StarHub is a multinational conglomerate operating in the telecommunications industry based in Singapore. The company provides diverse services such as mobile, broadband, pay TV, fiber and wireless infrastructure, fixed network services, and enterprise solutions.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of utilizing StarHub eSIM and SIM cards, which could prove beneficial for your future trips to Singapore. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler looking for a seamless way to stay connected, read on to learn why StarHub eSIM and SIM cards could be an ideal solution for your mobile needs.
I. About StarHub
StarHub Limited, or StarHub, is a premier Singaporean enterprise that offers world-class communications, entertainment, and digital services. The company provides exceptional mobile and fixed services, a wide range of communication solutions, and premium content to individuals, homes, and businesses through its extensive fiber and wireless infrastructure and strong global partnerships.
Along with its core telecommunications services, StarHub has diversified its offerings and ventured into data analytics, cybersecurity, content, and media production capabilities.
StarHub places great importance on conducting its operations sustainably and environmentally responsibly. As a result, it has been recognized as the most sustainable telco in the Corporate Knights Global 100 2023.
The company has subsidiaries in several countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Mauritius, and the United States.
II. StarHub Mobile Operator Services
StarHub is a leading Singaporean telecommunications company offering its customers an extensive array of mobile operator services. Some of the mobile operator services delivered by StarHub include:
Prepaid mobile plans:
StarHub provides prepaid mobile plans that enable customers to make payments for their usage in advance. These plans come with a predetermined amount of SMS, talk time, and data, and customers can recharge their accounts when they exhaust their credit.
Roaming services:
StarHub provides roaming services that enable customers to use their mobile phones while traveling abroad. Customers can choose from different roaming packages that offer varying amounts of data, talk time, and SMS.
StarHub has revolutionized how tourists travel with its extensive 5G and 4G networks, providing seamless and ultra-fast speed and connectivity. With 5G roaming, customers can stay connected with their loved ones at over 13 destinations across the globe.
StarHub has a broad 4G network covering over 230 destinations, including Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brunei, Brazil, China, France, Indonesia, and more. Customers can enjoy hassle-free roaming with instant connectivity on StarHub’s network.
Value-added services:
In addition to its core services, StarHub offers various value-added features, including Caller Number Display, Call Waiting, and Voicemail, to enhance customers’ experience.
Furthermore, customers can avail themselves of various services, such as Smart Support, SmartSupport Home, Travel Protection, EasyGo, Lifestyle, Call overseas, and more, to get additional benefits and value. These services are available as add-ons to customers’ mobile plans.
Mobile devices:
StarHub provides a diverse selection of mobile devices, which includes smartphones and tablets, that clients can buy along with their mobile plans. Clients can choose from various devices from renowned brands like Apple, Oppo, Samsung, and Huawei.
Postpaid mobile plans:
StarHub provides various postpaid mobile plans that offer different levels of talk time, SMS, and data. Customers can opt for plans tailored to their requirements and financial constraints.
III. StarHub Coverage in Singapore
The coverage map for StarHub Mobile’s 3G, 4G, and 5G network in Singapore represents the geographical areas where the network is available. It shows the extent and strength of the network in different parts of Singapore.
The coverage map can help customers determine the quality of the network in their area and the level of connectivity they can expect to receive.
In terms of mobile coverage, StarHub has extensive coverage across Singapore. StarHub has extensive coverage across Singapore, covering approximately 99% of the population. The network offers 3G, 4G, and 4G+ services, as well as 5G services, and its mobile services are generally reliable and of high quality.
Where can clients experience 5G in Singapore?
StarHub’s 5G coverage encompasses 95% of the outdoor areas in Singapore. In addition, the company has extended its coverage indoors to particular shopping malls as an ongoing effort to enhance the 5G experience.
StarHub employs 5G Non-Standalone and 5G Standalone networks to provide the optimal experience to its clients.
| Region | Location |
| Central | Bugis, Bukit Merah, Chinatown, City Hall, Clake Quay, Downtown, Novena Central, Orchard (313 @ Somerset & Orchard Central), Outram, Plaza Singapura, Rochor, Tanglin, Telok Ayer, Tiong Bahru Central, Toa Payoh, City Square Mall, Paragon, Singapore Children’s Museum, National Museum of Singapore. |
| West | Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Buona Vista, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East Central, Jurong Point, Jurong West Central, One-north, Pioneer, Queentown, Yew Tee, Tuas, Clementi, Bukit Timah, Westgate, IMM, NTU North Spine, Star Vista (The Star Performing Arts Centre). |
| East | Bedok, Geylang, Kallang, Paya Lebar Central, Paya Lebar Square, PLQ, Pasir Ris, Tampines Central (Tampines Mall), Changi Airport, Ubi, Katong (I12 Katong), Parkway Parade, Esports Experience Centre (Kallang Wave Mall), Century Square, Tampines 1, Tampines Hub, Singapore Expo. |
| North | Ang Mo Kio Central, Khatib, Sembawang Central, Woodlands Central (Causeway Point), Yishun Central, Choa Chu Kang, Khoo Tech Phuat Hospital, Junction 8, ITE College Central. |
| South | Harbourfront, Sentosa, Vivocity. |
| North-East | Hougang Central (Hougang Mall), Kovan Central, Heartland Mall, NEX, Potong Pasir, Punggol East, Sengkang (Compass One). |
IV. Top StarHub eSIM and SIM Cards for Tourists
StarHub offers various eSIM and SIM card options for tourists visiting Singapore. To chat, surf, and share all your wonderful travel moments with ease, here are the top options:
| StarHub eSIM and SIM card | Specifications |
| $8 3-in-1 SIM 4G Prepaid SIM | – $20 credit for 90 days – 30-day 1GB local data – 30 mins IDD 018 calls – 30 days |
| $15 3-in-1 SIM 4G Prepaid SIM | – $15 credit for 180 days – 180-day 8GB local data – FREE WeChat, WhatsApp, and LINE# |
| $50 3-in-1 SIM 4G Prepaid SIM | – $50 credit for 180 days – 30-day 120GB local data – 30-day 5GB roaming data* (17 destinations) |
| $12 Travel 4G Prepaid SIM | – 100GB local data for 10 days – 1GB roaming data* (17 destinations) – 30 mins IDD 018 calls – 100 local SMS – 1000 mins local outgoing calls – Unlimited local incoming calls |
| $32 Travel 4G Prepaid SIM | – 100GB local data for 30 days – 3GB roaming data* (17 destinations) – 90 mins IDD 018 calls – 5000 local SMS – 3000 mins local outgoing calls – Unlimited local incoming calls |
| StarHub Happy Travel eSIM | – SGD 12 – 100GB of local data – 500 minutes of local calls – 30 minutes of international calls – Unlimited access to selected social media and messaging apps – Valid for 7 days – Downloaded & activated on your device before arriving in Singapore |
StarHub 30-Day Happy Travel eSIM | – SGD 30 – 100GB of local data – 1000 minutes of local calls – 50 minutes of international calls – Unlimited access to selected social media and messaging apps – Valid for 30 days – Downloaded & activated on your device before arriving in Singapore |
All of the above options offer high-speed 4G/ LTE data and can be easily purchased at StarHub shops, StarHub authorized retailers, the airport, or online. It is also important to note that some options may require a compatible device, so check before purchasing.
Tips: In addition to buying Starhub eSIM and SIM cards from mobile operators, you can purchase one from Singapore eSIM provider. They will provide more options for you based on the data volume and validity.
Refer to some Singapore eSIM plans for short trips from SingeSIM.com here:
V. Calls and SMS Rate of StarHub in Singapore
Below is valuable information about StarHub call rates and SMS rates in Singapore:
Prepaid SIM Card – Travel SIM
| Local Calls | SMS | MMS |
| First minute 22¢8¢ per minute | 5¢ Local SMS15¢ Global SMS | 30¢ per MMS(less than 30kb)80¢ per MMS(30kb and more) |
Happy Prepaid SIM
| Local Calls | SMS |
| 22¢ per minute | 5¢ Local SMS15¢ Global SMS |
Call rates to popular destinations
| Destinations | Per minute to any operator |
| Bangladesh | $0.10 |
| India | $0.10 |
| Indonesia | $0.22 |
| Philippines | $0.22 |
Make FREE IDD 018 calls
By subscribing to the IDD 018 Value-Added Service (VAS) for a low price of $7/month, you can make free IDD 018 calls to 19 locations. However, customers have a limit of 700 minutes on certain plans. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged the prevailing IDD rates of the destination you are calling.
Applicable destinations:
- Australia*
- Brunei
- Bangladesh
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan*
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Puerto Rico
- Russia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- United Kingdom*
- USA
*FREE IDD 018 excludes:
- Australia mobile & special services: prefixes 611 and 614.
- Japan mobile: prefixes 8170, 8180, and 8190.
- UK special services: prefixes 4455, 4456, 448, and 449.
VI. StarHub Roaming Rate
The rate of using StarHub’s roaming services depends on the location you are visiting and the specific plan you choose. StarHub offers various roaming plans, including Inflight Connectivity, Data Travel, DataTravel Unlimited, Maritime Connectivity, and RoamEasy Daily.
