

Please note that while this article is based on thorough research and testing, it contains some affiliate links.

FYI, all eSIM options featured here are picked from the list of Malaysia travel eSIMs on eSIMDB. For those unfamiliar, eSIMDB is the world's largest travel eSIM directory/comparison site. There are many other eSIM choices for Malaysia beyond these four, so while this article will serve as a reference, feel free to explore further options on esimdb.com as well​.

Malaysia, situated on the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, is a popular destination offering more than just the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur. From the historic streets of Penang’s Georgetown to Malacca’s heritage and the resort charm of Langkawi, there’s something for every traveler. If you're planning to visit other countries in Southeast Asia as well, be sure to check out eSIMDB’s Southeast Asia page for regional eSIM options.

Malaysia’s Mobile Network Operators (Quick Overview)

As a bit of background, the major mobile carriers in Malaysia are CelcomDigi, Maxis (with its Hotlink prepaid brand), and U Mobile.

There is also a newer player called Yes, but travel eSIM services almost always end up using one of the big three networks.

CelcomDigi was formed by a merger of Celcom and Digi in 2022 and now has the largest subscriber share in the country, with arguably the best 4G/LTE coverage nationwide​. Maxis is the second-largest and its Hotlink prepaid SIMs are popular among short-term visitors; Maxis’s coverage is nearly as good as CelcomDigi’s. U Mobile’s signal is generally fine in urban areas, but if you plan to venture into very rural regions, it’s wise to double-check their coverage map in advance​.

Now, let’s dive into the recommended travel eSIMs. All of these options offer excellent value for money and ease of use​. It’s hard to pick a clear winner since each has slightly different features, so we’ll focus on what makes each unique, along with my on-the-ground observations from using them in Malaysia.

Ubigi

Ubigi is a travel eSIM service provided by Transatel, a French company. While its website and app design may not be the most visually striking, Ubigi stands out with competitive rates and coverage of 200+ global destinations.

Users can install the free Ubigi eSIM profile on an eSIM-compatible device and purchase data plans as needed through the Ubigi app or website. Unlike many other providers, there’s no need to install a new eSIM each time—you can keep a single eSIM and reuse it for future purchases. However, note that Ubigi is a data-only service and does not include voice calls or SMS.

Compared to the swarm of new eSIM startups appearing lately, Ubigi is more "established" and their connectivity feels more stable/reliable (and fewer glitches) in my opinion.

Ubigi’s Malaysia Plans and Pricing

On the official Ubigi site, you’ll find many plans (including multi-country Asia bundles and Singapore-Malaysia combos), but for Malaysia-only data plans there are just three simple choices.

For a trip of a few days, the 3 GB plan is usually sufficient. For about one to a few weeks, the 10 GB plan is a good fit, and for longer stays or heavy data users, the 25 GB plan might be more appropriate.

Generally, having extra data doesn’t hurt, and notably the 10 GB plan offers a great balance since its cost per GB is lower. With the 10% off code "ESIMDB10", the value becomes even better.

You can of course browse all Ubigi plans on their official site, though the mix of single-country and multi-country options can make filtering a bit cumbersome. For convenience, you might use eSIMDB’s dedicated page for Ubigi’s Malaysia plans​, which neatly lists the options with switching tabs.

Ubigi’s Network Performance in Malaysia

*Tested in October 2024.

Ubigi’s eSIM connects to the Maxis network for cellular service in Malaysia.

Interestingly, on my iPhone the carrier name displayed as “Ubigi” (not Maxis), but using the phone’s Field Test Mode I confirmed that Network PLMN is 502-12, which indeed corresponds to Maxis​.

This is good news, as Maxis has good coverage throughout Malaysia, so you can expect a reliable signal almost everywhere except very rural areas.

In terms of speed and reliability, I ran multiple speed tests at different locations in Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Bukit Bintang area, and KL Sentral station. The results showed that while the raw speeds weren’t super fast, they were more than enough for typical travel needs, and more importantly, download and upload speeds were very stable across the board​.

One standout aspect was the latency (Ping) were around 40 ms, which is exceptionally low for a travel eSIM​.

In fact, this low latency was a pleasant surprise and made the internet feel very responsive and snappy during use​. It’s likely that Ubigi routes internet traffic within Malaysia or through nearby Singapore, resulting in minimal delay​.

Overall, browsing and online activities felt very comfortable, with no noticeable lags.

FYI, Ubigi eSIM supports tethering, so you can share your mobile data via hotspot without issues – I was able to use the personal hotspot feature with no problem​.

Ubigi eSIM Summary

• Plans: Three Malaysia-specific data plans from 3 GB to 25 GB, priced from 6 USD and up​. Plus, several Asia regional plans are also available.
• Discount: Use promo code ESIMDB10 for 10% off any plan​.
• Data Only: This eSIM is data-only, so it does not come with a local phone number​.
• Ease of Use: The same eSIM can be reused, so there’s no need to reinstall it each time you purchase a new plan. Ubigi mobile app is available for iOS and Android.
• Quality: Offers a very stable connection with extremely low latency in Malaysia – overall excellent quality in my tests​.
• Hotspot: Tethering is allowed, so you can use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot if needed​.

