Hotlink Travel SIM Review 2026: 100GB for RM35 on Maxis, MY/SG/TH/ID

Name: Hotlink Travel SIM Malaysia Review 2026
Item: Hotlink Travel SIM
Rating: 4.3
Author: Malaysia4U

Want fast data on a budget? Hotlink is Maxis's prepaid brand — one of Malaysia's strongest networks for speed and quality — and its travel SIM packs roughly 100GB for RM35 over 15 days, usable across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

Quick Verdict

→Strong speed & quality. Hotlink runs on the Maxis network, widely rated among Malaysia's best for speed and reliability, with good urban coverage and decent nationwide reach.
→Big data, low price. The travel SIM is commonly listed at around 100GB for RM35 with ~15 days validity and 5G access where available.
→Multi-country. Marketed to work across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia on one SIM — handy for a regional ASEAN trip.
→Coverage caveat. For deep rural areas and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak), CelcomDigi is often cited as broadest — consider it for off-grid Borneo travel.

Get the Hotlink Travel SIM

Around 100GB for RM35 over 15 days on the Maxis network, with MY/SG/TH/ID roaming. Buy on Shopee via our link.

Buy on Shopee

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission if you buy via this link, at no extra cost to you

What You Get — 100GB / RM35 / 15 Days

The headline pitch of the Hotlink travel SIM is simple and strong: roughly 100GB of data for RM35, valid for about 15 days, running on the Maxis network. For a short, data-heavy trip — streaming, maps, video calls, hotspotting a laptop — that is a lot of headroom at a low price.

Item	Detail
Price	From RM35
Data	Around 100GB (per the common Shopee listing)
Validity	Around 15 days
Network	Maxis (Hotlink is Maxis's prepaid brand)
5G	Access on Maxis 5G where available; 4G/LTE elsewhere
Countries	Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia (multi-country roaming)
Where to buy	Shopee, airport outlets, Maxis/Hotlink stores, convenience stores
Registration	Mandatory (MCMC) — passport for visitors, MyKad for Malaysians

Data, validity and price vary by the specific Shopee listing and any ongoing promotion — always confirm on the product page before buying.

The Maxis Network: Speed, Quality & Coverage

The biggest reason to pick Hotlink is the network underneath it. Maxis is consistently regarded as one of Malaysia's strongest mobile networks for speed and overall quality. In cities and along major routes, you can generally expect fast, reliable data — which is exactly where most travellers spend their time.

Coverage is good in urban areas and decent nationwide. For the typical Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru or Melaka trip, Hotlink/Maxis is an easy recommendation. The one honest caveat is the deep-rural and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak) picture: CelcomDigi is widely cited as having the broadest reach in remote areas and Borneo, so if your itinerary is heavy on off-the-beaten-track destinations, that may be the safer coverage bet.

Rule of thumb: for speed in cities and along main highways, Maxis/Hotlink is excellent. For guaranteed signal deep in rural Borneo, weigh CelcomDigi. Many regular travellers just match the SIM to the trip.

Multi-Country Roaming (MY/SG/TH/ID)

A standout feature of the Hotlink travel SIM is that it's marketed to work across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia on a single SIM. For anyone doing a regional ASEAN loop — say KL, then a hop to Singapore, then Bangkok or Bali — that removes the hassle of buying and swapping a separate SIM in each country.

The practical caveats: the exact countries included, how much of your data allowance is usable abroad, and any per-country terms can differ between listings. Roaming data is sometimes a subset of the headline quota rather than the full 100GB. So before relying on it outside Malaysia, read the specific product description for the included countries and any caps. Treat the multi-country support as a genuine convenience for regional trips, while confirming the fine print for your route.

5G Access on Maxis

Hotlink prepaid plans generally include 5G access on the Maxis network where 5G coverage is available. To use it you need a 5G-capable phone and to be inside a 5G coverage area — strongest in major cities and along key corridors. Where 5G isn't available, you fall back to 4G/LTE, which is widely available nationwide and already fast on Maxis.

In real-world use, 5G mainly matters for very fast downloads and low latency in dense urban spots; for typical travel browsing, maps and streaming, Maxis's 4G is more than adequate. If 5G is essential to you, confirm it's included on the specific plan listing, since inclusion can vary by bundle.

