Known for the striking Petronas twin towers, incredible coastal areas and delicious cuisine, Malaysia is a hot
destination for Australians travelling in South East Asia.
For shorter trips or if you need your Australian number when in Malaysia, roaming with an Australian provider is the better choice. For longer ones, we'd recommend getting a travel eSIM or a local SIM card instead. If you're not sure where to start, we've put together a quick round-up of all the best SIM cards, travel SIMs, and international roaming options available.
To stay connected with loved ones at home while you explore the streets of Kuala Lumpur and adventure around Langkawi, here are the most popular roaming-compatible plans from each postpaid telco featured in this guide:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$58.00/mth
Min. cost $58
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
More
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$46.00/mth
Min. cost $46
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Aussie Broadband
Value 5G SIM Plan
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
And here are the most popular prepaid roaming-compatible plans from each Australian telco that work in Malaysia featured in this guide with a minimum 28-day expiry:
|
#1
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium - 365 Day Flex Plan
$190.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry
$199.00
Per 365 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Buying a Malaysia eSIM card
These days, travel SIM cards are rarely a good deal, they tend to cost more than you'd pay if you just buy a local SIM in your destination. As such, we'd recommend most travellers stick with a Malaysia SIM card or use any built-in roaming options with their plan — though only go with the latter if you don't intend to use your phone too much outside of free WiFi.
However, if you have a phone with eSIM, travel eSIMs tend to be the exception. For example, if you buy a travel eSIM for Malaysia through Airalo, you can get yourself a 10GB plan with a 30-day expiry for $27.50. The SIM is data-only, however, which means you can't make phone calls. There are also several other options with a range of plan lengths and data inclusions.
Travel eSIMs are effectively prepaid as you pay upfront, and they don't renew automatically. If you go over your allowance, you won't be charged extra. Instead, your service will just stop working.
Airalo is one of our favourite eSIM providers that we've tested in our travels. Plans start at $6 for 1GB of data with a three-day expiry. While Airalo's cheapest plans are data-only, it also has options with talk and text. This provider also offers travel eSIMs for use across Asia, which include coverage in Malaysia. This can be handy to have if you're looking to check out multiple countries in the region during your travels.
Jetpac is another eSIM provider worth considering. If you run out of data on a Jetpac eSIM, you can still use WhatsApp, Uber, Grab, and Google Maps. Jetpac travel eSIMs have a unique perk where you can score free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. This is done by registering your flight in the Jetpac app and can be nice to have in emergencies. However, it's important to note that this provider's travel eSIMs don't come with any text or calls.
Last but not least, there's Saily. If you're after an eSIM travel plan that also lets you make phone calls, it might be a good option. This provider offers the ability to add a phone number for an extra USD$1 per month, which is relatively competitive when you compare it against the premium that comes attached to Airalo's eSIM plans that include calls and texts.Here's a look at travel eSIMs for Malaysia from some of our favourite providers with at least 5GB and a seven-day expiry:
| Provider | Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $16.50 for 5GB with a seven-day expiry | View on Airalo |
| Jetpac | USD$14 for 10GB with a seven-day expiry | View on Jetpac |
| Saily | USD$12.99 for 5GB with a 30-day expiry | View on Saily |
For a longer trip, here's a look at plans with at least 10GB and a 14-day expiry minimum:
| Provider | Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $28.50 for 10GB with a 15-day expiry | View on Airalo |
| Jetpac | USD$26 for 15GB with a 14-day expiry | View on Jetpac |
| Saily | USD$21.99 for 10GB with a 30-day expiry | View on Saily |
Just be aware that most Malaysian travel eSIM options are data-only. This means you won't be able to make calls or send text messages using any of the above travel eSIMs. If you don't need the ability to make calls or send text messages (and you have a compatible device), the travel eSIM plans might be better value than roaming on your Australian provider.
Get a Malaysian SIM card
While eSIM has the convenience of being able to "buy before you fly", travel eSIMs for Malaysia tend to be more expensive than buying a local SIM on arrival.
