What to Consider Before Purchasing 5G SIM-Only Plans?
Which is the best SIM-only plan to buy in Singapore? With the number of options available, shortlisting the best mobile plan can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, there are several considerations you can use as a guide to choose the right SIM-only plan:
- Data Allowance: In the age of streaming, online gaming, and social media, understanding the breakdown of your monthly data usage is crucial. Thereafter, you can search for plans that best align with your habits.
- Talk time and SMS: While many rely heavily on data, don't neglect the importance of sufficient talk time and SMS. This is especially vital if your primary contacts prefer to communicate via calls or texts.
- Add-ons and Extras: Some service providers in Singapore might sweeten the deal with extra perks. which help achieve greater overall savings if these benefits align with your lifestyle.
- Price: Always consider your overall mobile usage requirements. For instance, a service provider may charge a higher upfront cost to upgrade your handset. Meanwhile, the fee charged for adding-on extra data or services beyond your base plan may also make a seemingly good SIM-only plan less ideal than other options that may be less attractive at first glance. A transparent pricing structure will help you avoid bill shock.
- Contract or No-Contract: No-contract SIM plans in Singapore allow you to easily switch providers or change your plan at any time without incurring a penalty, which is perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone who values flexibility. Be sure to check if your plan is truly flexible or if it has certain terms attached.
- Overseas Roaming: While many plans focus on local data, some providers include a basic roaming allowance as a standard feature. Finding a cost-effective SIM-only plan that bundles roaming saves you the hassle and expense of buying a separate travel SIM card when you take a short trip
Where Can You Buy 5G SIM-Only Plans in Singapore?
You can purchase 5G SIM-only plans in Singapore in several ways:
- Online: You can buy a plan directly from a provider's website like Maxx.sg
- Physical Stores: Visit a local telco shop from major providers like M1, Singtel, or StarHub.
It is generally more convenient to buy a SIM-only plan online as most providers will have a smooth and seamless sign-up process. There are also eSIM options so that you can use your plan immediately after purchase.
What is the Difference Between No Contract and Contract SIM-Only Plans in Singapore?
Contract and no-contract have different commitment levels and benefits. The right SIM plan recommendation for you will depend on whether you prefer long-term perks or complete flexibility.
- No-Contract Plans: These give you complete freedom. You aren't locked into a long-term commitment and can switch providers or cancel anytime without a penalty. You'll need to use your own phone, but you save money by only paying for the services you need.
- Contract Plans: These require a long-term commitment, usually 12 or 24 months. In exchange for this commitment, they often come with benefits like a discounted or free new phone, or other special perks.
What is the Difference Between a Prepaid and Postpaid SIM-Only Plan?
The primary difference between postpaid and prepaid SIM-only plans is when you pay and how you’re billed for the data you use.
- Prepaid Plans: You load money or data packs onto your SIM card and your usage is deducted from that balance.
- Postpaid Plans: You receive a fixed monthly subscription bill with a set amount of data, calls, and SMS for your usage.
Would You Recommend a Prepaid or Postpaid SIM?
Both prepaid and postpaid SIMs have their pros and cons. Which is the best SIM-only plan to buy in Singapore will depend on your own requirements.
| Feature |
Prepaid SIM-Only Plan
|
Postpaid SIM-Only Plan
|
|
Payment Model
|
Pay in advance for your mobile service.
|
Pay at the end of each billing cycle (usually monthly).
|
|
Usage Limits
|
You only pay for what you've loaded onto your account.
|
You have an agreed amount of data, calls and SMS for each month, with
additional fees if you exceed your usage limits.
|
|
Convenience
|
Requires manual top-ups to maintain service, and you must keep track
of expiration dates.
|
Offers seamless, continuous service with no need to repurchase a plan
each month.
|
|
Additional Perks
|
Generally offers less data and fewer perks, but allows you to only pay
for what you use.
|
Is typically bundled with additional perks like roaming, streaming
subscriptions, or caller ID.
|
For users who are on a strict budget or only need to use their phone occasionally, a prepaid SIM-only plan is a suitable option. However, for the average user, a postpaid SIM-only plan provides a more convenient, seamless, and ultimately better value-for-money experience.
How Do SIM-Only Plans Work with eSIM?
Most modern SIM-only plans offer an eSIM option so you can use the plan without having to install a physical SIM card. Here’s how eSIMs work with SIM-only plans:
- Purchase: You select a SIM-only plan and choose the eSIM option during the checkout process on the provider's website.
- Activate: Instead of waiting for a physical SIM card, you'll receive a unique QR code or activation details, typically via email.
- Install: On your eSIM-compatible phone, you simply scan the QR code to download the virtual SIM profile directly to your device.
