Reviewer Written by Peter Moore – eSIM Content Writer

Our Verdict: eSIM4

eSIM4 Logo

eSIM4 stands out as the best eSIM for Macau. With plans starting from an incredibly low $2.98, it offers premium coverage on the China Mobile network, ensuring you have the strongest signal whether you’re in a casino basement or at the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Whether you need a simple 1GB data plan for a day trip from Hong Kong or an unlimited data plan for a week-long stay, eSIM4 delivers reliable connectivity without the need to swap physical SIM cards. It works on any compatible smartphone and lets you avoid expensive roaming charges with high-speed 4G and 5G mobile data. Just install and activate the ESIM to start.

Why We Chose eSIM4

  • Unbeatable Value: Plans start at just $2.98 for 1GB.
  • Top Connectivity: Uses the premium China Mobile network for best coverage.
  • Instant Setup: Install an eSIM and auto-connect on arrival with no store visits required.
  • Full Features: 24/7 support and optional app for calls and SMS.
Get eSIM4 for Macau →

Quick Comparison: Best eSIMs for Macau

We compared the top eSIM providers offering service in Macau, including eSIM4, Saily, and Nomad, to help you find the perfect match for your trip. Avoid expensive roaming fees with our top picks for a reliable eSIM and the cheapest eSIM plans and plans for Macau available.

Rank Provider Rating Starting Price Best For
1 ⭐ eSIM4 4.9/5 $2.98 Lowest price & value
2 Nomad 4.6/5 $4.00 5G coverage & long stays
3 Jetpac 4.5/5 $4.00 Budget travelers
4 Saily 4.7/5 $4.27 Security & privacy
5 Airalo 4.7/5 $5.00 Beginner friendly
6 aloSIM 4.4/5 $5.00 Phone number option
7 Holafly 4.0/5 Varies Unlimited data
8 GigSky 4.2/5 FREE Free trial available

Choosing the Right eSIM Data Plan

Macau is a unique destination, blending Portuguese heritage with modern casinos. Your data needs will depend on whether you’re just visiting for a day trip or staying for a longer vacation. Before you buy, consider these factors to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Factor Details Why It Matters
Network Quality Look for providers using China Mobile, CTM, or a major network provider like China Unicom. China Mobile offers the best coverage in Macau, which is crucial for staying connected inside large casino complexes and hotels.
Data Needs Determine if you need a fixed allowance or unlimited data. Navigating the winding streets of the old city or sharing photos of the Cotai Strip consumes MB quickly. Data usage varies for every traveler.
Trip Duration Match the plan validity (e.g., 3, 7, or 30 days) to your stay. Many visitors come to Macau for just a day or two. Short-term plans (3-5 days) can save you money compared to longer monthly packages.
Hotspot Check if tethering is allowed to share your connection or connect multiple devices. Essential if you need to share your connection with travel companions or connect a laptop for work.

Top eSIM Providers for Macau: Reviews

We reviewed the leading eSIM providers for Macau based on price, coverage, and ease of use. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees. Here are the detailed results of our analysis.

2

Saily

Security & Privacy

Rating
4.7/5
Coverage
Multi
Security
NordVPN
Saily Banner

Created by the team behind NordVPN, Saily is the go-to choice for security-conscious travelers. It features a unique virtual location feature and exclusive Threat Protection Lite, offering privacy features often found in a VPN. For Macau, it utilizes a multi-network approach to ensure you’re always connected to the strongest signal available.

Coverage

Saily automatically switches between major networks like China Mobile and China Unicom, providing a reliable connection throughout the city.

Data Plans

They offer a solid range of data packages, from 1GB for short stays to 20GB for digital nomads. The app is polished, secure, and very user-friendly.

Price

Pricing is competitive for a security-focused product, starting at $4.27 for a 1GB plan.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.27
3 GB 30 Days $10.44
5 GB 30 Days $15.19
10 GB 30 Days $25.64
20 GB 30 Days $45.59

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Created by NordVPN team
  • Virtual Location feature
  • Threat Protection Lite

Cons

  • Slightly pricier than budget options
  • No unlimited data plans
3

Airalo

Beginner Friendly

Rating
4.7/5
Network
China Unicom
Price
$5.00
Airalo Banner

Airalo is widely recognized for its user-friendly app, making it a perfect choice for first-time eSIM users. Their interface is intuitive, and installation is straightforward. Airalo offers a wide variety of standard data packages. For Macau, they utilize the China Unicom network, providing solid coverage in the city center and urban areas.

