Owais Crawford
Singapore Changi International Airport offers tourists the convenience of purchasing a SIM card upon arrival. While the airport offers SIM cards from various providers, including Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore, it is recommended that travellers purchase an eSIM before arriving at the airport, as airport SIM cards tend to be more expensive. Additionally, travellers should be cautious of overpriced deals and ensure they are aware of the typical costs and inclusions of SIM card plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM card availability | SIM cards are available at Singapore Changi Airport |
| Ease of locating | SIM cards are easy to find at the airport. They are among the first shops you see when entering the arrival hall. |
| Recommended place to buy | It is recommended to buy an eSIM before arriving at the airport. eSIMs are cheaper and more convenient. |
| Mobile operators | Singapore has 3-4 mobile operators: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore. |
| SIM card prices | SIM cards at the airport are more expensive than in the city center. Prices range from 15 to 70 SGD, with tourist prices starting at $25 USD. |
| Payment methods | The shops accept international credit cards. |
| SIM card activation | SIM card activation is compulsory and will be done upon collection. |
| SIM card registration | SIM card registration is required, and each customer can register up to 3 Prepaid SIM cards. |
| Documentation | A physical passport or NRIC for Singapore citizens is required during redemption. |
| Validity | From July 15, 2024, SIM cards registered with a passport will be valid for 30 days. Re-registration is needed to retain the SIM card for more than 30 days. |
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What You'll Learn
SIM card prices at Singapore Airport
Singapore Changi Airport offers a range of SIM card options from various providers, including Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These providers offer both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, which can be purchased online or at the airport.
The cost of a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport varies depending on the provider, plan, data amount, calling length, and validity term. Typically, SIM cards at the airport cost between S$5 and S$70, with some cards costing more. For example, Singtel offers tourist SIM cards at the following rates:
- S$12 for 100GB of 4G data and 3GB of roaming data, valid for 14 days
- S$30 for 100GB of 5G data and 5GB of roaming data, valid for 28 days
- S$50 for 120GB of 5G data and 10GB of roaming data, valid for 28 days
It is worth noting that SIM cards purchased at the airport may be more expensive than those bought outside the airport or online. Additionally, the Changi Recommends booths have been reported to overcharge by up to S$35, so it is recommended to explore other options before purchasing from these booths.
To save money, some travellers suggest buying a SIM card from a local convenience store like 7-Eleven, or even purchasing an eSIM online before arriving in Singapore. eSIMs can be instantly activated by scanning a QR code, and they offer competitive prices and flexible plan options from multiple providers.
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Where to buy a SIM card at Singapore Airport
Singapore Changi International Airport offers a variety of services to travellers, including the option to purchase a SIM card. This can be particularly useful if you want to remain in contact during your visit to Singapore or need to download the TraceTogether app.
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a SIM card at Changi Airport. Firstly, you will need to present a valid form of identification, such as your passport, for registration and activation of your SIM card. Secondly, while credit and debit card payments, including international ones, are accepted, transactions in cash are limited to Singapore dollars only. Therefore, it is advisable to have some Singapore dollars on hand.
At Changi Airport, you can find SIM cards from the three leading providers in Singapore: Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These providers offer a range of tourist SIM cards with varying data requirements and stay durations. The cost of a Singapore SIM card typically ranges from 15 to 70 SGD, depending on the chosen mobile network operator and plan.
Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage, you can find SIM card businesses and vehicle rentals on either side as you exit through the glass sliding doors. Additionally, you can purchase a SIM card from the Changi Recommends counter in the arrivals area, before proceeding to the escalators leading to immigration. While Changi Recommends booths offer convenience, they may overcharge by up to 35 SGD.
For added convenience and flexibility, you may also consider purchasing an eSIM before your arrival, which can be easily activated on your mobile device without the need for a physical SIM card.
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Tourist SIM card allowances
Tourist SIM cards with sizable allowances are available at Singapore Changi Airport at affordable prices. Singapore has three mobile network companies that provide prepaid services to travellers: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore. In the secure/transit area and the arrivals hall, many kiosks and businesses at Singapore Changi Airport offer Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore tourist SIM cards.
The cost of a Singapore SIM card at Changi International Airport varies depending on your chosen mobile network operator and plan. SIM cards typically cost between 15 and 70 SGD and contain some initial credit. The package’s data amount, calling length, and validity term may also affect the cost.
