Are you planning your trip to Singapore and looking for the best way to stay connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Singapore including a comparison of the best Singapore eSIM cards in 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM card for Singapore on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per August 2024, including all specifications per tourist eSIM card.
This guide will explain how eSIM cards work, show you when and where to order an eSIM for Singapore, answer all FAQ about using eSIMs, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, explain the difference between eSIM cards for tourists and local prepaid sim cards in Singapore and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Singapore online.
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In 2023 I visited for example 34 different countries in 1 year so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used throughout the year.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad. On my latest trip to Singapore I tested the below recommended Singapore eSIM cards for tourists.
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.
You can also find a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Singapore in 2024 for those who don't have an eSIM compatible phone.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific and in-depth guides for buying an eSIM for: Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, USA, international eSIM cards and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling!
Some links in this guide about the best eSIMs for Singapore are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Let me start with giving you my eSIM recommendation for Singapore. These are my favorite eSIM cards for traveling to Singapore in 2024.
1. SimOptions unlimited data eSIM for Singapore - $14.90 USD
- Unlimited data
- Truly unlimited - no FUP
- 4G/LTE
- Valid in Singapore only
- Valid for 7 days
The SimOptionsn unlimited eSIMs for Singapore are with truly unlimited data, no speed caps, no data speed throttling! Therefore this SimOptions is rated as the best eSIM for visiting Singapore in 2024.
2. Airalo aSIM card for Singapore - $26 USD
- 20 GB data-only eSIM
- 4G/LTE
- Operates on the Singtel network
- Valid in Singapore only
- Valid for 30 days
- $1.3 USD per Gigabyte
An Airalo eSIM is also great value for money with only $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.
Both eSIMs operate on the Singtel network in Singapore. Singtel has in fact the best mobile data network in Singapore and an excellent 4G/5G network all over the country. However, the eSIMs from Airalo and SimOptions are not 5G ready, max data speed is 4G/LTE.
For more details about the 4G/5G network strength and data speed including 4G/5G network coverage maps of Singapore check out Traveltomtom's guide for the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Singapore in 2024.
Is Singapore one of your stops on a trip to Asia or around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM card for world travelers or an eSIM card for traveling in Asia. There are a bunch of eSIM cards that cover multiple countries.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for Singapore or in general before using an eSIM card.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards for tourists only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to Singapore.
However, you can still order a sim card for Singapore on the internet before your trip. Find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Comparison of the best eSIM cards for Singapore
Buying an eSIM card on arrival in Singapore is unfortunately still not possible at Changi International Airport nor in phone stores anywhere in Singapore. The mobile internet providers in Singapore do not provide eSIM cards for tourists, but only physical prepaid sim cards.
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Singapore eSIMs for tourists. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Singapore from one of the well-known eSIM card providers like Airalo, SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly, Jetpac, etc. that have proven to be reliable operators.
SimOptions and Airalo are long time favorites of Traveltomtom, but are they still the best and cheapest? There are many eSIM providers nowadays and the competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below!
SimOptions is the only eSIM provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Singapore. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards that will be delivered to your home address before your trip and it is plug and play when you arrive in Singapore.
Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Singapore.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a reputed e eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM card for Singapore through SimOptions is done fast and easy.
Why using SimOptions?
Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.
Especially since SimOptions updated their eSIMs for Singapore with truly unlimited data.
Here are the Singapore eSIM plans from SimOptions for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- Unlimited data for 7 days = $14.90 USD
- Unlimited data for 15 days = $29.90 USD
- Unlimited data for 30 days = $54.90 USD
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM card for Singapore.
All the eSIMs that you can order through SimOptions are only valid in Singapore.
Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify exactly which mobile network operator in Singapore they use and the SimOptions eSIM cards for Singapore are NOT 5G ready, so the max data speed is 4G/LTE.
The SimOptions eSIM cards for Singapore do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIM cards is between 6 months and 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM card, even if you are not in Singapore. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM card.
Why using Airalo? Airalo never fails Traveltomtom would almost say. Sometimes their eSIM plans are a little more expensive but Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs and a very reliable eSIM provider with an amazing costumer service.
When it comes to Singapore eSIM cards Airalo has great eSIM card plans. The eSIM cards from Airalo operate on the best mobile data network in Singapore: Singtel and therefore Traveltomtom also recommends Airalo as one of the best eSIM cards for Singapore.
Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM card plans for Singapore for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
Click here to order an eSIM card for Singapore from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIM cards for Singapore are from Connect Lah! and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Singtel. Unfortunately the Airalo Connect Lah! eSIM cards for Singapore are not 5G ready yet.
The best value eSIM card from Airalo gives you 20 GB data for $26 USD which is $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.
In the most popular places to visit in Singapore you will find a 5G signal and the data speed is amazing. The Singtel 5G network is pretty much available all over the country so it is surprising that the Airalo eSIMs for Singapore are not 5G ready.