Coverage

While reliable in the city, the China Unicom network might be slightly less extensive than China Mobile in more remote areas. However, for most tourists, it works perfectly fine to connect to the network operator in the region.

Data Plans

Airalo offers a range of standard data packages. It’s extremely easy to top up if you run low on data.

Price

Plans start at $5.00 for 1GB, which is a fair entry point for the convenience they offer.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $5.00
2 GB 15 Days $8.50
3 GB 30 Days $11.50
5 GB 30 Days $16.50
10 GB 30 Days $28.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extremely easy to use
  • Reliable 4G/LTE connectivity
  • Responsive 24/7 chat support

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than eSIM4
  • Coverage less extensive in rural areas
4

Nomad

Long Stays

Rating
4.6/5
Coverage
Multi
Speed
5G
Nomad Banner

Nomad is an excellent choice for business travelers or those on extended stays in Macau. They offer eSIM plans valid for up to 90 days and provide access to 5G networks where available. Their multi-network approach ensures you have a strong signal, and the app allows for easy remote management of your profile.

Coverage

With a multi-network strategy, Nomad connects you to the best available signal, whether that’s 5G in the city or 3G backup in fringe areas.

Data Plans

They shine with their bulk data options. The 45GB plan is a standout value for heavy users, and the 90-day option is perfect for long-term visits. Note that unlimited plans might throttle speed after high usage.

Price

Plans start at $4.00, but the real value is in the larger data packages.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.00
3 GB 30 Days $7.00
5 GB 30 Days $10.00
45 GB 45 Days $55.00
90 GB 90 Days $90.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Plans up to 3 months duration
  • 5G network access
  • Flexible bulk pricing

Cons

  • App store may be blocked locally
  • Data only (no number)
5

Jetpac

Budget Travelers

Rating
4.5/5
Network
Unicom
Perk
Lounge
Jetpac Banner

Jetpac offers a unique perk for travelers: free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. This makes it a great option for frequent flyers. For connectivity in Macau, they rely on the China Unicom network, offering reliable urban coverage regardless of your travel needs.

Data Plans

They offer simple, straightforward plans ranging from 1GB for a quick trip to 10GB to suit a standard vacation. Their “Smart Delay” feature is a nice bonus.

Price

Starting at $4.00, Jetpac is competitively priced for budget-conscious travelers.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 4 Days $4.00
3 GB 7 Days $9.00
5 GB 30 Days $14.00
10 GB 30 Days $18.00

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Free lounge access on flight delays
  • One-tap installation
  • Live data tracking

Cons

  • Smaller range of data plans
  • Uses China Unicom GSM
6

aloSIM

Phone Number Option

Rating
4.4/5
Network
China Mobile
Speed
5G
aloSIM Banner

aloSIM is a solid choice for business travelers who need more than just data. Through an integration with Hushed, they offer the ability to get a telephone number for phone calls or text messages and to make calls. They connect via the premium China Mobile network and offer 5G speeds where available.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $5.00
2 GB 15 Days $8.50
5 GB 30 Days $16.50
10 GB 30 Days $28.00

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible?

Most modern smartphones released in the last few years support eSIM technology. This includes iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer.

To be sure, check your specific brand of device settings for an “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan” option, or consult our detailed compatibility guide below to see if your phone has support.

Check Compatibility List →

Can I Make Phone Calls with My eSIM?

Most travel eSIM options for Macau are data-only. You can still use standard VoIP apps like WhatsApp or WeChat to contact friends and family, provided they have the same app and an internet connection.

A Smarter Way to Call with Yabb

While standard apps are great for chatting, they often fail when you need to call a hotel concierge, book a restaurant in Taipa, or contact a service that only uses a landline. Yabb solves this by allowing you to make high-quality voice calls and telephone calls to any mobile or landline number worldwide using your eSIM data. It works just like a regular phone call without the recipient needing an app, and it avoids the massive roaming fees charged by your home carrier.

