This post thoroughly overviews Epic’s coverage, network speeds, and the different SIM card options available to visitors.
How to Get Mobile Internet in Malta for Travelers: What Option to Choose?
Mobile internet in Malta is essential for travelers looking to stay connected.
Navigating the options for mobile internet in Malta can be challenging for tourists due to varying coverage, speed, and cost. This article is designed to help travelers understand the mobile internet landscape in Malta, including coverage quality, pricing, and the best connectivity options available. By reading this, you can make an informed decision and find the most suitable mobile internet solution for your trip, such as the Gigago Malta eSIM.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Malta – Coverage and Speed
When traveling to Malta, knowing about mobile internet coverage and speed can enhance your experience by ensuring good connectivity. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect in Malta.
1. Malta Mobile Internet Coverage
Malta has robust mobile internet coverage across its islands. The primary providers, Epic, GO, and Melita, ensure extensive and reliable service.
- Epic:
- Provides 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services.
- Coverage: 99% of Malta.
- Offers high-speed internet and reliable connectivity, especially in urban areas.
- GO:
- Offers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services.
- Coverage: 99% of Malta.
- Ensures extensive coverage, including rural areas, making it reliable throughout Malta.
- Melita:
- Delivers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services.
- Coverage: 98% of Malta.
- Notable for good coverage in both urban and rural regions, focusing on high-speed internet.
Overall, Malta’s mobile network coverage is reliable, with all major providers offering extensive services nationwide.
2. Malta Mobile Internet Speed
Malta’s mobile internet speed is competitive, ensuring fast and reliable internet access. According to Speedtest Report (July 2024):
- Malta ranks 43rd globally for mobile internet speed.
- Average download speed: 64.6 Mbps.
- Average upload speed: 13.51 Mbps.
- Unlike neighboring countries, Malta’s speed is competitive but lower than Greece (77.01 Mbps).
In conclusion, Malta has great mobile internet coverage and decent speeds, making it a reliable spot for travelers. For the best experience, check out Epic, GO, or Melita—they all offer extensive coverage and high-speed internet access nationwide.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Malta?
Malta, a beautiful island nation in the Mediterranean, offers a range of options for tourists to stay connected. Here’s an overview of the most popular methods, their pros and cons, and our recommendation for the best choice:
Method | Pros | Cons |
Malta SIM Card | Affordable, local calls & SMS, easy setup | Requires physical SIM slot, may need to unlock your phone |
Malta eSIM | Convenient, no physical SIM, easy to switch plans | Requires eSIM-compatible phone |
Roaming with Malta Operators | Convenient for short trips, no need to buy a new SIM | Expensive data charges, may not be available in all countries |
Public WiFi | Free, widely available | Limited coverage, slow speeds, security risks |
Pocket WiFi | Reliable connection, good for multiple devices | Expensive, bulky to carry |
► Recommendations:
For most tourists, purchasing a Malta SIM card with a data plan offers the most optimal solution. It’s affordable, provides local calls and SMS, and is easy to set up.
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, an eSIM is the best choice for ultimate convenience. It eliminates needing a physical SIM, allows easy switching between plans, and offers the best connectivity.
Tips:
- Before buying a SIM card for Malta, ensure your phone is unlocked.
- If you're considering an eSIM, check if your phone is on our list of eSIM-compatible devices.
III. Internet Rates in Malta
Good to know: 1 EUR = 1.09 USD (July 2024)
Understanding the mobile internet rates when visiting Malta can help you choose the best option for staying connected. Below is a detailed comparison of various internet options, converted to USD, for your convenience.
Connectivity Option | Rate (EUR) | Rate (USD) |
Malta SIM card | €10 for 8GB (28 days) | $10.90 for 8GB (28 days) |
Malta eSIM | €10 for 8GB (28 days) | $10.90 for 8GB (28 days) |
Roaming with Malta | €0.22/min call, €0.07/SMS, €5/100MB | $0.24/min call, $0.08/SMS, $5.45/100MB |
Public wifi | Free | Free |
Pocket wifi | €5/day | €5.45/day |
► Recommendation: For tourists in Malta, public WiFi is free and widely available. For consistent, private access, a Malta SIM card or eSIM offers substantial data at an affordable rate. Pocket WiFi is convenient for groups but pricier. Avoid roaming due to high costs. Purchase SIM/eSIM cards from official stores at the airport or city centers for the best deals and service.
