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Island, Malaysia

Internet in Penang: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources
179 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Penang?

Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). George Town cafés usually have wifi, though many ask you to buy something; small coworking spaces exist for longer stays.

Getting online in Penang

Details
Home fibreFibre from Unifi and Maxis in most condos and many shophouses; 300 Mbps–1 Gbps for about RM100–180 a month.
Cafés and coworkingGeorge Town cafés usually have wifi, though many ask you to buy something; small coworking spaces exist for longer stays.
Tourist SIMAirport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available.
eSIMLocal carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
CarriersCelcomDigi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile
Monthly data planRM30–60 ($7.3–14.7)

Coworking in Penang

There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.

Internet speeds in Southeast Asia

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

CountryFixedMobile
Singapore463 Mbps164 Mbps
Vietnam301 Mbps220 Mbps
Thailand299 Mbps134 Mbps
Malaysia179 Mbps165 Mbps
Philippines114 Mbps66 Mbps
Brunei86 Mbps254 Mbps
Laos60 Mbps45 Mbps
Cambodia55 Mbps112 Mbps
Indonesia51 Mbps66 Mbps
Myanmar25 Mbps—

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Penang?

Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). George Town cafés usually have wifi, though many ask you to buy something; small coworking spaces exist for longer stays.

Which SIM card should I get in Penang?

Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available.

Can I use an eSIM in Malaysia?

Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.

More about Penang

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Sources

Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.