singapore m1 tourist sim

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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21 top ideas for a birthday celebration in singapore in 2023.

• 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 April 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. 

Learn More About Me

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Best Singapore Prepaid SIM Card for Travellers

By: Author Eva

Posted on February 26, 2024

Categories singapore

Please share this article if you think it's awesome!

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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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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!

News Release

M1 rolls out prepaid eSIM card for tourists

The M1 Prepaid Tourist eSIM card for visitors is a first for Singapore

SINGAPORE, 17 May 2019  – M1 Limited (M1) today announced the launch of M1 Prepaid Tourist eSIM card for tourists visiting Singapore.

A first for Singapore, the M1 Prepaid Tourist eSIM card will allow visitors to activate tourist prepaid plans on compatible iPhones 1 , allowing them to use both their overseas SIM and M1 prepaid eSIM on one device without the need to change physical nano-SIM cards.

Inbound tourists can purchase M1 Prepaid Tourist eSIM card from any Meet & Greet counters, selected Changi Recommends counters and Cheers convenience stores located at Changi Airport, as well as all M1 Shops.

“Visitor arrivals to Singapore hit a record high of 18.5 million last year and this is an important segment we serve through our prepaid cards. The eSIM enables us to give tourists an easy way to buy our prepaid service without having to handle a physical SIM. We are incredibly excited that the M1 Prepaid Tourist eSIM card is the first in Singapore, an even simpler option that gives tourists a better experience when they use prepaid to stay connected on mobile,” said Ms Wang Li-Na, Director of Marketing, M1.

M1 Limited is the first and only operator to support eSIM plans on iPhones in Singapore. The use of eSIM offers benefit of having multiple cellular plans for personal, business and roaming use in a single device.

1  Compatible iPhone models include iPhone XS, iPhone MS Max and iPhone XR

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• About this activity

Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM/eSIM - Airport & City Pick-Up

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• M1 Sim Card and stay connected upon arrival in Singapore
• Get 100GB of lightning fast 4G mobile speeds in Singapore
• M1 SIMcard comes with free 20 minutes of international calls
• Get 500 minutes of local call time
• Solution get access internet without exorbitant roaming cost

Activity location

• Airport Boulevard
• Singapore, Singapore

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 65 Airport Boulevard
• 819663, Singapore, Singapore

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Thu, Apr 18 -
• Fri, Apr 19 -
• Sat, Apr 20 $8
• Sun, Apr 21 $8
• Mon, Apr 22 $8
• Tue, Apr 23 $8
• Wed, Apr 24 $8
• Thu, Apr 25 $8
• Fri, Apr 26 $8
• Sat, Apr 27 $8
• Sun, Apr 28 $8
• Mon, Apr 29 $8
• Tue, Apr 30 $8
• Wed, May 1 $8
• Thu, May 2 $8

12SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• Activity duration is 12 hours 12h 12h

$12 Tourist SIM (Available in eSIM) - Redemption Changi Airport

Description / Important Notes

M1 redemption only available at CTS (Changi Travel Services Store)

The CTS location is situated in each terminal and can be found at both Changi Recommends and Meet & Greet. Please refer this link https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html to view the maps.

Changi Recommends T1: 24 Hours || T2: 9am-9pm || T2 Transit: 24 Hours

Meet & Greet T1: 10am-7pm || T2 24 Hours || T3: 24 Hours || T4 24 Hours

• 100GB Local Data
• 500Min Local Call
• 100 Local SMS
• 20Min International Call
• 15 Days Validity

Terms & Conditions

• Ticket valid 90 days from date of purchase.
• All roaming data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat / XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom)
• For use on supported eSIM models: iPhone XR / XS / XS Max or later, iPhone SE (2020), iPad (7th Gen), iPad Air (3rd Gen), iPad Mini (5th Gen), iPad Pro (11-inch) (1st Gen & 2nd Gen), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd & 4th Gen), Samsung Note20 / Note20 Ultra 5G, Samsung S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Fold

12SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

$12 Tourist SIM (Available in eSIM) - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

• M1 redemption only available at M1 Shops Islandwide

14SGD Prepaid SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• 30 Days Validity
• $14 Main Balance
• * 100 GB Roaming Data (Sharing Local Data)**
• 1000 Minutes Incoming Calls
• 500 Local SMS
• 20 Minutes IDD Calls

14SGD Prepaid SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

• 1000Min Local Call

25SGD All-in-1 SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• 56GB Local Data
• * 56GB (Sharing Local Data) Roaming Data**
• 5000 Min Local Call
• Free Incoming Calls
• 4000 Local SMS
• 28 Days Validity

30SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

The CTS location is situated in each terminal and can be found at both Changi Recommends and Meet & Greet. Please refer this link https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html to view the maps

• 150GB Local Data
• 3GB Roaming Data
• 3000 Mins Local Calls
• 1000 Local SMS
• 50 Mins International Calls

30SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

What's included, what's not.

• What's included What's included As per the option you select
• What's excluded What's excluded Mobile Phone / Smartphone

Know before you book

• Please present either mobile or printed voucher at Changi Airport (Changi Travel Services Booth)
• The redemption counter that was originally situated at T1 M&G has been relocated to 80 Airport Boulevard #01 - K7 Arrival Hall East. Redemption Counter Operating Hours: 24 Hours Validity
• The service provider will send you a separate email with your actual ticket 24 hours before your travel date. This ticket will be the one recognized by the attraction.

What you can expect

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. M1 has achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM and stay connected upon arrival in Singapore

M1 is solution to Travel with family and friends in Singapore get access internet without exorbitant roaming costs. Conveniently pick up a Singapore prepaid SIM card at the airport and enjoy smooth connectivity for the duration of your stay in Singapore. Set up is fast and simple, so you can get connected immediately. Enjoy lightning fast web speeds and make travel arrangements brought to you from Mobile. M1 One of Singapore's most popular and reliable service providers. The Singapore 4G SIM card comes with a whopping 100GB data, 500 mins local calls, 100 texts and 20 mins international calls!

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Social distancing measures in place
• Protective shields in place at main contact areas

Safety measures

• Masks required
• Personal protective equipment worn by staff
• Hand sanitizer provided
• Temperature checks given to staff
• Temperature checks available

Popular currencies

More currencies.

Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM Card - M1 Shops Islandwide Pick-Up

• Instant confirmation
• Mobile ticket

Stay connected with the Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM and leverage high-speed internet across a wide coverage with a choice of 2 plans.

Stay connected with the 4G M1 Tourist SIM, valid for 30 days, ensuring seamless reliability throughout your journey.

Easily explore Singapore's top tourist hotspots as the M1 Tourist SIM offers extensive coverage in all popular areas.

Browse the web, stream videos, make video calls, and more with fast and reliable 4G internet speed and make local calls and SMS'.

Beyond Singapore, you can use roaming data in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to stay connected on the go!

Upgrade your plan to include more data and get to make more local and international calls.

$14 Prepaid SIM

100 GB local data

100 GB roaming data (Sharing Local Data)

1000 min local calls

500 local SMS

20 min international calls

30 days validity

$30 Tourist SIM

150 GB local data

3GB roaming data

3000 min local calls

1000 local SMS

50 min international calls

• Cellular device

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ticket Validity

These tickets are valid for 3 months from the date of purchase.

Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM

Leverage the Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM, your ultimate solution for seamless connectivity during your stay in Singapore. Stay connected hassle-free with reliable 4G internet speeds provided by M1, a leading telecom provider in Singapore. Enjoy generous data allowances and high-speed internet as you make video calls, use online applications, stream videos, and browse the web. Plus, the roaming data can be used in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, offering you connectivity beyond Singapore's borders. Conveniently pick up the M1 Tourist SIM from dedicated counters or vending machines.

