Whether you’re visiting Malta for a holiday or an extended stay, keeping connected through a local mobile data plan is essential. As one of the major telecom providers in Malta, Melita offers both physical SIM cards as well as digital eSIM profiles for travelers to choose from. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting Melita SIM cards and eSIM plans as a tourist.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Melita
Melita is the largest telecommunications company in Malta. Some key facts:
- Founded year: Melita was founded in 1988, making it one of the earliest internet and telecommunications providers in Malta.
- Full company name: Melita Limited
- Types of services provided: Melita provides internet, telephone, and cable TV services to both residential and business customers. This includes fixed line and mobile broadband, IPTV, landline calls, and mobile plans.
- Number of subscribers: Melita has over 300,000 subscribers as of 2023, making it one of the largest telecom operators in Malta.
- Estimated number of network stores/agents: Melita has around 30 retail stores located in major towns and cities in Malta. It also has a large network of over 150 authorized dealers and agents.
- Customer support: Melita provides 24/7 call center support in English, Maltese, and Italian. Customers can also get assistance through live chats, email support, and social media channels like Facebook. Response times are typically under 15 minutes.
So, Melita has a long history in Malta, extensive networks and leading products – an ideal provider for connectivity.
II. Malta Melita Coverage and Speed in Malta
Sure, before you grab Melita SIM cards and eSIM in Malta, it’s a good idea to know how well their network works all over the country and how fast it is.
1. Melita Coverage in Malta
Melita provides some of the best coverage across Malta thanks to its comprehensive fiber-optic and 4G LTE networks. It covers over 90% of the population across Malta. In major population centers like Valletta, Sliema, Birkirkara coverage reaches nearly 100%.
The reach of Melita’s networks extends well beyond the main population centers. Even remote villages in Gozo and Comino have 4G access through Melita. The hilly landscapes and rocky terrain of Malta have been overcome through strategic placement of telecom infrastructure across the islands. Overall, Melita customers can browse the web, stream movies, work online, and stay in constant touch with loved ones from almost anywhere in Malta.
2. Melita Speed
Melita is known to provide some of the fastest internet speeds available across Malta. According to Speedtest, the average download speed achieved on Melita’s broadband network is around 15.50 Mbps. These speeds allow users to do data-heavy tasks like streaming HD/UHD video, online gaming, video conferencing smoothly and efficiently.
III. Melita Connectivity Options for Travelers to Malta
Melita provides various temporary connectivity solutions for tourists in Malta, enabling convenient access to call, messaging, and internet services while you’re visiting.
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local SIM Card | – Enables cheap local calls and data within Malta | – Requires unlocking foreign phone |
| – Fast SIM delivery by courier | – Need to remember PIN for top ups | |
| – Pay-as-you-go option for data | – SIM locked to device | |
| Pocket Wifi | – No phone unlocking needed | – Higher daily/weekly cost than local SIM |
| – Can connect multiple devices to one data plan | – Need to remember to return unit | |
| – No contract or long commitment | – No local phone number for calls | |
| Roaming | – Uses existing cellular plan | – Very expensive data roaming charges |
| – No need to buy extra SIM or device | – Plans may limit data usage while roaming | |
| – Familiar phone number and settings | – Speed can be slower than local networks |
Buying a prepaid local SIM gives travellers affordable rates for data and calls during their stay. It also allows them to stay connected like the locals. Alternatively, eSIM Malta provides a similar connection experience to a local SIM, without the need to procure and insert a physical card.
IV. Best Melita SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
When it comes to selecting a Melita Malta SIM card, the choice really boils down to what you need during your trip. With various SIM card options and plans available, it’s all about finding the perfect fit for your travel requirements in Malta.
| Plan | Price (USD) | Data | Calls | SMS | Validity | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pockit Pass S | $5.20 | 500MB | Unlimited to Melita numbers, 200 minutes to other numbers | 200 SMS | 28 days | 50% off next 6 passes if subscribed to Auto Top Up |
| Pockit Pass M | $10.40 | 5GB | Unlimited to Melita numbers, 200 minutes to other numbers | 500 SMS | 28 days | Double data (10GB) if subscribed to Auto Top Up |
| Pockit Pass L | $15.60 | 20GB | Unlimited to Melita numbers, 200 minutes to other numbers | 1000 SMS | 28 days | Double data (40GB) if subscribed to Auto Top Up |
Overall, Melita’s prepaid plans offer great value and flexibility suitable for both occasional and heavy users on a budget. These options are designed to simplify the process of choosing the ideal Melita prepaid SIM that aligns with your specific needs while you’re in Malta.
