How to Get and Activate M1 SIM Cards and eSIM: Guide for Tourists

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

We guide you how to get and activate M1 SIM cards and eSIM as tourist in Singapore and different ways to stay connected in Singapore with this network carrier.

M1 is one of the three major telcos in Singapore along with Singtel and StarHub. It is the smallest of the three players. M1 has a strong network infrastructure across the main tourist spots and destinations in Singapore. This allows tourists to easily get connected via their phones.

If you need a practical review on M1 SIM cards and eSIM for tourists to Singapore. Read on our guide since you can find the most updated information that surely help your upcoming trip in Singapore.

I. Overview about M1 – What you need to know

• Founded year: M1 Limited was founded in August 1994.

• Full company name: The full company name is M1 Limited.

• Types of services provided: telecommunications services, including mobile services, internet services, and corporate solutions.

• Coverage: The coverage area of M1 is Singapore.

• Awards: Gold Award for Best Employee Engagement Strategy 2021, Gold in Customer Experience (CX) Mystery Shopper Award (Chatbot), Bronze in Best Social Media Contact Centre of the Year, Best Social Media (Webchat) Contact Centre of the Year and Contact Centre Champion of the Year 2021, …

II. M1 Coverage in Singapore

• Availability is 99.2%. With 5G, the data is 29.4% – M1 come top for 5G Download Speed and 5G Availability

Strengths:

• Strong signal in densely populated areas: This suggests M1 can meet the demand for reliable and fast connectivity for a large user base.
• Superior 5G coverage in specific locations: This provides a competitive advantage, attracting tech-savvy customers and positioning M1 as a leader in 5G deployment.
• Wide coverage with minimal gaps: This ensures a more consistent connection for users who travel frequently or reside in less densely populated areas.

Weaknesses:

• Weak or absent coverage in key areas: This negatively impacts user experience, especially in crucial locations like city centers and business districts.
• Lagging behind competitors in 4G coverage: This weakens M1’s competitive edge and makes it less appealing to the average mobile user.
• Lack of information on network performance (speed, latency): Without this data, it’s difficult to assess the actual quality of M1’s service and compare it effectively with competitors.

III. M1 Speed in Singapore

• M1 ranks third with an average download speed of 64 Mbps.
• This represents a significant improvement of 12 Mbps (23.2%) compared to the previous report.
• However, it still lags behind StarHub (107.7 Mbps) and Singtel (84 Mbps).
• M1 secures the third position with an average upload speed of 15.2 Mbps.
• This indicates a slight improvement of 0.5 Mbps (3.7%) from the previous report.
• It trails closely behind Singtel (16.3 Mbps) and StarHub (15.6 Mbps).

▶ Our Recommendation: You can enjoy your trip freely and effortlessly with M1. This operator is totally up to your needs for an abroad trip. 

V. Top M1 SIM Cards for Tourists

If you are looking for the best M1 SIM cards that offer a perfect balance of affordability and features for tourists, let’s discover the top M1 SIM card options that cater specifically to tourists: 

1. M1 S$8 Prepaid SIM Card

• Validity: 90 Days
• Price: S$8
• Local Data: 1.5 GB for 30 days
• Calls outgoing (local): S$0.20 for the first minute; S$0.18 per subsequent minute
• SMS (local): S$0.05 (Free 10 local SMS with 5 local SMS sent) 

2. M1 S$12 Prepaid SIM Card (U.P. S$25)

• Validity: 4 weeks
• Price: S$25 S$12
• Local Data: 84 GB (3 GB/day)
• Calls outgoing (local): 5,000 mins outgoing/month, free unlimited incoming
• SMS (local): 400 messages/month

3. M1 S$14 Prepaid SIM Card

• Validity: 180 Days
• Price: S$14
• Local Data: 4 GB (120 Days) + 4 GB (30 days)
• Calls outgoing (local): S$0.20 for the first minute; S$0.18 per subsequent minute
• SMS (local): S$0.05 (Free 10 local SMS with 5 local SMS sent) 

4. M1 S$49 Prepaid SIM Card

• Validity: 12 Weeks
• Price: S$49
• Local Data: 252 GB (3 GB/day)
• Calls outgoing (local): 5,000 mins outgoing/month
• SMS (local): 400 messages/month

Note: The prices and data can vary depending on each period. Visit the official website for updated information. 

IV. Does M1 Have eSIM in Singapore?

YES. You can see some advantages of eSIM compared to physical SIM:

• Convenience: With eSIM, you don’t need to insert a physical SIM cards into your phone. Switching between network operators and plans is also easy, just need a few taps in your device settings.

• Remote Activation: No more waiting in lines or visiting operator stores! eSIM can be activated and provisioned remotely by network operators, saving you time and effort.

• Multiple Profiles: With eSIM, you can have multiple profiles on a single device. Whether you want separate profiles for personal and business use or need to use local network profiles while traveling abroad, eSIM has got you covered.

Today, there are many providers which provide M1’s SIM Card in the market. But if you choose SIM card, you need to either go to physical stores to get it or wait for it to be delivered to your address.

A better alternative to M1 SIM cards is eSIM. For reliability and convenience, use eSIM of M1 offered by an eSIM provider instead of M1 itself as you will not have to show passport when purchasing.

We specifically suggest Gigago as  a reliable provider providing travel eSIM of M1.

Using M1 Singapore eSIM of Gigago, you can reap these benefits:

• Diverse packages: Gigago offers a wide range of eSIM packages using M1’s signals. For Singapore, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3 GB for 5 days with $1.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Singapore eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, vary between $1.50 – $81.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Singapore, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

• Good price: Travelers can benefit from the reasonable prices offered by Gigago. Besides, prices will also be publicly listed so customers can refer to and compare

• Quick support in languages: Gigago can support customers in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese, French. And 24/7. 

VI. Where to Buy a M1 SIM card?

M1 SIM Card and eSIM can be bought in several spots but we recommend you some trustworthy options to have a SIM Card and an eSIM when travelling to Singapore: 

1. Buying M1 SIM Card

• M1 Stores: M1 has several retail stores scattered across Singapore. You can easily find the nearest M1 store by visiting their official website or checking online directories. See: M1’s store locations

• M1 Online Store: Prefer the convenience of online shopping? M1 has you covered! Visit their official website and explore their online store section. 

• Authorized Retailers: These include popular electronics stores, mobile phone shops, and even convenience stores such as Challenger, Courts, or 7-Eleven.

• Airport: If you’re landing at Changi Airport, you’re in luck! Look out for M1 SIM cards at the airport’s arrival halls or transit areas. 

VII. A Better Alternative to M1 SIM Cards – Singapore eSIM

With eSIM, you will buy online with instant online activation. Here are some quick steps to buy this type of SIM: 

• Check Device Compatibility
• Choose a Mobile Service Provider: Find a mobile service provider that offers eSIM services. 
• Choose plans available and Receive the eSIM Profile: The provider will send you an eSIM profile you choose, usually as a handy QR code or an activation code unique to your device and subscription.
• Add the Profile: Follow their instructions to add the eSIM profile to your device. Scan the QR code or enter the activation code they provided.
• Activate Away: Once the eSIM profile is added, the activation process kicks off. 

VIII. How to Top-up M1 SIM/eSIM.

To top up your M1 SIM card, you can easily follow these steps:

• Visit the M1 Prepaid Top Up page by using the following link: M1 Prepaid Top Up.

• On the top-up page, you will find various top-up options and plans. Choose the desired top-up option that suits your needs.

• Click on the “Top Up Now” button next to the top-up option you want to select.

• You will be redirected to the top-up details page, where you can review the plan details and benefits.

• Click on the “Top Up Now” button on the top-up details page to proceed.

• You will be prompted to log in to your M1 account. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one.

• After logging in, you can select the payment method for your top-up. M1 supports various payment options, including credit/debit cards and e-wallets.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment process. Provide the necessary payment details and confirm the top-up.

• Once the payment is successful, your M1 SIM card will be topped up with the selected plan or amount.

IX. FAQs about M1 in Singapore

To a visitor, M1 has your mobile needs covered with both classic SIM cards and the convenience of eSIM. Grab a physical SIM for straightforward setup, or go digital with eSIM’s easy download and smooth switching. Both offer M1’s reliable network and flexible plans, so pick your preference and enjoy the connected life