sim for tourist in singapore

Best Singapore SIM Card for Tourists

Marianne Rogerson

August 4, 2023

Here we take a look at finding the best Singapore SIM card for tourists . We discuss what to look for when choosing a SIM and compare the top contenders. 

Whether you are looking to share your photos of your Singapore trip on Instagram or navigate the city efficiently, the right SIM card can be your ultimate travelling companion. A tourist SIM card enables you to access mobile data, make calls, and send messages during your stay in Singapore.

Singapore offers a variety of prepaid SIM card options for tourists , making it easy and hassle-free to stay connected during your trip. However, finding the best option can be confusing, considering the myriad of mobile networks and data packages available for tourists. 

What’s most important to you? The amount of data? Unlimited calls? Or just the cheapest option? 

Our comprehensive guide to prepaid SIM card packages and comparisons between local operators will help you make an informed choice about the best prepaid SIM card in Singapore. We also offer tips on how to top up your card and monitor your data usage. 

You may also like these articles:

• How to use public transport in Singapore
• What to pack for Singapore
• How to get from Singapore airport to the city
• 60+ Best things to do in Singapore

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Table of Contents

No time to read the whole article? Here are our top picks.

• Best SIM card for short stays: Starhub $12 Tourist Travel SIM : 10-day validity with 100GB data, 100 local SMS, 1,000 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 1GB data roaming in 17 destinations.
• Best SIM for longer stays : Singtel $30 hi!Tourist SIM Card : 28-day validity with 100GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 5GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• Best SIM for roaming : The Starhub Tourist Travel SIM is available for $12 (10 days) or $32 (30 days) and offers data roaming in 17 countries. 
• Best eSIM : M1 $12 Tourist eSIM : 15-day validity with 100GB data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls.
• Best tourist EZ-Link SIM card : Singtel $15 hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card : 28-day validity. 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 3G data roaming. Also acts as an EZ-Link card with $3 stored value for use on public transport. 

What to Consider when Choosing a Travel SIM card

Each of the leading Singapore telcos offers a variety of prepaid sim cards that cater specifically to tourists. These SIM cards include data, text messages and local and international call minutes. 

Some also offer international roaming in certain neighbouring countries, which can be useful if you are heading on elsewhere after Singapore. 

When comparing SIM cards, consider the following factors:

• Data allowance : Make sure the plan provides enough data for your needs . Consider what you will use it for – some social media apps such as Instagram and YouTube can eat through a lot of data quickly. Opting for a package with a large data bundle will help avoid inconvenient mid-trip top-ups.
• Coverage : Ensure the SIM card offers strong coverage in the areas you plan to visit. The major Singapore SIM card providers generally offer good coverage, but it’s always wise to double-check. 
• Roaming options : Some Singapore SIMs offer international roaming , which is handy if you plan to head elsewhere after Singapore. Or you want to use up unused data when you get home. Different providers offer different options with regard to the different countries available and the quantity of data allowance. 
• Validity period : Choose a SIM with a suitable expiry date to match your trip length. Keep in mind that some tourist SIM cards have shorter validity periods.
• Price : Compare the costs of different SIM cards to find one that fits your budget . Be sure not to sacrifice essential features for the sake of saving a few dollars.

Who are Singapore’s Leading Mobile Operators?

Singapore has three leading mobile internet providers: These are 

All of these telcos offer great options for tourist SIM cards in Singapore. 

Singapore’s mobile network landscape is advanced, with most providers offering impressive 4G speeds and an expanding 5G network. So, you’ll have a seamless mobile internet experience during your visit. 

Bear in mind that the available frequencies in Singapore for mobile communication are 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz, which means your phone should be compatible with these to take full advantage of the mobile internet services provided by Singaporean operators.

Comparing Sim Card Providers

Let’s take a closer look at these leading Sim Card providers and their products available for tourists in Singapore.

Singtel offers a range of hi!Tourist SIM cards specifically designed for tourists. Details of the different cards are below. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 14 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, plus 3G data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• $15 hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card : Valid 28 days. This card gives you all of the data and calls as above, but also acts as an EZ-Link card for public transport and includes $3 stored value for use on public transport (this saves you $5 on purchasing an EZ-Link card). 
• $30 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 28 days. Offers 100GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 5GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• $50 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 28 days. Offers 120GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 10GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Note : With the Singtel tourist SIM card, access to Facebook, LINE, WeChat and WhatsApp is unlimited (subject to 1GB per day fair usage) and does not count towards your local data allowance. 

Starhub also has a selection of prepaid plans for tourists as well. Let’s take a look at the StarHub Prepaid SIM card options. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 Tourist Travel SIM : Valid 10 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 1,000 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 1GB data roaming in 17 destinations. 
• $32 Tourist Travel SIM : Valid 30 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 5,000 local SMS, 3,000 minutes local calls, 90 minutes international calls, 3GB data roaming in 17 destinations.

Note : With Starhub SIM cards, data roaming is available in the following 17 destinations: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.

M1 offers the following tourist SIM cards. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 Tourist SIM: Valid 15 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls. No data roaming. This option is also available as an eSIM card.
• $30 Tourist SIM : Valid 30 days. Offers 150GB local 4G data, 1,000 local SMS, 3,000 minutes local calls, 50 minutes international calls, 3GB data roaming in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

About eSIM 

Another trend to watch for is eSIMs. As eSIM technology grows in popularity, more devices and plans now support it, providing another way to access data without needing a physical SIM card .

Instead of using a traditional SIM card, eSIM allows you to activate your eSIM data plan via email and use it immediately. This is a convenient option as it lets you switch between carriers seamlessly without needing to swap out a physical SIM card. 

However, it is worth noting that a physical SIM card that you insert into your device often offers better data allowances and lower costs. 

Also check that the eSIM offers local and/or international calls if this is important to you, as they are often data only. You also need to ensure your mobile device is eSIM compatible.

In summary:

• eSIMs allow you to activate your data plan via email 
• You don’t need a physical SIM card
• Physical SIM cards often offer better value packages that eSIMs
• Some travel eSIMs are data only, without call allowances
• You need to ensure your mobile device is eSIM compatible

Recommended eSIM 

• M1 $12 Tourist eSIM : Valid 15 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls. No data roaming.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Singapore

You can easily find SIM cards at the airport, various convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and in shopping malls around the city. 

We recommend buying one online, and then you can collect it upon arrival at Changi Airport. 

Required Documents to Buy a SIM Card

To buy a SIM card as a tourist, you’ll need to present your passport  as proof of your identity. It’s a mandatory requirement for purchasing a SIM card in Singapore. 

Your passport helps the retailer verify your identity and ensures that only genuine tourists access the tourist SIM card options.

How Do Singapore SIM Cards Work?

When you purchase a Singapore prepaid SIM card, the first thing you need to do is activate it by inserting the card into your phone. This process is straightforward; just follow the instructions provided in the sim card packet, or ask the store staff for assistance. 

Once you’ve done this, you can immediately start using the preloaded credit to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data.

Important tip : Make sure that your smartphone is  unlocked  for you to use the available local SIM cards in Singapore. Locked phones are restricted to one network provider, making it impossible to switch to other carriers while in the country. 

If your smartphone is locked, contact your carrier to unlock it before heading to Singapore. 

How to Top-Up Your SIM Card

Once you have your SIM card, topping up your credit is a breeze. You can find top-up cards of various denominations at 7-Eleven stores, the service provider’s stores, and even newsstands. 

These cards usually have a hidden number and PIN, which can be revealed by scratching off the protective coating.

To top-up your SIM, follow the instructions provided on the top-up card. These instructions include straightforward steps to input the card number and PIN.

In addition to physical top-up cards, you can also use online top-up services or apps provided by SIM card providers. Online top-ups often make it easy to track your balance and monitor your usage throughout your stay in Singapore. 

To do this, simply visit your provider’s website, create an account or log in, and follow the guided prompts to add your desired top-up amount.

Apps for SIM Management

When you get a tourist SIM card in Singapore, you can also download apps for managing your SIM. 

These apps make it easier for you: 

• Check your account balance
• View remaining data, talk time and SMS
• Top-up or purchase data bundles easily

For example, if you choose the M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM, you can download the  M1 Prepaid App from the Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Likewise, if you opt for a Singtel Prepaid SIM card, you can manage your account with the  Singtel Prepaid hi!App and Starhub has the Starhub Prepaid App.

Prepaid vs Postpaid SIM cards 

Prepaid SIM cards  are a popular choice for tourists because they offer flexibility and convenience. With a prepaid SIM card, you have complete control over your expenditure, as you only pay for what you use in advance. 

Additionally, you can easily top up your account when needed. This option eliminates the worry of unexpected charges and can conveniently be purchased upon your arrival in Singapore. 

