Whether you’re visiting Malta for a short holiday or planning a longer stay, getting a local prepaid SIM card can save you money and keep you reliably connected across the Maltese islands (including Gozo and Comino). Malta’s main mobile operators — Epic, GO Mobile, and Melita — offer flexible prepaid plans with data, calls, and roaming benefits that work throughout the European Union.
Basics: Prepaid SIM Cards in Malta
Prepaid SIM cards — also called “top-up” or “pay-as-you-go” SIMs — allow you to:
- Use mobile data, voice calls, and SMS without a contract
- Control how much you spend
- Switch between plans at any time
- Avoid roaming charges if coming from abroad
The three major operators provide SIM cards with nationwide coverage and competitive data plans suitable for tourists and locals alike.
Availability & Where to Buy
You can buy prepaid SIM cards across Malta:
- At the official stores of the operators
- Retail outlets and mobile shops in cities/towns
- Some tourist kiosks and convenience shops
- (For Epic) Malta International Airport SIM stalls
Tips:
- Airport SIM cards may be slightly more expensive.
- Buying in town often gets you better starter credit or data.
Frequencies (Network Bands)
| Operator | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE | 5G NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic | 900 / 1800 | 900 / 2100 | 800 / 1800 / 2600 | 3500 (n78) |
| GO | 900 / 1800 | 900 / 2100 | 800 / 1800 / 2600 | 3500 (n78) |
| Melita | 900 / 1800 | 900 / 2100 | 800 / 1800 / 2600 | Expanding 5G NR |
Coverage & Speed
| Operator | Coverage | Typical Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Epic | Excellent islandwide — 4G widely available, growing 5G in urban centres | 4G/LTE: up to 100+ Mbps; 5G where available |
| GO Mobile | Very strong network, nearly 100% coverage | 4G/LTE widely; 5G expanding across towns |
| Melita | Extensive coverage with early 5G rollout | 4G/LTE strong; 5G in key areas |
At-a-Glance SIM Comparison
| Feature | Epic | GO Mobile | Melita |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use in the EU | Yes | Limited | No |
| eSIM available | Limited/not for prepaid | Yes (paid/mobile) | Available (digital) |
| Use in EU | Yes (Roam like at Home) | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Access | In select plans | On enabled plans | Available |
| Balance checking | SMS/USSD/App | SMS/USSD/App | Physical SIM at the airport |
Biometric & Device Registration
Under Maltese regulation, prepaid SIM cards must be registered to the user’s identity. You’ll need a valid passport or ID when purchasing the SIM in store — this ties your name and phone number to the SIM as required by law.
Some eSIM activations may also require digital ID verification through the provider’s app or portal.
SIM Card Price
- Epic: SIM often priced around €10 with some starter credit or data
- GO Mobile: Starter SIM ~€10 with credit or bundles
- Melita: Starter SIM ~€5 with initial data/credit
Prices vary by store and promotions.
Top-Up Methods
You can top up your SIM via:
- Scratch cards or vouchers in shops
- Online top-up via operator websites
- Operator mobile apps (Epic, GO, Melita)
- USSD codes or SMS top-up commands
Prepaid Plans & Activation Codes
Epic Malta Prepaid Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls/SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talk Pack | 100 MB | 100 min / 100 SMS | 28 days | SMS “TALK” to 16200 |
| Data Pack | 4 GB | — | 28 days | “DATA” to 16200 |
| Value Pack | 8 GB | 200 / 200 | 28 days | “VALUE” to 16200 |
(Some Youth plans include 10–40GB data with top-ups of €10/€15)
GO Mobile Prepaid Plans
| Plan | Data | Calls/SMS | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart S | ~1.5GB | 100 min/SMS | 28d | SMS “S” to 16410 |
| Smart M | ~20GB | 250 min/SMS | 28d | SMS “M” to 16410 |
| Smart Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 28d | SMS “U” to 16410 |
| Smart Unlimited Plus | Unlimited + roaming | Unlimited | 28d | SMS “P” to 16410 |
Melita Prepaid Plans
Activated by SMS to 16860:
| Plan | Data | Calls/SMS | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass S | 500 MB | 100/100 | 28 days | SMS “Pass S” |
| Pass M | 10 GB | 200/200 | 28 days | “Pass M” |
| Pass L | 20 GB | 200/200 | 28 days | “Pass L” |
How to Check the Remaining Balance
You can check your balance using:
- Epic: free blank SMS to 16290 or the app
- GO: USSD/app with provider instructions
- Melita: dial *121# or via MyMelita app
How to Check Your SIM Number
- Insert SIM and check “About Phone” → “Status.”
- Use SMS/USSD commands from each provider’s instructions
- Check on the SIM card packaging
Tourist SIM Options
Many local plans include EU roaming at no extra charge under “Roam Like At Home” rules — ideal for trips within Europe.
Roaming Data
All three Maltese providers support roaming across the EU with fair use policies. For extended travel beyond EU, check each operator’s roaming add-ons or consider an international travel eSIM.
Digital eSIM Providers
If you prefer digital SIM options, third-party eSIM providers (e.g., Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, esim.lv) offer prepaid data plans that work on Malta’s networks — perfect for travellers who want to activate before arrival and avoid queues.
Activation
- Insert SIM / scan eSIM QR code
- Follow provider prompts or dial the provided activation codes
- Register with passport/ID if required
- Top-up and select your plan
Helpline & Support
- Epic: Call 16200 or visit epic.com.mt
- GO Mobile: Contact via go.com.mt or in stores
- Melita: Support available through the Melita store or the MyMelita portal
Official Websites
- 🔗 Epic Malta: https://www.epic.com.mt
- 🔗 GO Mobile: https://www.go.com.mt
- 🔗 Melita Mobile: https://www.melita.com/mobile/
Recommended Apps
- Epic App – Manage packs & balance
- MyGO App – Buy bundles, check usage
- MyMelita App – Top-up & details
(Links available on official sites)
Conclusion
Malta’s mobile landscape makes it easy to stay connected:
Wide 4G/LTE coverage islandwide
Competitive prepaid pricing
EU roaming included
Easy SIM purchase and top-up processes
Whether you prefer a physical SIM bought on arrival or an eSIM you install ahead of time, Malta has excellent options for travellers and long-stay visitors alike. Choose the operator that matches your data needs, budget, and usage patterns to enjoy seamless connectivity during your stay.