Where to Buy a SIM Card in Singapore: A Traveler’s Handy Guide
If you are planning a trip to Singapore, then it’s time to think about ways to communicate in this country—a local SIM card. Such a card will allow you to stay connected in any corner of the country, save your budget, and avoid using expensive roaming.
A local SIM card provides stable Internet access and simplifies communication with local services, which is important for navigation and communication with loved ones.
Let’s discuss all the advantages of local SIM cards and consider other ways to stay connected in Singapore.
The Main Types of SIM Cards in Singapore
First of all, you need to know exactly which types of SIM cards are available for travelers to Singapore. There are two main types of SIM cards:
- Physical prepaid SIM cards.
- Virtual eSIM cards.
Next, let’s look at each of the types in more detail.
Physical Prepaid SIM Cards
Physical prepaid SIM cards are plastic cards that can be purchased and connected at mobile operator stores immediately upon arrival in Singapore. There are three main mobile operators: Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These cards can be easily purchased at airports, shops, and kiosks. They offer various tariffs with a fixed number of minutes, SMS, and mobile internet.
Prepaid SIM cards are convenient to use, without a contract, and allow controlling communication, and internet costs.
Virtual eSIM Cards
eSIM is an embedded SIM card that does not require a physical carrier to operate. The entire process of connection and operation is carried out remotely via the Internet. At the same time, eSIM provides a stable connection and high-quality communication, as well as ease of use, since you do not need to rearrange your physical SIM card upon arrival in Singapore and spend time hiking to a mobile operator.
There are many eSIM online services on the Internet that provide fast and high-quality connectivity from almost anywhere in the world. For example, eSIM Plus is one of the leaders in the eSIM services market, as it offers services in more than 160 countries around the world, as well as a wide range of tariff plans with customization functions. At the same time, the prices for tariff plans are competitive, and you can find data plans for any budget and purpose of the trip.
eSIM is a convenient and paperless way of communication with minimal cost.
How to Buy a SIM Card in Singapore
If you have opted for a physical SIM card, then next we will consider several options for buying a SIM card in Singapore:
- Airport.
- Telecom stores.
- Shopping malls.
- Online.
Purchase at Changi Airport
The first option is to purchase a SIM card at Changi Airport. This can be done in terminals 1, 2, and 3. The necessary points of sale are located immediately in the arrival areas, as well as near passport control and baggage belts.
Popular operators, including Singtel, StarHub, and M1, offer travel SIM cards with internet, minutes, and SMS. At the same time, tariff plans can be combined at your discretion. Prices range from $10 to $30 depending on the package, expiration date, and amount of data.
Buying a SIM card at the airport is convenient and fast, there are always English-speaking consultants who are ready to help with the purchase and activation of a SIM card. However, you need to understand that buying a SIM card at the airport is a higher price compared to other options.
Official Telecom Stores
The second most popular method is to purchase a local SIM card from an official telecom store. Here are the address lists of the main telecom operators in Singapore:
Singtel
- Address: 1 Raffles Quay, #01-02, Singapore 048583 (next to the Central Business District).
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00-18:00.
- Features: A wide range of travel packages with internet and calls, and the card is activated immediately upon purchase, often with the help of staff.
StarHub
- Address: 67, Ubi Ave 1, StarHub Building, Singapore 408942.
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00-18:00.
- Features: You can choose different fares for tourists. The card is activated quickly, in most cases through self-service or with the help of a consultant.
M1
- Address: 1 Tampines North Drive 1, #01-01 M1 Building, Singapore 528559.
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00-18:00.
- Features: A variety of packages for tourists with internet, calls, and text messages. The card is activated on the spot, and staff will help you set up your devices.
To purchase a SIM card at a telecom store, you will need a passport, the necessary tariff package, as well as payment in any convenient way: cash or bank card. The whole process will take from 15 to 30 minutes.
Shopping Malls
In addition, some tourists prefer to buy local SIM cards in large shopping malls, which have communication salons for most mobile operators. Here are some popular shopping center addresses:
ION Orchard
- Address: 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801.
*Note: This famous shopping mall is home to shops operated by Singtel, StarHub, and M1. Cards can be purchased throughout the day, and many stores are open until late at night.
VivoCity
- Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 0985.
*Note: VivoCity, you can find shops with SIM cards of telecom operators and a variety of plans for tourists are also offered. The center is open until 22:00, which is convenient for late purchases.
Marina Bay Sands
- Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956.
*Note: This premium center offers communication shops with a variety of tariff plans, as well as the ability to quickly activate a SIM card. It is open until 22:00.
