I recently compiled a table comparing the different type of mobile prepaid plans in Malaysia. I then remembered that there is another segment of prepaid plan called the mobile prepaid broadband segment. This segment is targeted at users who just need data, usually a large amount, without the need for calls and sms. It can either be for their home, which unfortunately for them has no access to fiber or ADSL, or a data plan on the go to be shared with a number of people. One would need a LTE router or a mobile dongle and data is accessed using wifi, although technically any phone with mobile hotspot feature works as well.

However, the line between a typical mobile prepaid plan and mobile broadband plan has blurred in recent times. Mobile plans these days come with option of buying a large amount of data. However, please be aware that some plans do not include sharing of data with others, or comes with limited amount of hotspot data. For example, U Mobile's GX30 Giler Unlimited Plan, though technically comes with unlimited data, only comes with 3GB mobile hotspot quota to be shared with others. This plan would not be suitable to be used for sharing data.

One thing that just about everybody cannot survive these days is a sim card to go with their smartphone. It enables the person to make and receive call and SMS, and most importantly, send and receive data for internet browsing, messaging and to get their social media fix.

The majority would go for a prepaid plan. As the name implies, you would first have to add credit to your plan and use your credit to make calls, send SMS or use data. It gives you more control over the how much you spend based on what you need.

Malaysians are really a lucky lot. The Malaysian passport is considered one of the best in the world. According the the Henley Passport Index for the year 2018, the Malaysian pasport is ranked number 9 in the world, with visa-free access to 180 countries.

This makes travel planning a lot easier for Malaysians going overseas. Most countries however still require a minimum of 6 months validity, in addition to other requirements such as having sufficient funds, a return flight ticket, proper health vaccination, and others and entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

The Malaysian passport is valid for all countries in the world, except for Israel, to which Malaysia does not have a diplomatic relation with. However, visit to Israel is possible, but mainly for Christians on a pilgrimage and requires the approval of the government of Malaysia.

Additionally, since September 2017, Malaysians have been banned from travelling to North Korea.

Visa Requirement for Tourists and Visitors to Malaysia

Tourist and visitors to Malaysia from over 160 countries do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Depending on the nationality, visitors will obtain visa-free entry of between 14 to 90 days, but subject to the discretion of the immigration officer at the point of entry.

Visitors from countries requiring visa are required to apply for one at the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission. Citizens of a small number of countries may apply for one using eVISA or eNTRI.

** Please note that the information here should only be used as a guide and is subject to change by the Malaysian government. For the latest information or if you have any questions, please contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission (Embassy, High Commision or Consulate) **