If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, having access to a reliable and affordable mobile data connection is essential for staying connected and making the most of your experience. One of the popular options for tourists is purchasing a SIM card from Yes Malaysia, a major telecommunications provider in the country.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Yes Malaysia SIM cards for tourists, including coverage, pricing, and where to buy.

I. Quick Facts about Yes Malaysia

Yes Malaysia, officially known as YTL Communications Sdn Bhd, is a leading telecommunications company in Malaysia. Founded in 2010, the company offers a wide range of services, including mobile voice, data, and broadband internet. With over 4 million subscribers (as of 2021), Yes Malaysia has established itself as a significant player in the Malaysian telecom market.

Types of Services Provided

  • Mobile voice and data services
  • Broadband internet (Fiber and LTE)
  • Digital television (IPTV)
  • Internet of Things (IoT) solutions

Network Coverage

Yes Malaysia’s network covers approximately 85% of the populated areas in Malaysia, with a focus on major cities and towns. The company has an extensive network of retail stores and authorized dealers across the country, making it convenient for tourists to purchase SIM cards and access customer support.

Estimated Number of Network Stores and Agents

While the exact number may vary, Yes Malaysia has an estimated network of over 500 retail stores and authorized agents across Malaysia.

II. Yes Malaysia Coverage and Speed

1. Yes Coverage in Malaysia

 YES operates solely on 4G/LTE networks and does not have 2G or 3G networks.

According to the latest OpenSignal report from September 2023, YES provides 4G availability to over 90% of locations in Peninsular Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru etc. However, coverage is more limited compared to the larger nationwide operators in suburban and rural areas.

While YES has yet to rollout its 5G services commercially, the operator is actively conducting 5G trials across major cities. According to their website, YES holds spectrum in the 700MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz frequency bands for nationwide 4G/LTE coverage as well as 3500MHz and 28GHz bands for future 5G deployment.

2. Yes Malaysia Speed

In terms of average 4G download speeds, YES ranked third fastest nationwide at 24.5 Mbps. However, OpenSignal noted that YES saw the biggest improvement in 4G speeds compared to their previous report, increasing by 6.1 Mbps. This puts YES on par with market leaders Maxis and Celcom in terms of 4G connectivity speeds.

This establishes YES as a quality network for users seeking fast and dependable 4G mobile services in Malaysia, especially as they prepare to launch 5G in the future.

III. Yes Malaysia Connectivity Options for Travelers to Malaysia

Yes Malaysia provides several connectivity options for travelers visiting Malaysia

Connectivity OptionDescriptionProsCons
RoamingUse your existing cellular plan and phone number while roaming in Malaysia with your home carrier.– Convenient to use existing number
– No need to buy new SIM card		– Very expensive rates
– Slow data speeds on roaming networks
Local SIM cardPurchase a prepaid SIM card from Yes Mobile or other Malaysian carriers.– Affordable call/data rates
– Fast data on local networks		– Need to buy new SIM card
– May need to provide ID for registration
Pocket WiFiRental portable WiFi hotspot device from Yes Mobile.– Portable wireless hotspot
– Can connect multiple devices		– Extra cost to rent device
– Data limits apply for rental period
International plansSome international providers offer Yes plans with data bundles.– May include data at lower rates– Plans have limits and additional costs

In summary, getting a local prepaid SIM card is generally the most cost effective option for connectivity in Malaysia, while pocket WiFi provides portable access but at an additional rental cost. Roaming should be avoided due to high rates. International plans are another option depending on your home carrier.

IV. Best Yes Malaysia SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Yes Malaysia offers a range of prepaid SIM card options for tourists, catering to different data needs and budgets. Some of the popular SIM card options include:

SIM CardDataCallsValidityPrice (MYR)Price (USD)
Yes Travel SIM 3010 GB30 minutes local calls30 daysRM 30~USD 6.67
Yes Travel SIM 6020 GB60 minutes local calls60 daysRM 60~USD 13.33
Yes Travel SIM 9030 GB90 minutes local calls90 daysRM 90~USD 20.00
USD prices are approximate based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 4.50 MYR which may fluctuate.

The Yes Travel SIM cards provide tourists visiting Malaysia with affordable, easy-to-use mobile data and call options for their entire trip. The range of SIM cards cater to different visitor lengths of stay, with increased data, call time and validity at higher price points.

V. Does Yes Malaysia Support eSIM?

Yes, Malaysia networks like Yes do support eSIM.

However, there are some limitations. Yes offers prepaid and postpaid mobile plans that can be activated with an eSIM, provided your device supports eSIM. However, Yes eSIM currently does not support broadband devices.

Additionally, to activate a Yes eSIM you need to first purchase a physical Yes prepaid SIM card. This involves the hassle of having to obtain, register and later dispose of the physical SIM.

VI. Where Can You Buy a Yes Malaysia SIM Card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Yes Malaysia SIM for Malaysia

Locate a Yes Store Near You – See Store Addresses

Yes Malaysia SIM cards are widely available across the country. You can purchase them at the following locations:

  • Yes Malaysia retail stores
  • Authorized dealers and agents
  • Major airports and transportation hubs
  • Select convenience stores and retail outlets

2. Where to Buy Malaysia Yes Malaysia eSIM

Yes Malaysia eSIMs can be purchased online through the company’s website or various online retailers and travel platforms. Some popular options include:

  • Yes Malaysia official website
  • Online travel booking platforms
  • Authorized online resellers

VII. How to Activate Yes Malaysia SIM Card/eSIM

1. How to Use Yes Malaysia SIM Card

To activate a Yes Malaysia SIM card, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the SIM card into your unlocked, compatible device.
  2. Power on your device and select the Yes Malaysia network.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the SIM card and select your desired data package.
  4. Top up your account balance as needed.

