M1 eSIM and SIM Card: Full Guides for Travelers to Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic tourist destination. It is one of the few city-states, which gives it a distinct flavor. The modernity of the city-state is well-known. Fantastic attractions, a tropical environment, and a convenient Southeast Asian location.

Singapore also has a broad visa-free policy, meaning that most of the globe may travel without a visa for 30 or 90 days. Some nations need an E-Visa, but others, particularly in Northern Africa and the Middle East, require a standard visa. One of the travelers’ most common concerns is how to contact them.

I. About M1

You will undoubtedly want to share your experiences in Singapore with your friends and family through social media or private conversations. Singapore provides a free and open WIFI hotspot across the city center, and many malls also have free hotspots.

Regrettably, they might be sluggish and insecure. Another alternative is to roam with your carrier in Singapore, which might be costly in certain circumstances. As a result, purchasing a Singapore SIM card is the most cost-effective way to remain connected while in Singapore.

M1 is one of the greatest sim cards for travelers in Singapore. So, let’s find out whatever we can about this sim. M1 has fewer than 2 million users, making it Singapore’s smallest prepaid provider. Although they are the tiniest, they are not always the worst. They are just not as well-known as SingTel (over 4 million subscribers) and StarHub. (a bit more subscribers than M1). 

II. M1 Mobile Operator Services

In Singapore, M1 offers a variety of services to its consumers, including mobile phone and data services, fixed broadband internet, and digital services such as music streaming, video streaming, and mobile payments. Here are some of the main services provided:

• M1 provides mobile voice and data services on its 3G, and 4G/LTE networks. The firm provides a variety of plans and packages to meet the demands of various customers, including prepaid and postpaid choices.
• M1 also offers fixed broadband internet services to households and businesses in Singapore. To fulfill the demands of different consumers, the firm provides a variety of plans with varying speeds and data limits.
• M1 provides its consumers with various digital services, including music streaming, video streaming, and mobile payments. The organization has formed alliances with renowned content producers to supply its consumers with a diverse choice of digital material.

• M1 provides its clients with international roaming services, enabling them to use their mobile phones when traveling overseas. The firm has formed alliances with several overseas providers to guarantee smooth customer connection.
• M1 places a significant emphasis on customer service and provides a variety of channels via which consumers may get assistance and support. A professional customer care staff is available via phone, email, or live chat.

In addition to these services, M1 has established several projects in Singapore to promote social development and environmental sustainability. The corporation has collaborated with local groups and government agencies to establish projects in local communities that promote education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

III. M1 Coverage in Singapore

With a user base of over 2 million, M1 has also substantially invested in extending its network infrastructure to offer clients high-quality, dependable mobile services. 

As a result, M1’s network coverage is retailed via its wide network of shops and service centers across Singapore. The firm has many retail locations and service centers, allowing clients to access its services and support anywhere in the nation.

Overall, M1 network coverage in Singapore is extensive and dependable, delivering high-quality mobile services to clients anywhere in the nation.

IV. Top M1 eSIM and SIM Cards for Tourists 

M1 provides a variety of appealing SIM plans aimed at travelers. You can pick the best data plan for your travels by considering your data use and the cost of the SIM:   

$12 Tourist SIM/eSIM 

• Validity: 15 days
• Local data: 100GB
• Roaming data: No
• Domestic calls: 500 minutes
• Domestic SMS: 100 messages
• International calls: 20 minutes
• eSIM: Available 

$14 Tourist SIM/eSIM 

• Validity: 120 days
• Local data: 100GB
• Roaming data: 100GB (30 days)
• Domestic calls: 1000 minutes
• Domestic SMS: 500 messages
• International calls: 20 minutes
• eSIM: Available 

$30 Tourist SIM/eSIM 

• Validity: 30 days
• Local data: 150GB
• Roaming data: 3GB
• Domestic calls: 3000 minutes
• Domestic SMS: 1000 messages
• International calls: 50 minutes
• eSIM: Available 

$60 Tourist SIM/eSIM  

• Validity: 12 weeks
• Local data: 168GB
• Roaming data: 2GB/day
• Domestic calls: 5000 minutes/month
• Domestic SMS: 1000 messages/month
• International calls: 50 minutes
• eSIM: Available 