Pick Your Preferred Pack

With the $14 Prepaid SIM, get 100 GB local data, 100 GB roaming data, 1000 minutes of local calls, 500 local SMS, and 20 minutes of international calls.

Upgrade your plan to the $30 Tourist SIM with 150 GB local data, 3 GB roaming data, 3000 minutes of local calls, 1000 local SMS, and 50 minutes of international call time.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

Redeem M1 Tourist SIMs exclusively at M1 shops islandwide.

Enjoy roaming data in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat/XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), and Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom).

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Your Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM must be registered upon collection.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

Ticket Redemption Point

You can collect your SIM card from any of the M1 shops islandwide.

Recommended redemption location is M1 Bugis - Phone Shop & Internet Service Provider .

Address: 80 Middle Road 01-81/82 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188966.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point

Getting There

The closest bus stop is Bugis Cube. It's a quick 3-minute walk to the redemption point.

Board buses #7, #32, #51, #61, or more to get you there.

By Subway Service

The closest subway station stop is Bugis. It's a quick 3-minute walk to the redemption point.

Board subway services #Downtown Line or #East West Line to get you there.

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$14 Prepaid SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

$12 tourist sim - redemption changi airport, $12 tourist sim (available in esim) - redemption m1 shop islandwide, $12 tourist sim (esim) - redemption changi airport, $14 prepaid sim - redemption m1 shop islandwide, $25 all-in-1 sim - redemption changi airport, $30 tourist sim - redemption m1 shop islandwide, $30 tourist sim - redemption changi airport, $25 all-in-1 sim - redemption m1 shop islandwide, customer reviews.

It was super simple to active at the airport. Took less than 2 mins to activate. The network (4G)was also good. Speeds were decent and got coverage underground too.

the entire experience was good

The person at the counter was slightly confused at first, but once I showed him the receipt to scan, things went quite smoothly after that. It’s pretty affordable and the connectivity was good. Would definitely buy this again

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Earn an upsized rate of 3 miles per S$1 spend at Pelago .

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Travelling to Singapore

Get 100gb and stay connected with our tourist travel sim cards.

Start your trip right with our Tourist SIM.

Get 100GB local data, talktime and more from $12 on Singapore's best mobile network. Chat, surf and share all your travel moments with ease. Plus, call your loved ones back at home with the bundled IDD calls.

Travelling beyond Singapore? There’s no need for a local SIM card each time you’re in another country. You can use the bundled roaming data across popular destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and more. Preorder at your convenience and collect at Changi Airport.

Preorder  your Tourist SIM at your convenience before your trip and collect at Changi Airport.

Getting started with Tourist SIM

1. Simply register your prepaid SIM card with your passport during purchase. Registration is quick and easy.

2. Once you have your SIM, insert it into your phone and you’re ready to go!

3. Ensure that your APN (Access Point Name) setting is set to “ shppd ” to enable data connection. Click  here  for a step-by-step guide.

4. Download StarHub Prepaid App to check your prepaid balance, transaction history, top up, buy plans anytime, anywhere!

5. If you’re staying for a longer period of time and need more data, activate a data plan of your choice via our StarHub Prepaid App (under 'Buy Data' tab), using the stored credits in your SIM.  

6. Find out more about Prepaid SIM cards and data plans  here .

• *$32 Travel SIM benefits including 3GB roaming data are valid for 30 days
• IDD 018 Talktime is applicable to all StarHub calls made from Singapore to all StarHub IDD 018 destinations .
• Roaming data is applicable for use in all Happy Roam countries and destination.
• *17 Destinations include  Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.

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Best Mobile Networks and Sim Cards for Tourists Visiting Singapore

• Written By Tahmid Munim Hossain,
• This article was first published on January 25, 2023,
• and last updated on 11 months ago
• In the Category Travel Tips

Home » Articles » Best Mobile Networks and Sim Cards for Tourists Visiting Singapore

In Singapore, the number of people who can use public data networks for free has grown a lot, and today 95% of the inhabitants can do so for free. In Singapore, the price of a mobile sim card and internet use has gone through the roof in the last few years. Because of this, a lot of people who visit Singapore use their phones while they are there.

