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

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. Quick Facts about M1

• 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. Why M1 When Traveling Singapore – Coverage and Speed

M1 is one of the best mobile network providers in Singapore. You can explore Singapore with excited experience with M1: 

M1 Coverage

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

M1 Speed

• M1’s download speed is 51.9Mbps
• With upload speed, M1’s statistically tied scores of 14.7Mbps.

▶ 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. What are the Best Connectivity Options of M1 for Travelers to Singapore?

Here’s a table comparing the pros and cons of M1 connectivity options for travelers to Singapore: SIM card, roaming, and pocket WiFi.

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
SIM Card	– Easy to use: Simply insert the SIM card into your phone. – Cost-effective: Offers affordable data and call packages. – Local phone number: Allows you to make local calls easily.  – Fast and reliable: Provides a stable connection. – Flexibility: Choose from various data plans based on your needs.	– Requires a SIM card slot in your device. – Need to change SIM cards if your device is locked to another network – May require registration and activation process.
Roaming	– Convenient: No need to switch SIM cards or devices. – Accessible: Can use your existing phone number. – Wide coverage: Roaming services available in many countries. – Instant connectivity: Can use the network upon arrival. – No need to purchase a separate device.	– Expensive: Roaming charges can be significantly higher than local rates. – Limited data: Data usage may be capped or expensive. – Limited control over data usage and costs.
Pocket WiFi	– Connect multiple devices to share the internet connection with friends or family. – Reliable connection: Provides a stable and consistent internet connection. – No need to switch SIM cards or rely on roaming services.	– Additional device to carry and charge. – Initial setup required. – Limited battery life: Requires frequent charging. – Potential rental fees or deposits for the pocket WiFi device.

IV. Best M1 SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

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. 

V. Does M1 Support 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 and 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 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. 

2. Buying M1 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. 

VII. How to Activate M1 SIM/eSIM in Singapore?

Using a M1 SIM/eSIM for Singapore is not difficult. If this is your first time using it, please check the instructions below.

1. How to Use M1 SIM Card in Singapore?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card.
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate M1 eSIM?

Getting started with an M1 eSIM for Singapore is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

Please check your detailed instructions below:

• Activate eSIM on IPhone
• Activate eSIM on Samsung
• Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

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.

XI. 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