Key takeaways
Singapore has one of the fastest and most complete 5G networks in the world, with coverage across every MRT station, shopping mall and national park. The easiest way to stay connected is a Roamix Singapore eSIM, which activates on arrival at Changi and gives you local-speed data instantly. Budget 4 to 6 GB for a week as the city is small and efficient.
- Singapore has near-universal 5G standalone coverage with all three major operators, among the best in the world.
- A Roamix eSIM activates at Changi Airport so you can open maps and book a taxi before clearing customs.
- Singapore is almost entirely cashless. Tap to pay with your phone wallet in taxis, on the MRT and in hawker centres.
- Most nationalities enter Singapore visa free for 30 to 90 days with no advance application needed.
- Budget 4 to 6 GB for a week of maps, transit routing, food browsing and social sharing.
Best way to get data in Singapore
For most Singapore visitors, a Roamix eSIM is the simplest approach. The 5G network is extraordinary and the city's compactness means even a small data plan covers a full week comfortably.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation on a world-class 5G network, works everywhere from MRT tunnels to hawker centre back lanes. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Longer stays needing a local number | Available at Changi arrivals and convenience stores. Requires a SIM swap that takes your home number offline. |
| Pocket wifi | Best for: Groups sharing one device | Singapore's strong public wifi reduces the need, but pocket wifi avoids SIM swapping for multi-device groups. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short layovers | The priciest option, typically charged per megabyte or per day by home carriers. |
Singapore has excellent free wifi at Changi, major malls and many cafes through the Wireless@SG network. However, the quality varies and it is slower than mobile data for navigation and streaming on the move.
How much data you need
Singapore trips lean on transit routing, food discovery and social sharing more than heavy streaming or video calls. The city is small and efficient, so data needs are moderate compared to larger countries.
2 to 4 GB
Long weekend or stopover
Maps, Grab, food browsing and social sharing across a compact, well-connected city.
4 to 6 GB
One-week visit
Daily transit routing, restaurant discovery, messaging and regular photo uploads.
15 GB or more
Extended stay or remote work
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads alongside daily city exploring.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and transit navigation
- 5 to 10 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Use the Transit or Citymapper app for live MRT routing rather than Google Maps transit view, as it handles Singapore's complex interchange connections better.
How to set up a Singapore eSIM
A Roamix Singapore eSIM installs over wifi in minutes and activates automatically when you land at Changi. You are connected before you reach the taxi rank or MRT station.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Singapore eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Install the eSIM over wifi by scanning the QR code.
- 3
Label it Roamix and set your home SIM as primary for calls.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at Changi and the eSIM connects automatically to a local 5G network.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
The correct APN is configured automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
If you have no data on arrival, confirm data roaming is on for the Roamix line, try selecting the network manually and restart the phone.
Visa and entry for Singapore
Singapore offers visa-free entry to nationals of over 160 countries, including the entire EU, US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan and most of Southeast Asia. Stays of 30 to 90 days are granted on arrival with no advance application.
- eVisa or ETA
- Most nationalities simply enter without any visa. There is no ETA or advance online registration required for eligible passport holders. Check the ICA Singapore website if you are unsure of your status.
- Passport validity
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Singapore.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested at immigration, though this is rarely enforced for most Western passport holders.
Keep digital copies of your travel documents on your Roamix-connected phone for quick access at the immigration desk.
Entry rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority before booking.
When you land in Singapore
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app in Singapore for both personal and business communication. Telegram is also widely used. SMS is largely replaced by app messaging.
Do you need a local number?
You generally do not need a local Singapore number as a tourist. A Roamix eSIM data line covers all app-based calls and messages, and Grab and hotel bookings accept your existing number.
Keep your home SIM active for two-factor authentication codes while using the Roamix eSIM for data.
Airports in Singapore
SIN
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
Singapore
Free unlimited high-speed wifi throughout Terminal 1 and the Jewel Changi transit hub. Consistently rated among the world's best airport wifi.
