Celcom SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate 2024

Celcom SIM & eSIM Malaysia is one of the best mobile network providers in Malaysia, offering affordable SIM cards and plans for tourists. Whether you need a short-term plan for a short trip or a long-term plan for an extended stay, Celcom has it all that suit your mobile Internet needs.

Celcom SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate
Celcom SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate

This article will give you detailed information about Celcom SIM and eSIM in Malaysia for tourists. Let’s take a look!

I. Overview about Celcom – What you need to know

Let’s get to know about Celcom information together:

  • Founded year: 1988 (Celcom has been operating for over 30 years).
  • Full company name: Originally called Cellular Communications Network (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. It is now known as Celcom Axiata Berhad after being acquired by Axiata Group.
  • Types of services: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, or home broadband internet, and the sale of mobile phones and devices.
  • Number of subscribers: In 2018, Celcom had around 9.6 million subscribers in Malaysia.
  • Coverage: Celcom claims to cover around 90% of populated areas in Malaysia. It has networks in both cities and rural areas.
  • Estimated number of stores: Celcom has about 3,500 network sites around Malaysia. It also has stores and counters in malls, and airports and partnerships with numerous retailers for coverage.
  • Customer support: Celcom provides 24/7 phone support in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Customers can call the hotline for any inquiries, technical issues, or billing problems. Support is also available through live chat and social media.
Celcom SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate
Celcom SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate

II. Celcom Coverage in Malaysia

Celcom has one of the widest coverage areas in Malaysia, with availability in most cities, towns and along major highways.

the network of this Malaysia network operator is particularly strong in the following areas: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kelantan, Johor and more.

Overall, Celcom has robust 4G coverage that offers reliable and fast internet access in both metropolitan and regional areas across Malaysia.

Celcom SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate
Celcom Coverage in Malaysia

III. Celcom Speed in Malaysia

Speed map in Malaysia
Speed map in Malaysia (Source: OpenSignal)

Celcom has the fastest speed among mobile networks in Malaysia, with:

  • Download Speed: Celcom achieved an average download speed of 27.6 Mbps. While this is a 1.3 Mbps (4.9%) improvement from the previous report, it’s slower than competitors like U Mobile (39.4 Mbps), Unifi (37.7 Mbps), and Digi (34.6 Mbps).
  • Upload Speed: Celcom’s average upload speed is 8.7 Mbps, a slight improvement of 0.5 Mbps (5.8%) from the last report. However, it falls behind U Mobile (9.9 Mbps) and Digi (9.3 Mbps).
  • 5G Download Speed: Celcom users experienced an average 5G download speed of 301.2 Mbps. This is significantly faster than its overall download speed but slower compared to Digi (407.8 Mbps), U Mobile (410.5 Mbps), and Unifi (409.4 Mbps).
  • 5G Upload Speed: Celcom’s 5G upload speed is 26.9 Mbps, showing a good improvement of 4.2 Mbps (18.5%) from the previous report. However, it’s still slower than Digi (32.7 Mbps) and U Mobile (32.5 Mbps).

This Malaysia mobile network operator has gained the National Download Speed Experience award of Ookla’s Speedtest Awards, Games Experience award and Video Experience award.

► Our recommendation: Celcom delivers the fastest average speeds in Malaysia on both 4G and 5G. Moreover, with its widespread regional presence and national award wins, Celcom offers reliable 4G coverage across Malaysia. Hence, Celcom is a good option for anyone traveling to Malaysia.

IV. Does Celcom Have eSIM in Malaysia?

Does Celcom Support eSIM in Hong Kong?
Does Celcom Support eSIM in Malaysia?

Yes, Celcom supports eSIM usage in Malaysia. You can find more information below:

  • Only eligible Celcom postpaid plans support eSIM activation currently. This includes MEGA, XPAX, and legacy plans.
  • Customers need to visit any Celcom Bluecube store to obtain their eSIM profile via a QR code.
  • Activation is done by scanning the QR code using the iPhone camera. The eSIM will then work on supported iOS devices.
  • eSIM allows having two phone lines from Celcom – a physical nano-SIM and electronic eSIM on the same device.
  • This provides the flexibility of a dual SIM setup without needing two physical SIM slots.

So in summary, Celcom officially enables eSIM functionality for postpaid users within Malaysia on iOS devices for dual connectivity or roaming purposes. However, if you are supposed to buy an eSIM with the easiest process, you can refer to GIGAGO – an online eSIM provider. You can access the GIGAGO and get an eSIM easily.

