Yes, Malaysia has eSIM. CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Yes and Unifi Mobile all offer it, and Apple lists CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Yes for eSIM on iPhone. As a visitor, you can get U Mobile's tourist plan or Hotlink's travel pass as an eSIM, or install a data only travel eSIM before you fly.
Here is how the main options compare:
- CelcomDigi: eSIM on its postpaid plans, and you can convert a physical SIM to eSIM online. Its Tourist SIM is a physical card sold in stores.
- Maxis and Hotlink: eSIM on Maxis Postpaid, on Hotlink Prepaid through the Hotlink app, and on the Hotlink 5G Travel SIM.
- U Mobile: eSIM on prepaid and postpaid plans, plus a tourist plan for non-Malaysian passport holders that comes as a physical SIM or an eSIM.
- Yes and Unifi Mobile: eSIM on their prepaid and postpaid plans.
- Travel eSIM: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no Malaysian sign-up, installed before you leave.
The local plans give you a Malaysian number and calls. A travel eSIM gives you data and nothing else.
Which carriers support eSIM in Malaysia?
Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone shows four for Malaysia:
- eSIM activation by QR code or carrier app: CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Yes.
- eSIM Quick Transfer (move your number from your old iPhone to a new one): Maxis.
- Prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers: Maxis and Yes.
Unifi Mobile isn't on Apple's list, but its own site says it offers prepaid and postpaid eSIM. Tune Talk, a prepaid brand, also has an eSIM page. On Android, check each carrier's list of compatible devices.
CelcomDigi eSIM
According to CelcomDigi's eSIM page:
- Plans: eSIM is offered on CelcomDigi Postpaid 5G, Postpaid 5G Supplementary and Postpaid 5G GadgetSIM lines.
- New line: after you sign up, you get an email with your eSIM QR code and activation steps.
- Converting: on iPhone you can convert a physical SIM to eSIM in settings, or do it through CelcomDigi's online store. After conversion, the old SIM card stops working.
- Cost: switching to eSIM online is free right now. If you go back to a physical SIM later, CelcomDigi charges RM10.
CelcomDigi Tourist SIM
CelcomDigi's Tourist SIM is for non-Malaysian visitors with a valid passport. CelcomDigi says it is a physical SIM card you buy in its stores, including at KLIA, KLIA2 and Penang airports. Its Unlimited Tourist Passes run from 7 to 90 days with unlimited internet and calls in Malaysia, and all but the 7 day pass add 3GB of roaming in other ASEAN countries. All passes include an RM5 SIM activation fee. If you want an eSIM from day one, this one doesn't fit.
Maxis and Hotlink eSIM
Maxis sells postpaid plans under its own name and prepaid under Hotlink. According to Maxis's eSIM page, you can get an eSIM in four ways:
- New Maxis Postpaid: pick eSIM as the SIM type in the Maxis Online Store. You get an email with install steps, then activate it in the Maxis app with your ID type, the last 6 digits of your ID and your invoice ID.
- Hotlink Prepaid: through the Hotlink app.
- In store: Maxis Centres and partners hand out an eSIM activation kit with a QR code.
- Existing users: convert in the Maxis app or with Apple's transfer tool.
Hotlink 5G Travel SIM
The Hotlink 5G Travel SIM works in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, with unlimited calls within Malaysia and hotspot. When we checked, Hotlink listed three passes:
- 7 days: RM25, 40GB fair usage.
- 15 days: RM35, 100GB fair usage. This is the one Hotlink marks as available as an eSIM in the Hotlink app.
- 30 days: RM64, 400GB fair usage.
The physical pack is sold at Maxis Centres, including KLIA 1 and 2, Langkawi and Penang airports. The eSIM steps Hotlink shows include an identity check with a Malaysian IC, and the page doesn't say how visitors verify in the app. If you aren't sure, buy the pack at the airport store.
U Mobile eSIM
According to U Mobile's eSIM help page, you can get an eSIM in the MyUMobile app, in the online store or at a U Mobile store. Prepaid and postpaid plans both work. When you order a new line online, you complete eKYC with your NRIC or passport and a face scan, and the QR code comes by email. In store, you bring a valid ID.