Install your Roamix Singapore eSIM before departure so it connects at landing. Terminal 1 is linked directly to Jewel Changi and the underground MRT link to the city, so a connected phone lets you navigate both without delay.
SIN
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 and 3
Singapore
Free unlimited high-speed wifi throughout Terminals 2 and 3. The MRT Changi Airport station in the basement of these terminals has full 5G coverage.
The MRT train to the city departs from the basement of Terminal 2 and 3. A Roamix eSIM connected at landing gives you real-time train times and Grab booking before you exit the terminal.
SIN
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4
Singapore
Free high-speed wifi throughout Terminal 4, which serves budget and regional carriers. No direct MRT link, so wifi and mobile data are important for organising ground transport.
Terminal 4 does not connect to the MRT. Use your Roamix eSIM to book a Grab from the terminal's designated ride-hailing pick-up area immediately on arrival to avoid queues at the metered taxi stand.
XSP
Seletar Airport
Singapore
Smaller general aviation airport with limited commercial passenger services and basic wifi.
Primarily used for private aviation and regional turboprop services. A Roamix eSIM keeps you connected for onward ground transport from this less-served terminal.
Apps and internet access in Singapore
Singapore has a fully open internet with no restrictions on any mainstream apps or services. Every app works normally on a Roamix Singapore eSIM.
There is no censorship of messaging, social media, calling or search apps in Singapore. No VPN is required for any service.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available and widely used for messaging and calls.
FaceTime, works
Works normally on data and wifi with no restrictions.
Google Maps and Search, works
Unrestricted and excellent for navigating the MRT.
Social media, works
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X all work without restriction.
Getting around Singapore
Singapore's public transport is among the best in the world. The MRT covers the whole island and integrates with buses and the LRT. All transport is app and contactless card accessible.
MRT and buses
Signal extends into every MRT tunnel across all lines. Use an EZ-Link card or contactless bank card to tap in, and a transit app for live departure times and route planning.
Grab
The dominant rideshare platform in Singapore, requiring an active data connection to book. Gives fixed prices and is faster than flagging a taxi at peak times.
Walking and cycling
Singapore is compact and walkable in many areas. Park connector cycling paths and bike-share schemes use connected apps to unlock and return bikes.
Sentosa cable car and ferry
Good signal on the Sentosa cable car. Ferry routes to Indonesian islands (Bintan, Batam) cross out of Singapore coverage territory partway through.
Tap in and out of the MRT and buses with a contactless card or phone wallet. An EZ-Link card or NETS FlashPay card tops up at any MRT station or convenience store.
Money and payments in Singapore
Singapore is highly cashless. Contactless payment works at hawker centres, taxis, bus top-ups and virtually everywhere else. A connected phone wallet is your most useful financial tool.
- Cards and cash
- Cards and contactless are accepted almost universally. Some older hawker stalls and traditional wet markets are cash only. Keep 20 to 30 SGD for these situations.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available in malls and MRT stations. Always choose to be charged in SGD to avoid dynamic conversion fees.
- Payment apps
- PayNow is the dominant local instant payment system. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted everywhere. A connected Roamix eSIM keeps your payment apps active throughout your stay.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most restaurants add a 10 percent service charge and 9 percent GST to the bill. Do not leave additional cash as it can cause confusion.
Daily budget
Budget travellers spend 60 to 100 SGD a day. Mid-range travellers spend 150 to 300 SGD. Singapore is one of Asia's most expensive cities, though hawker food keeps meals cheap.
Local tips for Singapore
- Language
- English is an official language and is used universally in signs, menus and public transport. You will not need a translation app at any point in Singapore.
- Food
- Hawker centres are Singapore's greatest cultural institution, offering dozens of stalls in one space serving Chinese, Malay, Indian and fusion dishes from around 3 SGD per dish. Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Old Airport Road are the most celebrated.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type G plugs
Apps worth having
Citymapper
transit
The best app for real-time MRT and bus routing in Singapore, handling interchanges and last-train warnings better than generic map apps.
