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Find out how to connect Changi Airport WiFi for FREE and alternative connectivity options to stay connected at the airport and in Singapore securely.
Buying a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) 2024: Travelers Guide
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Buying a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is often concerned by tourists. Find out whether or not buying airport SIM card is good and how to choose the best plan for your trip.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of buying a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport, ensuring you have the essential information to stay connected and navigate the city with ease. Whether you’re interested in data plans, local calls, or international connectivity, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover how to get a SIM card hassle-free, so you can focus on exploring all that Singapore offers.
In this article
I. Can I buy a SIM Card at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport as a tourist to get Internet access right upon arrival and save roaming charges.
Here are some noticeable advantages of buying a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport for tourists:
- Saving money from roaming charges: SIM cards from Changi Airport often have cheaper rates for calls, texts, and internet data within Singapore compared to using your regular SIM card.
- Convenient and Easy: The airport has many kiosks selling SIM cards across its four terminals, making it easy to find one rather than finding them in the city center. Staff at these kiosks can also help you choose the right SIM card plan and set it up on your phone.
II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Changi Airport in Singapore?
You can buy tourist SIM card for Singapore in offline SIM card kiosks and convenience stores across the Changi Airport.
Below we provide details about these shops (some of the most prominent):
Terminal 1:
- Changi Recommends (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- Type: Prepaid Tourist SIM, Local SIM, eSIM
- Hours: 24/7
- Location: Near transit areas/immigration counters
- Language Support: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
- Cheers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- Type: Prepaid Tourist SIM, Local SIM
- Hours: 24/7
- Location: Convenience stores near arrivals/departures
- Language Support: English, Mandarin, Malay
- 7-Eleven (Level 2 Departure Transit Hall near D gates, Level 2 Departure Transit Hall North/South, Level 3 Departure Transit Hall Central):
- Type: Prepaid Tourist SIM
- Hours: 24/7
- Location: Convenience stores within transit areas
- Language Support: English, Mandarin, Malay
- Money Changers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- Type: Prepaid Tourist SIM, Local SIM
- Hours: Vary, typically early morning to late night
- Location: Currency exchange counters
- Language Support: English, Mandarin, Malay
- StarHub (Level 1)
- Type: Prepaid Tourist SIM, Local SIM
- Hours: 24/7
- Location: Level 1
- Language Support: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil
Terminal 2:
(Similar stores and offerings as Terminal 1, refer to above details for specific info)
- Changi Recommends (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall)
- Cheers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall)
- 7-Eleven (Level 2 Departure Transit Hall near D gates, Level 3 Departure Transit Hall Central):
- Money Changers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- StarHub (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
Terminal 3:
(Similar stores and offerings as Terminal 1, refer to above details for specific info)
- Changi Recommends (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- Cheers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- 7-Eleven (Level 2 Departure Transit Hall North/South):
- Money Changers (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
- StarHub (Level 1 Arrival Hall, Level 2 Departure Hall):
Advice: The opening hours of stores on different floors may vary, so please check Changi Airport webite to see locations of kiosks selling Singapore SIM Card and opening hour to avoid any inconvenience.
► Our recommendation: If you do not know which provide to choose, we recommend M1 sim card. This SIM provider is popular among tourists to Singapore and its kiosks are easy to find at the airport.
III. Do SIM Card Shops At Singapore Changi Airport Open After Midnight?
Yes, most SIM card stores at Changi Airport are open 24/7, including Changi Recommends, Cheers, 7-Eleven, and StarHub. However, Money Changers usually have varying hours, typically from early morning to late night. This means if you arrive late at night, you might not be able to buy a SIM card from a Money Changer.
IV. Best Tourist Singapore Changi Airport SIM Cards Options and Price
The most popular tourist SIM card plans at Changi Airport are provided by top three major mobile network operators: Singtel, StarHub, and M1.
It’s noted that SIM cards at airports tend to be pricier than buying outside the airport or online. Below we will show you a table conclusion of 3 popular mobile network operators at Changi Airport (Jan 2024):
| Operator | Plan Name | Data/Validity | Price (S$) | Price (USD) |
| Singtel | hi! Tourist SIM | 100GB/14 days | S$12 | US$9 |
| Singtel | hi! Tourist EZ-Link SIM | 100GB/28 days (30 min roaming) | S$15 | US$11 |
| StarHub | Travel Prepaid SIM | 100GB/10 days (1GB roaming) | S$12 | US$9 |
| StarHub | Travel Prepaid SIM | 200GB/30 days (1GB roaming) | S$32 | US$24 |
| M1 | Prepaid Tourist SIM | 100GB/15 days | S$12 | US$9 |
| M1 | Tourist eSIM | 100GB/15 days | S$12 | US$9 |
Notes:
- Compare prices between carriers before buying
- Package information, prices may change over time. For the latest information, please contact the supplier.
