Singapore – known for being incredibly clean, modern & the ban on chewing gum.
Yes, the last point is real, but it is enforced sparingly by immigration.
Unless you try to bring in boxes of gum.
For many residents in neighboring countries, Singapore is regarded as a short-trip destination.
Perhaps a weekend out to shop, dine, or explore some attractions.
I know many Australians who do so, and it is accepted as normal.
For those coming from further away, the activities mentioned above still apply, but they usually stay longer than just a weekend.
Or it is a stopover destination before continuing to the final leg of their itinerary.
The thing that makes Singapore stand out is that it is the most expensive country in Southeast Asia – by a lot.
But, the country is beautiful. Yet, you should still find ways to save on expenses where you can.
You can do so by using a local SIM card – a Singaporean one, so that you can enjoy local rates instead of roaming internationally.
International roaming can be expensive, even with mobile operators from other Southeast Asian countries.
But most of them do have attractive Southeast Asia roaming rates.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Singapore, and are they worth it?
You can get a Singaporean SIM card for between 8 SGD (5.90 USD) to 38 SGD (28.05 USD) from Singtel, 8 SGD to 50 SGD (5.90 – 36.90 USD) from StarHub, 10 SGD (7.40 USD) from SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile) & 14 SGD (10.35 USD) to 27 SGD (19.90 USD) from M1. Tourist SIM cards with 100 GB of data are sold from 12 SGD to 50 SGD. SIM cards are also sold at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
If you are flying into Singapore Changi Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.
100 GB for just 12 SGD/ 9 USD!? What a deal!
While I do not often recommend tourist SIM cards in any of my guides, Singapore is one of the countries where I do recommend one get a tourist SIM card over a regular one because of the value it offers.
Not only is the data allowance insane, and it is 100 GB for the four mobile operators, regardless of the SIM card price, you also get roaming data, local/international minutes & local SMS – amazing deal.
But, there are many more options in Singapore, and there is also a lot more to learn.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Singapore. Let’s do this.
Original publication: 16th of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Singapore?
Singapore has four mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Singtel
- StarHub
- M1 Singapore
- SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
Anyone 15 or or older living in or visiting Singapore can buy a Singaporean SIM card with some restrictions, and you do have to comply with Singapore's SIM card registration regulations.
And if you are younger than 15, you can still get a SIM card if your parents buy one for you (in their name).
The main restriction is that you can only have three active SIM cards in your name in Singapore.
Besides those restrictions, you are free to use Singaporean SIM cards.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Singaporean SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Singaporean SIM cards:
- Singtel: 8 SGD, 15 SGD & 38 SGD
- StarHub: 8 SGD, 15 SGD & 38 SGD
- M1 Singapore: 14 SGD, 25 SGD & 27 SGD (new)
- SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore): 10 SGD
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date SGD (Singapore Dollar) to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between SGD and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 SGD = 0.75 USD
- 10 SGD = 7.40 USD
- 100 SGD = 73.80 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Singapore
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Singaporean eSIM, you can get one from M1 Singapore. However, only if you get its 12 SGD tourist SIM card (or eSIM for that matter). Regular prepaid customers cannot get eSIM (yet).
But remember that you have to comply with Singapore's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Singaporean eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Singapore.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Singapore only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Singapore eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Singapore travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Connect Lah! (Singapore only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Singapore
- Holafly: Singapore & Asia – all variants include unlimited data
- Nomad: Singapore, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Singapore eSIM buying guide.
Singaporean Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Singtel, StarHub, M1 Singapore & SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore), and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Singapore can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
Singtel
Singtel is the largest mobile operator in Singapore.
It has a market share of around 50%, so it is indeed not playing around.
Singtel, as a company, is also active in other countries, including Australia (as Optus), India (as a shareholder of Bharti Airtel), Indonesia (as a shareholder of Telkomsel) & the Philippines (as a shareholder of).
Singtel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – shut down in 2017
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7 & Band 38)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Singtel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Singtel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* My Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Singtel
Singtel has excellent coverage throughout Singapore.
While this is true for all the other Singaporean mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is Singtel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Singtel
You can get a Singtel SIM card, called hi!Card, for 8 SGD, 15 SGD & 38 SGD in Singtel stores (1/2/3) or convenience stores (7-Elevens or Cheers). SIM cards are also sold at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
If you are flying into Singapore Changi Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.
