Airalo vs Singtel Tourist eSIM: Which is the Best eSIM for Singapore?
As someone who’s constantly bouncing around Southeast Asia, I know how clutch it is to stay connected during even the shortest stopovers, especially a layover in Singapore.
Whether I’m mapping out a food crawl in Chinatown or checking gate info at Changi, I need a data connection that just works. Airalo’s Singapore eSIM has been a game-changer.
It connects directly to Singtel’s reliable network and offers affordable plans that are ideal for short-term use, all without the hassle of physical SIMs or local stores.
I’ve tried several eSIM providers over the years, and what sets Airalo apart is the seamless setup process.
Download it before you fly, activate it as you land, and you’re good to go! For travelers with a quick layover or a week-long stay, the flexibility and ease of use make it a no-brainer.
Plus, knowing it runs on one of the country’s top networks adds peace of mind when you’re trying to squeeze every minute out of your stop.
Variety of Plans
Airalo Plan Options
I’ve used Airalo across half a dozen countries now, and Singapore is where its variety shines.
You can opt for a 1 GB plan that lasts 7 days or upgrade to 20 GB if you’re staying for a month. For me, the 2 GB plan over 15 days is the sweet spot, especially when paired with a quick trip to Johor Bahru or Bali. Their Asialink option also comes in handy when I’m country-hopping.
What I appreciate is how Airalo caters to different travel styles. I might just need light data for Uber and Google Maps during a city sprint, or I might want a chunkier plan if I’m posting reels or backing up photos.
Either way, the auto-renew alerts and pre-trip download make life easier. Setting it up is incredibly simple—even during transit. They’ve designed this with digital nomads and spontaneous travelers in mind.
Singtel Tourist eSIM Plan Options
On the other hand, Singtel’s tourist eSIM is essentially an all-in-one package. You get unlimited 5G data for 28 days, which is impressive.
Their S$30 and S$50 options come with roaming to nearby countries and throw in local minutes, IDD, and even social perks. I’ve used it during an extended stay once, and the speed was one of the fastest I’ve experienced in the region.
That said, the lack of customization is where it falls short.
If you’re not planning to burn through tons of data or you’re only there for a few days, it feels like overkill.
And while the extras are nice, I rarely use voice or SMS anymore. Everything I do goes through WhatsApp or Zoom.
For quick trips or minimalists like me, the inflexible pricing and bundled features don’t always make sense.
Why Airalo Wins on Variety
Here’s the thing—Singtel may have better raw speed, but Airalo wins when it comes to tailored options.
It’s great having multiple plans to choose from, depending on how long I’ll be in Singapore or how much I expect to use my phone. I don’t have to overpay for unlimited data when I’m just hopping between cafés and Wi-Fi.
Additionally, having the option to scale up to regional plans is a significant advantage. I’ve switched mid-trip from a local Singapore eSIM to a broader Asialink plan with zero hassle.
Singtel’s tourist eSIM restricts you to Singapore, offering limited reach outside the city-state. When flexibility matters—as it always does on the road—Airalo aligns perfectly with my travel style.
Price & Affordability
Airalo Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk dollars. I purchased Airalo’s 20 GB plan for around $26 on my last trip—that’s just about $1.30 per GB. For a premium network in a high-speed country like Singapore, that’s solid value.
And when I only need a few gigabytes for a weekend, I can scale down to a plan that’s literally pocket change. It’s one of the few eSIMs that doesn’t make me feel like I’m overpaying just for being a tourist.
I love that I can manage all of this from the app. No standing in line at Changi after a red-eye or fumbling with kiosks.
Airalo strikes the perfect balance between price and convenience. I always know what I’m paying for, and I never get surprised by hidden fees or tricky top-ups.
Singtel Tourist eSIM Pricing
Now, Singtel’s tourist plans cost approximately $22 and $37 USD, respectively.
They offer unlimited data, but for me, the base cost is still pretty steep—especially if I’m just in town for 48 hours.
Sure, the extra GBs and roaming are cool, but unless I’m planning to stream Netflix in 4K from a hawker stall, it’s more than I need.
I’ve used Singtel’s plan once when I was filming content and needed to upload files constantly.
It did the job well, but on most trips, I wouldn’t go back to it. Unlimited data sounds enticing, but the upfront price doesn’t always translate into real-world savings—especially for low- to moderate-income users like me.
Per GB & Daily Use Comparison
When I break it down per day, Airalo consistently costs less, especially for shorter stays. A 3-day trip with a 1 GB plan might cost me under $6 total. Compare that to S$30 for Singtel, and the gap becomes obvious. Unless I’m chewing through data like a local vlogger, Airalo gives me more control over what I spend.
For heavy users or long-term visitors, Singtel might come out ahead. However, as someone who frequently moves between cities and relies on stable yet lean data usage, Airalo’s affordability always wins out. It keeps my budget in check without sacrificing performance.
Network Coverage & Performance
Airalo Network via Singtel LTE
Every time I land in Singapore, I know what to expect with Airalo. It connects to Singtel’s rock-solid 4G/LTE network, which—let’s be real—is more than enough for 90% of what I need on the road.