Besides purchasing tourist eSIM directly from M1, M1 also retails eSIM plans via several Singapore eSIM providers. SingeSIM is one of the providers offering Tourist Singapore eSIM. You can refer to some eSIM plans from SingeSIM as below:

M1 eSIM and SIM cards comparison:

Tourist SIM/eSIM	$12	$14	$30	$60
Validity	15 days	120 days	30 days	12 weeks
Local Data	100GB	100GB	150GB	168GB
Roaming Data	No	100GB (30 days)	3GB	2GB/day
Domestic Calls	500 mins	1000 mins	3000 mins	5000 mins/month
Domestic SMS	100	500	1000	1000/month
International Calls	20 mins	20 mins	50 mins	50 mins
eSIM Availability	Available	Available	Available	Available

Tips: Tourist plan $12 and $30 are the most suitable eSIM plan for tourists with traveling plan to Singapore.

V. Calls and SMS Rate of M1 in Singapore

Local Calls / Video Calls:

• 8¢/min (All day on weekends & weekdays, 8 pm-7:59 am)
• 16¢/min (Weekdays 8 am to 7:59 pm)

Local SMS:

• 5¢
• Free 10 local SMS with 5 local SMS sent

International Calls:

• FREE IDD 021 calls to 19 destinations.

International SMS:

• 5¢/SMS to XL Axiata
• 15¢/SMS to other destinations

VI. M1 Roaming Rate

Prepaid clients of M1 who purchase a data plan are entitled to free roaming in five countries. (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, and Taiwan). You’ll enjoy the same features if you choose the 30 SGD or 50 SGD M1 Tourist SIM.

You may also choose from two M1 prepaid roaming packs, both of which are reasonably priced.

In these 12 countries, you can get 2 GB of roaming data and 10 minutes of calling time for 15 SGD for 10 days.

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• United Kingdom
• United States

The 28 SGD 10-day roaming bundle includes 10 minutes and 2 GB of data. In addition to the 15 SGD nations, the pack is valid in the following locations:

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Macau
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• The Philippines 
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Tips: You can choose the specific eSIM and SIM card plans for each country you arrive in to avoid expensive roaming fees. For example, if you’re planning to go to Malaysia, try to find a Malaysia eSIM provider to prepare your local plans in Malaysia.

VII. How to Top up Your M1 SIM

AXS, DSB/POSB, Liquid Pay App, NETS Terminals, and SingPost all provide self-service terminals where you may add funds to your M1 SIM card. You may also top up your SIM card at a store. M1 top-ups come in four flavors: all-inclusive (M1 all-in-1 top-up), data and voice, IDD (international calls), and main balance.

There are four M1 all-in-one top-up options available:

OPTION	Daily Data	Max Data	Minutes	Unlimited Incoming Calls	SMS	Validity
11 SGD	1 GB/day	7 GB	100 minutes	Yes	100 SMS	7 days
16 SGD	1 GB/day	14 GB	500 minutes	Yes	500 SMS	14 days
24 SGD	1 GB/day	30 GB	5000 minutes	Yes	5000 SMS	30 days
58 SGD	1 GB/day	90 GB	5000 minutes	Yes	5000 SMS	90 days

If you’re only planning a call abroad, that is. Then, add one of the following recharges to your IDD and/or voice service:

OPTION	Local Minutes & SMS	International Calls & SMS	Unlimited Incoming Calls	Validity
55 SGD	40 SGD	15 SGD credit	10 days	50 days
130 SGD	100 SGD	30 SGD credit	No	50 days

VIII. How to Check M1 Balance – All M1 USSD Codes that You Need to Know

M1 offers M1 Prepaid App or M1 Prepaid Portal for customers to check their credit or data balance. Besides, there’re many USSD codes of M1 that you should know when using M1 eSIMs and SIM cards. 

M1 USSD Code

IX. Where to Buy M1 eSIM and SIM Card?

An M1 Tourist SIM may be purchased at the following locations:

• M1 stores (12 SGD & 30 SGD)
• Authorized M1 Distributors (12 SGD & 30 SGD)
• Meet and Greet at Changi Airport (30 SGD & 50 SDG)
• Changi suggests (Terminals 1, 2 & 4 – all variants)
• Choose 7-11 and Cheers (12 SGD & 30 SGD)

Please keep in mind that if you want the 12 SGD version and intend on purchasing it at the airport, you must clearly state that you want the tourist SIM card with a validity of 7 days. Otherwise, the salesperson will push the 30 SGD variation instead.

