eSIM in Singapore: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Singapore, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 28 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Singapore: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Singapore?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	Unlimited	7 days	$9.03	—	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
Holafly ★ 4.6 · Review	Unlimited	5 days	$19.05	—	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	Unlimited	7 days	$10.03	—	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Singapore

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$4.01	$4.01
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$7.02	$7.02
Saily	Unlimited	7 days	$9.03	—
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$9.03	$3.01

Guide expert

Finding the best Singapore eSIM plan is not just about choosing the largest data allowance at the lowest price. You should also check the network used, the plan’s actual start date, your phone’s compatibility and useful options such as tethering. This guide helps you buy, install and use an eSIM suited to your trip, from landing at Changi to a possible onward journey to Malaysia or Indonesia.

How does an eSIM work in Singapore, and is my phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card already built into your smartphone, allowing you to download a mobile profile without inserting a physical card. For Singapore, you generally buy a data plan online, receive a QR code or installation link, then add the profile in your phone’s settings. Once you arrive, your device connects to a local partner network and uses the data allowance you purchased. You can therefore order and install your eSIM before departure, comfortably using your home Wi-Fi, without having to look for a SIM shop at the airport.

The main difference from a physical SIM is convenience: no tray to open, no tiny card to lose and no risk of leaving your French SIM at a shop counter. An eSIM contains a downloadable operator profile; your phone can store several, even though the number it can use simultaneously is limited depending on the model. For travellers, the main advantage is Dual SIM mode: your usual SIM stays in place for calls or banking codes, while the Singapore eSIM becomes the line dedicated to mobile data.

Please note: a travel eSIM is most often a data-only plan, meaning it has no local number for making calls or sending standard SMS messages. This does not affect WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Signal, Google Maps, Grab or online bookings: all these apps use the Internet. However, you should distinguish between profile installation and network activation. Some plans start their validity as soon as they are installed, while others only begin when you first connect in Singapore: check this rule before scanning the code.

The iPhone XS, XR and later models generally support eSIM; on recent generations, you can often keep a physical SIM and add an eSIM.
At Samsung, compatibility includes many Galaxy S20 and later models, Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip and some recent Galaxy A models; it nevertheless varies according to the country of sale.
The Google Pixel 4 and later models are usually compatible, as are several recent Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei and Honor models sold in certain markets.
Your phone must be unlocked: a device still locked to an operator may reject a travel eSIM, even if the eSIM menu is available.
On iPhone, look for “Add eSIM” under Settings > Cellular; on Android, look for “SIM”, “SIM Manager” or “Download an eSIM” in the network settings.
Dial **\*#06#** and check whether an EID appears: this identifier is a good indication of eSIM compatibility, although confirmation from the manufacturer is preferable.

Which eSIM offers the best 4G and 5G coverage in Singapore?

In Singapore, the best eSIM is above all one that relies on a strong local network, since coverage is generally excellent across the entire island. The main operators are Singtel, StarHub, M1 and SIMBA. International eSIM providers do not own their own antennas: they negotiate access to one or more of these networks. Before paying, look for the partner network listed in the plan details rather than relying solely on the eSIM brand name.

Singtel has a strong reputation for coverage and availability, particularly for travellers who want a reliable connection inside buildings, MRT stations or more outlying areas. StarHub and M1 also provide a very comfortable experience in popular districts such as Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Bugis, Little India, Sentosa and Jewel Changi. SIMBA may be relevant for certain offers, but an eSIM that allows access to several networks or has a clearly identified partner reduces uncertainty.

4G is more than sufficient for navigation, payments, Grab, video calls and light remote work. 5G can provide very fast downloads in covered areas, but it should not be your only criterion: your phone, eSIM profile and provider’s rules must all support 5G. A plan advertised as “5G” may also switch to 4G depending on the district, the inside of a building or network congestion, without this indicating a fault.

Singapore’s geography is distinctive: it is not a vast country with long stretches of no coverage. You will usually have a signal even in shopping malls, food courts, hotels and the MRT. Exceptions mainly include certain basements, tunnels, car parks, port areas, nature reserves and outlying islands. On Pulau Ubin, in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or near the industrial areas of Tuas, the signal may be less consistent than in the city centre.

City centre, Marina Bay, Orchard, Changi and residential districtsGenerally very smooth 4G/5G coverage, including most tourist attractions and shops.

MRT, Sentosa, Jurong East, Woodlands and major urban roadsVery good coverage overall; occasional variations are still possible in tunnels or underground.

Nature reserves, Pulau Ubin, port areas and industrial zonesA connection is usually available, but speed or signal may be less consistent depending on the partner operator.

Deep basements, car parks and some very dense buildingsThe signal may temporarily weaken; the venue’s Wi-Fi or moving a few metres often solves the problem.

