Planning a trip to Singapore? Consider what factors you need. Usually, along with a feasible ticket, hotel bookings, and your Visa. Furthermore, an eSIM is a crucial requirement to ensure you remain connected on the go.
How to choose the ideal eSIM? I’m here to help you. We'll look at things like what kind of data plans they offer, how much they cost, and how good their coverage is, from the top 3 brands.
Let’s start!
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing a Travel eSIM Brand?
Types of Data Packages:
You usually have a choice of three types of plans: total plans, Daily plans, and Unlimited ones. The first two have a certain amount of data (MB/GB) that can be used over a period of time (Days). And unlimited data can let you enjoy the freedom of internet access. The first thing I do is consider how much data I’ll need for this trip and how long I’ll be staying in the country. So, I recommend you do the same to choose the ideal package.
Pricing
There are three key factors: data volume, duration and price tag, which serve as a measure of whether an eSIM plan balances cost and benefits. If initially a cheaper plan is bought just because the price seems low might get you eventually paying extra as the amount of data or days might not be sufficient. Similarly, buying a package larger then your needs isn't wise, as plenty of data will be left unused at the end of the trip.
Coverage (Operator):
Nothing's worse than having spotty internet, especially when you're lost or need to navigate maps and travel guides. I always check which local networks the eSIM uses—big names in Singapore like Singtel, M1, or StarHub usually mean you're covered all over.
Hotspot Share:
Hotspot sharing lets you spread your data around. Imagine you want to connect your laptop or one of your friends or family needs to use your data and you don't have hotspot sharing, to avoid this make sure your eSIM provider gives you the option to use hotspot without limitations.
Customer Service:
In a new country where you don’t know a lot of people for support or come across an issue during an odd hour a good customer support can be a lifesaver to put you out of your misery. So choose a service provider that gives you ample options for customer support channel you’ll need. This information can be found on the purchasing page of the product.
Top 3 Singapore Travel eSIM Brands Recommended
Airalo:
Airalo is a service provider that likes to keep things simple. In Singapore, they provides network coverage by partnering with Singtel. Their packages include a total-type plan that has 7 days with 1GB of data, a 15-day plan with 2GBs, and a 30-day plan with three data options. Plus, Airalo have an online chatbot service for customer support.
iRoamly:
iRoamly gives the most amount of plans such as a daily plan, a total plan and an unlimited one. Having the most competitive prices in terms of days and data, they are in a league of their own. The coverage is provided by two of the leading network providers in Singapore, which are M1 and StarHub, ensuring no disruptions to the service. And they also give multiple options for customer support, such as Online chatbot, WhatsApp, Email and INS.
Holafly:
Holafly mainly provides an unlimited data plan for people traveling to Singapore, with duration options ranging from 1 to 90 days. They also use Singtel, but they don't allow for hotspot sharing in Singapore, which is a bit downer.
Singapore Travel eSIM Package Comparisons
Feature | Airalo | iRoamly | Holafly |
Types of Data Packages | Total Type | Unlimited / Daily / Total Type | Unlimited |
Data Range | 1/2/3/5/10/20 GB | 0.5/1/3/5/10/20/50/Unlimited GB | Only Unlimited |
Validity Period (days) | 7/15/30 | 1/3/5/7/10/15/20/30 | 1 to 90 |
Speed | LTE | 4G | 3G/4G/LTE/5G |
Hotspot/Tethering | Yes | Yes | Not Included |
Operator | Singtel | M1 / StarHub | Singtel |
Customer Service | Online Chatbot | Online Chatbot / WhatsApp / Email / INS | Online Chatbot / WhatsApp |
Airalo / iRoamly / Holafly Singapore Travel eSIMs Price Comparison
Airalo | iRoamly | Holafly | |
7 Days | Total: 1 GB, $4.50 | Unlimited, $15.00 Total: 5 GB, $5.50 Total: 10GB, $10.50 Daily: 1GB, $7.50 | Unlimited, $29.00 |
15 Days | Total: 2 GB, $6.50 | Unlimited, $26.00 Total: 5 GB, $7.00 Total: 10 GB, $11.50 Daily: 1GB, $15.00 | Unlimited, $51.00 |
30 Days | Total: 5 GB, $11.50 Total: 10GB, $18.00 Total: 20 GB, $26.00 | Unlimited, $49.00 Total: 5 GB, $7.50 Total: 10 GB, $12.00 Total: 20 GB, $20.00 Daily: 1GB, $28.50 | Unlimited, $75.00 |
Summary
For Light Data Users:
For light data Travelers who don’t plan to stay for long, Airalo is a good option. The total plans for 7 and 15 days have 1 or 2 GBs, respectively. But if you think you might use more, you might end up needing a different plan.
For Heavy Data Users:
iRoamly’s Singapore travel eSIM is a great help for serious internet enthusiasts. Both its Daily GB and Total plans offer big data to suit any online needs, such as sharing large files or streaming videos. Additionally, you can freely match your daily GB to the length of time you want, providing great flexibility. Its Unlimited plan also keeps you from worrying about data exhaustion. What’s more, almost all packages stand out in terms of competitive prices.
For Long-term Travelers:
Holafly has you covered if you plan to stay longer than 30 days. Its unlimited package for up to 90 days is a viable option for those who don't mind not having hotspot connectivity and a price that’s a bit steep compared to other brands.
FAQ
Can I use my eSIM outside of Singapore?
No. Mostly, your Singapore eSIM will only work in Singapore. If you're hitting other countries, you might need an Asia regional eSIM or a global plan that covers more places.
Is my gadget okay with an eSIM?
These days most new generation gadgets support eSIM functionality. But to make sure you can check out the eSIM-compatibility list with the type of device you’ll be using.
Can I call or text with my travel eSIM?
No. It doesn’t but these days you have plenty of other options to make calls or texts such as apps like WhatsApp or Facetime give you this service for free. All you need is a data connection which your eSIM will provide.
How do I pick the right amount of data?
Think about how much you use your phone each day. Some eSIM providers even have data calculators to help you figure it out.
Who are the top SIM Card & Mobile Network Providers in Singapore?
The top network providers in Singapore who give great coverage are SingTEl, StarHub and M1. As long as you’re connected to one of these networks you can be sure that your service won’t be interrupted with great customer support.
Singtel: As the largest provider in Singapore, Singtel offers a wide range of services, including mobile, data, internet, and TV. They have comprehensive coverage and are known for their quality service and extensive network.
StarHub is known for its excellent coverage in urban areas. They are close competitors of SingTel and give many innovative and promotional packages keeping them light on the wallet.
M1: M1 may be smaller than Singtel and StarHub but is equally competitive. It offers competitive pricing and good service, focusing on providing great mobile and data plans to its customers.