Tourist SIM & internet
Tourist SIM cards, eSIMs and free Wi-Fi, with where to buy, what you need and how to set it up.
Your options
Most visitors choose a tourist SIM or eSIM. Here is how each option compares.
Buy at the airport or a convenience store, register with your passport and swap it in. Works with any unlocked phone.
Buy online before you fly, scan a QR code and go. Needs an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone.
Wireless@SG and airport Wi-Fi cost nothing, but are best as a backup rather than your only connection.
Convenient but often costly. Check your provider’s daily pass price before you rely on it.
The three operators
Singtel, StarHub and M1 all sell prepaid tourist plans, typically valid for 30 days. Prices are in Singapore dollars.
Singapore’s largest network
From S$12/ 30 days
Around 500GB to 700GB of local data, depending on plan
Where to buy
Changi Airport (Travelex counters, Changi Recommends), 7-Eleven, Cheers and Singtel shops, or the Singtel website for eSIM.
Plans from S$12 to S$30
From S$12/ 30 days
300GB local data on the S$12 plan, up to 400GB on eSIM Plus
Where to buy
Changi Airport arrival halls (Prosegur money changers and Changi Recommends counters), selected StarHub resellers, or online for eSIM.
Tourist eSIM with 5G
From S$12/ 30 days
Data allowance varies by the plan you choose
Where to buy
M1 shops, Changi Airport counters, authorised retailers, or the M1 website for eSIM.
Plan details were summarised from operator pages in October 2026. Allowances, prices and promotions change, so check the operator link before you buy.
How it works
Make sure it is unlocked. For an eSIM, confirm your model supports eSIM. If it does not, choose a physical SIM.
eSIM can be bought before you fly, so you land connected. A physical SIM is easy to collect at Changi Airport arrivals.
Singapore requires prepaid SIMs to be registered. Carry your passport to the counter, or complete ID verification online for an eSIM.
For a physical SIM, staff usually activate it at the counter. For an eSIM, scan the QR code from your email or the operator app on Wi-Fi.
Set the new line for mobile data. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid surprise charges.
Registration
Singapore requires prepaid mobile SIM cards to be registered to a user. As a visitor, you will be asked to show your passport when you buy a physical SIM, or to verify your identity online when you buy an eSIM.
Counters at Changi Airport arrivals usually register and activate your SIM on the spot, so you can leave the terminal connected. Have your passport open at the photo page and your phone unlocked.
Only buy from the operators or their authorised retailers. Avoid street sellers or unofficial resellers, since an unregistered SIM may not work.
Free Wi-Fi
A handy backup, or a way to set up your eSIM before you leave the airport.
About Wireless@SG(opens in a new tab)Changi Airport Wi-Fi(opens in a new tab)
Good to know
Official sources
Check current plans and rules directly with the operators and the regulator.
FAQ
Yes. Prepaid SIM cards must be registered, and tourists are asked to present a passport or valid ID at purchase or during online verification.
An eSIM is faster and can be set up before you arrive, as long as your phone supports it. A physical SIM works with any unlocked phone and can be collected at Changi Airport.
Most plans listed by the main operators are valid for 30 days. Always check the exact validity and any activation deadline for your chosen plan.
Many plans include unlimited local calls and some international calling minutes. For long calls home, messaging and video apps over data are usually cheaper.
Not usually. Ask your home provider to unlock your phone before you travel, otherwise a local SIM or eSIM may not work.
It works for light use, but coverage and speed vary and public networks are less secure. Most visitors prefer a tourist SIM for maps, rides and payments.
Turn your arrival into a day-by-day Singapore itinerary.