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

Latest update: December 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.

In this article

I. Overview about M1

Here are overview about M1 Limited

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 & Speed in Singapore

1. 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.

2. M1 Speed in Singapore

M1 Speed map 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.

III. Where to Buy a M1 SIM card & eSIM?

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 customers shop at the telco’s outlets

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

Note: When you purchase an M1 SIM card on M1 official website, you must have preferred address in Singapore to receive your package

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.

2. Buying M1 eSIM Card

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.

Gigago Singapore eSIM – Best option to get Internet in Singapore for tourists

IV. 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:

M1 SIM Card with different choices be up to customers’ needs

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.

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

M1’s prepaid top up

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.
Select your desired top-up option and click “Top Up Now”.
Log in to your M1 account (or create one if needed).
Choose a payment method and follow the on-screen instructions.
Complete the payment to successfully top up your SIM.

VI. FAQs about M1 in Singapore

Can I use M1’s SIM card or eSIM for international roaming?

Yes, M1 offers international roaming services for both SIM cards and eSIMs. You can activate roaming services and check the available roaming plans and rates through M1’s website or by contacting their customer service.

How to buy eSIM M1 Singapore?

You can sign up for an eSIM at any M1 store or buy your eSIM plan online from a prestigious eSIM provider.

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