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Step-By-Step Guide To Switching From Regular Postpaid Telco Plan To SIM-Only

Si Jie Lim

Si Jie Lim

Last updated 03 March, 2020

Are you currently on a postpaid telco plan that’s about to expire?

Well, great news for you because you’ve just found a new way to save. That’s right. Switching from a regular postpaid telco plan to a SIM-only plan can yield great savings and this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to go about it.

But before you do that, here are 3 questions to ask yourself first. 

Question 1: Why switch from regular postpaid telco plan to SIM-only?

The biggest reason for switching to a SIM-only plan is because it can help you save more. A lot more. Here’s a summary of the SIM-only plans in the market right now.

Provider Data Plan Price Talktime SMS
redONE, Amazing 8 3GB $8 100 mins 10
VIVIFI, Lite 3GB $8.80 500 mins 20
Zero1 1 GB + unlimited data (4G speed for first 1GB) $9.90 200 mins 200
Circles.Life, Base Plan 20GB $18 100 mins, free caller ID 25
MyRepublic, Uno 18 1GB + Boundless data $18 1,000 mins 1,000
redONE, Amazing 18 6GB $18 200 mins 20
Gomo 20GB $20 200 mins 200
Singtel, SIM-Only 3GB 3GB $20 None None
MyRepublic, Power Plan 20GB + 30GB for 1st 3 months $24 100 mins 100
Grid Mobile 40GB $24.90 200 mins 200
StarHub, SIM-Only 25GB + free weekend data $25 100 mins None
Singtel, SIM-Only 20GB (12-month contract) 20GB $25 150 500
M1, SIM-Only 30GB + unlimited streaming on Spotify $25 1,000 mins, free caller ID, free calls to 3 M1 numbers 1,000
Giga 25GB (can be rolled over to next month) $25 1,000 mins 1,000
redONE, Amazing 28 10GB $28 300 30
VIVIFI, Share 20GB $29.90 300 mins 100
Zero1 3GB to Unlimited Data (4G speed for first 15GB) $29.99 200 mins, free caller ID 200
Circles.Life Unlimited $18 (base plan) + $20 100 mins, free caller ID 25
Zero1 9GB to Unlimited Data (4G speed for first 27GB) $39.99 450 mins, free caller ID 450
MyRepublic, Unlimited Unlimited data (3GB/day at 4G, managed speed thereafter) $48 Unlimited Unlimited
Zero, X Unlimited $49.95 Unlimited Unlimited
M1 30GB base plan + Bundle Pack (150GB) $25 (base plan) + $50 10,000 Unlimited
StarHub 60GB + Free 20GB + Free data on weekend $80 500 mins Additional $3 for 500 SMS

This is a SIM-only plan comparison

SingSaver Exclusive Circles.Life Promotion

Use promo code SINGSAVERCIRCLES to get FREE unlimited data for 6 months and your registration fee waived! Valid till 31 March 2020.

Question 2: Is it worth giving up phone subsidies on your regular postpaid telco plan?

The most attractive offer on the regular postpaid telco plan is the phone subsidies provided. You get your next iPhone or Android smartphone at a discounted price.

But here’s the thing. The phone subsidies are meant to get you hooked to the regular postpaid plan, so that you get locked-in with the telco for 2 years. While you get to enjoy a new phone at a lower price, this comes at the cost of a 2-year commitment. 

Not just that, the phone subsidies are also a gimmick to get you stuck on a higher plan that gives you more than what you really need. You will be urged to upgrade to a costlier plan that includes perks such as more data and more outgoing calls. Before you know it, you are already locked-in for the next 2 years.

So, before you put your signature on that contract, make sure to compare with the SIM-only plan and see if it’s worth giving up your phone subsidies.

Question 3: What if I use a regular postpaid telco plan to pay for my phone through instalments?

Another reason you might opt for a regular postpaid telco plan is because you want to reduce the upfront cost. You can then pay for your new iPhone through the ‘instalment’ options with the higher tier postpaid plan. Well, you don’t have to do that anymore.

That’s because nowadays telcos are offering monthly instalments on their phones for SIM-only plans. Thus, opting for a regular postpaid telco plan doesn’t seem to make sense unless you are paying the same price for it and a SIM-only plan.

A guide to switching from postpaid telco plan to SIM-only

If you are convinced about switching to a SIM-only plan, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Check for eligibility

Before you switch over to a SIM-only plan, make sure that your existing regular postpaid plan contract has expired. Otherwise you will be forced to pay an early termination fee to your telco. Usually, this termination fee is your monthly postpaid plan cost multiplied by the number of months remaining in your contract.

Step 2: Compare SIM-only plans to find the best deal

The next step is to find the best SIM-only plan deal in the market. You can refer to the table above to do a quick comparison or use SingSaver’s telco plan comparison tool to help you do the job.

Here’s an example of how I go about the comparison.

For me, the most important factor is data usage. So, I will seek SIM-only plans with the highest data per dollar paid ratio. In my case, M1 gave me the best deal with 30GB for $25 a month. On top of that, I also get unlimited streaming of music from Spotify for free, which is a bonus for me.

Step 3: Get promo codes (because why not?)

Because of the intense competition among telcos for SIM-only plans, many of them are offering promo codes to attract new users. They are giving out lots of promo codes for benefits such as:

a.     Discounted phone bills for the first few months
b.     Extra data for the first few months
c.     Free sign-up fee
d.     A combination of the above benefits

So, make sure you take advantage of the promo codes wherever you can.

Step 4: Sign up for a SIM-only + port over your number

The final step is to sign up for the SIM-only plan via the telco’s website.

While signing up, you can also indicate whether you want to port over your number. All you need to do is to indicate that you want to port over an existing number and the telco will do the hard work for you. There’s absolutely nothing you have to do on your end.

Step 5: Switch over to your new SIM-only

Now, all you need to do is to wait for your SIM card to be delivered to you for the switch. In the meantime, you can still use your existing telco’s SIM card till your new one gets delivered. Once you receive the new SIM card, you will get an SMS or email to make the switch to the new SIM card. 

Tada! You are now off your regular postpaid telco plan and officially a SIM-only plan user. Looking to get your own SIM-only plan? Head to the link below to check out the best SIM-only plans.

Read these next:
Mobile Plans For Different Lifestyles in Singapore 2020
Mobile Data Roaming: What Are Your Cheapest Options When Travelling?
SIM Only vs Fixed Contract: Which Is The Best Mobile Plan For Me?
Best SIM-Only Mobile Plans For Light, Moderate, And Heavy Data Users
The Ultimate Price Guide 2020: Movie Tickets In Singapore



Most people think personal finance is dry, boring and full of confusing jargon. But the fact is it can be simple and interesting. That’s why Si Jie is passionate about turning personal finance into an easy and fun topic that everyone can relate to.

FINANCIAL TIP:

Use a personal loan to consolidate your outstanding debt at a lower interest rate!

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