m1 travel sim

Best Singapore SIM Card for Tourists

Marianne Rogerson

August 4, 2023

Here we take a look at finding the best Singapore SIM card for tourists . We discuss what to look for when choosing a SIM and compare the top contenders. 

Whether you are looking to share your photos of your Singapore trip on Instagram or navigate the city efficiently, the right SIM card can be your ultimate travelling companion. A tourist SIM card enables you to access mobile data, make calls, and send messages during your stay in Singapore.

Singapore offers a variety of prepaid SIM card options for tourists , making it easy and hassle-free to stay connected during your trip. However, finding the best option can be confusing, considering the myriad of mobile networks and data packages available for tourists. 

What’s most important to you? The amount of data? Unlimited calls? Or just the cheapest option? 

Our comprehensive guide to prepaid SIM card packages and comparisons between local operators will help you make an informed choice about the best prepaid SIM card in Singapore. We also offer tips on how to top up your card and monitor your data usage. 

You may also like these articles:

• How to use public transport in Singapore
• What to pack for Singapore
• How to get from Singapore airport to the city
• 60+ Best things to do in Singapore

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Table of Contents

No time to read the whole article? Here are our top picks.

• Best SIM card for short stays: Starhub $12 Tourist Travel SIM : 10-day validity with 100GB data, 100 local SMS, 1,000 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 1GB data roaming in 17 destinations.
• Best SIM for longer stays : Singtel $30 hi!Tourist SIM Card : 28-day validity with 100GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 5GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• Best SIM for roaming : The Starhub Tourist Travel SIM is available for $12 (10 days) or $32 (30 days) and offers data roaming in 17 countries. 
• Best eSIM : M1 $12 Tourist eSIM : 15-day validity with 100GB data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls.
• Best tourist EZ-Link SIM card : Singtel $15 hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card : 28-day validity. 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 3G data roaming. Also acts as an EZ-Link card with $3 stored value for use on public transport. 

What to Consider when Choosing a Travel SIM card

Each of the leading Singapore telcos offers a variety of prepaid sim cards that cater specifically to tourists. These SIM cards include data, text messages and local and international call minutes. 

Some also offer international roaming in certain neighbouring countries, which can be useful if you are heading on elsewhere after Singapore. 

When comparing SIM cards, consider the following factors:

• Data allowance : Make sure the plan provides enough data for your needs . Consider what you will use it for – some social media apps such as Instagram and YouTube can eat through a lot of data quickly. Opting for a package with a large data bundle will help avoid inconvenient mid-trip top-ups.
• Coverage : Ensure the SIM card offers strong coverage in the areas you plan to visit. The major Singapore SIM card providers generally offer good coverage, but it’s always wise to double-check. 
• Roaming options : Some Singapore SIMs offer international roaming , which is handy if you plan to head elsewhere after Singapore. Or you want to use up unused data when you get home. Different providers offer different options with regard to the different countries available and the quantity of data allowance. 
• Validity period : Choose a SIM with a suitable expiry date to match your trip length. Keep in mind that some tourist SIM cards have shorter validity periods.
• Price : Compare the costs of different SIM cards to find one that fits your budget . Be sure not to sacrifice essential features for the sake of saving a few dollars.

Who are Singapore’s Leading Mobile Operators?

Singapore has three leading mobile internet providers: These are 

All of these telcos offer great options for tourist SIM cards in Singapore. 

Singapore’s mobile network landscape is advanced, with most providers offering impressive 4G speeds and an expanding 5G network. So, you’ll have a seamless mobile internet experience during your visit. 

Bear in mind that the available frequencies in Singapore for mobile communication are 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz, which means your phone should be compatible with these to take full advantage of the mobile internet services provided by Singaporean operators.

Comparing Sim Card Providers

Let’s take a closer look at these leading Sim Card providers and their products available for tourists in Singapore.

Singtel offers a range of hi!Tourist SIM cards specifically designed for tourists. Details of the different cards are below. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 14 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, plus 3G data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• $15 hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card : Valid 28 days. This card gives you all of the data and calls as above, but also acts as an EZ-Link card for public transport and includes $3 stored value for use on public transport (this saves you $5 on purchasing an EZ-Link card). 
• $30 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 28 days. Offers 100GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 5GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
• $50 hi!Tourist SIM Card : Valid 28 days. Offers 120GB local 5G data, unlimited local SMS, unlimited local calls, 90 minutes international calls and 10GB data roaming for Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Note : With the Singtel tourist SIM card, access to Facebook, LINE, WeChat and WhatsApp is unlimited (subject to 1GB per day fair usage) and does not count towards your local data allowance. 

Starhub also has a selection of prepaid plans for tourists as well. Let’s take a look at the StarHub Prepaid SIM card options. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 Tourist Travel SIM : Valid 10 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 1,000 minutes local calls, 30 minutes international calls, 1GB data roaming in 17 destinations. 
• $32 Tourist Travel SIM : Valid 30 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 5,000 local SMS, 3,000 minutes local calls, 90 minutes international calls, 3GB data roaming in 17 destinations.

Note : With Starhub SIM cards, data roaming is available in the following 17 destinations: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.

M1 offers the following tourist SIM cards. Click here to buy these SIM cards at a discounted rate .

• $12 Tourist SIM: Valid 15 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls. No data roaming. This option is also available as an eSIM card.
• $30 Tourist SIM : Valid 30 days. Offers 150GB local 4G data, 1,000 local SMS, 3,000 minutes local calls, 50 minutes international calls, 3GB data roaming in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

About eSIM 

Another trend to watch for is eSIMs. As eSIM technology grows in popularity, more devices and plans now support it, providing another way to access data without needing a physical SIM card .

Instead of using a traditional SIM card, eSIM allows you to activate your eSIM data plan via email and use it immediately. This is a convenient option as it lets you switch between carriers seamlessly without needing to swap out a physical SIM card. 

However, it is worth noting that a physical SIM card that you insert into your device often offers better data allowances and lower costs. 

Also check that the eSIM offers local and/or international calls if this is important to you, as they are often data only. You also need to ensure your mobile device is eSIM compatible.

In summary:

• eSIMs allow you to activate your data plan via email 
• You don’t need a physical SIM card
• Physical SIM cards often offer better value packages that eSIMs
• Some travel eSIMs are data only, without call allowances
• You need to ensure your mobile device is eSIM compatible

Recommended eSIM 

• M1 $12 Tourist eSIM : Valid 15 days. Offers 100GB local 4G data, 100 local SMS, 500 minutes local calls, 20 minutes international calls. No data roaming.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Singapore

You can easily find SIM cards at the airport, various convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and in shopping malls around the city. 

We recommend buying one online, and then you can collect it upon arrival at Changi Airport. 

Required Documents to Buy a SIM Card

To buy a SIM card as a tourist, you’ll need to present your passport  as proof of your identity. It’s a mandatory requirement for purchasing a SIM card in Singapore. 

Your passport helps the retailer verify your identity and ensures that only genuine tourists access the tourist SIM card options.

How Do Singapore SIM Cards Work?

When you purchase a Singapore prepaid SIM card, the first thing you need to do is activate it by inserting the card into your phone. This process is straightforward; just follow the instructions provided in the sim card packet, or ask the store staff for assistance. 

Once you’ve done this, you can immediately start using the preloaded credit to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data.

Important tip : Make sure that your smartphone is  unlocked  for you to use the available local SIM cards in Singapore. Locked phones are restricted to one network provider, making it impossible to switch to other carriers while in the country. 

If your smartphone is locked, contact your carrier to unlock it before heading to Singapore. 

How to Top-Up Your SIM Card

Once you have your SIM card, topping up your credit is a breeze. You can find top-up cards of various denominations at 7-Eleven stores, the service provider’s stores, and even newsstands. 

These cards usually have a hidden number and PIN, which can be revealed by scratching off the protective coating.

To top-up your SIM, follow the instructions provided on the top-up card. These instructions include straightforward steps to input the card number and PIN.

In addition to physical top-up cards, you can also use online top-up services or apps provided by SIM card providers. Online top-ups often make it easy to track your balance and monitor your usage throughout your stay in Singapore. 