On the other hand,  postpaid SIM cards  are usually more suitable for longer stays or for residents. With a postpaid plan, you receive a monthly bill for the services you have used, and these plans often come with contract commitments. This option may be advantageous in terms of more cost-effective data and voice packages, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing and paying monthly bills.

In general, tourists tend to prefer  prepaid SIM cards  as they provide simplicity and freedom from contracts. They allow you to stay connected without being tied down to monthly fees, and it is easy to find  prepaid plans  offering attractive call, data, and messaging packages.

Is Pocket Wi-Fi a good option for Singapore?

While Singapore offers numerous SIM cards for tourists, you might be interested in additional options like a pocket Wi-Fi. 

A pocket Wi-Fi is a portable device allowing you to stay connected to the internet without using a local SIM card . They are especially useful when travelling with a group or as a family, as multiple devices can connect to the same pocket Wi-Fi, without purchasing multiple plans.

However, they don’t allow you to make local or international calls. 

For a Pocket WiFi, you usually pre-pay online and it will be delivered to your accommodation. You will need to post it back at the end of your trip. 

Click here to read more about Pocket WiFis and order one online. 

Useful Apps for Singapore

Once you’ve chosen your SIM card, it’s time to download some useful apps for navigating Singapore . Just remember to track your data usage to avoid running out!

The city has an excellent public transport system, and using apps like MyTransport.SG or CityMapper can make getting around much more manageable. 

Other navigation apps worth downloading are Grab and Gojek , which provide taxi and ride-hailing services similar to Uber. 

Singapore is also known for its diverse food scene. Use apps like Chope or Burpple to locate restaurants and cafes in your vicinity. They offer reviews, ratings, and even discounts for specific eateries, helping you choose the perfect spot for your taste buds.

Click here for more useful apps for Singapore . 

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Ready to see the sights and can’t wait to share it with everyone back home? Our M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM comes with a massive 100GB of data! That’s enough for all kinds of overshare.

What Kind Of Traveller Are You?

Whether you’re here for a short escapade or planning to explore Asia, we’ll make sure you never lose connection.

 $12 Tourist SIM 

• 100GB Local Data
• 3GB Roaming Data 1
• 500 Mins Local Calls
• 100 Local SMS
• 30 Mins International Calls
• 15 Days Validity

Also available in eSIM 3

 $14 Tourist SIM 

• 150GB Local Data
• 50 Mins International Calls
• 30 Days Validity

  $30 Tourist SIM

• 5GB Roaming Data 1
• 3,000 Mins Local Calls
• 1,000 Local SMS
• 90 Mins International Calls

• 100GB Local & Roaming Data 2
• 1,000 Mins Local Calls
• 500 Local SMS
• 20 Mins International Calls
• 84GB Local & Roaming Data (3GB/day) 2
• 28 Days Unlimited Incoming Calls
• 5,000 mins Local Outgoing Calls
• 400 Local SMS
• 28 Days Validity

1 Data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/ XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Thailand (AIS). 2 Data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/ XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom). 3 For use on supported eSIM models: iPhone XR / XS / XS Max or later, iPhone SE (2020), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad Mini (5th Gen or later), iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd Gen or later), Samsung Note20 / Note20 Ultra 5G, Samsung S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra 5G or later, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip or later, Samsung Galaxy Fold or later.

Where Can I Get It

• M1 Shops  ($12 Tourist eSIM, $12 Tourist SIM & $30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Airport Changi Meet & Greet - Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4 ($12 Tourist eSIM, $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM )
• Changi Airport Changi Recommends – Terminal 1 & 2 ($12 Tourist eSIM, $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM )
• Changi Airport FX Counters - Terminal 1 ($12 Tourist eSIM, $14 SIM, $25 SIM, $30 Tourist SIM )
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers ($12 Tourist SIM, $14 SIM & $30 Tourist SIM)

What Documents Do I Need

• Singapore Identity Card
• Work Permit Identification Card (issued from 3 May 1999)
• Employment Pass
• Training Employment Pass
• Personalized Employment Pass
• Work Holiday Pass
• Dependant's Pass
• Long Term Pass
• Student's Pass

Tourist eSIM Activation Instruction

Before setting up, please ensure that your device supports eSIM and you have data connectivity (e.g. Wi-Fi).

• Go to  Settings
• Select  Add Cellular Plan / Add Mobile Plan / Add Data Plan
• Scan the  QR code  provided to you when prompted  

For more info, please refer to your respective device's guideline •  iOS devices •  Samsung devices

$25 SIM Rates

Local Calls

• 20¢ per min

International Calls

International SMS

• 15¢/SMS to all destinations

*Pay-per-use local mobile data services are pre-activated and deducted in kB

Extend your SIM Validity!

Check out the top ups available  here

Simply top up via M1 Prepaid App or  Portal !

COLLECTION FOR ONLINE PURCHASES

VIEW ALL FAQ

TERMS & CONDITIONS

M1 - The Best Prepaid SIM Card in Singapore for Tourists

Coming over to Singapore? Perhaps you’ve already been out and about in the Little Red Dot and plan on heading out to neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. To ensure your stay here with us is top-notch and your telecommunication needs are met fuss-free,  M1  has the ultimate solution for all tourists of Singapore.

Offering visitors an easy way to get connected to a local mobile network without breaking the bank in the process is our full line-up of tourist prepaid SIM cards. We understand how important it is to stay in touch with friends and family while travelling overseas. Therefore we’ve created what we firmly believe is the best prepaid SIM card in Singapore for tourists from all over the world!

M1’s Tourist SIM Card is All You Need

Checking out all the sights of Singapore, you’re guaranteed to want to share experiences with those closest to you at home, which is why it’s important to have an overseas data plan that caters to plenty of data usage. And when you choose to buy the Tourist SIM card in Singapore from M1, you’ll get exactly that.

No matter which of the data travel SIM card options you go with, you will be getting a whopping 100GB of local data to use however you wish; sharing heaps of photos, streaming TV, movies, and music, Skyping… it’s entirely up to you!

On top of what you could almost call unlimited data, the travel SIM includes a minimum of 20 minutes of international call minutes plus plenty of local talktime and SMS allowances too!

Singapore Travel SIM Card Options at M1

We know everyone is different, which is why we offer a few different tourist prepaid SIM options at varied price points.

If it’s for a short stay in Singapore, our travel SIM with 7 days’ validity for just $12 will have enough inclusions to tide you over. It is also available in an eSIM variant which can be used in eSIM compatible models like the  Samsung Galaxy Z Flip .

Planning to stay a little while longer? $30 provides 12 days’ validity and a fair bit more local call/SMS allowance, more international call minutes and even 3GB of roaming data for you to use should you head out to Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau.

And if you’re heading to a neighbouring country, go with the $50 travel SIM card which has everything the $30 plan does but takes it up a notch by including an additional 2GB of Roaming Data. This prepaid tourist SIM is also valid for 2 days longer (i.e., 14 days).

You’ll also be able to extend the validity on the $30 and $50 overseas SIM cards via the M1 Prepaid App or  Prepaid Portal ; $2 tops you up another day, 300MB local data, 60 minutes’ worth of local calls, 100 local SMS and 5 minutes of international calls.

Frequently Asked Questions About M1 Tourist SIM cards

What is a travel sim card.

A travel SIM card is the best way for tourists to get connected to a local mobile network in a foreign country. You’ll find they often have a shorter validity than a regular prepaid plan, and will offer inclusions that benefit tourists such as international call minutes and data usage.

Where can I buy tourist SIM cards in Singapore?

When your plane lands in Singapore, you’ll be able to find a range of travel SIM card options in Changi airport, enabling you to get connected almost as soon as you arrive! If you’re after the $12 or $30 Tourist SIM, head over to the Changi Meet & Greet at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 & 4 Arrival Halls, Changi Recommends at Changi Airport Terminal 4 Arrival Hall, any M1 Shop or selected retailers islandwide, like the selected 7-Eleven and Cheers convenience stores around Singapore. The $50 Tourist SIM can be purchased only at Changi Airport.

How do I activate the Tourist SIM and eSIM?

Your Tourist prepaid SIM will be activated automatically upon successful registration, activating your card benefits instantly!

To activate the travel eSIM card, you’ll first need a stable Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings and scan the QR code provided to you when you Add a Data Plan under Mobile Data.

Best Singapore Prepaid SIM Card for Travellers

By: Author Eva

Posted on February 26, 2024

Categories singapore

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Who can live and travel without data SIM card? I CAN’T.

SIM card is my second priority when I arrive in a new country, after local currency. Having a local SIM card with data gives me confidence and assurance that I can survive in a new country even if I don’t speak the language.

