Kota Kinabalu eSIM: what to know before you land
🇲🇾 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · BKI · 4-day pick: 3 GB for $4.99
Landing in Kota Kinabalu
- BKI Kota Kinabalu International
Kota Kinabalu's airport is close to the city centre on Borneo's west coast and is the gateway to Mount Kinabalu.
- Install the Malaysia eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
- When the plane lands at BKI, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line, so maps and transport apps work from the arrivals hall.
- The days start counting on first connection in Malaysia, not at purchase.
You'll need about 2 GB over 4 days. 3 GB covers it with room to spare.
Maps and messaging only? 1 GB · 7 days for $2.99.
Pay · $4.99Short stays in Kota Kinabalu
| Stay | Maps & messaging | Plus socials & photos | Streaming & hotspot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~409 MB | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1 GB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.6 GB |
| 3 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~614 MB | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.5 GB | $8.99 Unlimited · 3 daysneeds ~3.9 GB |
| 4 days | $2.99 1 GB · 7 daysneeds ~819 MB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2 GB | $12.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~5.2 GB |
| 5 days | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1 GB | $4.99 3 GB · 30 daysneeds ~2.5 GB | $12.99 Unlimited · 5 daysneeds ~6.5 GB |
| 7 days | $3.99 2 GB · 15 daysneeds ~1.4 GB | $6.99 5 GB · 30 daysneeds ~3.5 GB | $9.99 10 GB · 30 daysneeds ~9.1 GB |
Networks
The Malaysia eSIM connects to Maxis. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.
Also in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur · Langkawi · Penang
Going on from Kota Kinabalu? Asia (18 countries), Global (202 countries) — cover Malaysia too.
Questions about Kota Kinabalu
Which airports serve Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu International (BKI). Kota Kinabalu's airport is close to the city centre on Borneo's west coast and is the gateway to Mount Kinabalu.
How much data do I need for 4 days in Kota Kinabalu?
About 2 GB for maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick is 3 GB · 30 days for $4.99. If you only need maps and messaging, 1 GB · 7 days for $2.99 is enough.
Can I be online as soon as I land at BKI?
Yes, if you install the eSIM before you fly. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch on data roaming for the eSIM line when you land; the plan's days start when it first connects to a network in Malaysia.
Which networks will I use in Kota Kinabalu?
The Malaysia eSIM connects to Maxis. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.