Nomad

Among travel eSIM services, Nomad is particularly known for its excellent app usability and clean design​ in my opinion.

The purchase and installation process is very intuitive and user-friendly. The service is available worldwide, and the pricing is extremely attractive/competitive for most of the major travel destinations. Nomad is, in fact, one of the top candidates for affordable eSIM data in many countries across Asia, including Malaysia​.

Nomad’s Malaysia Plans and Pricing

Nomad offers a wide range of Malaysia-specific plans – 6 different data packages – aside from their broader Asia or global plans​.

Nomad's Malaysia plans as of writing are:

As the table shows, Nomad’s pricing in Malaysia is quite competitive, and the variety of options means you can pick a plan very close to your needed data amount. The value for money is excellent, especially for the larger packages​.

In fact, for any plan of 10 GB or more, using the $3 off promo code "ESIMDB3" brings the cost per GB below $1, which is a great deal​.

*Do note that some Nomad prices may be promotional rates and the company tends to adjust pricing frequently​. It’s always a good idea to check the latest pricing on Nomad’s official site or eSIMDB’s Nomad eSIM page for Malaysia.

Nomad’s Connectivity in Malaysia

*Tested in September 2024.

In Malaysia, Nomad’s eSIM connects to the Maxis network. Depending on coverage, your phone may show a 4G or even a 5G signal.

In my tests across different locations – Penang (around George Town), downtown Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang area), and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 – Nomad’s data connection was generally solid. However, one thing I observed is that Nomad appears to route its internet traffic through servers in Hong Kong, which resulted in a higher latency (ping around 200–300 ms)​. In practical terms, this means there can be a slight delay in initial webpage loading or when starting a video, giving a sense that it’s a bit slow to “kick in”. Once the connection gets going, though, the speeds were usable for regular/normal activities.

There were moments where speeds dipped (likely varying by location or network congestion at certain times), but overall Nomad’s performance was adequate for browsing, navigation, and social media during travel​. The higher latency is noticeable if you’re sensitive to it, but for me personally it’s within an acceptable range for a short-term travel.

Nomad allows tethering, so you can share the connection with multiple devices.

Nomad eSIM Summary

• Plans: A selection of 6 plans from 1 GB up to 20 GB, offering great cost-performance for any data need​.
• Discount: Promo code ESIMDB3 gives 3 USD off your purchase.
• Data Only: Nomad’s eSIM provides data service only, with no local Malaysian phone number included.
• App & Website: Nomad has a polished mobile app (iOS/Android) for managing your eSIM. Their website is well-crafted too.
• Performance: Latency is on the higher side (due to routing via Hong Kong) but the overall speeds are decent and sufficient for travel needs.
• Hotspot: Tethering supported.

Jetpac

Jetpac is a Singapore-based travel eSIM service that really started gaining traction in 2024​.

Not only does Jetpac offer very affordable plans, but based on personal use I’ve found its connection quality to be quite good as well – and I’ve encountered almost no issues or glitches, which gives a positive impression of its reliability.

Jetpac also differentiates itself with some unique features in its app: for example, it offers add-ons like airport lounge access and immigration fast-track services as part of its platform (with a fee)​. I haven’t tried those extras myself yet, but it’s an interesting perk you don’t see with other eSIM providers.

Another convenient feature is that once you install a Jetpac eSIM on your phone, you can reuse that same eSIM profile for future trips – you don’t need to install a fresh eSIM each time. This is a subtle but great benefit for frequent travelers, saving the hassle of scanning a new QR code for every trip.

Jetpac’s Malaysia Plans and Pricing

Jetpac refers to its data plans as “packs”. For Malaysia, they offer 8 different packs.

The Malaysia packs and their prices at the time of writing are:

*The 1 GB for 1 USD is essentially a token price, though that one is a first-time user special with promo code "1FOR1" applied.

The 5 GB and 30GB packs stand out as particularly good value, with the lowest per-GB cost at $1.3/GB. Interestingly, because some mid-tier packs are on sale, the cost per GB can actually increase for the larger volumes in some cases. So, don’t assume that more data always means better value – it’s worth comparing the price per GB.

As of the prices listed above, the 5 GB pack gives the best bang for your buck, whereas the 40 GB pack, while a large chunk of data, isn’t as cost-efficient per GB as some smaller ones.

Like others, Jetpac updates its prices frequently and sometimes runs promotions, so it’s wise to double-check the latest rates on the Jetpac website or on eSIMDB’s Malaysia > Jetpac page before you purchase.

Jetpac’s eSIM Performance in Kuala Lumpur

*Tested in January 2025.

In Malaysia, Jetpac’s eSIM connected to the Maxis network. My phone showed a LTE connection, and occasionally 5G in spots where Maxis has 5G coverage.

According to Jetpac’s official info, their eSIM can also work on Celcom’s network, meaning if you ever found Maxis coverage lacking (which is unlikely in populated areas), you could try manually selecting the Celcom network in your phone’s settings. In my case, Maxis was plenty strong so didn’t need to switch; it’s good to know that flexibility exists though.

