With its ultra-modern cityscapes, vibrant traditions, and delicious cuisine, Singapore is one of the most visited countries in Asia. It’s also a favorite travel destination among Filipinos, given its proximity and visa-free entry.[1]
If you’re flying to the Lion City soon, you may be wondering how you’ll stay connected with your loved ones here in the Philippines. You may consider your network provider’s roaming services, but they’re admittedly expensive. Fortunately, getting a Singapore SIM card when traveling is easy, saving you time, money, and effort.
Read on to see your options.
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Getting a Singapore SIM Card When Traveling: Your Top Options
Three leading telcos in Singapore provide tourists with an eSIM or a 5G SIM card. Check out and compare their packages:
Singtel
Singtel offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM cards. One highlight of these SIM cards is that they come with roaming data for select countries.
4G and 5G Tourist SIM
You can buy a Singtel physical SIM card at the official Singtel website[2] or at Singapore Changi Airport. Here are your options:
SIM Card |
Price |
Features |
$12 4G Tourist SIM |
S$12 or ₱530.07 at the time of writing |
|
$18 4G Tourist SIM |
S$18 or ₱795.11 at the time of writing |
|
$30 5G Tourist SIM |
S$30 or ₱1,325.18 at the time of writing |
|
$50 5G Tourist SIM |
S$50 or ₱2,208.63 at the time of writing |
|
Tourist eSIM
You can buy a Singtel eSIM on the official Singtel website. Check out your options:
eSIM |
Price |
Features |
$12 Tourist eSIM |
S$12 or ₱530.07 at the time of writing |
|
$30 5G Tourist eSIM |
S$30 or ₱1,325.18 at the time of writing |
|
$50 5G Tourist eSIM |
S$50 or ₱2,208.63 at the time of writing |
|
*Subject to Fair Usage Policy
StarHub
If you’re thinking of getting a Singapore SIM Card when traveling, which you can use in different destinations across Asia Pacific, StarHub got you covered. Their offerings come with local and roaming data and 99% 5G coverage across Singapore.
You can pre-order your 5G SIM card on the official StarHub website and collect it from one of the designated spots at Singapore Changi Airport.[3]
Check out your options:
SIM Card |
Price |
Features |
Traveler |
S$12 or ₱530.07 at the time of writing |
|
Traveler+ (5G) |
S$30 or ₱1,325.18 at the time of writing |
|
Traveler++ (5G) |
S$50 or ₱2,208.63 at the time of writing |
|
*Data roaming for those visiting Myanmar is currently disabled until further notice.
**20 APAC destinations include Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
M1
M1 is another option for getting a Singapore SIM card when traveling. They offer both 5G SIM cards and eSIM services. You can get an M1 SIM card at M1 Shops[4] in Singapore, Singapore Changi Airport (Changi Meet & Greet, Changi Recommends, and Changi Airport FX Counters), select 7-Eleven and Cheers stores, and authorized M1 retailers within the island.
Here are your options:
SIM Card |
Price |
Features |
$12 Tourist SIM (15 Days) |
S$12 or ₱530.07 at the time of writing |
|
$12 Tourist SIM (30 Days) |
S$12 or ₱530.07 at the time of writing |
|
$14 Tourist SIM |
S$14 or ₱618.42 at the time of writing |
|
$30 Tourist SIM |
S$30 or ₱1,32.18 at the time of writing |
|
$14 SIM |
S$14 or ₱618.42 at the time of writing |
|
$25 SIM |
S$25 or ₱1,104.32 at the time of writing |
|
aCan be used in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand
bCan be used in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand
cCan be used in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
Singapore SIM Card- and Travel-Related FAQs
If you wish to learn more about buying a SIM card in Singapore or are just looking for helpful information for your upcoming trip, refer to the items below:
1. Is the Internet connection in Singapore fast?
Yes! According to Speedtest by Ookla, Singapore ranks 1st in the world in fixed broadband speeds and 11th in the world in mobile speeds for September 2024.[5] So, when you’re in the country, you have every assurance that you’re connected with your loved ones in the Philippines.
When comparing the three telcos’ mobile experience, Opensignal has published interesting findings in May 2024:
- StarHub offers the most consistent experience in Singapore
- Singtel offers the fastest 5G download and upload speeds
- M1’s 5G is the most available
2. Where can I buy a Singapore SIM card for tourists?
As mentioned above, you can get your eSIM or 5G SIM card on the provider’s official website. Nevertheless, you can buy it when you arrive at Singapore Changi Airport. Other alternatives include platforms like Klook and KKday. You may also find SIM cards at convenience stores like Cheers and 7-Eleven.
3. What is a Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card or SGAC is a requirement for all travelers entering Singapore. It is basically the electronic version of the disembarkation/embarkation form normally submitted by incoming travelers upon arrival.
Note that the SGAC is not a visa, and you’re supposed to submit it within three days prior to the date of your arrival in Singapore. You can lodge a Singapore Arrival Card online application via SGAC eService[7] or MyICA mobile app.[8]
Read more: Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out
4. What is the Singapore Tourist Pass?
Singapore’s transportation system is reliable, quick, efficient, and clean. To make the most of it, you may want to get a Singapore Tourist Pass.
This pass is a special EZ-Link card that lets you enjoy unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT, and LRT trains within the card’s validity.
There are two types of tourist passes:
Singapore Tourist Pass |
||
Pass |
Price |
Features |
1-Day Pass |
S$17 or ₱750.94 at the time of writing |
Unlimited rides on public transport for one day |
2-Day Pass |
S$24 or ₱1,060.14 at the time of writing |
Unlimited rides on public transport for two days |
3-Day Pass |
S$29 or ₱1,281.01 at the time of writing |
Unlimited rides on public transport for three days |
Singapore Tourist Pass + Changi Recommends Bundle |
||
Pass |
Price |
Features |
3-Day Pass |
S$48 or ₱2,120.29 at the time of writing |
Unlimited rides on public transport including Xplore one-hour tour, postcards, and S$5 for Changi Travel Concierge Service; valid for three days |
You can buy the Singapore Tourist Pass at automated kiosks at select MRT stations, select MRT Station Ticket Offices, Cheers stores, Travelex outlets at the airport, and select Prosegur Change Money Changer outlets.
Meanwhile, you can buy the Singapore Tourist Pass + Changi Recommends Bundle at Changi Recommends counters at Singapore Changi Airport.
Related:
- Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipinos
- Need Help With Your Passport? These Travel Agencies Offer Assistance
- To the Land of Sand and Gold: Dubai Tourist Visa in the Philippines
- Europe, Here I Come: Schengen Visa Requirements in the Philippines
Final Thoughts
Getting a Singapore SIM card when traveling is easy, as there are many options from three leading Singapore telcos: Singtel, StarHub, and M1. A tourist SIM card from one of these companies is also a reliable travel buddy if you have onward trips within the region, thanks to its roaming services.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about getting a tourist SIM card. You can buy it online or at the airport.
Sources: