Best eSIM For Singapore (Connected On The Go)

Benefits of Getting an eSim in Singapore

The main advantage of getting an eSIM for Singapore travel is that you can have easy Internet access without paying any data roaming charges. Roaming can be quite expensive, and a Singapore eSim is significantly cheaper than roaming charges.

The benefit of getting an embedded sim instead of a physical sim card is that you have an extra slot in your phone, you don’t have to worry whether the sim will be compatible with your phone, and you don’t have to remember to pack a sim tray eject tool.

The only reason to look for a physical SIM card instead of an eSim in Singapore is if you want to have a local phone number for calls and texts. This is usually included with prepaid and sim cards for tourists, but most international eSim providers do not offer this with their eSim plans.

Local Mobile Operators Offering eSIMs in Singapore

What about local mobile operators that offer an eSim? Singapore has three main local network operators: Singtel, Starhub, and Giga.

Singtel is the largest (and best) network operator in the country, but unfortunately, they still do not offer eSims to their customers. They do have prepaid physical sim cards for tourists, which include a generous data allowance and a local number so you can make phone calls and send/receive texts.

Starhub is the second-best network operator in Singapore. They offer eSIMs that are compatible with smartphones and other devices, as well as a variety of prepaid physical sim cards and data plans for tourists. However, it is unclear whether you can purchase a prepaid plan with an embedded SIM, and your best bet will be to walk into a Starhub store and ask them directly.

Giga is a popular local provider in Singapore that offers monthly plans without contracts. You can pay for the plan through the mobile app, so they are an option worth considering if you are a tourist in Singapore. Their plans are excellent value for money and include anywhere from 10 GB to 350 GB of data per month. However, Giga doesn’t offer eSims currently.

Devices Compatible with eSim in Singapore

All devices that support embedded SIM technology will be compatible with an eSim in Singapore. This includes all iPhones from the iPhone XS onward, Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 3 onward, and Samsung Galaxy S phones from the S20 and newer.

Other Android manufacturers also include eSIM capability in their phones, but not all of them do. Many of them will include eSim only in their best and most expensive devices, so it’s smart to double-check whether your phone supports embedded SIM technology. Also, it’s worth noting that iPhone devices produced in Hong Kong and mainland China might not support an embedded SIM.

In any case, you can check whether your smartphone supports this technology by dialing *#06#. This will bring up a list of serial numbers for your device; an EID number indicates that your phone supports an eSim. If you can’t find an EID number, your device most likely doesn’t support the technology.

Data Needed When Traveling to Singapore

How much data you need for Singapore depends on the length of your trip and your Internet browsing habits. If you just want to have Internet access to be able to check map directions and keep up with social media, plus you’re staying in the country for up to two weeks, I think you will be fine with a 3-5 GB plan.

Personally, I rarely use more than 5 GB of mobile data per month, even when I often use it at home instead of WiFi. But I don’t watch too many videos on mobile data; those will eat up your data allowance, so if you’re always scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, you will probably need a larger data allowance.

For trips between two weeks and a month, you should look into plans that are at least 5 GB. I would recommend starting off with a 5 GB plan, and then if you use that up, you can usually just purchase more data for the remainder of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an eSim in Singapore?

Yes, you can get an eSim in Singapore. It’s possible to buy it from one of the international providers, or from Starhub. But it’s unclear whether Starhub offers the eSim with prepaid plans, or if it’s reserved for postpaid subscribers.

How can I buy an eSim in Singapore?

To buy an eSim in Singapore, it’s best to just purchase it online from one of the many international eSim providers. It might also be possible to purchase one from Starhub, but you will have to visit a physical store to find out whether you can get one without a contract.

How much does an eSIM cost in Singapore?

An eSim for Singapore costs anywhere from $4 up to $200+, depending on the amount of data included. Physical (prepaid) sim cards are priced similarly.

How do I activate my eSim in Singapore?

To activate your Singapore eSim, you can just turn on mobile data and you should be connected instantly. You should already have installed the eSim to your device either manually or by scanning a QR code, but it’s important that you don’t turn on mobile data before you arrive in Singapore so you don’t waste any data. If you have any issues with eSim activation, you should contact the provider’s support team.