DataTravel
| DataTravel Asia Pacific | DataTravel Asia Pacific | DataTravel Asia Pacific | DataTravel Global | DataTravel Global | |
| Bundled data | 1GB for $5Validity 3 days | 2GB for $15Validity 30 days | 3GB for $20Validity 30 days | 2GB for $40Validity 30 days | 3GB for $50Validity 30 days |
DataTravel Unlimited: Unlimited data $19, $25 or $30/ day, depending on selected destinations.
Inflight Connectivity: Tourists can stay connected on chosen aircraft with Singapore Airlines or other airlines, SMS, access data, or read emails in the air.
| Service | OnAir/ AeroMobile |
| Data (Daily) | $25 for unlimited data daily |
| SMS | $0.80 Per SMS |
| Call Singapore | $5.00 Per min |
| Local Calls | $2.00 Per min |
| International Calls^ | $6.00 Per min |
| Incoming Calls | $6.00 Per min |
| Call Singapore Using GlobalRoam *108* | $6.00 Per min |
Maritime Connectivity: Stayed connected on chosen cruises and vessels.
| Service | Telenor Maritime |
| Data (Daily) | $25 for unlimited data daily |
| SMS | $0.80 Per SMS |
| Call Singapore | $5.00 Per min |
| Local Calls | $2.00 Per min |
| International Calls^ | $6.00 Per min |
| Incoming Calls | $6.00 Per min |
| Call Singapore Using GlobalRoam *108* | $6.00 Per min |
RoamEasy Daily: Enjoy hassle-free connection in 149 destinations worldwide. If you want to stay connected in distant locations such as Europe, the Middle East, and various parts of America but don’t require large amounts of data daily, this option would be perfect for you.
| RoamEasy Daily | |
| Registration fee | Not applicable |
| Daily data charge | $10 for every 100MB daily |
VII. How to Top up Your StarHub SIM
There are several ways to top up your StarHub SIM card in Singapore, including:
StarHub prepaid app Top-up: available for download on the App Store and Google Play. You can use the app to top up your prepaid SIM card or to add credit to your postpaid account.
Online Top-up: Available only for prepaid SIM and Travel SIM clients. You can add other data plans and Add-ons.
Digital Channels: POSB/DBS/OCBC ATMs, SAM Kiosk/Web/Mobile App, AXS Station/Web/Mobile App.
Top-Up Cards: Buy at StarHub shops, exclusive partners, authorized retailers, 7-Eleven, Cheers, and SingPost. To top up your account, scratch off the silver panel on the back of the card to reveal the top-up code, then dial 123<top-up code># on your phone and press send.
VIII. How to Check StarHub Balance – All StarHub USSD Codes You Need to Know
To check your StarHub balance, you can follow these steps:
- Dial *123# on your StarHub mobile phone.
- Press the call button.
- You will receive a message displaying your current balance and the expiry date of your plan.
Alternatively, you can also check your balance by logging in to the My StarHub app or by visiting the StarHub website and logging in to your account.
| How to | USSD Codes |
| Manage your account, purchase plans, activate services and more | *123# |
| Check the main balance | *123*1*1# |
| Check the Happy Plans balance | *123*1*2# |
| Check the Data Plans | *123*1*3# |
| Change language to English | *123*7*1# |
| Change language to Chinese | *123*7*2# |
| Change language to Bahasa Indonesia | *123*7*3# |
Note: The dialing of these codes will only work if you use your StarHub connection.
IX. Where to Buy StarHub eSIM and SIM Card?
Customers can purchase StarHub eSIM and SIM cards from many different places in Singapore including:
StarHub Shops: Plaza Singapura, Bugis Junction, Tampines, Causeway Point, Nex, Waterway Point, Jurong Point, Westgate.
Exclusive partner outlets: ESmart, Sworra.
StarHub Authorized Retailers: electronic stores, supermarkets.
Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers.
Changi Airport: StarHub Counters (Terminal 1 and 3), UOB Currency Exchange Counters (Terminal 1 and 3), Travelers Counters (Terminal 3, Arrival Halls).
Pre-order online:
For the pre-order method, you can pre-order a prepaid SIM card and pick it up at Changi Airport before you travel, then activate the data plan and manage your account through the StarHub Prepaid App. Alternatively, using a WiFi device or tablet, you can choose an Internet SIM and enjoy 2GB of daily surfing.
- Data roaming plans for use in Singapore and 17 other destinations: Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, with prices starting as low as $5 for 1GB.
- With no need to switch SIM cards during multi-city trips, you can easily top up and monitor your data usage using the StarHub Prepaid App. The SIM card collection point is located at Singapore Changi Airport.
Buying eSIM from SingeSIM.com:
SingeSIM.com offer various eSIM plans for tourist coming to Singapore. You can easily access the official website of SingeSIM and make an online purchase there. After that, the eSIM QR code and installation guides will be sent to you via email.
Notes: Please note that the availability of eSIMs may vary depending on your device model and network compatibility, so you should check with StarHub or its website for more information.
