Hotlink Travel SIM Review 2026: 100GB for RM35 on Maxis, MY/SG/TH/ID
Did you know? A single Hotlink travel SIM covers four countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia) on the Maxis network, with the popular tier packing roughly 100GB for RM35 over 15 days.
Updated · Based on hands-on use of Maxis/Hotlink prepaid in Malaysia
By Malaysia4U Editorial Team · Updated 24 July 2026 · Based on hands-on use of Maxis/Hotlink prepaid in Malaysia
Quick Verdict
- →Strong reliability & quality. Hotlink runs on the Maxis network, holder of the Opensignal Reliability award (Nov 2025), with good urban coverage and decent nationwide reach.
- →Big data, low price. Three tiers: RM25 (~40GB / 7 days), RM35 (~100GB / 15 days) and RM64 (~400GB / 30 days), all with 5G where available.
- →Multi-country. Works 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
Plans from RM25. The popular RM35 tier gives around 100GB for 15 days on the Maxis network, with MY/SG/TH/ID coverage. Buy on Shopee via our link.
Buy on ShopeeWhat is the Hotlink Travel SIM?
The Hotlink Travel SIM is a prepaid tourist SIM for Malaysia, sold by Hotlink, the prepaid brand of Maxis. It bundles a big block of data with a fixed validity period, unlimited local calls and unlimited hotspot in Malaysia, and multi-country coverage across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. It runs on the Maxis network, one of the country's most reliable, so in cities and along major routes you get fast, dependable data.
Maxis launched the dedicated travel SIM in June 2025, and by 2026 it settles into three simple tiers: RM25 for around 40GB over 7 days, RM35 for around 100GB over 15 days, and RM64 for around 400GB over 30 days. The RM35 tier is the one most travellers pick, and it is the tier that also supports eSIM through the Hotlink app.
The pitch is straightforward: a lot of data, on a strong network, for a short trip, with one SIM that also works when you hop across the border to Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia. You register it with your passport (MCMC rules), pop it in an unlocked phone or set up the eSIM, and you are online.
The Maxis & Hotlink Story
To understand the travel SIM you have to understand the network under it. Maxis began commercial mobile operations in 1995 on 2G GSM, founded under the Usaha Tegas group. Over the following decades it grew into one of Malaysia's largest mobile operators, and after a 2007 privatisation it returned to the market as Maxis Berhad in a large November 2009 Bursa Malaysia listing.
Hotlink arrived in October 1999 as the Maxis prepaid brand, the pay-as-you-go face of the network. Where Maxis positioned itself around postpaid and premium plans, Hotlink went after prepaid users who wanted quality data without a contract. It became one of Malaysia's most recognised prepaid names, and the two brands together are among the most valuable in the country's telecom market.
On the network side, Maxis rolled out 4G/LTE from 2013, which still carries most Hotlink data today where 5G has not reached. 5G arrived in 2022 through Malaysia's single wholesale 5G network (Digital Nasional Berhad), and Hotlink brought unlimited 5G to the prepaid tier from 2023. In the November 2025 Opensignal report, Maxis retained the Reliability Experience award outright, a signal of how consistent the network is, even as download-speed leadership stays tight between operators.
The Hotlink Travel SIM itself launched in June 2025, a purpose-built product for tourists and regional travellers: fixed-price multi-country data, unlimited local calls and hotspot in Malaysia, sold through Maxis Centres, airport outlets and online. By 2026 it sits in a crowded tourist-SIM market alongside CelcomDigi, U Mobile, Yes and a wave of travel eSIMs, and it competes on the strength of the Maxis network and generous data for the money.
Timeline: Key Milestones
The short version of how Maxis and Hotlink got here, most recent first: from a 1995 2G launch to a 2025 multi-country travel SIM on a 5G network.