To do this, simply visit your provider’s website, create an account or log in, and follow the guided prompts to add your desired top-up amount.

Apps for SIM Management

When you get a tourist SIM card in Singapore, you can also download apps for managing your SIM. 

These apps make it easier for you: 

• Check your account balance
• View remaining data, talk time and SMS
• Top-up or purchase data bundles easily

For example, if you choose the M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM, you can download the  M1 Prepaid App from the Google Play or Apple App Store. 

Likewise, if you opt for a Singtel Prepaid SIM card, you can manage your account with the  Singtel Prepaid hi!App and Starhub has the Starhub Prepaid App.

Prepaid vs Postpaid SIM cards 

Prepaid SIM cards  are a popular choice for tourists because they offer flexibility and convenience. With a prepaid SIM card, you have complete control over your expenditure, as you only pay for what you use in advance. 

Additionally, you can easily top up your account when needed. This option eliminates the worry of unexpected charges and can conveniently be purchased upon your arrival in Singapore. 

On the other hand,  postpaid SIM cards  are usually more suitable for longer stays or for residents. With a postpaid plan, you receive a monthly bill for the services you have used, and these plans often come with contract commitments. This option may be advantageous in terms of more cost-effective data and voice packages, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing and paying monthly bills.

In general, tourists tend to prefer  prepaid SIM cards  as they provide simplicity and freedom from contracts. They allow you to stay connected without being tied down to monthly fees, and it is easy to find  prepaid plans  offering attractive call, data, and messaging packages.

Is Pocket Wi-Fi a good option for Singapore?

While Singapore offers numerous SIM cards for tourists, you might be interested in additional options like a pocket Wi-Fi. 

A pocket Wi-Fi is a portable device allowing you to stay connected to the internet without using a local SIM card . They are especially useful when travelling with a group or as a family, as multiple devices can connect to the same pocket Wi-Fi, without purchasing multiple plans.

However, they don’t allow you to make local or international calls. 

For a Pocket WiFi, you usually pre-pay online and it will be delivered to your accommodation. You will need to post it back at the end of your trip. 

Click here to read more about Pocket WiFis and order one online. 

Useful Apps for Singapore

Once you’ve chosen your SIM card, it’s time to download some useful apps for navigating Singapore . Just remember to track your data usage to avoid running out!

The city has an excellent public transport system, and using apps like MyTransport.SG or CityMapper can make getting around much more manageable. 

Other navigation apps worth downloading are Grab and Gojek , which provide taxi and ride-hailing services similar to Uber. 

Singapore is also known for its diverse food scene. Use apps like Chope or Burpple to locate restaurants and cafes in your vicinity. They offer reviews, ratings, and even discounts for specific eateries, helping you choose the perfect spot for your taste buds.

Click here for more useful apps for Singapore . 

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M1 rolls out prepaid eSIM card for tourists with selected iPhones visiting Singapore

SINGAPORE - Local telco M1 announced on Friday (May 17) the launch of a prepaid digital SIM card for tourists using the newer iPhones visiting Singapore.

The digital SIM card, or eSIM, is built into a device like a mobile phone at the point of manufacture and gives users the option of having two numbers on one phone without needing a second physical SIM card.

M1's tourist eSIM will allow visitors to activate tourist prepaid plans on compatible iPhones and use both their overseas SIM and M1 prepaid eSIM on one device.

The eSIM plan is an extension of M1's existing prepaid tourist SIM offering, which features options with seven-day, 12-day and 14-day validity.

But eSIMs will be available only under the seven-day plan for now. The plan costs $12 and offers 100GB of local mobile data over seven days, as well as 500 and 20 minutes of local and international talktime respectively.

Inbound tourists can purchase the eSIM card from any Meet & Greet counters, selected Changi Recommends counters and Cheers convenience stores located at Changi Airport, as well as all M1 Shop outlets.

"Visitor arrivals to Singapore hit a record high of 18.5 million last year and this is an important segment we serve through our prepaid cards. The eSIM enables us to give tourists an easy way to buy our prepaid service without having to handle a physical SIM," said Ms Wang Li-Na, M1's marketing director.

M1 is the first and only mobile network operator to support eSIM plans on iPhones in Singapore to date.

The supported iPhone models are the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max, while the eSIM card is also compatible with the 11-inch iPad Pro and third generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Usage of eSIMs in Singapore had previously been limited mainly to wearables such as smart watches but has become more widespread after Apple rolled out eSIM capability across its latest line of phones last year.

Last June, the Infocomm Media Development Authority released a public consultation paper proposing to extend its "no SIM-lock" policy to eSIMs.

This rule would forbid telcos from locking eSIMs to their own network, and forcing consumers to buy new devices if they switch telcos.

M1 is Singapore's third-largest mobile operator, after Singtel and StarHub.

It was delisted from the Singapore stock exchange on April 24, after the completion of the acquisition by Konnectivity, a Keppel Corp-led joint venture with Singapore Press Holdings, which publishes The Straits Times.

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Best Singapore Prepaid SIM Card for Travellers

By: Author Eva

Posted on February 26, 2024

Categories singapore

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Who can live and travel without data SIM card? I CAN’T.

SIM card is my second priority when I arrive in a new country, after local currency. Having a local SIM card with data gives me confidence and assurance that I can survive in a new country even if I don’t speak the language.

When my family and friends visit me in Singapore , they’re always asking me to help them buy SIM cards, so I had to analyze what’s the best SIM card for them. And I figured, why not post my analysis on this blog, maybe it will help somebody out there.

To be honest, choosing the best SIM card in Singapore is both easy and hard! Easy because there are only 3 major mobile operators in Singapore, namely Singtel, M1 and StarHub.

It’s hard because every operator offers so many different SIM cards with different features and validity, it’s so hard to choose what’s the most suitable card for you.

Let me spare you from the headache of choosing a SIM card. In the first section of this article, I’ll do detailed breakdown of each SIM card from each operator.

Then, in the second section, I’ll do comparisons of SIM cards for different scenarios based on length of stay and provide my analysis and recommendations.

Finally, I’ll have some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to answer common queries that I often receive. Let’s dive in!

No time to read the entire comparison? Here are my best picks: • For up to 10 days of stay:  StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) • For 11 to 30 days of stay: M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM (100GB for 30 days) • Best eSIM: M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM (100GB for 15 days) • For people who also need EZ-Link card:  Singtel hi!Tourist 2-in-1 EZ-Link SIM Card (100GB 4G for 28 day, EZ-Link is valid for 5 years) • For data roaming outside Singapore: M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days in 5 countries) or StarHub $32 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 30 days in 17 countries) • For budget traveller who doesn’t need a lot of data: Singtel’s $8 hi!Prepaid SIM (can’t pick up from airport)

Table of Contents

Overview of all Prepaid SIM Cards in Singapore

Singtel’s normal prepaid SIM card is called hi! SIM card , while Singtel’s tourist SIM card is called hi!Tourist SIM card . Here’s the overview of all Singtel’s prepaid SIM card and Singtel’s tourist SIM Card.

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Useful links for Singtel Prepaid hi! SIM Card: 1. List of Data Plans . 2. hi!SIM rates (including local call, overseas call, SMS, roaming charges) as of January 2021. 3. List of data roaming packages. 4. List of ways to top up hi! SIM card .

All hi! Tourist SIM cards offer unlimited usage of Facebook, Whatsapp, LINE and WeChat, however, if you read the fine prints, it says the usage of this is limited to 1GB a day. I’d say just ignore this gimmick because when you have 100GB free local data, why should you care about free 1GB data for social media.

Where to buy Singtel SIM Cards?

Normal Prepaid SIM (hi! SIM Cards):

• Singtel’s website
• Singapore Changi Airport (Terminal 1, 2 and 3): Travelex Currency Exchange Counters, Changi Recommends Counters.
• Singtel shops
• Singtel Exclusive Retailers
• Selected Authorised Singtel Prepaid Retailers
• Selected Cheers

Tourist SIM card (hi!Tourist SIM Cards):

• Selected Authorised Singtel Prepaid Retailers including Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, HarbourFront Ferry Terminal, Causeway Points, Sentosa FUN Shops
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers

Looking for ideas on what to do in Singapore? Here’s my guide on the best things to do in Singapore .

