Singapore SIM Cards for Tourists: Buying Guide

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: April 2025

A Singapore SIM card is needed for you to connect smoothly during the trip without roaming charges. With a tourist SIM, you can access to reliable local networks, calls and text messages. But, which is the best SIM card plans for Singapore? In this article, you will learn about the best SIM card provider, plan comparison, prices, where to buy, and alternatives to staying connected in Singapore.

I. Which are the best local Singapore SIM card carriers?

Singapore is very developed in terms of technology, including Internet offerings. There are Singtel, Starhub, and M1 are three of the best mobile network operators (MNOs) in Singapore as well as the region.

These carriers offer prepaid SIMs for tourists. Below we review the pricing, features, pros and cons so you will have an overview about which local Singapore mobile network carrier to go for.

1. Starhub tourist travel SIM cards and eSIM for Singapore

Starhub offers different SIM plans for tourists, which include roaming data catering to various needs, from heavy data users, users with data and call balance, and flexibility seekers.

Here are what these plans include:

• validity from 10 to 30 days
• 100GB to 200GB of data
• 500 to 4000 local calling minutes
• 100 to 500 text messages
• 3GB to 10GB of data roaming in APAC destinations

Pros:

• 4G/5G networks
• Wide range of data volume
• Available to pre-order on the StarHub website
• APAC coverage roaming

Cons:

• No tourist service through StarHub app and not include top-up feature.

► Read more information about StarHub SIM cards and eSIMs.

2. Singtel tourist SIM/eSIM cards

Singtel offers 8 SIM plans for tourists that include features as follows:

• validity around 28 days or 4 weeks
• 1GB to unlimited data with fair usage policy on 5G plans
• coverage for Singapore only or Singapore and Malaysia
• 500 to 1000 local minutes
• 100 to 500 local SMS
• free incoming calls and data rollover

Pros:

• Its compatibility with 4G/5G networks
• Top-up feature with hi!App for 5G SIM cards.
• Coverage in Malaysia
• Unlimited data (with fair usage policy)

Cons:

• Only data-only plans are available on hi!App.

► We also have a detailed guide on Singtel SIM cards and eSIM.

3. M1

M1 offers a selection of 4 all-in-one SIM plans and 2 retailer-only plans tailored for travelers in Singapore. These plans are rather cheap compared to other operators in Singapore, making them a budget-friendly choice.

If you need more data or an extended coverage period, you can easily top up your plan through the M1 app and online portal.

What you can expect from M1:

• Validity from 15 days to 30 days
• 100 to 168GB of high-speed data 4G/5G
• Coverage of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan (vary by plan)
• 500 – 5000 minutes of local calls
• 100 to 500 local SMS
• 20-30 minutes international calls
• Roaming data on APAC destinations

Pros:

• 4G/LTE network connection
• Validity up top 30 days
• Up to 168GB of high-speed data
• Roaming on APAC destinations
• Top-up feature available in stores (with valid passport).

Cons:

• Only available in-store, do not allow for pre-order online
• No unlimited plans availability

► See detailed information about M1 SIM cards and eSIMs.

Which is the best SIM card for Singapore travel?

Singtel appears to be the best overall choice thanks to its flexible data option, including data on 5G plans, which is significant for heavy data users. It also allows for both online and in-store purchases. On the other hand, Starhub is a good choice for those on a budget.

II. Where to buy a tourist SIM card for Singapore?

You can buy Singapore tourist SIM cards online, at airports, or in Singapore city.

1. Buy online (before departure)

You can buy international tourist SIM cards for Singapore from global travel companies like Kkday, Klook, Traveloka, Amazon, and Shopee. If buying SIM online, you have two options of getting the SIM card, either through delivery to your location (home, office, etc.) or picking up upon arriving at the airport. The receiving method depends on the provider you choose.

What to prepare: no need passport or other personal documents upon purchase.

2. Buy at airports (upon arrival)

Singapore Changi airport (SIN) is a convenient place to get tourist SIMs. After arriving, you can easily find kiosks at both arrival and transit areas.

For example, you can find StarHub booths conveniently located at the arrival halls of terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 just beyond the baggage collection belts. But, note that the opening hours of each booth are different. Some are open 24/24 while others only open from 7 am to 7 pm.

You had better check your arrival time and terminal to make sure that you can buy a SIM cards.

Alternatively, you can also buy Singapore tourist SIM cards from UOB currency exchange counters conveniently at Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4 as well.

Expect to queue in lines during rush hours.

What to prepare: passport and possibly other personal documents.

3. Buy in Singapore city (after arrival)

If you miss buying a SIM card before departure or at airports, you can buy it in Singapore cities from official stores of Singaporean mobile network operators like Singtel, StarHub, and M1, or from convenience stores like 7-Eleven.

They usually offer the best rates for local calls, data and SMS, but may require a passport to buy.

III. Singapore eSIM – alternative to physical SIM

eSIM Singapore is a great connectivity option that allows you to avoid the hassle of buying a physical SIM card locally or high roaming charges.

Note that you need to have eSIM compatible devices in order to use eSIM (from iPhone XR above, Samsung Galaxy S20, to name a few).

With these devices, you can buy, download and install your eSIM fully digitally before departure or upon arrival.

Whether Singapore MNOs offer eSIM?

Most Singapore MNOs offer eSIM to their local customers, but not all of them offer prepaid eSIM for tourists and travelers who only stay in Singapore for a few days or weeks.

Let’s see whether the major local MNOs in Singapore offer prepaid eSIMs:

Gigago eSIM for Singapore

One option to get Singapore eSIM is Gigago. With our eSIMs, you can get connected in Singapore almost instantly without physical card and passport registration.

Gigago is a great alternative to roaming in Singapore that offers a unique range of data-only and combined data & call credit plans, starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $5.

Besides competitive prices, choosing Gigago Singapore eSIM, you can reap the following additional benefits:

• Easy online purchase and activation process.
• Multiple payment options, including PayPal.
• 24/7 customer support via chat and email.

However, Gigago eSIMs also have weakness:

• Lacks phone calls, but the high-speed, large amount of data is almost enough for regular travelers to make calls and send texts through VoIP apps while in Singapore.

SIM card vs. eSIM: which one should you choose?

While major carriers like Singtel, Starhub, and M1 provide traditional physical SIM cards, the process often involves frustrating wait times and in-person pickup.

That is where the Gigago Singapore eSIM works as alternative with a fully online purchasing, installing and activating process. The advantages are clear: no hidden fees, no waiting in lines, and complete convenience. It is all digital.

Beyond simplicity, Gigago’s eSIM delivers premium features including data sharing capabilities and lightning-fast 5G connectivity without international roaming charges. Experience truly digital travel connectivity that works the moment you land.

IV. FAQs