Singapore SIM Card, eSIM, Pocket WiFi – Which One is Best to Use?
On our previous trips to Singapore, we didn’t secure our SG travel essentials: SIM card or eSIM, pocket WiFi, and even transport cards like EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass. We thought Singapore is such an advanced country, we could easily connect to free WiFi and buy our tourist passes upon arrival. While we did manage to get them in Singapore, we would have more peace of mind if we prepared them before our trip.
Don’t be like us — get your Singapore SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi ahead to avoid inconvenience. So, which one is best to use in Singapore? Read on to help you decide!
Singapore SIM card and eSIM
What is a Singapore SIM card?
A Singapore SIM card is a tiny chip inserted into your device like your smartphone that allows you to communicate via call, text, or mobile data. SIM cards in Singapore are offered by telcos such as SingTel, StarHub, and M1.
What is the best Singapore SIM card?
Here are some of the best Singapore SIM cards you can buy ahead online:
1. StarHub 4G SIM Card
This 4G SIM card is offered by StarHub, one of the major telcos in Singapore. We bought and used this particular SIM card on our trip to Singapore, and we can say that it offered us reliable 4G mobile data across the country.
Price: S$8.60 (US$6.36) valid for 10 days
Pick-up Location: Changi Airport Terminals 1,2,3,4
Nice Feature: Free 1,000 minutes (local calls), 30 minutes (international calls) + 1GB roaming data to 17 destinations
2. Singtel 5G/4G SIM Card
This 5G/4G SIM card is offered by Singtel, one of Singapore’s largest telcos and most popular network providers. This SIM features 5G/4G mobile data coverage across Singapore.
Price: S$8.80 (US$6.51) valid for 14 days
Pick-up Location: Singtel City Outlets; Changi Airport Terminals 1,2,3,4
Nice Feature: Option for 2-in-1 EZ-Link Card; Free USB fan for 5G SIM
3. M1 4G SIM Card
This 4G SIM card is offered by M1, the first digital network operator in Singapore. This SIM card features 4G mobile data all over Singapore, and free data roaming across more Asian destinations including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Price: S$8.60 (US$6.36) valid for 15 days
Pick-up Location: M1 Shops; Changi Airport Terminals 1,2,3,4
Nice Feature: Free data roaming to 5 Asian destinations
What is a Singapore eSIM?
Instead of a physical SIM that is inserted into your device, an eSIM is a software or app installed to your existing device. Most telcos in SG offer eSIMs, but there are also worldwide eSIM providers like Ubigi and Airalo.
What is the best Singapore eSIM?
Here are some of the best Singapore eSIMs you can purchase online:
1. Ubigi Singapore eSIM
This Singapore eSIM is offered by Ubigi, one of the biggest eSIM providers in more than 200 destinations including Singapore. Their eSIM features 5G mobile data in Singapore with 1GB, 3GB, and 10GB plans provided by StarHub or Simba.
Data Plans:
- 1GB: S$8.11 (US$6) valid for 7 days
- 3GB: S$12.17 (US$9) valid for 15 days
- 10GB: S$25.70 (US$19) valid for 30 days
Local SG Network: StarHub; Simba
Nice Feature: Easy top-up; No extra fees and roaming charges
2. Airalo Connect Lah! eSIM
This Connect Lah! eSIM is offered by Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store with over a million users to more than 200 destinations. Their eSIM features reliable mobile data via Singtel which you can use across Singapore.
Data Plans:
- 1GB: S$6.09 (US$4.50) valid for 7 days
- 3GB: S$11.49 (US$8.50) valid for 30 days
- 10GB: S$24.34 (US$18) valid for 30 days
Local SG Network: Singtel
Nice Feature: Relatively cheaper data plans to choose from
3. NPN Travel eSIM
This Travel eSIM is offered by NPN, a top eSIM provider in Singapore. Their eSIM features 4G high-speed mobile data with coverage all over Singapore.
Data Plans:
- Daily 500MB + Unlimited: S$2.49 (US$1.85) valid for 1 day
- Daily 1GB + Unlimited: S$3 (US$2.25) valid for 1 day
- Daily 1GB + Unlimited: S$3.50 (US$2.59) valid for 1 day
Local SG Network: NPN
Nice Feature: Unlimited data and hotspot sharing
How much is a SIM card and eSIM in Singapore?
Depending on the network provider, a SIM card in Singapore costs approximately S$8.60 (US$6.36) to S$8.80 (US$6.51) for 10 to 14 days.
On the other hand, an eSIM in Singapore costs around S$6.09 (US$4.50) to S$8.11 (US$6) for 7 days.
See a summary of Singapore SIM card and eSIM prices below:
Singapore SIM card and eSIM prices 2024 (online rates)
| Service Provider | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days |
| StarHub | – | S$8.60 (10 days) | S$26.70 |
| Singtel | – | S$8.80 (14 days) | S$12.80 (28 days) |
| M1 | – | S$8.60 | S$9.80 |
| Ubigi eSIM | S$8.11 | S$12.17 | S$25.70 |
| Airalo eSIM | S$6.09 | S$8.79 | S$24.34 |
| NPN eSIM | S$6.50 | S$12.40 | – |
*Do note that the Singapore SIM card and eSIM prices above are correct as of publication date and may still change. Check the respective plan listings before your Singapore trip for the latest prices.
