Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
Singapore uses 230V, 50Hz with the UK-style Type G three-pin plug. Travellers from most of Asia, the US and Europe will need an adapter.
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Plug
- Type G (UK three-pin)
- Adapter
- Needed for most visitors
- Most phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage; just bring a Type G adapter
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
Three operators serve tourists: Singtel (hi!), StarHub and M1. Tourist prepaid SIMs are sold at all Changi terminals; you must show your passport to register.
- Operators
- Singtel, StarHub, M1
- Where
- Changi arrival halls, telco shops
- Register
- Passport required
- SIMs registered on a foreign passport expire after about 30 days
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
eSIMs are convenient for compatible phones. Local operators (Singtel, StarHub, M1) sell tourist eSIMs, and global providers like Airalo offer Singapore data plans you can set up before arrival.
- Local eSIM
- Singtel/StarHub/M1
- Global eSIM
- Airalo and similar apps
- Setup
- Activate before you land
- Check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
Wi-Fi is excellent and widespread. Changi Airport has free Wi-Fi, and the government Wireless@SG network plus malls, cafes and hotels give easy coverage.
- Airport
- Free Wi-Fi at Changi
- Public
- Wireless@SG hotspots
- Venues
- Malls, cafes, hotels
- A local SIM/eSIM is still handy for maps and rideshare on the go
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
The open internet works normally. Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, LINE and other global apps all work without a VPN, unlike some neighbouring countries.
- Global apps
- Work normally
- VPN
- Not needed for tourists
- Note
- A small number of sites are blocked
- Only limited categories (e.g. some gambling/adult sites) are restricted
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
Grab handles rides and food, Google Maps works for navigation, and the MyICA/SGAC service covers your arrival card. Transit apps help plan MRT and bus trips.
- Rides/food
- Grab
- Maps
- Google Maps
- Transit
- LTA MyTransport / Citymapper
- Use the official ICA/SGAC service for your arrival card
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
Singapore's country code is +65 and local numbers have 8 digits. For emergencies dial 999 (police) or 995 (ambulance/fire).
- Country code
- +65
- Numbers
- 8 digits, no area code
- Emergency
- 999 / 995
- Apps like WhatsApp are widely used for calls and messaging