2026
Travel SIM tiers settle at RM25 / RM35 / RM64
The Hotlink Travel SIM range runs from RM25 (around 40GB over 7 days) to RM35 (around 100GB over 15 days) to RM64 (around 400GB over 30 days), all covering Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia with unlimited local calls and hotspot in Malaysia.
Nov 2025
Maxis holds Opensignal Reliability award
In the November 2025 Opensignal Malaysia report, Maxis retained the Reliability Experience award outright. Download-speed leadership was tighter across operators, but Maxis stayed near the top for consistency.
Jun 2025
Hotlink Travel SIM launches
Maxis launches the dedicated Hotlink Travel SIM in June 2025, a fixed-price multi-country data SIM for Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, sold through Maxis Centres, airports and online.
2023
Unlimited 5G prepaid plans
Hotlink rolls out unlimited 5G prepaid plans on the Maxis network, bringing 5G to the prepaid tier as coverage expands across the Klang Valley and major cities.
2022
5G arrives on Maxis
Maxis begins offering 5G through Malaysia’s single wholesale 5G network (Digital Nasional Berhad), with coverage strongest in urban centres and key corridors.
2013
4G / LTE rollout
Maxis rolls out 4G/LTE, the backbone that still carries most Hotlink data today where 5G is not yet available. 4G remains widely available nationwide.
Nov 2009
Maxis Berhad relisted on Bursa Malaysia
After a 2007 privatisation, Maxis returns to the local market as Maxis Berhad in November 2009, one of the largest listings on Bursa Malaysia at the time.
1999
Hotlink prepaid brand launches
Maxis introduces the Hotlink prepaid brand in October 1999. Hotlink grows into one of Malaysia’s most recognised prepaid names, the pay-as-you-go face of the Maxis network.
1995
Maxis launches mobile service
Maxis, founded under Usaha Tegas, begins commercial mobile operations in 1995 on 2G GSM, going on to become one of Malaysia’s largest mobile operators.
Plans & Pricing (RM25 / RM35 / RM64)
Hotlink keeps the travel range simple: three tiers, all covering the same four countries, differing on data and validity. Here is the 2026 line-up (data, validity and price can shift with promos, so confirm on the listing):
| Tier | Data | Validity | eSIM | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM25 | ~40GB | 7 days | Check listing | Short city trip / long weekend |
| RM35 | ~100GB | 15 days | Yes (app) | Typical two-week holiday (most popular) |
| RM64 | ~400GB | 30 days | Check listing | Month-long stay, heavy streaming, tethering a group (best value per GB) |
Every tier includes unlimited local calls in Malaysia and unlimited hotspot, plus 5G access where covered. Need more? Hotlink sells add-on data passes (roughly RM4 to RM45 depending on data and speed) in the app, so you can extend without buying a new SIM. On a per-gigabyte basis the RM64 400GB tier is the cheapest data, while the RM25 tier is the lowest upfront cost for a quick trip.
Data, validity and price vary by the specific listing and any ongoing promotion. Some listings apply a speed cap or fair-usage threshold on the larger tiers, so always confirm the speed and any FUP on the product page before buying.
What You Get, 100GB / RM35 / 15 Days
The headline pitch of the popular tier 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 RM25 (RM35 for the popular 100GB tier) |
| Data | ~40GB / ~100GB / ~400GB depending on tier |
| Validity | 7 / 15 / 30 days depending on tier |
| Local calls | Unlimited within Malaysia |
| Hotspot | Unlimited hotspot / tethering in Malaysia |
| 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) |
| Where to buy | Shopee, Hotlink app (eSIM), airport outlets, Maxis Centres, convenience stores |
| Registration | Mandatory (MCMC): passport for visitors, MyKad for Malaysians |
Data, validity and price vary by the specific 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 most reliable mobile networks, and it held the Opensignal Reliability Experience award in the November 2025 Malaysia report. In cities and along major routes you can generally expect fast, dependable data, which is exactly where most travellers spend their time.
