Traveling to a new country can be exciting, but also stressful if you can’t stay connected. Having internet access and a working phone is critical for using maps, translation apps, rideshares, and more. For visitors to Malta, GO SIM Cards and eSIM are the top choice for many travelers. This guide will cover everything you need to know about getting and using GO SIM cards and eSIM plans to enable connectivity during your trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about GO
GO is the main mobile network operator in Malta with the best coverage across the islands. Some key facts:
- Founded year: 2005
- Full company name: GO p.l.c.
- Types of services provided: GO provides mobile and fixed line telephone, broadband internet and IPTV services in Malta.
- Number of subscribers: Over 400,000 subscribers as of 2021.
- Coverage: GO provides nationwide 4G and 2G coverage across Malta with over 99% population coverage.
- Estimated number of network of stores, agents: GO has over 20 retail stores and partner outlets across Malta where customers can get assistance.
- Customer support: GO provides 24/7 customer support over the phone in Maltese and English. They also offer live chat support during business hours and self-service options through their website and mobile app.
When visiting Malta, GO SIM cards and eSIM will provide the fastest data speeds and broadest coverage for staying connected during your trip compared to alternatives like Epic Malta.
II. Malta GO Coverage and Speed in Malta
1. GO Coverage in Malta
GO provides extensive mobile coverage across the tiny island nation of Malta. They operate 2G and high-speed 4G LTE networks that together deliver service to over 99% of the Maltese population. Malta has a land area of just over 300 square kilometers, yet GO has ensured that both urban and rural areas enjoy reliable connectivity.
Major cities like Valletta, Birkirkara and Qormi experience uninterrupted 4G coverage, while more remote towns and villages in Gozo and Comino still receive solid 2G fallback access. The mobile network blankets main roads as well as the surrounding sea where ferries connect the islands.
2. GO Speeds
GO Malta is known to provide some of the fastest internet speeds in the country. According to Speedtest, GO’s average download speed clocks in at a very respectable 77.35 Mbps. This places GO at the forefront of internet speed performance in Malta. Downloading large files, streaming high definition video, online gaming, and video conferencing are all smooth, lag-free experiences for GO customers thanks to these fast broadband connections.
Whether subscribers use the fixed-line fiber network, cable infrastructure, or the high-speed 4G cellular network, they can expect rapid internet access across voice, data and video services.
III. GO connectivity options for travelers to Malta
GO offers several connectivity options for travelers visiting Malta, including prepaid mobile plans, hotel WiFi, and pocket WiFi rentals. Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of these options:
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid SIM | – No contract or credit check required – Unused data rolls over each month – Can purchase data packages for whole trip duration | – Coverage limited by location of travel – Data allowance may be too small for intensive usage |
| Hotel WiFi | – Convenient access at most hotels and accommodation – No additional device needed | – Daily or hourly charges can add up – Poor connectivity in some hotel rooms |
| Pocket WiFi Rental | – Unlimited 4G data – can use like personal hotspot – Coverage island-wide including outdoor locations | – Upfront rental fee required – Need to remember to return device before trip end |
Overall, GO prepaid SIMs provide the best value for tourists visiting Malta. They allow travelers to easily purchase an affordable data package according to their needs, without commitments or credit checks. Recently, a new trend has emerged of eSIM options for purchasing prepaid plans. It allows customers to easily purchase data packages online and activate their plan remotely, without having to hunt for a physical SIM card.
IV. Best GO SIM cards for tourists & cost
Selecting the right GO Malta SIM card hinges on your specific needs for the duration of your trip, considering the array of SIM card choices and plans available. Below options make it easy to decide GO prepaid SIM best-suited for your travel needs in Malta:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (€) | Monthly Cost ($) | Data Allowance in Malta and EU/UK | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Plan Essentials | €5.99 for first 6 months, then €15.99 | $6.15 for first 6 months, then $16.25 | Unlimited data in Malta | Calls and SMS to Malta numbers included |
| Freedom Plan Unlimited | €16.99 for first 6 months, then €26.99 | $17.36 for first 6 months, then $27.58 | Unlimited data, calls and SMS in Malta | 50GB data when roaming in EU/UK |
| Monthly subscription | €20.99 | $21.56 | Unlimited data in Malta | Calls and SMS to Malta numbers included |
| Monthly subscription | €31.99 | $32.83 | Unlimited data, calls and SMS in Malta | 50GB data when roaming in EU/UK |
Both subscriptions remove data limits in Malta as well as providing generous allowances for EU/UK usage. With highly accessible monthly costs and ample data inclusions, GO Malta presents very reasonably-priced SIM options that eliminate the need to source a local SIM upon arrival.
V. Does GO Malta support eSIM?
Yes, GO offers eSIM connectivity options for the latest iPhones and Android devices. Their eSIM plans are designed specifically for travelers needing temporary connectivity and come with 1-month terms.
