Planning on moving to Singapore? Or perhaps just a short trip? Overseas travel can always be daunting, especially if it's your first time visiting. Fortunately, our phones make things a whole lot easier, particularly when it comes to local transport, shopping, and booking restaurants and activities.
Regardless of how long you're planning to be in Singapore, we've rounded up a list of every must-have app to ensure your stay is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Apps for everyday essentials
From weather to Wi-Fi, here are the essential Singapore apps to download before you go.
Singpass
If you're moving to Singapore either temporarily or permanently, the Singpass app will be a lifesaver, as it means you don't need to carry around identification documents at all times—instead, they'll be available right from your phone.
myENV
Your phone's native weather app might be handy, but for the most accurate information, myENV covers all things environmental, including weather (with rain maps), air quality, and much more.
Your telco's app
No matter if you're in Singapore for a couple of weeks or a couple of years, you'll need to have your telco's app installed to buy or activate an eSIM, add roaming features, or simply track your monthly usage.
For longer-term stays in Singapore, we recommend a 5G SIM-only plan, like the popular options below.
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#1
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SIMBA
Editor's Pick
SuperRoam 10 SIM Only
$10.00
Min. cost $10
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#2
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Singtel
$15 hi! 5G+ Monthly Plan
$15.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
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#3
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M1
5G SIM Only 150GB
$14.95
Min. cost $11.95
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#4
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Maxx
400GB SIM Only
$10.00
Min. cost $10
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#5
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GOMO
5G+ Asia Infinity
$30.56
+ $2 Upfront
Min. cost $32.56
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#6
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MyRepublic
5G Basic $14.95
$14.95/mth
Min. cost $14.95
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For shorter stays, consider one of the tourist SIM plans below.
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#1
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Eight
Double Eight Data Only Tourist Plan
$8.00
Starter Pack
30 Day Expiry
Link not supplied
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#2
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Singtel
$12 hi! Tourist eSIM
$12.00
Starter Pack
30 Day Expiry
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#3
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StarHub
4G Tourist eSIM Data Only
$12.00
Starter Pack
30 Day Expiry
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#4
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M1
100GB Tourist eSIM
$12.00
Starter Pack
15 Day Expiry
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Google Translate
Although English is the de facto working language in Singapore, it's home to a diverse range of cultures and languages, so it's worth having Google Translate handy to decode signs and menus off the beaten track.
HealthHub SG
If you're becoming a permanent resident of Singapore, HealthHub SG will help you book and manage medical appointments, view and pay your bills, and access lab results right at your fingertips.
Apps for getting around in Singapore
Ride share, public transport, hire car... take your pick!
Citymapper
Google Maps might be your usual go-to when travelling, but in Singapore, Citymapper reigns supreme. It's got more direct, logical route planning (especially taking into account multi-mode transport) and offers more accurate live data for Singapore's MRT, LRT and bus networks.
Grab
Uber doesn't operate in Singapore, but Grab covers all the same bases, offering ride share services and even food and groceries delivery, just like Uber Eats.
Parking.sg
If you're planning on doing any driving in Singapore, Parking.sg is a must-have. Simply add your car's details, select the car park, add your estimated parking duration, and the app will automatically calculate parking fees. It even takes into account free parking hours, night parking, and other discounted rates.
Apps for restaurants and food delivery in Singapore
Must-haves for big nights out and cosy nights in.
Chope
Chope (a Singlish word meaning to reserve a seat at a busy hawker centre by placing down a personal item) is your go-to for restaurant bookings. There's more than 3,500 venues to choose from, with customer reviews and menus to scour.
Foodpanda
As we've already mentioned Grab, we'll look at another Uber Eats equivalent in Singapore: Foodpanda. Whether you're craving Thai or burgers, a nice bottle of red or some sweet treats, this app has you covered.
Yindii
On a budget? Yindii is Singapore's answer to Too Good To Go, offering end-of-day deals on surplus food. Not only do you get massive discounts, but you can feel good knowing you've done your bit for the environment by preventing food waste.
Apps for shopping in Singapore
Because everyone back home wants a souvenir, and you want that new pair of sandals.
Shopee and Lazada
Although Amazon operates in Singapore, Shopee and Lazada are more popular among locals. Both sell a huge range of goods including electronics, fashion, household necessities, health and beauty products, and more, with reasonably priced delivery fees. These two are competitors, so they stock a lot of the same products—perfect for finding the lowest price.
FairPrice
The FairPrice app will make your weekly grocery shop a breeze. You can order everything you need for pick-up or delivery, create shopping lists, browse limited time deals, or use the app in store to scan items as you go, skipping checkout altogether.
Zalora
Zalora is your go-to destination for fashion in Singapore. They offer fast, cheap (or free) delivery with free 30-day returns on clothing from the likes of H&M, Nike, Adidas, Mango, and more.
Georgia Dixon
Managing Editor