U Mobile ULTRA Tourist SIM
U Mobile's tourist plan page says the ULTRA Tourist SIM is for non-Malaysian passport holders only, and it shows setup steps for both a physical SIM and an eSIM. U Mobile describes the ULTRA Tourist Rate Plan as a prepaid plan with data only quotas. You can add more data in the MyUMobile app. It is sold at U Mobile stores, authorised dealers and selected retail outlets.
Yes and Unifi Mobile eSIM
According to Yes, you can sign up to any Yes prepaid or postpaid mobile plan with a Yes eSIM if your device supports it. You get it through the Yes Online Store, the MyYes app, Yes stores and authorised dealers. Yes says the eSIM is free for new and port-in customers. Apple lists Yes for prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers, but the Yes page doesn't explain how visitors sign up, so check before you count on it.
Unifi Mobile offers prepaid and postpaid eSIM. Unifi says the eSIM is free for new and existing customers.
Malaysia travel eSIM: data without a local sign-up
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, and it connects when you arrive. Here is what the SimOptions Malaysia plans include, according to their plan details:
- Plans: from 1 GB for 3 days up to 100 GB for 180 days.
- Speed: 4G and 5G.
- Data only: no Malaysian number, no calls or SMS.
- Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Malaysia.
- Top-ups: available if you run low.
For a week of maps, messages and Grab rides in Kuala Lumpur or Penang, 5 GB is a good start. For two weeks with island hopping, photos and video calls, look at 20 GB. Staying a month? Go for 50 GB.
See all plans on our Malaysia eSIM page, compare them in our guide to the best eSIM for Malaysia, or browse all destinations. Heading on to Singapore? Read about eSIM providers in Singapore or look at a Southeast Asia eSIM.
Data only means no phone number, but you can still call and text with apps. See how to make phone calls with a data only eSIM.
How to set up an eSIM for Malaysia
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. See our guide to checking eSIM compatibility and our list of eSIM supported devices.
- Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. On iPhone, follow Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone. Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Malaysia" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
- When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.
Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?
A CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Yes or Unifi eSIM fits if
- You live in Malaysia or stay for months.
- You need a Malaysian number for local calls, banking or deliveries.
- You're fine with the carrier's ID check and sign-up.
A travel eSIM fits if
- You're on a short trip and want data the moment you land.
- You'd rather sort it out at home, with no queue at the airport.
- You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.
New to eSIM? Read what an eSIM is first.
FAQs
Does Malaysia have eSIM?
Yes. CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Yes and Unifi Mobile all offer eSIM. Apple lists CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Yes for eSIM on iPhone.
Can tourists get an eSIM in Malaysia?
Yes. U Mobile's ULTRA Tourist SIM, for non-Malaysian passport holders, comes as an eSIM. Hotlink says its 15 day Travel pass is available as an eSIM in the Hotlink app. The CelcomDigi Tourist SIM is a physical card. A travel eSIM works without any local sign-up.
How do I get an eSIM in Malaysia?
Residents can order one in each carrier's app or online store, or in a store with ID. Visitors can buy a travel eSIM online before the trip, or a tourist plan after landing.
Does Maxis offer eSIM?
Yes. Maxis offers eSIM on postpaid plans through its online store and in Maxis Centres, and on Hotlink Prepaid through the Hotlink app. Apple lists Maxis for eSIM Quick Transfer.
Does CelcomDigi offer eSIM?
Yes, on its postpaid plans. Converting a physical SIM to eSIM online is free right now, and going back to a physical SIM costs RM10.
Is there a postpaid eSIM in Malaysia?
Yes. CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Yes and Unifi Mobile all offer eSIM on postpaid plans.
Do I get a Malaysian phone number with a travel eSIM?
No. The SimOptions Malaysia plans are data only. For a Malaysian number, get a local plan or tourist SIM.
Can I install a Malaysia eSIM before I fly?
Yes. Install the QR code on Wi-Fi at home. A SimOptions travel eSIM then activates automatically when you reach Malaysia.