If you are coming from a different country, There are a lot of things you should know before traveling to Singapore . However, it might be hard to choose the correct SIM card and cell plan.

Even though there are local mobile companies in Singapore, tourists often use prepaid SIM cards or international roaming plans. This article will save you time by giving you a full list of the best mobile networks and SIM cards that tourists in Singapore can use.

Can Tourists get SIM cards in Singapore?

Visitors and people in Singapore who are at least 15 or 16 years old can buy a SIM card from the nation’s mobile network providers as long as they follow the rules. In Singapore, you can buy a prepaid SIM card that works for up to 180 days or a tourist SIM card that works for one week.

Most of the time, these SIM cards only work for a certain amount of time and don’t come with a service agreement. So, they are better for tourists than for people who live there all the time.

Where can you buy a SIM Card in Singapore?

Tourist SIM cards from Singtel can usually be bought at the following places in Singapore:

• Singapore Changi Airport
• Travelex Foreign Currency Exchange
• Cheers store
• 7-Eleven store
• Authorized retailers at Harbourfront / Tanah Merah
• Other authorized retailers

The only places you can get the 5G S$30/S$50 Tourist SIM card are Travelex Foreign Currency Exchange, Changi Airport, Singtel Shops, and Singtel Exclusive Retailers.

You can pre-order a Singtel tourist SIM card through the following websites and apps and pick it up at Singapore Changi Airport or any Singtel Shop when you get there. To purchase a Singtel tourist SIM card, you should first place an order and expect to be paid for it. Then, you can pick it up at one of these places,

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

Is it wise to buy SIM Cards at airports?

The best place to get a pre-paid sim card is at Singapore International Airport. There are three international arrivals terminals, but you can get a prepaid sim card for visitors no matter which one you use.

At Singapore’s Changi Airport, it’s easy to find one of the many stores that sell sim cards to travelers. You will see these shops as soon as you walk into the terminal. After getting your bag off the moving belt, you can leave through the glass sliding doors. To your left and right, you’ll see car rental agencies and people selling prepaid SIM cards.

Can you use your phone in Singapore?

The Global System for Mobiles (GSM) network makes mobile phone service possible in Singapore. CDMA phones will not work in Singapore. All 4 of Singapore’s major phone companies use the GSM network, so your unlocked phone should work with any of them.

Singaporeans use the more common European frequencies found in Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe, and Oceania. North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean have frequencies which are different from those in Europe. If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania, you shouldn’t have any trouble using it in Singapore. If you buy a cheap or mid-range phone in the Americas that doesn’t support Tri-Band or Quad-Band, it might not work at all in Singapore or only work on slower networks (3G or 2G).

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Singapore

In Singapore, a gigabyte of data costs about $0.61. This is much less than the average price of $1.47 across all of Asia. The average price around the world is 3.12 USD. Actually, Singapore is somewhere in the middle when it comes to the price of mobile data in Southeast Asian countries. In Singapore, you can get prepaid services from four different mobile network providers.

• M1 Singapore
• SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)

The following frequencies are used in Singapore:

• 2G: N/A–shut down on the 1st of April 2017
• 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
• 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7 & Band 38)
• 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78)

Check again to make sure your phone is unlocked. Unless you change it, the only SIM card that will work is the one your home operator gives you.

What are the best SIM Cards and eSim in Singapore?

People are very different in how long they like to stay, how much data they use, and other such things. There are four Tourist SIM cards, and each one can be used in Singapore for up to seven days.

The best SIM card for a 7-day trip

To keep things simple, short-term travelers are vacationers who need a lot of data each day (1–3 GB) for things like online navigation, mobile research, and social networking.