The following three Singtel SIM cards are available:
Price | SIM Card | Credit | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
8 SGD | hi! Prepaid SIM $8 | 10 SGD (30 days) | 1.5 GB (30 days) | 90 days |
15 SGD | hi! Prepaid $15 | 15 SGD | 3 GB GB (120 days) + 5 GB (30 days) | 120 days |
38 SGD | SG-M'Sia hi! Prepaid SIM | 38 SGD | 11 GB (30 days) 1 | 180 days |
1 3 GB of the 11 GB data allowance can also be used in Malaysia
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Singtel Tourist SIM cards.
Sold for 12 SGD, 15 SGD (new), 30 SGD & 50 SGD, you will always get 100 GB of data – 100 GB is not a typo.
The following four Singtel Tourist SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Roaming Data 1 | Social Media Data 2 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 SGD | 100 GB | 3 GB | “Unlimited”, 1 GB/day (7 GB) | 500 minutes | 30 minutes | 100 SMS | 7 days |
15 SGD | 100 GB 3 | 3 GB | “Unlimited”, 1 GB/day (7 GB) | 500 minutes | 30 minutes | 100 SMS | 28 days |
18 SGD | 100 GB | 3 GB | “Unlimited”, 1 GB/day (7 GB) | 500 minutes | 30 minutes | 100 SMS | 28 days |
30 SGD | 100 GB | 5 GB | “Unlimited”, 1 GB/day (12 GB) | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 90 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 12 days |
50 SGD | 120 GB 4 | 10 GB | “Unlimited”, 1 GB/day (15 GB) | “Unlimited”, 3000 minutes | 90 minutes | “Unlimited”, 5000 SMS | 15 days |
1 in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand for 30 days (regardless of the validity of the SIM card)
2 for Facebook, Line, WeChat & WhatsApp
3 +3 SGD EZ link credit (for public transport)
4 5G access
Singtel Tourist SIM cards are sold at the same locations where hi!Card SIM cards are available (although the 12 SGD and 15 SGD variants may be “out of stock” – especially at the airport for upsell reasons).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Singtel has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Singapore, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Singtel (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Singapore or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Singapore eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Connect Lah! (Singapore only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Singapore – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Singapore & Asia (11 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Singapore, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Singapore eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Singtel for now.
Note that Singtel offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Heck, you can even use VoNR (Voice over New Radio (5G), which is still rare (but only if your phone supports 5G NR, of course).
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Singtel
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Singtel
Singtel has three data-featured prepaid plans:
All Singtel plans can be activated on the Singtel Prepaid hi!App.
I will list all the prices in SGD (Singapore Dollar).
To convert SGD to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Monthly Plans – Singte
The Monthly Plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Monthly Plans can be activated on the Singtel Prepaid hi!App:
Price | Data | Data Roaming 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 2 | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 SGD | 20 GB | 1 GB | 500 minutes | 300 minutes | 100 SMS | 30 days |
19.90 SGD | 50 GB | N/A | 1000 minutes | 1000 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days |
35 SGD | 120 GB | 40 GB | 5000 minutes | 2000 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
40 SGD | 180 GB | 40 GB | 5000 minutes | 2000 minutes | 500 SMS | 30 days |
1 data roaming can be used in Malaysia & Singapore
2 to Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma & Philippines
Data Plans – Singtel
The Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Data Plans can be activated on the Singtel Prepaid hi!App:
Price | Data | Data Roaming 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
10 SGD | 1 GB | N/A | 28 days |
13 SGD | 2.5 GB | N/A | 28 days |
20 SGD | 3 GB | N/A | 28 days |
25 SGD | 60 GB | 20 GB | 28 days |
30 SGD | 80 GB | 40 GB | 28 days |
SG•M'sia Data Pass – Singtel
The SG•M'sia Data Pass is a data bundle (without 5G NR access) that can also be used in Malaysia.
It costs 10 SGD with 1 GB of data for 28 days. The plan can be activated on the Singtel Prepaid hi!App.