Choose a plan that explicitly states its local partner, ideally Singtel, StarHub or M1.
Check whether 5G is included or whether the plan is limited to 4G; 4G nevertheless remains highly effective for a tourist trip.
If you plan to work from a hotel, test the connection as soon as you arrive and keep Wi-Fi as a backup for large files.
On the MRT or in a shopping mall, switch airplane mode on and off for a few seconds if your phone is slow to switch antennas.
Avoid judging a network based on a single speed test: stability, the partner network and the ability to share your connection matter more.

Should you choose a Singapore eSIM or a regional Asia plan?

For a trip limited to Singapore, a local Singapore eSIM is often the simplest and most economical choice per gigabyte. It is designed for a single destination and normally relies on a clearly identified local partner. This is the logical option for three days of sightseeing, a week-long holiday, an extended stopover or a business trip without leaving the country.

A regional Asia eSIM becomes more attractive if your itinerary includes several countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Japan or South Korea, depending on the provider’s coverage. It means you do not have to install a new profile at every border. This is particularly convenient for a Singapore–Johor Bahru–Kuala Lumpur journey, an extension to Bali or a cruise with multiple land-based stops in the region.

Never assume that an “Asia” plan covers every Asian country or that its data allowance works identically everywhere. Some products exclude Brunei, Laos, Myanmar or certain South Asian destinations; others use different partners or do not offer 5G outside Singapore. Compare the exact country list, advertised networks and validity period. If you spend ten days in Singapore and only one day in Malaysia, a small local eSIM topped up occasionally may sometimes be more sensible than a large regional plan.

Choose a country-specific eSIM if you are staying exclusively in Singapore and want the best data-to-price ratio.
Choose a multi-country plan to cross several borders without replacing your eSIM profile.
Check coverage in Malaysia, especially if you are crossing into Johor Bahru: Singapore-only plans stop working as soon as you cross the border.
If you take a ferry to Batam or Bintan, check roaming before boarding: the Singapore network disappears quickly and the boat’s Wi-Fi is not always reliable.

What do traveller reviews reveal about eSIMs in Singapore?

Reviews of eSIMs in Singapore are generally very positive regarding connection speed and ease of use. Travellers particularly appreciate being online as soon as they leave the plane, without queuing for a prepaid card or showing documents in a shop. In a city where Grab, interactive maps, bookings, payments and MRT schedules are everywhere, this immediate availability makes a real difference.

Complaints rarely concern Singapore’s overall coverage; they are more often related to configuration or poorly visible plan conditions. Some people install the profile but forget to enable data roaming on that line, while others leave their French SIM selected for data and receive a roaming bill. So-called unlimited plans also cause disappointment when a fair-use policy reduces speeds after a certain daily allowance.

Support is another decisive factor. A budget brand may work perfectly when everything goes smoothly, but slow assistance becomes frustrating if a QR code has already been used, an APN is missing or the phone is incompatible. To choose the best Singapore eSIM plan, read the conditions regarding tethering, top-ups, support response times and the partner network: these details often matter more than a small price difference.

Frequent positive: fast connection at Changi after proper preparation and installation.
Frequent positive: excellent experience for Maps, Grab, messaging and bookings in tourist districts.
Watch out: “unlimited” may include a speed reduction or hotspot restrictions.
Watch out: check the refund rules, as an installed eSIM profile is often difficult to refund.

How do you buy, install and activate your eSIM for Singapore?

The process is quick, but it is best to install the eSIM before your flight and activate data at the right time. Keep the QR code, support address and any APN settings somewhere accessible offline.

1
Check compatibility
Check that your smartphone supports an eSIM and is unlocked, then install any available system updates. Also make sure you have a Wi-Fi connection and, ideally, enough battery: interrupting an installation because of a poor connection can make profile recovery more difficult.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Buy your plan after first checking the data allowance, validity, partner network, 5G compatibility, hotspot support and when the validity period begins. You will generally receive a QR code, a manual activation code or a link. Take a screenshot and save the email offline: do not rely on a mobile connection at landing to retrieve this information.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then choose “Use QR Code” or enter the information manually. On Android, the path depends on the brand: the most common route is Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM on Samsung, or Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM on Pixel. Give the line a clear label, such as “Singapore eSIM”, so you do not confuse it with your French line.
4
Activate it on arrival and configure the APN
On arrival, activate the eSIM line, select it for mobile data and enable data roaming only on this eSIM if the provider requires it. Disable data and roaming on your French line to avoid extra charges. The APN is often automatic; if it is not, copy the one supplied by your seller exactly into the network settings, without adding spaces or changing capital letters.
5
Troubleshoot if Internet does not start
If the network icon appears but the Internet does not work, turn airplane mode on for about thirty seconds, then restart the phone. Next, check three things: the eSIM is activated, it is selected for data and roaming is enabled on that line. If the issue continues, select the network automatically, check the APN and contact support with a screenshot of the settings instead of immediately deleting the eSIM.

Can I keep my number, make calls, use WhatsApp and share my connection in Singapore?

Yes, you can keep your French number while using a Singapore eSIM for Internet, provided your phone supports two active lines. Set your travel eSIM as the data line and keep your usual SIM for calls and SMS if necessary. The key point is to disable mobile data on the French SIM: receiving an SMS is generally different from using data, but making or receiving a call may incur charges depending on your operator.