When my family and friends visit me in Singapore , they’re always asking me to help them buy SIM cards, so I had to analyze what’s the best SIM card for them. And I figured, why not post my analysis on this blog, maybe it will help somebody out there.

To be honest, choosing the best SIM card in Singapore is both easy and hard! Easy because there are only 3 major mobile operators in Singapore, namely Singtel, M1 and StarHub.

It’s hard because every operator offers so many different SIM cards with different features and validity, it’s so hard to choose what’s the most suitable card for you.

Let me spare you from the headache of choosing a SIM card. In the first section of this article, I’ll do detailed breakdown of each SIM card from each operator.

Then, in the second section, I’ll do comparisons of SIM cards for different scenarios based on length of stay and provide my analysis and recommendations.

Finally, I’ll have some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to answer common queries that I often receive. Let’s dive in!

No time to read the entire comparison? Here are my best picks: • For up to 10 days of stay:  StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) • For 11 to 30 days of stay: M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM (100GB for 30 days) • Best eSIM: M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM (100GB for 15 days) • For people who also need EZ-Link card:  Singtel hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card (100GB 4G for 28 day, EZ-Link is valid for 5 years) • For data roaming outside Singapore: M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days in 5 countries) or StarHub $32 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 30 days in 17 countries) • For budget traveller who doesn’t need a lot of data: Singtel’s $8 hi!Prepaid SIM (can’t pick up from airport)

Table of Contents

Overview of all Prepaid SIM Cards in Singapore

Singtel’s normal prepaid SIM card is called hi! SIM card , while Singtel’s tourist SIM card is called hi!Tourist SIM card . Here’s the overview of all Singtel’s prepaid SIM card and Singtel’s tourist SIM Card.

Have any questions about traveling in Singapore? Join All About Singapore Travel FB group, I'll be there to answer your questions!

Useful links for Singtel Prepaid hi! SIM Card: 1. List of Data Plans . 2. hi!SIM rates (including local call, overseas call, SMS, roaming charges) as of January 2021. 3. List of data roaming packages. 4. List of ways to top up hi! SIM card .

All hi! Tourist SIM cards offer unlimited usage of Facebook, Whatsapp, LINE and WeChat, however, if you read the fine prints, it says the usage of this is limited to 1GB a day. I’d say just ignore this gimmick because when you have 100GB free local data, why should you care about free 1GB data for social media.

Where to buy Singtel SIM Cards?

Normal Prepaid SIM (hi! SIM Cards):

• Singtel’s website
• Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 1, 2 and 3): Travelex Currency Exchange Counters, Changi Recommends Counters.
• Singtel shops
• Singtel Exclusive Retailers
• Selected Authorised Singtel Prepaid Retailers
• Selected Cheers

Tourist SIM card (hi!Tourist SIM Cards):

• Selected Authorised Singtel Prepaid Retailers including Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, HarbourFront Ferry Terminal, Causeway Points, Sentosa FUN Shops
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers

Looking for ideas on what to do in Singapore? Here’s my guide on the best things to do in Singapore .

StarHub’s normal prepaid SIM card is called StarHub Prepaid , while StarHub’s tourist SIM card is called StarHub Travel Prepaid . Below is the comparison of StarHub’s prepaid SIM cards.

Notes about StarHub Prepaid SIM cards: 1. For $15 Prepaid, free 2GB data comprises 1.2GB first month; then 200MB/month for the next 5 months. FREE WeChat App, Whatsapp Messenger and LINE App is valid for 180 days from activation date. 2. List of data plans . 3. StarHub Prepaid SIM card rates . 4. Here’s the info about Happy Roam . 5. For $50 StarHub Prepaid SIM, the free 5GB data roam can be used locally as well as overseas in countries listed in the Happy Roam destinations. 6. List of ways to top up StarHub Prepaid SIM card . 7. Free 120GB local data, $100 IDD 018 credit, 5000 mins local calls and 200 local SMS will be awarded within 3 days of SIM card activation. Promotion valid until further notice. 8. 80GB data consists of 4GB local/roaming data & 76GB local data. 20GB will be awarded immediately upon successful purchase. Additional 60GB local data, 5000 mins local calls, 200 local SMS and $100 IDD credit will be credited within the same day.

Notes:  9. Free overseas calls can be used to make a call to the countries listed in the IDD 018 destinations. 10. Free data roam can only be used in countries listed in the Happy Roam destinations 11. Top-up for all prepaid cards can be done online, through StarHub Prepaid App or offline. See the complete Top up options .

Based on my past experience, I think StarHub is the most competitive operator, they often provide better value compared to other operators with their promotions. But, I feel that they have too many promotions, add-ons, bonuses and different top-up prices. Some promotions last for a long time, others disappear after a while.

It’s hard to make the right decision when trying to choose the best StarHub card or the best StarHub plans at any given time if the variables keep changing. To make it simple, I recommend that you ignore all the bonuses when trying to decide which card/plan is the best.

Where to buy StarHub Cards?

• Pre-order Starhub $12 Happy Travel Prepaid , and collect at Singapore Changi Airport.
• StarHub Shops
• StarHub’s Exclusive Partner outlets
• StarHub Authorised Retailers
• 7-Eleven stores
• Cheers convenience stores
• StarHub Counters (Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• UOB Currency Exchange Counters (Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• Travellers Counters (Terminal 2 and 3, Arrival Halls)

M1’s normal prepaid SIM card is called M1 Prepaid SIM Card , while its tourist SIM is simply called M1 Tourist SIM Card . Below is the comparison of all M1’s prepaid cards.

* International call rates ** $20 M1 Prepaid SIM comes with up to 1,000 IDD 033 mins (Bangladesh 400 mins / India 1,000 mins / China 1,000 mins / Indonesia 200 mins / Philippines 80 mins / Malaysia 500 mins) ## For use in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan, you can use your existing data from your local data packs without extra charges (but you need to activate data roaming first). For other countries, you need to purchase a roaming pack . ^ Top up options for M Card

Where to buy M1 Cards?

M1 Tourist SIM Card:

• Pre-order $12 M1 Tourist SIM and collect from Changi Airport or city areas.
• M1 Shops ($12/$30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Meet & Greet ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at Changi Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4 Arrival Halls (Public Area)
• Changi Recommends ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at Changi Airport Terminal 4 Arrival Hall (Public Area)
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers ($12 Tourist SIM)
• M1 Exclusive Distributors
• Appointed Authorised Retailers
• 7-Eleven and Cheers stores
• FairPrice Xpress
• Selected SingPost Branches

What’s the best SIM card for short-term travellers (less than 1 month stay)?

Now that I have covered every prepaid SIM cards from each operator, it is time to compare these SIM cards across different operators, based on several scenarios.

Different people have different length of stay, data usage and other preferences. To simplify, I’m going to assume that short-term travellers are leisure travellers who use a good amount of internet (1GB to 3GB) on a daily basis for the purpose of navigation, on-the-go research and social media.

For short-term travellers, I’ll be comparing SIM cards that give at least 80GB which is more than enough for 1-month stay in Singapore.

If you think you don’t belong in this category because you can survive without internet when exploring Singapore, then you can skip this section and jump to the next section where I discuss about normal prepaid SIM card for long-term travellers.

Best SIM Card for shorter stays (2 weeks or less)

For shorter stays of (2 weeks or less), there are 5 competing Tourist SIM cards, namely:

• Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days)
• Singtel $18 hi!Tourist EZ-Link SIM Card (100GB 4G for 28 days)
• StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM Card (100GB for 10 days)
• M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days)
• M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days)

M1 has 2 very similar SIM cards, $12 and $14. The main difference between these 2 cards are roaming data allowance. M1 $14 comes with 100GB which is shared between local data & roaming data, while M1 $12 comes with 100GB local data only. Another difference would be the validity, M1 $12 is valid for 15 days while M1 $14 is valid for 120 days, but all the free stuffs (data, calls, SMS) are valid for 30 days only.

Case 1: If you’re visiting Singapore for up to 10 days , you can get any of the $12 Tourist SIM card from Singtel/StarHub/M1 Tourist SIM. My readers’ favorite is StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) .

If you just want to get the cheapest one, you can choose either StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) ; both of which are retailing at SGD8.60 at the time of writing.

If you have a specific preference for eSIM, you can choose either Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) .

Case 2: If you’re visiting Singapore for 11 to 14 days , you can get either

Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) .

If you’re planning to visit other countries after Singapore , scroll down to the section about “Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming”

If you don’t need a lot of data because you can use your hotel or hostel’s wifi, or if you’re a budget traveler and you think paying $12 for data is a waste of money, but you need a SIM card to make calls, scroll down and read the section about budget long-term travellers.

