A traveler’s guide to buying a SIM card in Singapore: where should you look to get it?
Hey there, fellow traveler! If you wandered into this article looking for the best option to buy a SIM card for your trip to Singapore, you’re exactly where you need to be. Here’s everything you need to know about Singapore tourist SIM cards and their alternatives.
Table of Contents
- Where can you get a SIM card in Singapore?
- Online, before departure
- At the Singapore airport
- Convenience store
- How much does a SIM card in Singapore cost?
- What are the main SIM card operators in Singapore?
- SingTel
- StarHub
- M1
- Which SIM card should you get for Singapore?
- Prepaid SIM card
- Postpaid SIM card
- Singapore SIM card alternative — eSIMs
- How to buy a SIM card in Singapore
- Registration process
- Required documents
- Setup process
- Should I get a SIM card in Singapore?
Where can you get a SIM card in Singapore?
Frankly, getting a SIM card in Singapore is the same as getting a SIM card in almost any other country. You can either a) buy one online, b) buy on at the airport upon arrival, or c) raid local convenience stores. Each choice has its pros and cons, so here's a more detailed explanation of why one or the other option might be better for you.
Online, before departure
Buying your SIM online before your trip to Singapore is probably the most commonsense option out of those available. In fact, many travelers get their prepaid tourist SIM cards before their trip, saving themselves time and the discomfort of having to explain foreign shopkeepers exactly what they’re looking for.
To buy a SIM card online, you can look for options provided by major global travel agencies. Once you buy a SIM card online, you’ll have two choices: Either have your SIM card sent to your home or pick it up at the airport before the flight. After receiving your SIM, install it in your phone, and you'll be all set to use it once you touch down at Changi Airport.
At the Singapore airport
If you prefer solving your problems as they occur, you can ditch the online SIM shopping and just get a SIM card once you arrive at your destination. Singapore’s Changi Airport prides itself on its interior and a “world-class shopping” (as its website puts it) experience. So it only makes sense that such a place would have tourist SIM card shops, right?
Local SIM card shops are located in the departure and arrival halls of all four Changi Airport terminals. The shops offer prepaid tourist SIM cards, local SIM cards, and even eSIM services. For specific locations, you can check the Changi Airport guide or check around the transit areas and immigration counters.
Convenience store
Finally, if you’re not in any rush, you can just (legally) raid any local convenience store. Some of the most popular store chains (such as Walmart or 7-Eleven) will have prepaid SIMs to buy and use as you please. This option is useful for travelers needing a quick and affordable connectivity solution in a mild emergency situation. However, the downside of buying SIM cards in a convenience store is that help is unlikely if you face any setup problems.
How much does a SIM card in Singapore cost?
The price of a local SIM card in Singapore can range from S$5 to S$60 and higher. The price usually depends on the carrier, location, and the SIM card's service (for example, mobile calls and SMS or cellular data only). It's possible that SIM cards found at Changi Airport may be a bit pricier, but overall, finding an affordable tourist SIM card in Singapore isn't impossible. You can get your hands on reasonably priced SIMs in local convenience shops.
What are the main SIM card operators in Singapore?
According to nPerf (an established network testing and analysis company from France), at least three cellular service providers cover the Singapore area. These include SingTel, StarHub, and M1.
SingTel
SingTel offers prepaid and postpaid SIM cards with limited and unlimited data plans. The service provides 3G, 4G, and 5G connections, covering almost the entire country.
StarHub
Like its competitors, StarHub provides so-called “Tourist plans,” which include SIM cards with mobile data, mobile calls, and text messaging options. Similar to SingTel, StarHub’s coverage spans the country, providing 3G, 4G, and 5G connections.
M1
M1 offers six tourist SIMs and two prepaid roaming packs, offering various options based on the user's needs. While, according to nPerf, M1's 5G Singapore coverage is not as widespread as its competitors, users should be able to browse 4G data without any hassle.
Which SIM card should you get for Singapore?
