Best Macau SIM Cards for Tourists

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: December 2024

Macau SIM cards are must-have items for travelers visiting tiny Macau. With a local SIM card, tourists can access reliable mobile data, calling, and messaging services during their trip. However, with so many SIM options available, choosing the best Macau SIM cards can seem overwhelming.

This guide will provide detailed information on different SIM card choices for tourists to Macau, helping them choose the most affordable and convenient Macau SIM for smoothly navigating the city using their mobile devices.

I. Where to Get a Tourist SIM Card for Macau?

Visitors can get a Macau tourist SIM card with extensive 4G coverage and high-speed data in three major ways, as follows:

• Buy online before departure
• Buy at Macau airport
• Buy in Macau cities

1. Buy prepaid Macau SIM card online before departure

Some reputable eSIM providers, like Gigago, let you buy prepaid eSIMs for Macau online. Just download an eSIM plan online and activate it using the QR code sent to your email. This way, you will have instant Internet access when you reach Macau.

Pros: No need to go anywhere to buy SIM card when you arrive, instant Internet connection

Cons: Need to have a device that works with eSIM

2. Buy physical Macau SIM cards at Macau Airports

Tourists to Macau can buy a physical SIM at carrier kiosks or vending machines at Macau International Airport (MFM). These sales points let you get service right away when you touch down.

Pros: convenient, immediate data use

Cons: fewer plans and might cost more than buying online or at other spots in cities

3. Purchase physical Macau SIM cards in the cities

Stores across cities and towns in Macau sell physical Macau SIM cards with tons of options. You can easily find stores that supply SIM cards from carriers like CTM, SmarTone, and Three. 

Pros: Widely available, diverse SIM options, reasonable rates

Cons: Need to head to the store yourself

► Our Recommendations:

If you want the best deals and do not mind shopping around, get a SIM card from stores in cities around Macau.

If your phone is compatible with eSIM, getting a Macau eSIM plan online is super easy. You do not have to spend time going somewhere to sign up. Just use your phone and you are all set up for data right away.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

CTM, SmarTone, and Three (3) are the three major cellular network carriers in Macau.

Using Macau prepaid tourists SIM card is rather affordable. Here are some of the most prevalent Macau SIM plans for tourists and their rates.

► Our Recommendation:

When traveling to Macau, you should consider CTM, SmarTone, or Three Macau, depending on your travel priorities and budget levels.

• CTM is the best choice as CTM has the best network coverage across Macau and offers prepaid SIM cards with unlimited data amounts and attractive bonuses.
• SmarTone and Three are also great options that offers affordable data plans and easy online top-up options.

III. What Types of Italy SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

There are two main types of Macau SIM cards:

• Macau physical SIM: a small physical card that may be inserted into or removed from your device.
• Macau eSIM: a virtual SIM that is built into your phone, not a real SIM card.

Two key SIM card plans include:

• Data-only SIM: cannot call or text, for Internet only like maps navigation, communications apps, social media, transport and delivery apps, etc.
• Data + voice + text SIM: Full access to Internet, calls, texts, map use, and apps. All-in-one for communication, browsing, apps use while in Macau.

Now let us dig into the two major SIM card options in Macau: physical SIM and eSIM.

1. Prepaid physical SIM in Macau

Prepaid physical SIM cards for Macau exist in a tangible form. To activate a Macau physical SIM card, you have to put in into your device’s SIM slot. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may choose a data-only SIM or data + voice + text SIM for Macau.

2. Prepaid tourist Macau eSIM

Macau eSIM is a virtual chip that is embedded into your cell phone. You can change operators or packages easily without having to buy and insert a new physical SIM. Just buy and activate your Macau eSIM and it will be ready in just several minutes. eSIM for Macau also has two main sorts (one just for cellular data, one for data plus calling and messaging).

To decide which type of SIM to choose for your Macau trip, follow this table:

► Our Recommendation:

For convenience on your Macau trip, go with a prepaid eSIM. You can download an eSIM for Macau right to your phone – no inserting or removing physical SIM. You will stay connected easily without the hassle of switching SIMs. Opt for the data-only eSIM if you communicate with your loved ones back home using communication apps rather than calling or texting in a traditional way. 

