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Whether you are visiting Macau for a few days or longer, you will want to know how to easily use cell phone in Macau so you do not miss out on any messages or have trouble looking up information on your trip.
How to Get Mobile Internet in Macau for Travelers: What Option to Choose?
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Getting mobile Internet in Macau through smartphones or other devices is very convenient. This article will outline the different options for obtaining cellular data in Macau. Whether you need a small amount of Internet for occasional use or want reliable high-speed connectivity, there are the top choices for accessing mobile Internet in Macau.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Macau – Coverage and Speed
There are three major cellular network operators in Macau, including CTM, SmarTone, and Three. Tourists can access these networks for mobile internet in Macau.
1. Macau Mobile Internet Coverage
Macau has good mobile internet coverage with broad 4G and 5G availability.
- CTM boasts the widest 4G/5G coverage across crowded urban regions and small towns.
- SmarTone has great 4G coverage, extending a bit further into several rural and less populated areas compared to CTM.
- Three (also known as 3Macau) offers good 4G access across Macau and delivers good speeds on par with SmarTone and CTM.
➤ Our Recommendation:
For high-speed 4G/5G connectivity across various locations in more crowded regions, you may choose CTM for accessing mobile internet in Macau. Three and SmarTone are also good options with good coverage in urban centers and some rural areas.
2. Macau Mobile Internet Speed
According to the data about Macau Median Country Speeds from Speedtest Global Index (March 2024):
- Macau ranks 10th in the world for cellular Internet speeds as of March 2024.
- Average download speed: 127.39Mbps
- Average upload speed: 31.53Mbps
- Latency: 15ms
➤ Our conclusion:
Macau has the leading median country speed with super fast download and upload speeds. Tourists to Macau can enjoy reliable and high-speed mobile data during their trip by accessing mobile internet via major networks like CTM, SmarTone, and Three.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Travelers to Macau?
There is a range of connectivity options that visitors can choose from to get mobile internet in Macau: Macau SIM card, eSIM, pocket Wifi for Macau, free Wifi, and Macau roaming. Let us dig into the features of each alternative.
| Option | How it works | Cost | Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
| Macau SIM card | Put the plastic SIM into unlocked phone, connect to Macau’s local network | Affordable | Airport stores, carrier shops, convenience stores | Easy purchase, reliable connection and speeds, reasonable prices | Unlocked device needed, need to wait for delivery if you buy online |
| Macau eSIM | Sign up for an eSIM (digital SIM) and activate it online, no physical SIM needed | Reasonable | Major carriers, online third-party providers | No physical SIM, no store visit, instant use, online activation, flexible plans | eSIM-supported device required |
| Roaming with Macau operators | Use your regular SIM from your home carrier while traveling abroad | Pricey | Your home provider | No need to buy new SIM, familiar number/ package/ provider | Very high roaming charges |
| Public Wifi | Use free Wifi at certain hotspots such as hotels, coffee shops, restaurants,… | Free | Available at certain places | Convenient | Limited availability, security concerns |
| Pocket Wifi | Use a rental Wifi device for internet access anywhere, Internet sharing between group members | Not too costly | Airport rental shops, electronic shops, online stores | Portable access for different devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets | Daily/ weekly rental cost, accessories to carry |
▶ Our recommendations:
- If you are a price-conscious tourist, buy a Macau physical SIM card for the best deals.
- If you want to get mobile internet right on your smartphone and prioritize flexibility, consider getting an eSIM for your Macau trip.
Pro Tips:
- Before buying a Macau SIM card, it is best to check if your phone is unlocked. If it is locked, contact your provider to unlock it.
- If you want a Macau eSIM, check out this list of eSIM-embedded mobile devices.
III. Internet Rates in Macau
Good to know:
MOP 1 = USD 0.12 and USD 1 = MOP 8.03 (as of May 2024)
The table below shows the Internet rates of different connectivity options, helping you select the best one for your travel needs.
| Option | Rate (USD) |
| Macau SIM card | MOP 78 – USD 9.72 for unlimited data used in 3 days |
| Macau eSIM | USD 7.5 for 1GB/ day used in 5 days |
| Roaming with Macau operators | Quite pricey, depending on your chosen package and your home provider |
| Public Wifi | Free |
| Pocket Wifi | Start at USD 5-15 |
▶ Our recommendations:
- For price-conscious travelers, a Macau SIM card from the major providers will be a wise choice.
