With a record-breaking 24 races across 21 countries, the 2024 F1 season is set to be the most thrilling yet, and the Singapore Grand Prix is considered one of the toughest.
High heat, humidity, and a demanding circuit make it a gruelling race—former champion Nico Rosberg likened it to “being in a sauna on a spinning bike for two hours.” Yikes. Yet, in the words of French-Swiss race driver Romain Grosjean, the Singapore Grand Prix is also “one of the most beautiful races you can have by night”.
If you’re flying into Singapore to see one of the most beautiful, difficult, and iconic F1 races in the world, you’ll want to make the most of your trip. That means being able to easily navigate the city and seamlessly share your experiences with friends and family back home. What’s the best way to stay connected? Whether you’re in the bustling heart of the race or exploring Singapore’s iconic landmarks, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you stay online without a hitch.
1. Public wi-fi: Free, but problematic
Public wi-fi is widely available around Singapore’s tourist hotspots like malls and local attractions. One good option is Wireless@SGx, a free public Wi-Fi service in Singapore. If you’re doing some retail therapy in a mall, you can also check online if the mall has its own free wi-fi network.
However, I find that such free options are not always reliable. Even on a regular day, the connection can be spotty—what more during popular events like F1? Connection delays and hiccups are almost guaranteed with such high traffic. If you plan on data-heavy use like live-streaming the race, public wi-fi options are not going to cut it.
2. eSIMs: A no-fuss, instant solution
Emails > snail mail. Digital music > CDs. And now, eSIMs > physical SIM cards.
eSIMs win for their convenience. If you’re a tech-savvy traveller, you’ll know you can activate your eSIM data plan online even before arriving. There’s no need to trudge to a telco in Changi Airport with an eSIM. You basically touch down and are connected as soon as you turn off your phone’s airplane mode. That leaves you more time to soak in the city and catch all the F1 action.
For islandwide 5G coverage: Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G Tourist eSIM
For islandwide 5G coverage (only the best for your F1 memories, right?), a good option is Singtel’s unlimited* 5G Tourist eSIM. For S$30 or S$50, you can enjoy unlimited* 5G data whether you’re in the heart of the action at the Marina Bay Street Circuit or tucking into hawker delights at Lau Pa Sat before the race.
Don’t forget that you can set up your Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G Tourist eSIM well before you arrive in Singapore. That means you’ll be ready to stream, navigate, or snap photos the moment your plane touches down.
4. SIM card: Steady, reliable network
A local SIM card offers tourists a hassle-free way to stay connected while travelling, giving you instant access to local data, calls, and texts.
If you’re all about sharing your F1 weekend on social media or need fast, reliable data for work, unlimited SIM cards like Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G SIM card might be your best option.
For reliable connectivity even in crowds: Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G Tourist SIMs
A big challenge during the F1 season is finding a reliable network that will provide a stable connection even in thick crowds. I mean, imagine being in the heart of the action, adrenaline pumping, trying to capture the thrills of the F1 race…but finding your phone’s network just won’t stay connected. Or what if you’re at an F1 afterparty, and your laggy connection won’t let you share the memories with your friends and family back home?
In such crowded, congested areas, Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G Tourist SIMs is a great option for keeping up.
Singtel Unlimited* 5G Tourist SIM offers seamless connectivity during your travels. Like its eSIM counterpart, these are available for S$30 or S$50 and give you unlimited* 5G data to stream the races, roam with 5GB or 10GB of data, and even enjoy unlimited local talktime.
For greater convenience, you can purchase your Singtel Unlimited* 5G Tourist SIM card online on Singtel, KKday, Trip.com, or Pelago before you reach Singapore. Simply collect it at Travelex at Singapore Changi Airport or Singtel shops islandwide when you touch down. There are also options to buy it in-store at Travelex Foreign Currency Exchange (there’s one conveniently at the airport), Singtel shops and Singtel Exclusive Retailers.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting in Sep 2024, you can grab a free racing power bank when you purchase a 5G Tourist SIM—perfect for keeping your phone charged through the race-day frenzy.
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5. Roaming: Easy, but beware of bill shocks
A convenient option to stay connected when travelling is roaming, which lets you keep your original SIM card. All you need to do is pay roaming charges or buy a roaming package with your current telco provider.
However, be sure to check the charges before relying on this method since roaming is usually charged per GB of usage. Want to avoid any risk of bill shocks from heavy data usage? Opt for an unlimited SIM or eSIM option like Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G eSIM or physical SIM cards instead.
6. Renting a pocket wi-fi: Group-friendly, but restrictive
Travelling with friends or family? A pocket wi-fi device creates a personal wi-fi hotspot by connecting to mobile data, allowing multiple devices to access the internet on the go.
However, pocket wi-fi can be restrictive for groups as it requires everyone to stay within range of the device. In the surging crowds you can expect at F1, that’s going to be very difficult. The device may also need frequent recharging, making it less convenient than individual SIM cards for flexibility.
Conclusion: Choose your best fit for F1
From free public wi-fi to hassle-free eSIMs and unlimited data options, Singapore has plenty of ways to keep you connected during the F1 weekend. Whether you prefer a traditional SIM or want to skip the fuss with an eSIM like Singtel’s Unlimited* 5G Tourist eSIM, staying online is easier than you think. And with that power bank promo, you’ll never run out of juice—no matter how fast things get!
*Unlimited 5G data S$30/S$50 Tourist SIM is subjected to fair usage policy of 100GB/120GB of 5G data respectively.
This post was written in collaboration with Singtel. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence.