Singapore makes this one easy: all three local carriers sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs directly, prices are transparent and posted, and you can buy one the moment you land at Changi — or order ahead online and skip the counter altogether. Here’s exactly what each carrier offers and where to get it.
Singapore’s Three Carriers, Tourist Plans Compared
All prices are in Singapore dollars (SGD); figures below are a planning guide and can shift with promotions, so check the carrier’s current page before you buy.
- Singtel: $12 Tourist SIM (100GB data, 500 minutes, 100 SMS, 14 days); $18 5G+ Tourist SIM with a bundled transport card; $30 5G+ Enhanced Tourist SIM (unlimited data and local calls/SMS, 28 days). Also sells eSIM versions of its tourist plans.
- StarHub: eSIM-only Traveler Data plans at $12 (100GB, 14 days), $30 (unlimited, 28 days), and $50 (unlimited, 28 days) — data only, no calls or texts. Physical Traveller SIMs with calls and texts run $15/$30/$50 for the same three tiers.
- M1: Mostly physical SIMs from $12–$30 (100GB–750GB depending on tier), plus one eSIM option at $12 for 100GB, 500 minutes, and 100 SMS over 15 days.
The practical takeaway: if you want calls and texts along with data, Singtel or M1’s standard plans or StarHub’s physical Traveller SIM cover you. If you only need data (maps, messaging apps, email), StarHub’s eSIM-only Traveler Data plans are the most straightforward, including a genuinely useful unlimited-data tier at $30 for a 28-day trip.
Where to Buy at Changi Airport
All four terminals have SIM-buying options in the arrival and departure halls, though the exact outlets vary slightly by terminal:
- StarHub counters in the arrival halls of Terminals 1–3 (not listed for Terminal 4)
- Changi Recommends and Cheers convenience outlets in the arrival and departure halls of all four terminals
- 7-Eleven locations in the departure transit halls of Terminals 1–4
- Carrier-specific counters: Singtel at Changi Travelex and self-serve kiosks; M1 at the Changi Meet and Greet counters
You’ll need your passport (or another valid photo ID) to register, whether you buy at the airport, in the city, or online — your name and passport number get linked to the SIM, which is standard practice in Singapore. Cash purchases are SGD only, but credit and debit cards, including international ones, are widely accepted at these counters.
Buying in the City or Online Instead
You don’t have to buy at the airport. Selected 7-Eleven and Cheers stores around the city sell the same tourist SIMs, and all three carriers let you pre-order online for delivery to your home before you fly, or pickup at your hotel or the airport once you land. Pre-ordering online is often cheaper than buying at the airport counter, so if you’re organized enough to sort it out a few days ahead, it’s worth comparing prices before you land.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which to Choose
Unlike some destinations, Singapore’s own carriers sell eSIMs directly and don’t rely on third-party resellers for a decent travel eSIM — Singtel, StarHub, and M1 all list official eSIM tourist plans. That makes the eSIM-vs-physical decision mostly about whether you need a local phone number for calls and texts, not about network reliability or support. If you just need mobile data for maps and apps, StarHub’s or Singtel’s eSIM plans are the simplest option and skip the trip to a counter entirely, as long as your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. If you want to make or receive calls on a Singapore number, go with a physical SIM instead.
For the rest of your arrival routine, see our SG Arrival Card guide, Singapore visa guide, and EZ-Link card guide for getting around once you’re connected.
Singapore SIM Cards and eSIM: FAQ
Which Singapore carrier is best for tourists?
All three (Singtel, StarHub, M1) offer solid tourist plans with wide coverage across this small, densely built-up island, so network quality isn’t really a differentiator here. The real choice is price and whether you need calls/texts or just data.
Can I buy an eSIM directly from a Singapore carrier?
Yes — unlike some countries, all three carriers sell official tourist eSIM plans directly, so you don’t need a third-party provider to get a reliable eSIM for Singapore.
Do I need my passport to buy a Singapore SIM?
Yes, for any purchase — airport, city store, or online — you’ll need a passport or other valid photo ID, and your details are linked to the SIM.
Is it cheaper to buy a SIM at Changi Airport or in the city?
Pre-ordering online ahead of your trip is often cheaper than buying at the airport counter. Buying in the city at a participating 7-Eleven or Cheers store is usually priced the same as the airport.
Should I get a data-only eSIM or a full SIM with a phone number?
If you only need maps, messaging apps, and email, a data-only eSIM (StarHub’s Traveler Data plans, for example) is simplest. If you want to make local calls or receive calls from a Singapore number, get a standard SIM or eSIM plan that includes voice and SMS instead.