How to Buy a SIM Card at Malta International Airport (MLA) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Discover the essential steps to buy a SIM card at Malta International Airport, including where, pricing, and the best alternatives.

guide to buy sim card at malta international airport

Getting a SIM card at Malta International Airport is essential for staying connected during your trip. In this article, you’ll learn where to purchase one, what to prepare, and the best SIM plans available. By the end, you’ll know the prices, the registration process, and alternatives to airport SIM cards.

Highlights

  • SIM cards can be bought at the Epic store in the arrivals hall, level 0.
  • The Epic store is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • No SIM card purchase available after midnight; plan accordingly.
  • An Epic SIM card costs 10 EUR, with additional top-up for plans.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Malta International Airport (MLA)?

Getting a SIM card at Malta International Airport is easy, and there are several ways to do it.

  • Order online before and collect at the airport: Reserve your SIM card online and grab it at the airport when you arrive for a smooth and easy experience.
  • Buy upon arrival: Head to one of the airport shops to purchase a SIM card as soon as you land—quick and convenient.
  • Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase a digital SIM online for instant activation, saving time and space.

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Malta International Airport (MLA)?

You can purchase SIM cards at Malta International Airport from the Epic store, which is the only mobile operator with a presence at the airport. The Epic counter is conveniently located in the main arrivals hall on level 0.

level 0 malta international airport

To find the Epic store, look for it across from WHSmith, next to the airline counters and Dr. Juice, and near Samsonite. As you leave the baggage claim area, you’ll see its big sign easily.

Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta) is Malta’s largest mobile operator. Its airport store offers SIM cards, top-up services, and mobile accessories.

  • Location: Main arrivals hall, level 0
  • Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 to 19:00
  • Price range: SIM cards start at 10 EUR, with additional costs for plans

You can purchase SIM cards at the Epic store and choose from various prepaid plans to suit your needs. The staff can assist you with SIM card activation and provide information about coverage and data packages.

III. Do SIM card shops at MLA Airport open after midnight?

SIM card shops DO NOT open at Malta International Airport (MLA) after midnight. The only mobile operator store at the airport is the Epic store, which has limited operating hours:

epic at malta international airport

These hours indicate that the Epic store closes at 7:00 PM and does not reopen until 11:00 AM the next day. There is no mention of any 24-hour convenience stores or other outlets selling SIM cards at the airport.

For passengers arriving on late-night flights, purchasing a SIM card immediately upon arrival would not be possible. In such cases, you would need to wait until the next day when the Epic store reopens at 11:00 AM or seek alternative options for purchasing SIM cards once you leave the airport.

IV.  Malta International Airport SIM Card Price

At Malta International Airport, you can get an Epic Malta SIM card for 10 EUR, plus you’ll need to top up at least 10 EUR for a plan. Here are the available Epic Malta plans at the airport:

PlanPriceDataMinutesSMSValidity
Talk Pack4.99 EUR100 MB100 local/EU100 local/EU28 days
Data Pack5.99 EUR4 GBN/AN/A28 days
Value Pack9.99 EUR8 GB200 local/EU200 local/EU28 days

The Epic store is easy to spot in the arrivals hall. Just keep in mind that the free 8 GB Value Pack normally included with new SIM cards isn’t offered at the airport. You’ll need to pay extra for a plan on top of the SIM card cost. If you’re not in a rush, you might save some cash by waiting to buy your SIM in town instead.

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Malta International Airport

sim card process at malta international airport

When buying a SIM card at Malta International Airport, here’s what you’ll need for registration:

  • Passport or national ID (for EU citizens)
  • Unlocked phone
  • Payment method (cash or card accepted)
  • Patience (the process can take a few minutes)

Let’s be real – showing your personal info isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Many tourists prefer to keep things private, especially when traveling.

Want to skip the hassle? Consider grabbing an international SIM card online before you jet off or go for an eSIM. No passport needed, no fuss!

Speaking of eSIMs, they’re a great way to avoid the registration headache. Here’s what you need to make it work:

  • eSIM-compatible phone (most newer models support this)
  • Working Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the eSIM
  • A valid payment method for online purchase

With an eSIM, you can be connected before you even land in Malta. How’s that for convenience?

VI. eSIM at Malta International Airport – Alternative to Malta SIM Cards

You can purchase an eSIM for Malta online before your arrival or when you’re at Malta International Airport. This convenient option allows you to get connected quickly and easily.

To buy an eSIM, you have two main choices: local mobile network operators that offer eSIM services for tourists or eSIM retailers/providers. While both options are available, I recommend using an eSIM retailer for simplicity and ease of use.

One such provider is Gigago, a popular eSIM retailer that offers excellent service for travelers. Here are some of Gigago’s standout features:

  • Trusted by over 1,000,000 people worldwide
  • Immediate delivery of eSIM to your email
  • Easy activation with a simple QR code scan
  • Offers local eSIMs for numerous countries
  • Provides 24/7 WhatsApp support
strength of esim gigago

For Malta, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Malta eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00$95.90 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Malta, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. FAQs about SIM card at Malta International Airport

Can I use my SIM card from Malta International Airport across the EU?

Yes, most SIM cards offer EU roaming, allowing you to use your data and call allowances in other EU countries without extra charges.

Can I recharge my SIM card bought at Malta International Airport online?

Yes, recharging can be done online via the provider’s website or app, or at various retail locations across Malta.

Do the SIM cards at Malta International Airport support 5G?

Many providers offer 5G-compatible SIM cards, allowing you to enjoy high-speed internet if your device supports it.

Can I use a SIM card from Malta International Airport in a mobile hotspot?

Yes, most SIM cards can be used in mobile hotspots, providing internet access for multiple devices.

VIII. Conclusion

Grabbing a SIM card at Malta International Airport is a super convenient way to stay connected during your trip. With options from major providers like Epic, you can pick a plan that fits your needs. Getting a SIM card is easy and quick whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay. Enjoy reliable coverage, simple activation, and the ability to recharge online. Stay connected and enjoy your time in Malta without any trouble.