How to get internet in Singapore: SIM, eSIM, wifi or roaming? | May 2024

Internet in Singapore: alternatives that you must consider

When you think about travelling to Singapore and your internet connection, it's normal that many questions pop into your head: what's the best option for a short trip? what does an eSIM in Singapore offers me? what's the best option in the long term?

Our expert opinion

For starters, be reassured. Singapore has many data plans aviable from different providers. However, every operator is different and we never want to get a bill shock at the end of the month. Indeed, one of the few options that will give you peace of mind is Holafly eSIM plan.

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As on more than one occasion both tourists and business travellers regularly received unexpected charges, new alternatives appeared: eSIM and portable wifi.

So, before we go into detail about what each of the different internet options in Singapore has to offer, here is a comparison table. It will give you a quick look at some of the facts you may want to know.

Whichever alternative you choose, it is always important to ask yourself questions, as unforeseen events can arise when travelling. If we are well covered before we travel, we will avoid overcharging on the bill, lack of service or being stranded. Here are the best options for internet in Singapore.

eSIM in Singapore: the best way to have internet

The eSIM market is booming worldwide and it is here to stay. From Google to the different manufacturers are orienting their new models towards this technology because of its usefulness in everyday life.

So, at Roams we believe that eSIM is the best option for internet in Singapore. Do you want to know why? Here are some of the main reasons:

• Discounted fares
• Specialised service for travellers
• You keep your phone number
• You pay strictly for what you need
• Connectivity with other devices

Among the different eSIM offers on the market, we recommend Holafly. This company offers you unlimited internet in Singapore at a good price, with 24 hour support in English, 4G connection and keeping your usual phone number.

However, this is not the only company that markets eSIM cards for internet in Singapore. In the table below you can see the features in terms of Gigabytes available, duration, price and language support.

When comparing the different options, there are different aspects you should consider: service, price, verified opinions and support.

First of all, while visiting a foreign country you should avoid being disconnected from the internet. And, although there are plenty of applications - as we will explain below - that make your day-to-day life easier, they can complicate things if you run out of internet.

Price is obviously a relevant issue when you sign up for an additional mobile phone service. If, for example, we compare the two cheapest options we get the following result: the difference in price is practically irrelevant and, in exchange, with one we lose a great deal of service and support.

Ultimately, support is very important if we ever have a service failure. In this sense, you should always solve your problem with a fast and efficient solution. Holafly, offers support in a multitude of languages with high-qualificated workers.

SIM cards and data plans in Singapore: main providers

If your mobile phone is not compatible with an eSIM, prepaid SIM cards are probably the best option for connecting to the internet in Singapore. Although there are more than 10 companies offering this service, we will talk about the two that provide the best service.

On the one hand, there are the prepaid SIM cards from StarHub. This is one of the largest phone companies in the country and has different tariffs for travelers. However, for tourists and people who are going to be in Singapore intermittently, they offer a prepaid card plan. You can find the services of their main SIM card for Singapore below:

• 1GB for 30 days
• 90 days validity
• £0.05/SMS
• 30 minutes of IDD 018 calls for 30 days
• Price: £7

Then there is M1, with their Singapore prepaid SIM card bundle. This provider opeares one of the four major telcos in the country.

This company also offers some of the most competitive prices around -comparing to other operators- and has great coverage for all its pacages. Here you have the details of their main SIM card in Singapore:

• 1,5GB for 30 days
• 90 days validity
• £0.05/SMS
• £0.20 for the first minute of local calls; 0.18£ per subsequent minute
• Price: £7

Wifi in Singapore: an expensive alternative

Pocket wifi is another alternative for getting internet access in Singapore. It consists of a portable router that you can connect to with a private password. On the other hand, there are public internet access points, such as airports. In the first case, there are several companies that rent out their portable wifi for a limited period of time.

• Cangi
  1. £8 per day
  2. 100GB
• Uroaming
  1. £5 per day
  2. 1.5GB per day

As you can see, the price of portable wifi is high in relation to the duration of the rental of the device. In addition, you should also bear in mind that if you rent a pocket wifi, most companies do not include insurance against theft, loss or damage. In this case, you will have to pay a certain amount of money in compensation. So, in the end, a trip could be a big expense for you.

On the other hand, you may think about free wifi as a solution to have internet accesss in Singapore. Despite that, Roams strongly advises against relying on public wifi for internet in Singapore. Apart from the fact that they are located in very specific points, they are not very secure networks. Through them, your data could easily be stolen by a stranger.

Security while surfing the internet in Singapore is very important. Holafly eSIMs give you access to an encrypted 4G network. What does this mean? As long as you access secure websites and applications, your data is protected at all times. This will not only give you peace of mind when using your mobile, but will also save you from problems in the future.

Roaming in Singapore: another way to have a data plan

Roaming in Singapore may be the last option for mobile data access in Singapore. You always should check your carrier's terms and conditions very carefully to avoid surprises on your bill when you return.

For example, EE customers must pay a fee of £1.80 per minute both making or receiving a call if they use roaming in Singapore. Furthermore, this provider doesnt offer an straight up data plan in Singapore.

It is worth noting that, although with some companies you may be able to keep some of the conditions of your tariff in Singapore, you can't control your expensings. Therefore, services such as Holafly's eSIM help users not only to access the internet in Singapore, but also provide peace of mind about limits and pricing.

Coverage in Singapore: where to find the fastest internet

As in any country, coverage varies depending on where you are. In this case, when we talk about internet coverage in Singapore, we can see that it is a country with a 5G network that is widespread throughout most of the country.

Across Singapore, you'll have access to high-speed connectivity with your mobile phone, so you can check locations, make reservations and check tickets without a problem.

Our expert opinion

Coverage always depends of which data plan you use. Not all providers have access to fast internet networks and you wont have the same experience if you choose a bad company. Because of this, Holafly eSIM uses the fastest internet network at Singapore.

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This is understandable as these areas are more characterised by the environment - with more mountains and open countryside - than by the main city.

Advantages of having internet in Singapore: don't let anything behinds

Regardless of the length of your stay, having an internet connection in Singapore gives you a wide range of day-to-day possibilities. Both in terms of gastronomy and tourism, without forgetting the basic daily needs.

Here are 5 advantages of having mobile data in Singapore:

• Check the weather: Before making any plans you should consider whether the clouds are going to dump a downpour just when you go on an excursion.
• Get around easily: With VTC services such as Uber still booming, you can order a ride and keep track of where it is at all times through the app.
• Order food: If you've been caught out on a rainy day, you can always eat without having to wander around your own accommodation through apps like Glovo or Just Eat.
• Locate yourself at all times: With Google Maps you can plot routes, know your location and check the traffic on different roads. So even if you're in a foreign country, you'll never feel lost.
• Get to know every nook and cranny: There are several apps, such as the National Trust, that warn you when you pass near a historic monument. With them you can learn about the history of castles, churches and more.

Tips before traveling to Singapore: must-have apps

From enjoying the best food to exploring city routes and hiking. If you're travelling to Singapore, there are free services you can take advantage of to make the most of your stay.

On the one hand, the well-known TripAdvisor will help you discover the best restaurants near you at a quick glance on your mobile screen. In addition, you can filter based on ratings or type of cuisine, so that you can practically go to any place you want.

On the other hand, there is much more to Singapore than just the city. There is a wide variety of routes through villages and mountains that allow you to discover the country from a unique point of view. We recommend iFootpath. This mobile app shows you different trails that you can do both in the city and in the orography of Singapore.