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How to get mobile internet in Singapore: What is the best option?
If you need to know the alternatives to connect to the Internet in Singapore, we will be talking about eSIM, SIM cards, roaming, and more.
February 10, 2023
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If your next trip is to Singapore, one of the most famous countries in Asia, then there are many things to consider before you start your adventure. Of course, you should know that you will be able to visit the Marina Bay Sands resort and the Gardens by the Bay, among many other places to visit. But one of the most important things to consider is how to stay connected to the internet in Singapore.
You will need to have cellular internet during your trip for many things, whether it is to keep in touch with your family and friends or to look up directions to a place you’ll visit. Also, you will want to share all your experiences through social media. That’s why, through this article, we will be telling you all about the different alternatives you have to connect to the internet while abroad. Keep reading to find out more!
eSIM for Singapore
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Mobile internet in Singapore
As we already mentioned, if you are traveling to Singapore, you will need to have a way to connect to the internet, whether it is by using your cellphone, tablet, or laptop. Nowadays, there are plenty of options that will allow you to have an internet connection, including the free WiFi that we constantly look for anywhere we go.
However, let us tell you that if you are looking to connect to a much more secure and stable network, there are options such as International eSIM and prepaid SIM cards that will allow you to enjoy cellular data. On the other hand, if you are traveling in a group, perhaps Pocket WiFi could be the option for you. Please remember international roaming, which allows you to use all your regular phone services as if you were at home.
(You may be interested in how to have mobile internet in Iran)
Singapore internet providers
To choose the best alternative to enjoy an internet connection during your trip, you will need to know about the features, prices, advantages, and disadvantages of each one. That is why we will talk in more detail about the different options with which you can enjoy the internet while you are in Singapore below.
(You can also learn more about what an embedded SIM card is with us)
Prepaid SIM Card for Singapore
For many years, the most common way travelers have connected to the internet has been through prepaid SIM cards. These can be purchased today through two options: either once you arrive at your travel destination, at cellular operators’ stores, or through online stores that offer this type of service for many destinations around the world.
Usually, with this service, you will be able to enjoy mainly cellular data only. Some also offer local talk-time minutes and texting services, especially those you buy in Singapore.
The price of such SIM card may vary depending on the way you make your purchase, and of course, depending on the amount of data it offers, as well as its days of validity. Also, if you make an online purchase, you will probably have to pay for the delivery of the SIM card.
Mobile internet companies in Singapore
Singtel
They are one of the biggest operators in Singapore. At their physical stores, you can find their tourist SIM card, which is called hi! Tourist SIM card. It has different plans and packages depending on the amount of data and days of use. But the prices range from $12 to $50.
M1
On the other hand, you can find M1 stores at the airport or in shopping malls. Their SIM card for tourists is called M1 tourist SIM, and you can enjoy plans from $12 to $30. However, some of their plans do not allow top-ups, which could be a disadvantage.
StarHub
Finally, StarHub is another Singapore carrier that offers Happy Travel Prepaid SIM cards to tourists. This operator offers competitive plans compared to the other two, as they offer 100 GB in both their 7 and 12-day plans at $12 and $32.
International eSIM for traveling to Singapore
Today, one of the options that have been becoming everyone’s favorite is the International eSIM. This is a virtual SIM card, which does not require physical installation. This makes it a very easy and quick alternative to purchasing through online stores. In addition, it offers benefits similar to those of prepaid SIM cards and is mostly used for cellular data consumption.
On the other hand, a great advantage of these eSIMs is that they tend to be very inexpensive in terms of the benefits they offer. Since you will not need to spend on any delivery, and with some options, you can have unlimited data, as is the case of the eSIM for Singapore from Holafly.
(You may also be interested in the best eSIM for Marina Bay)
eSIM Singapore by Holafly
With the eSIM for this destination, Holafly allows you to personalize your plan and choose only the number of days you need. If you want to know more, we show you some of the prices according to the number of days. You can choose any package between 1 and 90 days. Some other destinations include other features, like the eSIM for China with VPN.
| Days of use | Amount of cellular data | Price (USD) |
| 1 days | Unlimited data | $6 |
| 5 days | Unlimited data | $21 |
| 10 days | Unlimited data | $37 |
| 20 days | Unlimited data | $62 |
| 30 days | Unlimited data | $75 |
| 60 days | Unlimited data | $107 |
| 90 days | Unlimited data | $139 |
You must know its positive and negative aspects in addition to the features of Holafly eSIM. So, you will know whether this is the perfect alternative for you or not. Many of these features are shared among other eSIMs offered by the store, such as the Asia eSIM for travel with coverage in several countries on the continent.
