Looking to travel to Malta and want to stay connected without high roaming charges? Getting an eSIM is the best option. eSIMs or electronic SIM cards allow you to access local data plans without changing your physical SIM card.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about choosing the best eSIM for Malta for your upcoming trip.
Why You Should Get An eSIM for Malta
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an eSIM when travelling to Malta:
Avoid Expensive Roaming Charges
Using your regular SIM card from your home country in Malta can result in astronomical roaming fees. EU roaming regulations help keep data rates low within Europe, but calls and SMS can still cost a lot. An eSIM with a Maltese plan allows you to completely avoid roaming.
Easy Activation
eSIMs can be purchased online and activated remotely with a QR code, no need to go to a local store. This also means that you’ll have data as soon as you land in Malta, making navigation and ground transportation booking easy.
Better Rates
Buying an eSIM online, especially with a reseller allows you to take advantage of better data packages than what regular tourists get at local carrier’s stores.
Use Dual SIM Functionality
Having an eSIM for data frees up your primary SIM slot. You can use your regular number for calls & SMS and the eSIM for cheap high-speed data.
Factors to Consider When Choosing An eSIM for Malta
Picking the right eSIM plan for your trip requires taking several factors into account:
Data Needs
Consider your expected mobile data usage during your trip to pick the right data allowance. From light users who may need only 1-2GB to frequent travelers who need 20-30GB.
Length of Stay
If your Malta trip is only for a few days, a short validity recharge may suffice. But for longer vacations opt for plans with validity for the entire trip duration. This avoids having to recharge again mid-trip.
Local vs International Providers
Some providers offer eSIMs specially for the Maltese network. Others are meant for Europe in general. While local plans often have more competitive rates, European plans provide the flexibility to use in multiple countries.
With these tips in mind, let us look at the best eSIM options for travel to Malta.
Top eSIM Plans for Malta in 2024
đ Orange Holidays eSIM
![Orange Holidays eSIM][]
Orange Holidays eSIM is my top pick for Malta travel for the unbeatable value it provides. For 25 euros you get 30GB of data with 15 days of validity. This works out to only 0.83 Euros per GB making it the most cost effective option on this list.
You also get 100 minutes of voice calls included. Additional credit can be added if you need to make more calls. The 100 minutes should help take care of essential calls.
The 30GB high speed data is on the 4G network so you can stream shows, make video calls and use maps/navigation without worrying about running out. 15 days is also a decent duration that should cover most Malta vacations.
So in summary, the Orange Holidays eSIM offers exceptional value giving you ample data and voice credit for most tourist requirements in Malta. Itâs easy self activation with online purchase and QR code makes it very convenient to setup.
Plan Details
- 30GB Data
- 100 Voice minutes
- 15 days validity
- 25 Euros
- 0.83 Euros per GBÂ Get Orange Holidays eSIM for Malta Now >
Bouygues Telecom Travel eSIM![Bouygues Telecom][]
France telecom giant Bouygues offers some very competitively priced tourism focused eSIM plans under their Travel Basic, Travel Basic + and My European SIM offerings.
For 18.90 Euros you can get a 15 day plan with 15GB data as well 4G speeds while roaming across Europe. For a few Euros more, their Travel Basic+ plan includes unlimited calls & texts between Europe numbers. So that takes care of keeping in touch with friends & family back home or elsewhere in Europe.
Both these plans however need you to activate and install them when in France before you embark on your journey. If you are not starting your Eurotrip from France, then Bouygues also offers the My European SIM with higher 30GB allowance and broader 30 day validity for 40 Euros.
In summary, very attractively priced options from a reliable French operator. But activation restrictions may apply for the lower cost plans.
Plan Details
Travel Basic:
- 15GB data
- 15 day validity
- 18.90 Euros
Travel Basic+:
- 15GB data
- Unlimited Europe calls
- Unlimited Europe SMS
- 15 day validity
- 18.90 Euros
My European SIM: - 30GB data
- 30 days validity
- 39.90 EurosLearn More about Bouygues eSIM plans >
Airalo![Airalo eSIM][]
Next on our list is eSIM provider Airalo which lets you buy mobile plans in over 200 countries & territories online with instant activation.