Price | Local/Malaysia Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
10 SGD | 1 GB | 28 days |
My Review – Singtel
I had the chance to try out Singtel when I was in Singapore.
Be sure to read my Singtel review if you are considering getting a Singtel SIM card.
It is a relatively old review, making it cringe, but I will revisit Singapore in 2023. An updated version will be linked once available.
APN/Internet Settings – Singtel
- Name: Singtel
- APN: hicard
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
StarHub
StarHub is the second-largest mobile operator in Singapore.
Although it is often overtaken by M1 Singapore because the subscriber number between the two are similar.
StarHub is also the best overall mobile operator in the country together with Singtel.
Although StarHub is not the fastest as Opensignal claims – Singtel is (Speedtest/Ookla has way more data points than Opensignal, making it more accurate).
StarHub uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A shut down in 2017
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7 & Band 38)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (N78) – not for prepaid (yet)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about StarHub:
* Coverage
* How to Get a StarHub SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – StarHub
StarHub has excellent coverage throughout Singapore.
While this is true for all the other Singaporean mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is StarHub's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – StarHub
You can get a StarHub SIM card for 8 SGD, 15 SGD, or 50 SGD in StarHub stores or convenience stores (7-Elevens or Cheers). StarHub SIM cards are also sold at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
If you are flying into Singapore Changi Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.
The following three StarHub SIM cards are available:
Price | Credit | Data | Social Data 1 | Roaming Data 2 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 SGD | 10 SGD | 1 GB (30 days) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 minutes | N/A | 90 days |
15 SGD | 15 SGD | 8 GB + 120 GB (28 days) | Unlimited | N/A | 5000 minutes (28 days) | N/A | 200 SMS (28 days) | 180 days |
50 SGD | 50 SGD | 120 GB (30 days) | N/A | 5 GB (30 days) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 180 days |
1 for Line, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 in Happy Roam countries: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the StarHub Traveler SIM cards – StarHub's tourist offering.
Sold for 12 SGD and 32 SGD, you will always get 100 GB of data – 100 GB is not a typo.
The following two StarHub Traveler SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Roaming Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 SGD | 100 GB | 1 GB | 1000 minutes | 30 minutes | 100 SMS | 10 days |
32 SGD | 100 GB | 3 GB (30 days) | 3000 minutes | 90 minutes | 5000 SMS | 30 days |
1 in Happy Roam countries: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States
StarHub Traveler SIM cards are sold at the same locations where regular StarHub cards are available (although the 12 SGD variant may be “out of stock” – especially at the airport for upsell reasons).
Dial *123# to access the StarHub menu.
Dial *123*7*1# to change the system's language to English.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
StarHub has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Singapore because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from StarHub.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Singapore in my Singapore eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Connect Lah! (Singapore only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Singapore – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Singapore & Asia (11 countries) – unlimited data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Singapore, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Singapore eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with StarHub for now.
Note that StarHub offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Heck, you can even use VoNR (Voice over New Radio (5G), which is still rare (but only if your phone supports 5G NR, of course) – but not for prepaid customers because StarHub does not allow prepaid customers to use 5G NR (yet).
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – StarHub
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – StarHub
StarHub has four data-featured prepaid plans:
All StarHub plans can be activated by dialing *123#.
I will list all the prices in SGD (Singapore Dollar).
To convert SGD to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Happy Data 30 Plan – StarHub
The Happy Data 30 plan is a combo bundle with 3 GB of data (without 5G NR access), that can also be used in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States, 150 local minutes & 1000 local SMS for 30 days.
Happy Data 30 can be activated by dialing *123#.
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
30 SGD | 3 GB 1 | 150 minutes | 600 SMS | 30 days |
1 also in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States
WOW Data Plans – StarHub
The WOW Data Plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
You can activate WOW Data Plans by dialing *123#:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 SGD | 1 GB | 1 day |
5 SGD | 1 GB | 3 days |
8 SGD | 1 GB | 7 days |
10 SGD | 1 GB | 28 days |
18 SGD | 2 GB + 10 GB/Sunday (40 GB) | 28 days |
25 SGD | 4 GB + 10 GB/Sunday (40 GB) | 28 days |
1 also in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom & the United States
The Social Data Plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) for Line and WeChat.