You can sign up for a GO Malta travel eSIM completely online by:
- Selecting your desired plan amount for data & terms
- Entering passport/ID details during checkout
- Downloading the free GO app to activate your plan
No need to find and swap physical SIM cards. GO’s eSIM setup only takes a few minutes so your device works immediately upon arrival.
VI. Where can you buy a GO SIM cards and eSIM
1. Where to buy Physical GO SIM Cards
Here are some options for buying a physical GO SIM card in Malta:
- GO Retails Stores – GO has their own retail stores located across Malta where you can purchase a SIM card. Popular store locations include Sliema, Valletta, Birkirkara, Qormi and Paola.
- Authorized Resellers: There are authorized resellers and distributors of GO products and services in Malta. These include mobile phone shops, electronics stores, and convenience stores.
- Malta International Airport: If you’re arriving at Malta International Airport, you may find kiosks or stores within the airport terminal that sell GO SIM cards.
- Online: GO may also offer the option to purchase SIM cards online through their official website.
2. Where to buy GO eSIM
For GO’s eSIM monthly plans for travelers, signup is handled completely online through their website at gomobile.mt/esim. eSIM plans cannot be purchased in person. However, GO’s retail stores can assist with technical support questions on eSIM activation.
Purchasing online ahead of departure ensures connectivity upon arrival. But last-minute signups work too as activation is quick through their app.
VII. How to Activate GO SIM Card Malta and eSIM
Activating your GO SIM cards and eSIM is quite fast and convenient with both online and in-store options:
1. Activating Prepaid GO SIM Cards
To start using your GO Prepaid SIM card purchased in Malta:
- Insert the SIM and turn on your phone
- Select “Activate” from the SIM toolkit popup
- Follow prompts to select prepaid bundle and enter info
- Choose data pack or calling bundle to enable service
- You will receive activation texts confirming setup
If you don’t get the SIM toolkit popup to activate, you may need to restart the device or manually initiate activation by dialing *131#
2. Activating GO Malta eSIM Plans
To activate an eSIM plan ordered through GO Malta online:
- Download the GO app on your device
- Login using details from your eSIM purchase receipt
- Scan your passport/ID page for verification
- Follow in-app steps enabling eSIM profile and plan
- Confirm data connectivity to finish activation
The GO app manages your eSIM profile and notifications if add-ons or plan renewals are needed. Support is available via GO shops or the app too.
VIII. GO SIM Malta Call & SMS Rates
GO Malta SIM cards include local and international minutes, along with texts. Standard overage rates apply once you exceed the specified limits.
| Zones | Standard Rates ($) | 1021 Rates ($) | SMS ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1- EU countries | $0.23 | $0.24 | $0.10 |
| Zone 2 | $0.67 | $0.31 | $0.24 |
| Zone 3 | $1.12 | $0.36 | $0.24 |
| Zone 4 | $3.00 | $4.65 | $0.24 |
Overall, GO Malta offers fairly competitive international call rates that fall within typical budgets for travelers and migrants contacting friends/family abroad. The tiered zone structure provides transparency on pricing variances based on destination countries.
IX. Alternatives to GO SIM Malta
While GO is the top choice for many visitors thanks to broad LTE coverage, Epic or Melita Malta exists as an alternative.
eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows travelers to easily install mobile plans directly to their compatible smartphones without having to physically insert a SIM card. For visitors coming to Malta who want to avoid lines at shops to purchase SIM cards and do not want the hassle of swapping cards, eSIM from esimmalta.com provides a convenient alternative.
They offers a variety of affordable prepaid eSIM plans starting from as low as $3.50 for 3 days of service. Travelers can buy data-only eSIM packages online before their trip and receive instant activation via email. Once in Malta, connecting to mobile networks is simply done by scanning a QR code.
Go Beyond Borders with esimmalta.com!
XII. FAQs about GO in Malta
Is registration or ID required to get GO SIM Malta?
Yes, you need to show your valid passport when purchasing any GO SIM card in Malta for verification and registry requirements.
Can I use a GO SIM card in my dual SIM phone?
Yes, GO SIM cards work in dual SIM devices allowing you to keep your home country plan active via the other SIM slot. eSIM would enable this configuration too.
How long does a GO SIM card last without use?
GO prepaid vouchers typically expire 30 days from activation if no topping up occurs. To avoid waste, recharge more data/minutes before that deadline.
For GO monthly eSIM plans, service automatically renews each month by default if not cancelled.
Can I use my SIM card in other European countries?
By default GO SIM cards only allow usage when physically within Malta. But GO’s eSIM plans offer affordable EU roaming to also use your connectivity when visiting Gozo or elsewhere in Europe.
XIII. Final words
Staying connected with mobile data and voice service in Malta is readily available thanks to provider options like GO. Their network enables speeds faster than typical connectivity in Asian regions along with great value. Both prepaid GO SIM cards and eSIM plans suit short term travelers and longer stays with easy signup. Following this guide, you’ll be set for reliable connectivity during your travels across Malta.