  • Standard Apps: Use WhatsApp/WeChat for free app-to-app calls.
  • Yabb Advantage: Call real phone numbers (hotels/restaurants) that don’t have apps.
  • Zero Roaming: Avoid expensive per-minute voice charges from your home provider.
Learn More About Yabb Calling →

Can I Send Text Messages with My eSIM?

Need to send a quick text to a friend or confirm a booking? Yabb allows you to send and receive global SMS messages using your eSIM data.

Global Messaging

Unlike apps that require both parties to be online, Yabb lets you send real SMS texts to any mobile phone via messenger, ensuring your message gets through.

Key Features

  • Pay As You Go: Purchase credits only when needed.
  • Two-Way: Receive replies directly within the app.
  • Global Reach: Works across Macau and worldwide.
Learn More About Yabb SMS →

How to Activate an eSIM in Macau

Getting online and ready for use in Macau is straightforward. Follow these steps to activate the eSIM.

  1. Buy Online: Purchase your plan from eSIM4 before your flight.
  2. Scan QR Code: You’ll receive a QR code via email. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan it. You can download the eSIM directly to your phone.
  3. Connect: Immediately upon arrival, turn on the eSIM line and enable “Data Roaming”. You will connect to the China Mobile network automatically.

Essential Tips for Using eSIMs in Macau

To ensure a smooth experience while traveling across the SAR, here are three critical factors to keep in mind regarding your eSIM usage.

Install Before You Fly

Local app stores and internet access can sometimes be restricted or slow upon arrival. It’s highly recommended to install your eSIM and download any necessary apps (like WhatsApp or Maps) while you’re still in your home country.

Download Offline Maps

While coverage is generally excellent, having offline maps of Macau downloaded in Google Maps is a handy backup. It saves data and ensures you can navigate even if you hit a momentary dead zone in a dense building.

Keep Your Home SIM Safe

If you’re using a dual-SIM phone, keep your home SIM active but disable data roaming on it. This allows you to receive 2FA verification codes for banking or apps via SMS while using your eSIM for data. Use a hotel WiFi network if cellular is unstable, and keep in touch with family and friends while overseas.

How We Ranked These eSIM Providers

While many reviews rely on simple speed tests that only reflect a single moment in time, our approach is built on rigorous industry analysis. Our team of telecommunications experts audits the technical specifications that average users might miss but definitely feel in real-world performance. We look under the hood to see how the connection is delivered, not just if it connects.

Our Technical Evaluation Criteria

  • Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Network Access: We analyze the backend agreements to see if the eSIM connects to premium Tier 1 networks (like China Mobile) with priority access, or if it is relegated to a congested Tier 2 roaming partner. This determines if your data slows down in crowded areas.
  • Latency & Routing Stats: Speed isn’t everything; responsiveness is key. We evaluate the data routing paths (latency) to ensure your traffic isn’t being routed halfway around the world before reaching the internet, which causes lag in video calls and maps.
  • Carrier Aggregation Support: We check if the eSIM profile supports carrier aggregation – a technology that allows your phone to connect to multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This technical feature, often missing in budget SIMs, is crucial for maintaining high speeds in dense urban environments.
  • Fair Usage Policy (FUP) Analysis: We scrutinize the fine print of unlimited data plans to identify hidden throttling thresholds, ensuring our top picks offer genuine high-speed data that meets the demands of modern travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eSIM is best for Macau?

eSIM4 is the top choice for Macau in 2026. It offers the best combination of low prices ($2.98), reliable China Mobile coverage, and responsive customer support.

Do I need to register my eSIM with Macau authorities?

No. Travel eSIMs generally don’t require local registration. Your home country registration is sufficient.

When should I install my eSIM?

Install before your flight to Macau. Once you land, local app stores may be restricted, and email access could be limited. Get everything set up in your home country.

Does my eSIM work near the Zhuhai border?

Yes, all providers work. Nomad’s multi-network approach is particularly effective near border crossings where signals can fluctuate.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes. Your home number stays active on your physical SIM (in airplane mode for 2FA). Use eSIM data for WhatsApp. This keeps your original number accessible.

Can I get a Macau phone number?

Most data plans are available as data-only. However, aloSIM offers international numbers via Hushed integration, and eSIM4 allows calls/SMS via the Yabb app. While Holafly’s unlimited data is popular, they do not provide a local number.

Are there hidden fees?

No additional charges are applied in rare cases. You pay via credit card upfront and can travel to Macau without worries.