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

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. 

Singtel sim cards & eSIM

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. Quick Facts about Singtel

Singtel is one the biggest mobile operators in Singapore with many prominent awards
Singtel is one the biggest mobile operators in Singapore with many prominent awards
  • 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. Why Singtel When Traveling Singapore – Coverage and Speed

Singtel is Asia’s leading communications technology group, operating in one of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic regions

Coverage 

  • 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.
Sigtel's coverage in Singapore
Sigtel’s coverage in Singapore

Speed:

  • Download experience of Singtel’s 73.4Mbps. Upload Speed Experience is 14.4Mbps
  • Singapore’s Speedtest Awards™ Winner for mobile network speed based on analysis by Ookla®️ of Speedtest Intelligence®️ data Q1–Q2 2020. 
  • Singtel is the first operator in Singapore to win the 5G Upload Speed award. It does so outright with a score of 32.8Mbps. 
Singtel's download speed with second place
Singtel’s download speed with second place
Singtel's upload speed
Singtel’s upload speed

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. 

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Singtel for Travelers to Singapore?

Singtel Router Mobile Connection
Singtel Router Mobile Connection

You can connect with Singtel’s mobile network in 3 ways. Let’s see what are the pros and cons of these options: 

Connectivity OptionProsCons
SIM CardEasy to use: just need to insert a Card in your phone
Affordable: various packages available for your needs
Fast and reliable: Singtel is one of the best operators in Singapore
Device compatibility: need a device which is unlocked
RoamingKeep your number: you still use your current number. 
Instant connectivity: Connect to the network as soon as you arrive.
Expensive: the price is much higher than SIM Card option with little data. 
Pocket WiFiConnect multiple devices: share wifi with others
No SIM switching
Extra device to carry
Setup required: need to set up before using
Limited battery life
Potential rental fees: have to pay additional fees if the device is damaged

Advice: Choose a SIM Card for the best convenience as it provides various packages with affordable prices. Today, almost all smartphones can use an additional SIM Card. 

Read more: Gigago eSIM compatible list

IV. Best Singtel SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

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

1. Singtel S$8 hi! Prepaid SIM Card

Singtel S$8 hi!
Singtel S$8 hi!
  • 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
Singtel S$15 hi!
Singtel S$15 hi!

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

Tip: Activate on hi!App and get free 2GB

V. Does Singtel Support 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.

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: 

Singtel eSIM
Singtel eSIM

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. 

VI. Where to Buy a Singtel SIM card and eSIM?

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.
Singtel stores in the city centre
Singtel stores in the city centre

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. How to Activate Singtel SIM/eSIM in Singapore?

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

1. How to Use a Singtel 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.
Many ways to activate Singtel SIM card
Many ways to activate Singtel SIM card

2. How to Activate Singtel eSIM?

Getting started with an Singtel 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.

VIII. How to Top-up Singtel SIM/eSIM

An Singtel SIM Card
An Singtel SIM Card

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 ?

Can I keep my existing phone number when buying a Singtel SIM card?

Yes, you can usually request to transfer your existing phone number to the Singtel SIM card during the activation process. This process is known as number porting.

Can I choose between a prepaid or postpaid Singtel SIM card?

Yes, Singtel offers both prepaid and postpaid SIM card options. Prepaid SIM cards provide flexibility and control over usage, while postpaid plans offer additional features and benefits.

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.