StarHub’s normal prepaid SIM card is called StarHub Prepaid , while StarHub’s tourist SIM card is called StarHub Travel Prepaid . Below is the comparison of StarHub’s prepaid SIM cards.

Notes about StarHub Prepaid SIM cards: 1. For $15 Prepaid, free 2GB data comprises 1.2GB first month; then 200MB/month for the next 5 months. FREE WeChat App, Whatsapp Messenger and LINE App is valid for 180 days from activation date. 2. List of data plans . 3. StarHub Prepaid SIM card rates . 4. Here’s the info about Happy Roam . 5. For $50 StarHub Prepaid SIM, the free 5GB data roam can be used locally as well as overseas in countries listed in the Happy Roam destinations. 6. List of ways to top up StarHub Prepaid SIM card . 7. Free 120GB local data, $100 IDD 018 credit, 5000 mins local calls and 200 local SMS will be awarded within 3 days of SIM card activation. Promotion valid until further notice. 8. 80GB data consists of 4GB local/roaming data & 76GB local data. 20GB will be awarded immediately upon successful purchase. Additional 60GB local data, 5000 mins local calls, 200 local SMS and $100 IDD credit will be credited within the same day.

Notes:  9. Free overseas calls can be used to make a call to the countries listed in the IDD 018 destinations. 10. Free data roam can only be used in countries listed in the Happy Roam destinations 11. Top-up for all prepaid cards can be done online, through StarHub Prepaid App or offline. See the complete Top up options .

Based on my past experience, I think StarHub is the most competitive operator, they often provide better value compared to other operators with their promotions. But, I feel that they have too many promotions, add-ons, bonuses and different top-up prices. Some promotions last for a long time, others disappear after a while.

It’s hard to make the right decision when trying to choose the best StarHub card or the best StarHub plans at any given time if the variables keep changing. To make it simple, I recommend that you ignore all the bonuses when trying to decide which card/plan is the best.

Where to buy StarHub Cards?

• Pre-order Starhub $12 Happy Travel Prepaid , and collect at Singapore Changi Airport.
• StarHub Shops
• StarHub’s Exclusive Partner outlets
• StarHub Authorised Retailers
• 7-Eleven stores
• Cheers convenience stores
• StarHub Counters (Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• UOB Currency Exchange Counters (Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• Travellers Counters (Terminal 2 and 3, Arrival Halls)

M1’s normal prepaid SIM card is called M1 Prepaid SIM Card , while its tourist SIM is simply called M1 Tourist SIM Card . Below is the comparison of all M1’s prepaid cards.

* International call rates ** $20 M1 Prepaid SIM comes with up to 1,000 IDD 033 mins (Bangladesh 400 mins / India 1,000 mins / China 1,000 mins / Indonesia 200 mins / Philippines 80 mins / Malaysia 500 mins) ## For use in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan, you can use your existing data from your local data packs without extra charges (but you need to activate data roaming first). For other countries, you need to purchase a roaming pack . ^ Top up options for M Card

Where to buy M1 Cards?

M1 Tourist SIM Card:

• Pre-order $12 M1 Tourist SIM and collect from Changi Airport or city areas.
• M1 Shops ($12/$30 Tourist SIM)
• Changi Meet & Greet ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at Changi Airport Terminal 1, 2, 3 & 4 Arrival Halls (Public Area)
• Changi Recommends ($30/$50 Tourist SIM) at Changi Airport Terminal 4 Arrival Hall (Public Area)
• Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers ($12 Tourist SIM)
• M1 Exclusive Distributors
• Appointed Authorised Retailers
• 7-Eleven and Cheers stores
• FairPrice Xpress
• Selected SingPost Branches

What’s the best SIM card for short-term travellers (less than 1 month stay)?

Now that I have covered every prepaid SIM cards from each operator, it is time to compare these SIM cards across different operators, based on several scenarios.

Different people have different length of stay, data usage and other preferences. To simplify, I’m going to assume that short-term travellers are leisure travellers who use a good amount of internet (1GB to 3GB) on a daily basis for the purpose of navigation, on-the-go research and social media.

For short-term travellers, I’ll be comparing SIM cards that give at least 80GB which is more than enough for 1-month stay in Singapore.

If you think you don’t belong in this category because you can survive without internet when exploring Singapore, then you can skip this section and jump to the next section where I discuss about normal prepaid SIM card for long-term travellers.

Best SIM Card for shorter stays (2 weeks or less)

For shorter stays of (2 weeks or less), there are 5 competing Tourist SIM cards, namely:

• Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days)
• Singtel $18 hi!Tourist EZ-Link SIM Card (100GB 4G for 28 days)
• StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM Card (100GB for 10 days)
• M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days)
• M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days)

M1 has 2 very similar SIM cards, $12 and $14. The main difference between these 2 cards are roaming data allowance. M1 $14 comes with 100GB which is shared between local data & roaming data, while M1 $12 comes with 100GB local data only. Another difference would be the validity, M1 $12 is valid for 15 days while M1 $14 is valid for 120 days, but all the free stuffs (data, calls, SMS) are valid for 30 days only.

Case 1: If you’re visiting Singapore for up to 10 days , you can get any of the $12 Tourist SIM card from Singtel/StarHub/M1 Tourist SIM. My readers’ favorite is StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) .

If you just want to get the cheapest one, you can choose either StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) ; both of which are retailing at SGD8.60 at the time of writing.

If you have a specific preference for eSIM, you can choose either Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) .

Case 2: If you’re visiting Singapore for 11 to 14 days , you can get either

Singtel $12 hi! Tourist SIM Card (100GB 4G for 14 days) or M1 $12 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 15 days) .

If you’re planning to visit other countries after Singapore , scroll down to the section about “Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming”

If you don’t need a lot of data because you can use your hotel or hostel’s wifi, or if you’re a budget traveler and you think paying $12 for data is a waste of money, but you need a SIM card to make calls, scroll down and read the section about budget long-term travellers.

If this is your first time visiting Singapore and you want to explore the country using public transportation, you need to have a transport card. To understand all the different transport cards in Singapore, read: Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ Link or Contactless Bank Card? Which One is Better?

If you have read my guide about travel cards and decide that you want an EZ-Link card , I recommend that you get Singtel’s $18 hi!Tourist EZ-Link SIM Card . Here are some details about this card:

• It is a 2-in-1 Tourist SIM and EZ-Link travel card
• Basically, you peel off the SIM card from the EZ-Link card, so you have 2 physical items: 1 small SIM Card and 1 EZ-Link.
• The SIM card validity is 7 days while the EZ-Link validity is 5 years from the manufacture date.
• The EZ-Link card has $3 free credit. However, please note that minimum balance you need to maintain in EZ-Link card is $3 (below $3, you can’t take any MRT or bus with it), so you still have to perform a top up of minimum $10 to the EZ-Link in order to use it for public transport.

PS: If you’re a first-timer visitor to Singapore, I recommend you check my comprehensive library of Singapore Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.

Best SIM Card for longer stays (2 weeks to 1 month)

Even though there are Tourist SIM cards that gives 100GB with validity of 28 days & 30 days, I do not recommend those SIM cards anymore because you can get cheaper SIM card with greater data, as seen in the above table.

The total data you can get from Singtel $15 card is 100GB, StarHub $15 card is 128GB, and M1 $14 is 100GB. Based on the data allowance alone, it’s clear that the winner is StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM card for 28 days. Meanwhile, for up to 30 days of stay, you should get M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) .

However, among do note Singtel $15 and StarHub $15 can’t be picked up from the airport, they must be picked up from retail stores in the city. I personally think 100GB is more than enough for 30 days, so I highly recommend M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) .

If you are planning to travel to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan after Singapore, you should consider M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) because the 100GB can be used in Singapore as well as those 5 roaming countries.

Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming

For people who are planning to visit other countries after Singapore, you can consider getting Singapore’s SIM card that provides data roaming.

In the above table, I’ve compiled a list of SIM cards that provide data roaming, the countries where the data roaming can be used, the amount of data roaming, and the data roaming duration.

