eSIM for Singapore: what actually works
A researched, up-to-date guide to mobile data in Singapore. Operators, coverage, prices, and when a local SIM beats us.
Choose your eSIM Singapore according to the length of your stay and your expected data use. 5 GB is generally enough for maps, messaging and social media, while video streaming and hotspot use require more data. The plans shown range from 1 to 50 GB and start at $1.90. They are fully refundable within 30 days provided the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination. The activation link is sent by email after purchase.
Singapore eSIM plans
Prices in USD. Instant QR activation. Pick your data, land connected.
Clear data. Clear price.
Drift plans show a fixed data allowance, validity period and final price before checkout.
About “unlimited” plans: Plans marketed as unlimited, including Holafly plans, may still be subject to local network Fair Usage Policies (FUP) and temporary speed reductions after heavy use. Unlimited data does not always mean unlimited full-speed data.
Buying a local SIM instead
Where to buy: Changi Airport SIM shops (physical SIMs only, no eSIM at the airport counters), operator stores, 7-Eleven. eSIMs are bought online before arrival or via operator apps.
Price: Very good value: around SGD 12 (~9 USD) for 100GB / 14 days on the big carriers. Current travel eSIM prices are shown with each plan. USD
Coverage is excellent on any of the big three, so don't overthink the network. M1 and StarHub usually beat Singtel on value. Note that Changi airport counters sell physical SIMs only, so buy an eSIM online beforehand if you want one.
How much data for Singapore
What to expect by trip type.
| Itinerary | Days | Data needed |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore city break | 4 | 5GB |
| Singapore stopover | 2 | 3GB |
| Singapore + Johor Bahru trips | 6 | 6GB |
The verdict
Our eSIM wins when: Short trips and stopovers where you want to land connected without the airport SIM queue, especially since Changi counters sell physical SIMs only. Convenience is the whole point in a small, well-covered country.
A local SIM wins when: Longer stays or if you want a local number; M1 and StarHub tourist SIMs bundle a number and calls at good value, beating Singtel on price.
On the competition: Coverage is a non-issue here, so pick on price. Don't pay extra for 5G-specific plans, LTE is already very fast. Holafly unlimited is overkill for a city this small and well-served.
Bottom line: Buy a data-only eSIM before you fly; coverage is superb on any network and Changi sells no eSIMs at the counter. If you want a local number, an M1 or StarHub tourist SIM is great value.
Singapore eSIM FAQ
Can I buy an eSIM at Changi Airport?
Not at the counters; they sell physical SIMs only. Buy a travel eSIM online before you fly, or use an operator app, if you want an eSIM.
Do I need 5G in Singapore?
No. LTE is extremely fast on every network here, so a 4G plan is perfectly fine. Don't pay extra for 5G.
Which network is best in Singapore?
Singtel has the edge on coverage and reliability, but all three big carriers are excellent. M1 and StarHub usually offer better value.
Ready to sort your Singapore eSIM?
Pick the plan that fits your trip to Singapore, or work out exactly how much data you need first.