The following Social Data Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *123#:
Price | Line & WeChat Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
6 SGD | Unlimited | 30 days |
Social Data Plans auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *123#.
Happy Data 30 Add-Ons – StarHub
The Happy Data 30 Add-Ons are combo add-ons exclusively for the Happy Data 30 Plans. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Happy Data 30 Add-Ons can be enabled by dialing *123#:
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
15 SGD | Talktime Plus 15 | N/A | 100 minutes | 15 days |
15 SGD | Data Plus 15 | 2 GB | N/A | 15 days |
Review – StarHub
I had the chance to try out StarHub when I was in Singapore.
Be sure to read my StarHub review if you are considering getting a StarHub SIM card.
It is a relatively old review, making it cringe, but I will revisit Singapore in 2023. An updated version will be linked once available.
APN/Internet Settings – StarHub
- Name: SH Data Prepaid
- APN: shppd
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
M1 Singapore
M1 Singapore, just M1 and not to be confused with the M1 finance app, is the third-largest mobile operator in Singapore.
Although it often has been the second-largest whenever it overtakes StarHub.
M1 uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A shut down in 2017
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78) – not for prepaid (yet)
This is what you will learn about M1:
* Coverage
* How to Get an M1 SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* Review
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – M1 Singapore
M1 has excellent coverage throughout Singapore.
While this is true for all the other Singaporean mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is M1's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – M1 Singapore
You can get an M1 SIM card, called M Card, for 14 SGD, 25 SGD & 27 SGD in M1 stores or convenience stores (7-Eleven or Cheers). M1 SIM cards are also sold at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
If you are flying into Singapore Changi Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.
The following three M1 SIM cards are available:
Price | Credit | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 SGD | 14 SGD | 4 GB (120 days) | N/A | N/A | 180 days |
25 SGD | N/A | 2 GB/day (56 GB) | 5000 minutes | 1000 SMS | 28 days |
27 SGD | N/A | 3 GB/day (84 GB) + 16 GB | 5000 minutes | 6000 SMS | 28 days |
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the M1Tourist SIM cards.
Sold for 12 SGD, 14 SGD (new), 30 SGD & 60 SGD, you will always get 100 GB of data – 100 GB is not a typo.
The following four M1 Tourist SIM cards are available:
Price | Data | Roaming Data 1 | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 SGD 2 | 100 GB | N/A | 500 minutes | 20 minutes | 100 SMS | 15 days |
14 SGD 3 | 100 GB (30 days) | Shared with data allowance | 1000 minutes | 20 minutes | 500 SMS (30 days) | 120 days |
30 SGD | 150 GB | 3 GB | 3000 minutes | 50 minutes | 1000 SMS | 30 days |
60 SGD | 252 GB | Shared with data allowance 4 | 5000 minutes 5 | N/A | 400 SMS 5 | 12 weeks |
1 for Hong Kong (SmarTone HK), Indonesia (Indosat & XL Axiata), Macau (SmarTone Macau), Malaysia (Celcom) & Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom)
2 available as an eSIM too
3 +14 SGD credit
4 3GB/day
5 every 4 weeks
M1 Tourist SIM cards are sold at the same locations where M Card SIM cards are available (although the 12 SGD and 14 SGD variants may be “out of stock” – especially at the airport for upsell reasons).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
M1 has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers… unless you get its 12 SGD tourist eSIM (so if you want any other (tourist) SIM card/eSIM, you are out of luck).
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Singapore, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from M1.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Singapore eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Connect Lah! (Singapore only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Singapore – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Singapore & Asia (11 countries) – include unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Singapore, APAC (15 or 20 countries, depending on the variant), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Singapore eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with M1.
Note that M1 offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Heck, you can even use VoNR (Voice over New Radio (5G), which is still rare (but only if your phone supports 5G NR, of course) – but not for prepaid customers because M1 does not allow prepaid customers to use 5G NR (yet).
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – M1 Singapore
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – M1 Singapore
M1 has three data-featured prepaid plans:
I will list all the prices in SGD (Singapore Dollar).