Singapore 10 or 12 day Tourist SIM Cards

Singapore prepaid sim card for budget longterm visitors.

If you won’t need much data because your hotel or hostel has free WiFi, or if you’re on a tight budget and don’t see the point in paying $12 for data, take a look at this.

Best eSIM in Singapore

With the M1 platform, prepaid service providers can offer eSIMs to their customers. But only if you pay 12 SGD for a tourist SIM card (or eSIM, for that matter). Prepaid users can’t get an eSIM because there’s no way for them to get one (yet). With Asialink eSIM, you won’t have to buy a local SIM card or eSIM in each country you visit. This could save you a lot of money.

Best International/Travel SIM Card for Singapore

If you want the best international/travel SIM card for Singapore, I recommend getting one of SimCorner’s Singapore Travel SIM cards. You could use one of SimCorner’s Asia SIM cards in Singapore and more than 20 other countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which are close by.

The SimCorner International Travel SIM card has 6 GB of data that lasts for 15 days and can be used in Singapore and more than 100 countries, including most of the Asian countries listed above as well as the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

StarHub’s $12 Go Prepaid SIM is also a good investment if you plan to travel to any of 17 countries outside of Singapore: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, or the United States. When it comes to calls to other countries, both the $12 StarHub Travel Prepaid SIM and the $12 hello! A tourist SIM card will give you 1GB of data roaming for free in Happy Roam countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

How much does a SIM card cost in Singapore?

When you go to Singapore, you might save money if you buy a tourist SIM card instead of a local one.

SIM cards from Singtel cost between $8 and $38 (about $5.95 and $28.10), from $8 to $50 (about $37 USD) from StarHub, $10 (about $7.40 USD) from SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile), and between $14 ($10.35 USD) and $27 ($20 USD) from M1. Tourist SIM cards with 100GB of space cost between $12 and $50 SGD. SIM cards can also be bought at Changi Airport in Singapore (SIN).

Singtel is the only company that sells 5G sim cards that are already paid for. Customers who pay as they go can now get 5G service from them. At Singapore Airport, a 5G sim card costs $70 SGD, but in the city, it only costs $30 SGD.

Since all mobile internet providers in Singapore offer a high-quality 4G network, we found that SIMBA is the best deal for tourists in 2023. You can get 30 days of service, 100 GB of data, and unlimited talk time for just $7 USD.

Singtel SIM Cards

• 120 GB, 15 days for SGD 50 ($35.03)
• 100 GB, 12 days for SGD 30 ($21.02)

M1 SIM Cards

• 150 GB, valid for 4 weeks for SGD 20 ($14.01)
• 56 GB, valid for 4 weeks for SGD 12 ($8.41)
• 168 GB, valid for 12 weeks for SGD 49 ($34.32)

Simba SIM Cards

• 100 GB, 30 days, SGD 10 ($7.01)
• 130 GB, 30 days, SGD 18 (12.61)

Can you buy a Singapore SIM card online?

If you pre-order a SIM card from a store like Amazon, it will be ready for you when you arrive. Various packages can be found on Amazon. You should check to see if the countries you want to visit are on the list, but there are many other options to think about.

Asian SIM cards that have already been paid for are another option. You can use this if you are from the US or Australia.

How to do SIM Card Registration in Singapore?

In Singapore, you need to use your passport information to sign up for a SIM card. This will happen when the real transaction is made.

Find out which countries require you to register your SIM card and what the rules are in those countries. I’ve written out the steps below so that any mobile service provider can use them.

• The first step is to get the app from the cell phone company.
• Next, give us the information that your ID card asks for. You need a valid ID, Work Permit, Employment Pass, or Passport from the government.
• The SIM card’s information must be typed in or scanned.
• Just use a scanner to take a picture of your ID and upload it. Only the front of a photo is needed for a passport, but both sides are needed for an NRIC, a work permit, or an employment pass.
• Finally, you have to use Facial Validation.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Singapore?

