Will my phone work in Singapore?
Learn how your mobile phone works in Singapore and the options for using it. Plus, find out how a travel eSIM provides a reliable and affordable connection
Yes, your phone will work in Singapore, but the amount you’ll be charged and the options you’ll have available depend on some key factors.
This guide will help cover everything from checking if your phone is carrier-locked to choosing the best option to stay connected abroad.
Plus, we discuss how an international eSIM helps travelers save money and get a reliable mobile internet connection abroad.

Can I use my phone in Singapore?
Yes, your mobile phone will likely work in Singapore, but you need to check two things.
First, check you have a carrier-unlocked phone. That way, you’ll have access to more options than just roaming. This depends on your phone and your carrier.
Home country | Carrier | Will my phone work in Singapore? |
---|---|---|
US | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon | Yes, but check your phone is carrier-unlocked before traveling. |
Australia | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone AU | Yes, but check your phone is carrier-unlocked before traveling. |
Second, check that your phone works with Singapore’s frequency bands. The country uses 27 frequency bands, including UMTS, LTE, and 5G NR, so double-check the compatibility of your phone.
How to use your cell phone in Singapore
If your phone works with Singapore’s frequency bands and is carrier-unlocked, you have four options to stay connected during your trip.
Let’s see how each one works, what they offer, and how much each one costs.
eSIM
Using an eSIM is a go-to option for travelers with an eSIM-compatible phone. Activation is done within seconds, and you can access unlimited data plans.
With the Holafly eSIM for Singapore, you get access to an eSIM that works for up to 90 days, includes unlimited data, and can cost as little as $1.55/day.
Plus, you get access to 500 MB of daily hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, high-speed data at 5G, and fast activation processes for Android and iOS.
Roaming
Roaming in Singapore is a common way to get internet, call, and text on your trip, but it’s not cheap.
For AU carriers, roaming mostly works with daily roaming passes. Here’s how they work:
- Vodafone AU: For $5 AUD/day, you can unlock your local allowance for up to 90 days in a calendar year.
- Optus: For $5 AUD/day, you get 5 GB of data roaming and unlimited texting and calling.
- Telstra: For $10 AUD/day, you get 2 GB of data roaming with unlimited calls and texts.
For US carriers, roaming works in two ways. Here’s what each carrier offers:
- T-Mobile in Singapore: Experience plans include built-in roaming in Singapore. Data bundles ranging from $5 to $50 USD for 30 days and 15 GB are available for customers with other plans.
- Verizon in Singapore: For $12 USD/day, you get unlimited mobile data, texting, and calling.
- AT&T in Singapore: For $12 USD/day, you get unlimited mobile data, texting, and calling.
Physical SIM card for Singapore
If you have a carrier-unlocked phone, you can use a SIM card for Singapore from any local Singapore mobile carrier.
However, keep in mind that you also need a valid passport and a valid credit card to purchase your SIM and register it to your name.
Singtel and StarHub offer limited and unlimited data plans valid for up to 28 days. Both types of plans include unlimited text and calling. Pricing ranges from SGD$12 to SGD$50 (~$9.35 to $38.97 USD).
M1 and SIMBA offer limited data plans ranging from 100 GB to 700 GB, including unlimited texts and calls for up to 30 days. Pricing ranges from SGD$10 to SGD$30 (~$7.79 to $23.38 USD).
Pocket WiFi for Singapore
Traveling with a pocket WiFi for Singapore is an ideal solution to share data with other devices.
However, a daily plan can cost you up to $49.90/day, which is more expensive than roaming.
Plus, this pricing doesn’t include additional charges, like delivery fees or add-ons like portable chargers.
But there’s a cheaper alternative using an eSIM. With Holafly Plans, you get a monthly subscription that costs $64.90/month, including unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, a European phone number, and coverage in over 170 destinations.
Considering costs, you’ll end up paying $2.16, which is even cheaper compared to roaming options.
Will your phone work in Singapore? The verdict
Your phone will definitely work in Singapore, but you have to ensure it works with local frequency bands and is carrier-unlocked; that way, you’ll save money and time.
Options like roaming and pocket WiFi devices are way too expensive, and relying on a SIM card means you won’t get mobile internet in Singapore when you arrive.
But you can use an eSIM for Singapore, or even Holafly Plans, to avoid all this. You set your eSIM before traveling and get internet as soon as you land.
Traveling to other countries in Asia? Find out how your phone works there:
FAQs
Yes. Check if your iPhone is unlocked before traveling so you can use an eSIM for Singapore, or you’d have to rely on international roaming.
UMTS, LTE, and 5G NR are the mobile networks currently working in Singapore.