If you’re the undecided type, it can be hard to pick the best SIM card option. After all, they differ in price, coverage, availability, connection limitations, and even security. That’s why to make your decision easier, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of each available option.
Prepaid SIM card
Getting a prepaid SIM card is a convenient and simple choice. It's an accessible option (you can find SIM card shops at the airport and local convenience stores or even get one online), and you usually don't have to pay through the nose to get one. However, you should be careful with your pick because prepaid SIM cards might not offer enough data for your needs. In addition, setting up a prepaid SIM may be a headache, especially if you get one that only provides installation instructions in a foreign language.
Postpaid SIM card
Postpaid SIM cards are even more convenient, offering fewer data limitations than prepaid SIM cards. However, they can cost significantly more, depending on which SIM card you choose. In addition, exceeding your prepaid SIM limits will come with additional fees. So if you're on a tight budget, a postpaid SIM card is not the best option.
Singapore SIM card alternative — eSIMs
Finally, if you’re looking for an option that is as flexible as it is cheap, you should try an eSIM. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, provides the same coverage as your SIM card without the need to physically insert the card into your phone. This means that when you land at Changi Airport, you won’t have to scour local stores for SIM cards — you can just get an eSIM for Singapore and browse without any hassle.
To enable your eSIM, you can contact your carrier and switch your physical SIM cards to eSIM, buy a local eSIM online, or download an eSIM app such as Saily. The last option is usually the quickest and offers at least three affordable data plans suited to your browsing needs. It's also important to note that before getting an eSIM, you should check whether your phone supports eSIMs and proceed with the next steps.
If you’re wondering what the differences between an eSIM and a SIM are, it has a lot to do with convenience and flexibility. If you’re using an eSIM, you won’t have to switch out your SIM whenever you buy a new phone or get a new SIM card. You’ll also avoid spending money on unnecessary prepaid SIMs and won't have to worry about losing and damaging your physical SIM. Finally, switching between carriers will be a piece of cake, too.
How to buy a SIM card in Singapore
Buying a tourist SIM card in Singapore is easy. However, the vendors in Singapore present some additional quirks when selling SIM cards to travelers. Here’s what you should keep in mind when setting up your Singapore SIM.
Registration process
If you're buying your SIM online, you might need to register for your SIM card. So don't be surprised when the service asks you to provide your email address and a valid form of identification, such as your passport or national ID card. Mobile carriers may ask for this information to comply with local regulations requiring the registration of SIM cards for security purposes. After submitting your information, you should receive a verification link via email or SMS, and your SIM card will be activated once the registration is complete.
Required documents
If you buy your SIM in an airport or convenience store, you’ll likely be asked to provide your passport or other form of ID. That’s another security measure allowing service providers to verify that you’re a tourist and comply with local regulations that require the registration of SIM cards to prevent misuse and fraud.
Setup process
After you get your SIM card, slide it into your phone and follow the instructions provided by your new mobile carrier. Make sure you have a SIM removal tool on you because you’ll need it to open your phone’s SIM card tray. After you complete the SIM installation, the service should be up and running, allowing you to instantly access your mobile data.
Should I get a SIM card in Singapore?
If you’re a traveler that often finds yourself stuck without a proper mobile internet connection, getting a SIM or eSIM for Singapore is a step you should strongly consider. Using a prepaid or postpaid Singapore SIM card will give you flexible and affordable surfing options based on your needs.
However, while using a SIM card may be more familiar for some, choosing an eSIM is the more convenient choice and will allow you to save money, avoid time-consuming searches for a SIM store, and most importantly, allow you to avoid using unsecure Wi-Fi hotspots.
So if you're still considering whether you should try an eSIM, stop overthinking and get yourself Saily — an eSIM app that provides affordable data plans in more than 160 countries worldwide. The app will allow you to use cellular data without additional roaming charges and save you time fiddling with physical SIMs. With a few taps on your mobile phone, you'll be set to explore Singapore and stay connected without any hassle. And if you're looking for more options on how to get an eSIM, consider checking out our other blog posts.