The amount of data roaming is the total data roaming for all countries . For example: For StarHub $12, you get 1GB data roaming IN TOTAL, not in each country.

It’s clear that if we compare the amount of data roaming, the winner is M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card (100GB for 30 days) . You get 100GB for 30 days for 5 overseas countries. However, do note that this 100GB is shared between Singapore data and overseas data.

If your next destination is not covered by M1, but it’s covered by StarHub, you can consider getting StarHub $12 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 10 days) or StarHub $32 Travel Prepaid SIM (100GB for 30 days) , which gives 1GB or 3GB data roaming respectively. However, 1GB and 3GB are quite little and may only be enough for 3 days. If you need more days in other countries, do consider getting that country’s local SIM card instead.

What’s the best card for budget travellers, long-term travellers or residents?

For clarity, I define budget travellers as people who want to spend as little as possible, and don’t need a lot of data because they’ll be using the wifi from their accommodation.

I define long-term travellers as people who stays in the country for more than 1 month. And I define residents as people who live and work in the country.

Best SIM card for budget repeat visitors or budget long-term travellers who don’t need a lot of data

If you’re a budget type of person who keeps coming back to Singapore at least once a year, or you’re a budget long-term travellers staying in the country for more than 1 month, and you DON’T need a lot of data , it’s likely that you want to get a cheap SIM card that’s valid for months rather than the Tourist SIM card which is only valid for several days. But you have to remember to top up the card before it expires!

For this case, it looks like the best SIM card for you is the Singtel’s $8 hi!Prepaid SIM , which gives you free 1.5GB for 30 days, plus bonus 2GB if you register the SIM card yourself.

Best SIM card for long-term travelers or residents who need A LOT of data

If you’re a long-term traveller staying in the country for more than 1 month; or you want to keep a Singapore number because you visit Singapore about once every 6 months, and you NEED to use a lot of data because you don’t want to rely on wifi, I think the $15 category is suitable for you.

At first glance, both Singtel’s $15 and StarHub’s $15 give you more than 100GB for the first 30 days. So, if you intend to use A LOT of data in your first 30 days, you can forget about M1.

After 30 days, if you use Singtel, you’ll be left with 3GB free local data. With StarHub, you’ll be left with 200MB free data each month (which is too little, imo!).

In this case it’s clear that the winner is Singtel’s $15 hi!Prepaid SIM .

Now, let’s move to the next analysis!

If you’re a resident working/living in Singapore, I presume you’ll be using data most of the time, so the criteria to choose the best SIM card for you would be the price of data plans, especially the monthly plan.

Based on the above comparison table, $25 can get you 20GB data on Singtel, or 80GB data on StarHub. Meanwhile, $28 can get you 60GB on M1. To me, StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM has the most value for money in terms of data plan.

If course, if you’re a resident, you’re not constrained to only prepaid SIM cards. You are qualified to sign up for postpaid SIM cards from more than 3 operators.

Regarding coverage, personally I have used the service of all three mobile operators, and what I can say is, each operator performs well at certain locations and bad at other locations. No operator is truly better than other operators. This is just my opinion 🙂

Purchase on the spot or in advance?

First of all, not all SIM cards can be purchased in advance. For those cards that can be booked online, I highly recommend that you do, because you’ll never know how long the queue can be.

In busy city/tourist areas like Bugis or Orchard, queues at telecommunication shops can be insane (at least 30 mins of waiting).

At the airport, not every SIM card is available for sale (#truestory: they only sell the more expensive ones, but they keep changing strategy so you’ll never know).

If the SIM card that you want can’t be purchased online, I think your best bet is to go to not-so-busy 7-Eleven or Cheers convenient stores, or go to telecommunication shops in the morning (between 10 to 11am) or late at night (9pm onwards).

These are some of the most common questions that readers have asked me over the years.

1. What’s required to purchase SIM card in Singapore?

You need to bring passports during registration of the SIM card.

2. How many sim cards can I buy?

Each person is only allowed to have 3 prepaid SIM cards under their name, regardless of the service provider, in any 6 months period.

3. What are local data and roaming data?

Local data is the data that you can use in Singapore. Roaming data is the data that you can use when you’re outside Singapore.

4. Are incoming calls free?

Unfortunately, no. You will be charged when you receive local calls. If you have a lot of free local calls minutes, then these will be deducted when you receive incoming calls.

5. I want to maintain the validity of my SIM card so I can use it when I come back to Singapore in the future. How can I do so?

Get any prepaid SIM card, not the tourist SIM card. Then, download the apps (either Singtel hi! App, StarHub Prepaid App, or M1 Prepaid App) to check your card validity.

Finally, monitor your card validity consistently so that you can top up before its expiry date. These apps allow you to top up with credit card so it’s ok if you’re outside Singapore.

6. What is the cheapest SIM card in Singapore?

Singtel’s $8, StarHub’s $8 or M1’s $8.

So… that’s it!

I hope I have provided you with enough information to make your decisions 🙂 If you have any questions, let me know in the comment or ask me in All About Singapore Travel Group on Facebook where we discuss about traveling in Singapore.

Planning for a trip to Singapore? Here are some essential information to read next:

• Read my best articles about Singapore
• Awesome Places in Singapore You Can Visit for Free
• A Weekend Itinerary for Budget Travellers in Singapore

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make any purchase through my links, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. 

Want to be the first to know whenever I post new articles and videos? Join my Telegram Channel and you’ll get new post alerts sent directly to your phone.

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Shashank Verma

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

Hi Eva, awesome blog! Keep it up! A lot of work gone into this!

Although I think know which SIM card I should be getting, it might be wise to pass it through you first.

We are travelling to Singapore (4 days), KL (2 days) and Thailand (8 days).

I was thinking - Singtel $30 Hi! Tourist. Do you concur?

On the FAQ, you said - Each person is only allowed to have 3 prepaid SIM cards under their name, regardless of the service provider, in any 6 months period.

So if I got two SIMs under my name, can I use one and give the other to my partner? Or does my partner order her own under her name?

And do I need to order online before arrival, or can I just pop over to one of their pickup locations (at the Airport) and get them there and then?

Will they help us set it all up to make sure its working fine?

Thursday 12th of October 2023

@Eva, I had another idea - I don't like giving my passport details everywhere. So what I was thinking is getting the $50 Hi! Tourist SIM. It's costly but in that way I will be covered for Malaysia and Thailand. I don't have to worry about Singapore as I get whopping 120GB. Having said that, the Thailand SIMs are much cheaper. But its just the inconvenience of it all.

I am a bit confused with people saying they charge more at the airport than says 7-11. If I got a $50 Tourist SIM from the airport, would the same SIM cost less at 7-11 or Cheers?

I soo appreciate your website and the way its all laid out and explained. I have been checking website on SIM for Thailand and there's hardly anything that comes close to yours. And whatever there is is either old or not really making sense.

Lastly, if I just wanted Roaming Data without any calls etc. then which SIM would you suggest? I will use Whatsapp etc. for calls. Only thing is I don't know if that would have any impact on using Grab.

The M1 $14 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card is a great SIM but sadly does not work in Thailand (or does it)? Or maybe I can get this for Singapore and Malaysia and then get a cheap SIM in Thailand. The 100GB is a lot even if its shared between local and roaming.

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Eva, many thanks for your advice.

What I will do is still get the $30 SIM and if I am close to running out of data in Thailand, I will buy a local SIM from there.

No point in topping up the Hi! SIM.

Monday 9th of October 2023

Hi Shashank, yes I agree that Singtel $30 hi!Tourist is the best choice in terms of data roaming availability. But do take note the data roaming allowance is only 5GB, which is pretty easy to blow up in a couple of days. If you don't really use data a lot, this sim card is fine. Otherwise, you may want to purchase another SIM card when you are in Thailand, since you'll be spending 8 days there.

If you buy 2 SIM cards, it should be fine to give one to your partner, but I'm not sure how strict Singtel is. It's definitely safer to let your partner buy the sim card under her own name. You can do either online booking or purchase during arrival. Online booking guarantees availability, from what I understand. You can consider getting esim so you don't need to physically collect the sim card. Yes, they will help you set up and register (bring your passport!).