Where to Buy, Registration, eSIM & Hotspot

Where to buy. You can pick up a Hotlink travel/prepaid SIM at the airport (KLIA/airport arrival outlets), at Maxis/Hotlink stores and dealers, at convenience stores, and online via Shopee. Buying the travel SIM on Shopee before your trip is usually the cheapest route and lets you skip the airport queue — you receive or collect the SIM and activate on arrival.

Registration. Malaysia's MCMC rules make prepaid SIM registration mandatory. Visitors register with a passport; Malaysians use their MyKad. At an airport outlet or store, staff register it on the spot; online purchases include a registration/verification step. Carry your passport when activating.

eSIM. Maxis/Hotlink supports eSIM on compatible phones, and eSIM has become more available. Availability for a specific travel bundle can vary by channel, so if you want eSIM specifically, confirm it's offered on the listing before buying.

Hotspot. Hotlink prepaid and travel plans generally allow hotspot/tethering, so you can share data with a laptop, tablet or travel companions. The ~100GB allowance gives plenty of headroom, though heavy tethering and streaming will burn through it faster.

How to Buy and Activate

1Choose your bundle — e.g. the ~100GB / RM35 / 15-day travel SIM. Check data, validity, 5G, multi-country roaming and price first.
2Buy on Shopee ahead of your trip for the best price (or at a KLIA/airport outlet or store on arrival). Bring your passport.
3Register with your passport (visitors) or MyKad (Malaysians) — at pickup, or via the listing's verification flow.
4Insert the nano-SIM into your unlocked phone, or scan the eSIM QR if you bought an eSIM bundle.
5Activate and check coverage. Enable 5G in settings if supported. Enable data roaming when crossing into SG/TH/ID if your bundle includes them.
6Top up if needed via the Hotlink app, online, convenience stores or e-wallets — useful past the ~15-day validity.

Tip: if you'll be travelling outside Malaysia, double-check on the listing which countries are included and how much data is usable abroad before you leave — roaming terms can differ from the headline 100GB.

Hotlink vs CelcomDigi, U Mobile, Yes 5G & eSIMs

Malaysia's tourist-SIM market is competitive. Here's how Hotlink stacks up against the main alternatives on the things travellers care about — coverage, speed, data, price, 5G and multi-country support.

Option	Network & coverage	Speed	Data / price (typical)	5G	Multi-country
Hotlink (Maxis)	Strong urban, decent nationwide	Top-tier speed/quality	~100GB / RM35 / 15 days	Yes (Maxis 5G)	MY/SG/TH/ID
CelcomDigi	Broadest, incl. rural & Borneo	Solid	~65GB / from RM35	Yes	Varies by plan
U Mobile	Good urban; thinner rural	Good in cities	Cheapest (e.g. ~25GB / RM12)	Yes	Some plans (MY/SG/TH/ID)
Yes 5G	Urban-focused (YTL/5G)	Fast on 5G	From ~RM30	5G-first	Mainly Malaysia
eSIM (Airalo / Yesim)	Runs on a host network	Depends on host	Small packs from a few USD	Varies	200+ countries

vs CelcomDigi: the closest head-to-head. Hotlink wins on raw speed/quality and on the ~100GB-for-RM35 value with MY/SG/TH/ID roaming; CelcomDigi wins on sheer coverage breadth, especially in rural areas and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak). City trip and regional travel → Hotlink. Borneo or off-grid itineraries → CelcomDigi.

vs U Mobile: U Mobile is the budget champion — its tourist SIMs are typically the cheapest (e.g. around RM12 for ~25GB), with some multi-country options too. If absolute lowest price is the goal and you stay in cities, U Mobile is hard to beat. Hotlink's pitch is far more data and Maxis-grade speed for a still-modest RM35.

vs Yes 5G: Yes (YTL Communications) is 5G-first and can be fast in covered urban areas, but its coverage footprint is narrower and it's mainly Malaysia-focused rather than a multi-country travel SIM. For a regional trip, Hotlink's MY/SG/TH/ID support is the bigger draw.

vs travel eSIMs (Airalo / Yesim): eSIMs are great for ultra-short trips and instant setup before you fly, and they span 200+ countries. But they run on a host network (so speed/coverage depend on the host), and per-GB they're usually pricier than a local 100GB-for-RM35 SIM. For a longer or data-heavy Malaysia stay, the local Hotlink SIM offers far more data for the money; for a quick stopover, an eSIM can be more convenient.

