Malaysia boasts some of the best internet infrastructure in Southeast Asia. With 4G coverage in all major cities and 5G rolling out rapidly, staying connected as a digital nomad is rarely a problem. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting online.
According to Speedtest Global Index, Malaysia consistently ranks among the top countries in Southeast Asia for both mobile and fixed broadband speeds. The government's push towards a digital economy has resulted in significant infrastructure investments.
Getting a SIM Card
Purchasing a local SIM card is straightforward and highly recommended for any stay longer than a few days. Here is what you need to know:
Requirements
- Valid passport (foreigners must register their SIM)
- Proof of entry stamp or visa
- Small passport photo (some providers)
Where to Buy
Airport
Kiosks at KLIA and KLIA2 arrivals. Convenient but slightly pricier. Open 24/7.
Convenience Stores
7-Eleven, MyNews, and petrols stations sell prepaid SIMs. Quick and easy.
Official Stores
Brand stores in malls offer full range of plans and better support.
Online
Shopee and Lazada sell SIMs with delivery. Good for renewals.
Mobile Data Plans for Nomads
Malaysia has four major mobile operators, each with competitive prepaid plans suitable for digital nomads:
Hotlink (Maxis)
Best CoverageMaxis has the most extensive 4G network, especially in rural areas. Their Hotlink prepaid brand offers excellent tourist packages.
Recommended Plans:
- Hotlink Tourist SIM - RM 35 for 15GB (7 days)
- Hotlink Prepaid Unlimited - RM 35 for unlimited data (speed cap after 6GB)
- Internet 365 - RM 150 for 36GB (365 days)
Digi
Best ValueKnown for competitive pricing and good urban coverage. Digi frequently runs promotions making it a budget-friendly choice.
Recommended Plans:
- Digi Prepaid Internet Cili - RM 28 for 40GB (30 days)
- Digi Prepaid NEXT - RM 40 for unlimited data
- Super Terebaik - RM 10 for 3GB (daily passes)
Celcom
ReliableStrong network with good consistency. Now merged with Digi to form CelcomDigi, offering even better coverage.
Recommended Plans:
- Xpax Prepaid - RM 30 for 30GB (30 days)
- Internet Onz - RM 45 for unlimited data
U Mobile
Budget PickThe challenger brand with aggressive pricing. Coverage has improved significantly in recent years.
Recommended Plans:
- Giler Unlimited - RM 30 for unlimited data
- U Prepaid - RM 25 for 25GB (30 days)
Pro Tip
For the best experience, I recommend starting with a Hotlink Tourist SIM at the airport, then switching to a monthly Digi plan once you have settled in for better value.
Home Internet Options
For longer stays, getting a fixed broadband connection offers the most reliable and fastest speeds. Here are your options:
Fiber Broadband
The gold standard for remote work. Available in most urban areas through providers like:
- Unifi (TM) - The largest provider, speeds up to 1Gbps, from RM 89/month
- Maxis Fibre - Competitive speeds, often bundled with mobile plans
- Time Internet - Available in select buildings, excellent speeds
Wireless Broadband
No installation required, good for short-term stays:
- Yes 4G - Portable MiFi devices, from RM 69/month for unlimited
- Celcom Home Wireless - Router-based solution, from RM 99/month
Speed Expectations
| Plan | Download | Upload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fiber (100Mbps) | 100 Mbps | 50 Mbps | General remote work, video calls |
| Standard Fiber (300Mbps) | 300 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Heavy uploading, streaming |
| Premium Fiber (500Mbps+) | 500+ Mbps | 200+ Mbps | 4K streaming, large file transfers |
| Wireless Broadband | 30-100 Mbps | 10-30 Mbps | Basic work, light video calls |
Public WiFi Options
Free and paid WiFi is widely available across Malaysia:
Cafes
Most cafes offer free WiFi with purchase. Speeds vary widely (10-100 Mbps). Popular chains like Starbucks, Coffee Bean, and local favorites typically have reliable connections.
Shopping Malls
Major malls provide free WiFi throughout. Pavilion KL, Mid Valley, and similar malls have strong coverage in food courts and common areas.
Public Transport
KLIA Express and some MRT stations offer free WiFi. Quality can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Hotels
Most hotels include WiFi. Higher-end properties typically offer faster, more reliable connections. Always test before booking extended stays.
Security Warning
Public WiFi can be insecure. Always use a VPN when connecting to public networks, especially when handling sensitive work data. Consider services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Backup Internet Options
For critical work, always have a backup plan. Here are strategies that have saved me during outages:
Mobile Hotspot
Keep a second SIM card from a different provider. When your main connection fails, switch to mobile data. Most modern phones can act as reliable hotspots.
Portable MiFi Device
Devices like the Huawei Mobile WiFi or TP-Link M7000 let you share a mobile connection with multiple devices. Great for travel and emergencies.
Coworking Space Membership
Even a basic hot desk membership gives you access to reliable internet during emergencies. Some spaces offer pay-per-visit options.
Nearby Cafe Map
Know three to four cafes within walking distance with good WiFi. When home internet fails, you can relocate quickly without missing deadlines.
Tips for Better Internet Performance
Test Before Committing
Use speedtest.net to verify speeds at different times of day before signing long-term accommodation contracts.
Request Router Access
If staying in serviced apartments, ask if you can connect your own router or ethernet cable for better stability.
Position Matters
In large spaces, WiFi strength varies. Test different spots in your room or apartment for the best signal.
Off-Peak Hours
Schedule large downloads and uploads during off-peak hours (late night or early morning) for faster speeds.
