Embodiments of the present invention include devices, systems and methods for efficient PLMN searching. One method can include initiating a service search procedure. A list of channels to perform a power scan on is prepared. One or more channels are removed from the list of channels that use a same public land mobile network as a camped on cell. Frequencies of the channels are obtained from system information. A power scan is performed on the channels in the list of channels to obtain power scan results. One or more channels are removed from the power scan results. An acquisition process is performed on the channels in the power scan results. Other aspects, embodiments and features are also claimed and described.