Mobile Networks in Singapore for Travellers: Singtel, StarHub, M1, SIMBA and How to Choose
Singapore has four main operators and 3G is gone, so phones need 4G or 5G. This guide compares roaming, a local SIM and an eSIM, and explains how to keep your Thai number for OTP.
Kurz erklärt
- Singapore has four main operators, Singtel, StarHub, M1 and SIMBA, with coverage across the island including MRT tunnels.
- 3G was switched off from mid-2024, so your phone needs 4G or 5G, and VoLTE if you want to make calls on a local SIM.
- Tourist SIMs need passport registration, while an eSIM bought abroad avoids local registration. Keep the Thai SIM on for bank OTP messages.
The four operators
Singapore's main networks are Singtel, StarHub, M1 and SIMBA (formerly TPG). The first three are long-established, while SIMBA is the newer entrant. For a visitor, differences in signal quality inside the city are small, so most people choose by plan and by where the SIM is easy to buy.
| Betreiber | Gut zu wissen |
|---|---|
| Singtel | Largest operator with many shops |
| StarHub | Shops and SIM outlets across the city |
| M1 | Sold in shops and convenience stores |
| SIMBA | Pakete für Newer entrant focused on prepaid |
3G is off: will your phone work?
Singapore switched off its 3G networks from mid-2024. Older phones that depend on 3G may get no signal or be unable to call. Most phones from recent years support 4G or 5G and VoLTE, but check in Settings or on the manufacturer's site, and ask the shop or your carrier if you are unsure about a specific model.
- The phone must support 4G or 5G on the bands used in Singapore.
- For calls on a local SIM, VoLTE must be available and switched on.
- A phone locked to one carrier may refuse another SIM or eSIM, so ask the original carrier before you go.
Coverage, including MRT tunnels
Coverage is excellent across the island, including MRT tunnels and stations on the North-South, East-West, Circle, North East, Downtown and Thomson-East Coast lines. You can keep using maps and messages underground. Wooded areas such as Mandai may see the occasional dip.
If the signal drops briefly, for example in a basement car park or a mall's lowest level, toggle airplane mode once or pick the network manually in Settings, which often restores the connection quickly. The sibling guide on setting up an eSIM before flying covers troubleshooting in more detail.
Tourist SIM registration and where to buy
Prepaid tourist SIMs are sold at Changi Airport, 7-Eleven, Cheers and operator shops. Registration with your passport is required by rule everywhere, so carry the original passport and allow time at the counter.
- 1Buy the SIMPick a SIM at the airport or a shop and check that it suits your needs.
- 2Register with your passportStaff scan or photograph your passport to register the number.
- 3Insert and activateSwap out the Thai SIM or use a dual-SIM phone, then follow the activation steps.
Vorteile
- You get a Singapore number for local calls and SMS.
- Sold in many places, including convenience stores.
- Good for longer stays or topping up again.
Nachteile
- Queue and passport registration after landing.
- You swap out the Thai SIM or need a dual-SIM phone.
- Activation may need data or a confirmation code.
Roaming vs local SIM vs eSIM
| Punkt | Roaming mit der thailändischen SIM | Lokale SIM | eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Just turn roaming on | Buy and register at a counter | Install online before flying |
| Thai number | Stays active | Needs swapping or dual SIM | Kept on the physical SIM |
| Singapore number | Keine | Yes if the plan includes one | Meist nur Daten |
| Kosten | Check your Thai carrier's rates | Check the operator's site | Check the plan page |
Roaming is the easiest but check rates and promotions with your Thai carrier. A local SIM suits people who need a Singapore phone number. An eSIM suits those who want data from the moment of landing without a registration queue.
What usually happens after landing
After immigration at Changi, most people want data straight away to book a Grab, answer the hotel or read MRT directions. Without a SIM in hand you have to find a counter, which takes time when several flights land together.
- Finish SIM registration before leaving the airport so you do not depend on Wi-Fi.
- If you use an eSIM, switch it on at landing with data roaming enabled for that line.
- Set up your map app and Grab beforehand, including a payment method that works.
Travellers staying several days who need data daily usually value convenience over small differences between operators, because all four cover the main areas such as Marina Bay, Chinatown and Sentosa.
Keeping your Thai number for OTP
Banks and some apps send OTP codes by SMS to a Thai number, so removing the Thai SIM means you cannot receive them. The easiest route is a dual-SIM phone with the Thai line on for SMS only and the eSIM as the data line. The related reading on Wi-Fi calling abroad helps keep call costs down.
Häufige Fragen
Which network has the best signal in Singapore?+
Inside the city all four are close, so choose by plan and how easy the SIM is to buy.
Will an older phone work after the 3G shutdown?+
If it supports 4G it works, but a phone that relies on 3G alone gets no signal. Check the model before travelling.
Do I need my passport to buy an eSIM?+
An eSIM bought abroad avoids local registration in Singapore, but read each seller's terms.
Can I share data to a friend's phone by hotspot?+
Usually yes, but some plans limit tethering, so read the plan terms before buying.
Does an eSIM include a Singapore phone number?+
Most plans are data-only with no phone number, so use WhatsApp or keep the Thai SIM for calls.
About the author
Bob Kanokphon Thongdee
- Co-founder of eSIMonline.asia
- More than 7 years in online marketing
- Founder of Cojourney Visa and Cojourney Travel
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