Singtel eSIM and SIM Cards: Full Guides for Travelers to Singapore

Singtel is a prominent telecommunications provider based in Singapore, offering extensive services ranging from advanced communication, 5G, and technology solutions to infotainment for individual and corporate clients. With its affordable mobile plans and superior quality entertainment, Singtel has become popular among locals and tourists visiting Singapore. 

Apart from being one of Singapore’s leading mobile network operators, Singtel has also established its presence in other countries, with Australia being one of its most notable overseas bases.

This article will guide you on Singtel eSIM and SIM cards, which can be beneficial during your trips. It also explores various corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the company and how they positively impact Singapore. Whether you are a Singtel client or just curious about Singapore’s telecommunications industry, this article will offer useful information about one of the top mobile service providers in the country. 

I. About Singtel

Singtel (Singapore Telecommunications Limited) is Singapore’s largest mobile network operator, serving over 4.5 million mobile customers locally and a combined 700 million through its regional subsidiaries. Founded in 1992, it offers mobile, broadband, digital, enterprise, and media services across Asia, Australia, and Africa. Singtel provides infrastructure solutions in 21 countries with over 430 direct points of presence in 370 cities.

II. Singtel Mobile Operator Services

Singtel offers a wide range of mobile communication services to its clients. Here are some of the main services provided by the company:

1. 5G services

Singtel’s 5G+ network, now covering 100% of Singapore’s populated areas including underground and high-rise buildings, delivers ultra-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and network slicing for mission-critical applications. All Singtel 5G plan subscribers were upgraded to 5G+ automatically on 7 February 2025.

2. Roaming services

Singtel ReadyRoam, DataRoam Saver, and DataRoam Unlimited plans range from SGD 5 to SGD 35/day, offering data bundles of up to 25 GB and voice/SMS allowances in over 150 destinations.

3. Mobile add-ons

Customize your plan with protection stacks, music & entertainment, productivity, and security bundles.

4. Mobile Priority plan

Enjoy priority access on Singtel’s 5G+ network, with dedicated support via hotline and live chat.

5. Singtel super stacker

Combine mobile, broadband, entertainment, and protection services into one shareable package.

6. Customer service

Contact Singtel via 6838 8000 (hotline), My Singtel app, or live chat for dedicated support.

III. Singtel Coverage in Singapore

Singtel achieved full standalone 5G coverage in September 2025, three years ahead of the regulator’s target, covering 1,300 outdoor sites and 400 buildings.

Singtel’s widespread and trustworthy network coverage has made it a sought-after option for customers throughout Singapore.

IV. Top Singtel eSIM and SIM Cards for Tourists

Singtel offers a wide range of prepaid SIM cards for your traveling needs in Singapore. Here are the most preferred ones you can pick from for your visits to this fantastic country!

All SIM card plans are also available in eSIM form. You can ask Singtel to generate eSIM when purchasing a tourist SIM plan. Don’t forget to check out eSIM compatible devices list before getting an eSIM for your trip.

Besides buying eSIM from Singtel, you can choose many other Singapore eSIM providers. SingeSIM.com is one of the leading eSIM providers offering Singapore eSIM plans for foreign tourists with local rates. With short trips to Singapore, you can refer to some Singapore eSIM plans:

Check out more eSIM plans at Singapore eSIM online store.

V. Calls and SMS Rate of Singtel in Singapore

Below is valuable information about call rates and SMS rates of Singtel:

Local call rates:

• First minute: 20¢  
• Subsequent minute (after the first minute): 18¢/ min 

Notes: The rate is rounded to the nearest cent; the same rate applies to incoming and outgoing calls. 

Local SMS rates: 5¢/ local SMS

The local rates are also applied to the eSIM plans, including phone numbers.

Overseas call rates (v019):

Australia (fixed), Canada, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Laos, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand (fixed), Russia, UK (fixed), USA, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, China/ Malaysia	– FREE v019 Calls (local call rates are applied) – To call overseas with v019, Dial 019 <Country Code><Area Code><Tel. No.>
Bangladesh	9¢/ min
India	7¢/ min
Indonesia	– To Telkomsel 22¢/ min – To other subscribers: 26¢/ min
Myanmar	– Main acc: 60¢/ min – Bonus acc: 80¢/ min
Philippines	To globe/ TM:  – 1st min: 34¢ – Subsequent min: 16¢/ min To other subscribers:  – 1st min: 34¢ – Subsequent min: 22¢/ min

Overseas call rates (001):

Malaysia (Fixed & Mobile Line)	1st min: 57.5¢ Subsequent min: 40.3¢/ min
Australia	$1.035/ min
Bangladesh	$2.30/ min
China	$1.84/ min
India	$1.84/ min
Indonesia	$1.84/ min
Myanmar	$2.30/ min
Philippines	$1.495/ min
Vietnam	$2.30/ min
UAE	$2.30/ min

Overseas SMS Rates:

5¢/ SMS	To Telkomsel & globe subscribers
15¢/ SMS	To all other operator subscribers

VI. Singtel Roaming Rate

Singtel roaming rates are determined by the country you travel to and your chosen plan. Several Singtel roaming plans, such as ReadyRoam, DataRoam Saver, and DataRoam Unlimited, offer varying amounts of data and durations. The prices range from SGD 5 to SGD 35 per day.

