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

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

Maxis SIM card & eSIM are known as one of the top options for travelers to stay connected when they visit Malaysia. This article will give you more information about Maxis SIM card & eSIM to get the best Malaysia trip in the future. Let’s find out!

I. Overview about Maxis – What you need to know

There are some quick facts about Maxis that you can refer to:

• Founded: 1993
• Full company name: Maxis Berhad (formerly known as Maxis Communications)
• Services provided: Mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet connectivity, digital solutions for businesses
• Number of subscribers (as of Q2 2020):
  • Total revenue-generating subscribers: 9.863 million
  • Prepaid subscribers: 6.747 million
  • Postpaid subscribers: 2.97 million
• Coverage: Asia (excluding Korea DPR and Nepal), Middle East and North Africa, South America (including Peru and Chile)
• Network of stores and agents: Extensive presence throughout Malaysia, but the exact number is not specified

II. Maxis Coverage in Malaysia 

According to the Mobile Network Experience Report for Malaysia in September 2022 by Opensignal, here are some key points about Maxis coverage:

• Maxis performed well in terms of 4G Coverage Experience, earning a score of 8.6 out of 10 on the Opensignal scale.
• Maxis had a competitive score in terms of Overall Experience, with a Video Experience score of 43.3 out of 100 points.
• Maxis also excelled in the Games Experience category, winning the Games Experience award with a score of 67.3 out of 100 points.
• In terms of Voice App Experience, Maxis received a score of 76.9 out of 100 points.
• Maxis demonstrated good performance in Download Speed Experience, with an average speed of 19.2 Mbps.

Overall, Maxis was one of the top performers in the Mobile Network Experience Report, receiving accolades in multiple categories and providing a satisfactory coverage experience for users in Malaysia.

III. Maxis Speed in Malaysia

Overall Download Speed Experience:

• Maxis achieved an average download speed of 29.3 Mbps.
• This places them in third place, behind U Mobile (39.4 Mbps) and Unifi (37.7 Mbps).
• Notably, all operators experienced an increase in average download speeds compared to the previous report.

Overall Upload Speed Experience:

• Maxis attained an average upload speed of 8.4 Mbps.
• This puts them in fourth place, trailing behind U Mobile (9.9 Mbps), Digi (9.3 Mbps), and Celcom (8.7 Mbps).
• Similar to download speeds, all operators saw improvements in average upload speeds.

► Our Recommendation: In general, it is good for you to use Maxis services because Maxis performed well in several categories, indicating a positive experience for users.

IV. Does Maxis Have eSIM in Malaysia?

Yes, Maxis supports eSIM in Malaysia. Some key points you can refer to:

• Maxis was one of the first telcos in Malaysia to support eSIM, launching the capability in 2018.
• Both prepaid and postpaid plans on Maxis are eSIM compatible. Customers can activate eSIM profiles on their iPhone, Pixel, and other compatible devices.
• To activate an eSIM on Maxis, customers can visit any Maxis center with their device. Maxis staff will assist with scanning the device’s eSIM QR code and activating the plan.
• For postpaid customers, eSIM activation is also available directly via the Maxis Members app. No need to visit a center.
• Data plans and features available via eSIM are the same as physical SIM counterparts. Call minutes, SMS bundles, etc are identical.
• eSIM allows customers to easily switch between Maxis and other carrier profiles directly on their device software.

V. Top Maxis SIM Cards for Tourists

You can refer to the table of prepaid plans available based on the Maxis website below:

VI. Where to Buy a Maxis SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Maxis SIM Card for Malaysia?

There are several options to purchase Maxis SIM cards in Malaysia. Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, SIM cards can be bought directly from kiosks located at the arrival halls.

For a wider selection of plans and assistance, visit an official Maxis Store. The chain of Maxis Stores around Malaysia offers SIM cards, plan consultation and upgrades, device sales, bill payments, and other support.

Alternatively, Maxis SIM starters are also widely available at authorized third-party retailers nationwide. Popular convenience stores like 7Eleven and stationery shops sell SIM cards. Banks with telco services and electronic stores also offer Maxis SIM card sales and top-ups.

So whether just arriving in Malaysia or a resident, Maxis provides many convenient channels at airports, stores, and partner retailers to easily obtain new mobile connections.

VII. Where to Buy Maxis eSIM for Malaysia?

Here are some options to buy a Maxis eSIM in Malaysia:

• Maxis Stores: Visit any Maxis Experience Store to purchase and activate an eSIM plan. Staff can scan your device’s QR code to set it up. Both prepaid and postpaid plans are available as eSIM.
• Online via Maxis app: Existing Maxis postpaid customers can purchase and activate an eSIM plan directly via the Maxis Members mobile app, without visiting a store. Just select “eSIM” during sign-up or upgrade.
• Airport kiosks: Similar to physical SIMs, eSIM starter packs for visitors are available at KLIA and KLIA2 airport arrival terminals. You’ll receive the login details to activate the eSIM plan.
• Maxis website: On maxis.com.my, existing customers can purchase eSIM packages and get QR code credentials. New customers will need to visit a physical store for verification.

Additionally, tourists can buy Malaysia eSIM online via mobile providers such as GIGAGO to save time and money, and easy to set up.

What is great about Gigago’s Malaysia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $2.90 – $81.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Malaysia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How to Top-up Maxis SIM card & eSIM

To top-up a Maxis prepaid SIM/eSIM, you can refer to the following options:

• Maxis app – Top-up anytime using cards.
• Online portal – Websites like maxis.com.my/topup using cards or Boost.
• Maxis stores – Top-up with cash or cards at counters.
• Authorized dealers – Top-up at 7Eleven, and grocery stores using cash/cards.
• ATMs – Top-up via Maybank, CIMB, and RHB ATM networks.
• Online banking – Top-up via supported banks’ internet banking.
• Reload vouchers – Purchase vouchers to reload your balance.
• Boost/carriers – Top-up sites let you add credit using various options.
• Touch ‘n Go – Link your Maxis number to top-up with an e-wallet.

IX. FAQs about Maxis SIM card & eSIM in Malaysia 

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, Maxis SIM card & eSIM has extensive 4G and emerging 5G coverage nationwide. Customers can easily purchase SIM cards, check balances, top-up credit, manage accounts, and get customer support through Maxis’ comprehensive digital channels and physical stores. Moreover, buying Maxis SIM card & eSIM are the best options for tourists to travel to Malaysia.