Staying connected while traveling in Macau presents choices between carrier plans, prepaid SIMs, roaming and WiFi. This guide compares the mobile internet options, detailing features and prices to help visitors select the most suitable connection method.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet in Macau – Coverage and Speed
1. Macau Mobile Internet Coverage
- 3 Mobile: The coverage map shows extensive coverage across urban and suburban areas, however some rural regions still have limited connectivity.
- CTM Mobile: 4G/5G coverage envelops urban regions and coastlines well. Major roads and most residential areas are covered.
- SmarTone Mobile: The map indicates widespread coverage, especially in densely populated areas. Network upgrades have been steadily improving.
- China Telecom Mobile: The station network provides comprehensive coverage of both urban and surrounding areas. Fast 4G/5G speeds well serve user needs.
In conclusion, mobile internet coverage for tourists in Macau is comprehensive, with all major carriers providing widespread 4G/5G networks across urban and coastal areas.
2. Macau Mobile Internet Speed
Macau boasts lightning-fast mobile internet speeds, providing residents and visitors with seamless connectivity and unrivaled browsing experiences.
According to the Speedtest Global Index data for Macau (SAR), the following are the key details about mobile internet speeds in Macau:
- In January 2024, Macau (SAR) ranked 13th globally for mobile internet speeds, down 5 spots from the previous ranking.
- The median download speed was 208.59 Mbps and the median upload speed was 43.28 Mbps for mobile connections in Macau.
- Latency or ping on the mobile network was measured to be 20ms.
- Compared to the previous month, Macau’s mobile download speed rank fell 3 spots to 14th, while the median download speed was 107.49 Mbps and upload speed was 28.00 Mbps. Latency also improved slightly to 15ms.
In conclusion, Macau is famous for having one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world. To experience a fast and stable Internet network, visitors should use CTM Mobile – the largest telecommunications network in Macau. This will help tourists communicate and access information conveniently, and optimize travel experiences in this unique land.
Learn more: Data Roaming in Macau The Essential Guide for Travelers
II. Mobile Internet in Macau: Connection Options for tourists
In order to stay connected while traveling in Macau, there are several options available, including public wifi, roaming, local SIM card and eSIM.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
| Free WiFi | No cost | Limited coverage; data limits | Free |
| Pocket WiFi | Portable access; shareable | Rental fees; security risk if lost | $5-50/day |
| eSIM | Digital activation; no swapping | Carrier availability; costs like SIM | $10-30 activation, $10-30/GB |
| SIM Card | High-speed data anywhere; flexibility | Need to swap physical SIM; backups | $10-30 for SIM, $10-30/GB |
| Roaming | Uses existing plan; no buying data | Expensive roaming charges; slower speeds | Varies on existing plan/usage |
Buying a local SIM card is generally the best choice for tourists in Macau. The main reasons are that it provides high-speed mobile data access anywhere in the country without roaming charges. By purchasing a local plan, tourists can get flexible data bundles at much lower prices than roaming on their existing plan. This allows them to stay constantly connected during their trip.
Top providers like CTM Macau, China Telecom Macau, SmarTone Macau are recommended as they are the major cellular networks in Macau with reliable 4G coverage across the city. They offer both physical SIM cards and eSIM options for flexibility.
Plans that may interest you
Additionally, esimmacau.net can be considered an excellent eSIM retailer in Macau. The company partners with the best mobile operator CTM to deliver fast and reliable internet connectivity nationwide.
By using eSIM Macau service, you will enjoy several benefits:
- SIM-free travel experience for flexibility without switching physical SIMs.
- Instant online purchase and activation of eSIM without bank fees.
- Competitive price plans with a wide range of data options to suit your needs.
- Dedicated 24/7 customer support even on public holidays.
III. Mobile Internet Rates in Macau
Here are some popular prepaid mobile data package options and their estimated pricing ranges in Macau:
- 1 day pass: Around US$2-3 for 1GB of data, suitable for basic daily use.
- 3-5 day pass: Priced from US$5-7 for plans with 2-3GB data, adequate for short trips.
- 7 day pass: About US$6-10 buys 3-5GB data, offering a week’s coverage.
- 10-15 day pass: Plans with 5-10GB data cost approximately US$10-15.
- Longer 15-30 day pass: Expect to pay US$15-50 depending on data allowance and speed.
- Unlimited monthly pass: Around US$30-50 for 30 days without data caps.
Overall, mobile internet costs in Macau are affordable, catering to different visitor needs. Top-ups are easily available if data needs to be increased during stays. Roaming charges to non-4G areas are marginally higher but still reasonable.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in Macau
Here is the comparison table of major mobile operators in Macau with pricing converted to USD:
| Mobile Operator | Price Range for Prepaid SIM | Data | Additional Features |
| CTM | USD 2.5 – 37.5 | 1GB – Unlimited data packages | Free incoming calls and texts on CTM network |
| China Telecom | USD 2.25 – 50 | 1GB – Unlimited data packages | Free 200MB data per day for 14 days with SIM purchase |
| SmarTone | USD 3.12 – 31.25 | 1GB – Unlimited data packages | Double data on selected plans |
| 3 Macau | USD 1.25 – 25 | 500MB – 20GB packages | Roaming in China and Hong Kong included on selected plans |
| Zeni Mobile | USD 3.62 – 12.37 | 1.5GB – 15GB packages | Discounted add-ons for music, gaming etc |
| Now Macau | USD 2.25 – 12.5 | 1GB – 10GB packages | Flexible plans with no contract |
Our recommendation: CTM is recommended for tourists. Being the top mobile network with extensive infrastructure coverage, CTM offers competitive price plans that give users flexible options based on their needs. With CTM’s eSIM service, travelers can easily purchase and activate online without needing to visit service centers.
Get all the details on CTM's network performance, prepaid SIM card bundles for tourists, top eSIM providers on their network, top up methods and more in this in-depth article:
V. FAQs about Mobile Internet in Macau
What are the major mobile operators in Macau?
The three main GSM mobile operators are CTM, Three Macau, and SmarTone. China Telecom Macau also operates a CDMA network but it does not offer unlimited data plans and enforces Chinese censorship.
Do I need to register my SIM card after purchasing in Macau?
Yes, as of end of 2019 SIM cards in Macau now require registration. You will need to provide identification details like ID or passport and wait for the registration process to complete online before using the SIM.
What currencies are commonly accepted in Macau for prepaid top-ups?
The official currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP) which is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) at a rate of 1 MOP = 1.03 HKD. HKD is also widely accepted in Macau on a 1:1 basis. Top-up vouchers are sold in denominations of MOP50, MOP100, MOP200, MOP500.
Is tethering/hotspot and VoIP allowed on Macau networks?
Yes, tethering/hotspot and VoIP apps like WhatsApp calls are allowed without any restrictions on Macau networks. The internet is also not censored like in mainland China.
VI. Conclusions
In conclusion, mobile internet in Macau is readily available and provided by major network operators such as CTM and 3 Mobile. Users have access to a range of prepaid and postpaid plans with varying data allowances and speeds. While data speeds are generally reliable, they may vary depending on location and network congestion. Besides, buying an eSIM from esimmacau.net will be the optimal way for tourists to use mobile internet stably and save money during the trip.
