If you have tried buying a prepaid SIM card in the arrival area of a Malaysian airport, you will know that those SIM cards are expensive. And some of the benefits that come with those “tourist special” SIM cards, are not even useful to you. Well, if you do not really want to buy one of those expensive SIM cards, there is a way you can avoid it.
The Malaysian RM10 Prepaid SIM
During my visit to Malaysia in November 2024, I found a prepaid SIM which cost just RM10, was valid for 21 days without any top-up, and came with preloaded unlimited data for 7 days, with top speed data up to 3GB. It was great.
If someone is visiting Malaysia for under 7 days, this SIM would be perfect. And if needed, there is always the option of doing a top-up for additional data or to extend validity beyond the initial 21 days.
As you can see in the picture above, the SIM I am talking about is from CelcomDigi. Celcom and Digi were two separate companies which merged into a single company and brand in 2023. CelcomDigi is currently Malaysia’s largest mobile network.
Let me now share where you can buy this RM10 SIM, and how it gets activated.
Where To Buy
You will not be able to buy this RM10 SIM at the airport. Instead, look for a CelcomDigi company shop somewhere in the city. A large and popular shopping mall is a likely place to find a CelcomDigi company shop. Another option is to go to a shop such as the “CU” shop as shown in the picture above.
I bought this SIM at a CU shop in the Sky Avenue of Resorts World Genting.
How To Activate
The SIM needs to be self-activated. You will have to download and install the ‘Celcom Life’ app on your phone. (I used my hotel’s Wi-Fi to do it.)
There is a self-registration option on the SIM. The registration process requires an image of your passport and your own selfie. After uploading these and entering some basic information, the SIM activates almost immediately.
Network Issues In Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are places where mobile networks are not reachable. One example of such places is hotel rooms at Resorts World Genting. If you are staying in a hotel at Resorts World Genting, there is no guarantee that CelcomDigi or any other brand’s SIM will be able to access the network.
This problem is not limited to CelcomDigi. I have tried SIM cards of Celcom, Maxis, and U Mobile in different hotel rooms there. Some SIM cards work in some of the rooms, but not in others.
However, when you are out of the hotel, CelcomDigi SIM will work fine in Genting Highlands.
Being the largest mobile network in Malaysia, I believe that a CelcomDigi SIM is a tourist’s best bet in that country. Please share your views and feedback using the comment form below. It will help us all.
Thank you for reading.