I ran speed tests in multiple locations in KL: KLIA2, KL Sentral station, and outside Pavilion Bukit Bintang (a major shopping area in the city). The results were impressive – download and upload speeds were both very solid, easily enough for smooth browsing, streaming, and video calls​.

With speeds like these, using the internet felt completely comfortable with no performance concerns. What stood out even more was the low latency: the Ping was generally very good score. In one test location the ping was oddly a bit higher, but overall it was much lower latency than typical roaming or travel SIMs.

When I checked the IP address, it was showing as a Singapore-based IP.

This suggests that Jetpac is routing traffic through Singapore, which, given Singapore’s proximity to Malaysia, likely helps keep the latency down. Indeed, in practical usage, the Jetpac eSIM felt comfortably fast and stable. Browsing was responsive and I didn’t experience any noticeable slowdowns during my time using it in KL.

Tethering also worked without a hitch – I was able to share my connection to a laptop to get some work done, and it performed great.

Jetpac Summary

• Plans: Jetpac offers 8 different plans for Malaysia, ranging from 1 GB to 40 GB, providing flexible options for various travel durations and data needs.
• Discount: Promo code ESIMDB3OFF available to get 3 USD off.
• Data Only: Jetpac’s eSIM is data-only and does not include a local Malaysian phone number.
• Easy of Use: A single eSIM can be used repeatedly without the need for reinstallation when purchasing a new plan. The Jetpac app also offers add-ons like airport lounge access and fast-track immigration services.
• Performance: Excellent speed and very low latency due to routing through Singapore, making browsing and streaming smooth.
• Hotspot: Tethering is supported.

MobiMatter (3HK Travel eSIM)

MobiMatter works more like an online marketplace that sells prepaid eSIMs from a wide range of brands and carriers around the world. Think of it as an eSIM store that aggregates many providers. The upside of this is an incredible variety of options – MobiMatter lists an extensive number of eSIM plans – and they often source some of the most cost-effective deals by partnering with various operators.

The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can find bargains that are sometimes better than anywhere else.

About 3HK Travel eSIM via MobiMatter

For Malaysia, MobiMatter offers many different eSIM products. However, the ones I want to highlight here are from Hong Kong’s carrier Three (3HK) – specifically, 3HK’s prepaid eSIM for Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

On MobiMatter’s Malaysia eSIM listings page, the top two results are these 3HK "Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand" eSIM plans. They come in two sizes:

These two are large-volume plans, and their per-GB cost is outstandingly low – truly among the best you’ll find for tourists.

If you need a lot of data (for example, if you plan to stream videos, work remotely, or travel for an extended period), it’s hard to beat these offerings in terms of value. Of course, if your stay is very short or your data needs are minimal, you might find cheaper absolute prices with smaller data plans from other providers. But purely from a cost-performance perspective, the 3HK eSIM plans via MobiMatter are top-tier deals for Malaysia.

Another benefit: as the product name indicates, these eSIMs aren’t limited to Malaysia – they also work in Singapore and Thailand. So if your trip includes any combination of those countries (a common travel route in Southeast Asia), one of these eSIMs could cover your data in all of them, saving you from buying separate eSIMs or data plans.

Despite being from a Hong Kong carrier, no registration or ID upload is required for these particular 3HK eSIMs. Some other 3HK prepaid eSIM products ask for passport verification, but these do not – you can simply purchase, scan the QR code, install the eSIM, and it’s ready to use when you land.

3HK eSIM's Performance in Malaysia

MobiMatter (3HK eSIM) Summary

• Plans: MobiMatter offers 3HK eSIM plans for Malaysia, with 15 GB and 30 GB options that also work in Singapore and Thailand.
• Cost Efficiency: One of the best cost-per-GB values, with the 30 GB plan at approximately $0.50 per GB, making it a top choice for heavy data users.
• Data Only: Although these 3HK eSIMs come with a Hong Kong (+852) phone number, they do not include any minutes or SMS allowance.
• Performance: Still awaiting real-world testing results to be conducted.
• Hotspot: Tethering is supported according to MobiMatter site.

Wrap-up

In this article, I’ve introduced Ubigi, Nomad, Jetpac, and MobiMatter (3HK) as the recommended eSIM options for travelers in Malaysia. These are all services that I have personally used multiple times, and the recommendations are based on a combination of my experience with their reliability, the pricing and value they offer, and their overall user-friendliness.

That said, these four are by no means the only good eSIMs out there. The travel eSIM market is growing rapidly, and there are many other providers and plans available. Some might offer similar value, and new ones might emerge with even better deals in the future.

It’s always a good idea to compare all options, because the landscape can change and the best choice for you might depend on your specific needs and timing.

If you’re considering using a travel eSIM for your Malaysia trip, don't forget to explore and compare various options on eSIMDB.

eSIMDB lists over 70 travel eSIM providers and more than 70,000 data plans, allowing you to search by destination, data amount, duration, and budget to find something that fits your needs.

By doing a bit of homework with resources like eSIMDB, you can save money and avoid the hassle of hunting for a SIM card when you arrive. Here’s to staying connected in Malaysia – enjoy your travels!