Mobile communication and uninterrupted access to high-speed internet play a crucial role in today’s world. Even as tourists, we need to stay in touch with our families, friends, colleagues, and more when traveling to an overseas destination.
While traveling to Singapore from an overseas destination, you have several options at your disposal for your Internet and Data needs. These options may include:
- Wifi on board your flight
- Free wifi at Changi International Airport
- Roaming on your existing mobile subscription
- Data on a prepaid card in Singapore
- Free Wifi at hotels, restaurants and public areas
- Data Sharing hotspot with your companion
Now, let’s dive deep into the world of mobile SIM cards and internet access options available to visitors in the island nation of Singapore.
Many visitors may have roaming facilities but some countries and operators have monthly roaming plans which may not be required for short trips (or may be too expensive) . And if you have a company phone issued in your home country you may have to use your personal phone connection while in Singapore. Additionally, when making a restaurant reservation it helps to have a local number. Thus, for all such reasons, it is always advisable to opt for a prepaid sim card while visiting Singapore.
- Buying a New SIM Card
If you’re planning to visit Singapore for a short or long trip , and you do not have global roaming , you’ll need a local SIM card to make calls, send messages, use various messaging apps, and stay connected .
Fortunately, getting a SIM card in Singapore is straightforward and hassle-free.
There are three simple and easy steps for this process.
Step One
The first step to getting a SIM card in Singapore is to ensure that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local networks. Then, you can check with your current provider to confirm if your phone is unlocked.
Step Two
Next, you can visit any of the three leading telecom operators’ outlets, Singtel, Starhub , or M1, and purchase a prepaid SIM card. You can also find SIM cards at 7-Eleven stores, convenience stores, and electronics retailers across Singapore. You must present a valid ID, such as your passport, to purchase a SIM card. You may also need to provide your local address and contact details.
Step Three
Once you have purchased a SIM card, you will need to activate it by following the instructions provided on the packaging. You can also top up your balance at the same outlets or using online platforms such as Singtel Dash or DBS PayLah. Some mobile operators may offer a pre-ordering facility for SIM cards, which can be collected as soon as you land at the Changi International Airport and hit the ground running.
- Which SIM card is better suited for you?
Based on your period of stay in Singapore, you can opt from the following categories of SIM cards
- Tourist Prepaid SIM (Advisable for a stay of up to 2 weeks)
These cards are typically valid for 1 to 2 weeks. They typically offer 10 GB data and above with some cards also offering local calls. It is also worth noting that the Top-up facility may not be available on tourist cards with one week’s validity. Check whether the SIM card allows top ups and validity extension
- Normal Prepaid SIM (Advisable for a stay of up to 2 months)
These cards are available for 8 to 50 SGD with validities ranging from 90 to 180 days. They also come with a fixed amount of free data to be consumed within a specified time, typically 30 days from activation.
- eSIM
These embedded digital SIMs allow you to connect to your mobile operator without needing a physical SIM card. Please note that these are a relatively new concept and are supported on only a limited number of phone models from Apple and Samsung. However, if your phone offers eSIM compatibility, you can explore this option when visiting Singapore.
Within these categories, you can choose the mobile service operator from the three leading ones in Singapore, Singtel, Starhub , or M1. Though all three of these are comparable, they may have special offers and discounts available from time to time. These offers can be checked at the time of purchasing your SIM card. Based on our research, we recommend any card across these three companies that gives around 07 days validity and 100 GB of local data.
In addition to these options, you can also opt for a 2-in-1 tourist EZ-Link card which can be used in the public transport systems of Singapore, including the MRT and buses.
Pro tip: It is worth a note that the above information is indicative only and mobile companies may keep changing their plans and offerings. Please check with the seller thoroughly before purchasing any SIM Cards. Ask for more than one option and be clear about what you need so that they can make the right recommendation.
- Accessing public Wi-Fi in Singapore
Are you worried that the data on your prepaid tourist SIM card will not be enough throughout your stay in the country? Do not worry; Singapore has you covered with its free public Wi-Fi system called “Wireless @ SGX.” To avail of this facility, download the Wireless @SGX app on your phone, which will show you all the available hotspot locations and speeds.
Such hotspots are usually located in public places, including malls, MRT stations, and museums. Also, the Changi International Airport provides free Wi-Fi access in its public and transit areas.
- Generation of Mobile Networks
Since 2017, Singapore has stopped supporting 2G networks, so ensure you travel with a 3G or above compatible mobile handset when entering Singapore. Also, the mobile operator Singtel started rolling out 5G networks making Singapore the first country in the world to have rolled out 5G services to most users.
There are no right or wrong options when choosing your mobile operator; compare the offers at the time of your visit, and choose whichever option suits you the best based on budget, validity, and your data usage pattern.