For more info about the best 4G/5G mobile data network in Singapore check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Singapore in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIM cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Nomad
Nomad is a reliable eSIM provider however Traveltomtom also received some mixed reviews from the Traveltomtom Team about the installation and its performance.
Nomad has great eSIM deals for a lot of countries. What makes Nomad stand out for Singapore eSIMs is that they are 5G ready!
Nomad has two different eSIM plans for Singapore: Regular plans and Daily plans.
Regular plans
Here are the Nomad eSIM card plans for Singapore:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD
Click here to order an eSIM card for Singapore from Nomad.
The Nomad website is a little less user friendly for finding the best eSIM cards for traveling to Singapore. You can't see all eSIM deals in one overview. You will have to click left and right a bit more, especially on desktop.
The prices for Nomad Singapore eSIMs with big data plans go as low as $0.98 USD per Gigabyte.
The Nomad eSIM cards are from Joytel and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the LTE/4G/5G network of Singtel. Yes, the Nomad eSIMs for Singapore are 5G ready!
Daily plans
Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data. That is because unlimited does not mean truly unlimited. There is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy).
The Nomad eSIMs with daily plans they specify this very clearly with an FUP of 500 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB or 3 GB per day. After the FUP is reached the data speed drops to 512 Kbps, which is like an E signal, pretty much useless!
So if you only get 2 GB per day then what is the point of ordering an eSIM card with unlimited data!?
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend these kind of eSIMs for traveling to Singapore!
Anyway here are the prices for Nomad eSIMs with a daily plan / 'unlimited' data.
Here are the 1 GB per day plans:
- 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $5 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $8 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $11 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $16 USD
Here are the 2 GB per day plans:
- 2 GB data per day for 1 day = $5 USD
- 2 GB data per day for 3 day = $10 USD
- 2 GB data per day for 5 day = $16 USD
- 2 GB data per day for 7 day = $22 USD
- 2 GB data per day for 10 day = $32 USD
Here are the 3 GB per day plans:
- 3 GB data per day for 1 day = $6 USD
- 3 GB data per day for 3 day = $16 USD
- 3 GB data per day for 5 day = $25 USD
- 3 GB data per day for 7 day = $34 USD
- 3 GB data per day for 10 day = $49 USD
Click here to order an eSIM card for Singapore from Nomad.
The Nomad Singapore eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Singapore. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy).
More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Singapore:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIM cards for Singapore are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
According to the Holafly website these Holafly Singapore eSIMs are 5G ready and they operate on the Singtel network.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIM cards, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with an FUP in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
Imagine being on a 10 hour bus or train ride and after 2 hours you will get a message that you used too much data for the day. Then you have to wait 24 hours for the data speed to be reset to normal.
Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Singapore.
Also, the Traveltomtom Team tested Holafly in some another countries and was pretty disappointed with the overall performance. In a certain country Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around constantly had a proper data connection, the Holafly eSIM did not even have signal. Even in big cities the struggle was real and we constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of the hotel or restaurant because the Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Singapore but Traveltomtom was put off a bit by Holafly eSIMs.
Jetpac
Unfortunately the Singapore based eSIM provider Jetpac stopped issuing Singapore eSIMs for some reasons.
What is the cheapest eSIM card for Singapore?
The cheapest eSIM card for Singapore is a Nomad eSIM for $4 USD, it will give you 1 GB data for 7 days. Airalo and SimOptions offer the same eSIM card plan for tourists but charge $4.5 USD. These eSIMs are only valid in Singapore and do not support calling and texting.
Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Singapore
eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Singapore without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Singapore with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Singapore, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Singapore so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you in pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Singapore there is 4G/LTE available.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how affordable the eSIM cards for Singapore are.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Singapore.
Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM card for Singapore?
Online
You can buy an eSIM card for Singapore on the internet through an eSIM card provider. There are loads of eSIM providers for Singapore. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones: SimOptions, Airalo, Nomad and Holafly are the best eSIM providers in 2024.
When buying an eSIM for Singapore through one of the above recommended providers you only need your email address and the eSIM card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Singapore
There are 4 main mobile internet provider in Singapore: Simba, M1, Singtel and Starhub. Unfortunately as per August 2024 none of the mobile internet operators offer eSIM cards for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Singapore in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Singapore, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. In that comparison you will clearly see the difference in network strength between Simba, M1, Singtel and Starhub.
Flying into Singapore and landing at Changi International Airport then you can buy a tourist sim card for Singapore on arrival at the airport. For a complete guide see the link above.
At the international airport in Singapore you will find several sim card shops from Simba, M1, Singtel and Starhub as well as other phone shops that sell all kind of tourist sim cards.
As mentioned before the sim cards shops in Singapore Airport only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, no eSIMs.
When to order/activate an eSIM card for Singapore?
