Are you planning to visit Singapore? It is essential to explore the mobile internet situation in this country to look up attractions and stay in touch. That makes a big difference for hassle-free travel. You’ll learn about the benefits of local SIM cards and eSIMs in this tutorial, along with how to stay connected during your time in Singapore.
I. Mobile Internet Coverage and Speed in Singapore
Singapore’s major mobile operators have made significant investments to provide residents and visitors with fast and reliable mobile internet, consider these considerations below to understand Singapore’s mobile internet coverage and speed.
1. Singapore Mobile Internet Coverage
Based on the latest report available (May 2024) on Opensignal. There is information for Singapore Internet Coverage:
- Singtel continues to win the 5G Coverage Experience award outright, scoring 8.7/10 points and leading M1 and StarHub by around one point.
- In terms of overall network availability, which measures the percentage of time users have a mobile connection, Singtel and StarHub are the leaders in this part with 99.4 and 99.5%, respectively.
In summary, mobile internet overage in Singapore is extensive with all operators scoring above 99% for Availability, reflecting ubiquitous connectivity across the country. Singtel leads in delivering 5G coverage to users based on the 5G Coverage Experience metric, providing coverage where customers expect it.
2. Singapore Mobile Internet Speed
Here is an examination of Singapore’s mobile internet performance data (according to the Speedtest Global Index) that provides insights into the country’s rankings globally and in the region, as well as speed variations across different cities within Singapore.
National Ranking
- By May 2024, Singapore ranks 12th in the world for mobile speed, with median download speeds of 196.35Mbps and upload speeds of 23.61Mbps.
- This is a drop of 2 spots from its ranking in the previous report. However, its median mobile download speeds increased over the period.
- Compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore has significantly faster median mobile speeds. The next highest-ranked countries in the region are Thailand (28th), Malaysia (38th), and Vietnam (47th).
City Ranking
- The city of Woodlands saw the highest median mobile download speed at 198.46Mbps, while Bukit Timah recorded the lowest at 191.36Mbps. However, all cities averaged speeds well above Singapore’s national median.
- Singapore continues to have a highly advanced 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure that supports its position as a regional leader in mobile internet speeds. This supports use cases such as video and gaming that demand high-speed connectivity.
II. Mobile Internet in Singapore: Connectivity options for tourists
Staying connected in Singapore is easy, consider our top recommendations below:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free Wi-Fi | Widely available in tourist areas, airportsFree cost | Limited speed and reliability.May require frequent logins.Not secure for sensitive transactions. | Free |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Convenient to share the internet with multiple devices.Fast and reliable connection. | Requires daily rental fee.May need to pick up and return the device. Battery life can be limited. | $5-10 per day |
| eSIM | Convenient – purchase and activate before arrival. Multiple data plans are available need to swap SIM cards! | Limited availability compared to physical SIM cards. Not all phones support eSIM technology yet. | $1.5-4.9/day |
| SIM Card | An affordable option for longer stays.Widely available at airports and convenience stores.Multiple data plans to choose from. | Requires phone unlock and potential SIM tray swap.May require real-name registration. | $12-32 per plan |
| Roaming | No need to purchase a new SIM or eSIM.Works with your existing phone number. | Potentially high data charges depending on the planLimited data allowances are common. | Highly Variable |
In summary, buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM is the best option to stay connected in Singapore. Both of the two options offer a good balance of affordability (compared to pocket wifi and roaming) and convenience (wide availability, multiple data plans) while still providing a fast and reliable connection.
Buying a local SIM card still is a popular choice with Singapore tourists, but for a fast and convenience, visitors should consider getting an eSIM.
Heading to Singapore but worried about mobile costs? Our data roaming guide reveals how to access the internet without painful overage charges. Read our guide Data Roaming in Singapore: #1 Helpful Guide for Travelers to get more insights
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Singapore
On the planning brief for your Singapore trip, it is essential to know how much data is enough for their travel, here is a breakdown to help you plan:
- Short trip (under 7 days): 5GB of data is enough for basic daily tasks such as mapping, translating, or light browsing. To avoid inconvenience and be ready for any activities in Singapore, consider using the Singapore eSIM 7 Days Plan from singesim.com which offers 5GB for just $5.5.
- Long trips (under 7 days): If you plan on traveling on long days, it is advisable to subscribe for a larger bundle. Budget 5-10GB to comfortably use your phone without worrying about going over the limit. To save time and easy activation, use the Singapore eSIM for 15 days from singesim.com starting from $11.5
This way, the usage of data and other services is well-balanced, so that the traveler can communicate as much as needed throughout the journey across Singapore without worrying about the cost. Consider using eSIM plans from singesim.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals.
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plans that may interest you
IV. Best Singapore mobile operators
When visiting Singapore, you can consider using the service from one of these major mobile operators below: Singtel, StarHub, and M1.
| Network | Singtel | M1 | StarHub |
| Coverage | Singtel operates Singapore’s largest mobile network, providing coverage to virtually all populated areas across the country. | M1 scored 7.7 out of 10 for 5G coverage experience. This metric measures how often users observe an active 5G connection in populated areas. | StarHub shares second place in the 5G coverage experience metric, both scoring 7.7 out of 10 points. |
| Speedtest median download speed (Mobile) | 76.9 Mbps | 76.86 Mbps | 73.81Mbps |
| eSIM Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price ranges | $12-50 for the prepaid plans | $12-30 for the tourist plan | $12-32 for the tourist plan |
In summary, all major operators – Singtel, StarHub, and M1 – provide extensive nationwide 4G coverage both indoor and outdoor. This allows basic mobile connectivity almost anywhere in Singapore. For the best 5G experience, Singtel is a great choice, M1 offers budget-friendly plans and innovative services.
Consider your priorities to find the perfect mobile operator for your adventure in Singapore!
V. FAQs
What is the best way to stay connected in Singapore?
How much data is enough for my Singapore trip?
Which network providers are available?
Can I buy eSIM or SIM cards online?
VI. Conclusions
In summary, Singapore presents visitors with several options to stay connected which helps visitors enhance their Singapore experience. Compare to these options: free WiFi, roaming, buy a local SIM card, get an eSIM, and find out which options are the best for your traveling goals.
Consider buying an eSIM or local SIM card for a fast and reliable connection. With the right mobile data plan, you can spend more time enjoying Singapore without worrying about internet access!