Compared to local carrier eSIMs, Airalo plans are simpler with just data however their ease of purchase and reliability make them very convenient for travel use.
In Malta they partner with the local Maga network to offer plans ranging from 1GB to 10GB over durations from 7 days to 30 days. So you can pick one tailored to your trip duration and usage needs.
While the price per GB may seem higher relative to other eSIMs in this list, the benefit of Airalo is you pay in USD using your credit card or PayPal with preset rates so there are no surprises or currency conversion inconsistencies. Excellent rates & service.
Plan Details:
1GB/7 days: $5
3GB/30 days: $10
5GB/30 days: $15
10GB/30 days: $22.5Buy Airalo eSIM for Malta Here >
Holafly Europe eSIM![HolaFly eSIM][]
If you are going to be an extremely heavy mobile data user during your Malta trip then Holafly offers some unlimited data eSIM plans that warrant consideration.
They partner with Malta’s Go Mobile to deliver unlimited 4G/LTE data (speed throttled after 50GB). For 78 Euros you can get 30 days unlimited plan or stretch it to 90 days for 109 Euros if on a long vacation.
Do note tethering/hot-spot usage not allowed in the lower priced plans to control excessive bandwidth hogging. So this is strictly for use on your phone only. Also there are plan durations as short as 5 days if you want to test it out when in Malta before committing to longer duration.
Compared to capped data plans, Holafly unlimited is great if you intend to stream tons of movies & shows plus Hopping between Maltaâs islands can eat up mobile data fast.
Plan Details
19 Euros – 5 days Unlimited
34 Euros – 15 days Unlimited
57 Euros – 30 days Unlimited
109 Euros – 90 days UnlimitedLearn More About Holafly Unlimited Europe eSIM >
Dent eSIM![Dent eSIM][]
And finally we have the Dent eSIM which takes a more innovative approach. Instead of fixed duration plans, their app lets you buy data credits that you can keep adding as required and use across 70+ countries.
So if you’re visiting more than just Malta, Dent provides seamless connectivity across Europe without needing multiple eSIMs. 1 Dent data credit = 1MB so just buy data credits equivalent to your needs.
They have options for data-only plans or data + voice & text credits. Competitively priced at around 1 Euro per GB in Malta. With bundles bringing effective rates lower, itâs very affordable pay-as-you-go model with more control.
Key Details:
- Pay per use model
- Data from 1 Euro per GB
- Works in 70+ countries
- Malta & Europe coverageLearn more about Dent eSIM >
Getting & Setting Up an eSIM for Malta
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about using an eSIM in Malta:
Is my phone compatible?
Most newer phones from iOS and Android support eSIM capability. Common eSIM compatible phone models include:
- iPhone XS,XR and above
- Google Pixel 3 and above
- Samsung S20 Series and above
Refer this list for a more comprehensive device compatibility checker.
How do I activate the eSIM?
eSIM providers email you a QR code and activation instructions after purchase. To activate:
- Turn-off cellular data roaming on your existing SIM
- Scan the QR code using your phoneâs camera to add the purchased plan
- Follow activation instructions to setup APN settings etc.
Can I use eSIM + Regular SIM?
Yes. Dual-SIM phones let you use your regular SIM for calls/texts and eSIM for cheap high-speed Malta data.
Do eSIM work for WhatApp?
Yes whatsapp works reliably with eSIMs since the app uses your main number which remains unchanged.
How to switch between SIMs?
You can switch between SIMs by simply enabling/disabling them from cellular settings. No need to physically swap cards.
Summing it Up
Hope this guide helped you pick the right eSIM plan for your upcoming Malta travel. Using an eSIM instead of roaming on your regular SIM makes your vacation free of worry about high cell phone bills when you get back.
Just remember to factor in your data and duration needs. And popular options like Orange Holidays or Bouygues Telecom offer great value without too many bells & whistles.
For any other questions on using an eSIM in Malta, please feel free to reach out using the comments section below.
Enjoy your trip and happy Exploring! đ