For instance, Singtel's hi!Tourist SIM offers a physical SIM card or an eSIM option. The eSIM can be installed on compatible phones/devices without the need for a physical SIM card. The hi!Tourist eSIM can be purchased using Visa or Mastercard credit/debit cards. The hi!Tourist SIM includes DataRoam, which is activated immediately upon registration and is valid until the expiry date.
StarHub also offers a Tourist SIM card with local and roaming data, calls from a local mobile number, and more from $12. The Tourist eSIM can be purchased on the StarHub app before your trip, providing convenience and skipping the queue at the airport.
M1's Tourist SIM card offers a large amount of local data, international call minutes, and local talk time and SMS. The M1 Tourist SIM can be purchased at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 & 4 Arrival Halls, Changi Recommends at Terminal 4 Arrival Hall, any M1 Shop, or selected retailers like 7-Eleven and Cheers convenience stores.
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eSIMs vs physical SIM cards
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport. Many stores at the airport offer SIM cards, and they are easy to locate. They are the first shops you will see when you enter the arrival hall. However, it is advised to obtain a Singapore eSIM before arriving at the airport, as tourist SIM cards at the airport are overpriced.
An eSIM is a digital or virtual version of a physical SIM card. It is embedded into the phone, so you cannot remove it. When you want to switch carriers, you simply activate your phone through the carrier of your choice, and it will update your eSIM. eSIMs are reprogrammable chips embedded into the device's motherboard, so no physical swapping is required when changing carriers or plans.
One of the main advantages of eSIMs is that they make it easier to switch networks. Most carriers have an app that will quickly install network information onto an eSIM, and you don't have to go into a physical store to make the switch. They are also more secure, as they are embedded in the phone and cannot be removed. This gives you more time to track down your device if it is stolen.
Another benefit of eSIMs is that they are better for the environment. There is no plastic card or shipping material, so there is less waste. They are also useful when travelling, as you can quickly set up an eSIM line without having to find a physical SIM card. Many phones allow you to use an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time, giving you two numbers on one device.
However, not all networks support eSIMs, especially smaller MVNOs, and switching phones is not as easy as it is with physical SIM cards. You have to install an app or enter eSIM instructions directly and deactivate the existing device. Physical SIM cards are also more convenient if you want to switch phones quickly, as you can simply pop out the SIM card and put it into a new device.
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SIM card registration
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Singapore Changi Airport. Many kiosks and shops at the airport offer prepaid tourist SIM cards from Singapore's three mobile network providers: Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore.
Singapore has tightened its SIM card registration process to prevent fraud and misuse. The impetus to regulate the use of prepaid SIM cards came after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in the United States, as there were global concerns that terrorists were using them to communicate anonymously.
In 2005, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Infocomm Development Authority introduced regulations that limited each user to a maximum of 10 prepaid SIM cards. Then, in November 2021, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) further tightened the process by requiring telcos and their retailers to scan and upload an image of customers' IDs instead of manually entering customer information. This prevents the fraudulent registration of SIM cards using the particulars of unsuspecting customers or foreigners.
Telcos are required to inspect their retailers, know who they are and who they sell to, and ensure they keep within the SIM card limit. Each registration is tied to one SIM card.
As a tourist, you can self-register a prepaid SIM card on the hi!App using your passport, either within or outside of Singapore. However, this will only grant you access to the data-only features on the SIM card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Singapore Changi Airport has multiple booths and stores that sell tourist SIM cards from Singtel, StarHub, and M1 Singapore in the secure/transit area and the arrivals hall.
The SIM card shops are the first stores you see when walking into the arrival hall. After you pick up your luggage, walk through the glass sliding doors and you will see the shops on your left or right, depending on which exit you choose.
You can buy either a physical prepaid SIM card or an eSIM, which is a digital SIM card that can be activated on your mobile device without inserting a physical card. eSIMs can be purchased online before arriving at the airport.
SIM cards at the airport are more expensive than in the city centre, with prices ranging from $15 to $70 SGD, depending on the mobile operator and plan.
Some travellers have reported issues with being overcharged by certain booths, such as Changi Recommends, which sells SIM cards for up to 35 SGD more than other providers. It is recommended to purchase an eSIM before arriving at the airport to avoid this issue.
