Getting a helper prepaid SIM card<\/strong> is one of the first practical steps after your domestic helper arrives in Singapore. A working SIM card helps her stay in touch with family, settle in more comfortably, and reduce homesickness during the adjustment period.<\/p>\n For employers, it is also important to understand the registration rules. If the SIM card is first registered using the helper\u2019s passport,<\/strong> it must later be updated using her Work Permit within the required timeline.<\/strong> Otherwise, the SIM card may stop working.<\/strong><\/p>\n A domestic helper prepaid SIM card allows your helper to contact her loved ones and stay connected after arriving in Singapore. This can make it easier for her to adjust to a new environment and focus on her work with peace of mind.<\/p>\n A prepaid SIM card is also useful because it gives flexibility. Your helper can top up when needed and continue using the number as long as it remains active.<\/p>\n Many employers assume the first SIM card is issued by MOM, but that is not the case. The first SIM card is usually given during the helper\u2019s Settling-In Programme (SIP)<\/strong> and is sponsored by Singtel or Starhub. First-time helpers receive either a Singtel or Starhub prepaid SIM card with<\/strong> at least a 2GB of free data<\/strong> as part of the programme.<\/p>\n This means the first MOM helper SIM card<\/strong> is not actually provided by MOM. It is simply a prepaid SIM card given during SIP for initial use.<\/p>\n When a helper first arrives in Singapore, she usually has not received her Work Permit card yet. Because of that, the first prepaid SIM card is commonly registered using her passport.<\/p>\n This is where helper SIM card registration<\/strong> becomes important. A SIM card registered using a passport is only temporary. It must later be updated to a Work Permit SIM card registration<\/strong> once the Work Permit is issued.<\/p>\n From 15 July 2024,<\/strong> SIM cards registered using passports are only valid for 30 days.<\/strong> After that, the helper must re-register the SIM card using her Work Permit. If this is not done in time, the SIM card may be suspended without prior notice.<\/p>\n To avoid disruption, employers should:<\/p>\n This step is important if you want to keep the original helper prepaid SIM card<\/strong> active.<\/p>\n If the SIM card is not updated in time, it may be suspended. This means your helper may lose access to calls, messages, or mobile data. That can create unnecessary stress and communication problems.<\/p>\n That is why employers should treat helper SIM card registration<\/strong> as part of the arrival checklist once the Work Permit is ready.<\/p>\n If you are unable to go to Singtel \/ Starhub within the 30-day period, there is another option. You can buy a new prepaid SIM card for helper in Singapore<\/strong> from a local phone shop or telco outlet instead.<\/p>\n To buy a new card, you will need your helper\u2019s Work Permit<\/strong> or SingPass<\/strong>. A new SIM card purchased using the Work Permit does not<\/strong> need re-registration.<\/p>\n This can be a simple alternative if the original maid SIM card Singapore<\/strong> setup is no longer practical.<\/p>\n You can buy a new helper prepaid SIM card<\/strong> from:<\/p>\nWhy a helper prepaid SIM card matters<\/h3>\n
What employers should know about the first SIM card<\/h3>\n
Passport registration vs Work Permit SIM card registration<\/h3>\n
What to do within 30 days<\/h3>\n
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What happens if the SIM card is not re-registered<\/h3>\n
Buying a new prepaid SIM card for your helper<\/h3>\n
Where to buy a helper prepaid SIM card in Singapore<\/h3>\n