You can order an eSIM card for Singapore pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM card on the day of departure to Singapore or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM card. Singapore Changi International Airport has free WiFi which works good so you could use that to install your eSIM card.
Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. But just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM card in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM card for Singapore before you get into the plane, because then as soon as the plane lands you will be connected to the internet without any problems.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Singapore 7 times and traveled all around the country to most of its amazing places to visit.
How to activate an eSIM card
Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
Some providers will let you buy an eSIM without downloading their app, other eSIM providers make you download the app and sign up / create a profile.
When you order an eSIM plan for Singapore you instantly receive a summary of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Singapore eSIM card.
But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR contains all the information about your Singapore eSIM card.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Singapore
Here are some general tips and answers to FAQ about using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Singapore eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Singapore. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Singapore or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Singapore and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM cards?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Singapore recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Singapore.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac. Unfortunately Jetpac stopped offering Singapore eSIMs.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Singapore eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIM cards for traveling to Singapore.
All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Singapore eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to Singapore. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card.
So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Singapore eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with a Singapore eSIM?
No, unfortunately all the tourist eSIMs for Singapore available on the internet do NOT include calling and texting. The eSIM cards from SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad are data-only eSIM cards and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
If you buy a prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival in Singapore in a store or at the airport then you get (unlimited) calling and texting included.
Most hotels, restaurants and tour companies in Singapore have WhatsApp services, so you can easily give them a call through WhatsApp. There is no direct need for local calling minutes.
Does a Singapore eSIM come with a phone number?
No, none of the Singapore eSIMs that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number, which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms. However, making internet phone calls is no problem.
Local prepaid sim cards that you can buy once you arrive in Singapore offer incoming and outgoing calling and texting.
In the above Singapore eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM card.
Can I use 5G on an Singapore eSIM?
Yes, Nomad, SimOptions as well as Holafly offer Singapore eSIMs that are 5G ready.
Unfortunately the Airalo and some of the SimOptions eSIMs for Singapore are not 5G ready. Which means the max data speed on these eSIMs is 4G/LTE.
Are there eSiMs for Singapore with unlimited data?
If a sim card with unlimited data is truly unlimited, no throttling, no data speed cap, but unlimited high speed data then YES AMAZING! The unlimited data eSIMs from SimOptions are truly unlimited and recommended.
Holafly and Nomad eSIM cards for Singapore include unlimited data but they also have an FUP. Traveltomtom does NOT recommend these kind of eSIMs.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited? Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
A great example are the Nomad eSIMs with a daily plan. These plans give you 1, 2 or 3 GB high speed data per day and then after you can use unlimited data up to a speed of 512 Kbps. That data speed is useless, only good for WhatsApp or email. At least Nomad tells you exactly what is their FUP.
Holafly is another eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Singapore and uses a this so-called Fair Use Policy. However, Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very concerning!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Singapore eSIM cards with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
If you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then these Holafly or Nomad eSIMs might be your favorite eSIM card.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
An Airalo eSIM card for $26 USD gives you 20 GB data. For most travelers this is more than enough for their trip to Singapore or simply get the truly unlimited data eSIM from SimOptions.
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Singapore in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore?
eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Singapore, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Singapore:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIM cards
Let's compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
In general if you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip.
Singapore prepaid sim cards for tourists offer bigger data plans than tourist eSIM cards you order online. In fact local prepaid sim cards with data are pretty cheap for tourists in Singapore.
However, a local prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Singapore in a phone store in the city center and NOT at Singapore International Airport, neither on the internet.
Another big difference is that local prepaid sim cards have the advantage that they come with a local phone number and mostly with calling minutes and sms bundles. That means incoming and outgoing calls are supported.
More info about the best Singapore sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Singapore in 2024.
Check out my YouTube vlog above about my arrival at Singapore Changi International Airport and buying a local prepaid sim card.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Singapore. Some of them are great for Singapore as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Singapore you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground in Singapore and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Singapore directly online.
eSIM cards
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIM cards:
- eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIM cards that you buy in Singapore in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of August 2024 the mobile internet providers in Singapore do not offer eSIM cards for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists in Singapore.
On arrival at Singapore Changi International Airport the sim card stores only sells physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Singapore.
You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Singapore. As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare the prices for Singapore eSIM cards with the prices for local prepaid sim cards in Singapore, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable as you get many more Gigabytes for the same price.
In fact, for around $10 USD you can already get a prepaid sim card with unlimited data for 1 month. For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards for Singapore in 2024.
But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Singapore on arrival in a sim card shop or at the airport and a tourist eSIM card for Singapore can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Singapore.
Remember that some of the eSIM cards for Singapore also go down to only $0.98 USD per Gigabyte as well.
After a long flight you just want to get to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIM cards you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands.
For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for Singapore in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for Singapore. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card is that eSIM cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Singapore sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Singapore were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM card for Singapore right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Singapore!