Singtel also provides pay-per-use roaming rates for those who do not have a roaming plan, and the rates for voice calls, SMS, and data usage differ depending on the country you are in. Visit the Singtel website or contact their customer service for the most recent and precise information on the roaming rates for the destination you are traveling to.

Here is a table of Singtel prepaid roaming rates in different countries. Please note that roaming country is where you are when making or receiving calls or sending SMS.

Roaming Country	Country Code	Call to Singapore/ Incoming Call ($/1-min block)	Call to others/ Call within destinations ($/1-min block)	Send SMS to Singapore or other destinations ($/ SMS)
Malaysia	60	1.05	2.00 (call to Other Destinations) 1.40 (call within Malaysia)	0.50
Brunei	673	5.40	7.50 (call to other destinations) 6.75 (call within Brunei)	0.75 (Send SMS to Singapore/Brunei) 1.50 (Send SMS to Other Destinations)
Australia	61	2.00	2.50	1.50
Hong Kong	852	2.00	2.50	1.50
Taiwan	886	2.00	2.50	1.50
Thailand	66	2.00	2.50	1.50
Austria	43	3.00	3.5	1.50
Belgium	32	3.00	3.50	1.50
China	86	3.00	3.50	1.50
France	33	3.00	3.50	1.50
Germany	49	3.00	3.50	1.50
Italy	39	3.00	3.50	1.50
Japan	81	3.00	3.50	1.50
Netherlands	31	3.00	3.50	1.50
New Zealand	64	3.00	3.50	1.50
Philippines	63	3.00	3.50	1.50
Switzerland	41	3.00	3.50	1.50
UK	44	3.00	3.50	1.50
USA	1	3.00	3.50	1.50
India	91	4.50	5.50	1.50
Indonesia	62	4.50	5.50	1.50
All other countries that have agreements with Singtel for roaming services	–	6.00	7.50	1.50

VII. How to Top up Your Singtel SIM

You have several options available to recharge your Singtel SIM card, including the following:

• My Singtel / hi!App / Dash app
• SAM kiosks, AXS stations, DBS/OCBC ATMs
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers, Caltex, Sheng Siong
• Online banking: DBS, OCBC, SingPost SAM
• Dial *100# or call 9676-7777

Customers can top up their prepaid hi! SIM card or buy data plans at:

• Singtel shops: Singtel shops, Singtel, exclusive retailers.
• Convenience stores and others: 7-Eleven, Cheers, Caltex, SingPost, Sheng Siong Supermarkets, Authorized prepaid retailers, Sentosa FUN shops, Travelex Currency Exchange Counter at Singapore Changi Airport, Changi Recommends at Singapore Changi Airport.
• Top up via Self-Serve Stations: Singtel Self-Serve Kiosks, AXS stations/ AXS e-Station/ AXS m-Station, DBS/ POSB/ OCBC ATMs, SAM Kiosks.
• Other methods: hi!App, Singtel Dash app, My Singtel App, SingPost SAM app, DBS Mobile Banking, OCBC Banking.

Notes: When purchasing a hi!SIM card, you need to bring one of these documents for registration of a prepaid SIM card: Singapore Pink NRIC, Singapore Blue NRIC, Passport, Work Permit Pass, Employment Pass, EntrePass, Training Employment Pass, Work Holiday Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Visit Pass, Student’s Pass.

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

Upon successfully registering the Singtel SIM Card, it will be activated automatically. The following are instructions on how to check your Singtel balance usage and other USSD codes while utilizing Singtel services:

Task	USSD Codes
Check your Singtel prepaid mobile number	– Call 1900 914 1488 (from Singtel Residential Line) – Dial *1355 via a Singtel Postpaid Line
Check your account balance or expiry	– hi! Account (Free Access in Singapore). – Call 9676-7777 (toll-free) and press 1. – Dial *100#
Hotline for hi! SIM Card users	– Call 1800-482-2800 (toll-free, 8.30 am to 8.30 pm)
Perform a 1st-time activation of SIM when roaming	Call *130#
Make a call to an overseas number	– To call using IDD001: Dial +<Country Code><Area Code><Tel. No.> – To call using v019: Dial 019<Country Code><Area Code><Tel. No.>
Send an SMS to my overseas friend	Enter +<Country Code><Area Code><Mobile Number> in the sender field when sending your message.
Activate 4g Singtel prepaid	Call 6220 1011
Check your Singtel prepaid validity	Call *139#.

IX. Where to Buy Singtel eSIM and SIM Card?

Singtel’s eSIM and SIM cards can be obtained through several channels, including visiting a Singtel shop, an authorized prepaid retailer, or a convenience store such as 7-Eleven, Cheers, or Caltex. Additionally, they can be purchased from SingPost, Sheng Siong Supermarkets, Travelex Currency Exchange Counter, Changi Recommends, and Self-Serve Stations. 