On raw download speed the operators are close, and depending on the month different networks top the chart. What Maxis wins is consistency: fewer dead spots, steadier speeds, a network that just works. 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 reliable data 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 works 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 detail: in Malaysia your data is unlimited to the plan quota. For Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia you may need to enable data roaming and activate a Data Roam Pass through the Hotlink app, and the roaming data usable abroad can differ from the headline Malaysian quota. So before relying on it outside Malaysia, read the specific listing for the included countries and any roaming terms. 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 and travel 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 tier.
Where to Buy, Registration, eSIM & Hotspot
Where to buy. You can pick up a Hotlink travel SIM at the airport (KLIA, Langkawi, Penang and other arrival outlets), at Maxis Centres and Hotlink dealers, at convenience stores, and online via Shopee or the Hotlink app. Buying ahead of your trip on Shopee or as an eSIM 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 and eSIM purchases include a registration and verification step. Carry your passport when activating.
eSIM. Hotlink supports eSIM on compatible phones through the app, and the RM35 (100GB, 15 days) travel tier in particular is listed as eSIM available. Availability for the other tiers can vary, so if you want eSIM specifically, confirm it's offered on the tier you pick before buying.
Hotspot. Every travel tier includes unlimited hotspot/tethering in Malaysia, so you can share data with a laptop, tablet or travel companions. The 100GB and 400GB allowances give plenty of headroom, though heavy tethering and streaming will burn through it faster.
How to Buy and Activate
- 1Choose your tier: RM25 (~40GB / 7 days), RM35 (~100GB / 15 days) or RM64 (~400GB / 30 days). Check data, validity, 5G, countries and price first.
- 2Buy on Shopee or as an eSIM in the Hotlink app ahead of your trip for the best price (or at a KLIA/airport outlet or Maxis Centre 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 from the app if you bought an eSIM bundle.
- 5Activate and check coverage. Enable 5G in settings if supported. Enable data roaming (and a Data Roam Pass if required) when crossing into SG/TH/ID.
- 6Top up if needed via the Hotlink app, online, convenience stores or e-wallets. Data passes run roughly RM4 to RM45.
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 Malaysian quota.
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 | Reliability | Data / price (typical) | 5G | Multi-country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotlink (Maxis) | Strong urban, decent nationwide | Top-rated (Opensignal Nov 2025) | ~100GB / RM35 / 15 days (from RM25) | 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 (strong 5G availability) | 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 |
Prices, data and coverage are approximate and based on 2025-2026 figures; operators reprice and re-plan constantly.
vs CelcomDigi: the closest head-to-head. Hotlink wins on reliability, generous data (RM35 for ~100GB) and the MY/SG/TH/ID coverage; CelcomDigi wins on sheer coverage breadth, especially in rural areas and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak). City trip and regional travel favour Hotlink. Borneo or off-grid itineraries favour CelcomDigi.
vs U Mobile: U Mobile is the budget champion, its tourist SIMs are typically the cheapest (around RM12 for ~25GB), and it has often led on 5G availability in Opensignal Malaysia reports. 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 reliability for a still-modest RM25 to 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 and coverage depend on the host), and per gigabyte 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. Note that Hotlink itself now offers an eSIM on the RM35 tier, which closes much of the convenience gap.
Who the Hotlink Travel SIM Is For
Hotlink suits some travellers more than others. Here's how it lands across the main cohorts:
Reliability & quality-focused tourists
The core audience. If you want the most dependable data in cities and along main routes, Maxis's reliability makes Hotlink a top pick. Best fit if your trip is city-based. The RM35 100GB tier is the natural default.
Business travellers
Reliable urban coverage, strong speeds and ample data suit video calls, email and tethering a laptop. For a longer assignment, step up to the RM64 400GB / 30-day tier rather than topping up a shorter one.
Multi-country ASEAN travellers
A real draw: one SIM covering Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Ideal for a regional loop. Confirm the roaming terms and any Data Roam Pass on the listing before you go.
