Planning your trip to Singapore and looking 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 eSIMs in 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Singapore on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. In my comparison you find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all eSIM specifications.

Find out when and where to order an eSIM, FAQ about using eSIMs and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Singapore online.

In the past I used to buy a prepaid sim card in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected.

Table of Contents

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card for tourists in Singapore in 2025.

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

Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Singapore read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

1. Unlimited data eSIM from SimOptions - $14.90 USD

  • Unlimited data
  • Truly unlimited - no FUP
  • 4G/LTE
  • Valid in Singapore only
  • Valid for 7 days

Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Singapore.

The SimOptions 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 2025.

2. Airhub eSIM for Singapore - 30 GB for $14.5 USD

  • 30 GB data-only eSIM
  • 4G/LTE
  • Operates on the Singtel network
  • Valid in Singapore only
  • Valid for 30 days
  • $0.48 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order an Airhub eSIM for Singapore.

Airhub has some amazing sim card plans for traveling to Singapore.

Both eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported.

Is Singapore one of your stops on a trip to Asia or around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for world travelers or an eSIM for traveling in Asia. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries.

Singapore eSIM comparison

Buying an eSIM 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 eSIMs 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 for traveling in Singapore from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators:

The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!

SimOptions

SimOptions is a reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your tourist eSIM for Singapore through SimOptions is done fast and easy. Check out our complete SimOptions review for more detailed info.

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 deals.

Here are the Singapore eSIM plans from SimOptions for 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $7.90 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $13.90 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $25.90 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $37.90 USD
  • 50 GB data for 30 days = $59.90 USD

SimOptions also has unlimited data plans with truly unlimited data, no speed limitations:

  • 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 for Singapore.

All the SimOptions eSIMs are only valid in Singapore. Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate in Singapore. The data-only eSIMs are 5G ready, the unlimited data eSIMs have a max data speed of 4G/LTE.

The SimOptions eSIMs for Singapore do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.

The validity of these unlimited eSIMs is 6 months and the data-only eSIMs 1 year. The credit validity of the unlimited plans start immediately after installation, even if you are not in Singapore. and the credit validity of the data-only eSIMs only start upon arrival in Singapore. For more info check the SimOptions website.

Airhub

Airhub is a marketplace for eSIMs meaning they sell a lot of different eSIM plans from multiple providers. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote an extensive Airhub review for more info on how Airhub eSIMs work.

airhub esims for singapore

The Airhub website is a little less user-friendly as you can not filter or sort the available eSIMs and they are not in order of data volume or price, but just randomly sorted.

Here are the Airhub eSIM plans for Singapore in 2025:

  • 3 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
  • 4 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
  • 7 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
  • 12 GB data for 30 days = $14.5 USD
  • 23 GB data for 30 days = $26.5 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $14.5 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Singapore via Airhub.

When you click on the eSIM plan you get more info.

Airhub has some truly amazing data-only eSIMs for Singapore. The Airhub eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE Singtel network, 5G is not supported. These are data-only eSIMs and incoming or outgoing calls or sms are not supported.

You have to instal the Airhub eSIMs on your phone within 30 days of purchase.

Ubigi

On Ubigi you always find lots of different eSIMs and sometimes it is hard to figure out the best ones. Read the Traveltomtom's full review of Ubigi with all pros and cons.

For Singapore I spotted some amazing eSIMs deals and that is why Ubigi is ranked high in this Singapore eSIM comparison.

ubigi esims for singapore

Here are the Ubigi eSIMs for Singapore in 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
  • 3 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
  • 10 GB data for 7 days = $14 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 25 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Singapore from Ubigi.

The Ubigi eSIMs for Singapore operate on the Starhub and Simba 4G/5G network and are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. But 5G is supported.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM 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.

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 eSIMs Airalo has great eSIM plans. The eSIMs from Airalo operate on the best mobile data network in Singapore: Singtel and therefore Traveltomtom also recommends Airalo as one of the best eSIMs for Singapore.

Here are the Airalo data-only eSIM plans for Singapore for 2025:

  • 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 for Singapore from Airalo.

The Airalo eSIMs for Singapore are from Connect Lah! and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of Singtel. 5G is not supported.

The best value eSIM from Airalo gives you 20 GB data for $26 USD which is $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.

Pretty much everywhere in Singapore there is 5G. 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 in Singapore in 2025, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.

All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM 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 two different eSIM plans for Singapore: Regular plans and Daily plans.

nomad esim cards for singapore

Here are the Nomad eSIM 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 = $10 USD
  • 15 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
  • 50 GB data for 30 days = $49 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Singapore from Nomad.

Nomad has cheap eSIM plans for Singapore that is for sure. But as said, not Traveltomtom's first pick.

The Nomad eSIMs are from JoyTelecom and they are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. They operate on the 4G/5G network of Singtel. Yes, the Nomad eSIMs for Singapore are 5G ready!

Nomad also has daily plans that give you a set amount of data per day and after you used your 500 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB or 3 GB allowance your data speed drops to 512 Kbps, which is pretty much useless!

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

The daily plans seems interesting but the regular plans from Nomad are cheaper and better value for money.

The Nomad Singapore eSIMs 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 eSIMs for Singapore:

  • 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6.90 USD
  • 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
  • 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
  • 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
  • 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
  • 14 days 'unlimited' data = $47.90 USD
  • 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
  • 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than other eSIM providers. The Holafly eSIMs 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 eSIMs, 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 eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Singapore.

Jetpac

Unfortunately the Singapore based eSIM provider Jetpac stopped issuing Singapore eSIMs for some reasons.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Singapore?

cheapest esim card for singapore

The cheapest eSIMs for Singapore are from Ubigi and Nomad. They charge $4 USD for an eSIM with 1 GB data.

Airhub has an eSIM with 3 GB data for just $5 USD.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Singapore

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore in 2025 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 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 is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM 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 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

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.

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.

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 eSIMs 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!

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 eSIMs 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 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 for Singapore?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Singapore on the internet through an eSIM provider. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for Singapore through one of the above recommended providers you only need your email address and the eSIM 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 January 2025 none of the mobile internet operators offer eSIMs 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 2025 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 for Singapore?

You can order an eSIM for Singapore pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs 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. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Singapore or before. You will need a stable internet connection to instal your eSIM. Singapore Changi International Airport has free WiFi which works good so you could use that to install your eSIM.

Just make sure it is a stable internet connection. But just to make sure Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM 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

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM 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 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.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Singapore eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM 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 eSIMs 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: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM 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 eSIMs?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

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!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM 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 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Singapore recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM 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 for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs 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.

But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Singapore eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Singapore.

All eSIM 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 to stay connected when traveling to Singapore. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs 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 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs from SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad are data-only eSIMs 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 comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.

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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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.

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 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.

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Singapore?

eSIMs 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
  • eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, 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 eSIMs 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 2025.

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 2025.

international prepaid sim cards for singapore

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.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

  • eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
  • eSIMs that you buy in Singapore in a mobile internet provider store

However, as of January 2025 the mobile internet providers in Singapore do not offer eSIMs 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.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM 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 or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

When we compare the prices for Singapore eSIMs 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 in Singapore in 2025.

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 for Singapore can be bought in 2 minutes on the internet before your trip to Singapore.

Remember that some of the eSIMs 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 eSIMs 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 eSIMs for Singapore in the comparison above.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM 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 is that eSIMs 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 eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Singapore sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM 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 for Singapore right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs 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 January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Singapore!