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. Check out this detailed guide to learn about using mobile devices and the best options to get online while exploring the exciting city of Macau.
In this article
To determine if you can use cell phone in Macau, you need to know some key points about phone compatibility, networks, and frequencies in this exciting region.
Phone compatibility: Most modern smartphones from around the world will work in Macau without issues.
Frequencies:
Networks:
Pro Tips:
Yes. Tourists are still able to use their cell phones and access the Internet in Maca. Before your flight to Macau, you should confirm several things as follows:
Let us take a closer look at the specific frequencies and bands used by Macau operators.
| Network Carrier | 2G Bands | 3G Bands | 4G Bands |
| CTM | GSM 900MHz, 1800MHz | WCDMA 2100MHz | LTE bands 3, 7, 38 |
| SmarTone | GSM 900MHz, 1800MHz | WCDMA 2100MHz | LTE bands 3, 7, 38 |
| Three Macau | GSM 900MHz, 1800MHz | WCDMA 2100MHz | LTE bands 1, 5, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
Now that you know different international package alternatives to use cell phone in Macau. Let us dive into the features, where to buy, and pros and cons of some mobile internet devices of Macau.
eSIM for Macau is a smart digital way to get the Internet without a physical SIM while traveling in this region. It has become prevalent among travelers due to its innovative functionalities. It is a digital SIM/ embedded SIM, so it is effortless to sign up, activate, and use it virtually.
Suitable for: eSIM-embedded mobile devices
Where to buy eSIM for Macau: order online from major Macau carriers or trusted eSIM third-party resellers
Pros: no physical SIM, no store visit, easy online purchase and setup, eco-friendly
Cons: mobile devices need to be unlocked and eSIM-compatible
Physical SIM cards may be a more familiar option for you. They work similarly to those you utilize at home. You need to buy a local Macau SIM card and insert the SIM into your phone’s SIM slot.
Suitable for: any unlocked smartphone
Where to purchase SIM card for Macau: online on carrier websites before trip, at the airport kiosk upon arrival, or carrier shops in the cities
Pros: a wide selection of SIM plans, competitive local rates, Macau SIM cards work with any unlocked phone
Cons: risk of SIM loss, have to locate the store locations if you buy offline
The pocket Wifi for Macau is a lightweight portable Wifi hotspot that delivers Wifi signals for multiple mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Suitable for: sharing a data plan among family or group members traveling together
Where to get Pocket WiFi for Macau: electronic shops, rental websites, airport rental kiosks
Pros: Internet sharing, multiple mobile devices can connect to the same pocket Wifi
Cons: device and accessories to carry, have to return them after trip
Good to know: 1MOP = 0.12USD
Here is a concise summary of telecom service pricing for local SIM cards, international roaming, and portable Wi-Fi options, presented in a simplified table for easy comparison.
| Category | Provider/Service | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local SIM Card Costs | CTM Macau Tourist SIM | ~100–150 MOP | 5.5G Chill Travel Card, 3–5 GB data, includes local calls and roaming options. |
| China Mobile Macau SIM | ~80–120 MOP | Tourist SIM with 3–5 GB data, free local calls, and SMS. | |
| Telstra Prepaid SIM | ~30 AUD (~150 MOP) | 3 GB data, valid for 28 days, includes unlimited calls and SMS in Australia. | |
| International Roaming Costs | AT&T International Day Pass | ~$10 USD/day | Unlimited data, calls, and SMS in eligible roaming countries. |
| Vodafone Global Roaming | ~£6/day (Europe), ~£8/day (Worldwide) | Unlimited data, calls, and SMS in supported regions. | |
| CTM Roaming | ~50–150 MOP/day | RoamEasy Packages: 50–100 MOP/day for Asia & Oceania, 150 MOP/day for Europe, America, Africa. | |
| China Mobile Macau Roaming | ~50–80 MOP/day | Unlimited data in Asia, affordable options for Europe and the Americas. | |
| Portable Wi-Fi Costs | Klook Portable Wi-Fi | ~35–70 MOP/day, deposit ~500 MOP | Portable Wi-Fi rental, refundable deposit upon return. |
| CTM Wi-Fi Router Rental | ~50–100 MOP/day | Wi-Fi router rental, supports multiple destinations and devices. | |
| Telstra Wi-Fi Hotspots | ~20 AUD (~100 MOP) for 5 GB | Mobile Wi-Fi plans, available for purchase or rental. |
Most likely possible.
Visitors can utilize their regular phone services from home when they are in Macau. However, this is not an optimal option as calling, texting, and using cellular data may cost a lot through roaming charges.
If you do not track every little thing like your data need and your usage habits carefully, you will have to incur shockingly phone bills after your vacation. The roaming fees depend on the terms and conditions of your home provider.
Advice: It is recommended to consider other alternatives such as Macau prepaid physical SIM or an eSIM for the best deals. This will helps you avoid budget worries.
Using an eSIM is the best way to stay online without a regular plastic SIM when you visit Macau. With eSIM, all you need is to download and activate it online before your flight with the eSIM provider’s support. eSIM for Macau also provides a wide selection of plans for you to select from.
Tourists can get an eSIM plan for their Macau trip in 2 ways:
Gigago’s eSIM plans for Macau work on the CTM network – The largest mobile network in Macau with the most extensive coverage and speedy data. Tourists will always get coverage by CTM wherever they travel in Macau.
These plans start at only $3.00 for 1GB of data over 3 days and vary between $3.00 – $95.90 , much cheaper than roaming services. Regardless of your length of stay in Macau and the amount of data you need, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
Pro Tips:
These extra handy tips will help you use cell phone in Macau cost-effectively:
As long as your phone supports the correct frequency bands, you can use cell phone in Macau. Check with your carrier about compatibility and options like international plans.
Get a local SIM with a Macau number and dial your country code followed by the number to use cell phone in Macau for international calls.
The major carriers are CTM, SmarTone, and Three Macau. Any offer reliable coverage around Macau to use cell phone in Macau.
In conclusion, using a cell phone in Macau is straightforward for travelers. Whether you use a Macau eSIM, regular SIM, or pocket Wifi, you can use cell phone in Macau seamlessly during your visit. By choosing the right local SIM option and ensuring your device is compatible, you can easily stay in touch with your loved ones, use apps, and browse the Internet while exploring the many sights of Macau.
This article is designed for Macau tourists who want to stay connected without overspending. Navigating data roaming in Macau can be challenging, especially when avoiding high fees and ensuring smooth internet access.
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Smartone SIM cards provide a budget-friendly solution for rmobile connectivity while exploring the popular destinations in Macau. Smartone SIM cards provide a budget-friendly solution for rmobile connectivity while exploring the popular destinations in Macau. As one of Macau’s major cellular carriers, SmarTone has reliable 4G network throughout the region. This guide discusses where and how to buy SmarTone SIM cards, the latest prices, and the best alternative for easy access to mobile networks during your Macau trip.
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.
A Macau SIM card allows you to access the Internet on your phone, make calls, and send messages via the local mobile networks. This guide will outline the best options for purchasing a SIM card at Macau Airport, updated pricing information, and the best alternative to get online during your Macau trip.
This is an easy way to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Now let us explore the best plan options and how to purchase and activate CTM SIM cards and eSIM for the best travel experience in Macau.