Susanne Steinböck

Monday 4th of September 2023

Hi Eva, great blog, love it. The Singtel 2 in 1 Tourist SIM EZ card is back. It just costs $ 18.- now. Just for your information.

Thursday 7th of September 2023

@Eva, I am happy I found it. Your blog is the reason why my Singapore stopover in October has grown from one to two weeks. ;-) And this seams to be the best SIM card for me.

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Thank you Susanne! I'll update it soon!

Monday 28th of August 2023

Hi, I plan to visit Singapore next week and move on to Taiwan. Do you know if the M1 tourist work well in Taiwan? I plan to buy the $14 one so that I don't have to buy another sim in Taiwan. Any one know the answer, thanks.

Refer to section "Best SIM Card for travellers who need data roaming"

Saturday 29th of July 2023

Hi! Great blog, really helpful! :)

I'm traveling to Singapore in a week. I just wanted to know, do Singtel tourist SIM cards allow sharing your data with another phone (hotspot)?

Also, "fair usage" is mentioned on their pages: Fair usage of 1GB per day per hi!Tourist SIM card applies for free access to Facebook; WhatsApp; Line; WeChat. Unlimited access to WhatsApp, Line and WeChat only includes messaging and does not include video/ voice calls. Can you tell me if the internet speed will be very slow when this 1GB per day is exceeded?

Monday 31st of July 2023

Hi L, Yes all cards allow you to do hotspot sharing. If you use their free social media data, yes after 1 GB you will experience slow connection speed. I suggest that you disregard the free social media data, and just use mobile data for all social media.

Hi Eva! We are visiting Singapore next week and I was exploring options for phone connections - wondering if I should activate international roaming on my phone, or get a local SIM card. Your article is amazing and so comprehensive. Thanks for all the tips. I am off to browse you other Singapore articles now. Have a great day!

Thank you so much Vidya =) Hope you have a great trip to Singapore!

• Mon. May 6th, 2024

M1 SIM-Only and Roaming Plans for your holiday travels

By Mary Alavanza

SINGAPORE: As the travel season approaches, M1, a telecommunications provider, is gearing up to ensure its customers stay connected effortlessly during their holidays. Offering a range of user-friendly roaming plans,

M1 aims to cater to diverse travel needs while introducing enticing deals on their True 5G SIM-Only plans. Check out these M1 SIM-Only and Roaming Plans for your holiday travels:

Roaming Plans

M1 presents a trio of roaming plans designed to provide flexibility and affordability for travellers.

M1 Daily Passport

The M1 Daily Passport stands out with its pocket-friendly rates, offering 3GB of overseas mobile data for as low as S$2.95. Covering 74 destinations, including popular countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, this plan ensures travellers can stay connected without breaking the bank.

• Bespoke Flexi, Bespoke Contract, Bespoke SIM-only, Bespoke Family
• 74 destinations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, South Korea, UK, and more
• S$2.95 – S$7.95 per day
• Tap on, tap off activation
• Massive 3GB data for 24 hours
• Affordable rates starting from S$2.95

M1 Data Passport

For those seeking flexibility, the M1 Data Passport allows users to utilise their local data overseas. With plans starting from S$15 per destination and available in over 70 locations worldwide, this option caters to diverse travel preferences. The plan comes with easy activation, network lock protection to prevent bill shocks, and the ability to track usage via the My M1+ App.

• Available in over 70 destinations
• Monthly, starting from S$15 per destination
• Easy activation before or during the trip
• Network Lock to prevent bill shocks
• Usage tracking via My M1+ App
• S$15, S$35 (including USA, excluding Alaska and Guam)
• S$35 ASEAN, $65 ASIA, $65 Europe Data Passport

M1 Unlimited Data Roaming

If looking for unlimited data, M1’s Unlimited Data Roaming plan offers users the freedom to roam without fretting over data limits. Priced at $15 per day, travellers can enjoy unlimited data in selected destinations, providing convenience, peace of mind, and protection from bill shocks.

• As low as S$15 per day
• Convenient activation
• No bill shock, unlimited data roaming
• Protected by Network Lock
• S$15 – Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, USA, and more
• S$25 – Philippines, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Aircraft Satellite

SIM-Only Plans

M1 sim-only plans.

In anticipation of the upcoming year, M1 has revealed mega deals on its True 5G SIM-Only plans, empowering users to do more while paying less. New sign-ups can now enjoy an additional 50GB of data, enhancing their connectivity at competitive rates:

• True 5G connectivity, affordable
• 150GB for S$15.95/mth, 200GB for S$18.95/mth (limited time offer)
• Unlimited Weekend Data, 1,100 mins talk time, 1,100 SMS
• Exclusive Promotion: Free 12 months of FoneCare+ Lite with 200GB plan

Maxx SIM-Only Plans

M1 also introduces the Maxx SIM-Only Plan, offering up to 200GB of local data, 2GB of roaming data to select countries and a complimentary 60-day Viu Premium subscription for as low as S$14 a month. This plan ensures users have abundant data for their local and international needs, coupled with entertainment perks for an enhanced user experience.

• Plans: No contracts, abundant data and minutes
• S$14 – 200GB Local & 2GB Roaming (limited time offer)
• S$18 – 200GB Local & 4GB Roaming (limited time offer)
• S$10 – 20GB Local Data
• Free Caller Number Display, Auto-renews every 30 days
• Complimentary Viu Premium and Eazie TV
• IDD and Roaming add-ons are available

Explore M1’s SIM-Only and roaming plans to find the deal that suits you best. / TISG

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Singapore SIM card: Best Prepaid Plans for Tourists 2023

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, you’ll need to consider how you’ll stay connected while you’re there. One option is to use a Singapore SIM card, while another option is to use an eSIM. Both options have pros and cons regarding convenience, coverage, and cost.

Choosing a Singapore SIM card for your trip depends on how long you plan to stay and how much data/calls you need. This guide will explore the key differences and help you choose the solution that suits you the best for your vacation in Singapore. Stay connected with minimal hassle and enjoy all that Singapore has to offer!

Table of Contents

I. should you buy a singapore sim card when traveling to singapore.

One of the most crucial things to consider while coming to Singapore, whether for business or pleasure, is how you’ll stay connected. Using a SIM card from your home country is possible, but the roaming cost will be much higher. So, purchasing a new Singapore SIM card is an additional choice when you get to Singapore.

In Singapore, getting a new Singapore SIM card might be a cost-effective option, especially if you want to remain for a while. Depending on your usage and budget, you may select a prepaid or postpaid plan from various alternatives.

You may use local calls, SMS, and data prices if you get a new Singapore SIM card in Singapore. Additionally, you can avoid the hassle of negotiating exorbitant roaming fees with the service provider in your home country.

Notes: Getting a new Singapore SIM card might not be worthwhile if you only visit Singapore briefly. In this situation, you may use a Singapore eSIM .

II. About Singapore SIM Card: Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights

Here are some insights about the Singapore mobile network that you can know:

1. Singapore Mobile Internet Prices 

Singapore is one of the more popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. But it is certainly not one of the cheapest countries to visit in the region.

However, the same cannot be said about mobile data rates in Singapore – they are more affordable than you would expect.

The average price for mobile in Singapore is more affordable than the average price in Asia and the world. Here are references for the average price of mobile data:

• 1GB in Singapore: 0.86 SGD (0.61 USD)
• 1GB in Asian: 1.47 USD
• 1GB in world average: 3.12 USD

According to 2022 statistics from Cable.co.uk , Singapore is roughly in the middle of the pack in terms of Southeast Asia’s cheapest or priciest countries for mobile data, trailing only Laos, Myanmar, Brunei, and Timor-Leste in that order, but ahead of Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

2. Singapore Mobile Internet Speeds

Singapore’s median mobile download speed is around 76.48 Mbps . For reference, the global median is around 41.54 Mbps at the moment. (2023 statistics from SpeedTest).

Now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Singapore.

That would be Singtel, with a median download speed of 119.66 Mbps. Followed by StarHub (85.88), M1 (51.69) & SIMBA (formerly TPG Telecom Singapore – 23.37 Mbps).

Read more about Singapore mobile operators .