Most travel eSIM cards are data-only: they provide neither a local Singapore number nor traditional cellular calls. This does not prevent normal communication. WhatsApp keeps your existing number without requiring you to change accounts; you can call, send messages and receive your WhatsApp codes as long as the app is already configured. FaceTime Audio, Telegram, Signal, Messenger, Teams and Skype also work over mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Tethering normally allows you to use your eSIM as a hotspot for a computer, tablet or travel companion’s phone. However, check the conditions: some unlimited plans limit, slow down or prohibit tethering. Even when allowed, a computer uses data quickly: cloud synchronisation, video conferencing or a system update can consume several gigabytes in a short time. Disable automatic backups and background downloads before sharing your connection.

If you use up your allowance, most providers offer a top-up through their app or website, provided you can access the Internet. Plan ahead: save the purchase link, use the hotel or café Wi-Fi and top up before your last megabyte. Avoid deleting the profile to buy another one: on many eSIMs, the QR code can only be scanned once. A new top-up is often added to the same profile, but stacking and expiry rules vary.

Set the eSIM as the default data line and disable “Allow Cellular Data Switching” if your iPhone offers this option.
Keep your French SIM active only if you are expecting banking SMS messages or important calls; disable its data.
WhatsApp continues to use your usual number: there is no need to create a new account.
Before using the hotspot, check whether your plan allows tethering and limit computer updates.
Track your usage both in the provider’s app and in your phone’s settings: the counters may not update at exactly the same time.

What guidelines should you follow to choose the best Singapore eSIM plan and avoid mistakes?

For a typical city break, allow around 1 to 3 GB for a few days if you mainly use maps and messaging, 5 to 10 GB for one to two weeks with social media, and more for remote work or video. The right plan is the one that matches your actual usage, not necessarily the one advertising the largest allowance.

Estimate your usage before departure. Check your phone’s statistics over a normal week: this provides a more realistic basis than plan marketing claims. For maps, Grab, bookings and messaging, a few gigabytes are often enough; Reels, TikTok, streaming and video calls use data very quickly.
Read the validity period carefully. A seven-day plan may start at installation, on the first network connection or at a specific time according to the provider’s time zone. Install early only if the conditions specify that validity begins on arrival or upon network activation.
Do not confuse local data with roaming. Many international eSIMs technically work by roaming on a Singaporean network; it is therefore normal for the “data roaming” setting to be enabled on the eSIM. Do not enable it on your French line.
Compare the price per gigabyte, but also the duration, top-ups, 5G, network and sharing policy. A very cheap small plan may ultimately cost more if it expires too quickly or requires several top-ups.
Be wary of the word unlimited unless you read the conditions. Some plans impose a daily high-speed data limit, reduce speeds after a threshold or restrict hotspot use. This matters little for checking Maps; for remote work or video streaming, it changes everything.
Download useful content before take-off. Offline maps of Singapore, tickets, hotel bookings, the address in English, the Grab app, an MRT route and passport copies will help even if activation takes a few minutes. This is also a good way to save data on your first day.
Label your lines clearly: “France calls” and “Singapore data” help prevent configuration mistakes. On dual-SIM phones, also check which line is assigned to calls, SMS and data before boarding the plane.
Protect your connection on public Wi-Fi. Singapore is a highly connected city, but free Wi-Fi in a café, shopping mall or airport is not necessarily private. Prefer your eSIM for sensitive transactions, enable two-factor authentication and use a reputable VPN if you need to access professional data.
Keep some data in reserve. Abroad, running out of data just before ordering a Grab, finding your hotel or showing a ticket is frustrating. A small reserve or an instant top-up option is often better than a plan calculated down to the last megabyte.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Changi Airport?

Yes, in most cases it works as soon as the phone picks up the local network, provided you have selected the eSIM for data and enabled its data roaming if necessary. Install the profile before your flight and keep Changi’s free Wi-Fi as a backup for completing any settings.

Can I use the same Singapore eSIM on two phones or a tablet?

No, an eSIM profile is normally linked to a single device, and the QR code can often only be used once. For multiple devices, buy one plan per device or use tethering if your offer allows it.

What happens if my phone is lost, damaged or replaced during the trip?

Transferring a travel eSIM to another device is rarely guaranteed. Contact the provider quickly with your order reference, but expect that a new eSIM may be required. Protect your phone with a passcode, biometrics and backups before departure.

Can I call Singapore emergency numbers with a data-only eSIM?

Do not rely on a data-only eSIM for emergencies. In Singapore, dial 999 for the police and 995 for an ambulance or the fire brigade from a line capable of making calls; also ask the nearest staff member for help. Keep your primary SIM active for emergency calls if your contract allows it.

Can I get a refund if my eSIM does not work?

This depends strictly on the provider and the profile’s status. An eSIM that has already been installed or used is often excluded from refunds because its code cannot be resold. Before buying, read the refund policy and keep screenshots, emails and technical details in case you need to contact support.