Best eSIM for Singapore — Prepaid Data Plans & Prices

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10

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eSIM Guide for Singapore

For Singapore, Airalo and Yesim are your top eSIM options. Holafly doesn’t cover Singapore, and local eSIMs (like Singtel’s) require a local ID—impossible for tourists. Airalo’s Singapore eSIM is the most reliable.

eSIM Providers & Pricing

• Airalo: $3.99 for 1GB/3 days, $7.99 for 3GB/7 days (uses Singtel network)
• Yesim: $4.99 for 1GB/3 days (Singtel network)

Coverage & Activation

Both providers piggyback on Singtel’s network—excellent for Singapore’s dense urban areas and reliable in airports. Activation is instant via QR code in the app. For dual-SIM: Insert physical SIM (e.g., M1) in slot 1, eSIM in slot 2. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Works on all modern iPhones and Androids.

Pro Tips

• Buy the eSIM before landing. Airalo app lets you activate 24 hours early.
• If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, use a physical SIM instead (see Part 2).

Physical SIM: Buy & Top Up

Forget the myth that Singapore is hard to recharge. It’s actually one of the easiest places globally—top-ups are cash, app, or USSD. But tourists still mess it up by overcomplicating it. Here’s the no-BS guide.

Operators & Where to Buy

Singapore has three main carriers: Singtel (best coverage), StarHub (great for tourists), and M1 (cheapest). Buy at:

• Airport (Changi T2/T3): Singtel counter (T2, near baggage claim), StarHub (T3, near security). M1 is rare at airports—avoid it.
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Circle K. Always have top-up cards for all three operators.
• Carrier shops: Singtel stores (e.g., Ngee Ann City), StarHub (e.g., Orchard Road). No need—stores are everywhere.

Key tip: Buy a Singtel or StarHub SIM at the airport. M1 is cheaper but harder to recharge at stores.

How to Top Up (Real Methods)

1. Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Circle K)

Walk in, point to the Singtel/StarHub top-up card section (usually near cash register), hand over cash. For Singtel: $5, $10, or $20 cards. For StarHub: $5 or $10. No app needed. No credit card. Just cash. Example: At 7-Eleven, ask "Singtel top-up card, please?" — they’ll hand you a $5 card. Done.

2. Carrier Apps (Works with International Cards)

• Singtel: "My Singtel" app (iOS/Android). Add international credit card (Visa/MC). Buy data packs in app. No local ID needed.
• StarHub: "StarHub Mobile" app. Same—add foreign card, buy data. Works 100% of the time.
• M1: "M1 App" — only for M1 users. Avoid if you’re a tourist.

Pro tip: Download the app before arriving. Set up payment on your phone—no need to explain anything at the store.

3. USSD Codes (Check Balance/Buy Data)

• Singtel: Dial 900# to check balance. Dial 900*1# to buy 1GB for $5.30 (valid 3 days).
• StarHub: Dial 999# to check balance. Dial 999*1# to buy 1GB for $5.30.
• M1: Dial 999# to check balance. Dial 999*1# to buy 1GB for $5.30 (same price as others).

Use these codes on your phone’s dialer. No internet needed. Works instantly.

4. Top-Up Voucher Cards

Scratch cards sold at 7-Eleven/FamilyMart for $5, $10, $20. The card has a PIN code. Dial 900# (Singtel) or 999# (StarHub), then enter the PIN. Done. No app, no cash—just a card.

Common Problems & Fixes

• "Store didn’t understand 'top-up'." → Say: "Singtel data card, $5 please." Point to the card section. They’ll get it.
• "App only in Chinese." → Use USSD codes instead. Or download the app before arriving.
• "Credit card rejected at 7-Eleven." → Always use cash for store top-ups. Apps accept cards, but stores don’t. Cash is king.
• "Can’t find Singtel cards." → Look for the yellow Singtel logo on the card. StarHub is blue. M1 is green.

What to Do If Stuck With No Data

1. Walk into any 7-Eleven (Changi, Orchard, even hotels). Say: "Singtel top-up card, $5." Hand over cash. Done in 60 seconds. 2. If no 7-Eleven nearby, use USSD *900# to buy data instantly via your phone. 3. Never try to buy a new SIM. You’ll waste $10+ on a new SIM while your old one still works.

Verdict: eSIM vs. Physical SIM in Singapore

Here’s the truth: Physical SIM is better than eSIM in Singapore. For most travelers, buying a Singtel or StarHub SIM at Changi airport is faster, cheaper, and foolproof. You can top up at any 7-Eleven with cash, use USSD codes, or download

Plan Your Trip

📱 Yesim eSIM — 18% commission, code FALLY20
📱 Airalo eSIM — 12% commission, 200+ countries
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