Buy SIM Card in Kuala Lumpur for Tourists: Guide from Locals

Clover Garcia

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Published: April 2024

Are you in Kuala Lumpur for business or pleasure? If yes, do not forget to buy a SIM card in Kuala Lumpur to keep in touch with contacts back home or access maps on the go. This article provides travelers to Kuala Lumpur with helpful guidance on buying a SIM card in Kuala Lumpur, best plans to choose, updated prices, and suggest better alternatives to SIM cards. Let’s figure it out together!

I. Why Buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur?

There are several reasons why you should get a SIM card in Kuala Lumpur:

• Avoid roaming charges and use affordable local rates
• Have mobile data to easily navigate maps and stay connected
• Carriers offer travelers plans tailored to short trips
• SIM provides seamless communication and mobile access on the go
• It’s more convenient than relying on WiFi for basic tasks
• A local number enables easier contact in emergencies

II. Which Mobile Internet Carrier is the Best in Kuala Lumpur?

The top 3 major mobile internet carriers in Kuala Lumpur are Celcom, Maxis and Digi. Here are some information about these carriers:

• Celcom – Largest network coverage, very reliable 4G speeds nationwide. Offers good prepaid plans for travelers. Shops are located conveniently city-wide.
• Maxis – Slightly smaller coverage than Celcom but still extensive. Known for consistently fast data speeds. Also a good choice for prepaid SIMs.
• Digi – Lower pricing than Celcom and Maxis makes it attractive. Coverage is more urban-focused on Western Malaysia. Data speeds vary more than competitors.

In general, Celcom and Maxis are the most robust networks with the widest coverage throughout KL. Good option if you’ll be traveling outside the city too. Digi is a decent choice if you’ll mostly be in the urban KL area and want to save some money with their prepaid rates. However, Celcom or Maxis may be slightly more reliable for consistent mobile connectivity.

III. Best Kuala Lumpur SIM Card Plans and Price

Best Kuala Lumpur SIM card plans are delivered by major mobile network operators in Malaysia, which are Celcom, Maxis and Digi. Below we introduce some of the best Kuala Lumpur SIM card plans for tourists to take into consideration:

Note: The above figures are just samples for you to refer to. You should go to their official website to recheck the price because the cost can be varied depending on several factors.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists to Kuala Lumpur can buy a travel SIM card at the city airport or in the stores in the city center.

1. Buy SIM card at Kuala Lumpur Airport 

If you would like to buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur at the airport, you can visit Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA):

• Celcom store at KLIA/KLIA2 – Has counters right inside the arrival halls. Easy to buy a Celcom prepaid SIM with data packages. Open long hours.
• Maxis store at KLIA/KLIA2 – Likewise located inside both airport terminals. A wide range of Maxis prepaid options are available.
• Digi kiosks at KLIA/KLIA2 – Small popup kiosks may have limited stock but can provide Digi SIMs.
• Tune Talk kiosks – Reseller that provides SIMs on Celcom, Maxis, and Digi networks. Various data packages are available.
• Airport convenience stores – Popular stores like KK Super Mart, Newslink, and Gift Shop sell major telco SIMs as well as travel SIMs.
• Self-service kiosks – Unmanned kiosks near baggage carousels at KLIA2 sell SIMs. Instructions are provided on display. Accept cash only.

Besides, there are other major airports to buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur:

• Kuala Lumpur Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) – Celcom, Maxis, and Digi kiosks are located in the arrivals hall.
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) – Maxis and Digi kiosks and stores near baggage claim have SIMs.
• Penang International Airport (PEN) – Stores like Blu, Maxis, and Digi sell prepaid SIM cards upon arrival.
• Langkawi International Airport (LGK) – Maxis counters inside the arrival terminal allow easy SIM purchases.
• Johor Bahru Senai International Airport (JHB) – Celcom kiosks and self-service vending machines have SIM options.
• Kuching International Airport (KCH) – Maxis store near luggage conveyor as well as kiosks provide SIMs.
• Kota Bharu Airport (KBR) – Maxis counter after immigration clearance area.
• Sibu Airport (SBW) – Maxis counter and kiosks located near the luggage collection point.

2. Buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur city center

Here are some good options to buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur city center:

• Low Yat Plaza – Large IT mall near Bukit Bintang. Stores from all major carriers like Celcom, Maxis, Digi, etc.
• Berjaya Times Square – Mall opposite KLCC. Official stores of Celcom, Maxis, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet.
• Pavilion KL – Shopping mall near Bukit Bintang. Stores for Celcom, Maxis, Digi, and others.
• Sungei Wang Plaza – Popular shopping center in Chinatown. Shops for Celcom and Maxis networks.
• Suria KLCC – Upmarket mall below Petronas Towers. Official stores for Celcom and Maxis.
• Lot 10 Hutong – Chinese heritage mall near Masjid Jamek LRT. Smaller kiosks for top carriers.
• Pasar Seni LRT Station – Open-air market below the station. Mobile stalls are usually well stocked.
• Petaling Street Market – Bargaining is possible at stalls amid this famous tourist market.
• PopularBookstores- Eg. MPH, Times, Kinokuniya have desks selling SIMs together with travel packages.

Most stores are open 10 am-10 pm daily. A passport/proof of address may be required for registration. Convenient payment options are available.

► Our Recommendation: You can buy a SIM card at the airport if needed. However, the airport SIM card’s price is quite high and there are not many options for you to choose from. In case you choose to buy SIM card from either official websites or physical stores of mobile operators in Malaysia such as Maxis, Celcom, or Digi, you still need to go through personal information verification. Hence, if you have a compatible device with eSIMs, we recommend you to buy an eSIM online from eSIM providers (like Gigago) for the best convenience. No need to present passport, just pay and get ready to stay connected in Kuala Lumpur.

V. Malaysia eSIM card for Kuala Lumpur – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers

eSIM is the best option for tourists to use when traveling to Malaysia because it is easy to set up and very convenient with multiple price options for people to choose from.

As mentioned earlier, buying eSIM is a good alternative to get Internet access for tourists in Malaysia, but it only works for those with eSIM-compatible devices.

Fortunately, eSIM technology is popular these days, chances are, your phone supports eSIM. If so, you can enjoy many benefits from this new technology such as eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, 100% online, easy setup and activation, avoiding roaming charges, etc.

To buy eSIM for Malaysia, it is best to buy from eSIM retailers/providers such as Gigago because you do not need to present anything upon purchase. Just an unlocked phone, cash/card for payment is enough.

For Malaysia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB for yyy days with $2.90 . 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 Internet users you are and how long your trip is in [country], there is always an option for you with Gigago.

Furthermore, you can take a look at the Malaysia GIGAGO eSIM plans for tourists belo

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur

To buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur, you should prepare:

• Passport for ID
• Address proof like hotel booking (if staying long-term)
• Cash/card for payment
• Know your data needs (capacity, validity)
• Research carrier plans like Celcom, Maxis, Digi
• Existing mobile number
• Email address
• Passport photo (sometimes needed)
• Questions ready about usage, top-ups, etc.

VII. Extra Tips when you buy SIM card in Kuala Lumpur

When buying SIM card in Kuala Lumpur, you should notice:

• Check coverage maps for the areas you’ll spend time in
• Consider data add-on packages for heavy usage
• Ask if your plan includes regional roaming
• Test the SIM as soon as you purchase to activate
• Keep the receipt in case you need to return the SIM
• Know where you can top up credit, like 7-Eleven
• Use the SIM as a wifi hotspot to share the internet
• Look for plans that allow wifi calling
• Consider automatic reload plans vs pay-as-you-go
• Do your research to avoid any SIM-related hassles

VIII. FAQs

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying SIM card in Kuala Lumpur is not difficult. You can buy it from the airports or mobile stores in Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, buying SIM cards online will help you save a lot of time, or buying an eSIM will be a smart option if you have a compatible device with eSIM.