Where to buy a Singapore SIM card?
We recommend that you get your SIM card or eSIM before your SG trip so you’ll have peace of mind before your arrival.
If you failed to secure your Singapore SIM card or eSIM online, you may still buy an actual SIM card at Changi Airport, Singtel City Outlets, and M1 Stores across Singapore. You may also buy prepaid SIM cards in convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers.
Note: Be sure to prepare your passport as this may be needed to purchase SIM cards in Singapore.
Singapore pocket WiFi
What is a Singapore pocket WiFi?
A Singapore pocket WiFi is a small device that allows your gadgets like your smartphone to connect to the internet using WiFi. It is usually offered by internet service providers (ISPs) like Yoowifi in Singapore. A SIM card is inserted into the pocket WiFi to provide internet connection.
What is the best pocket WiFi for Singapore?
Here are some of the best available Singapore pocket WiFi you can rent ahead online:
1. Yoowifi Pocket WiFi
This pocket WiFi by Yoowifi is one of the popular pocket WiFi rentals in Singapore with 4G unlimited data. It can be shared by 8 devices and has a battery life of up to 16 hours. The device will be delivered to you in Singapore and must be returned with the prepaid mailer bag.
Price: S$4.90 (US$3.61) per day
2. Yoowifi Pocket WiFi for Southeast Asia
Choose this pocket WiFi by Yoowifi if you are traveling not just in Singapore, but around Southeast Asia. It features 4G unlimited data across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. It can still be shared by up to 8 devices and has a battery life of 16 hours.
Price: S$4.90 (US$3.61) per day
3. Changi Recommends SG WiFi Router
This WiFi router by Changi Recommends is a top WiFi router rental in Singapore featuring 4G high-speed WiFi which can be shared by 5 devices. The device can be claimed at the Changi Recommends Booth at the Arrival Hall of Changi Airport Terminals 1-4.
Price: S$10 (US$7.37) per day
How much is the pocket WiFi rental in Singapore?
A Singapore pocket WiFi could cost an average of S$4.90 (US$3.61) to S$10 (US$7.37) daily shareable with 5-8 devices. See a summary of Singapore pocket WiFi rental rates below:
Singapore pocket WiFi rental prices 2024 (online rates)
| Service Provider | Battery Life | # of Devices | Cost Per Day |
| Yoowifi | 16 hrs | 8 | S$4.90 |
| Yoowifi (SEA) | 16 hrs | 8 | S$4.90 |
| Changi Recommends | – | 5 | S$10 |
*The SG pocket WiFi prices above are accurate as of publication date. See the individual listings for the most updated Singapore pocket WiFi rates.
Where can I rent a pocket WiFi in Singapore?
We always recommend getting your Singapore pocket WiFi online before your SG trip to avoid any inconvenience. Most Singapore pocket WiFi rentals can be delivered to you. But if you failed to secure one, you may still proceed to the Changi Recommends booth at the Arrival Hall of Changi Airport Terminals 1 to 4 to rent a WiFi router.
SIM card vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi in Singapore
So, should you get a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in Singapore? To answer that, you have to consider some factors like your budget, number of devices, and travel duration.
Which one is the most cost-efficient?
If we compare the cost of the cheapest ones we found, here’s a breakdown:
| Service Provider | Cost | Validity | Ave. Daily Cost |
| M1 SIM Card | S$8.60 | 15 days | S$0.57 |
| Airalo eSIM | S$8.79 | 15 days | S$0.58 |
| Yoowifi | S$4.90 | 1 day | S$4.90 |
With those amounts, we can initially say that a Singapore SIM card is the cheapest. However, you should also consider the validity and the number of people who will use the connection.
What are the pros and cons?
Singapore SIM Card
Pros:
- No need to get a separate device
- No need to return the SIM
- More practical for solo or couple travelers
Cons:
- Takes time to dismantle and set up
- Compatibility issues with your phone
- Data connection dependent on your phone battery
Singapore eSIM
Pros:
- No need to insert a SIM card
- No extra bulk of another device
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Phone may not be eSIM compatible
- Challenging to navigate for non-techy users
- Mobile data still depends on phone battery
Singapore Pocket WiFi
Pros:
- Easy to turn on and off
- Shareable with 5-8 devices at once
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Additional device to carry
- Need to return the device
- Extra care not to damage the device
Our recommendation as frequent travelers to Singapore
On all our trips to Singapore, we bought a SIM card since we usually travel solo or as a couple. The SIM card is easier to maintain and more practical since only one or two people will use it.
And, if you don’t want the hassle of inserting an actual SIM, just get an eSIM instead, but be sure to check your phone compatibility first.
If you’re traveling in groups of 5 or more people, we recommend that you rent a pocket WiFi since you can share the WiFi with more people and split the bill.
Now that you know all these, would you use a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in Singapore? Let us know!
Traveling to the rest of Asia soon? Read our other SIM card guides as well:
