How do I know if my phone is compatible with a Singapore eSIM?

Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and natively support eSIM technology, which includes most iPhones launched after 2018 and recent Android flagships. You can verify compatibility by checking for an EID number in your device settings or dialing *#06#. Note that iPhones purchased in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao generally do not support eSIM.

How much data do I need for a trip to Singapore?

For a typical 3 to 7-day trip using navigation, ride-hailing apps like Grab, and social media, 1GB to 2GB per day is usually sufficient. Singapore offers extensive free public Wi-Fi in malls and MRT stations, which helps conserve mobile data. If you plan to stream video or work remotely, consider choosing a larger or unlimited data plan.

When should I install my Singapore eSIM?

We recommend installing the eSIM QR code shortly before departure while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Keep the eSIM line turned off until you land at Singapore Changi Airport. Once you arrive, turn on the eSIM profile and enable Data Roaming to connect immediately to local networks.

Will my WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage still work with a Singapore eSIM?

Yes, all your social media and messaging apps will work normally without any reconfiguration. When prompt during WhatsApp or iMessage setup, choose to keep your primary phone number so your contacts can still reach you. The eSIM handles your internet connection while your apps stay linked to your standard account.

Does the Singapore eSIM come with a local phone number?

Most travel eSIMs for Singapore are data-only packages and do not include a local (+65) phone number. You can easily make internet-based voice calls and send messages using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype. If you specifically need a local number for traditional calls or SMS, you must purchase a physical local tourist SIM that requires passport registration.

What should I do if my eSIM does not connect upon landing in Singapore?

First, ensure that 'Data Roaming' is toggled ON for your eSIM profile in your mobile settings. Next, check that your eSIM is selected as the primary source for Cellular Data, then toggle Airplane Mode on and off. If it still fails to connect, manually select a supported network such as Singtel or StarHub from your network settings.

Is buying a Singapore eSIM cheaper than using my home carrier's roaming?

Yes, a travel eSIM is significantly cheaper than daily international roaming fees charged by standard home carriers, which can cost $10 to $15 per day. eSIMs offer local high-speed 4G/5G data rates with prepaid pricing, preventing unexpected bill shock after your trip. You pay only for the exact duration and data amount you need for Singapore.

Travel guides·Singapore

20 fun facts about Singapore every traveller should know

Singapore is compact, efficient and safe — a city-state that fits centuries of trade history, world-class food, and green rooftops into one small island. Here's what to know.

Fun facts about Singapore

1
The country is 63 islands
Most people only visit the main island, but Sentosa and Pulau Ubin are worth a day trip.
2
Chewing gum is banned
Sale of most chewing gum has been restricted since 1992 — medicinal gum is allowed.
3
Four official languages
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil — signs and MRT announcements are multilingual.
4
The MRT is one of the world's cleanest
Eating and drinking on trains carries a S$500 fine.
5
Hawker culture is UNESCO-listed
Michelin has awarded stars to stalls at Chinatown Complex — a bowl of chicken rice can cost under S$5.
6
Changi is the world's best airport
Voted #1 many times over — Jewel's indoor waterfall is worth arriving early to see.
7
Merlion is only ~50 years old
The half-lion, half-fish icon was designed in 1964 and unveiled at Marina in 1972.
8
Marina Bay Sands' pool is 200 m long
The world-famous rooftop infinity pool sits 55 storeys above the city.
9
Singapore Sling was born here
Invented at the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel around 1915.
10
Water is safe from the tap
Singapore's PUB water is among the cleanest municipal supplies in the world.
11
It's very safe at any hour
One of the lowest crime rates globally — walking home at 2am feels the same as 2pm.
12
Gardens by the Bay is free (mostly)
The outdoor Supertree Grove is free; only the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome charge.
13
Peranakan culture is unique
Look for colourful shophouses in Katong and Joo Chiat and try laksa or kueh.
14
Little India is bright and busy
Tekka Centre, Mustafa (24/7), and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are all in one walkable strip.
15
It's often hotter than you expect
Just 137 km north of the equator — indoor AC and an umbrella (for sun or storms) are essential.
16
Housing is 80% government-built
HDB flats house the vast majority of Singaporeans — a unique model globally.
17
Sentosa was once a military fort
The resort island's name means 'peace and tranquility' in Malay; it was renamed in 1972.
18
Durians are banned on the MRT
The pungent 'king of fruits' carries a S$500 fine on public transport.
19
The national flower is an orchid
Vanda Miss Joaquim, a hybrid, was chosen in 1981 for its resilience and colour.
20
F1 races through the streets at night
The Singapore Grand Prix has been the world's first night race since 2008.

Practical tips for first-time visitors

Get a travel eSIM to use Google Maps and Grab from Changi immediately.
Tap 'stored value' on your contactless card at MRT gates — no separate ticket needed.
Bring layers — offices, cafés and taxis are aggressively air-conditioned.
Fines are real: no jaywalking, no eating in MRT, no smoking outside designated areas.
Hawker centres take cash and mostly QR/PayNow; a few smaller stalls are cash-only.

Staying connected in Singapore

Singtel, StarHub and M1 all provide near-universal 5G coverage. A travel eSIM installs before you fly and connects the moment you land at Changi.

eSIM FAQs for Singapore

How do I know if my phone is compatible with a Singapore eSIM?: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and natively support eSIM technology, which includes most iPhones launched after 2018 and recent Android flagships. You can verify compatibility by checking for an EID number in your device settings or dialing *#06#. Note that iPhones purchased in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao generally do not support eSIM.
How much data do I need for a trip to Singapore?: For a typical 3 to 7-day trip using navigation, ride-hailing apps like Grab, and social media, 1GB to 2GB per day is usually sufficient. Singapore offers extensive free public Wi-Fi in malls and MRT stations, which helps conserve mobile data. If you plan to stream video or work remotely, consider choosing a larger or unlimited data plan.
When should I install my Singapore eSIM?: We recommend installing the eSIM QR code shortly before departure while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Keep the eSIM line turned off until you land at Singapore Changi Airport. Once you arrive, turn on the eSIM profile and enable Data Roaming to connect immediately to local networks.
Will my WhatsApp, Instagram, and iMessage still work with a Singapore eSIM?: Yes, all your social media and messaging apps will work normally without any reconfiguration. When prompt during WhatsApp or iMessage setup, choose to keep your primary phone number so your contacts can still reach you. The eSIM handles your internet connection while your apps stay linked to your standard account.
Does the Singapore eSIM come with a local phone number?: Most travel eSIMs for Singapore are data-only packages and do not include a local (+65) phone number. You can easily make internet-based voice calls and send messages using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype. If you specifically need a local number for traditional calls or SMS, you must purchase a physical local tourist SIM that requires passport registration.
What should I do if my eSIM does not connect upon landing in Singapore?: First, ensure that 'Data Roaming' is toggled ON for your eSIM profile in your mobile settings. Next, check that your eSIM is selected as the primary source for Cellular Data, then toggle Airplane Mode on and off. If it still fails to connect, manually select a supported network such as Singtel or StarHub from your network settings.
Is buying a Singapore eSIM cheaper than using my home carrier's roaming?: Yes, a travel eSIM is significantly cheaper than daily international roaming fees charged by standard home carriers, which can cost $10 to $15 per day. eSIMs offer local high-speed 4G/5G data rates with prepaid pricing, preventing unexpected bill shock after your trip. You pay only for the exact duration and data amount you need for Singapore.