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

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

I. Quick Facts about Celcom

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 and Speed

Celcom is one of the top 5 major mobile networks in Malaysia. They give their customers a good experience in smooth signal and connection of Celcom SIM card & eSIM via the Malaysian territory.

1. 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

2. Celcom Speed

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

  • Average download speeds of 26.3 Mbps (4G) and 94.5 Mbps (5G)
  • Average upload speed of 8.2 Mbps (4G) and 17.8 Mbps (5G)
  • Low latency for gaming and video streaming

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.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Celcom for Travelers to Malaysia?

Celcom provides travelers with several connectivity options of Celcom SIM card & eSIM including:

  • Roaming with Foreign SIM
  • Buy Prepaid Celcom SIM
  • Celcom Postpaid Plan
  • Celcom Traveleasy Plan
  • Celcom 30-Day Pass
  • Celcom Wifi Passport
Celcom Connectivity OptionProsCons
Roaming with Celcom on a foreign SIM– No need to buy a new SIM in Malaysia– Calls/data likely more expensive than the local plan
Prepaid Celcom SIM– Inexpensive to get started– Must remember to top up the balance
Celcom Postpaid Plan– Can sign up online before arrival– Requires credit check and deposit
Celcom eSIM– Buy and setup 100% online– Not all phones are compatible with eSIMs
Celcom Traveleasy Plan– Affordable daily rates for calls/data– Valid for a maximum of 30 days only
Celcom 30-Day Pass– Unlim calls/10GB data for a cheap price– Must purchase in-store in Malaysia
Celcom Wifi Passport– Free Celcom Wifi access nationwide– Dependent on available hotspots

► Our recommendation: Among the options above, postp0iad plans require a credit check and deposit, so not many travelers want to do that. Thus, it is recommended to go for a prepaid Celcom SIM Card or eSIM for the best experience in terms of convenience and cost effectiveness. However, to use eSIM, your phone needs to be unlocked and supports eSIM. We will explain further in the next part.

IV. Best Celcom SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

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.

V. Does Celcom Support 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.

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

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.
  • eSIM retailers: To obtain a Celcom eSIM profile

VII. How to Use and Activate Celcom SIM card & eSIM in Malaysia?

1. How to Use Celcom SIM Card in Malaysia

Here are the short steps to use a Celcom SIM when roaming in Malaysia:

  • Buy a Celcom SIM from Bluecube/dealer stores
  • Insert SIM into your unlocked phone
  • Phone detects Celcom network automatically
  • Make calls, SMS, and use data as per your plan
  • Download the MyCelcom app for account access
  • Top-up balance in advance for prepaid
  • Postpaid bills sent monthly for payment
  • Contact 1111 for any Celcom assistance
  • Use SIM across Malaysia without restrictions
  • Manage account, plans, and usage on the MyCelcom app

The Celcom SIM can only be used for roaming. Consider a local Malaysia SIM for better rates while traveling abroad.

2. How to Activate Celcom eSIM?

Here are the steps to activate a Celcom eSIM easily:

  • Ensure your device is eSIM compatible (refer this updated list of eSIM compatible devices for a quick check).
  • Visit the website of an eSIM provider/retailer, such as Gigago
  • Search for eSIM of Malaysia there
  • Choose the plan that fits your needs and make a payment
  • Get the QR code in your registered email and scan it
  • Use your phone’s camera to scane the QR code and activate the eSIM
  • Enjoy internet access after arriving in Malaysia

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.