What are SIM-Only Plans with Free Data Roaming?

Updated on 11 Dec 2025

Getting surprised by roaming fees when you cross the Causeway or jet off for a quick getaway is a thing of the past. Today, the smartest way to stay connected while travelling is by choosing a SIM-only plan that includes free data roaming right in the base monthly price. This approach saves you from buying expensive travel passes or local tourist SIMs every time you leave Singapore.

A SIM-only plan with free data roaming simply means that your monthly subscription includes a specific amount of data that can be used overseas, without needing to purchase a separate add-on or worry about unexpected charges when you connect to a partner network abroad. These plans are the ideal solution for modern, no-contract users who demand flexibility and value.

We've compiled the definitive breakdown of the current market leaders, focusing on the top 5G SIM plan roaming data cross-border travel options and comparing key features like data volume, included destinations, and price.

The Best SIM-Only Plans with Free Data Roaming

To answer the core question, SIM-only plans with free data roaming are available from multiple providers—including Maxx, giga!, and Circles.Life—though the specific amount of free data roaming and included destinations varies significantly by plan.

Maxx stands out by offering one of the most comprehensive roaming bundles, providing 500GB of SG/MY/ID data and a massive 27GB of combined roaming data for just $12.00 a month. This is highly competitive in the 5G SIM with data roaming travel category.

SIM-Only Roaming: A Closer Look at the Market Leaders

The competition among providers offering built-in data roaming has driven prices down while dramatically increasing the data allowances. Understanding the nuances of each provider's approach is key to finding the best 5G data plan for commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

Maxx: The Value Champion for Data and Roaming

Maxx focuses on providing maximum value by bundling huge data caps, flexible IDD minutes, and significant free data roaming allowances into its low-cost SIM-only plan portfolio. Maxx’s commitment is clear: no excess charges, no lock-in contract, and fully loaded benefits.

The Maxx $12 5G plan is particularly strong for cross-border travel, offering data usable in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia alongside 27GB of roaming across APAC and International zones. For commuters, the 400GB for $10 plan provides an affordable 5G SIM with roaming that easily handles daily use in both Singapore and Malaysia.

giga!: Rollover Data and Seamless Regional Use

giga! (StarHub's digital brand) offers user-friendly SIM-only plan options with a focus on data rollover—a feature highly valued by users with inconsistent monthly usage. All their 5G plans include free data roaming to a set list of Asian and International destinations.

giga!'s free roaming focuses on popular destinations in Asia and is a strong contender for the title of best 5G SIM plan for cross-border commuters, especially since unused local data rolls over.

Circles.Life: Lifestyle Perks and Borderless Options

Circles.Life, operating on the M1 network, targets a lifestyle audience, bundling mobile connectivity with digital perks like AI access. They offer straightforward SIM-only plan options with generous data and inclusive roaming in specific Asian countries.

While the standard 5G Core plan offers a moderate amount of free data roaming, their 'Borderless Roaming 5G' plan is their headline offering for cross-border travel. It dedicates its entire data allowance (100GB) to seamless use across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This makes it the perfect solution for digital nomads who rely on one SIM for multiple stops.

GOMO and Zero1: Singtel Network Value

GOMO (Singtel's brand) and Zero1 (a Singtel MVNO) are major participants in offering SIM-only plan value, often through attractive short-term promotions and large data allowances, backed by the strong Singtel network.

GOMO’s free data roaming packages are comprehensive, covering numerous international destinations. Zero1 is notable for offering promotions that include a massive 600GB roaming allowance for Malaysia and Indonesia over 365 days, a great perk for infrequent commuters who want assurance against overage fees.

Why Choose a SIM-Only Plan with Free Roaming?

Switching to a SIM-only plan with built-in free data roaming is a highly efficient choice for any traveller who already owns their phone or does not want to be tied down by a contract.

1. Cost Control and Transparency

Traditional roaming is expensive and unpredictable. You're charged per minute, per text, or at high rates per MB, leading to "bill shock." With a plan that includes free data roaming like Maxx's, the cost is already baked into your flat monthly subscription. This ensures you know exactly how much you're paying, and you can manage your spending through the provider's mobile app.

2. Convenience for Cross-Border Travel

For cross-border commuters travelling between Singapore and Malaysia, the hassle of buying a local Malaysian SIM, switching cards, and managing a temporary number disappears. Plans that offer data usable across both countries, like Maxx's SG/MY/ID options, simplify your digital life immensely. This is particularly appealing for securing the best 5G data plan for commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

3. Immediate 5G Roaming Access

If your primary local plan already includes free roaming, you often don't need a separate tourist SIM when you arrive overseas. Many modern plans, such as the Maxx 5G SIM with data roaming travel plans, automatically connect you to the fastest available partner network (4G or 5G) as soon as you land.

Choosing Your Ideal Roaming SIM-Only Plan

To select the best plan for you, consider these three critical factors:

1. The Data-Price-Roaming Ratio

Don't just look for the lowest monthly fee; look for the SIM-only plan that provides the most data and free roaming per dollar.

• For Absolute Data Value:Plans like Maxx's $7.90 (290GB) offer the most raw data per dollar, serving as a powerful home and regional hub.
• For Global Coverage: If your travels go beyond Asia, providers like GOMO and giga! offer plans with extensive lists of international destinations included in their base rate, though often at a higher monthly cost (e.g., GOMO 5G+ Value at S$18.33).

2. Evaluating Your 5G Roaming Needs

The 5G SIM with data roaming travel category is competitive. If you prioritise speed, confirm that the plan offers guaranteed 5G access, not just a short trial. All Maxx $10 and $12 plans include True 5G.

3. The Contract and Flexibility Factor

All the highlighted plans are no-contract, making them low-risk. However, check promotional periods. For instance, Maxx's $7.90 pricing is promotional for 12 cycles before reverting, while other plans may have permanent tiered pricing. The flexibility of switching providers if a better free roaming deal comes along is the ultimate benefit of the SIM-only plan.

Choosing an affordable 5G SIM with roaming means balancing the huge data volumes now available with the specifics of your travel patterns—be it daily commutes or annual international holidays.

Conclusion

After reviewing all the major contenders, the best SIM-only plan with free data roaming depends on where and how much you travel.

While providers like Circles.Life offer slightly wider global coverage and giga! offers rollover data, Maxx consistently delivers the most feature-rich bundle at the lowest price point in the highly competitive $10–$12 5G tier. Our plans provide guaranteed high-speed data that is available immediately when commuting between Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond, coupled with essential IDD minutes.

Maxx's $12 5G plan is our top recommendation for cross-border travel and heavy users, offering a massive 500GB base data that pools across SG/MY/ID, plus 27GB of built-in roaming data. This package offers true value for the modern digital life.

Don't settle for costly add-ons. Choose the transparent, high-value option. Visit Maxx today to secure your affordable5GSIMwithroaming and activate your instant roaming benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions About 5G Plans for Cross-Border Roaming