NUS Business
Banking & Connectivity Essentials

Banking & Connectivity Essentials

Instructions for the opening of bank account and setting up a mobile line.

Opening of a Bank Account

As you embark on your MBA journey, one essential aspect of settling in is setting up a local bank account. Having a Singaporean bank account streamlines your financial transactions and ensures smooth day-to-day living in the country.

Several banks in Singapore allow international students to open a bank account. There are local banks, such as DBS, UOB, OCBC, and Maybank, and many international banks, such as HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, and Wise.

We have found that DBS Bank offers one of the most convenient and hassle-free processes for opening a bank account in Singapore, especially for international students. Instructions and information for opening a bank account with DBS can be found in this guide.

 

Student Enrolment Letter

To facilitate the bank account opening process, a student enrolment letter is often required by banks as part of their account opening procedure. To obtain your student enrolment letter, please visit the following link to submit a request form. Once your request is approved, the enrolment letter will be promptly generated and sent to you via email. Please ensure that all information provided in the request form is accurate to avoid any delays in processing.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance regarding the student enrolment letter or the bank account opening process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our administrative team.

Choosing a Mobile Plan: SIM Only Plans

A SIM-only plan offers a comprehensive package of data, talk time, and SMSes at a fixed monthly cost. Unlike traditional mobile phone contracts, SIM-only plans are postpaid plans but without the commitment of a minimum contract period. This means you have the flexibility to switch or adjust your plan according to your needs without being locked into a long-term contract.

 

SIM Only Plan Providers

In Singapore, you have a variety of options when it comes to SIM-only plans. Alongside the four major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) – SingTel, StarHub, M1, and SIMBA, there are also Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). MVNOs rent bandwidth and access to network services from the MNOs at bulk wholesale rates and offer their own retail packages with unique features and pricing.

 

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs):

  • • SingTel
  • • StarHub
  • • M1
  • • SIMBA

 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs):

  • • GOMO Mobile (launched by SingTel)
  • • giga (launched by StarHub)
  • • Life
  • • Zero1
  • • MyRepublic
  • • redONE
  • • ViviFi
  • • Grid Mobile (a joint venture by SingTel and ST Telemedia)
  • • CMLink (China Mobile)
  • • Changi Mobile

 

Consider Your Needs

When choosing a SIM-only plan, it’s important to consider how much data, talk time, and SMS you truly need. Each network provider has its own strengths and offerings, so it’s worth closely assessing your situation and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the best mobile network in Singapore will vary for each individual based on their specific needs and priorities.

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