III. Types of Singapore SIM Card

Ensure your phone is unlocked so it can receive the signals of Singapore cellular providers before purchasing a new Singapore SIM card or eSIM for your trip.

The following varieties of SIM options are now offered to visitors:

• Physical SIM (Singapore SIM cards)
• Embedded SIM (Singapore eSIM)

1. Singapore SIM card

This type of SIM is easy to set up and use. It includes 2 types of SIM cards that tourists can refer to:

Prepaid Singapore SIM Cards

Tourists in Singapore frequently use prepaid Singapore SIM cards. The airport and several convenience stores both sell it. During your trip, you could use the data, calling, and texting credits this type of SIM card offers.

• Where to buy: At the Singapore airport, in official stores of mobile network operators or in convenience stores in Singapore. 
• Requirements: Passport and probably personal information like ID documents.

Tourist SIM Cards

Tourist SIM cards for Singapore provide discounted calls, messages, and data usage prices and are created exclusively for tourists visiting Singapore. The airport in Singapore and several convenience outlets carry these cards.

• Where to buy: Buy online, buy at Singapore airport , in mobile carriers’ official stores, convenience stores,…
• Requirement: Passport information and perhaps personal data.

2. Singapore eSIM

Many of you may find this kind of SIM unfamiliar, yet it is now the most modern and practical communication method for overseas travelers. You may stay connected in Singapore practically anywhere and anytime with a prepaid Singapore eSIM because it is entirely online.

It performs the same purpose as a conventional tourist SIM card. However, you do not need to change out your current local SIM card.

To conserve money and keep in touch with loved ones while traveling, many travelers opt for a data-only tourist eSIM.

It is advised to evaluate the plans and prices provided by various mobile network providers to choose the best for your needs.

Where to buy: Buy at online stores of mobile operators or local eSIM providers like SingeSIM , Gigago , Airalo, Holafly, etc.

Requirement: An unlocked and eSIM-compatible device. Check out eSIM compatible device list .

It's recommended to buy Singapore eSIM from eSIM providers. You can choose a Singapore eSIM plan with various data volumes and validity that will fit your trip.

Read more: Getting a SIM Card at Changi Airport

IV. Where to Buy Singapore SIM Cards for Tourists?

Singapore SIM cards are indispensable items when traveling to Singapore. It will help you stay connected and use mobile data for basic demands like maps navigation, online booking,… Let’s check out where to buy Singapore SIM cards for tourists.

Besides buying a Singapore SIM card, you can also purchase an online Singapore eSIM as an alternative.

1. Where to Buy Singapore SIM Cards for Tourists?

Tourist Singapore SIM cards for travelers in Singapore can be purchased from several locations, including:

• Changi Airport: You may acquire tourist Singapore SIM cards from several telecom companies, including Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These are typically offered in all terminals’ arrival halls. Discover more on how to get Singapore SIM cards at Changi Airport . 
• 7-Eleven convenience stores: 7-Eleven convenience outlets, which are prevalent in Singapore, sell Singapore SIM cards. You can ask the locals for detailed instructions for buying in 7-Eleven stores.
• Telecommunication providers’ stores: Also available are Singapore SIM cards from mobile operators , including Singtel, StarHub, and M1 retail locations. These shops may be found across Singapore in various shopping centers and popular tourist destinations.
• Online: Singapore SIM cards can also be purchased online from the websites of telecommunication providers such as Singtel, StarHub, and M1. However, you need to choose the pick-up location and prepare ID documents for registering a Singapore SIM card online. Besides, you can also buy prepaid Singapore SIM cards on many e-commerce platforms like Amazon, AliExpress,…
• To buy a tourist SIM card, you must present your passport for registration.
• When purchasing a tourist SIM card, compare the packages different providers offer to find the best plan for your needs.
• Consider the coverage and network quality of the provider in the areas you plan to visit.

2. Where to Buy Singapore eSIM?

Tourist eSIMs for Singapore travelers can be purchased from various telecommunications providers before or after arrival in Singapore. Here are some options:

• Singapore eSIM providers: Many Singapore eSIM providers offer tourist eSIMs for travelers to Singapore. When buying eSIM from Singapore eSIM providers, you can have more options on data plans and validity than when purchasing from Singapore mobile operators. 
• SingeSIM : It is one of the leading eSIM providers for tourists visiting Singapore. They offer Singapore eSIM plans with validity from 1 day to 30 days and various data options. Visit singesim.com for more details.
• Singtel: Singtel offers a tourist eSIM called hi!Tourist, which can be purchased online before arriving in Singapore. The eSIM can also be activated upon arrival at Changi Airport or any Singtel Shop.
• StarHub: StarHub also offers a tourist eSIM called Travel Prepaid eSIM, which can be purchased online before arriving in Singapore. The eSIM can also be activated upon arrival at Changi Airport or any StarHub Shop.
• M1 : M1 offers a tourist eSIM called M Card, which can be purchased online before arriving in Singapore. The eSIM can also be activated upon arrival at Changi Airport or any M1 Shop.
• Changi Recommends: Changi Recommends is a travel concierge service offering various travel services, including selling tourist eSIMs. Tourists can purchase an eSIM online before arriving in Singapore and pick up the physical SIM card upon arrival at Changi Airport.
• When purchasing a tourist eSIM, check your device’s compatibility with the eSIM and the network coverage in the areas you plan to visit. 
• Consider the data plan and validity period offered by each provider to find the best plan for your needs.

V. Top Mobile Operators Provide Singapore SIM Cards

There are several Singapore SIM card options for tourists visiting Singapore. With the large coverage, these Singapore mobile operators offer optimized options for Singapore SIM cards. Let’s find out who they are.

When visiting Singapore, you can choose the main mobile operators below:

• TPG (SIMBA)

These are the 4 largest network carriers in Singapore, each mobile operator will have different coverage, packages and fees. Depending on your needs, you can choose the best network provider to use your Singapore SIM card.

Singtel is one of the largest and oldest network operators in Singapore. Singtel’s 4G network covers 99.9% of the population in Singapore, providing fast and reliable mobile data speeds to users.

You can buy a Singtel SIM card (known as a hi!SIM card) at official Singtel stores, from authorized dealers (such as 7-eleven), some supermarkets and at Changi Airport. You can also order a Singtel sim card online and pick it up at your nearest location.

Your Singtel SIM card will be activated upon purchase just make sure to bring your passport and SIM card registration is due within 7 days.

* Prices updated in October 2023

Starhub is also one of the largest network operators in Singapore, second only to Singtel. Starhub network invests heavily in infrastructure so it has strong coverage and stretches across the country. StarHub’s 4G network covers 99% of the population in Singapore, providing fast and reliable mobile data speeds to users.

Compared to Singtel, Starhub has a cheaper price, only on par with M1 sim lines, with a selling price of about 12 SGD. However, compared to M1 or Singtel, Starhub does not have as good stability.

Starhub Singapore SIM card price list:

* Price updated in Oct 2023

M1 is the 3rd largest network operator in Singapore. You can buy an M1 travel SIM at the airport or enter Singapore’s city areas.

You can choose a data SIM cards or a SIM just to make calls, depending on your needs. The M1 SIM card is considered an economical sim line, very suitable for tourists coming to Singapore. M1 SIM card also supports eSIM which is extremely convenient.

Price list for travel SIM of M1 network:

VI. How Do Singapore SIM Cards Cost?

Singapore SIM cards have affordable prices for any tourist. The prices may depend on many factors like network carriers, data plan, and validity,… You can refer to some information below:

1. Singapore SIM Cards Cost

The cost of Singapore SIM cards can vary depending on the telecommunications provider and your plan type. Here is a general overview of the cost of Singapore SIM cards:

• Prepaid Singapore SIM cards: In Singapore, prepaid SIM cards can range in price from SGD 8 to SGD 38. The telecom company, the data allotment, and the duration of the package determine the price. Unlimited data plans are available from some carriers, although they are more costly.
• Postpaid Singapore SIM cards: In Singapore, postpaid SIM cards often need a contract, and the price might change based on the telecom company and the plan type you select. Depending on the monthly data allotment and other features like international roaming and bundled services, the price normally varies from SGD 20 to SGD 80.
• Tourist SIM cards: Singapore’s tourist SIM cards are created for transient tourists and normally include a certain number of voice and data minutes. Depending on your plan choice and the telecom operator, the price might be anywhere from SGD 12 and SGD 38.
• It's important to note that some plans may require additional activation or SIM card registration fees, so check the fine print before making a purchase.
• The pricing ranges are updated in 2023, it may be slightly different at the time of reading.