If you're staying in Malaysia for more than a week, you should consider picking up a local SIM card when you arrive. Even Vodafone's $5 per day roaming starts to add up when you're overseas for more than seven days.
Your Australian mobile phone will almost certainly be compatible with the networks used in Malaysia, but you'll need to check it's unlocked before you put in a new SIM.
If you opt for a Malaysian SIM, you'll need to make sure your plan doesn't auto-renew and that the service is contract-free. As with most countries, Malaysia prepaid SIM cards are available in international airports, mobile stores and convenience stores.
You will likely need your passport as proof of identity in order to purchase a local Malaysian SIM card. There are many mobile network operators in Malaysia. The two that we'd recommend are CelcomDigi and uMobile.
CelcomDigi
CelcomDigi in Malaysia is a good pick for travellers. Plans start at RM15 for 10GB of data on a 3-day expiry and 100 minutes of local calls and 10 local texts.
Each plan comes with a quota of high-speed data. If that is exhausted, your connection speed will be reduced to 512Kbps until your plan expires, and any voice calls will be charged at standard domestic rates. More expensive plans also include international calls to the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Here are CelcomDigi's prepaid plans:
| Price | Data | Talk | Texts | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM$15 | 10GB (capped at 18Mbps) | 100 minutes to Malaysia | 10 domestic SMS | 3 days |
| RM$25 | 100GB (capped at 18Mbps) | 100 minutes to Malaysia | 10 domestic SMS | 7 days |
| RM$35 | 200GB (capped at 18Mbps) | 100 minutes to Malaysia + 15 international minutes to ASEAN countries | 10 domestic SMS | 14 days |
| RM$60 | 200GB (capped at 18Mbps) | 100 minutes to Malaysia + 30 international minutes to ASEAN countries | 10 domestic SMS | 30 days |
| RM$60 | 200GB (capped at 18Mbps) | 100 minutes to Malaysia + 30 international minutes to ASEAN countries | 10 domestic SMS | 30 days |
CelcomDigi SIM-only plans are contract-free, and should be easy to find when you land. Alternatively, you can buy a CelcomDigi eSIM through its website and download it straight to your phone.
UMobile
UMobile is another Malaysian, provider that offers prepaid phone plans for tourists. Compared to CelcomDigi, these plans are a little more competitively priced, but they do lack when it comes to inclusions like international calls.
Plans start at RM$12 for 10GB of data on a 7-day expiry and no calls. Here are Umobile's prepaid plans:
| Price | Data | Talk | Texts | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM$12 | 10GB | None | None | 7 days |
| RM$15 | 20GB | None | None | 7 days |
| RM$28 | 50GB | Unlimited to Malaysia | None | 30 days |
| RM$38 | 200GB | Unlimited to Malaysia | None |
30 days |
| RM$50 | 500GB | Unlimited to Malaysia | None | 30 days |
UMobile SIM-only plans are contract-free, and should be easy to find when you land. Alternatively, you can buy a UMobile eSIM through its website and download it straight to your phone.
Roaming in Malaysia with your telco
For shorter trips, roaming with your telco can be a good option. It is also the only way to keep using your Australian number while abroad, which can be important if you're overseas for business rather than pleasure.
Below we've taken a look at the price per day and price per gigabyte for providers you can roam in Malaysia with at a decent rate. We haven't looked at providers that are too expensive or only have pay-as-you-go options. Click on any provider's name to get more information about their roaming offer.
