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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.
Best Singapore SIM Cards for Tourists: Compare plans, Where to buy
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Buying a SIM card for your Singapore trip is needed to stay connected during the trip. You still need to contact your own world: family back home, friends or relationships on internet platforms. Because roaming fees are high and free WiFi is not stable, a prepaid Singapore SIM card will be a perfect alternative.
In this article, we reveal which type to choose, how much it costs, how to get one, compare plans so you can make an informed decision on the most optimal solution to get Internet access in Singapore.
In this article
I. Best Singapore tourist SIM cards comparison
The best Singapore tourist SIM cards are provided by the top 3 major mobile network operators (MNOs): Starbhub, SingTel, and M1.
Below we give details on the best SIM plans of each mobile network carrier:
1. Starhub tourist travel SIM cards and eSIM for Singapore
Starhub offers several SIM card plans and one eSIM plan designed for tourists visiting Singapore. These plans include roaming data, making it a convenient option for travelers exploring multiple countries in the region (APAC).
StarHub’s diverse tourist plans cater to various needs, from heavy data users, users with data and call balance, and flexibility seekers.
You can see details below:
| SIM type | Data | Price | Validity | Features |
| SIM card | 100GB | $12 | 10 days | – 1GB roaming data (17 destinations) – 30 mins IDD018 calls – 100 local SMS – 1000 mins local outgoing calls – Unlimited local incoming calls |
| SIM card | 100GB | $32 | 30 days | – 3GB roaming data* (17 destinations) – 90 mins IDD 018 calls – 5000 local SMS – 3000 mins local outgoing calls – Unlimited local incoming calls |
| SIM card | 120GB | $50 | 30 days | – $50 credit – 5GB roaming data* (17 destinations) |
| eSIM | 100GB | $12 | 14 days | – 500 mins local calls – 100 local SMS – 30 mins IDD calls – 3GB roaming to APAC |
► Read more information about StarHub SIM cards and eSIMs.
2. Singtel tourist SIM/eSIM cards
Singtel offers a great range of SIM cards and eSIM designed specifically for tourists to Singapore. The best part about eSIM is that you can buy and activate them remotely before you even leave home.
What makes Singtel stand out is its flexibility for tourists on longer trips or multi-country journeys. You can choose from 14 or 28-day plans to fit your travel duration. Their plans include international roaming to popular destinations like Bali or Thailand, so you can stay connected even if you travel around the region.
There is a Singtel app allowing you to top up your plan when needed.
Bonus: Every dollar you spend on your Singtel tourist SIM earns you one KrisFlyer mile, which you can add to your Singapore Airlines frequent flyer account.
You can see each plan in detail below:
| SIM type | Data | Price | Validity | Features |
| SIMcard/eSIM | 12GB data 5G | $50 | 28 days | 10GB roaming data (Aus, Indo, Malay, Thailand) |
| SIMcard/eSIM | 100GB data 5G | $30 | 28 days | 5GB data roaming data (Aus, Indo, Malay, Thailand) |
| SIMcard/eSIM | 100GB data 4G | $12 | 14 days | 3GB roaming data (Aus, Indo, Malay, Thailand) |
| SIM card | 100GB data 4G | $18 | 28 days | – 3GB roaming data (Aus, Indo, Malay, Thailand) – Free MRT/bus rides |
► We also have a detailed guide on Singtel SIM cards and eSIM.
3. M1 tourist SIM card
M1 offers a selection of 6 tourist SIM plans and 2 tourist eSIM plans tailored for travelers in Singapore. These plans are rather cheap compared to other operators in Singapore, making them a budget-friendly choice. For those traveling beyond Singapore, M1 also includes roaming data in their plans.
If you need more data or an extended coverage period, you can easily top up your plan through the M1 app and online portal.
See more details below:
| SIM type | Data | Price | Validity | Features |
| SIM card and eSIM | 100GB | $12 | 15 days | – 3GB roaming data – 500 Minutes Local Calls – 100 local SMS – 30 minute international calls |
| SIM card | 150GB | $12 | 30 days | – 1GB data roaming – 500 minutes local outgoing calls – Unlimited incoming calls – 50 local SMS – 150 IDD 033 Mins |
| SIM card | 150GB | $14 | 30 days | – 3GB roaming data – 500 minute Local Calls – 100 Local SMS – 50 minute International Calls |
| SIM card | 150GB | $30 | 30 days | – 5GB roaming data – 3000 minute Local Calls – 1000 Local SMS – 90 minute international calls |
| SIM card | 100GB | $14 | 30 days | – 100GB roaming data – 1000 Mins Local Calls – 500 Local SMS – 20 Mins International Calls |
| SIM card and eSIM version | 84GB (3GB/day) | $25 | 28 days | – 84GB roaming data (3GB/day) – Unlimited Incoming Calls – 5000 mins Local outgoing calls – 400 Local SMS |
Note: Roaming data covers Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau.
► See detailed information about M1 SIM cards and eSIMs.
II. Which type of SIM cards for Singapore tourists should buy?
Singapore offers different types of prepaid SIM cards for tourists, varied by different criteria. Postpaid SIM plans are usually suitable for locals, so we do not mention them here.
1. By form: physical SIM vs eSIM
Depending on your phone model, you can choose between them.
If your phone is compatible with eSIM, eSIM is an ideal option because it is 100% digital, does not require any personal documents upon purchase and allows remote installation and activation.
If your phone does not support eSIM or you prefer physical SIM card, physical tourist SIM cards are still a good choice.