If this is your first time visiting Singapore and you want to explore the country using public transportation, you need to have a transport card. To understand all the different transport cards in Singapore, read: Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Contactless Bank Card? Which One is Better?

If you have read my guide about travel cards and decide that you want an EZ-Link card , I recommend that you get Singtel’s $18 hi!Tourist EZ-Link SIM Card . Here are some details about this card:

• It is a 2-in-1 Tourist SIM and EZ-Link travel card
• Basically, you peel off the SIM card from the EZ-Link card, so you have 2 physical items: 1 small SIM Card and 1 EZ-Link.
• The SIM card validity is 7 days while the EZ-Link validity is 5 years from the manufacture date.
• The EZ-Link card has $3 free credit. However, please note that minimum balance you need to maintain in EZ-Link card is $3 (below $3, you can’t take any MRT or bus with it), so you still have to perform a top up of minimum $10 to the EZ-Link in order to use it for public transport.

PS: If you’re a first-timer visitor to Singapore, I recommend you check my comprehensive library of Singapore Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.

Best SIM Card for longer stays (2 weeks to 1 month)

Even though there are Tourist SIM cards that gives 100GB with validity of 28 days & 30 days, I do not recommend those SIM cards anymore because you can get cheaper SIM card with greater data, as seen in the above table.

The total data you can get from Singtel $15 card is 100GB, StarHub $15 card is 128GB, and M1 $14 is 100GB. Based on the data allowance alone, it’s clear that the winner is StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM card for 28 days. Meanwhile, for up to 30 days of stay, you should get M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) .

However, among do note Singtel $15 and StarHub $15 can’t be picked up from the airport, they must be picked up from retail stores in the city. I personally think 100GB is more than enough for 30 days, so I highly recommend M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) .

If you are planning to travel to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan after Singapore, you should consider M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) because the 100GB can be used in Singapore as well as those 5 roaming countries.

Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming

For people who are planning to visit other countries after Singapore, you can consider getting Singapore’s SIM card that provides data roaming.

In the above table, I’ve compiled a list of SIM cards that provide data roaming, the countries where the data roaming can be used, the amount of data roaming, and the data roaming duration.

The amount of data roaming is the total data roaming for all countries . For example: For StarHub $12, you get 1GB data roaming IN TOTAL, not in each country.

It’s clear that if we compare the amount of data roaming, the winner is M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) . You get 100GB for 30 days for 5 overseas countries. However, do note that this 100GB is shared between Singapore data and overseas data.

If your next destination is not covered by M1, but it’s covered by StarHub, you can consider getting StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) or StarHub $32 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 30 days) , which gives 1GB or 3GB data roaming respectively. However, 1GB and 3GB are quite little and may only be enough for 3 days. If you need more days in other countries, do consider getting that country’s local SIM card instead.

What’s the best card for budget travellers, long-term travellers or residents?

For clarity, I define budget travellers as people who want to spend as little as possible, and don’t need a lot of data because they’ll be using the wifi from their accommodation.

I define long-term travellers as people who stays in the country for more than 1 month. And I define residents as people who live and work in the country.

Best SIM card for budget repeat visitors or budget long-term travellers who don’t need a lot of data

If you’re a budget type of person who keeps coming back to Singapore at least once a year, or you’re a budget long-term travellers staying in the country for more than 1 month, and you DON’T need a lot of data , it’s likely that you want to get a cheap SIM card that’s valid for months rather than the Tourist SIM card which is only valid for several days. But you have to remember to top up the card before it expires!

For this case, it looks like the best SIM card for you is the Singtel’s $8 hi!Prepaid SIM , which gives you free 1.5GB for 30 days, plus bonus 2GB if you register the SIM card yourself.

Best SIM card for long-term travelers or residents who need A LOT of data

If you’re a long-term traveller staying in the country for more than 1 month; or you want to keep a Singapore number because you visit Singapore about once every 6 months, and you NEED to use a lot of data because you don’t want to rely on wifi, I think the $15 category is suitable for you.

At first glance, both Singtel’s $15 and StarHub’s $15 give you more than 100GB for the first 30 days. So, if you intend to use A LOT of data in your first 30 days, you can forget about M1.

After 30 days, if you use Singtel, you’ll be left with 3GB free local data. With StarHub, you’ll be left with 200MB free data each month (which is too little, imo!).

In this case it’s clear that the winner is Singtel’s $15 hi!Prepaid SIM .

Now, let’s move to the next analysis!

If you’re a resident working/living in Singapore, I presume you’ll be using data most of the time, so the criteria to choose the best SIM card for you would be the price of data plans, especially the monthly plan.

Based on the above comparison table, $25 can get you 20GB data on Singtel, or 80GB data on StarHub. Meanwhile, $28 can get you 60GB on M1. To me, StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM has the most value for money in terms of data plan.

If course, if you’re a resident, you’re not constrained to only prepaid SIM cards. You are qualified to sign up for postpaid SIM cards from more than 3 operators.

Regarding coverage, personally I have used the service of all three mobile operators, and what I can say is, each operator performs well at certain locations and bad at other locations. No operator is truly better than other operators. This is just my opinion 🙂

Purchase on the spot or in advance?

First of all, not all SIM cards can be purchased in advance. For those cards that can be booked online, I highly recommend that you do, because you’ll never know how long the queue can be.

In busy city/tourist areas like Bugis or Orchard, queues at telecommunication shops can be insane (at least 30 mins of waiting).

At the airport, not every SIM card is available for sale (#truestory: they only sell the more expensive ones, but they keep changing strategy so you’ll never know).

If the SIM card that you want can’t be purchased online, I think your best bet is to go to not-so-busy 7-Eleven or Cheers convenient stores, or go to telecommunication shops in the morning (between 10 to 11am) or late at night (9pm onwards).

These are some of the most common questions that readers have asked me over the years.

1. What’s required to purchase SIM card in Singapore?

You need to bring passports during registration of the SIM card.

2. How many sim cards can I buy?

Each person is only allowed to have 3 prepaid SIM cards under their name, regardless of the service provider, in any 6 months period.

3. What are local data and roaming data?

Local data is the data that you can use in Singapore. Roaming data is the data that you can use when you’re outside Singapore.

4. Are incoming calls free?

Unfortunately, no. You will be charged when you receive local calls. If you have a lot of free local calls minutes, then these will be deducted when you receive incoming calls.

5. I want to maintain the validity of my SIM card so I can use it when I come back to Singapore in the future. How can I do so?

Get any prepaid SIM card, not the tourist SIM card. Then, download the apps (either Singtel hi! App, StarHub Prepaid App, or M1 Prepaid App) to check your card validity.

Finally, monitor your card validity consistently so that you can top up before its expiry date. These apps allow you to top up with credit card so it’s ok if you’re outside Singapore.

6. What is the cheapest SIM card in Singapore?

Singtel’s $8, StarHub’s $8 or M1’s $8.

So… that’s it!

I hope I have provided you with enough information to make your decisions 🙂 If you have any questions, let me know in the comment or ask me in All About Singapore Travel Group on Facebook where we discuss about traveling in Singapore.

Planning for a trip to Singapore? Here are some essential information to read next:

• Read my best articles about Singapore
• Awesome Places in Singapore You Can Visit for Free
• A Weekend Itinerary for Budget Travellers in Singapore

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make any purchase through my links, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. 

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If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee! Your support will help me to keep going!

Shashank Verma

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

Hi Eva, awesome blog! Keep it up! A lot of work gone into this!

Although I think know which SIM card I should be getting, it might be wise to pass it through you first.

We are travelling to Singapore (4 days), KL (2 days) and Thailand (8 days).

I was thinking - Singtel $30 Hi! Tourist. Do you concur?

On the FAQ, you said - Each person is only allowed to have 3 prepaid SIM cards under their name, regardless of the service provider, in any 6 months period.

So if I got two SIMs under my name, can I use one and give the other to my partner? Or does my partner order her own under her name?

And do I need to order online before arrival, or can I just pop over to one of their pickup locations (at the Airport) and get them there and then?

Will they help us set it all up to make sure its working fine?

Thursday 12th of October 2023

@Eva, I had another idea - I don't like giving my passport details everywhere. So what I was thinking is getting the $50 Hi! Tourist SIM. It's costly but in that way I will be covered for Malaysia and Thailand. I don't have to worry about Singapore as I get whopping 120GB. Having said that, the Thailand SIMs are much cheaper. But its just the inconvenience of it all.

I am a bit confused with people saying they charge more at the airport than says 7-11. If I got a $50 Tourist SIM from the airport, would the same SIM cost less at 7-11 or Cheers?

I soo appreciate your website and the way its all laid out and explained. I have been checking website on SIM for Thailand and there's hardly anything that comes close to yours. And whatever there is is either old or not really making sense.