| Provider | Price per day | Price per gigabyte | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| felix mobile | $0.05 | $5 | Over 40 |
| Vodafone | $5 | N/A | Over 100 |
| Optus | $5 | $1 | Over 150 |
| Telstra | $5 | $2.50 | Over 80 |
| Belong | $2 | $10 | Over 45 |
| Aussie Broadband | $5 | $1 | Over 150 |
| Tangerine | Between $3.93 and $5 | Between $5.50 and $10 | Over 60 |
| More | Between $3.93 and $5 | Between $5.50 and $10 | Over 60 |
| Kogan | Between $6.43 and $10 | Between $9 and $12.50 | 30 |
| amaysim | Between $0.06 and $0.19 | Between $7.78 and $12.50 | Over 120 |
| Boost Mobile | Between $2.85 and $6.67 | Between $5.71 and $10 | Over 40 |
Roaming in Malaysia with felix
- Price per day: $0.05
- Price per gigabyte: $5
felix mobile is a smaller provider with a great option for travellers: a $20 international roaming pack. This gets you 4GB of international data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of talk with a one-year expiry. If you take advantage of public WiFi as much as you can while travelling, 4GB could even last your entire trip.
Here are felix's mobile plans:
|
#1
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#2
|
felix mobile
felix 50GB Mobile Plan
$35.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#3
|
felix mobile
felix Unlimited Mobile Plan
$40.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#4
|
felix mobile
felix Unlimited+ Mobile Plan
$50.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
felix is powered by the Vodafone network in Australia.
felix's roaming isn't as broadly available as options from The Big Three: it works in around 40 destinations. This still covers Malaysia.
Roaming in Malaysia with Vodafone
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: N/A
Vodafone postpaid plans are an easy choice for heading overseas thanks to $5 roaming. For $5 per day, you can use your local inclusions overseas in over 100 countries — including Malaysia. This means you don't have to worry about a separate overseas data allowance — your usage will work the same way it does in Australia.
The $5 per day charge will only be added to your bill on days when you make a call, send a text, or use any amount of data overseas. Just note, you can only use $5 roaming for a maximum of 90 days of the calendar year.
These Vodafone postpaid plans all include $5 roaming:
|
#1
|
Vodafone
$58 Small SIM Only Plan
$45.00/mth
Min. cost $45
|
|
#2
|
Vodafone
$68 Medium SIM Only Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
|
|
#3
|
Vodafone
$78 Large SIM Only Plan
$55.00/mth
Min. cost $55
|
Roaming in Malaysia with Optus
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $1
If you're on an Optus Choice Plus, Plus Family or Plus Promo plan, you'll use Optus Daily Roaming. This is a $5 per day charge that gives you 5GB of data, plus unlimited standard talk and text. But if you blow through your 5GB within 24 hours, you're charged another $5 for another 5GB, and the 24-hour timer restarts. Optus Daily Roaming starts as soon as you use your phone in a selected destination.
These Optus postpaid plans all support $5 Roaming.
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$69.00/mth
Min. cost $69
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$70.00/mth
Min. cost $70
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$90.00/mth
Min. cost $90
|
You can only use $5 Roaming across 150+ destinations, which Optus calls "Zone 1" countries. This covers the UK, most of Europe, the US, New Zealand, and China.
"Zone 2" is predominantly made up of countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America. You won't be able to use Optus $5 Roaming in these countries.
Find out more in our dedicated guide about roaming with Optus.
Roaming in Malaysia with Belong
- Price per day: $2
- Price per gigabyte: $10
Telstra's budget brand Belong is reasonably new to roaming, and has just a single travel pack.
Telstra's budget brand Belong has just a single travel pack. The pack activates as soon as you connect to an eligible network, and customers pay just $30 for 3GB of data, unlimited standard SMS, and 150 minutes of standard calls for use over a 15-day expiry period in over 45 destinations.
All Belong customers also get free access to its basic roaming service, which allows them to receive SMS for free while overseas. Belong customers can also use WiFi calling when travelling, when on a suitable network.
Below are Belong's mobile plans suitable for pairing with its international roaming add-on:
|
#1
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Belong
40GB Mobile Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Belong
100GB Mobile Plan
$49.00/mth
Min. cost $49
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Belong
160GB Mobile Plan
$59.00/mth
Min. cost $59
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Malaysia with Aussie Broadband
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $1
Aussie Broadband isn't really known for their roaming options, but this provider's take on the formula is quietly one of the better value options for those looking at short-term stays in selected countries.