Most public and business places on the island have Wi-Fi connections. Here are the options we offer.

Wireless@SGx

Changi airport.

Thanks to #WiFi@Changi, the public and transit areas of Changi Airport have free Wi-Fi.

Shopping Malls, Restaurants and Cafes

Some restaurants, bars, and cafes in Singapore let their customers use Wi-Fi for free.

They often advertise WiFi to shoppers, but if you need it, you can always ask at the mall’s information desk.

You can actually buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots or pocket Wi-Fi. Each of these options has both good and bad things about it. If you buy a prepaid SIM card at Changi Airport, it will cost you more than if you buy the same card in the middle of Singapore. So, you shouldn’t buy a prepaid SIM card until you get to your final destination.

When you go to Singapore, it’s always better to have mobile data on hand. With the Best Mobile Sim Cards, visitors can get unlimited bandwidth on a super-fast 5G or 4G connection.

Tahmid Munim Hossain

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M1 Prepaid Tourist Sim ($14 option) - Singapore Forum

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Has anyone used the M1 sim (14$ option) which offers data roaming in Indonesia? I will be visiting Singapore & Indonesia & the option to have a single sim that has data to use in both countries sounds great.

I did check with M1's chat support & they said that the 100 gb data can be used entirely on roaming also, however, they couldnt confirm the speeds while on roaming.

If anyone has used this particular sim card option i.e 14$ sim with roaming data, could you please share your experience with speeds / coverage while on roaming. I cannot find any posts related to the roaming experience for this sim.

49 replies to this topic

Thanks shhayes. Will go ahead with this sim then.

So if you are transiting then be sure to pre-order it.

However, if you are going to be in Singapore first then you can pick one up at various locations.

Thanks for that Grahame. I will pre-order the sim. Klook has an offer where it is for 10 SGD.

Drive V, did you buy the $14 card or the $12 card? The $12 SIM does not include roaming.

That's true. The 12 $ one doesnt work on roaming

The sim doesn't mention which card it is and nor the operator there knows which sim it is. On the Klook website it was showing as 14$ while booking.

Thanks for that DriveV. Sounds a bit scammy if they don't mention which SIM it is. The other option is to purchase this from an M1 store in the city so that we can ensure the price & roaming connectivity

I’m sure the booking form would show the option you chose. Was the validity 30-day?

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Traveler Guide: Getting a SIM Card at Changi Airport

Singapore Changi International Airport is an award-winning international airport that provides travelers with the greatest services, shopping, and eating choices. As a result, it will supply many of the services you need for a Singapore trip, such as transportation, food, lodging, tour services, etc., and, of course, you can purchase a SIM card to remain in contact throughout your visit. Let’s check out this guide to find your own SIM card at Changi Airport .

Table of Contents

I. where to buy a sim card (or esim) at changi airport.

Singapore has 3 mobile network companies that provide prepaid services to travelers: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore. In the secure/transit area and the arrivals hall, many kiosks and businesses at Singapore Changi Airport offer Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore tourist SIM cards . 

Of course, the most convenient place to acquire your Singapore prepaid SIM card is at Singapore International Airport. There are three international arrival ports; however, you may get a prepaid SIM card for visitors regardless of where you arrive.

Various stores at Singapore Airport offer travelers SIM cards, which are fairly simple to locate. They are the first shops you notice when you enter the arrival hall. After retrieving your bags from the luggage belt, go through the glass sliding doors, and depending on which exit you choose, you will notice SIM card businesses and vehicle rentals on your left or right-hand side in front of you. 

We will provide all the places you can find SIM cards of these 3 carriers, including Changi Airport. Let’s go into the specifics. 

1. Starhub 

StartHub is one of the top 3 mobile operators in Singapore. The conventional StarHub Prepaid SIM card and the StarHub Travel Prepaid SIM card are used by tourists. The prepaid SIM cards offered by StarHub are contrasted below.