- Connect: The plan is activated instantly. Your phone automatically connects to the network, and you can begin using your data, calls, and SMS immediately.
Providers like Maxx offer SIM-only plans with eSIM compatibility right out of the box, with options for free physical SIM delivery if the user prefers.
Do SIM-Only Plans Work for International Travel?
Yes, SIM-only plans can work for international travel. Some providers offer convenient international data add-on packs at a fixed cost, while other plans, like those from Maxx, include a roaming allowance as a standard feature.
If you are a frequent traveller who visits the same countries, the best 5G SIM plan for you would be one that covers all your destinations so that you do not have to constantly switch providers in different countries.
Do SIM-Only Plans Have Benefits Other Than Data?
Of course. Besides a generous data allowance, many SIM-only plans offer a range of additional perks.
- Built-in Roaming and IDD: Some plans include generous IDD minutes and extra data for regional or international roaming at select destinations. This is a huge benefit for those who frequently travel or need to make overseas calls.
- Caller Number Display: This is a useful feature that can save you an additional fee if it is provided free of charge.
- Physical SIM Card Delivery: If you are not using an eSIM, some providers will ship the physical SIM card directly to your doorstep for free, offering convenience and saving you a trip to a retail store.
- Data Caps for Neighbouring Countries: Some providers offer SIM-only plans with data caps that extend to neighbouring countries. For example, Maxx’s 500GB data plan is applicable in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. This flexibility is great for frequent cross-border commuters or anyone who travels to these destinations often.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a SIM-Only Plan
Be wary of making these common pitfalls when choosing between the current SIM-only mobile plans available in the market and selecting the best SIM-only plan for your needs.
- Overestimating Your Data Needs: It's tempting to opt for mobile data plans that offer the best data allowance. However, if you're consistently using only a fraction of what you're paying for, it's not a cost-effective choice. Instead of being lured by a plan's price alone, evaluate your typical usage and look for SIM-only plans with mobile data at reasonable prices in Singapore that best align with your habits.
- Ignoring Terms and Conditions: The devil is in the details, and this holds true when evaluating mobile plans. Skipping over the fine print can lead to unwelcome surprises, from unforeseen charges to service limitations. By looking out for transparent service providers like Maxx, who make their consolidated terms of service easily accessible on their website, you can be assured that you won't be caught off guard by unexpected costs.
Summary: Which is the Best SIM-Only Plan to Buy in Singapore
For a definitive answer to which is the best SIM-only plan to buy in Singapore, you need to look at what truly matters: a great price, generous data, and no long-term commitment. This quick reference guide compares the top plans to help you find the perfect one.
| Provider |
Name of Plan |
Monthly Price |
Local Data |
Calls & SMS |
Additional Features |
| Maxx |
Maxx 5G SIM |
$10 |
400GB (Singapore, Malaysia) - Free 5G |
500 mins talktime |
13GB APAC Roaming |
|
50 SMS |
3GB International Roaming |
|
|
Up to 300 mins of IDD calls |
| M1 |
Bespoke SIM-Only |
$14.95 |
150GB |
1000 mins talktime |
Free 12 months unlimited weekend data |
| 1000 SMS |
|
| Singtel |
Enhanced Core SIM-Only Plan |
$40 |
300GB |
700 mins talktime |
1GB of Asia roaming |
| 700 SMS |
6 months of Disney+ Premium |
| Starhub |
Star Plan L |
$32 |
200GB |
1500 mins talktime |
5GB data roaming to 5 destinations |
| 750 SMS |
|
| Circles.Life |
5G Plus |
$22 |
1TB |
Unlimited outgoing and incoming calls |
Free 15GB monthly roaming across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka |
| SIMBA |
SIMBA SIM |
$10 |
400GB (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong) |
Unlimited local talktime |
12GB APAC Roaming |
|
100 SMS |
3GB International Roaming |
|
|
Up to 500 mins of IDD calls |
| giga! |
giga! 5G Plans |
$18.33 |
400GB (Singapore, Malaysia) |
800 mins talktime |
10GB Asia roaming |
|
800 SMS |
6GB international roaming |
|
|
Free rollover data |
Maxx’s SIM-only Plans: Rising Above the Rest
Recognising the diverse needs of mobile users in Singapore, Maxx offers contract-free SIM-only plans , complemented by the option to include affordable add-ons to meet your unique needs. Starting from just S$6, these add-ons provide extra perks such as IDD calls, roaming data allowances and more.
With these diverse benefits, you can easily stay connected with your loved ones and fulfil your mobile needs without compromising your budget. Browse our SIM-only plans and sign up online today to discover the true meaning of value and quality in mobile services.
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