V. Top Celcom SIM Cards for Tourists

Here is a table of Celcom’s prepaid plans available for tourists to refer to:

PlanPriceDataCall MinutesValidityCountries
3-Day Internet PassRM254GB/2GB*30 minutes3 daysSingle country**
7-Day Internet PassRM58Unlimited7 daysMultiple countries***
30-Day Internet PassRM98Unlimited30 daysMultiple countries***

Notes:

*4GB for Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. 2GB for other countries

**Valid for travel within one specified country

***Valid for travel across multiple designated countries

The 3-Day and 7-day passes have fixed data allowances while the 30-Day pass offers unlimited data. Minutes are only included in the 3-day pass. Validity ranges from 3 to 30 days with the most expensive pass covering the most countries.

VI. Where to Buy a Celcom SIM card?

Where to Buy a Celcom SIM card & eSIM?
Where to Buy a Celcom SIM card & eSIM?

To get a Celcom SIM card & eSIM, you can try visiting the following places:

  • Celcom Bluecube stores: The official Celcom stores known as Bluecube are across Malaysia. You can purchase new SIM cards (physical or eSIM) for postpaid, prepaid plans, or roaming passes.
  • Authorized Celcom dealers: SIM cards are also available from partner retail outlets like convenience stores and phone shops that are authorized to sell Celcom products.
  • Online: Celcom offers certain prepaid reloads, roaming passes, and port-in options that can be purchased online via the Celcom Life app or website.
  • Airport kiosks: Major international airports in Malaysia like KLIA and KLIA2 have Celcom kiosks where travelers can get SIM cards.
  • Hotel lobbies: SIM vending machines stocked by Celcom are present in the lobbies of major hotels.

VII. Where to Buy a Celcom eSIM card?

eSIM retailers: To obtain a Celcom eSIM profile

That’s it – your Celcom SIM card & eSIM are now activated! Let Celcom know if you face any issues. However, do not hesitate to buy an eSIM from GIGAGO for the best experience. You can take a look at the below eSIM plan from GIGAGO:

GIGAGO Malaysia eSIM
GIGAGO Malaysia eSIM

VIII. How to Top-up Celcom SIM card & eSIM?

Here are the ways to top-up a Celcom SIM card & eSIM:

  • Online via Celcom website/app: Log in to your Celcom Life account on the website or app. Select “Top Up” and pay via online banking or e-wallet.
  • Celcom Bluecube stores: Walk in with your IC and phone. Inform customer service you want to top up. You can pay by cash or card.
  • Authorized dealers: Third-party stores like 7-Eleven accept top-ups. Find the nearest store on the Celcom website.
  • ATMs: Insert your Celcom SIM and select the “Top Up” option on some supported ATMs.
  • SMS: Send an SMS with specific codes to designated numbers for instant top-up.
  • Direct debit: Set up automatic top-ups when your account balance drops below a threshold.
  • Touch ‘n Go eWallet: Link your TNG account to top up directly from your eWallet balance.

The minimum top-up amount is RM10. Top-ups are added to the account balance for further usage and passes. Celcom bills recurring plans directly for Celcom SIM card & eSIM in Malaysia.

IX. FAQs about Celcom in Malaysia

1. What plans does Celcom offer?

Celcom offers postpaid plans, prepaid plans, roaming passes, fiber broadband, and more. Popular postpaid plans include Celcom MEGA and Celcom Xpax.

2. How do I purchase a Celcom SIM card?

SIM cards can be purchased from Celcom Bluecube stores or authorized dealers around Malaysia. You may need to provide your ID for verification.

3. Can I use my Celcom number abroad?

Yes, you can use your Celcom number abroad by purchasing a roaming pass. Make sure roaming is enabled on your phone.

4. How do I top up my Celcom prepaid balance?

Top-ups can be done online via the Celcom Life app or at stores. The minimum top-up is RM10 via various payment methods.

5. Is Celcom coverage available nationwide?

Celcom has extensive 4G/5G coverage across Malaysia including major cities and rural areas. Check coverage maps on their website.

X. Conclusion

Celcom provides both a physical Celcom SIM card & eSIM profiles for connectivity in Malaysia. Celcom SIM card and eSIM can be purchased from Bluecube stores or dealers for all plans. Eligible postpaid customers can obtain eSIM by visiting Bluecube for activation using a QR code on compatible iOS devices. To be easier, you can buy an eSIM from an online provider like GIGAGO Malaysia eSIM.