Does SIM only Come with Roaming?

Updated on 11 Dec 2025

Yes, many SIM only plans now include roaming as standard or as an optional add-on. In fact, SIM-Only plans are one of the most convenient and fuss-free ways to stay connected the moment you touch down. 

Singaporeans are famously well-travelled, ranking first as the top online searchers of travel topics on Google between 2023 and 2024. And because we need seamless, worry-free connectivity for those quick trips to Malaysia or longer holidays further abroad, international roaming data phone plansare a great solution.

Let’s take a look at what goes into a SIM only plan with roaming and why it might be the right choice for your overseas data needs.

What is a SIM Only with Roaming?

A SIM only plan is simply a mobile subscription that gives you data, calls, and SMS without having to sign a long-term contract that is tied to a new phone. You simply use your existing device and only pay for the service. 

While no exact numbers are available, more Singaporeans are using SIM only plans, even triggering a price war amongst the various providers. 

In a bid to court more users, certain providers have come up with travel-ready SIM only plans with roaming that includes overseas data in addition to local data. This means if you have a 5G SIM with data roaming for travel installed in your phone, you can now land in a foreign country and start texting home right away using your local SIM card.

Types of Roaming in SIM Only Plans

The phrase "roaming included" can mean very different things depending on your provider. To find the best SIM only for roaming, you need to know which type of roaming inclusion you're getting. These are the types of roaming typically included in most SIM only plans.

1. "Built-In" or Local Data Roaming

• What it is: This is the most generous option for nearby trips. Your monthly local data allowance is shared across Singapore and a handful of selected countries.
• How it works: If your plan says "400GB Data (SG/MY)", that 400GB pool is available whether you're at home in Singapore or driving across the Causeway into Malaysia.

2. Additional Data Roaming

• What it is: A small, specific amount of data is added to your plan as a free bonus, meant for a wider group of Asian and Pacific destinations. This data is separate from your local allowance.
• How it works: You might get "300GB Local Data + 8GB Asia Roaming." The 8GB is your dedicated, no-extra-cost roaming budget for places like Japan, Korea, or Thailand.

3. Add-on Roaming Data Packages

• What it is: This is a single, one-time purchase of additional roaming data to be added to your SIM-only plan, often called a "booster" or a "passport.
• How it works: You log into your provider's app and purchase a roaming top up for the region you are travelling to. For example, if your plan includes a free 8GB for international roaming but you need more, you can pay a set price (e.g., $18) to immediately activate an additional 8GB for the month.

Types of Roaming Destinations in SIM Only Plans

When choosing the best SIM only for roaming, your travel habits dictate which plan is right. Providers typically categorise destinations into three main zones:

If you are looking for the most bang for your buck or an affordable 5G SIM with roaming, then it would be a good idea to check if the plan includes generous data caps for the destinations you usually travel to. SIM only with roaming providers will typically provide the full list of countries, so always check this, as the destinations can vary dramatically from one provider to the next.

Benefits of Using a SIM Only Plan with Data Roaming

There are many reasons to switch to a 5G SIM with data roaming for travel besides the cost. Here are some of the benefits of using a SIM only plan with data roaming:

• Ultimate Convenience (Just Land and Connect): No need to hunt down a local SIM card at the airport, buy and set up a travel SIM, or lug around a bulky Wi-Fi router. Your phone simply connects to the overseas network automatically upon arrival, giving you immediate internet access for e-hailing a ride, checking maps, or sending a quick message to tell a loved one you’ve landed safely. 
• Fixed Costs with No Bill Shock: A SIM only plan with roaming has a fixed amount of data so you know exactly how much you get each month, and how much you’ll pay each month. No need to worry about accidental pay-as-you-use data charges!
• Keep Access to Your Singapore Number While Overseas: Unlike swapping in a foreign SIM, you keep your primary Singapore number active. This is absolutely critical for receiving those two-factor authentication (2FA) SMS messages for banking and work, ensuring you never get locked out of important accounts while overseas.
• Freedom to Switch Plans: With SIM-only plans, if you land a new job that requires more international trips, you can easily upgrade to other international roaming data phone planswith larger capacity packages. If your travel plans slow down, there’s always the flexibility to swap to a cheaper plan.

Who Should Purchase SIM Only Plans with Data Roaming?

These flexible plans are fantastic because they can be tailored to almost any traveller, from the occasional holidaymaker to the everyday commuter. The fact is, if you step out of Singapore even once a year, you’ll benefit!

• The Cross-Border Commuter: If your routine involves regular, quick trips across the causeway to Malaysia for work, 5G roaming data plans for cross-border travel that offer shared SG/MY data are purpose-built for you. It’s like having one seamless network!
• The Frequent Leisure Traveller: Anyone who takes 3 to 4 holidays a year to popular Asian destinations like Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Taipei can benefit from an affordable 5G SIM with roamingso you don’t have to purchase a travel SIM card or e-SIM every time.
• The Regional Business Professional: You need rock-solid, guaranteed connectivity and the ability to receive calls/SMS on your main Singapore number while hopping between regional offices. A reliable 5G SIM with data roaming for travel keeps you focused on your work, not juggling multiple SIM plans.

What to Look For in a SIM Only Plan with Roaming

Choosing the right plan means looking past the big-number headline price and getting cosy with the fine print. Here are the crucial questions to ask before buying any SIM only plan with roaming:

1. Does It Cover Your Destination?

Does the plan include the specific countries you want? For example, if you travel to Thailand often, is Thailand data under “Local Data” or “APAC Data”?

2. Do You Get True 5G Roaming Overseas?

Just because you have a 5G plan in Singapore doesn't guarantee 5G speed overseas. Check if the roaming data is provided at 4G or 5G speed in the destination country

3. Do You Have to Manually Activate Roaming?

Confirm whether the roaming is automatic or if you must manually enable roaming on the provider's app before you leave.

4. How Long Does the Data Last?

Is the roaming data a monthly recurring allowance that resets every cycle? If you don't use it all, does any unused roaming data roll over to the next month? This is a great feature that adds extra value and flexibility.

Best 5G SIM Only Plans with Roaming

The race among providers to offer the most compelling affordable 5g sim with roaming means consumers are spoilt for choice. Check out some of these top 5g sim plans with international roaming:

*Pricing updated on 24 October 2025

Travel the World with Maxx's SIM Only Plans with Roaming

Maxx’s 5G offerings are some of the most affordable 5G SIM plans with roaming benefits. Here’s a quick look at what you get at different tiers:

The modern traveller needs a modern mobile plan. Maxx brings you reliable international roaming data phone plans built right into no-contract, SIM-Only packages. Eliminate the stress of manual top-ups and hidden fees and enjoy incredible data allowances and clear pricing upfront. It’s simply the smarter, easier way to roam.