Lastly, if I just wanted Roaming Data without any calls etc. then which SIM would you suggest? I will use Whatsapp etc. for calls. Only thing is I don't know if that would have any impact on using Grab.

The M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card is a great SIM but sadly does not work in Thailand (or does it)? Or maybe I can get this for Singapore and Malaysia and then get a cheap SIM in Thailand. The 100GB is a lot even if its shared between local and roaming.

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Eva, many thanks for your advice.

What I will do is still get the $30 SIM and if I am close to running out of data in Thailand, I will buy a local SIM from there.

No point in topping up the Hi! SIM.

Monday 9th of October 2023

Hi Shashank, yes I agree that Singtel $30 hi!Tourist is the best choice in terms of data roaming availability. But do take note the data roaming allowance is only 5GB, which is pretty easy to blow up in a couple of days. If you don't really use data a lot, this sim card is fine. Otherwise, you may want to purchase another SIM card when you are in Thailand, since you'll be spending 8 days there.

If you buy 2 SIM cards, it should be fine to give one to your partner, but I'm not sure how strict Singtel is. It's definitely safer to let your partner buy the sim card under her own name. You can do either online booking or purchase during arrival. Online booking guarantees availability, from what I understand. You can consider getting esim so you don't need to physically collect the sim card. Yes, they will help you set up and register (bring your passport!).

Susanne Steinböck

Monday 4th of September 2023

Hi Eva, great blog, love it. The Singtel 2 in 1 Tourist SIM EZ card is back. It just costs $ 18.- now. Just for your information.

Thursday 7th of September 2023

@Eva, I am happy I found it. Your blog is the reason why my Singapore stopover in October has grown from one to two weeks. ;-) And this seams to be the best SIM card for me.

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Thank you Susanne! I'll update it soon!

Monday 28th of August 2023

Hi, I plan to visit Singapore next week and move on to Taiwan. Do you know if the M1 tourist work well in Taiwan? I plan to buy the $14 one so that I don't have to buy another sim in Taiwan. Any one know the answer, thanks.

Refer to section "Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming"

Saturday 29th of July 2023

Hi! Great blog, really helpful! :)

I'm traveling to Singapore in a week. I just wanted to know, do Singtel tourist SIM cards allow sharing your data with another phone (hotspot)?

Also, "fair usage" is mentioned on their pages: Fair usage of 1GB per day per hi!Tourist SIM card applies for free access to Facebook; WhatsApp; Line; WeChat. Unlimited access to WhatsApp, Line and WeChat only includes messaging and does not include video/ voice calls. Can you tell me if the internet speed will be very slow when this 1GB per day is exceeded?

Monday 31st of July 2023

Hi L, Yes all cards allow you to do hotspot sharing. If you use their free social media data, yes after 1 GB you will experience slow connection speed. I suggest that you disregard the free social media data, and just use mobile data for all social media.

Hi Eva! We are visiting Singapore next week and I was exploring options for phone connections - wondering if I should activate international roaming on my phone, or get a local SIM card. Your article is amazing and so comprehensive. Thanks for all the tips. I am off to browse you other Singapore articles now. Have a great day!

Thank you so much Vidya =) Hope you have a great trip to Singapore!

• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Singapore in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, having a sim card is essential for staying connected. With easy access to the internet, navigating unfamiliar cities becomes a breeze. You can discover the finest restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share photos with your loved ones, all on the go.

While roaming is an option, the costs can quickly escalate when traveling abroad. That’s why we recommend opting for either an eSIM or a local sim card, which offer access to local phone rates. The good news is that obtaining either option in Singapore is incredibly simple.

To help you make the right choice, this comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to know about purchasing a sim card in Singapore. It includes up-to-date pricing details and highlights the absolute best sim card for your specific needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in singapore for tourists.

Singapore is one of the few countries where I highly recommend purchasing the official Tourist sim card on arrival at the airport. Singtel’s hi!Tourist Sim Card is perfect for almost all visitors offering 100GB of 4G data for 14 days plus it costs just $12 SGD. This is crazy cheap!

If you are staying for longer than 14 days, then the hi! Sim Card is your best option at $15 for 100GB of data valid for 28 days. Both sim cards can be purchased at Singtel shops around Singapore including the Changi Recommends counter in Changi Airport.

I can’t really recommend eSims in Singapore as the local operators offer far more data at extremely cheap prices, plus they can be conveniently collected at the airport. However, if money isn’t really a factor for you then we recommend the Airalo’s Singapore eSim . It’s definitely easier than collecting and installing a physical sim card, however, it costs $30 SGD for 5GB data so it’s not as good of a deal as the Singtel cards.

Singapore Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Singapore costs either $12 or $15 in May 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Singapore will cost between $7.50 USD and $45 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Singapore which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $22.50 USD.

Singapore Sim Card Providers

Singapore is home to several main sim card providers: Singtel, Starhub, and M1. Singtel is the largest telecommunications company in Singapore, offering a wide range of mobile services. With its extensive coverage and reliable network, Singtel is the preferred choice for many locals and tourists alike. Starhub is another major player in the market, known for its competitive data and call plans. It offers various packages catering to different needs and budgets. M1, the third largest telco provider, focuses on delivering affordable deals while maintaining a strong network presence. All three providers offer competitive pricing, reliable connectivity, and exceptional customer service, making Singapore a haven for seamless mobile connections.

Singtel Tourist Sim

Singtel is a leading telecommunications provider in Singapore, offering convenient and reliable tourist sim cards for visitors. Singtel’s tourist sim cards provide unlimited local data, free local calls, and international calls. These sim cards can be easily purchased at Singtel stores or authorized retailers throughout Singapore. With Singtel’s tourist sim cards, visitors can stay connected, navigate with ease, and enjoy a seamless communication experience during their trip to Singapore.

Singtel Singapore Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Singtel tourist sim card in Singapore is either $12 or $15.

The plan offered by Singtel stores includes 100GB 4G data + 500 minutes + unlimited Facebook & Whatsapp + 3GB roaming in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand valid for 14 days.

Starhub Tourist Sim

StarHub is a leading telecommunications company in Singapore, offering high-quality service to both locals and tourists. Their tourist sim cards are popular among travelers looking for convenient and affordable connectivity during their visit. The sim cards provide reliable network coverage, high-speed internet access, and various data packages to suit individual needs. With StarHub’s tourist sim cards, visitors can easily stay connected, navigate the city, and share their Singapore experiences with friends and family around the world.

Starhub Singapore Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Starhub tourist sim card in Singapore is $12 SGD.

The plan offered by Starhub stores offers 100GB data + 1000 minutes + 100 texts + 1GB roaming data valid for 10 days.

M1 Tourist Sim

M1 is a leading telecommunications company in Singapore, offering convenient tourist sim card options for travelers. Their tourist sim cards provide unlimited local data and high-speed 4G connectivity, allowing visitors to stay connected and explore the city hassle-free. With easy activation and top-up options, M1’s sim cards are a popular choice among tourists looking for reliable and affordable communication solutions in Singapore.

M1 Singapore Tourist Sim Price

The price of a M1 tourist sim card in Singapore is $12 SGD.

The plan offered by M1 stores includes 100GB data + 500 minutes + 100 texts valid for 15 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Singapore

Identify mobile providers: Singtel, Starhub and M1 are your best options in Singapore.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Singapore

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Singapore at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Singapore then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Singapore have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Singtel, Starhub and M1. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Singapore are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Singapore with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

Singapore eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Singapore. The Airalo Singapore eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $22.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Singapore without having to venture outside.

Airalo Singapore

Our preferred eSim provider in Singapore is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Singapore and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Singapore eSim uses the Singtel network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Singtel networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Singapore.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Singapore eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $7.50 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $15 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $22.50 USD 10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $33.50 USD 20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $45 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $22.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Singapore

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Singapore eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Singapore eSim uses the Singtelnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Singapore

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Singapore eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into a device like a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which have to be physically inserted or removed from a device, an eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware.

With an eSIM, users can remotely activate and program the SIM card through their mobile network operator. This means they can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of physically changing SIM cards.

This technology offers convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who frequently switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it much more convenient for managing multiple mobile connections on a single device.

