Buying Three SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists in 2024

Clover Garcia
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Latest update: September 2024

When traveling abroad, staying in touch with friends and family back home is essential. For visitors to Macau, Three SIM cards and eSIM offer a smart solution. These SIMs allow tourists to access fast and reliable mobile service across the tiny region of Macau. In this guide, we will explore the best options from Three, how to buy and activate, and the best alternative for getting online during your trip to Macau.

THREE sim card & eSIM

I. Overview about Three – What you need to know

Three Macau is one of the largest cellular network carriers in this region. Below are some facts about Three Macau you may need to know:

  • Founded: in 2000
  • Full company name: Hutchison Telephone (Macau) Company Limited
  • Types of services: 3G and 4G mobile phone services to customers in Macau
  • Coverage: Great coverage across Macau. Three Macau aims to cover all areas of Macau with their mobile network.
  • Number of users: 31% of the mobile phone subscribers in Macau (in the early years of 2000s)
  • Distribution: around 10-15 shops and dealers around Macau
  • Customer support: 24/7 via phone, email, online chat, or directly at store
  • Language: English, Mandarin, Portuguese, Cantonese
Three is one of the largest carriers in Macau
Three – One of the largest mobile network carriers in Macau

II. Three Coverage in Macau

Three coverage map in Macau
Three coverage map in Macau (source: nPerf)
  • Three offers broad 4G access, covering all populated areas and roads in Macau.
  • Three installs many cell towers on buildings and structures throughout Macau. This includes the downtown peninsula area as well as outlying islands like Taipa and Coloane.
  • Three’s network can be unstable in some remote regions.

III. Three Speed in Macau

  • They operate 4G LTE networks, which can deliver data speeds much higher than older 3G technologies.
  • Speed tests by users have shown data speeds from Three Macau 4G reaching over 100 Megabits per second in many places.
  • Speeds may be a bit slower in some spots, like inside large buildings due to distance from nearby towers.

So in summary, Three provides Internet access across Macau with 4G speeds focused on the main urban centers for now. Remote areas can access basic Internet services.

IV. Does Three have eSIM in Macau?

No. Three Macau does not support eSIM. 

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip inside your phone or device that allows connectivity instead of a Macau physical SIM card. Though Three Macau does not offer eSIM, tourists to Macau can easily buy eSIM from a trusted third-party reseller like Gigago for flexibility and reliable Internet access.

So why choose Macau eSIM from Gigago?

Gigago offers a wide range of eSIM plans for tourists to Macau
Gigago eSIM plans for Macau
  • Easy online purchase and activation, just scan the QR code delivered to your email and follow the setup prompts. Your eSIM will be ready for use within minutes.
  • No store visit, no regular physical SIM required.
  • You can potentially have multiple cellular plans or networks on one device with eSIM.
  • No identity check
  • Gigago eSIM plans for Macau work on CTM network – The largest carrier with the widest coverage across Macau. These plans start at only $2.90 for 1GB a day, used in 5 days and range between $2.90 – $65.50 . Regardless of how much GB of data you need and how long your Macau trip is, there is always an eSIM solution for you with Gigago.

V. Top Three SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The table below shows some of the best Three SIM cards options for visitors to Macau.

DataValidityPriceLocal call tariffLocal message
2 GB of data30 daysMOP 48 – USD 5.95MOP 0.4/ minute– Intra local sms: free;
– Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms
4 GB of data + 1.000 local airtime30 daysMOP 88 – USD 10.91MOP 0.4/ minute– Intra local sms: free;
– Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms
12 GB of data for Macau data usage + 10.000 Macau call minutes + 3 GB of data Mainland China365 daysMOP 198 – USD 24.55 MOP 0.4/ minute– Intra local sms: free;
– Inter local sms: MOP 0.25/ sms

Pro Tips:

  • Remember to opt for the Three SIM plan that suits your data needs and trip length.
  • Prepare your passport/ ID card for ID verification and MOP cash/credit card for payment.
  • Regularly check Three’s official website for the latest details on Three SIM cards.

VI. Where to Buy Three SIM Cards for Macau?

Tourists can purchase Three SIM cards for Macau at:

  • Three stores: Three has around 10-15 shops and dealers around Macau so you can easily buy at these shops.
  • Major airport: Buy Three SIM cards at Macau International Airport (MFM) – 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Arrival Hall.
Buy Three SIM cards at 7-Eleven convenience store, Macau International Airport
Buy Three SIM cards at 7-Eleven convenience store, Macau International Airport
  • Online: Visit the Three official website to book Three SIM cards online and then your new SIM will be delivered to your address.

Important Note: Airport rates are more expensive than SIMs at carrier stores, retailers, or online channels.

VII. Alternatives to Macau Three SIM cards

Besides Three SIM cards, tourists to Macau can also use SIM cards/eSIM from other carriers in Macau such as CTM or SmarTone.

  • CTM has the widest coverage and delivers high-speed data across Macau. The prepaid plans from CTM start at around USD 9 for unlimited data in 3 days.
  • SmarTone boasts good coverage across Macau. Their plan options are also very affordable.
  • Gigago eSIMs for Macau are budget-friendly and diverse, catering to every traveler’s needs.

VIII. FAQs about Three SIM cards and eSIM

Can travelers to Macau get a Three SIM card at the airport?

Yes, Three SIM cards are available for purchase at the 7-Eleven store in Macau International Airport. Tourists can easily get connected to Three’s network upon arrival.

Do I need a passport to buy a Three SIM card in Macau?

Yes, you will need to present your valid passport when purchasing Three SIM cards, as all customers are required to complete a verification process for regulatory reasons.

What payment methods can I use to top up a Three SIM card in Macau?

The most common methods to top up a Three SIM card are by cash in Macau Pataca at authorized retail stores or by debit/credit card via the Three app or online account top up pages.

IX. Final Words

In conclusion, buying a Three SM card or eSIM is highly recommended for visitors to Macau. Three SIM cards allows tourists to access wide 4G network around Macau, offering an easy ways to make calls, send texts, look up information, navigate the locations, and much more. In addition, signing up for a prepaid eSIM plan from Gigago is also an excellent option to stay online while exploring Macau.