Best Ways to Get Mobile Internet in Singapore
Mar 01,2025 | Milo
Table of contents
Local internet providers in Singapore
Mobile Internet in Singapore for Tourists
Which Internet Option is Best in Singapore?
Having reliable internet access in Singapore is essential to fully enjoy your trip. Whether you’re navigating from Kampong Glam to Choa Chu Kang with Google Maps, booking tickets for the Trickeye Museum, or sharing your experiences at Haw Par Villa through photos and videos, staying online is a must.
Singapore is known for its top-tier internet infrastructure, offering excellent connectivity. As a visitor, you can tap into these services through various travel-friendly options—but knowing where to find the best one is key.
In this guide, we explore the different ways to stay connected in Singapore, breaking down the options by provider, pricing, features, and key details you should be aware of.
Local internet providers in Singapore
As a tech-savvy city-state with a strong telecommunications sector, Singapore boasts high-speed and dependable internet services.
Leading providers such as Singtel, MyRepublic, StarHub, and ViewQwest offer various home internet plans tailored primarily for residents.
However, these services are designed for long-term users rather than short-term visitors. They typically require a 24-month contract and may include extra charges depending on the selected router.
For locals or digital nomads planning an extended stay, we’ve outlined key details on each provider’s speeds, pricing, and optional features. If you're a traveler, feel free to jump ahead to our section on mobile internet options specifically for tourists.
Mobile Internet in Singapore for Tourists
Tourists in Singapore have multiple options for staying connected with a reliable internet connection. Thanks to the country's advanced infrastructure, travelers can choose from eSIMs, physical SIM cards, pocket WiFi, data roaming, or even free public WiFi, depending on their needs.
Let’s explore each of these options in detail, highlighting their features and helping you determine which one best fits your travel plans.
Data Roaming in Singapore
Using data roaming in Singapore is a common option provided by most mobile carriers. However, it remains one of the priciest ways to stay connected while traveling.
Although the costs can be steep, this service is worth considering since it typically includes mobile data, SMS, and voice calls. Below, we break down the data roaming rates from major providers in the US, Australia, and the UK for travelers visiting Singapore.
eSIMs for Singapore
eSIM technology is rapidly gaining traction in Singapore due to its convenience, eco-friendliness, and affordability. With no need for physical SIM cards, eSIMs allow for instant activation, reduce plastic waste, and cost significantly less than traditional roaming services. Plus, most modern smartphones now support eSIM functionality.
You can easily purchase an eSIM for Singapore online—but which provider offers the best balance between price and performance?
Let’s explore our top recommendation: the ByteSIM eSIM for Singapore.
ByteSIM eSIM for Singapore
With ByteSIM’s eSIM for Singapore, you can enjoy seamless connectivity without the hefty price tag of traditional roaming.
One of its standout features is unlimited data with speeds of up to 5G, powered by Singtel, one of Singapore’s leading mobile networks.
Another advantage is the flexibility to purchase an eSIM based on your exact travel duration. This means you only pay for the days you need, avoiding unnecessary costs.
The ByteSIM eSIM for Singapore starts at $2.90, but the more days you add to your plan, the lower the daily cost—going as low as $0.62 per day for extended usage.
However, affordability isn’t the only benefit of choosing ByteSIM. Here are some additional features that enhance your experience:
- No account registration is required when purchasing an eSIM.
- Unlimited data sharing, perfect for tethering to other devices.
- Dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android, making it simple to purchase, activate, and manage your eSIM.
- Quick installation via QR code for Android users and iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 17.0.
- 24/7 multilingual customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you need it.
- User-friendly website available in 19 languages for a seamless purchasing experience.
The only limitation is that ByteSIM’s eSIM does not include traditional calls or text messages. However, with unlimited data, you can easily use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype for communication.
Prepaid SIM Cards for Singapore
For years, prepaid SIM cards have been a popular choice for travelers needing mobile connectivity. In Singapore, several telecom providers offer tourist SIM cards, which you can obtain with just a valid passport. However, this option is gradually being phased out as eSIM technology becomes the standard for modern devices.
If you opt for a physical SIM card, you have a few ways to get one. You can buy it online, purchase it at the airport upon arrival, or visit retail stores like 7-Eleven. However, this means you won’t have immediate internet access when you land in Singapore.
Currently, major Singaporean carriers—Singtel, M1, and StarHub—offer tourist SIM cards with various pricing and data packages to suit different travel needs. Let’s explore their offerings.
Pocket WiFi in Singapore
For those needing to stay online across multiple devices—smartphones, tablets, and laptops—Pocket WiFi is a practical solution while traveling in Singapore.
Several providers offer Pocket WiFi rentals, including Solis Pocket WiFi, TravelWiFi, and Changi Recommends. While each service has its advantages, cost is the biggest drawback across all options.
Here’s a look at the pricing for some of the top choices:
- Changi Recommends: $10 SGD (~$7.29 USD) for unlimited data.
- TravelWiFi: Prices range from $1.80 to $5.20 USD per day, depending on the data plan (1 GB to 5 GB).
- Solis Pocket WiFi: Options start at $8 USD/day for unlimited data or $99/month for 20 GB.
Another factor to consider is delivery fees, which vary by location and can add up to $40 USD. The only provider that avoids this cost is Changi Recommends, as they offer airport pick-up instead of delivery.
Additionally, terms and conditions often include a damage or loss fee, which can be as high as $200 USD—making Pocket WiFi an expensive option compared to alternatives.
Free WiFi in Singapore
Another way to stay connected in Singapore is by using free public WiFi during your visit.
With over 10,000 free hotspots available across the city, you’ll have no trouble finding a network to hop onto. But here’s the question: Are they secure? While some locations, like My Awesome Cafe or The Mind Cafe, offer relatively safer connections, places like Starbucks pose a higher security risk.
The same caution applies to WiFi at shopping malls and popular tourist attractions such as Singapore Sports Hub or Orchard Road. Since these hotspots serve a high volume of users, they can be unreliable and pose privacy risks for travelers.
Because public WiFi networks lack strong security measures, it’s best to use them only for quick tasks, like checking a map or replying to messages. Avoid logging into bank accounts or sensitive accounts while connected to a public hotspot to keep your personal data secure.
Which Internet Option is Best in Singapore?
After exploring the various connectivity choices for tourists in Singapore, eSIMs stand out as the top pick for 2025.
When it comes to convenience, affordability, and ease of use, eSIMs outperform other options, making them the most practical solution for staying connected in this tech-savvy city.
Still unsure? Take a look at the detailed comparison below, where we break down each option to help you decide.
If you're looking for a high-speed, reliable, and unlimited internet connection at half the cost of other alternatives, the ByteSIM eSIM for Singapore is a top choice. It also comes packed with premium features to ensure a seamless and worry-free travel experience.
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