Penang eSIM: what to know before you land
🇲🇾 Penang, Malaysia · PEN · 3-day pick: 2 GB for $3.99
Landing in Penang
- PEN Penang International
Penang International is in the south of the island; George Town is a taxi or bus ride north.
- Install the Malaysia eSIM at home on Wi-Fi before you fly.
- When the plane lands at PEN, 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 1.5 GB over 3 days. 2 GB covers it with room to spare.
Maps and messaging only? 1 GB · 7 days for $2.99.
Pay · $3.99Short stays in Penang
| 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
Kota Kinabalu · Kuala Lumpur · Langkawi
Going on from Penang? Asia (18 countries), Global (202 countries) — cover Malaysia too.
Questions about Penang
Which airports serve Penang?
Penang International (PEN). Penang International is in the south of the island; George Town is a taxi or bus ride north.
How much data do I need for 3 days in Penang?
About 1.5 GB for maps, messaging, socials and photos (our estimate: 0.5 GB a day). Our pick is 2 GB · 15 days for $3.99. 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 PEN?
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 Penang?
The Malaysia eSIM connects to Maxis. It lists 5G; a 5G phone uses it where the network has it, 4G elsewhere.