2. Singapore eSIM Cost

eSIM plans for tourists in Singapore typically cost between $8 to $25, depending on the data and call benefits. These usually include 1-5GB of data, local calls, and sometimes incoming international calls.

Some providers also offer bulk data plans, but the prices are quite high, up to roundly $50. You can refer to some comparisons between some Singapore eSIM providers as below:

As you can see, when choosing Singapore eSIM from eSIM providers, you will have so many options for your trips. If you:

• Need more plan and validity options: SingeSIM
• Prefer more reasonable prices: SingeSIM or Holafly
• Need unlimited data plan: Holafly and WHIZ
• Need top-up options: Airalo
• Longterm use: Holafly

How much data does a tourist need when traveling in Singapore?

• Most of the time, 3GB to 5GB of data will be plenty for a vacation for individuals who regularly use data. You might wish to choose a plan with a bigger data volume or longer validity if you plan to travel for a longer period of time (about one month).
• To save data, you should make use of Public WiFi as long as possible.

VII. Singapore SIM Cards and eSIM: Which One is Suitable for Your Trips?

Although travel to Singapore doesn’t need to have an eSIM, there are certain benefits and conveniences for tourists.

Below is a quick comparison between a Singapore SIM card and eSIM. Let’s examine their similarities and differences!

1. Similarities

• They are both SIMs, and can connect the phone to the mobile provider’s network in Singapore and keep them connected everywhere in Singapore. 
• They can work almost in a Dual-sim phone and can be used to connect to the network.
• Include 2 forms: Data-only plans and Data-voice plans.

2. Differences

Below are some key differences between 2 types of SIMs for Singapore travel: 

VIII. Tips for Saving Data When Using Singapore SIM Card

Here are some tips for saving data when using a Singapore SIM card:

• Turn off automatic app updates: This can use a lot of data in the background without you realizing it. Manually update apps over WiFi only.
• Avoid streaming videos or music over mobile data: Only stream when connected to WiFi. You can also download content over WiFi to watch/listen offline later.
• Reduce image and video quality in apps: In settings, lower the image/video quality for things like social media and maps to reduce data usage. High quality uses significantly more data.
• Turn off location services when not in use: Location tracking eats up data in the background. Disable when you don’t need navigation or geo-tagging.
• Use WiFi wherever possible: Connect to free public WiFi networks in malls, cafes, MRT stations when available to avoid using mobile data.
• Update apps over WiFi in bulk: Downloading multiple app updates simultaneously over mobile data uses a lot more than doing it over WiFi.
• Use local Singapore maps offline in the app: Loading map areas while on WiFi avoids using data when navigating.

What is the difference between a Singapore SIM card and eSIM?

The main difference is that an eSIM is embedded in the device and cannot be removed, whereas a Singapore SIM card is a removable card that can be swapped between devices. Additionally, eSIMs can support multiple cellular plans at once, while physical SIM cards are typically associated with only one plan at a time.

Can I use an eSIM in Singapore?

Yes, eSIMs are supported by several mobile network operators in Singapore, including Singtel, StarHub, and M1.

What are the advantages of using an eSIM over a physical Singapore SIM card?

Some advantages of eSIMs include the ability to activate a cellular plan remotely without needing a physical card, support for multiple plans on one device, and the convenience of not needing to physically swap SIM cards when traveling between countries.

X. Final Words

In conclusion, Singapore offers a variety of prepaid Singapore SIM card options suitable for tourists of all budgets and data needs. With the right prepaid SIM solution, visitors can easily stay connected during their travels in Singapore without going over budget.

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• SING3 – 3 days
• SING7 – 7 days
• SING15 – 15 days
• SING30 – 30 days
• SING-MALAY-THAI
• SING-MALAY-INDO-THAI
• GLOBAL 6GB – 15 days
• ASIA – 8 countries
• eSIM Supported List
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Singapore 4G M1 Tourist SIM/eSIM - Airport & City Pick-Up

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• M1 Sim Card and stay connected upon arrival in Singapore
• Get 100GB of lightning fast 4G mobile speeds in Singapore
• M1 SIMcard comes with free 20 minutes of international calls
• Get 500 minutes of local call time
• Solution get access internet without exorbitant roaming cost

Activity location

• Airport Boulevard
• Singapore, Singapore

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 65 Airport Boulevard
• 819663, Singapore, Singapore

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Mon, May 6 -
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 $8
• Thu, May 9 $8
• Fri, May 10 $8
• Sat, May 11 $8
• Sun, May 12 $8
• Mon, May 13 $8
• Tue, May 14 $8
• Wed, May 15 $8
• Thu, May 16 $8
• Fri, May 17 $8
• Sat, May 18 $8
• Sun, May 19 $8
• Mon, May 20 $8

12SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• Activity duration is 12 hours 12h 12h

$12 Tourist SIM (Available in eSIM) - Redemption Changi Airport

Description / Important Notes

M1 redemption only available at CTS (Changi Travel Services Store)

The CTS location is situated in each terminal and can be found at both Changi Recommends and Meet & Greet. Please refer this link https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html to view the maps.

Changi Recommends T1: 24 Hours || T2: 9am-9pm || T2 Transit: 24 Hours

Meet & Greet T1: 10am-7pm || T2 24 Hours || T3: 24 Hours || T4 24 Hours

• 100GB Local Data
• 500Min Local Call
• 100 Local SMS
• 20Min International Call
• 15 Days Validity

Terms & Conditions

• Ticket valid 90 days from date of purchase.
• All roaming data can be used in Malaysia (Celcom), Indonesia (Indosat / XL Axiata), Hong Kong (SmarTone), Macau (SmarTone), & Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom)
• For use on supported eSIM models: iPhone XR / XS / XS Max or later, iPhone SE (2020), iPad (7th Gen), iPad Air (3rd Gen), iPad Mini (5th Gen), iPad Pro (11-inch) (1st Gen & 2nd Gen), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd & 4th Gen), Samsung Note20 / Note20 Ultra 5G, Samsung S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Fold

12SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

$12 Tourist SIM (Available in eSIM) - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

• M1 redemption only available at M1 Shops Islandwide

14SGD Prepaid SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• 30 Days Validity
• $14 Main Balance
• * 100 GB Roaming Data (Sharing Local Data)**
• 1000 Minutes Incoming Calls
• 500 Local SMS
• 20 Minutes IDD Calls

14SGD Prepaid SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

• 1000Min Local Call

25SGD All-in-1 SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

• 56GB Local Data
• * 56GB (Sharing Local Data) Roaming Data**
• 5000 Min Local Call
• Free Incoming Calls
• 4000 Local SMS
• 28 Days Validity

30SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption Changi Airport

The CTS location is situated in each terminal and can be found at both Changi Recommends and Meet & Greet. Please refer this link https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html to view the maps

• 150GB Local Data
• 3GB Roaming Data
• 3000 Mins Local Calls
• 1000 Local SMS
• 50 Mins International Calls

30SGD Tourist SIM - Redemption M1 Shop Islandwide

What's included, what's not.

• What's included What's included As per the option you select
• What's excluded What's excluded Mobile Phone / Smartphone

Know before you book

• Please present either mobile or printed voucher at Changi Airport (Changi Travel Services Booth)
• The redemption counter that was originally situated at T1 M&G has been relocated to 80 Airport Boulevard #01 - K7 Arrival Hall East. Redemption Counter Operating Hours: 24 Hours Validity
• The service provider will send you a separate email with your actual ticket 24 hours before your travel date. This ticket will be the one recognized by the attraction.