2. By feature: Data only vs. data with voice and text plans
- Data-only plans are ideal if you only need internet access for browsing, maps, and social media.
- Data, voice, and text plans are suitable if you need to make calls and send SMS messages along with using cellular data.
So which one to choose for your Sing trip? If you have an eSIM-compatible phone and primarily use data, choose a prepaid international data only eSIM for cost-effectiveness and convenience.
But if your phone is of old models, a prepaid international data only SIM card is also a good option.
We have multiple eSIM plans for Singapore that suit your trip. Just compare and select!
III. 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.
- These SIM cards are usually designed for use in multiple countries, offering a convenient roaming solution.
- If buying 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 has only one international airport named Changi airport (SIN). 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.
IV. Which is the best mobile network operator in Singapore?
Singapore has 03 major mobile network operators: M1, Singtel, and StarHub.
They all provide services for tourists to Singapore, but choosing which operator for your trip depends on different criteria. Below we summarize in short first, then go into detail of each criteria by operator.
In short:
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Best mobile network in Singapore overall: StarHub
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Best mobile network in Singapore for consistency: Singtel
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Best mobile network in Singapore for coverage: M1
Now, we analyze the top three network providers in Singapore using basic criteria that impact overall user satisfaction:
1. Network performance and speed
StarHub’s network is renowned for low latency, making it ideal for real-time applications.
M1 offers well-rounded network performance while Singtel has a good balance between speed and smooth experience.
For example, in terms of download speeds, here are statistics of each MNO:
- StarHub 65.9Mbps
- Singtel 56.5Mbps
- M1 38.7Mbps
Recommendation:
- If you need a network that reacts instantly, Starhub is a great choice.
- If you need a consistently stable network, M1 comes first.
2. Coverage
According to Opensignal, in terms of network availability, there is only 0.2% difference between the best and the lowest.
M1 is dedicated to reaching even those in remote areas, ensuring wider coverage across the island.
Singtel has extensive network reach, in both urban and rural areas.
StarHub is strong in urban areas, so you can expect reliable connectivity in most cities.
In terms of 4G coverage experience, we have some statistics for you to refer to:
- M1: 10/10
- Singtel: 10/10
- StarHub: 10/10
► Recommendations:
- If you explore the entire island of Singapore, choose Singtel.
- If you stay primarily in major cities, StarHub will suffice.
2. Pricing
M1 offers the most affordable plans, so it is popular among budget-conscious customers.
Starhub provides competitive pricing and attractive bundles, often including value-added benefits like entertainment subscriptions.
Singtel offers a wide range of plans, catering to various needs and budgets.
► Recommendations:
- If you look for the most affordable option, choose M1.
- If you seek value-added benefits and bundles, go for StarHub.
In addition to the key metrics above, there are also others that can impact the performance of a network carrier. Let’s see the winner of each metric from the table below:
| Metrics | Mobile network operator(s) |
| Download Speed Experience | StarHub |
| Upload Speed Experience | StarHub |
| 5G Games Experience | Singtel |
| Availability | Singtel and StarHub |
| Voice App Experience | StarHub |
| 5G Download Experience | StarHub and M1 |
| Games Experience | StarHub |
| Video Experience (including 5G) | StarHub |
| 5G Voice App Experience | Singtel, StarHub, and M1 |
| 5G Upload Speed | Singtel |
| 5G availability | StarHub and M1 |
| Consistent Quality | StarHub |
V. Should you buy Singapore eSIM? Why and Where?
Yes. eSIM is a great connectivity option that allows you to avoid the hassle of buying a physical SIM card locally or to pay high roaming charges.
However, you are only able to use eSIM with eSIM compatible devices (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:
| Provider | Prepaid eSIM services |
| StarHub | No, only prepaid physical SIM cards |
| Singtel | Yes. You can find tourist eSIM here. It requires passport or other identity documents to be able to purchased. |
| M1 | Yes, but eSIM can only be bought in-store locally, not online. |
Where to buy Singapore eSIM?
You are advised to buy eSIM from reputable eSIM providers instead of Singapore MNOs for convenience. No need to present passport upon purchase.
If you are wondering which supplier can provide quality and reliable eSIMs for your trip to Singapore, we recommend Gigago as the No.1 eSIM service provider based in Hong Kong. Gigago offers a unique range of data-only and combined data & call credit plans, which start from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $5. 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.
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.
VI. FAQs
Which type of Singapore SIM card should I choose for my trip?
Two main types of SIM cards in Singapore are physical SIM cards and eSIMs. Depending on plans, both offer data, calls, and SMS services, but eSIMs have gained popularity for their convenience and flexibility.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Singapore?
You can purchase a SIM card at Changi Airport, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, telecom shops, or online before your trip.
Do I need to show ID to purchase a SIM card in Singapore?
Yes, you’re required to show a valid passport or ID when buying a SIM card due to regulatory requirements.
Can I use my foreign phone with a Singapore SIM card?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with Singapore’s mobile networks (usually GSM 900 and 1800 MHz for 2G; W-CDMA 2100 for 3G; and Bands 1, 3, 7, 8 for 4G/LTE). You can also refer our guide to if your phone works abroad.
Can I use my Singapore SIM card in other Southeast Asian countries?
Some Singapore SIM cards offer roaming services in other Southeast Asian countries, but it’s often more economical to purchase local SIMs when traveling to multiple countries in one trip.
What should I do if my Singapore SIM card is not working?
Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible, check that you’ve correctly inserted the SIM, and that the APN settings are correctly configured. If issues persist, contact the SIM card provider for assistance.
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