admin · Day 1 (airport or 7-Eleven)
Get a Singapore SIM card on arrival
Without a Singapore phone number you can't set up SingPass, banking, or two-factor authentication. Buy a SIM at the airport.
Source: Singtel · verified 2026-04-06
Why this matters
A Singapore phone number is the prerequisite for everything: SingPass 2FA, bank OTP, Grab, WhatsApp with local contacts, employer communication.
Without a local number you cannot register SingPass (blocks all government services), verify bank accounts, use Grab for transport, or communicate via WhatsApp (the primary messaging app in Singapore). Buy a SIM immediately upon landing — before leaving the airport.
If you skip it: Stuck at airport without data/calls. Cannot register SingPass, open bank account, use transport apps, or contact employer.
When to do it
Earliest
Immediately after clearing immigration at Changi Airport.
Optimal
Right after collecting luggage, before leaving the Arrivals Hall. Counters are open aligned with flight arrivals.
Deadline
No deadline, but you need a number for SingPass/bank/Grab — get it within hours of landing.
If late: Cannot register SingPass (day 1 blocker), cannot use Grab, cannot verify bank account.
How to do it
For the applicant
- 1
After clearing immigration, head to Arrivals Hall
Look for Cheers convenience store or Changi Recommends counter
- 2
Ask for a tourist prepaid SIM (SGD 12 plan from any provider is enough)
All three providers offer 100GB data at SGD 12. M1 gives 30 days validity — best value for relocating.
- 3
Present your passport — staff scans it for registration (mandatory)
- 4
Pay SGD 12-30 (cash SGD or credit/debit card)
- 5
Staff inserts SIM or you self-insert. Wait for signal bars.
- 6
Test: make a call, open a webpage. Save your new Singapore number.
You will need this number for SingPass, bank account, Grab, etc.
Common mistakes
- · Leaving the airport without a SIM — everything else depends on having a local number
- · Buying an expensive plan — SGD 12 is enough for 2-4 weeks
What you need
- · passport — Mandatory under IMDA regulations for SIM registration. Original only — no photocopies.
For the spouse
- 1
Buy at the same counter, same time as EP holder
- 2
Present spouse's own passport
What you need
- · passport — Spouse's own passport for IMDA registration
Cost
SGD 12 – 50
- · Prepaid SIM card (SGD 12 for 100GB, recommended): SGD 12 – 50
Done with this step?
Saved on this device. See your full checklist →
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Related steps
identity
Register for SingPass
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money
Open a bank account
You need a local bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and use SingPass services. Most expats pick DBS Multiplier.
This is one of 13 things you need to do when moving to Singapore.
See your full personalized checklist →