Grab
rideshare
The dominant rideshare app in Singapore with fixed prices, driver tracking and seamless cashless payment.
Burpple
food
Singapore-specific food discovery app with reliable hawker centre and restaurant reviews from local users.
Safety and health in Singapore
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with extremely low crime rates. The main consideration for visitors is the strict rule of law around littering, jaywalking and substance use.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to receive emergency alerts. Singapore's NEA issues dengue mosquito hotspot warnings that are useful to check if you plan to visit parks or nature areas.
- Health
- Healthcare is world class. Heat and humidity are the main physical challenges. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Dengue fever cases are present in Singapore and spike seasonally.
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Singapore and meets WHO standards.
Networks and coverage in Singapore
Singapore has arguably the most complete mobile network in the world, with three operators all exceeding 99% outdoor 5G standalone coverage. Speed and reliability are excellent everywhere, from the Orchard Road shopping belt to Sentosa Island and through every MRT tunnel. A Roamix Singapore eSIM gives you instant access to this network from the moment you arrive at Changi.
Singtel
Leads for 5G coverage experience and overall download speed, with the first commercial 5G+ (5G-Advanced) service in Singapore. Largest operator by market share.
StarHub
Leads for download speed experience in independent tests and has the strongest 5G upload speeds. Excellent across the CBD, Orchard Road and Changi.
M1
Leads for 5G availability and 5G download speed in Opensignal testing. Strong competitive option, jointly deploying infrastructure with StarHub.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 100 to 420 Mbps on 5G across the city. Singtel leads on median overall download speed at around 297 Mbps.
- 5G
- All three major operators (Singtel, StarHub and M1) achieved over 99% outdoor 5G standalone population coverage by early 2024.
Singapore is so well covered that your data plan size matters more than which specific network you are on. All three operators deliver fast, reliable data everywhere you are likely to go.
Coverage is essentially complete across the island. Even some offshore islands connected by ferry have reasonable signal. The only genuine dead zones are on open-water ferry routes between Singapore and Indonesian islands. Singapore networks use globally standard 3.5 GHz 5G NR and LTE bands supported by virtually every recent unlocked smartphone.
Where to go in Singapore
Singapore is a compact, incredibly efficient city-state that rewards exploration. The MRT reaches almost everywhere, street food is world class and the cultural diversity across Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam packs variety into short distances. A connected phone makes transit seamless and helps find the best hawker stalls.
Best time to visit
Singapore is hot and humid year round. February to April is marginally drier and slightly cooler. The city is worth visiting at any time, with major events spread across the year.
Marina Bay and the Central Business District
The showpiece of modern Singapore: Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, the Helix Bridge, and the Merlion on the waterfront. The CBD's Raffles Place is the financial centre and the Singapore Skyline is best seen from the Marina Bay Sands Skypark.
- Gardens by the Bay supertrees
- ArtScience Museum
- Marina Bay Sands Skypark
- Merlion Park
- Helix Bridge
Dense 5G from Singtel, StarHub, and M1. Speeds above 400 Mbps are common at Marina Bay. The Marina Bay Sands Skypark observation deck has full 5G.
Orchard Road and Central Singapore
Singapore's shopping spine runs for 2.2 km through ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, and Mandarin Gallery. Beyond the malls, Dempsey Hill has some of the city's best restaurants in a former colonial barracks setting, including the Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant Candlenut.
- ION Orchard Sky Garden
- Ngee Ann City
- Dempsey Hill restaurants
- Holland Village
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Full 5G throughout Orchard Road and the residential Tanglin and Bukit Timah neighbourhoods. Dempsey Hill restaurants have good 5G outdoors.
Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
Singapore's heritage districts. Chinatown's Sri Mariamman Temple and Maxwell Hawker Centre anchor one area. Little India's Mustafa Centre and Tekka Market anchor another. Kampong Glam's Arab Street, Haji Lane boutiques, and the Sultan Mosque form the third point of this cultural triangle.
- Maxwell Hawker Centre
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Tekka Market Little India
- Sultan Mosque Kampong Glam
- Haji Lane boutiques
Excellent 5G across all three districts. Maxwell Hawker Centre, Tekka Market, and Haji Lane in Kampong Glam all have full coverage.
Sentosa Island and Harbourfront
Singapore's resort island, accessible by cable car, monorail, or boardwalk from Harbourfront. Universal Studios Singapore, Palawan Beach, the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia, and S.E.A. Aquarium are the headline draws. Resorts World Sentosa is the main hospitality hub.
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Palawan Beach and boardwalk
- S.E.A. Aquarium
- Fort Siloso
- Sentosa Cable Car
Full 5G throughout Sentosa Island and the Resorts World complex. The Sentosa cable car gondolas have reliable coverage. Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach both have 5G.
East Coast and Changi
The eastern corridor from East Coast Park to Changi Village is where Singapore residents go for weekend cycling along the 15-km park connector and the famous Changi Village Hawker Centre. Pulau Ubin offshore is Singapore's last kampung and a world away from the city.
- East Coast Park cycling path
- Changi Village Hawker Centre
- Pulau Ubin cycling trails
- Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
- Changi Chapel and Museum
Full 5G along East Coast Park and in Tampines and Bedok districts. Pulau Ubin has usable 4G from Singtel, though signal is thinner inland on the island. Changi Point Ferry Terminal has full coverage.
Off the beaten path
Singapore's oldest public housing estate with 1940s Streamline Moderne architecture, independent bookshops such as Books Actually, and the city's best wonton noodle stalls. Far less crowded than Chinatown.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout Tiong Bahru and the Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre area.
Singapore's largest inland nature reserve with a 250-metre suspension bridge high in the jungle canopy at the MacRitchie Treetop Walk. An extraordinary urban rainforest experience ten minutes from Orchard Road.
Signal: Singtel 4G and 5G at the main car park and along the main path. The Treetop Walk suspension bridge section can drop to 3G in dense canopy. Download an offline trail map before entering the reserve.
Singapore's Malay-Arab heritage quarter with the stunning yellow Sultan Mosque, independent boutiques along Haji Lane, and the best murtabak in the city at Zam Zam Restaurant, open since 1908.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout Kampong Glam, Arab Street, and Haji Lane.
British coastal defence fortifications from 1880 through World War II, a rocky shoreline accessible by boardwalk, and a rare intertidal zone with soft coral. The Berlayer Creek mangrove boardwalk is 10 minutes from Harbourfront.
Signal: Singtel 4G and 5G in the reserve and along the coastal boardwalk.
Singapore's last kampung, accessible by a 12-minute bumboat from Changi Point for 4 SGD. Bicycle rentals, wild boar sightings, and the Chek Jawa Wetlands boardwalk over mangrove and seagrass beds are the main draws.
Signal: Singtel 4G at the village jetty and along the main cycling tracks. Chek Jawa Wetlands interior drops to 3G and intermittent signal. Download offline island maps at Changi Point before taking the bumboat.
A cluster of restaurants and bars in repurposed British colonial barracks in the forested hills above Orchard Road. Long Beach Seafood, The White Rabbit, and Candlenut (Michelin-starred Peranakan) are among the best restaurants in Singapore.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout Dempsey Hill and the Tanglin area.
Joo Chiat and Katong preserve Singapore's Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage in colourful shophouses, Nyonya kueh cake shops, and Peranakan cuisine restaurants. The finest Peranakan collection in the world is at the Peranakan Museum.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G in Joo Chiat, Katong, and at the Peranakan Museum in Armenian Street.
A 10-km elevated trail connecting Kent Ridge Park to HarbourFront through forested ridges and the spectacular Henderson Waves bridge, a sculpted steel pedestrian bridge 36 metres above the valley.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout the Southern Ridges trail system, including Henderson Waves, Forest Walk, and Kent Ridge Park.