Who the Hotlink Travel SIM Is For

Hotlink suits some travellers more than others. Here's how it lands across the main cohorts:

Quality & speed-focused tourists

The core audience. If you want the fastest, most reliable data in cities and along main routes, Maxis-grade speed makes Hotlink a top pick. Best fit if your trip is city-based.

Business travellers

Reliable urban coverage, strong speeds and ample data suit video calls, email and tethering a laptop. Just mind the ~15-day validity for longer assignments — top up or buy a longer bundle.

Multi-country ASEAN travellers

A real draw: one SIM marketed to cover Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Ideal for a regional loop — confirm the included countries and roaming data on the listing before you go.

Streaming & heavy-data users

The ~100GB allowance plus fast Maxis speeds make this excellent for streaming, maps and downloads. Plenty of headroom for hotspotting too — just watch the validity window.

Urban users

If you stay in KL, Penang, JB or Melaka, Maxis's urban strength means consistently fast data. The coverage caveat (rural/Borneo) simply won't apply to you.

Value seekers

100GB for RM35 is strong value per gigabyte. If you want even lower upfront cost and stay in cities, U Mobile is cheaper — but for sheer data plus Maxis speed, Hotlink is a sweet spot.

Who it isn't for

Travellers spending most of their trip deep in rural areas or East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak) may prefer CelcomDigi for coverage. Those wanting the very cheapest city SIM may prefer U Mobile, and ultra-short stopovers may favour an instant eSIM.

Setup Tips

1. Confirm data, validity & countries before buying

The ~100GB / RM35 / 15-day figures and the MY/SG/TH/ID coverage vary by listing and promotion. Read the specific Shopee product page so there are no surprises on quota, validity days or which countries are included.

2. Have your passport ready

MCMC registration is mandatory. Visitors register with a passport; Malaysians with a MyKad. Keep it handy at pickup or during the online verification step.

3. Buy on Shopee before you fly

It's usually cheaper than airport kiosks and lets you skip the arrival queue. Arrange delivery or pickup, then activate on arrival.

4. Enable 5G and check your phone is unlocked

Turn on 5G in your phone settings to use Maxis 5G where available. Make sure your handset is carrier-unlocked so the SIM (or eSIM) works.

5. Turn on data roaming abroad

If your bundle includes SG/TH/ID, enable data roaming when you cross the border so the multi-country feature actually kicks in. Confirm the roaming data terms first.

6. Plan top-ups for longer stays

If your trip runs past ~15 days, top up via the Hotlink app, online, convenience stores or e-wallets — no need to buy a fresh SIM.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

Runs on Maxis — among Malaysia's best networks for speed and quality
Big data: around 100GB for RM35 — strong value per gigabyte
Multi-country: works in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand & Indonesia
5G access on the Maxis network where available
Good urban coverage and decent nationwide reach
Easy to buy (Shopee, airport, stores) and top up; eSIM on compatible phones
Hotspot/tethering supported — plenty of headroom for a laptop or group

✗ Cons

~15-day validity is short for longer stays — needs a top-up or bigger bundle
Rural and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak) coverage trails CelcomDigi
Multi-country roaming terms (countries, usable data) vary by listing — check the fine print
U Mobile can be cheaper upfront for city-only trips
5G inclusion and exact bundle specs can vary by listing/promotion
SIM registration (MCMC) required — carry your passport

FAQ

How much data and validity does the Hotlink travel SIM give for RM35?

The Hotlink travel SIM is commonly listed at around 100GB of data for RM35 with about 15 days of validity, running on the Maxis network. Exact data quota, the number of validity days, and price can vary by the specific Shopee listing and any ongoing promotion, so always confirm the quota and validity shown on the product page before buying. If you need longer than ~15 days, plan to buy a larger or longer bundle, or top up.

Which countries does the Hotlink travel SIM work in?

The Hotlink travel SIM is marketed as a multi-country option that works in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, making it convenient for a regional ASEAN trip on a single SIM. Roaming terms, the data allowance usable abroad, and which countries are included can differ between listings, so check the specific product description for the exact countries and any per-country data caps before relying on it outside Malaysia.

How good is the Maxis network that Hotlink runs on?

Maxis is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s strongest networks for speed and overall quality, with good coverage in urban areas and decent reach nationwide. Hotlink is Maxis’s prepaid brand, so a Hotlink SIM rides the same network. In cities and along major routes you can expect fast, reliable data. For deep rural areas and parts of East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak), CelcomDigi is often cited as having the broadest coverage, so for off-grid Borneo travel that may be a safer pick.

Does the Hotlink travel SIM include 5G?

Hotlink provides 5G access on the Maxis network where 5G coverage is available, and current prepaid plans generally include 5G. You need a 5G-capable phone and to be within a 5G coverage area, which is strongest in major cities and along key corridors. Where 5G is unavailable you fall back to 4G/LTE, which is widely available. If 5G is essential to you, confirm it is included on the specific plan listing, since inclusion can vary.

Where can I buy a Hotlink travel or prepaid SIM?

You can buy at the airport (KLIA/airport arrival-hall outlets and kiosks), at Maxis/Hotlink stores and authorised dealers, at convenience stores, and online via Shopee with delivery or pickup. Buying the travel SIM on Shopee ahead of your trip is usually the cheapest route and lets you skip the airport queue — you collect or receive the SIM and activate it on arrival.

Do I need to register the Hotlink SIM with my passport?

Yes. Malaysia requires all prepaid SIMs to be registered under MCMC rules. As a visitor you register with your passport; Malaysians use their MyKad. If you buy at an airport outlet or store, staff register it for you on the spot. If you buy online, the listing will explain the registration step — usually done at pickup or via a verification flow. Carry your passport when activating.

Does Hotlink offer an eSIM for travellers?

Hotlink/Maxis supports eSIM on compatible phones for its prepaid lines, and eSIM has become more widely available. Availability for the specific travel bundle can vary by channel, so if you specifically want an eSIM, confirm it is offered on the listing before buying. If you prefer a guaranteed eSIM experience, travel eSIM providers such as Airalo or Yesim are an easy alternative, though they typically run on a host network and the exact host can vary.

Can I use the Hotlink SIM as a hotspot / for tethering?

Yes. Hotlink prepaid and travel data plans generally allow hotspot/tethering, so you can share data with a laptop, tablet or travel companions. A ~100GB allowance gives plenty of room for tethering, but heavy hotspot use (large downloads, multiple devices, lots of streaming) will still consume the quota faster, so a large-data bundle like this is well suited to a group or a remote-work setup.

How do I top up or extend a Hotlink prepaid SIM?

Top-ups are easy and widely available — via the Hotlink app, online, at convenience stores and 7-Eleven, at ATMs, and through e-wallets. You can buy additional data passes or reload airtime and convert it to a data plan. This makes Hotlink workable for longer stays, since you can extend without buying a whole new SIM once the travel bundle’s ~15-day validity runs out.

Is Hotlink better than CelcomDigi for tourists in Malaysia?

It depends on your trip. Hotlink (Maxis) is strong on speed and quality with good urban coverage, and the ~100GB-for-RM35 travel bundle with MY/SG/TH/ID roaming is excellent value for a city-based or multi-country regional trip. CelcomDigi is often cited as having the broadest overall coverage, especially in rural areas and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak). For Borneo or off-the-beaten-track itineraries, CelcomDigi can be the safer choice; for cities, fast data and regional ASEAN travel, Hotlink is very competitive.

Final Verdict: 4.3/5

The Hotlink travel SIM is one of the easiest recommendations for a city-based or multi-country Malaysia trip. You get Maxis-grade speed and quality, a generous ~100GB of data for just RM35 over about 15 days, 5G where it's available, and the convenience of one SIM that works across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. For the price, that's a lot of fast data.

The honest caveats keep it just below the top score: the ~15-day validity is tight for longer stays, rural and East Malaysia coverage trails CelcomDigi, and the exact multi-country roaming terms vary by listing, so you should read the fine print before relying on it abroad. Budget travellers who stay only in cities may also find U Mobile cheaper upfront. We hold the score at 4.3/5.

Bottom line: if you want fast, reliable data in Malaysia's cities, a big data allowance, and the flexibility to roam across MY/SG/TH/ID on one SIM, the Hotlink travel SIM at ~100GB / RM35 is excellent value. Confirm the data, validity and included countries on the listing, then buy via our link.