It is important to remember that when purchasing a SIM card, it is important to have a passport and a valid visa to Singapore. It is essential to make sure that the selected tariff meets your needs, as some packages may only be available to residents.
Online Purchasing Before Traveling
The most convenient and fastest way to purchase a SIM card is to buy it online before traveling. An online purchase allows you to order a card online, saving time on the spot and providing instant access to communication upon arrival. This solution offers the registration of eSIM or prepaid SIM cards, which can be activated in advance or directly on the spot.
An example of such a service is Singapore eSIM. This service allows you to order an eSIM card online before departure. After placing the order and paying, you will be sent a QR code by email, which must be scanned on your device upon arrival in Singapore. This approach eliminates the need for physical maps and provides instant access to the mobile Internet.
After receiving eSIM, activation takes a few minutes: scan the QR code that will be sent to the email and connect to the network. This solution is ideal for those who want to avoid shopping and not waste time shopping on arrival.
For fans of physical cards, you can arrange it in advance with delivery to the hotel or to the specified address. Upon arrival in Singapore, the card will be ready for activation, the process usually requires filling in the details and confirming through a passport.
What Should You Know Before Purchasing a SIM Card?
The whole process of buying a SIM card in Singapore can be presented in the form of three main steps:
- Preparation of necessary documents. When purchasing a SIM card in Singapore, you must present a valid passport. You cannot purchase a SIM card without a passport.
- SIM card registration. The telecom operator will register the SIM card in your name. The process usually involves filling out a small form with your details (name, passport details, country of residence) and transmitting this information to the operator.
- Activation and configuration. After purchase, you must activate the SIM card. To do this, insert it into the slot of the device and it will automatically activate within a few minutes. When you purchase eSIM, the activation process includes scanning a QR code that you will receive from the operator.
The process of purchasing a SIM card in Singapore is convenient and fast but it is important to remember that you need a passport and registration of the card to ensure that it works correctly on your device.
A Short Comparison of the Main Carriers and Tariff Plans
Here is a brief comparison of the main mobile operators in Singapore, which will help you choose the most suitable service based on your requests:
| Singtel | StarHub | M1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Plans | Singtel offers travel plans with internet and minutes. For example, a tourist SIM card plan includes 3 GB of internet and 100 minutes for local calls costs around $10. | StarHub offers travel plans with internet and minutes. For example, a tourist plan includes 1.5 GB of internet and 30 minutes for local calls = $8. | M1 offers travel plans with internet and minutes. For example, a tourist plan includes 3 GB of internet and 100 minutes for local calls = $15. |
| Pros | Excellent network coverage and stable connection, especially in remote areas. Packages for more intensive internet usage are also available. | Good rates for mobile Internet and voice communication, and bonuses are often provided for the renewal or purchase of a new package. | M1 is known for good communication quality and a variety of packages for tourists with internet and communication needs. |
| Cons | Prices may be higher compared to other operators. | Some plans may be limited in the amount of data, which is not suitable for heavy users. | Some tariffs have Internet speed limits on initial plans. |
Thus, Singtel and StarHub are better suited for users who need a balance of internet data and minutes. M1 offers optimal rates for average active users.
Tips & Tricks for Choosing a SIM Card
When choosing a SIM card for Singapore, it is important to take into account the length of stay in the country and the activity of using communications and the Internet. For short-term trips (7–14 days), it is better to choose a plan with limited Internet and calls, for example, from Singtel or StarHub. For longer visits (14–30 days), it is worth considering packages with a large amount of data or unlimited Internet, for example, from M1, which is especially convenient for active Internet users.
Do not forget about saving traffic on the trip and using free public Wi-Fi, which is available in many cafés, shopping malls, and public places in Singapore. This option is ideal for tourists who do not need a permanent mobile internet connection.
Also, be careful with the following points:
- A passport is a necessary document for the purchase and registration of a SIM card.
- Activation — the process can take some time.
- Packages and restrictions — check if there are restrictions in the selected tariff package, especially if you plan to actively use the Internet.
- Internet speed — check if there are speed limits on the selected data plan.
Consider not only the cost but also the convenience of use, so that your Singapore experience is as comfortable as possible.
Conclusion: How to Choose The Right Option for a SIM Card?
When planning a trip to Singapore, it is important to consider possible ways of communication in this country. There are both local SIM cards that can be issued upon arrival and eSIM, which are purchased and activated before traveling online.
However, before making a choice, it is necessary to determine the length of the trip, the activity of using communications and the Internet, as well as the budget. This information will help you choose the most appropriate communication method and tariff plan.
Therefore, do not neglect the trip preparations, and think about the issue of communication in a new country in advance.
