# MerrSIM vs Airalo for Malta: which eSIM is better?

> MerrSIM vs Airalo for Malta: MerrSIM from €1.49 on local network; Airalo ≈ US$17–18.

Choosing between MerrSIM and Airalo for internet in Malta? Here is the honest comparison.

## Price (10 GB / 30 days)

| Provider | 10 GB / 30 days | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MerrSIM | €8.99 | local 4G/5G, hotspot, EUR, Albanian support |
| Airalo | ≈ US$17–18 | from US$4.00 for small plans |

*Airalo’s price is a USD reference from its site (2026); MerrSIM bills in EUR. Check the live price before buying.*

## Why MerrSIM

Airalo is popular, but larger plans are in USD and often pricier than MerrSIM. Maltese buses run late; the Tallinja app on an eSIM gives real-time schedules.

- Fixed price in EUR, no roaming surprises
- Hotspot included and Albanian support
- Instant QR activation
- No ID or passport registration

## MerrSIM plans for Malta

| MerrSIM plan | Price | Validity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 GB | €1.49 | 7 days |
| 5 GB | €5.49 | 30 days |
| 10 GB | €8.99 | 30 days |
| 20 GB | €16.99 | 30 days |

**Ready for Malta?** See plans at [MerrSIM — Malta eSIM](https://merrsim.com/destinations/esim-plans-for-malta), from €1.49, instant QR activation, no physical SIM and no roaming.

## How much data you really need

For normal use — maps, messaging, social media and the odd video — budget about 300–700 MB a day. A light traveller is fine with 3–5 GB for a week, while anyone doing video calls, streaming or laptop hotspot will want 10–20 GB. In Malta, download offline maps and use hotel WiFi for big downloads; that way a 10 GB plan comfortably lasts two weeks. If you run out, you buy a new plan in the app with no waiting.

## Activation in a few minutes

Do the install before departure, while on WiFi. Open your phone settings, choose to add an eSIM and scan the QR code you received by email. Label the profile “Malta” so it is easy to spot. When you land, set the eSIM as your data line and switch on data roaming for it — that is normal for travel eSIMs and adds no fees, because the plan is prepaid. Within seconds you are online, with no need to hunt for public WiFi.

## How an eSIM works

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone: there is no physical card to insert. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your settings. Once installed, the profile lives on your phone and activates when you reach Malta, connecting automatically to a local partner network. You can keep your main SIM at the same time, so your number still gets calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

## Does your phone support eSIM?

Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Malta.

## Coverage and 5G speed in Malta

The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Malta the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.

## FAQ

### MerrSIM or Airalo for Malta?
For value, MerrSIM: local EUR price from €1.49, versus ≈ US$17–18 at Airalo.

### Does the eSIM work on Gozo and Comino?
Yes, the neighbouring islands use the same Maltese network.


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Author: Etnik Beqiri  
Published: 2026-05-18  
Source: https://merrsim.com/en/blog/esim-vs-airalo-en-malta