V. Registration Process When Buying a SIM Card at Singapore Changi Airport – What to Prepare
As a tourist, you will likely need to show your passport as part of the registration process when buying a SIM card at Changi Airport.
Besides your passport, make sure you also have:
- An unlocked phone: Your phone needs to be unlocked to use a SIM card from a different carrier.
- Payment method: Cash or credit card to pay for the SIM card and any extra services.
For travelers who prefer not to disclose personal information, especially upon arrival, the process of buying a SIM card at the airport, with the passport requirement, might feel like an unnecessary problem.
► Our recommendation: you should buy SIM cards online, before departure for the best convenience due to some reasons:
- Buying a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport may not be the most cost-effective option due to higher prices, limited plan options, and shorter validity periods compared to options available outside the airport. The SIM card plans offered at the airport are typically designed for tourists who require connectivity for a short duration.
- Furthermore, not all kiosks at the airport are open 24/7. If you arrive outside of regular operating hours, you may not be able to purchase a SIM card immediately. It’s advisable to check the operating hours of specific kiosks at each terminal, as some operators may have 24/7 kiosks at the airport.
Note: You don’t need to worry about language barriers at Singapore Changi Airport, as the airport staff is generally proficient in English. They are usually available at the counters to assist you with the setup process.
VI. Singapore eSIM at Changi Airport – Alternative to Singapore Changi Airport SIM Card
You have several options for getting an eSIM for your trip to Singapore. You can purchase one online before you arrive or find options at Changi Airport from various providers.
Here’s why eSIMs are a great choice, especially at the airport:
- No physical SIM card: Skip the hassle of finding a SIM card kiosk and dealing with physical cards.
- Instant activation: Activate your eSIM as soon as you land by simply scanning a QR code.
You can buy eSIMs online from both local mobile network operators that provide eSIM services for tourists, like Singtel, StarHub, or M1, and from global eSIM retailers like Gigago. For simplicity and often better prices, we recommend going with a reputable eSIM retailer like Gigago.
The provider offers multiple data plan options for Singapore, starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $5 as their most minimal plan. They also have 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of total data, or 1GB to 3GB per day, with prices from $5 up to $89.50.
Buying eSIMs before your departure, in your home country on Gigago website, you will receive:
- Various plans and packages: Gigago provides packages of 3 popular mobile network Singapore operators M1, Starhub and Singtel with competitive price.
- Wide and reputation operators: 3 biggest operators in Singapore M1, Starhub, Singtel all have partnership with Gigago
- Instant Delivery You can buy Singapore from anywhere, anytime, and receive the eSIM to your email within minutes, saving 100% on roaming charges.
- Easy Activation: Just need to scan a QR code to stay connected with the best local network.
VII. Can I Buy Tourist SIM Cards Outside of The Singapore Changi Airport
Yes, you can easily buy a tourist SIM card in the city center in Singapore, so don’t worry if you arrive at the airport without one. You’ll find them at mobile phone shops, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, shopping malls, and even some supermarkets.
VIII. FAQs
What are the available mobile network providers at Changi Airport?
Some of the commonly available providers include Singtel, StarHub, and M1. In addition to 3 big operators above, there are still other operators that are Circles.Life, MyRepublic, and Zero Mobile. These providers offer a range of prepaid SIM card options to cater to different needs and budgets.
Are there any special requirements or documentation needed to purchase a SIM card?
To purchase a SIM card at Changi Airport, you generally do not need any special requirements or documentation. However, it’s always a good idea to carry your passport or a photocopy of your passport
IX. Conclusion
Whether it’s staying connected with loved ones or accessing the internet, purchasing a SIM card provides a convenient and comfortable way to stay connected while exploring Singapore. If you are not in a hurry of getting Internet, avoid buying SIM card for Singapore at Changi Airport. Instead, go for buying SIM card online or eSIM. So, make the most of your trip and stay connected with a SIM card from Changi Airport!
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