Many food writers consider Old Airport Road Food Centre the best hawker centre in Singapore. The prawn noodles at Whitley Road Big Prawn Noodle, the oyster omelette at Hup Kee, and the rojak at Old Airport Road Rojak are legendary.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout the Old Airport Road area.
The world's largest indoor waterfall, the HSBC Rain Vortex at 40 metres, inside a glass dome planted with 2,500 trees and 100,000 plants. Even if you are not transiting through Changi, Jewel is worth visiting as a destination.
Signal: Full Singtel 5G throughout Jewel and all four Changi terminals.
Events and seasons in Singapore
January or February
Chinese New Year
Chinatown and Marina Bay
Singapore's biggest festival, with Chinatown transformed by red lanterns, a flower market along Eu Tong Sen Street, the River Hongbao floating lantern festival at Marina Bay, and lion dance performances across the city.
January
Art Week Singapore
CBD and Gillman Barracks
The National Gallery Singapore, Gillman Barracks contemporary art cluster, and Art SG at the Marina Bay Sands Expo activate the Singapore contemporary art calendar for a concentrated ten days of gallery openings, museum events, and public art.
February
Thaipusam
Hindu Temple procession route, Little India to Chettiar Temple
The most extraordinary public religious event in Singapore. Tamil Hindu devotees carry ornate kavadi frames as an act of devotion, walking from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road.
Varies by lunar calendar, late March to April in coming years
Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr)
Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai
Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai are transformed for Ramadan month with bazaars, Ramadan food stalls, and the annual light-up along Geylang Road. The Eid celebration itself is a family-centred holiday across the city.
July
Singapore Food Festival
Citywide
A month-long celebration of Singapore's extraordinary food culture, with special hawker centre tours, chef collaborations, and new menu launches at Michelin-starred restaurants. Launched in 1994 and now the city's premier culinary event.
Late August
Singapore Night Festival
Bras Basah and Bugis Arts Belt
A free outdoor light art festival that transforms the heritage buildings of the Bras Basah arts district, including the National Museum, Singapore Art Museum, and SOTA, with extraordinary light projections and public art installations.
August 9
Singapore National Day
Padang and Marina Bay
Singapore's independence day parade is one of Asia's most technically spectacular public events, with military drills, parachutists, and an elaborate fireworks finale over the Marina Bay waterfront.
September
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Formula 1's only night street race, held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit with the Singapore skyline as a backdrop. The Marina Bay Sands grandstand has the best view and the paddock zone hospitality is among the best in F1.
October or November
Deepavali
Little India and citywide
The Hindu Festival of Lights transforms Little India for a month with elaborate light installations, bazaars on Serangoon Road, and the deepavali light-up ceremony that draws visitors from across the city.
December
ZoukOut
Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Asia's longest-running outdoor dance music festival, held on Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island since 1999. The beach dance floor, 30,000 attendees, and international headliner DJs from across house, techno, and trance make it a genuine international event.
Through the year
- Spring
- February to May is the driest and slightly cooler window, with Chinese New Year bringing major celebrations to Chinatown in January or February.
- Summer
- June to August is hot, humid and slightly drier than the rest of the year, with the Singapore Grand Prix and Food Festival. The weather is consistently tropical with afternoon showers.
- Fall
- September to November sees the northeast monsoon approaching and occasional heavier rains. The Grand Prix in September is the biggest event of this period.
- Winter
- December to January is the wettest time of year with the northeast monsoon, but rain is usually in short afternoon bursts and temperatures stay warm.
Working remotely from Singapore
Singapore is an outstanding remote work base with among the fastest mobile and fixed internet speeds in the world, an abundance of coworking spaces and excellent city infrastructure.
- Connection
- 5G speeds on a Roamix eSIM easily handle video calls, large file uploads and multi-device tethering. A plan of 15 GB or more suits a working week alongside sightseeing.
WeWork, JustCo and The Work Project operate multiple coworking locations across the CBD. For cafe working, areas around Tanjong Pagar and Tiong Bahru offer fast wifi and long opening hours.