Streaming & heavy-data users
The 100GB and 400GB allowances plus fast Maxis speeds make this excellent for streaming, maps and downloads. Plenty of headroom for hotspotting too.
Short-trip / weekend visitors
For a long weekend or a quick city break, the RM25 40GB / 7-day tier keeps upfront cost low without overpaying for data you won't use. Match the tier to the trip length.
Urban users
If you stay in KL, Penang, JB or Melaka, Maxis's urban strength means consistently fast, reliable data. The coverage caveat (rural/Borneo) simply won't apply to you.
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 travel eSIM.
How to Get the Most Value
1. Match the tier to your trip length
Don't overbuy. RM25 (40GB / 7 days) for a weekend, RM35 (100GB / 15 days) for a fortnight, RM64 (400GB / 30 days) for a month or heavy use. Per gigabyte the RM64 tier is cheapest, but only if you'll actually use the data.
2. Buy on Shopee or as an eSIM before you fly
It's usually cheaper than airport kiosks and lets you skip the arrival queue. The RM35 tier offers eSIM through the Hotlink app, so you can be set up before you land.
3. Confirm data, validity & countries first
The tier figures and the MY/SG/TH/ID coverage vary by listing and promotion. Read the specific product page so there are no surprises on quota, validity days, speed cap or roaming terms.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Set up roaming before crossing a border
If you'll visit SG/TH/ID, enable data roaming and activate a Data Roam Pass in the app if the plan requires it, so the multi-country feature actually kicks in. Confirm the roaming data terms first.
7. Use data passes to extend, not a new SIM
If your trip runs long or you burn through the quota, add a data pass (roughly RM4 to RM45) in the Hotlink app rather than buying a whole new SIM and re-registering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Hotlink travel SIM is simple to use, but travellers still trip over a few avoidable things. Here are the most common:
1. Assuming the full quota works abroad
The unlimited data is a Malaysia benefit. In Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia you may need to enable roaming and activate a Data Roam Pass, and the roaming allowance can be smaller than the Malaysian quota. Check the roaming terms on the listing before you assume 100GB will follow you across the border.
2. Overbuying (or underbuying) the tier
A common error is grabbing the RM35 100GB tier for a three-day trip (the RM25 40GB tier is plenty) or the RM25 tier for a month-long stay (you'll run out of days before data). Match validity to your trip length first, then data.
3. Forgetting your passport at activation
MCMC registration is not optional. If you buy online and try to activate without your passport details to hand, you'll stall at the verification step. Keep the passport ready, whether you register in-store or through the app.
4. Buying at the airport at full price
Airport kiosks are convenient but usually pricier and queue-prone. Buying on Shopee or as an eSIM in the Hotlink app before you fly is typically cheaper and faster, and you activate the moment you land.
5. Relying on Maxis for deep rural Borneo
If your itinerary is heavy on remote Sabah/Sarawak or off-grid areas, Maxis coverage can thin out. For those trips, CelcomDigi is often the safer coverage bet. Match the network to where you'll actually be.
6. Not enabling 5G (or using a locked phone)
5G access is included where covered, but you have to switch it on in your phone settings, and your handset must be carrier-unlocked for the SIM or eSIM to work at all. Check both before your trip so you're not stuck with no signal on arrival.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs on Maxis, holder of the Opensignal Reliability award (Nov 2025)
- Big data: from ~40GB (RM25) up to ~400GB (RM64), strong value per gigabyte
- Multi-country: works in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand & Indonesia
- Unlimited local calls and unlimited hotspot in Malaysia
- 5G access on the Maxis network where available
- Good urban coverage and decent nationwide reach
- Easy to buy (Shopee, app eSIM, airport, Maxis Centres) and top up
Cons
- Roaming abroad may need a Data Roam Pass and can differ from the Malaysian quota
- Rural and East Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak) coverage trails CelcomDigi
- eSIM confirmed mainly on the RM35 tier; other tiers vary by channel
- U Mobile can be cheaper upfront for city-only trips
- Exact data, validity and speed cap can vary by listing/promotion
- SIM registration (MCMC) required, carry your passport
Frequently Asked Questions
How much data and validity does the Hotlink travel SIM give for RM35?