What you can expect

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. M1 has achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM and stay connected upon arrival in Singapore

M1 is solution to Travel with family and friends in Singapore get access internet without exorbitant roaming costs. Conveniently pick up a Singapore prepaid SIM card at the airport and enjoy smooth connectivity for the duration of your stay in Singapore. Set up is fast and simple, so you can get connected immediately. Enjoy lightning fast web speeds and make travel arrangements brought to you from Mobile. M1 One of Singapore's most popular and reliable service providers. The Singapore 4G SIM card comes with a whopping 100GB data, 500 mins local calls, 100 texts and 20 mins international calls!

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures.

• Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
• High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected

Social distancing

• Contactless ticket redemption
• Social distancing measures in place
• Protective shields in place at main contact areas

Safety measures

• Masks required
• Personal protective equipment worn by staff
• Hand sanitizer provided
• Temperature checks given to staff
• Temperature checks available

Enjoy 2GB/day for 4 weeks

Simply access Prepaid App > Settings > International Call Blocking to manage your preference or dial 1693

Live it up with M1 prepaid

Wanna keep talking and using your data no matter where you are? You’ve come to the right place. We have just the services you need.

Get more Voice, Data or IDD wherever, whenever.

Enjoy more data anytime, any day at the same price.

Big packs for a small price. Now you can have a peace of mind.

Travel the world, and share with the world what you’ve seen.

Small talk or big talk, just keep talking at the lowest rates.

Never Been Easier

We’ve make it convenient for you to manage your account from checking balances to purchasing top-ups and data!

Do more of what you love

It’s always merrier with more add-ons.

Love having time to talk to your loved ones? Now you can share talktime with them too.

Validity Extension

Don’t let the fun stop! Extend the validity of your Prepaid Card easily.

VIEW ALL FAQ

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Singapore’s Favourite Prepaid Plans

Whether you’re here to check out the fantastic  mobile device promotions  and progressive  bespoke plans  we have to offer, or looking for a prepaid data plan in Singapore, things don’t get any better than the deals available at   M1 .

We’re focused on providing our customers with a plethora of different plans, prepaid or otherwise, and have worked hard to develop some fantastic deals just for you. So check out all of the different options — you’re bound to find something that suits your needs!

The Prepaid SIM - A Prepaid Card to Rule Them All

For our local customers in Singapore, prepaid plans come in four options:

1.$12/mth (U.P. $25) comprising a 2GB/day data usage, 5,000 minutes of local outgoing calls, 1,000 local SMS, unlimited incoming calls and validity for 4 full weeks.

2.$14 ($14 main balance) which includes 180-day validity as well as 4GB of free data to use within 120 days and an additional 4GB Rewards data to be used within 30 days.

3.$60 with 12-week validity, 2GB/day data allowance, 5,000 minutes local outgoing calls and 1,000 SMS every 4 weeks and unlimited incoming calls.

4.$8 (which includes $10 main balance) for 90 days’ validity and 1.5GB free data to be used within 30 days

The Tourist Prepaid SIM - Prepaid Data Plan for Every Traveller

Visitors and tourists in Singapore can take advantage of 3 different prepaid plans:

1.Short stay? Spend just $12 and you’ll get 7 days’ validity, 100GB of local data usage, 500 minutes’ local calls, 20 minutes’ international calls and 100 local SMS.

2.Going to be around for a little while? For $30 you’ll have 12 days of use wherein you’ll have 100GB local data, 3GB roaming data (to be used within certain countries), 3,000 minutes of local calls and 50 minutes of international calls plus 5,000 local SM

3.Knock it up to $50 and you’ll have 14 days of validity, 100GB local data allowance, 3,000 minutes’ local calls and 50 minutes for international calls, 5,000 local SMS and 5GB data to be used while roaming to networks in certain neighbouring countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid Plans

What is the best prepaid plan for data.

If you’re after a prepaid data plan in Singapore that delivers plenty of allowance, you can’t go past our $12 (U.P. $25) offer which includes 2GB of data every single day and a whole lot more.

Which prepaid data plan is the best in Singapore?

The best data plan on prepaid in Singapore is either the M1 $12 (U.P. $25) plan or our $60 prepaid plan, both of which offer a data allowance of 2GB every day. The $12 prepaid deal lasts for 4 weeks, while the $60 prepaid plan is valid for 12 full weeks.

What is the cheapest M1 prepaid plan?

If you’re not planning to use your phone much at all and do not intend to spend so much, you can opt for our $14 prepaid card. It will last for a whopping 180 days and comes with a $14 main balance plus 4GB rewards data (valid for 30 days) and another 4GB of free data (valid for 120 days).

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Explore Singapore with our new Tourist eSIM!

Buy your esim on starhub app    .

Travelling to Singapore

Get 100gb and stay connected with our tourist travel sim cards.

Start your trip right with our Tourist SIM and eSIM.

Get 100GB local data, talktime and more from $12 on Singapore's best mobile network. Chat, surf and share all your travel moments with ease. Plus, call your loved ones back at home with the bundled IDD calls.

Travelling beyond Singapore? There’s no need for a local SIM card each time you’re in another country. You can use the bundled roaming data across popular destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and more. Preorder at your convenience and collect at Changi Airport.

Tourist eSIM is now available!

Buy your eSIM from StarHub App before your trip. Skip the airport queue and enjoy the best mobile experience as soon as you touch down in Singapore! T&Cs apply.  

Hassle-Free & Easy Activation

No need to switch between physical sim cards. Simply buy online before your trip and skip the queue at the airport.

Voice Calls & Roaming

Our eSIM comes with a local number for your convenience. Plus, IDD calls to 20 destinations so you can call home without incurring any roaming charges.

Connect to Singapore's #1 Awarded Network

Be it video calling or streaming- enjoy unbeatable coverage and the best mobile experience as you explore Singapore .

Preorder  your Tourist SIM at your convenience before your trip and collect at Changi Airport. Note that the Tourist eSIM can only be purchased on the StarHub App currently. 

Getting started with Tourist SIM

1. Simply register your prepaid SIM card with your passport during purchase. Registration is quick and easy.

2. Once you have your SIM, insert it into your phone and you’re ready to go!

3. Ensure that your APN (Access Point Name) setting is set to “ shppd ” to enable data connection. Click  here  for a step-by-step guide.

4. Download StarHub Prepaid App to check your prepaid balance, transaction history, top up, buy plans anytime, anywhere!

5. If you’re staying for a longer period of time and need more data, activate a data plan of your choice via our StarHub Prepaid App (under 'Buy Data' tab), using the stored credits in your SIM.  

6. Find out more about Prepaid SIM cards and data plans  here .

• *$32 Travel SIM benefits including 3GB roaming data are valid for 30 days
• IDD 018 Talktime is applicable to all StarHub calls made from Singapore to all StarHub IDD 018 destinations .
• Roaming data is applicable for use in all Happy Roam countries and destination.
• *17 Destinations include  Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America.

How do I top up my card?

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• Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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Savvy Travellers Choose Travelsim for Peace of Mind, 4G Speed, and to Save up to  85% on International Roaming Charges

Stay connected with a single eSIM in 100+ countries

NEW! eSIMs with unlimited data plan for Europe or USA

Where are you going.

Type destination and receive the best SIM option

• Works in  over 135+ countries , with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).
• Better coverage – wherever you are – because we use over 300 networks all around the world to keep you connected.
• Your airtime lasts  one year (12 months) (Compared to local cards that expire after 6 months).

If you change your mind or can’t use our service, we will issue you a refund to the last penny on all unused services from 14 days of purchase.

TravelSim has more than 4.5 million users worldwide and covers 135+ countries, here’s why...

It’s prepaid, so you’re in control of the costs.

Has data, so you can use the internet, emails, etc.

Incoming calls cost you nothing in many countries

Incoming messages cost you nothing.

Customer support—so we are there if you need help (but we doubt you will).

Works in over 135+ countries.

We choose the best SIM for you, saving you up to 85%.

Get it quickly! We ship it to you by express, wherever you are in the world.

Here's What Some Travelers Say About Us...

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Best for frequent travellers to multiple destinations

Low-cost calls, texts and data in over 210 destinations

Quick way to save on roaming fees

Data plans for 100+ countries

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Best for travelling to Asia Bypass Great Firewall in China Best price for 3GB of data

5GB data, 60 minutes calls, 25 sms across Europe Fast 4G speed

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