To convert SGD to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Data Packs – M1 Singapore
The Data Packs are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Data Packs can be activated by dialing *100*3#:
Price | Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
2 SGD | 100 MB | 3 days |
2 SGD | 500 MB | 7 days |
5 SGD | 300 MB | 30 days |
5 SGD | 1 GB | 3 days |
7 SGD | 1 GB | 7 days |
10 SGD | 1 GB | 30 days |
10 SGD | 11 GB | 7 days |
14 SGD | 4.5 GB | 30 days |
21 SGD | 15 GB | 30 days |
28 SGS | GB | 30 days |
33 SGD | 150 GB | 30 days |
1 also in Hong Kong (on SmarTone HK), Indonesia (on Indosat and XL Axiata), Macau (on SmarTone Macau), Malaysia (on Celcom Malaysia) & Taiwan (on Chunghwa Telecom)
M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card Top Up – M1 Singapore
The M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card Top Up is a combo bundle with 300 MB (without 5G NR access), 60 local minutes, 5 international minutes & 100 local SMS for 1 day exclusively for the M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan.
The M1 Prepaid Tourist SIM Card Top Up can be activated on the M1 Prepaid app.
Price | Data | Local Minutes | International Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 SGD | 300 MB | 60 minutes | 5 minutes | 100 SMS | 1 day |
The Social Packs are data bundles (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, WeChat, or WhatsApp individually.
Social Packs can be activated by dialing *100*3*3#:
Price | App Data | App | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
5 SGD | 30 GB | 30 days | |
5 SGD | 30 GB | 30 days | |
7 SGD | 32 GB | 30 days |
Review – M1 Singapore
I had the chance to try out M1 when I was in Singapore.
Be sure to read my M1 review if you are considering getting an M1 SIM card.
It is a relatively old review, making it cringe, but I will revisit Singapore in 2023. An updated version will be linked once available.
APN/Internet Settings – M1 Singapore
- Name: M1
- APN: sunsurf
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
SIMBA Singapore, just SIMBA and formerly TPG Mobile Singapore, is the smallest mobile operator in Singapore.
It was also the newest entrant to the Singaporean telecom market in 2020.
However, SIMBA received its telecom license back in 2016.
After that, it started to build its network in 2017.
SIMBA is not really interested in prepaid customers because it has literally only one prepaid plan.
But the plan is affordable, and SIMBA has an extensive network, which is why I still include it in this guide.
SIMBA uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – never had it
- 3G: N/A – never had it
- 4G/LTE: 900 MHz (Band 8) & 2300 MHz (Band 40)
- 5G NR: 2300 MHz (n40), 26 GHz (n258) & 28 GHz (n257) – not for prepaid customers (yet)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about SIMBA:
* Coverage
* How to Get a SIMBA Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
SIMBA has excellent coverage throughout Singapore.
While this is true for all the other Singaporean mobile operators, it is still remarkable.
Below is SIMBA's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
You can buy a SIMBA SIM card for 10 SGD with 50 GB of data (100 GB during promotions), 1 GB roaming data (in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan & Thailand), unlimited on-net minutes & 30 local SMS for 30 days in SIMBA stores. SIMBA SIM cards are not sold at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
If you are flying into Singapore Changi Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at the to save some reading time.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
SIMBA has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Singapore, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from SIMBA (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Singapore or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Singapore eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Connect Lah! (Singapore only), Asialink (14 countries in Asia) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Singapore – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Singapore & Asia (11 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Singapore, APAC (up to 20 countries), SEA-Oceania (eight countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Singapore eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with SIMBA for now.
Note that SIMBA offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
SIMBA has only one data-featured: Prepaid Plan.
It is a combo bundle with 50 GB of data (100 GB during promotions – without 5G NR access at all times), 1 GB roaming data for India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan & Thailand, unlimited on-net minutes & 30 local SMS for 30 days.
The Prepaid Plan is automatically activated when you buy a SIMBA SIM card, but it can also be activated online or on the My SIMBA app.
Price | Data | Roaming Data | On-Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 SGD | 50 GB | 1 GB 1 | Unlimited | 30 SMS | 30 days |
1 in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan & Thailand
Prepaid Plan auto-renews. Auto-renewal can be disabled online.
APN/Internet Settings – SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile Singapore)
- Name: SIMBA
- APN: TPG
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Singapore
Getting a SIM card from Singtel would do you well when considering a Singaporean SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.