You should also be informed that you must carry your passport to purchase a SIM card in the city. In Singapore, you must provide your passport and register it with the service provider. Other types of identification, such as a Work Holiday Pass or a (Singaporean) Student’s Pass, are also acceptable.

For eSIM, besides buying from M1 mobile operator, you can purchase one from various Singapore eSIM providers. SingeSIM.com is one of the leading providers offering several eSIM plans for tourists coming to Singapore.

You can refer to Singapore eSIM 7 days plan from SingeSIM as below:

Tips: For tourists, eSIM is recommended over normal SIM cards. With eSIM, you can install it before departure, and the data plan can be automatically activated right after landing in the destination.

X. M1 Mobile Operator Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of using M1 as your mobile operator in Singapore for you to consider:

1. Pros

• Broad coverage: M1 has a robust network around Singapore, including outlying locations. This indicates that you should enjoy strong signal strength and connection throughout most of the nation.
• The wide selection of packages: M1 provides a range of packages, including prepaid and postpaid plans, tourist packages, and data packages, to fulfill the demands of various clients.
• Value: M1 products are often reasonably priced and provide excellent value. Additionally, the business offers discounts and promotions that help you save money.
• Excellent customer service: M1 is renowned for providing help in various languages, including English. The business offers a variety of customer support methods, such as phone, email, and live chat.

2. Cons

• Limited time: Because the SIM card expires in 14 days, they are not appealing to travelers who want to stay in Singapore for an extended period or who wish to maintain an active Singaporean number. 
• Limited worldwide coverage: Although M1 provides roaming services internationally, its availability in certain nations may be restricted, which might be annoying for those who often go abroad.
• Limited English language assistance: While M1 provides customer service in English, certain physical stores, especially outside popular tourist destinations, may need extra English language help.

XI. M1 vs Other Singapore Mobile Operators

According to OpenSignal data from May 2022, M1 ranks #1 among all Mobile Networks in Singapore in 4G coverage experience. Furthermore, it placed second in the Core consistent quality category and third in various other areas such as video experience, games experience, voice app experience, download speed experience, and upload speed experience,…

Compared to other Singapore mobile operators, M1 is the network carrier that can offer stable connection and can bring the tourist a streamlining experience for tourists.

XII. M1 SIM Card Alternatives for Tourists

Other SIM card choices are available for travelers visiting Singapore besides M1 SIM cards. Here are some common alternatives:

• Wi-Fi access points: Tourists may access the internet without obtaining a SIM card using Wi-Fi hotspots. In Singapore, many cafés, restaurants, and public locations have free Wi-Fi, and paid Wi-Fi services are available.
• Singtel: Singtel is one of Singapore’s biggest and oldest network providers. It is not to be overlooked if you seek a sim line with robust and consistent Internet connection speed. Singtel assists you in maintaining a reliable connection while in Singapore, assuring the quality of international calls.
• Starhub: Following Singtel, Starhub is Singapore’s biggest telecommunications firm. With significant infrastructure investment, the Starhub network operator always offers a steady, high-speed connection. Starhub has a lower pricing than Singtel, about equivalent to the M1 sim lines, with a selling price of around 12 SGD. However, as compared to M1 or Singtel, Starhub lacks stability.
• TPG (SIMBA): Simba TPG is one of Singapore’s most popular tourist sim lines today. Travelers who use the Simba TPG sim card may effortlessly access high-speed Internet without incurring extra costly roaming costs.
• eSIM: eSIM is one of the most reasonable alternatives to M1 SIM card. You can head to SingeSIM.com to pick your trip’s most suitable eSIM plans. 

Note: If you choose eSIM as M1 SIM card alternative, you need to check whether your device is eSIM compatible. Check out the full eSIM-compatible device list.

XIII. Final Words

Finally, M1 is one of Singapore’s biggest and most dependable mobile network carriers, providing a variety of services to both individual and business users. M1 has been a popular alternative for mobile phone consumers in Singapore because of its robust countrywide network coverage, cheap price, and numerous packages. 

The company’s dedication to growing its network infrastructure and offering exceptional customer service has helped it retain its market leadership position. Despite certain limits, M1 remains a top choice for individuals searching for a dependable and competitive mobile network provider in Singapore, notably in foreign roaming choices and device selection.

XIV. FAQs