2025 Guide to StarHub Prepaid SIM Cards

Today, the mobile market is largely dominated by contract and SIM-only plans, which often include a swath of bonuses beyond data and talktime. Among other things, this makes it easy to forget that the humble Prepaid SIM card can be (and still is) a viable option.

But where exactly do Prepaid SIMs excel, and how do they stack up against contract or SIM-only plans? In this article, we’ll be answering all of those questions while also helping you select the perfect StarHub Prepaid SIM card for your needs.

🔍 What is a Prepaid SIM card?

A prepaid SIM card is a mobile phone SIM card that allows you to pay for services in advance. Unlike postpaid plans, there’s no monthly bill - you only use what you’ve paid for. You can use the card until your balance is depleted, and then you can top it up again.

⚙️ How do Prepaid SIM cards work?

Think of a prepaid SIM like a debit card. You load credit onto the SIM, and usage is deducted accordingly. Once your balance runs out, you can top-up or purchase a new prepaid SIM card. This makes prepaid plans an excellent choice for budget-conscious users, short-term visitors, and those who prefer no contracts.

⏳ How long do Prepaid SIM Cards last?

All Prepaid SIM cards come with a validity period (highlighted in the red box below), which will begin at the moment of activation.

Once the validity expires, all credits and services stored on the card will no longer be usable. However, by making top-ups of certain denominations, users can extend the validity of their SIM card. We'll get into this later on in our top-up section.

🤔 Why choose a Prepaid SIM card?

When it comes to mobile plans, Prepaid SIM cards might not offer as many bonuses and extras compared to contract or SIM-only plans, but they do still have several advantages that make them viable picks.

For example, they’re great for users who are only in Singapore for the short-term, such as foreign expats.
 

💰 Cost-Effective & No Surprise Fees

Unlike postpaid contracts, where unexpected charges can pile up, prepaid SIM cards let you pay only for what you use. There are no hidden fees, long-term commitments, or overage charges - you’re in full control of your spending.

📲 No Contracts, No Hassle

Forget about lengthy sign-ups and restrictive contracts. With a prepaid SIM, you can start and stop service anytime, switch providers with ease, and avoid early termination penalties.

🎁 Extra Perks & Bonus Credit

While postpaid plans often come with premium perks, many prepaid SIM cards also offer free local data, call credits, and exclusive app benefits.

For example, the StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM includes:
✔️ FREE 120GB for 28 days
✔️ $100 IDD credit for international calls
✔️ 5000 local call minutes

💵 How much are Prepaid SIM cards in Singapore?

If you’ve decided to give Prepaid SIM plans a shot, then let us help you choose the right one!

With our StarHub Prepaid SIM Cards, you’ll be able to call, surf, text, and roam seamlessly on Singapore's fastest network. So, whether you’re searching for good value, immense mobile data, or working with a tighter budget, fret not - we’ve got just what you need.

StarHub $8 Prepaid SIM Card

(Best for Budget Users)

• $10 credit for 90 days
• 30-day 1 GB local mobile data
• 30 mins IDD 018 calls for 30 days
   

Best for: Users who don’t have to be online 24/7, but still want enough for general-purpose use.

Ideal for those on a budget, the StarHub $8 Prepaid SIM card is simple yet reliable - our recommended pick if you’re looking for a clear-cut option under $10. It comes equipped with 1GB of data, 30 minutes of IDD 018 rates for overseas calls, and $10 top-up credit (valid for 90 days).

StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM Card

(Best for Value & Everyday Use)

• $15 credit for 180 days
• 180-day 8 GB local data
• FREE 120 GB local data for 28 days
   

Best for: Users who prioritise value-adds or are looking for a Prepaid SIM plan with a solid balance of price and performance.

Meanwhile, those willing to shell out a little more for perks may want to cast their eyes over to the StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM.

Loaded with a swath of different bonuses, this value-packed Prepaid SIM includes $15 credit, $100 IDD 018 credit, and 8GB local data, plus 5000 local calls and FREE 120GB local data (valid for 28 days). In addition, you’ll also enjoy 180 days FREE unlimited data while using platforms like WeChat, WhatsApp Messenger and LINE.

StarHub $50 Prepaid SIM Card

(Best for Heavy Data Users & Travelers)

• $50 credit for 180 days
• 10-day 100 GB local data
• 30-day 5 GB roaming data
   

Best for: Users who are more heavily reliant on mobile data for their daily activities, like gaming and streaming content on the go.

Do you love streaming videos, music and podcasts? Do you frequently browse social media apps or play competitive online games on your phone? If the answer to any of those questions is a big “yes”, then the StarHub $50 Prepaid SIM is perfect for you.

Stocked with a hefty 10-day 100GB local data bundle, a 30-day 5GB roaming data, and a whopping $50 credit, this Prepaid SIM is tailor-made to handle the most demanding mobile data needs outside of a contract plan.

🛒 Where to buy a StarHub Prepaid SIM card?

You’ll be able to pick one up at any of the following locations but do take note that each individual can only own a maximum of 3 Prepaid SIM cards (across all service providers) at any given time. Don’t forget to activate it!
 

• StarHub Shops
  
• StarHub Exclusive Partners
  
• 7-Eleven & Cheers convenience stores
  
• StarHub Counters at Changi Airport T1 and T3
  
• UOB Currency Exchange Counters at Changi Airport T1 and T3
  
• Travellers’ Counters at Changi Airport T3 Arrival Hall
  
  

🔋 How to Top-Up a Prepaid SIM Card

At the moment, you can top-up your StarHub Prepaid SIM card in four different ways. Additionally, like we mentioned earlier, certain top-up denominations will also extend the validity of your Prepaid SIM card – feel free to visit our Prepaid FAQ page for more information.
 

1. StarHub Prepaid App

After downloading and setting up your account, the StarHub Prepaid App provides users with easy access to a wide variety of related services. Make top-ups, check your account balance, activate data plans, and more.

Download the app here for iOS and Android.
 

2. Charge Prepaid SIM usage to a StarHub Postpaid account

If you currently have a postpaid plan with StarHub, you can choose to charge any Prepaid top-ups to your monthly bill – full instructions are available.
 

3. Top-up online

You can top-up your Prepaid SIM online via our website.
 

4. Visit self-help channels and StarHub shops

Top-ups can also be made at ATMs, convenience stores, StarHub shops, and more.
 

For more information, you may refer to this list.

🚀 Get Your StarHub Prepaid SIM Card Today!

Now that you know how prepaid SIM cards work and which plan suits your needs, getting connected has never been easier! 

If you're looking for more flexibility, check out our other mobile plans, including the no-contract Sim-only Star Plan or our 2-year Device Plan for the latest smartphones at great prices.