- For instant Internet access upon arrival and flexibility, opt for an eSIM for Macau.
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Macau
Data SIM cards for Macau have become a prevalent option among visitors. They provide tourists to Macau with good data plans at competitive prices.
| Carrier | Data | Validity | Price | Local call tariff | Local messages |
| CTM | Unlimited local cellular data | 3 days | MOP 78 – USD 9.7 | MOP 0.4/ minute | – Incoming SMS: Free;- MOP 0.25/ sms |
| Unlimited local cellular data | 7 days | MOP 188 – USD 23.42 | MOP 0.4/ minute | – Incoming SMS: Free;- MOP 0.25/ sms | |
| SmarTone | Unlimited local data + free 300 local minutes + free caller number display | 30 days | MOP 73 – USD 9.09 | MOP 0.32/ minute | _ |
| Three | 2 GB | 30 days | MOP 48 – USD 5.98 | MOP 0.4/ minute | – Intra local sms: free;- Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms |
| 4 GB + 1.000 local airtime | 30 days | MOP 88 – 10.96 | MOP 0.4/ minute | – Intra local sms: free;- Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms | |
| 12 GB Macau data usage + 10.000 Macau minutes + 3GB Mainland China | 365 days | MOP 198 – USD 24.66 | MOP 0.4/ minute | – Intra local sms: free;- Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms |
Important Note: The data plans in the table are just some of the many Macau SIM options available for visitors.
V. Data eSIM for Macau – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
Pro Tip: Only get an eSIM plan if your mobile device supports eSIM.
Getting a Macau eSIM is the easiest way to connect to the mobile internet in Macau. eSIM for Macau is a digital way to stay connected without a regular plastic SIM card. It offers a variety of advantages such as no store visit, online signup and activation process, multiple profiles, etc.
There are two main ways for buying an eSIM for Macau: get it directly from major carriers and get it from trusted Macau eSIM resellers.
1. Purchase eSIM from Macau operators
Major mobile network carriers in Macau like CTM, SmarTone, and Three offer prepaid eSIM package options for visitors. Macau eSIM is convenient but availability depends on your mobile device.
- Document required: passport for ID check, eSIM-embedded phone/ tablet/ watch
- Pros: multiple eSIM plan options, widespread coverage, convenient activation, no store visit, immediate Internet access when you reach Macau
- Cons: ID verification needed
2. Purchase eSIM from Gigago
Travelers to Macau can also purchase an eSIM from reputable eSIM providers like Gigago. Gigago eSIM for Macau is an excellent option that comes with various benefits:
- Sign up and activate online, no need to wait for SIM delivery
- Simple setup, just scan the QR code sent to your email and your Macau eSIM will be ready in several minutes
- Instant Internet connection right after you reach Macau
- No ID verification
- A wide selection of competitive eSIM options
- 24/7 multilingual client service
For Macau, Gigago offers a variety of eSIM plan options, starting at only $2.90 for 1 GB of data per day, used in 5 days. The other packages are around $2.90 – $65.50 . Just pick the eSIM option that best suits your travel preferences and trip duration. See more Gigago’s eSIM plans for Macau.
VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Macau
Is it cheaper to get a SIM card or portable WiFi for mobile internet in Macau?
In general, a local SIM card with a data package works out less expensive than renting portable WiFi for mobile internet in Macau.
Can I use my home network for mobile internet in Macau?
Using your regular network for mobile internet in Macau can result in very high roaming charges. A local SIM card ensures you get competitive rates without unexpected fees.
How much data is enough for basic activities like navigation u0026amp; messaging on mobile internet in Macau?
Around 1-2GB per week should suffice for light internet use like maps, messaging, and browsing on mobile internet in Macau. Be sure to connect to free WiFi whenever possible.
Can I purchase a SIM card at the Macau airport?
Yes, you can buy prepaid SIM cards with data packages upon arrival at Macau International Airport before exiting customs. This makes getting mobile internet in Macau very convenient.
VII. Conclusion
In summary, getting mobile internet in Macau is hassle-free thanks to the many choice available right on arrival. Whether opting for an affordable prepaid SIM with data packages or a portable WiFi to share, travelers have good options to stay connected during sightseeing trips. For easy setup and convenient Internet access, eSIM profiles for Macau are an ideal option as long as your device works with eSIM.
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