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Macau?

To purchase a prepaid SIM card in Macau, you should prepare the following:

• Passport: This is required for identification purposes. When you buy a SIM card, you will need to present your passport to verify your identity.
• Visit Retail or Convenience Stores: Prepaid SIM cards are widely available at various retail stores, convenience stores, and authorized resellers across Macau. You can easily find these stores at the airport, major shopping areas, and city centers. Some popular places include convenience store chains like 7-Eleven and Circle K, as well as mobile service provider shops.

If you want to skip the registration process, consider ordering an eSIM card online for your trip to Italy. This can save you time and make the setup process simpler.

V. Macau eSIM – Best Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

eSIM is the best alternative to physical SIM cards to get the Internet when visiting Macau. It is worth it for the convenience, flexibility, and privacy.

• No physical SIM: An eSIM lets you buy and install a data plan using QR code sent via your email.
• Easy setup: Activating a Macau eSIM is super quick and straightforward from your phone.
• Change plans on the fly: If you find a better deal, switching plans and providers is just a few taps away with eSIM. 
• Stay connected: With eSIM right in your device, you never have to worry about losing that tiny SIM card.  
• Better for the planet: eSIM helps cut down on electronic trash versus physical SIMs that often need replacement.

If you are seeking a reputable eSIM reseller for Macau, Gigago will be the best choice. Gigago provides tourists to Macau with eSIM plans from CTM – one of the biggest cellular network carriers in Macau with the most widespread 4G/5G coverage and fast data speeds.

For Macau, Gigago offers a diverse range of Macau eSIM plans, starting at just $2.90 for 1GB per day, used in 5 days. The other Macau eSIM packages are around $2.90 – $65.50 . Just opt for the eSIM plan that best aligns with your needs, preferences, trip duration, and budget levels.

VI. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Macau?

The duration of a tourist SIM card in Macau depends on the carrier and the specific plan you choose. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• CTM: This carrier offers a tourist SIM card that provides unlimited local cellular data. However, the validity of this SIM card is only 7 days. It is ideal for short-term visitors who need a reliable data connection for a brief stay.
• SmarTone: SmarTone’s tourist SIM card comes with unlimited local cellular data and an additional 300 free local call minutes. The validity of this SIM card is 30 days, making it suitable for tourists who are planning to stay in Macau for a longer period, up to a month.
• Three: Three provides two different tourist SIM card options:
  • One plan includes 2GB of data with a 30-day validity.
  • Another plan offers 4GB of data plus 1,000 local call minutes, also with a 30-day validity.
  Both of these options are great for travelers who require more data or call minutes and are staying in Macau for up to a month.

In summary, most tourist SIM cards in Macau last for 30 days, with various data and call options to suit different needs. 

VII. How to Use Macau Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

Once you have picked your carrier and data plan for your Macau trip, it is crucial to know hoe to access the Internet using Macau SIM cards/ eSIMs.

1. Using prepaid Macau SIM cards for visitors

Once you have got a prepaid SIM for Macau, follow these simple steps:

• Turn off your phone and pop open the SIM card slot. Slide in the new SIM.
• Turn your phone back on and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If needed, enter the APN info provided by the operator to set up internet access.
• Dial the carrier’s special number to check your plan details/ balance.
• All done – now you can start using your new Macau SIM card to call, text and surf the web while there!

2. Setting up and activating Macau eSIM

Steps to set up your Macau eSIM include:

• Check that your device is unlocked and ready for an eSIM.
• Buy and download your Macau eSIM online. The provider will send the activation pass/ QR code to your email.
• Open your phone’s eSIM settings and scan the QR code or enter the activation pass you got.
• Restart your mobile device and you are all set! No fussing with tiny plastic SIM cards.

VIII. FAQs

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a Macau  SIM card is an easy way to stay connected while traveling in Macau. Whether you go with a traditional SIM or the newer eSIM option, Macau SIM cards provide reliable LTE data and phone services. A Macau eSIM plan from Gigago can make exploring Macau a breeze by keeping you online at an affordable cost. Purchasing a SIM at the airport is convenient but shopping in town ensures you get the best value.