2024 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?

Functionally, a Prepaid SIM card is a mobile phone SIM card that provides network services - such as data, talktime, and SMS based on an internal credit balance instead of a monthly billing cycle.

How does a Prepaid SIM card work?

It’s quite similar to how debit cards operate. In the same way a debit card deducts funds from your bank account when you pay for goods and services, the Prepaid SIM likewise deducts messaging, talktime and mobile data from its internal balance as they are used.

Once depleted, users can choose to top-up their balance (and continue using the SIM card) or discard it entirely.
 

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 get 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.
 

1. They’re inexpensive.
 

Compared to conventional contract and SIM-only plans, Prepaid SIM cards and plans are relatively cheap since you’re only charged for how much data, talktime, and SMS you use. By a similar token, there’s also no risk of you overspending on mobile services, since you’re limited to the amount stored within the Prepaid SIM.
 

2. They’re convenient and easy to manage.
 

Since the only payments you make are the upfront initial cost of the SIM card and any subsequent top-ups, Prepaid SIM plans don’t come with any contractual hassle. You can purchase or stop using them at any time, which means there are no early termination fees to worry about – in other words, what you’ve paid for is already yours with no strings attached.
 

3. Many of them come with bonuses and extra credit.
 

Although these extras are not as fancy as the ones you might get from a contract plan, many Prepaid SIM cards come with pre-loaded credits or useful value-adds. For example, our StarHub $15 Prepaid SIM (which we’ll talk about just below!) comes with FREE local data, overseas call credit, SMS, and more for the first 28 days after activation.

How much is a Prepaid SIM card 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

• $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

• $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

• $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.

How 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 do I 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.

Stay connected with StarHub Prepaid SIM cards

Now that you have a better idea of how they work, you’re welcome to purchase our StarHub Prepaid SIM Cards at any StarHub Shop, Exclusive Partner outlet, or StarHub Authorised Retailer.

On the side, do feel free to check out other mobile plans as well, including our no-contract SIM-only Star Plan or 2-year Device Plan. Cheers!