X. StarHub Mobile Operator Pros and Cons
Here are some of the potential pros and cons of selecting StarHub as your mobile operator in Singapore:
Pros
Extensive network coverage: StarHub has wide network coverage throughout Singapore, so you can expect to have a reliable mobile connection in most areas of this fantastic country.
Broad range of plans: StarHub delivers a variety of mobile plans to suit different needs and budgets, including prepaid, postpaid, eSIM, and SIM-only plans.
Additional perks: StarHub offers additional benefits to its clients like free WiFi and data for certain apps, discounts on movie tickets and other entertainment options, loyalty rewards programs, and roaming options for international travel.
Innovative features: StarHub is known for its innovative features, for instance, VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which allows for better voice call quality and video streaming over the mobile network.
Sustainability: StarHub is committed to sustainability and environmentally responsible operations, reflected in its use of renewable energy sources and efforts to reduce e-waste.
Cons
Relatively high prices: StarHub’s plans can be relatively more expensive than other mobile operators in Singapore, which may not suit customers on a tight budget.
Limited data options: While StarHub offers unlimited data plans for selected destinations, their local plans may have lower data limits than those of other mobile operators.
Limited international roaming options: While StarHub offers free roaming in certain countries, it has limited options compared to other mobile operators, which may disadvantage frequent travelers.
No unlimited local voice calls: Unlike other mobile operators in Singapore, StarHub does not offer unlimited local voice calls on any of their plans.
StarHub is a reliable mobile operator with broad network coverage, innovative features, and additional customer perks. However, it may not be the best choice for clients on a tight budget, frequent travelers, or those who require highly customized plans. Remember to compare various choices before making a purchase.
XI. StarHub vs Other Singapore Mobile Operators
According to the Mobile Network Experience in Singapore Report conducted by OpenSignal in November 2022, StarHub was identified as the best performer in two primary categories: overall experience (including video, gaming, voice apps, download speed, and upload speed) and consistency (which considers both excellent and core quality consistency).
Compared to the other major mobile operators in Singapore, Singtel and M1, StarHub stood out for its overall experience and consistency. Additionally, the company secured its second win for coverage, encompassing both availability and 4G coverage experience.
XII. StarHub SIM Card Alternatives for Tourists
Tourists can consider several alternative SIM cards instead of StarHub in Singapore. Here are a few options:
Singtel: Singtel is the largest mobile operator based in Singapore, with a well-established network and wide coverage across the island. The company offers a range of mobile plans and SIM cards for both tourists and residents. It also established its presence in many other countries in Asia, Australia, and Africa.
M1: M1 is another popular mobile operator in Singapore that tourists with SIM cards with calls, data, and SMS services. The company also has various additional benefits like discounts on entertainment options and roaming options for international travel.
Circles.Life: Circles.Life is a newer Singaporean mobile operator that delivers flexible, no-contract mobile plans with high data allowances. Furthermore, it offers additional benefits such as free data for certain apps and the ability to tailor your plan to suit your needs.
GOMO: GOMO is another mobile operator in Singapore that offers affordable mobile plans with no contract commitments and unlimited data choices. In addition to these features, it allows clients to earn rewards by referring friends and access to free data for specific apps.
When visiting Singapore, tourists frequently choose StarHub SIM cards; however, other options are available, including eSIMs. E-SIMs, or embedded SIMs, are digital SIM cards built into mobile devices like tablets or smartphones.
There are several benefits of using eSIMs as a suitable option for tourists in Singapore, including convenience. With eSIMs, there is no need to insert a SIM card into the device physically, and it can be activated remotely, providing a more convenient experience.
Furthermore, eSIMs offer flexibility, enabling users to switch between carriers or plans, which is particularly advantageous for tourists needing to modify their plan or carrier depending on their location or needs.
Additionally, eSIMs offer superior coverage and connectivity in areas with weak signals since they provide access to multiple networks and carriers. Lastly, eSIMs are environmentally friendly as they eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, which can generate e-waste.
Note: It is important to do your own research and compare the different mobile operators and plans available in Singapore to find the best option for your needs and budget.
XIII. Final Words
To sum up, StarHub provides a range of eSIM and SIM card choices for both residents and visitors in Singapore, making it a dependable option for those needing a mobile operator. The company’s strong market position is attributed to its emphasis on innovation, diverse options for visitors and locals, significant investment in infrastructure, and sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.
However, comparing plans and operators is always a good idea to find the best fit for your specific requirements and budget. Whether you are a resident or a tourist in Singapore, having a dependable mobile connection is vital for staying connected and accessing important information and services, making it critical to choose a mobile operator that works for you.
For more interesting information about eSIM plans for tourists in Singapore, you can visit singesim.com.