For those looking to stay connected in Zone 1 destinations like Malaysia, roaming costs just $5 per day and comes with 5GB of data per day. If you exceed that allowance, you'll be charged another $5 and be given another 5GB of data to use. Unused data does not roll over but this add-on does also include unlimited national and international calls and unlimited SMS to Australian and non-Australian numbers.
Here are the Aussie Broadband plans that work with the provider's roaming add-on:
|
#1
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Aussie Broadband
Value 5G SIM Plan
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Aussie Broadband
Essential 5G SIM Plan
$50.00/mth
Min. cost $50
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Aussie Broadband
Premium 5G SIM Plan
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $60
Link not supplied
|
Aussie Broadband's roaming add-on works in over 150 countries, including Malaysia.
Roaming in Malaysia with Boost Mobile
- Price per day: Between $2.85 and $6.67
- Price per gigabyte: Between $5.71 and $10
Boost Mobile is another Telstra-powered telco offering customers International Roaming Packs. Boost Mobile customers can choose from three roaming options:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Three-day expiry | $20 | 15 mins, 15 texts, 2GB |
| Seven-day expiry | $30 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $40 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 7GB |
Boost's roaming works in 42 countries, including Malaysia. Here are Boost's 28-day prepaid recharges compatible with its roaming pack:
These are Boost Mobile plans you can add roaming to:
|
#1
|
Boost Mobile
$28 Prepaid
$28.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Boost Mobile
$49 Prepaid
$49.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
$59 Prepaid
$59.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Boost Mobile
$74 Prepaid
$74.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Roaming in Malaysia with Tangerine
- Price per day: Between $3.93 and $5
- Price per gigabyte: Between $5.50 and $10
While best known for internet, Tangerine's mobile plans have solid roaming options. Tangerine has some big-value international roaming options via its travel packs. These are one-off purchases that get you a set amount of standard calls, SMS and mobile data. They work up until 11:59PM (AEST) on the last day and cover over 60 destinations, including Malaysia.
Here's how they compare:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-day expiry | $35 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $55 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB |
These are Tangerine's plans you can add roaming to:
|
#1
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
50GB 5G Mobile SIM
$36.00/mth
Min. cost $18
|
|
#3
|
Tangerine Telecom
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$42.00/mth
Min. cost $21
|
|
#4
|
Tangerine Telecom
100GB 5G Mobile SIM
$48.00/mth
Min. cost $24
|
|
#5
|
Tangerine Telecom
160GB 5G Mobile SIM
$60.00/mth
Min. cost $30
|
Tangerine is powered by the Telstra Wholesale network in Australia.
Roaming in Malaysia with More
Tangerine's sibling brand, More, has identical roaming options that go with its postpaid mobile plans. Once again, both will work Malaysia:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-day expiry | $35 | 30 mins, 30 texts, 5GB |
| 14-day expiry | $55 | 60 mins, 60 texts, 10GB |
More is powered by the Telstra Wholesale network in Australia. These are More's plans you can roam with:
|
#1
|
More
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$33.00/mth
Min. cost $33
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
More
50GB 5G Mobile SIM
$40.00/mth
Min. cost $40
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
More
75GB 5G Mobile SIM
$46.00/mth
Min. cost $46
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
More
100GB 5G Mobile SIM
$52.00/mth
Min. cost $52
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
More
160GB 5G Mobile SIM
$65.00/mth
Min. cost $65
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Malaysia with amaysim
- Price per day: Between $0.06 and $0.19
- Price per gigabyte: Between $7.78 and $12.50
amaysim, an Optus MVNO, has four international roaming add-on packs, each lasting 365 days. amaysim roaming works in over 120 countries, including Malaysia.
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Small Talk | $20 | 100 mins, 100 texts, no data |
| The Works | $25 | 50 mins, 30 texts, 2GB |
| Just Gigs | $50 | No mins, no texts, 6GB |
| The Epic | $70 | 100 mins, 60 texts, 9GB |
Each is different, some with data-only or others with no data at all. But you can stack multiple together to achieve the inclusions you want.