2. How to Activate Yes Malaysia eSIM

The process for activating a Yes Malaysia eSIM varies slightly:\n\n1. Purchase the eSIM online and provide the required information (device IMEI, etc.).

  1. Follow the instructions provided by the retailer or Yes Malaysia to download and install the eSIM profile on your compatible device.
  2. Once installed, select the Yes Malaysia network and activate the eSIM.
  3. Top up your account balance as needed.

VIII. Yes Call & SMS Rates in Malaysia

Yes Malaysia offers competitive rates for voice calls and SMS within Malaysia and to international destinations. Here are some sample rates:

  • Local calls: RM0.20 per minute
  • SMS within Malaysia: RM0.15 per SMS
  • International calls: Rates vary by destination (e.g., RM0.50/min to Singapore, RM1.20/min to the USA)

It’s recommended to check the latest rates and pricing on the Yes Malaysia website or with their customer service before making calls or sending SMS.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Yes Malaysia SIM Card/eSIM

Yes Malaysia provides several USSD codes for checking account balance, data usage, and performing other actions:

MethodCode/StepsShows Balance of
USSD Code*126#1Main Account
USSD Code*200#Main Account and Internet
SMSSend “BAL <space>your number” to 0183301111Credit Balance

These USSD codes can be convenient for managing your Yes Malaysia SIM card or eSIM while on the go.

X. How to Top-up Yes Malaysia SIM Card/eSIM

You can top up your Yes Malaysia SIM card or eSIM balance using various methods:

Via the Official Yes 4G Website

  • Launch an internet browser on your smartphone, laptop, or PC.
  • Go to the official Yes 4G website at selfcare.yes.my/myselfcare.
  • Log into your account by typing in your username and password.
  • Select the menu Pay and Reload.
  • Input your account number, Yes number, or Yes ID.
  • Hit the Verify button menu.
  • Open Service menu and then choose Reload Cards or Activation Code.

Via the Recharge Website

  • Visit the official website of Recharge.
  • On the homepage, select Malaysia as your recipient country, even if you are staying in some other one.
  • Select the mobile carrier company as Yes.
  • Choose the product, i.e., call credits/top-up, mobile data, or add-ons.
  • Fill in your email address on which you want to receive your recharge receipt.

Be sure to have your SIM card or eSIM details handy when topping up to ensure the credit is applied to the correct account.

XI. Alternatives to Yes Malaysia SIM Cards

Enjoy Hassle-Free Malaysia Travel with affordable, Fast and Reliable eSIM Plans

Buy my eSIM

While Yes Malaysia is a popular choice for tourists in Malaysia, there are other mobile network operators to consider as well:

Mobile operators’ physical SIM cards:

  • Celcom SIM cards: Celcom is one of the major mobile network operators in Malaysia. They offer 4G prepaid and postpaid plans. Physical Celcom SIM cards can be purchased from their stores or authorized retailers nationwide.
  • Digi SIM cards: Digi is another major telco known for its affordable prepaid plans. Physical Digi SIM cards are easily available for purchase.
  • Maxis SIM cards: Maxis is the largest network by subscribers. They provide 4G prepaid and bill plans. Physical Maxis SIM cards can be bought in stores.

eSIM from Malaysiaesim.com:

  • Malaysiaesim.com offers various eSIM plans for Malaysia and regional travel. Our website provides Malaysia eSIM options for 3 days, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days which are alternatives to physical SIMs.
  • We also have eSIM packages that combine data for travel to neighboring countries such as Malaysia-Singapore, Malaysia-Thailand and Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand.
  • Regional eSIMs cover up to 8 countries in Asia or provide global roaming to over 126 countries as alternatives to multiple physical SIM cards.

Plans that may interest you

Malaysia eSIM 15 Days
Malaysia eSIM 15 Days
From $4.50
Malaysia eSIM 7 Days
Malaysia eSIM 7 Days
From $3.90

XII. FAQs about Yes Malaysia

What is Yes Mobile?

Yes Mobile is a mobile network operator in Malaysia owned by YTL Communications. It operates its own 4G/LTE network on the 800MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz frequencies.

Where can I buy a Yes Malaysia SIM card?

You can purchase Yes Malaysia SIM cards from their retail stores located in major malls throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Store locations can be found on their website.

What prepaid plans does Yes Mobile offer?

Yes Mobile offers various prepaid data bundles called YES Packs that are valid for 30 days. Plans include 6GB for RM30, 12GB for RM50, 20GB for RM80 and 30GB for RM100. They also offer daily, weekly and unlimited packs.

Does Yes Mobile offer international roaming?

Yes, Yes Mobile provides roaming services in selected countries. You can purchase daily roaming passes starting from RM10 for 500MB valid for 24 hours. Monthly roaming plans are also available to certain destinations in the region.

What is the network coverage of Yes Mobile?

Yes Mobile has a 4G/LTE network coverage of over 90% of Peninsular Malaysia. However, its network coverage is limited to certain major cities and highways only and not available island-wide or in rural areas like East Malaysia.

Is tethering/hotspot allowed on Yes Mobile?

Yes, tethering/hotspot is allowed on Yes Mobile prepaid plans. However, the hotspot data quota may differ depending on the data bundle or pack purchased.

How do I top up my Yes Mobile prepaid account?

You can top up your Yes Mobile prepaid account online via internet banking or at physical Yes Mobile stores. Top ups allow you to extend the validity period and purchase new data bundles. Amounts start from RM10 and go up to RM100.

XIII . Final Words

Traveling to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience, but having reliable mobile connectivity can make all the difference. With Yes Malaysia’s range of SIM card and eSIM options, tourists visiting Malaysia can enjoy seamless access to high-speed internet, stay connected with loved ones, and fully immerse themselves in the local culture without worrying about connectivity issues.