To activate an eSIM, users simply need to scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually input the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and enjoy the same voice, data, and messaging services as if it had a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

Using an eSIM can be beneficial for several reasons: – Convenience: You can switch between mobile networks or plans without needing to physically insert or remove a SIM card. This is especially helpful for frequent travelers who need to switch networks in different countries. – Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows you to have two active mobile numbers on one device. This is useful for separating work and personal numbers or managing multiple phone lines. – Space-saving: eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space, allowing manufacturers to make devices smaller or use the extra space for other components. – Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air with eSIMs. This means you can activate or switch plans without needing a physical SIM card or visiting a store, providing greater flexibility and convenience. – Future-proofing: As eSIM technology becomes more widely supported, you can take advantage of new services and offerings by using an eSIM-compatible device. Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it a compelling choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

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Best 5G Tourist SIM Card in Singapore: 5 Reasons Why We Like the Singtel Tourist SIM

This post was written in collaboration with Singtel. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence. You can view our  Editorial Guidelines here .

Nowadays, any conversation between friends in Singapore results in a discussion about holiday plans. And no wonder, because borders have opened up after more than two years of Covid-19 restrictions!

Finally we head to Changi Airport for something other than eating and shopping at Jewel, tourists are starting to come back to Singapore, and well, doesn’t it just feel good to take a plane again???

One thing we need other than our passport and the local currency (and our vaccination certs) is having mobile data — this lets us stay in touch with people back home, search for info on the go, use online maps and manage our bookings.

This is the same for tourists who visit Singapore. For them, picking up a tourist SIM card right after arriving is essential, and chances are, you might have been asked by an overseas friend or a tourist where to get a tourist SIM in Singapore and which to choose.

What is a tourist SIM?

A tourist SIM is a prepaid SIM card that gives you a certain amount of data, as well text messages and talk time.

Tourist SIM cards do not come with a contract and are often valid only for a specific amount of time. They are thus suitable for those who are visiting, rather than living permanently, in a particular country.

Which SIM card is best in Singapore (in our opinion)?

One of the popular tourist SIM cards in Singapore comes from Singtel.

The Singtel tourist SIM card offers lightning-fast speeds on a 5G network. It is also super easy to get hold of — you can pick one up at Singapore Changi Airport or 7-Eleven stores islandwide…

But those aren’t the Singtel tourist SIM’s only advantages. Here are 5 other reasons why we like it.

1. How do I get this tourist SIM card? You can even buy it before you arrive in Singapore!

Yes, really! You can buy your Singtel tourist SIM online before you reach Singapore at the following websites or apps and pick them up at the airport or any Singtel Shop.

• singtel.com/hitourist

Next step, pay for your preferred Singtel tourist SIM online and then collect it at the following places:

• Travelex at Singapore Changi Airport
• Changi Travel Services at Singapore Changi Airport
• Singtel Shops islandwide

Alternatively, you can also buy the Singtel Tourist SIM from any of these outlets in Singapore:

• Travelex Foreign Currency Exchange
• Changi Recommends
• Cheers store
• 7-Eleven store
• Singtel Shop
• Authorised retailers at Harbourfront / Tanah Merah
• Other authorised retailers

Do note that the 5G S$30/S$50 Tourist SIM cards are only available at Travelex Foreign Currency Exchange, Changi Recommends, Singtel Shops and Singtel Exclusive Retailers.

How much is the Singtel Tourist SIM?

Here’s a nifty table that summarises all the Singtel tourist SIMs available, with data allowances of up to 120GB of 5G data, and how much they cost.

Singtel offers a wide suite of Tourist SIM cards, to meet all your travelling needs.

If you are a long-stay visitor, we will recommend their 5G S$50 or S$30 Tourist SIM with up to 120GB of 5G data to turbocharge your stay in Singapore, with unlimited local calls and SMSes, 90 minutes of international calls and up to 10GB of data roaming to popular destinations.

If you are a short-stay visitor, you may opt for Singtel’s 2-in-1 SIM Card which is a prepaid SIM as well as a stored value travel card that can be used on public transport services in Singapore. Priced at S$15, the SIM is packed with 100GB of 4G data and S$3 EZ-Link credit for rides on Singapore’s public trains and buses and can be topped-up subsequently.

2. Enjoy one of the most powerful 5G networks in Singapore

If you really want fast, powerful internet, the answer is to connect to a 5G network. 5G is up to 10 times faster than 4G/LTE because it uses higher-frequency radio bands. That means better, faster service and download speeds, even in crowded areas (which we know how Singapore can get, especially at key events such as the Singapore F1 Night Race), and the ability to connect more devices.

5G will pave the way for new technologies that we could previously only dream about, and is going to be the key to the development of virtual reality.

Here are some of the benefits you get from using Singtel’s 5G network:

• 10X Faster speeds – Download movies, games and content in seconds.
• 2X Latency – Experience 2x faster response time between devices, with less loading and waiting.
• Better bandwidth – Connect more devices without reduction in speed and quality.
• Consistent coverage​ – Get a reliable connection anywhere for high-quality streaming and more.
• Security – Better protection when you shop or transact online with your phone.

Singtel was the first telco in the world to achieve nationwide coverage

Singtel was the first telco in the world to achieve a standalone 5G network , and Singtel’s 5G network has since surpassed 95% nationwide coverage , more than 3 years ahead of schedule.

Nationwide coverage is a big deal as it means you can enjoy superfast 5G coverage anywhere in Singapore, including when you connect to public WiFi networks.

Singtel’s 5G network is now available at more than 1,300 outdoor locations and over 400 in-building spots , as well as underground, including on the North-East Line MRT .

4. Plenty of data for all your needs

Singtel’s tourist SIM gives you an abundance of data, with up to 120GB of 5G access.

That’s a LOT of data, which is ideal for tourists who might need to get some work done online, want to watch movies and videos, or simply need to do lots of research about their trip.

Or if you wanna livestream about your trip here, 120GB is plenty as well, and being on 5G means a smooth video feed!

5. Plenty of freebies, too!

Singtel tourist SIMs not only give you mobile data, but also include unlimited free local calls and SMSes and 90 international calling minutes.

Tourists can even take the SIM cards home with them and continue to enjoy free data roaming.

Being able to make calls, whether in Singapore or overseas, is important for tourists who might want to phone home, make work-related calls or make calls in Singapore regarding their accommodation and other matters.

And for the F1 fans who are coming to Singapore to see the races, Singtel is offering free limited edition collectibles , including an exclusive racing car thumbdrive with every 5G S$50/S$30 SIM, as well as an exclusive racing car passport cover with every S$15/S$12 SIM.

A trip to Singapore is always better with mobile data at your fingertips. Singtel’s tourist SIM cards enable visitors to enjoy abundant data on a super fast 5G connection.

Purchase a Singtel Tourist SIM online and collect it upon arrival or get them at Singapore Changi Airport! Enjoy your stay in Singapore!

11 Sep 2023

News release, singtel launches singapore’s first fully digital 5g tourist esim.

• Connectivity
• Mobile Services

• Deutschland
• Traveller Essentials
• Tourist Information

Staying Connected in Singapore

Whether you’re looking to hop on Instagram or log into your email for work, it’s easy to find an Internet connection in Singapore.

Enjoy wireless connectivity anytime, anywhere with a pocket WiFi device from the Changi Recommends counters at the airport.

With an Internet penetration of 92% in 2022 and multiple options to get online, finding a way to connect in Singapore is bound to be a breeze. Portable WiFi options are available the moment you touch down in Singapore, and access to the Internet is never more than a few clicks away.

From public hotspots to prepaid data plans, here are some ways to access the Internet.

Prepaid SIM card

If you wish to continue making calls and sending messages on your mobile phone, purchase a Singapore prepaid SIM card. Veteran local telcos—like M1 ,  Singtel  and  Starhub —offer a wide variety of packages and travel sim cards, so take a little time to decide which plan best suits your needs.

You can choose from bundles that cover local and international calls, SMSes and varying amounts of local mobile data. Durations typically range from five to 30 or more days.

Prepaid SIM cards are easily purchased at the telcos’ retail counters and islandwide convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers, as well as at Singapore Changi Airport’s  Changi Recommends  booths and telco retail counters.

You will have to produce your passport for registration when purchasing a prepaid SIM card.

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card in Singapore in 2024

Are you planning your trip to Singapore and looking for the best sim card to stay connected? Don't get fooled by slow overseas data roaming plans or let high roaming charges ruin your trip. This the ultimate guide for finding the best sim card for tourists traveling to Singapore in 2024.

Find out where to buy a sim card for Singapore, up to date prices as per February 2024, info about buying a sim card at Changi International Airport (SIN), the best 4G/5G network in Singapore, the best e-sim cards for Singapore, my recommendation and experiences, a vlog about my arrival at Singapore Airport, info about international sim cards for Singapore and everything else you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card for Singapore.

As a full time world traveler trying to visit every country in the world I change countries all the time and therefore I always need to find the best way to stay connected. It is one of the first things I do when planning my next trip.

In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected.

In general local prepaid sim cards give you a lot of data and include calling and text, but you can only buy them on arrival. E-sim cards are very convenient as you order them online but they only work in e-sim compatible phones and are often data-only.