You'll also need to be on a currently active amaysim mobile plan to purchase these travel packs. Choose from a selection of amaysim plans below:
|
#1
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 15GB Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 42GB Plan
$35.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 80GB Plan
$40.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 95GB Plan
$45.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
amaysim
UNLIMITED 120GB Plan
$50.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
Roaming in Malaysia with Telstra
- Price per day: $5
- Price per gigabyte: $2.5
Telstra customers have different options depending on what plan they're on, which boil down to a Day Pass or PAYG roaming.
Customers with a postpaid Upfront plan have access to Telstra's International Roaming Day Pass. Use your phone for calls, text or mobile data in one of the selected countries and the pass automatically triggers and the charge is added to your bill. The Day Pass lasts for 24 hours, after which you won't be charged until you use your phone again for talk, text or (in Zone 1 or 2 countries) mobile data. Rinse and repeat.
Malaysia is in Telstra's Zone 2 group, which covers over 80 destinations. You'll pay $10 per 24-hour period for 2GB of data and unlimited standard calls and text.
If you go over your data allowance within a 24-hour period, you pay $10 extra and Telstra adds 2GB of data to a sort of overage 'bank' on your behalf. This additional data has a 31-day expiry and you dip into it whenever you go over another 24-hour allowance. But it's strictly to cover your overage use — you'll still pay for the Day Pass again when the time comes.
You'll be notified when you've used 50%, 85% and 100% of your Day Pass' inclusions.
Here's a look at Telstra's Upfront mobile plans:
|
#1
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan
$74.00/mth
Min. cost $74
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan
$84.00/mth
Min. cost $84
Link not supplied
|
Telstra prepaid customers can buy an international roaming pack for their trip. Your options are as follows:
| Pack | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Three-day expiry | $10 | 15 mins, 15 texts, 400MB |
| Seven-day expiry | $15 | 25 mins, 25 texts, 2GB |
| 14-day expiry | $25 | 50 mins, 50 texts, 4GB |
Roaming in Malaysia with Kogan Mobile
- Price per day: Between $6.43 and $10
- Price per gigabyte: Between $9 and $12.50
Kogan Mobile offers three international roaming packs for use in about 30 countries, including Malaysia:
| Expiry | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| One-day expiry | $10 | Up to 50 mins, 50 texts, 1GB |
| Three-day expiry | $25 | Up to 100 mins, 100 texts, 2GB |
| Seven-day expiry | $45 | Up to 150 mins, 150 texts, 5GB |
Call minutes and SMS (text only) include standard calls to and from the selected countries and standard numbers in Australia.
You can purchase the international roaming pack via the Kogan Mobile app, use your online account or call customer support, or test "ROAM" to 12612 from your mobile. Given the pricing, we'd advise getting a local SIM at your destination instead for most trips.
|
#1
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#2
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$29.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#3
|
Kogan Mobile
Large Monthly Plan
$40.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
Decided to play the WiFi game? Make sure you set your phone on airplane mode to avoid being charged international roaming fees.
SIM cards for travelling in Malaysia FAQs
Can you buy a Malaysia SIM card in Australia?
There are a few ways to purchase your Malaysia SIM card before you leave Australia. Many Malaysian providers now offer eSIM as an option, meaning you can sign up for a prepaid plan using their website and then set it up prior to boarding your flight. The same goes for travel eSIM retailers like Airalo.
Can I use my Australian phone in Malaysia?
Yes, you will be able to use your Australian phone in Malaysia so long as it's unlocked. Fortunately, most phones are unlocked these days.
Is it cheaper to get a SIM card in Malaysia?
It can be depending on how long you're planning on staying and how much data you need. If you're going on a one-week trip then you can pay a 1GB plan from Airalo is going to be much cheaper than the $35 that Vodafone's $5 roaming adds up to.
Dylan Crismale
Digital Content Editor
Related Articles