Whether I’m loading maps in Chinatown or scrolling Instagram at Gardens by the Bay, speeds are fast, reliable, and consistent. I’ve even done video calls on LTE without a hiccup.
No, it’s not 5G—but unless you’re uploading raw video footage or downloading massive files, you probably won’t notice the difference.
For tasks like browsing, checking emails, or switching between rideshares, Airalo’s LTE coverage in Singapore is more than sufficient. I’ve roamed the whole city with it and haven’t once found myself hunting for a better signal.
Singtel Tourist eSIM Coverage
If you’re all about peak speed, though, Singtel’s tourist eSIM is the real deal. It taps directly into their native 5G network, and yeah—it’s blazing fast.
When I tested it during a more extended stay, everything loaded instantly. Streaming was buttery smooth, even in crowded areas, and big uploads to Google Drive happened in seconds.
The coverage? Pretty much wall-to-wall. From Marina Bay to Little India and even out toward East Coast Park, the signal never dropped. It’s kind of overkill if you’re not a power user, but if you need absolute speed and stability—or just like knowing you’re always getting top-tier connectivity—it’s hard to beat.
Real‑world Insights
Here’s where things get interesting. Airalo, despite not being the flashiest on paper, works surprisingly well in practice. I’ve used it not just in Singapore, but also while hopping around neighboring countries, and it rarely lets me down. The only caveat? It’s data-only, so if you’re still using traditional voice or SMS, you’ll have to rely on apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
That said, it’s not all sunshine. I’ve seen some travelers encounter issues with customer support—such as slow responses or unclear troubleshooting steps. I haven’t had significant problems, but I can see how someone less tech-savvy might feel stuck if something goes sideways mid-trip. Still, for the price and simplicity, it holds up better than I expected.
Device Compatibility & Activation
Airalo Compatibility
What I love about Airalo is that it works seamlessly with almost every modern smartphone I’ve carried. Whether I’m using an iPhone or a newer Android device, getting set up takes just minutes. There’s no ID check, no SIM swap, no hoops to jump through. Simply install the app, select your plan, scan the QR code, and you’re live. Even mid-transit, I’ve activated it while waiting in a departure lounge.
And because it’s data-only, there’s zero fuss. No weird APN tweaks or network settings needed—it configures itself once the eSIM is installed. That kind of plug-and-play functionality is exactly what I look for when I’m hopping from country to country and don’t want tech drama cutting into my travel time.
Singtel Compatibility
Singtel’s tourist eSIM, on the other hand, supports the most recent devices, including those with eSIM support built-in. I had no problem installing it on my iPhone, and once it was active, it ran flawlessly. However, depending on how you purchase it, you may need to upload your ID or complete registration steps, which can slow you down—especially if you’re trying to set things up in a hurry after landing.
The network itself is rock solid once it’s up and running, but I found the onboarding process a little clunky compared to Airalo. It feels more like buying a local SIM, just without the plastic. If you’re already in the airport and don’t mind a few extra steps, it’s doable—but not quite as frictionless.
Ease of Setup
Airalo wins big here. I’ve activated its eSIMs while boarding a flight, in a cab to the hotel, and even from my Airbnb in Tokyo before heading to Singapore. It’s as easy as choosing a plan, tapping a few buttons, and scanning the eSIM onto my phone. The best part? It activates automatically when I land, so I’m not scrambling for Wi-Fi or standing in line at a SIM card booth.
Singtel, while still modern, has a slightly old-school feel. You either pre-order online and hope for a smooth activation or you grab it at the airport, which sometimes means queuing and filling out forms. It’s not terrible, but in the age of instant everything, those few extra steps can feel like a hassle—especially when all I want is to post my first travel snap without delay.
Comparison Table: Airalo vs Singtel Tourist eSIM
| Factors | Airalo Singapore eSIM | Singtel Tourist eSIM |
| Plan variety | 1 GB–20 GB tiers plus regional/global options | Two flat unlimited 5G plans |
| Price per GB/day | From ~$1.3/GB; very flexible options | Higher upfront cost; unlimited use, but less flexible |
| Network type | Singtel 4G/LTE only | Native Singtel 5G with roaming |
| Device activation | Pre‑install via app; no eKYC | Online or airport activation; ID required |
| Voice/SMS support | Data‑only (VoIP possible) | Includes SMS, local calls, IDD |
| Customer support & reliability | Mixed reviews, some delays reported | Operated by Singtel, more stable but support reviews vary |
The Smarter Way to Stay Connected in Singapore
After trying both options firsthand, I can say that each eSIM has its place for sure. But for most travelers, Airalo comes out ahead.
It offers flexible, budget-friendly plans that cater to various travel styles, from short stopovers to week-long adventures. The fact that it runs on Singtel’s dependable LTE network ensures reliable performance across the city. And because you can pay by the gigabyte, you’re only spending on what you use.
Singtel’s Tourist eSIM does have its perks—especially if you need unlimited 5G data or still rely on voice and SMS—but it comes at a higher upfront cost and doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility.
For digital nomads, casual explorers, and anyone on a quick layover in Singapore, Airalo makes more sense. It’s easy to set up, gets you online fast, and keeps things simple so you can focus on exploring—not configuring.
