Best Data Plans for a Day Trip to Johor Bahru: eSIMs, SIM cards & Roaming Options

Planning a quick weekend getaway or a spontaneous day trip to Johor Bahru? We all know staying connected is a must, whether it’s for getting around, keeping in touch, or sharing your trip as it unfolds. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular data options worth considering.

Also read: 7 Best Cheap Places to Shop for Essentials in Johor Bahru

Using SIM/eSIM cards

For physical SIM cards, you can usually purchase them at the Malaysian border checkpoints, convenience stores, or mobile network outlets in JB. Once you insert the SIM into your phone, you will need to activate the plan by following simple instructions.

eSIMs, on the other hand, offer a much more seamless experience and are a popular choice right now for that reason. Instead of a physical card, you download a digital SIM profile onto your smartphone, so there’s no need to swap SIM cards. Typically, you install it by simply scanning a QR code and following the instructions of the service provider. Another point of convenience is that eSIM plans for Malaysia are widely available online, including popular platforms like Shopee, allowing you to purchase and install your data plan before you even arrive.

With that covered, let’s go on to explore the options you have!

1-Day eSIMs: The current most popular choice

eSIMs have become increasingly popular for short trips due to their ease of activation and flexibility. Here are some of the more popular choices!

Wefly

Wefly is one of the most affordable and accessible 1-day eSIM options, and it’s easy to find on Shopee. They also often have flash sales! While the high-speed data cap is modest, it’s sufficient for Google Maps, messaging apps, and casual browsing. After hitting the cap, speeds slow down, but you stay connected.

Price: Currently from S$0.69 for 500mb/day

Maxis

Maxis’ eSIM plan gives you full-speed data all day, making it ideal for those who plan to upload photos, stream, or use hotspot tethering. This is also available via Shopee.

Price: Currently from S$3.47 for 500mb/day

Gigago

Gigago connects to major Malaysian networks and offers broader eSIM compatibility, making it a solid choice if you’re not tied to a specific telco or just want a no-fuss option that works.

Price: From S$1.93 for 500mb/day

Also read: How to take RTS From Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB)

Prepaid eSIM/SIM card packages: Best for frequent travellers

For those who travel to JB regularly, purchasing a Malaysian eSIM/SIM card package might be an even better choice.

Hotlink

Hotlink is a well-known Malaysian brand offering affordable prepaid SIM cards with flexible reloads. The daily 3GB pass is perfect for short visits, and longer unlimited plans are available from RM12 (~SGD 3.67) for 7 days. You can either buy a physical SIM card or an eSIM, with data plans managed via their app.

Price: The prepaid SIM pack costs RM10 (~S$3.06), and comes pre-loaded with RM5 (~S$1.53) credit valid for 5 days. You can then purchase the internet passes like the daily 3GB data pass, RM3 (~S$0.92), whenever you need to.

CelcomDigi

Since Celcom and Digi have merged, coverage and performance have improved. While they don’t offer a daily data plan like Hotlink, their monthly options provide great value for more regular users.

Price: Their starter pack costs RM10 (~S$3.05), often bundled with 3GB of bonus data, and their monthly unlimited data starts at RM25 (~S$7.60).

U Mobile

U Mobile’s prepaid SIMs come with generous starter perks and affordable monthly unlimited plans. You can consider it too if you’re hopping across the border multiple times in a month.

Price: The starter pack costs RM10 (~S$3.05) and includes RM6 (~S$1.83) credit and 1GB for 5 days. Unlimited data plans start from RM25 (~S$7.60) for 30 days.

Roaming Plans from Singapore Telcos: Convenience at a premium

For those who don’t mind paying a bit more and just want the convenience of turning on roaming from their Singapore plan, these are your options.

SIMBA

SIMBA’s plans come bundled with roaming data allowances, making it convenient for users traveling to Malaysia and other countries. For instance, the SuperRoam 10 plan offers 1GB of roaming data to Group A countries, including Malaysia, for S$10 over 30 days. Additional data can be purchased at S$4 per GB.

Singtel: ReadyRoam and GOMO by Singtel

Singtel’s ReadyRoam offers 1GB for S$5 or 4GB for S$12, both valid for 30 days. Meanwhile, GOMO’s 5G+ Value plan includes a substantial bonus of 300GB of monthly Malaysia roaming data, making it ideal for users who require high and frequent data usage across the border.

Circles.Life

Circles’ plan is best if you’re a frequent traveller across Asia. It offers a S$30/month plan that includes 100GB and roaming in 9 countries, including Malaysia.

Also read: Best Things to Do in Skudai, Johor Bahru (JB) For a Cozy Day Out

Stay connected

If you’re heading to JB just for the day or weekend, 1-day eSIMs are a no-brainer: affordable, easy to activate, and widely available online. They’re perfect for short trips with minimal hassle.

On the other hand, if you find yourself venturing over frequently, an eSIM/SIM card package can save you money in the long run. And if you want ultimate ease with no setup at all, your Singapore telco’s roaming plans still do the job.

Pick what suits your travel style best to enjoy a seamless, connected trip across the Causeway!