One of the first things you need to sort out when you arrive in Singapore is getting a local SIM card. Having a Singapore mobile number is essential for work, banking, using apps like Grab and staying connected with friends, family and colleagues. The good news is that getting a SIM card in Singapore is straightforward and the mobile market here is competitive with excellent coverage and relatively affordable plans compared to many other developed countries. In this complete guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about getting a SIM card in Singapore as an expat in 2026 — from what documents you need to which plan gives you the best value for money.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a SIM Card in Singapore?
Getting a SIM card in Singapore is simple but you do need to present the correct documents. For a prepaid SIM card you will need: Your valid passport For a postpaid SIM card (monthly plan) you will need: Valid passport Valid work pass (Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit) Singapore address proof (tenancy agreement or utility bill) As a new arrival in Singapore, starting with a prepaid SIM while you sort out your housing and work pass is a perfectly good strategy. You can always switch to a postpaid plan once everything is in place.Prepaid vs Postpaid SIM Card in Singapore
Before choosing a plan, it is important to understand the difference between prepaid and postpaid options.Prepaid SIM Card
A prepaid SIM requires no contract and no credit check. You simply buy a SIM card, top up credit and use it until the credit runs out. Advantages of prepaid: No contract commitment No credit check required Perfect for new arrivals Easy to get at the airport Disadvantages of prepaid: Usually more expensive per GB of data Less data and calling minutes Need to remember to top up regularlyPostpaid SIM Card
A postpaid plan is a monthly subscription where you pay at the end of each month for your usage. Most postpaid plans come with generous data allowances, unlimited calls and various extras. Advantages of postpaid: More data at a lower cost per GB Unlimited local calls on most plans No need to top up regularly Often includes additional benefits Disadvantages of postpaid: Requires valid work pass and address Usually involves a 12 to 24 month contract Early termination fees may apply Our recommendation for new expats: Get a prepaid SIM at the airport when you first arrive, then switch to a postpaid plan once you have your work pass and permanent Singapore address sorted out.Major Mobile Operators in Singapore
Singapore has three major telcos and several budget MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Here is everything you need to know about each option.1. Singtel
Singtel is Singapore's largest and oldest telecommunications company. With the widest network coverage including in MRT tunnels and remote areas, Singtel is known for reliability. Singtel postpaid plans (XO series): XO 38: SGD 38/month — 50GB data, unlimited calls XO 58: SGD 58/month — 100GB data, unlimited calls XO 98: SGD 98/month — 300GB data, unlimited calls Best for: Expats who need the most reliable coverage across all of Singapore including underground and remote areas.2. StarHub
StarHub is Singapore's second largest telco and offers competitive plans with good coverage. StarHub is particularly popular for its bundle deals that combine mobile with home broadband and cable TV. StarHub postpaid plans (GIGA series): GIGA 35: SGD 35/month — 50GB data, unlimited calls GIGA 55: SGD 55/month — 120GB data, unlimited calls GIGA 85: SGD 85/month — 300GB data, unlimited calls Best for: Expats who want to bundle their mobile with home broadband for a combined saving.3. M1 (Now Part of Keppel Group)
M1 is Singapore's third major telco and has built a reputation for offering competitive prices and good customer service. M1's network quality is excellent in most areas of Singapore. M1 postpaid plans: mySIM 30: SGD 30/month — 50GB data, unlimited calls mySIM 40: SGD 40/month — 80GB data, unlimited calls mySIM 65: SGD 65/month — 130GB data, unlimited calls Best for: Expats looking for a balance between price and quality from a major established telco.Best Budget Mobile Plans for Expats in Singapore
If you want to keep your mobile costs low, Singapore's growing MVNO market offers some excellent options. MVNOs use the networks of major telcos but offer plans at significantly lower prices.1. Circles.Life
Circles.Life is the most popular MVNO in Singapore and has revolutionized the mobile market with its flexible no-contract plans and excellent customer app. Circles.Life runs on the M1 network. Popular plans: Bespoke 20GB: SGD 20/month Bespoke 50GB: SGD 30/month Bespoke 100GB: SGD 38/month What makes Circles.Life special is the ability to customize your plan entirely through the app and add extra data, calls and roaming packages as needed. There is no physical store — everything is managed online and through the app. Best for: Tech-savvy expats who want maximum flexibility and low prices without compromising on data allowance.2. giga! by StarHub
giga! is StarHub's budget digital brand offering no-contract SIM-only plans at competitive prices. Everything is managed online. Popular plans: giga! 20GB: SGD 18/month giga! 50GB: SGD 25/month giga! Unlimited: SGD 35/month Best for: Expats who want a reliable network (StarHub) at budget prices.3. MyRepublic Mobile
MyRepublic started as a home broadband provider and expanded into mobile. They offer simple and affordable plans with good data allowances. Popular plans: Essential 20GB: SGD 20/month Plus 50GB: SGD 28/month Max 100GB: SGD 35/month Best for: Expats who also use MyRepublic for home broadband and want to simplify their bills.4. TPG Telecom