On Traveltomtom you can find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Asia , Europe ,  Bangkok , Shanghai , Sydney , Auckland ,  USA , New York , Miami , Dubai , Qatar , Turkey , London , Paris , Spain , Kenya ,  Australia , Thailand , Hong Kong , Vietnam , Philippines , Malaysia , China and many more.

Traveltomtom also wrote a specific guide for those travelers who just want an e-sim for Singapore:  Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Singapore in 2024 .

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends buying a Simba sim card for Singapore in the city center. They have the cheapest prepaid sim card deals for Singapore and they have an excellent 4G network and allow where available prepaid costumers to use the 5G network as well.

Buying a prepaid sim card at Changi International Airport Singapore is possible, but at different rates, expect to pay tourist prices.

Also e-sim cards could be a great way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore and there are great e-sim card deals with rates as low as $0.98 USD per Gigabyte only.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Singapore via either Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad .

For more info check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for Singapore , including a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Singapore in 2024.

you may also like...

If you are traveling to multiple countries on your trip to Singapore it is worth looking into a travel sim card with worldwide coverage. These international sim cards with data make traveling much easier.

Check out my comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling the world in 2024  or here is my list with the best sim cards for traveling in Asia .

Best e-sim cards for Singapore

The easiest way to get connected when traveling to Singapore in 2024 is an e-sim card. No more visiting a store or swapping sim cards. With an e-sim card you arrange everything online within just a couple clicks.

You order an e-sim card for Singapore on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Singapore e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Singapore it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Singapore.

Curious how this all works and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims then check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know about using e-sim cards for traveling to Singapore .

There are multiple e-sim providers for Singapore, here is a selection of the best ones.

Lately I have been recommending Nomad e-sim cards a lot as they have really great deals for a lot of countries. The Nomad e-sim card plans for Singapore are great as well and the best thing is that they are 5G ready.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Singapore: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Singapore from Nomad .

As you can see above the prices for Nomad Singapore e-sim cards with bigger data plans also become cheaper per Gigabyte. The price for 50 GB data is only $49 USD which means just $0.98 USD per Gigabyte.

The Nomad e-sim cards are from Joytel and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the LTE/4G/5G network of Singtel.

Airalo is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world.

Here are the Airalo data-only e-sim card plans for Singapore for 2024: 

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Singapore from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Singapore are from Connect Lah! and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Singtel. Unfortunately the Airalo Connect Lah! e-sim cards for Singapore are not 5G ready yet. This is the big difference between Airalo and Nomad e-sim cards for Singapore.

The best value e-sim card from Airalo gives you 20 GB data for $26 USD which is $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.

For much more detailed info and the best e-sim card deals for Singapore check out my article about the best e-sim cards for Singapore in 2024 .

Why buying a sim card for Singapore

First off to avoid high roaming costs. Don’t let your trip get ruined by excessive high roaming costs. Some operators charge up to $3 USD for 1 MB data that means opening Instagram will cost you $100 USD. And this is not a joke!

Also don’t be fooled by overseas data roaming plans that make you pay $10 USD per day or so for unlimited data. Did you read the fine print? Unlimited data at what speed? Yes, there you go! Overseas data roaming plans often cap the data speed. Can you still handle 3G?

Staying connected makes traveling to Singapore so much more convenient. Think about ordering a taxi through an app or using Google Maps for getting directions, finding nearby restaurants, stay in touch with friends, use your banking apps for online payments, emergencies, etc.

There are so many good reasons for having data on your phone when traveling to Singapore.

Mobile internet operators

For a small country like Singapore there are a lot of mobile internet providers. In total there are 4 main mobile internet operators in Singapore: Simba, M1, Sing Tel and starhub. All of them sell prepaid sim cards for tourists and you can buy them in one of their retail stores.

As of February 2024 the mobile internet operators in Singapore only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, e-sim cards are not available.

Registration process prepaid sim cards Singapore

For buying a prepaid sim card in Singapore you need your passport. A copy of your passport page will be taken in the store for the registration. Your new Singapore sim card will be registered on your name and your passport number. You will receive a physical prepaid sim card with a phone number starting with +65.

You can NOT opt for an e-sim card as all the mobile internet providers in Singapore only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

If for some reason you want to avoid this then either order an e-sim card for Singapore on the internet  or buy an international physical prepaid sim card for Singapore . There is no ID verification needed for these type of sim cards and you will get connected in Singapore without any form of identity registration, just your email address.

Where to buy a sim card for Singapore

If you decide to buy a local prepaid sim card in Singapore then you can either buy a sim card at Changi International Airport on arrival or get a Singapore sim card in the city.

Below I will tell you in detail everything you need to know for buying a sim card at Changi International Airport. However, the convenience of getting connected straight on arrival comes at a price. Prepaid sim card deals at Singapore Airport are much more expensive than in Singapore city center. Expect to pay tourist prices at Singapore Airport.

Phone Stores

Therefore if you are looking for the best prepaid sim card deals for Singapore then you will have to buy your prepaid sim card in the city center in a phone store.

There are plenty of official retail stores from all the mobile internet operators across Singapore. If you go to any of the bigger shopping malls you will find Simba, M1, Sing Tel and starhub without any problem.  Or simply use Google Maps to locate the nearest sim card shop next to your hotel.

Convenience stores

There is also the possibility to buy a local prepaid sim card in a convenient store. These options are especially handy late at night or on Sundays when some phone stores are closed. However, keep in mind that when buying a prepaid sim card in for example 7Eleven you will need to register and activate your sim card yourself.

As mentioned before the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore in 2024 is by ordering a sim card for Singapore on the internet. If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for Singapore via SimOptions .

If your phone is e-sim compatible then Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Singapore via either Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad .

Buying a sim card at Changi International Airport

Info and prices below are updated as per February 2024 and $1 USD = $1.34 SGD and $1 SGD = $0.75 USD. 

The most convenient place to buy your prepaid sim card for Singapore is of course on arrival at Singapore International Airport. There are 3 different terminals for international arrivals, but regardless where you land you are able to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists.

There are several shops that sell sim cards for tourists at Singapore Airport and it is very easy to find them. They are the first stores you see when walking into the arrival hall. After you picked up your bag from the luggage belt you walk through the glass sliding doors and depending which exit you will see sim card stores and car rentals either on your left or right hand side in front of you. 

There is a shop called Changi Recommends which has big signs for sim cards. It is impossible to miss!

Also in the arrival hall there are several money exchange kiosks next to the information desks and they also sell prepaid sim cards. The sim card shops at Singapore Airport are open 24 hours, 7 days a week and they accept international credit cards. 

Starhub sim cards Singapore Airport

You can buy the Starhub prepaid sim cards from the Money Exchange or from the Changi Recommends stores and they offer the following prepaid sim card deals:

• 100 GB data for 10 days + 5 GB data roaming for 30 days + $50 SGD credit = $50 SGD - ($37 USD)
• 100 GB data + 5 GB data roaming + 3,000 minutes + 5,000 sms for 12 days = $32 SGD - ($24 USD)

The above Starhub prepaid sim card plans are only available as physical prepaid sim cards and not as e-sims.

M1 sim cards Singapore Airport

See the above photo for the M1 prepaid sim card deals at Singapore Airport. In short:

• 2 GB per day for 28 days + 5,000 minutes + 1,000 sms = $35 SGD - ($26 USD)
• 2 GB per day for 84 days + 5,000 minutes + 1,000 sms = $60 SGD - ($44 USD)

The above M1 prepaid sim card plans are only available as physical prepaid sim cards and not as e-sims.

Singtel prepaid sim card Singapore Airport

Singtel offers a 4G sim card and a 5G sim card:

• 100 GB data on 4G network + 500 minutes = $50 SGD - ($37 USD)
• 120 GB data on 5G network + unlimited calls/sms = $70 SGD - ($52 USD)

The above Singtel prepaid sim card plans are only available as physical prepaid sim cards and not as e-sims.

The Singtel prepaid sim card deals in the city center are $20 SGD ($15 USD) cheaper for the exact same package.

As you can see the cheapest prepaid sim card for Singapore at Changi International Airport is a Starhub prepaid sim card for $32 SGD ($24 USD) and gives you 100 GB data for 12 days on 4G/LTE speed.

If you want a prepaid sim card with 5G speed you have to buy a Singtel sim card. It will cost you $70 SGD ($52 USD) and you will get 120 GB data for 30 days.

Curious what it looks like arriving and buying a prepaid sim card for Singapore at Changi International Airport then check out my vlog above in my YouTube video.

Sim cards for tourists at Singapore International Airport are very expensive compared to local prepaid sim cards you can buy in phone stores in the city center.

Also another reminder that an e-sim card for Singapore from Nomad only costs $25 USD for 20 GB data. This e-sim is 5G ready and you can arrange everything online within just a couple clicks.

Buying a prepaid sim card in Singapore City Center

Packages, prices and data plans constantly. Traveltomtom keeps these blogs as up to date as possible. These are the latest prepaid sim card deals for Singapore as per Febraury 2024.

The below prepaid sim card plans and prices are what you can expect to pay if you buy a sim card in the city center in one of the official stores of M1, Starhub, Singtel an Simba.

Prices are in Singapore Dollar and as per February 2024: $1 USD = $1.33 SGD and $1 SGD = $0.75 USD.

At M1 they offer a wide range of prepaid sim card plans for tourists:

• 100 GB data for 7 days + 500 minutes + 100 sms + 20 minutes international calls = $12 SGD ($9 USD)
• 2 GB data per day for 84 days + 15,000 minutes + 3,000 sms = $60 SGD ($44 USD)
• 150 GB data for 30 days + 3,000 minutes + 1,000 sms + 50 minutes international calls = $30 SGD ($22 USD)

Be aware that these prepaid sim cards do NOT support 5G.

All the above M! Singapore prepaid sim card deals you can also buy at Singapore International Airport Changi. For more info check the M1 website . All prepaid sim card plans of M1 are only available as physical prepaid sim cards. E-sims are not available for tourists.

A Simba prepaid sim card costs only $10 SGD ($7 USD) and gives you 100 GB data for 30 days + unlimited calls/text in Singapore + 1 GB data free roaming. Well that is a great Singapore sim card deal!

Simba allows prepaid costumers to use the 5G network. However, below you will see that Simba has the smallest 5G network in Singapore.

For more info check the Simba website . All prepaid sim card plans of Simba are only available as physical prepaid sim cards. E-sims are not available for tourists.

At Sing Tel they have 2 prepaid sim cards for tourists valid for 28 days. These prepaid sim card deals allow you to use the 5G network.

• 100 GB data with 5 GB data roaming = $30 SGD - ($22 USD)
• 120 GB data with 10 GB data roaming = $50 SGD - ($37 USD)

Both prepaid sim card deals come with unlimited calls/text in Singapore, free* data roaming in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.

For more information check out the SingTel website . All prepaid sim card plans of Singtel are only available as physical prepaid sim cards. E-sims are not available for tourists.

Starhub offers 2 prepaid sim card deals for tourists:

• 100 GB data for 10 days + 1,000 minutes + 100 sms = $12 SGD - ($9 USD)
• 100 GB data for 30 days + 3,000 minutes + 5,000 sms = $12 SGD - ($9 USD)

Be aware that these Starhub prepaid tourist sim cards are 4G only and do NOT support 5G. There is a couple GB's roaming to neighboring countries included

For more information check out the Starhub website . All prepaid sim card plans of Starhub are only available as physical prepaid sim cards. E-sims are not available for tourists.

Best 4G/5G network in Singapore in 2024

For determining the best prepaid sim card for traveling in Singapore Traveltomtom also looked at the mobile internet coverage and compared the 4G/5G network coverage maps of starhub, M1, Simba and Sing Tel.

Is there 5G in Singapore?

Yes, there is 5G in Singapore. The 5G network in Singapore is probably one of the most advanced ones in the world. Pretty much everywhere you go there is a 5G signal and all the tourist attractions in Singapore are covered with a 5G signal.

However, the catch is that not all mobile internet operators in Singapore allow prepaid sim cards for tourists to use the 5G network, so always ask this when buying a prepaid sim card in Singapore.

Simba 4G/5G network coverage maps

M1 4G/5G network coverage maps

Starhub 4G/5G network coverage maps

Sing Tel 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Singapore in 2024.

When comparing the above 4G/5G network coverage maps of the mobile internet operators in Singapore we can come to the simple conclusion that it doesn't matter so much which prepaid sim card you buy. All of the mobile internet providers in Singapore have a more than excellent 4G/LTE network all across the country.

As of 2024 it is a very hard choice to determine the best 4G/5G network in Singapore. Singtel used to be ahead of starhub, M1 and Simba, but it looks like in 2024 they all caught up. When oyu have a look at the above network coverage maps you can make up yourself which is mobile internet operator in Singapore has the best mobile data network coverage in 2024.

Best prepaid sim card for Singapore in 2024

One of the conclusions after comparing the prepaid sim card deals for Singapore is that buying a sim card at Changi Airport is much more expensive than buying the exact same prepaid sim cards for tourists in a phone store in Singapore city center.

So if you want the cheapest prepaid sim card deals you have to wait until you get to the city and go to a phone store.

However, buying a prepaid sim card on arrival at Singapore Airport is more convenient and the shops are open 24 hours.

But when comparing e-sim cards for Singapore with the prepaid sim card deals at Singapore International Airport then you are better off with an e-sim you order online.

For example: if you want a 5G prepaid sim card you have to buy a Singtel sim card on arrival in Singapore. At Singapore Airport this 5G ready sim card with 100 GB data is $70 SGD ($52 USD) and in Singapore city center you pay for the exact same sim card $30 SGD ($40 USD).

As a comparison: a Nomad or Airalo e-sim card with 20 GB data costs only around $25 USD and you are online as soon as the plane lands.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Singapore via either Airalo , SimOptions or Nomad , but rates the Nomad and Airalo e-sim cards for Singapore as the best ones.

A great thing about a Nomad e-sim card for Singapore is that they are 5G ready and most of the physical prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Singapore only support 4G/LTE.

For more info check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for Singapore, including a c omparison of the best e-sim cards for Singapore in 2024 .

All mobile internet providers in Singapore have an excellent 4G/LTE network and therefore when comparing the prices Traveltomtom concludes that SIMBA is the best prepaid sim card for Singapore for tourists in 2024.

If you buy a prepaid sim card in a Simba phone store in the city center you can find a prepaid sim card deal with 100 GB data + unlimited minutes/calls for 30 days for just $7 USD.

Unfortunately Simba prepaid sim cards are NOT sold at Changi International Airport and they are only available for tourists as physical prepaid sim cards and not as e-sims.

Order a prepaid sim card for Singapore online

If your phone is not e-sim compatible and all the above sounds like too much hassle then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for traveling to Singapore on the internet as well.

Make it easy for yourself and you order an international sim card directly online. There pre-activated international prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Singapore. In the plane you put this sim card in your phone and it is like plug and play. As soon as the plane lands you are online.

Simple as that and you can order them within just a couple clicks. Have a look at the following international sim cards for traveling to Singapore which you can order via SimOptions:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Singapore directly online via SimOptions .

Also a last reminder that you can also order an e-sim card for Singapore and get connected within just a couple minute without changing a sim card and visiting a store.

Find more detailed info in Traveltomtom's  complete e-sim card guide for Singapore or order directly from SimOptions , Airalo or Nomad .

How to get from Singapore Airport to the city center

Check the above information sheet for getting to the city center from Changi Airport. However, my prefered way getting from the airport to Singapore center is an Uber/Grab. And although Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, arranging a taxi through the app Grab is not that expensive. Expect to pay for a 25-30 minute taxi ride around $20 - $25 USD.

I am sure some of the above tips for getting connected in Singapore were helpful for your upcoming trip. Wether you buy a prepaid sim card in Singapore, order a sim card online or get an e-sim card I am sure it will make your trip to Singapore much more convenient.

IF you have any more questions please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of February 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Singapore!

Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for Singapore are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

• southeast asia

What's The Best eSIM For Singapore? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its blend of East Asian cultures and cosmopolitan city life, Singapore isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in Singapore at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Singapore and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Singapore by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Singtel.

✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Singapore and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for Singapore?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for Singapore in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for Singapore for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Singapore scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from Singapore scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for Singapore scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for Singapore scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Singapore . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Singapore, for example, Airalo works directly with Singtel to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Singapore range from $4.50 to $26 and include between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

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Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to Singapore, Holafly's data packages cost between $21 and $139 once off and are valid from five to 90 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Singapore, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in Singapore like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

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Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $7 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (some plans up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general.

However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's,

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to Singapore or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in Singapore?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Singapore, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Singapore. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Singapore without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Singapore are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Singapore is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local Singaporean SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

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What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Singapore. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Singapore,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Singapore (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on Singaporean networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your Singaporean vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Singapore from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From Singapore With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Singapore with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Singapore.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Singapore to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from Singapore (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local Singaporean phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in Singapore

Are you planning a trip in Singapore, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Singapore, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Singapore, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Singapore overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Singapore

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Singapore. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Singapore varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Singapore.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Singapore, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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