V. Does Melita Malta Support eSIM?
Yes, Melita launched eSIM support in 2020. You can use eSIM plans for both prepaid and postpaid plans. To get Melita Malta’s prepaid eSIM, you sign up online by scanning your passport. Then you get a QR code to scan and download a profile.
esimmalta.com is the ideal solution to stay connected throughout your trip. As the top eSIM provider for Malta, eSIM Malta offers various short-term data packages starting from only $3.50 for 3 days of service. Their prepaid eSIM plans are activated on Melita’s high-speed 4G LTE network, which provides fast and reliable coverage across all of Malta including the main islands as well as surrounding areas
VI. Where Can I Buy Melita SIM Cards and eSIM
Melita provides various easy ways to buy Melita SIM cards and eSIM while you’re exploring the island.
- Melita Stores: Melita has retail stores located throughout Malta where you can purchase both SIM cards and eSIMs.
- Authorized Retailers: Melita SIM cards and eSIMs may also be available at authorized retail outlets, such as electronics stores, mobile phone shops, and convenience stores.
- Malta International Airport: If you are arriving in Malta by air, you can check for the availability of Melita SIM cards and eSIMs at the airport.
With eSIM Malta, you can avoid the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card by simply obtaining an eSIM plan online and installing it digitally on your compatible device.
VII. How to Activate Melita SIM Card and eSIM
1. Activate a Melita SIM card:
- Insert Melita SIM and turn on phone
- Select preferred language
- Accept Terms & Conditions
- Enter top-up voucher PIN and Call Time value
- You’ll get a text confirming activation
Then just enable mobile data/dialing and you’re set!
2. Activate Melita eSIM:
- Make sure your device is powered on and has cellular data or WiFi enabled. Open the email and click on the eSIM profile to download the attached QR code image.
- Scan QR code to install eSIM
- Activate your eSIM
- Start using
VIII. Malta Melita Call & SMS Rates
Sure thing! So, when you grab a Melita Malta Tourist SIM card, you get a bunch of local and international minutes along with texts all bundled up. If you go over those limits, here are the regular rates you’ll be charged.
| Zone | Calls (per min) | SMS (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | $0.23 | $0.07 |
| Zone 2 | $0.26 | $0.24 |
| Zone 3 | $0.26 | $0.24 |
| Zone 4 | $0.52 | $0.24 |
| Zone 5 | $1.05 | $0.24 |
All other details regarding the zones remain the same – Zone 1 offers the most favorable local/EU rates while rates increase for zones covering broader international regions. This provides an easy reference for Melita users traveling to Malta to estimate international call and SMS pricing based on location.
IX. FAQs about Melita in Malta
Does Melita have 5G coverage?
Not yet. 4G/LTE networks with up to 200 Mbps speeds. No 5G for now.
What mobile plans does Melita offer?
Melita offers both postpaid and prepaid mobile plans. Prepaid plans are called Pockit Passes and come in S, M and L sizes with different data, call and SMS allowances. Postpaid plans cater to individual and family needs.
Can I make international calls using Melita?
Yes, you can make international calls using Melita. Standard international rates apply which start from €0.22/min. You can also purchase international call bundles and packs for cheaper rates.
Do data packs work in Gozo?
Yes, same Melita rates apply in Gozo and Malta no extra fees.
What is Melita WiFi and how do I access it?
Melita WiFi offers free hotspot access to all subscribers at over 1,000 locations island-wide. Just switch on WiFi and login with your MyMelita credentials.
X. Final Words
That covers the basics of using Melita SIM cards and eSIM when visiting Malta! With excellent population coverage, good speeds and prepaid packs – Melita makes connectivity abroad easy. Just grab a Melita SIM card at arrival or signup for an eSIM if you have a compatible device. To stay connected across this scenic island destination. Enjoy your trip! Mikelino Malta!
