Singtel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists: How to Get and Activate

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: September 2024

If you are going to have a trip to Singapore, Singtel SIM Cards and eSIM are your gateways to staying connected anytime, anywhere. With a Singtel SIM Card, enjoy the convenience of a physical card that you can easily insert into your device. Looking for a more advanced option? Say hello to eSIM, the electronic SIM card that eliminates the need for physical cards. 

Whether you prefer the traditional Singtel SIM Card or the cutting-edge eSIM, we’ve got you covered for all your communication needs. Stay connected effortlessly with Singtel!

I. Overview about Singtel – What you need to know

• Founded year: 1879 (as Private Telephone Exchange), incorporated as Singapore Telecommunications Limited in 1992.
• Full company name: Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel).
• Types of services provided: fixed-line and mobile telephony, broadband and fixed-line internet services, digital television, IT and network services.
• Number of subscribers: 4.1 million subscribers in Singapore (March 31, 2022)
• Coverage: Singtel operates primarily in Asia, Australia, and Africa. It is the largest mobile network operator in Singapore and has expanded its presence in the region through subsidiaries such as Optus in Australia and shares in Bharti Airtel in India.

II. Singtel Coverage in Singapore

• The widest coverage reaching 99.4% of Singapore
• Excellent Consistent Quality of Singtel is 82.4% – impressive experience
• Singapore is the first in the world to achieve full 5G coverage: available outdoors, in over 500 buildings and even underground.

III. Singtel Speed in Singapore

• Singtel boasts impressive 5G speeds: They secured first place for both 5G Download Speed (384.2 Mbps) and 5G Upload Speed (35.1 Mbps). This means significantly faster downloads and uploads for users compared to competitors when connected to 5G.
• Overall Download Speed is good, but room for improvement: While Singtel ranks second in overall Download Speed Experience (84 Mbps), it trails behind StarHub (107.7 Mbps). This suggests that while 5G speeds are excellent, the overall experience is impacted by performance on older network technologies like 4G.
• Upload Speed Experience is a strength: Singtel takes the crown for overall Upload Speed Experience (16.3 Mbps), slightly ahead of StarHub. This indicates a strong ability to handle tasks like sending large files and video calls efficiently.

► Recommendation: If travelers need 5G for personal purposes, Singtel is the best choice. Furthermore, this operator also provides a reliable and impressive mobile network with the widest coverage. 

IV. Does Singtel Have eSIM in Singapore?

Definitely yes. eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into your device. Here are some awesome advantages of using eSIM:

• Easy Setup: Just scan a QR code or download the eSIM profile
• Switch with Ease: switch between mobile operators without the hassle of physically changing cards.
• Dual SIM: use many plans at the same times
• Convenience: No need for an extra card slot. 
• Remote Control: eSIM allows for easy remote provisioning, giving you more freedom and flexibility.

V. Top Singtel SIM Cards for Tourists

Let’s explore the wide range of options Singtel offers for tourists to stay connected: 

1. Singtel S$8 hi! Prepaid SIM Card

• Validity: 90 Days (top-up to extend to 180 days)
• Price: From S$8
• Local Data: 1.5 GB for 30 days
• Calls outgoing (local): S$0.22/minute
• SMS (local): S$0.05/message
• Free 30-day Viu Premium, Banglaflix & The Flipino Channel

2. Singtel S$15 hi! Prepaid SIM Card

•  Validity: 120 Days (top-up to extend to 180 days)
• Price: From S$15
• Local Data: 3 GB for 120 days + 5 GB for 30 days
• Calls outgoing (local): S$0.22/minute
• SMS (local): S$0.05/message
• Unlimited for messaging apps and Spotify
• Free 30-day Viu Premium & Banglaflix

3. Singtel $38 hi! Prepaid SIM Card

• Validity: 30 Days (top-up to extend to 180 days)
• Price: From S$38
• Local Data: 8 GB for 30 days + 3 GB for use in both Malaysia and Singapore
• Calls outgoing (local): S$0.22/minute
• SMS (local): S$0.05/message
• Free 30-day Viu Premium & Banglaflix

VI. Where to Buy a Singtel SIM card?

To buy a Singtel SIM card or eSIM, you 3 popular options:

• Singtel Retail Stores: You can visit one of Singtel’s retail stores located throughout Singapore. They have a wide range of SIM card options available, including prepaid and postpaid plans. The staff will assist you in choosing the right plan and activating your SIM card or eSIM.

Link: https://www.singtel.com/store-locator

• Singtel Online Store: Singtel also has an online store where you can purchase SIM cards and eSIMs. You can browse their website, select the plan that suits your needs, and complete the purchase online. The eSIM activation process will be provided to you via email.

Link official https://www.singtel.com/ 

• Authorized Retailers: Singtel SIM cards and eSIMs are often available at authorized retailers, such as convenience stores, electronics stores, and mobile phone shops. 

VII. Where to Buy a Singtel eSIM card?

With Gigago, you can easily access various packages of SIngtel. Gigago is one of the best reliable providers in the market. The price is only from $5.00 and you can choose your validity for 5 days to 30 days. You can explore some Singtel’s packages in Gigago here: 

For Singapore, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 5 days with $1.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Singapore eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying 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.

Besides, you should know some additional benefits when buying in Gigago: 

• Delivery: Instant, via email, within 5 minutes after purchase
• Payment: Credit card/Debit card, PayPal
• Activation: Automatic, activated when connected to a supported cellular network
• Installation: Scan QR code or enter installation code manually
• Validity start: Instant, after installation. 

VIII. How to Top-up Singtel SIM/eSIM

There are several methods available to top up your Singtel Prepaid SIM card:

• Singtel hi!App: Download the Singtel hi!App from the App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your Singtel Prepaid number and follow the instructions to top up your account using the app.

• Online Top-Up: Visit the Singtel Prepaid Top-Up webpage on the Singtel official website. Enter your mobile number and follow the instructions to complete the top-up transaction using your credit or debit card.

• Top-Up Cards: Purchase Singtel hi! Top-Up Cards from Singtel retail stores, convenience stores, or authorized retailers. Scratch the card to reveal the top-up PIN and dial 123(14-digit top-up PIN)# from your Singtel Prepaid mobile to top up your account.

• AXS Stations: Visit any AXS Station island-wide and follow the instructions on the screen to top up your Singtel Prepaid SIM card using cash, NETS, or credit/debit cards.

• Singtel Hotline: Dial 1688 from your Singtel Prepaid mobile and follow the voice prompts to top up your account using your credit or debit card.

IX. FAQs about Singtel in Singapore?

X. Conclusion

Singtel SIM card and eSIM are reliable and flexible. With Singtel, you can choose between physical SIM cards and the convenience of eSIM technology, ensuring non- disruptive communication. Enjoy a wide range of plans and excellent customer support for all your mobile needs.