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Malta
In Malta, leading mobile operators like Epic, GO, and Melita offer various SIM card packages tailored to meet your data needs. Here’s a detailed look at the available options.
Operator | Package | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) | Data | Validity | Extras |
Epic | Pay As You Go Data SIM | €10 | $10.90 | 5GB | 30 days | None |
Unlimited Data SIM | €25 | $27.25 | Unlimited | 30 days | None | |
50GB Data SIM | €20 | $21.80 | 50GB | 30 days | None | |
Prepaid Traveller SIM | €15 | $16.35 | 20GB | 30 days | 200 local/EU minutes & 200 local/EU SMS | |
GO | Travel SIM | €15 | $16.35 | 10GB | 30 days | None |
Data SIM 20GB | €20 | $21.80 | 20GB | 30 days | None | |
Unlimited Data SIM | €30 | $32.70 | Unlimited | 30 days | None | |
Smart Top-Up SIM | €9.9 | $10.89 | 10GB | 28 days | 200 calls and texts across Malta, EU, and UK | |
Melita | Data SIM 10GB | €10 | $10.90 | 10GB | 30 days | None |
Data SIM 25GB | €15 | $16.35 | 25GB | 30 days | None | |
Unlimited Data SIM | €25 | $27.25 | Unlimited | 30 days | None | |
Top-Up Plan | €20 | $21.80 | 40GB | 30 days | Free calls to all Melita numbers, 200 local call minutes to non-Melita numbers |
V. Data eSIM for Malta – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
When traveling to Malta, having reliable mobile internet is essential. There are two main ways to get an eSIM for mobile internet:
- Buy eSIM from Malta operators
- Buy eSIM from Gigago
1. Buy eSIM from Malta Operators
All three mobile operators in Malta offer eSIM, which are:
- Vodafone Malta
- GO Malta
- Melita
How to get it?
- Visit the operator’s store or website.
- Choose the eSIM plan that suits your needs.
- Provide necessary identification documents.
- Complete the payment process.
- Follow the operator’s instructions to activate the eSIM.
There are pros and cons to buying an eSIM from local operators. On the positive side, you get reliable service and local support. Additionally, you may benefit from local promotions or special deals.
However, the process can be cumbersome, requiring in-person visits or the presentation of identification documents, which may not be convenient for all tourists.
2. Buy eSIM from Gigago
Buying an eSIM from reputable providers like Gigago is considered the most convenient and easiest solution because it doesn’t require showing any documents.
Gigago offers the advantage of 100% online transactions, meaning no passport, no ID card, and no waiting for SIM delivery. The setup is incredibly easy, involving just a QR code scan. This allows you internet access as soon as you arrive in Malta.
To buy an eSIM from Gigago, follow these steps:
- Go to the Gigago website.
- Navigate to the Home page.
- Click on “Buy eSIM.”
- Scroll down to find “Malta” or use “Ctrl + F” to search for the country name.
- Choose a plan that suits your needs, budget, and trip duration.
- Make the payment.
- Wait to receive an email with the eSIM details.
- Scan the QR code or import the activation code manually.
- Turn on data roaming on your phone.
- Enjoy your internet connection when your phone connects to Malta’s network.
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.
VI. FAQs
What is an eSIM, and how can I use it for mobile internet in Malta?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without needing a physical card. Providers like Gigago offer eSIMs you can buy and activate online in Malta.
What should I do if I have issues with my mobile internet in Malta?
If you experience problems, contact your mobile internet provider’s customer service for assistance. Providers like Gigago offer online support for eSIM users.
Are there any free Wi-Fi options available in Malta?
Malta’s cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public areas offer free Wi-Fi. However, a mobile internet plan is advisable for consistent and secure internet access.
How much data do I need for my trip to Malta?
The amount of data needed depends on your usage habits. For casual browsing and social media, 1-2GB per week may suffice. For heavy usage like streaming, consider plans with higher data allowances.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, mobile internet in Malta is highly accessible and convenient for tourists. Whether you buy a local SIM card from Maltese operators or an eSIM from providers like Gigago, you can enjoy reliable and fast internet access throughout your trip.
With excellent coverage and various plans to suit different needs, staying connected in Malta has never been easier. Embrace the ease of mobile internet in Malta and enhance your travel experience.