TPG is Singapore's newest major network operator and offers some of the most aggressive pricing in the market. Popular plans: 10GB plan: SGD 10/month 30GB plan: SGD 18/month 60GB plan: SGD 28/month Best for: Budget-conscious expats who primarily use data and make fewer calls.Where to Buy a SIM Card in Singapore
At Changi Airport
The most convenient place to get your first SIM card as a new expat is at Changi Airport. All three major telcos (Singtel, StarHub, M1) have counters in the arrival halls. You can get a prepaid tourist SIM immediately upon arrival. This gives you connectivity from the moment you land which is very important for finding your hotel or accommodation and contacting people. Available tourist SIMs at the airport: Singtel Tourist SIM: From SGD 15 for 5 days to SGD 30 for 30 days StarHub Tourist SIM: From SGD 12 for 3 days M1 Tourist SIM: From SGD 15 for 7 daysAt Telco Retail Stores
All major telcos have retail stores across Singapore in shopping malls. Staff can help you choose the right plan and get your SIM activated on the spot. Find store locations: Singtel: singtel.com/stores StarHub: starhub.com/stores M1: m1.com.sg/storesOnline
You can sign up for most postpaid and MVNO plans entirely online. The SIM card is delivered to your Singapore address usually within 2 to 3 working days. For budget operators like Circles.Life and giga!, signing up online is actually the primary way to get their plans.Singapore SIM Card for Short-Term Expats
If you are in Singapore on a short-term assignment of less than 6 months, a prepaid tourist SIM is your best option. You do not need a work pass for a prepaid SIM — just your passport. Best prepaid options for short stays: Singtel Travel SIM: Good data allowance and reliable network StarHub Prepaid SIM: Competitive rates and flexible top-up optionsMobile Data Coverage in Singapore
Singapore has excellent mobile data coverage across the entire island including inside MRT stations and tunnels, shopping malls and even many parks. All three major telcos (Singtel, StarHub and M1) offer 5G coverage in major areas of Singapore. 5G coverage is expanding rapidly and is expected to cover most of Singapore by the end of 2026. Network quality ranking: Best coverage: Singtel Best value: Circles.Life (using M1 network) Best bundles: StarHubRoaming Packages for Expats Who Travel Frequently
If your work requires frequent travel across Southeast Asia or beyond, having a good roaming package is important. Singtel DataRoam: From SGD 10/day for unlimited data in selected countries StarHub Roam: From SGD 5/day in selected Asian countries M1 World Roam: From SGD 8/day in selected countries Circles.Life Global Roaming: From SGD 15/week for selected countries Alternatively, many expats in Singapore use Airalo eSIM for international travel as it offers very competitive data rates in most countries worldwide.Tips for Choosing the Right Singapore Mobile Plan
Assess your data usage honestly. If you stream a lot of video, you need at least 50GB per month. If you mainly use messaging apps, 20GB may be sufficient. Consider your calling needs. If you make frequent local calls for work, choose a plan with unlimited or generous call minutes. Think about contract vs no-contract. If you are unsure how long you will be in Singapore, a no-contract MVNO plan gives you maximum flexibility. Check if international calls are included. If you call home regularly, look for plans that include international call minutes or use apps like WhatsApp and Skype for free calls instead. Look for sign-up promotions. All major telcos regularly offer welcome promotions for new customers including free months, extra data and discounted rates.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home country SIM card in Singapore?
Yes, your home country SIM will work in Singapore through roaming. However, roaming rates are very expensive compared to a local Singapore SIM. We strongly recommend getting a local SIM as soon as possible after arriving.Can I keep my Singapore number if I switch providers?
Yes, Singapore has mobile number portability which means you can keep your Singapore number when switching from one provider to another. The process takes about 3 to 5 working days.Which network has the best coverage in Singapore MRT?
Singtel has the most comprehensive MRT tunnel coverage in Singapore. However all three major networks now offer good connectivity on the MRT network.Is 5G available in Singapore?
Yes, all three major telcos in Singapore offer 5G services. Coverage is concentrated in the city center and major business districts but is expanding rapidly across the entire island.Final Thoughts
Getting a SIM card in Singapore is one of the easiest tasks you will face as a new expat. The mobile market here is competitive, coverage is excellent and there are options for every budget. Our recommendation for most expats: Pick up a prepaid tourist SIM at Changi Airport when you arrive. Once you have your work pass and permanent address, switch to a postpaid plan from Circles.Life for the best combination of price and data allowance. If you need maximum reliability, go with Singtel or StarHub instead. Whatever you choose, you will find that staying connected in Singapore is easy, affordable and reliable. Welcome to one of the world's most connected cities! Have questions about getting a SIM card in Singapore? Leave a comment below and we will help you choose the best plan for your specific needs!
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