The RM35 Hotlink travel SIM tier gives around 100GB of data over about 15 days on the Maxis network. Hotlink also sells a RM25 tier with roughly 40GB over 7 days and a RM64 tier with about 400GB over 30 days. Exact data quota, validity days and price can vary by the specific Shopee listing and any ongoing promotion, so always confirm what the product page shows before buying. If you need longer than 15 days, pick the 30-day tier or top up with a data pass.
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 on a single SIM, which is convenient for a regional ASEAN trip. In Malaysia the data is unlimited (subject to the plan quota). For use in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia you may need to activate or add a Data Roam Pass through the Hotlink app, and the exact roaming data can differ from the headline Malaysian quota, so check the specific listing for the included countries and any roaming terms before relying on it abroad.
How good is the Maxis network that Hotlink runs on?
Maxis is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s most reliable networks. It held the Opensignal Reliability Experience award in the November 2025 Malaysia report, with strong consistency and good urban coverage. Hotlink is Maxis’s prepaid brand, so a Hotlink SIM rides the same network. In cities and along major routes you can expect fast, dependable data. On pure download speed the picture is close between operators, and 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?
Yes, Hotlink provides 5G access on the Maxis network where 5G coverage is available, and current prepaid and travel 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 and other airport arrival outlets and kiosks such as Langkawi and Penang), at Maxis Centre and Hotlink stores and authorised dealers, at convenience stores, and online via Shopee or the Hotlink app. Buying the travel SIM on Shopee or as an eSIM in the app ahead of your trip is usually the cheapest route and lets you skip the airport queue. You then 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 or as an eSIM, the listing or app will guide you through a registration and verification step. Carry your passport when activating.
Does Hotlink offer an eSIM for travellers?
Yes. Hotlink supports eSIM on compatible phones through the Hotlink app, and the RM35 (100GB, 15 days) travel tier in particular is listed as eSIM available. Availability for other tiers and channels can vary, so if you specifically want an eSIM, confirm it is offered on the plan you pick 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 travel plans include unlimited hotspot in Malaysia, so you can share data with a laptop, tablet or travel companions. A 100GB or 400GB 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 the RM64 400GB tier 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 (roughly RM4 to RM45 depending on data and speed) 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 your travel bundle runs out.
Is Hotlink better than CelcomDigi for tourists in Malaysia?
It depends on your trip. Hotlink (Maxis) is strong on reliability and quality with good urban coverage, and the RM35 100GB travel bundle with MY/SG/TH/ID coverage 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 reliability, a generous data allowance (roughly 100GB for RM35, up to 400GB on the RM64 tier), 5G where it's available, unlimited local calls and hotspot in Malaysia, and one SIM that works across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. For the price, that's a lot of dependable data.
The honest caveats keep it just below the top score: roaming abroad may need a Data Roam Pass and can differ from the Malaysian quota, rural and East Malaysia coverage trails CelcomDigi, and the exact tier specs vary by listing, so you should read the fine print before relying on it outside Malaysia. 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 is excellent value. Pick the tier that matches your trip length, confirm the data, validity and roaming terms on the listing, then buy via our link.
Get the Hotlink Travel SIM
Plans from RM25. The popular RM35 tier gives around 100GB for 15 days on the Maxis network, with MY/SG/TH/ID coverage. Buy on Shopee via our link.
Buy on ShopeeDisclosure: This page contains an affiliate link. We may receive a commission when you buy through it. This does not affect our review, all opinions are based on real usage and current listings.