Advantages
- You’ll enjoy unlimited cellular data connection during your trip.
- You won’t need to sign up or subscribe anywhere to complete your purchase.
- You’ll be connected to one of the best operators in Singapore, which is Singtel.
- Holafly has an app for iPhone where clients can track their eSIM.
- The eSIM is very easy to activate through a QR code.
- You can keep your WhatsApp number in your language without any problem.
- In case you have a problem with this eSIM, Holafly’s team has 24/7 support in the store’s virtual chat. There is also assistance via WhatsApp and email.
Disadvantages
- With the eSIM, you will not be able to make calls.
- It does not include text messages.
- Not all cell phones are eSIM compatible, so we recommend that you check that your cellphone is compatible before buying one.
Roaming in Singapore with your local operator
International roaming is very famous because it is one of the oldest services for connecting to the internet while traveling to another country. However, nowadays, this service is not very popular, and this is mainly because it is very expensive since most of the operators charge for consumption. So, you could spend a lot of money just to use your domestic operator’s roaming services.
Next, we will tell you about the roaming service that some of the most popular cellular carriers in the world offer to their customers. That way, you will be able to get an idea of the prices and features of such a service.
AT&T
AT&T’s users who want to use international roaming in Singapore will have to pay $2.05 for each MB used. As you can see, you would be spending over $10 for only 5 MB used, which is quite high. In addition, if you wanted to make calls, you would have to pay $3 per minute, as well as $0.50 for each text message sent.
This operator also offers the International Day Pass to their customers, a plan that costs $10 per day, with which you can enjoy unlimited data, calls, and messages. Of course, some conditions would apply.
O2 UK
Undoubtedly, O2 is one of the most renowned operators in Europe. So, if you are an O2 UK customer, you can use international roaming to Singapore by paying their standard rates. These are $7.20 per MB, $2 per minute of call, and $0.50 per text.
In addition, the company also offers some plans with different amounts of MB, such as $100MB for $26, $500MB for $35, and 1 GB for $65. However, the latter is only available to people on the new billing system.
T-Mobile
Another company widely used in the United States is T-Mobile. T-Mobile’s customers who currently have one of the Simple Global Plans will be able to roam to Singapore at no extra cost. On the other hand, users with any other plan will have to pay $15 per MB used.
Pocket WiFi for Internet in Singapore
Another highly recommended option for those traveling in big groups is the Pocket WiFi. This is a small device that you can carry with you, and that will generate an internet signal to the devices connected to it. Usually, you can connect up to 5 different devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops (on some of them, you can also use eSIM). Below are two companies where you can rent one of these Pocket WiFi. However, keep in mind that renting them is also expensive, which is a downside.
First, Cello Mobile is a company based in the United States. Regardless of the destination, the price is $349 for a week, plus the accessories you may need. As you can see, this is a very high price for a service. Also, in the case of losing the device, $75 must be paid to the company.
On the other hand, another company is Travel WiFi, which has offices in different places of the world, including Singapore. With this, you can choose between different plans from 1 GB to 5 GB per day. And it could cost you up to around $36 for a week. You will also have to add delivery charges or device insurance.
Free WiFi
Finally, connecting to free WiFi is an option available in Singapore. You can find free internet spots in places like airports, malls, museums, bus stations, public libraries, and more. You can search for places that offer free WiFi on websites like wifimap.
However, remember that when connecting to a public network, your personal information may be vulnerable. So, we recommend that while you are connected to a free internet network, you do not go on to your online banking or provide personal information.
In general, this could be a good secondary option in case of an emergency or running out of data. But, definitely, the best option would be to purchase the Holafly eSIM for Singapore and enjoy unlimited data without worrying about where to go to get WiFi.