• Changi Airport 
• SingPost StarHub Counters (Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4
• UOB Currency Exchange Counters at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Traveler Counters (Terminal 2 and 3, Arrival Halls)
• $12 in advance for Starhub Happy Travel Prepaid, and pick up at Changi Airport in Singapore.
• SkyHub Stores
• Outlets run by StarHub’s Exclusive Partners
• StarHub Approved Stores
• 7-Eleven outlets
• Salutations, convenience shops

M1 is also a popular option for SIM card at Changi Airport. The M1 Tourist SIM Card is the same as the M1 Prepaid SIM Card, which is the company’s standard prepaid SIM card. The comparison of all M1 prepaid cards can be seen below.

• Purchase a $12 M1 Tourist SIM in advance and pick it up at Changi Airport or nearby.
• $12/$30 for a tourist SIM at M1 Shops
• Changi Meet & Greet ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at the arrival halls of Changi Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. (Public Area)
• Changi Recommends ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at the Terminal 4 Arrival Hall of Changi Airport (Public Area)
• a few Cheers and 7-Eleven locations ($12 Tourist SIM)

The conventional prepaid SIM card from Singtel is known as the hi! SIM card, whereas the tourist SIM card from Singtel is known as the hi!Tourist SIM card. The list of Singtel’s prepaid and tourist SIM cards can be found here.

• Travelex Currency Exchange Counters, Changi Recommends Counters in Singapore Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, and 3)
• Website of Singtel
• Singtel stores
• Selected Singtel Exclusive Retailers Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, HarbourFront Ferry Terminal, Causeway Points, and Sentosa FUN Shops are all authorized Singtel Prepaid Retailers.
• 7-Eleven and Cheers

II. How Much Does a SIM Card Cost at Changi Airport? 

The cost of a Singapore SIM card at Changi International Airport varies depending on your chosen mobile network operator and plan. SIM cards typically cost between 15 and 70 SGD and contain some initial credit. The package’s data amount, calling length, and validity term may also affect the cost.

Tips: SIM cards at the airport is quite expensive. For more convenience in choosing plan prices, you can find some eSIM providers to pick a Singapore eSIM plan for your trip. 

III. What We Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card (or eSIM) at Changi Airport? 

There are a few items you should have ready when obtaining a SIM card for Singapore at Changi International Airport to help the procedure go more smoothly:

• Passport/Visa: When acquiring a SIM card, you must provide your passport. This is necessary for registration, and a copy of your passport may be requested.
• Cash: Because most stores that sell SIM cards at Singapore International Airport only take cash, it’s a good idea to have some SGD on hand.
• Phone : Bring your phone with you since the staff may need to verify that the SIM card in your device is operating correctly.

• Understanding of your phone: To guarantee that you acquire the proper size, you need to know the sort of SIM card your phone requires (regular, micro, or nano).
• Understanding of several packages: It is beneficial to know the kind of package you want, including data volume, calling length, and validity period. This will assist you in selecting the best plan for your requirements and budget.

IV. Should We Get a SIM Card (or eSIM) at Singapore Changi Airport?

It is advised to obtain a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport because tourist SIM cards with sizable allowances are available here at affordable pricing. Although they will overcharge you by up to 35 SGD, Changi Recommends booths should not be used to purchase SIM cards.

V. Should We Get an eSIM Before Arriving at Changi Airport? 

It is recommended that travelers purchase an eSIM before arriving at Changi Airport rather than purchasing one at the airport. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that may be activated on your mobile device without physically inserting the new sim card. So, you can purchase 1 Singapore eSIM plan and install it on your device 1 day before departure. Then, you can use it.

SingeSIM.com offers several eSIM plans, from Singapore eSIM 1 day plan to Singapore eSIM 30 days plan . You can base on your schedule plan for your trip to pick the most suitable eSIM plan.

The following are some advantages and disadvantages of utilizing an eSIM when visiting Singapore:

• Personal information is not required to be registered.
• Purchase and activate the eSIM well in advance of the travel date.
• Maintain your connection as soon as you arrive at the airport.
• While utilizing the eSIM, keep your original SIM card in your phone.
• You may easily activate the eSIM on your mobile device without visiting a physical shop.

Cons: 

• Requires a mobile handset that supports eSIM.
• If you lose or damage your phone or have technical problems, you may be unable to utilize the eSIM, which might be inconvenient when traveling.

VI. Are Singapore eSIMs and SIM Cards Compatible with All Phones? 

Singapore phones use the GSM 900 and 1800 frequency bands. Whether you’re coming from a European or Asian nation, a Singapore SIM card should work, but verify the specs of your phone to see whether it supports Singapore’s GSM frequency band. That information is available from your phone service provider or the phone’s handbook.

You may as well make a fashion statement with those SIM cards you purchased if your phone isn’t designed to work on Singapore’s GSM frequency band.

However, if you are from the United States, Canada, or another Western Hemisphere country, things may get a little… complex. This is because many phone companies either employ CDMA technology (particularly US telcos such as Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel) or use alternative GSM frequency bands entirely. (800, 850, 1850, 1900, etc.).

If you possess a phone that has been “locked” by your phone service provider or operates on a different GSM frequency, you have three choices:

• Unlock and jailbreak your phone (if you don’t mind voiding the warranty and other technical hazards).
• Purchase a “world edition” phone with an unlocked SIM card slot (some phones are CDMA/GSM dual usage).
• Get a local GSM phone.

For eSIM, you need an unlocked and eSIM-compatible device. You should carefully check the eSIM-compatible device list and how to check unlocked devices first before choosing eSIM. 

VII. Some Ideal SIM Cards for Tourists in Singapore 

For your convenience, we will describe the most common Singapore SIM kinds and the specifics of each type for you to pick as follows.

7-days Tourist SIM card

12-days tourist sim card, prepaid sim card for data, singapore esim from singesim.com.

You can refer to some Singapore eSIM plans from singesim.com as below:

VIII. How to Top Up Your SIM Card in Singapore

You’ll undoubtedly need to top up your SIM card at some time, depending on how long you want to remain. There are three methods to top up your account:

• Top up your Singtel, StarHub, or M1 account online via the relevant top-up websites or prepaid mobile applications. 
• To top up your account electronically, visit a NETS Self-Service station, a Singapore Post SAM kiosk, an ATM (DBS, POSB, OCBC), or an AXS station.
• Fill up at a grocery shop, petrol station, or phone store. You have the option of having the cashier “top up” your phone for you or just taking the card and doing it yourself.

IX. Final Words

As soon as you land in Singapore, you may quickly get a SIM card at Changi Airport. Don’t be concerned about how to contact someone or where to get Sims. Please take the time to thoroughly prepare all paperwork to travel easily and to be completely informed about the best SIM type for you.

You may also save time and money by purchasing an eSIM before arriving by purchasing from trustworthy sources such as singesim.com , holafly.com, circles.life,… Have a pleasant and safe journey.

Get Started

Useful Guide

• SINGONE – 1 day
• SING3 – 3 days
• SING7 – 7 days
• SING15 – 15 days
• SING30 – 30 days
• SING-MALAY-THAI
• SING-MALAY-INDO-THAI
• GLOBAL 6GB – 15 days
• ASIA – 8 countries
• eSIM Supported List
• How to Set up
• About SingeSIM

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Why is the Singtel Tourist eSIM your best option?

Pre-order your tourist esim now.

Skip the airport queues and be all set upon arrival when you pre-order your eSIM. Register and activate it seamlessly via hi!App.

How to order → How to register → How to install eSIM on your phone

Singtel prepaid tourist esim up to 120gb 5g data - powered by singtel 5g, a wide suite of tourist sims or esims for all your travelling needs, with up to 120gb of 5g data., get your tourist sim with up to 120gb of 5g data from any of these outlets., hitourist sim card, ez-link card.

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