Clients also have the option to purchase Singtel’s eSIM and SIM cards using various digital methods like hi!App, My Singtel App, SingPost SAM app, Singtel Dash app, DBS SMS Banking, OCBC Banking, and DBS Mobile Banking. For delivery, customers can choose their preferred retailer to complete the purchase.

Mobile numbers will be assigned randomly at the point of collection or during the mailing process. Once payment has been successfully made, the order cannot be refunded or exchanged, so customers should make their purchase decisions carefully.

Self-registration is only possible for the Local Mail option, and it’s necessary to complete the SIM card registration within seven days; otherwise, it will be considered invalid.

In addition, several eSIM providers’re offering Singapore eSIM plans for tourists. You can refer to SingeSIM.com to buy a Singtel eSIM. They offer various data and validity options that will fit with your trip.

You can refer to some multi countries eSIM as below:

How to buy Singtel eSIM online:

• Go to singesim.com
• Consider your trip plan and select an eSIM plan
• Make an online order and purchase
• You will get the eSIM QR code and instructions in the email
• Scan the QR code and follow the instructions to install and activate the eSIM plan

X. Singtel Mobile Operator Pros and Cons

Known as Singapore’s largest mobile network operator, Singtel provides various services to individual and corporate clients. Below are several pros and cons of utilizing Singtel as your mobile operator in Singapore:

1. Pros

• Nationwide 5G+ coverage with 700 MHz deep-indoor reach.
• Innovative services: enterprise slicing, priority plans.
• Diverse tourist options: hi!Tourist eSIM/SIM plans.
• Reliable customer support & CSR initiatives.

2. Cons

• Premium pricing relative to competitors.
• Less variety in certain add-ons vs. MVNOs.
• Mixed user reports of speeds during peak hours.

Overall, Singtel’s reputation for reliability and customer service, as well as its diverse range of services, make it a strong choice for many customers in Singapore. However, the potential downsides, such as high prices and limited options for certain services, should also be considered when deciding whether Singtel is the right telecom provider for a particular individual or business.

XI. Singtel vs Other Singapore Mobile Operators

OpenSignal (June 2025) awards:

• Singtel wins 5G Coverage Experience (9.1/10) and 5G SA speed (400 Mbps on SA).
• M1 leads in raw download speed (362 Mbps) while StarHub excels in upload speed (32.2 Mbps).

Operator	5G Download Speed	Upload Speed	Coverage Experience
Singtel	393 Mbps	31.2 Mbps	9.1/10
M1	362 Mbps	30.8 Mbps	8.2/10
StarHub	355 Mbps	32.2 Mbps	8.1/10

XII. Singtel SIM Card Alternatives for Tourists

If you are looking for some other famous Singapore mobile operators, there are several options available:

StarHub: StarHub is another major telecommunications provider in Singapore and offers a variety of prepaid SIM card options for travelers. They have tourist SIM cards with local data, calls, SMS, and international calls and data roaming options.

M1: M1 is another telecom provider in Singapore that offers tourist SIM cards with data, calls, SMS services, and international calling and data roaming options.

Changi Recommends: Changi Recommends is a travel concierge service in Singapore’s Changi Airport that offers SIM cards for tourists. They have various options, including SIM cards with local data, international data roaming, and unlimited data plans.

SIM Card vending machines: Several vendors in various locations around Singapore sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists. These include EZ-Link, Hi! Tourist SIM, and 1-Card.

Note: When choosing a SIM card alternative, consider your specific needs and budget, and compare the options to find the best one.

Singtel SIM cards are a common choice for tourists who visit Singapore, but other alternatives are available, such as eSIMs. An eSIM, which stands for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card embedded within a mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet. Here are some advantages of using eSIMs as a wonderful alternative for tourists in Singapore:

• Convenience: Using eSIMs eliminates the need to physically insert a SIM card into your device or worry about misplacing it, as the eSIM can be remotely activated, resulting in a more convenient experience.
• Flexibility: eSIMs provide an advantage over traditional SIM cards in that they are not tied to a particular carrier or plan, which makes it easier to switch between carriers or plans. This flexibility is particularly useful for tourists needing to change their carrier or plan based on their needs or location.
• Coverage: By allowing access to multiple networks and carriers, eSIMs offer improved coverage and connectivity in regions where signals are weak.
• Eco-friendliness: eSIMs are a more eco-friendly option as they eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, a source of e-waste.

To buy Singtel Singapore eSIM, you can refer to SingeSIM.com. They offer various data plans that will easily fit with your trip plan.

Note: It is crucial to check with your device manufacturer or service provider to confirm whether your device supports eSIMs, as not all devices are compatible.

XIII. Final Words

In conclusion, Singtel is a leading telecommunications provider in Singapore, catering to the needs of individual and corporate customers with a wide range of services. The company has extensive nationwide and global network coverage and is committed to investing in network infrastructure, technology, and customer service. 

Singtel’s strong market position is largely due to its focus on innovation, diverse options for travelers, and corporate social responsibility. Despite some drawbacks, such as high prices and limited device selection, Singtel is still preferred by customers seeking a trustworthy and competitive mobile network operator in Singapore.

For more sSIM plans & guide to install, please visit singesim.com.

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