In Singapore, there are 3 telecommunication providers for mobile phone services. You could sign up with M1, Singtel or Starhub.

Due to the intense rivalry between these 3 companies, the offers are actually very similar in terms of pricing and features. With number portability available, consumers have the options of switching to another telco providers at the end of your plan (if you are using post-paid). This option is also available even if you are using Pre-Paid cards.

Why should I get a Pre-Paid card?

For just $8 to $10, you can get a pre-paid SIM card with your own unique mobile number to use in Singapore.

One major reason is that it is cheaper; you only pay what you use and do not worry about monthly bills. Besides they usually have promotions on overseas calls. For just 60 cents, you can also receive free incoming calls.

Currently, for heavy users, you just need to pay $28 (Singtel and Starhub) or $30 (M1) to enjoy another $100 of value. You can use it for 50 days and by topping up again, the remaining credits will be rolled over. This $100 can be used for local calls (8 cents/min during off-peak hours) and local sms (5 cents each). The remaining amount ($28 – Singtel and Starhub / $30 – M1) can be used to make IDD calls to countries like China, India, Malaysia and Thailand at 8 cents during off-peak hours and global sms (15 cents each). You have to read the terms and conditions for a better understanding.

In addition, you also earn loyalty rewards for extra credits if you are on other pre-paid plans.

Free incoming calls

For 60 cents a day, you can enjoy unlimited free incoming call. However, there could be a small termination fee involved. So do read the terms and conditions for a better understanding.

Special instruction for foreign students, visitors or anyone who want to make long / many calls to overseas (How to save money on IDD calls?)

You can also use the $100 value for local calls to make overseas call.

How can this be done? You buy an international calling card like Phoenix card, and you will be charged the local calling rates for your mobile + a small fee like 3 cents per minute to call overseas: eg. China, Malaysia etc.

If you have “free incoming calls” services, you can also buy a Callback Card. It will dial the overseas number at a small fee and call you back to fully utilize your “free incoming calls” feature.

Why should I get a Post-Paid Plan?

If you are a big fan of Apple iPhone 3Gs, well, you will have to sign a post-paid plan as they provide the much needed data plan. The good news is you can buy from Singtel, M1 or Starhub and the benefit of competition brings you at least 12 gb of free data. Also, data is capped at $30/month.

For a fixed sum a month, some of the youth plans available will offer perks such as free incoming calls, free campus/camp calls and unlimited SMS.

Another reason is that you can buy the phones at a much cheaper price. For example, I have seen a mobile phone selling for $200 with plan and $600 without contract. The higher your monthly subscription fees, the cheaper your phone when you purchase as the mobile phone companies can lock you in for the next 2 years under contract.

There are other plans where you can share your talktime with other users or have unlimited talk time.

One interesting plan by M1 allows you to pay for a subscription fee and you get to select your own mobile phone to use. The cheapest plan is $19.26 per month. After 9 months, you can bring it back to exchange for a new phone or pay a nominal fee to keep it.

Conclusion

In summary, you have to decide for yourself what you really need before you make the decision to use a post-paid plan or pre-paid card. By making a good decision, you will be able to save some money for you to spend on other things.

If you have tips to save money for making overseas calls or any suggestions on pre-paid / post-paid plans? Do drop us a note below.