Your complete guide to staying connected overseas with StarHub's 5G Unlimited+ Plans
In This Guide
Data roaming is the service that allows you to use your mobile device's data services (internet, apps, messaging) while you are outside Singapore by connecting to a foreign carrier's network instead of StarHub's.
Behind the scenes: Your phone scans for available local networks and selects a StarHub partner carrier.
What you experience: A signal appears within 30-60 seconds of landing.
Behind the scenes: The foreign network checks with StarHub to confirm your SIM is authorised to roam.
What you experience: Your line is registered and data access is granted automatically.
Behind the scenes: All data traffic is routed securely back through StarHub's network in Singapore.
What you experience: You browse and use apps exactly as you would at home.
💡 Why is it called "roaming"?
Your device is wandering off its home network, but your digital identity stays anchored to Singapore. This is why your number still works and you do not need a second SIM card.
APAC roaming is a regional data allowance that works across 20 Asia-Pacific destinations on a single pool of data. Instead of paying separate per-megabyte charges for each country, APAC roaming data functions like a multi-country pass: one balance, used wherever you are within the region.
StarHub's 5G Unlimited+ Plans divide roaming data into 3 geographic tiers.
The tier your data comes from depends on which country you are visiting.
Countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
5 nearest destinations, all within a 3-hour flight from Singapore.
Countries: SEA countries plus Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (20 total)
All popular Asia-Pacific destinations covered by one shared data balance.
Countries: 165+ destinations worldwide, including Europe, USA, Middle East, and Africa
The widest-reach tier, used for destinations outside the APAC pool.
The sequence is automatic. Your phone draws from the most specific data pool first to save your broadest allowance for later.
SEA data is used first
If you are in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam, your SEA allowance depletes before anything else.
APAC data is used next (for 5G Unlimited+ Plus plan users)
Once SEA data runs out, or if you are in an APAC destination outside SEA, your APAC pool kicks in.
Global data is the last
It is used once your regional allowances are fully depleted, or immediately if you are travelling to a destination outside APAC (e.g. Europe or the USA).
💡 Example: Bangkok trip on 5G Unlimited+ Plus
You have 10GB APAC + 5GB Global. In Thailand, your SEA data depletes first. Then your APAC pool covers the rest of your trip. Your 5GB Global remains untouched and ready for a future trip to Europe.
Historically, overseas roaming was billed on a pay-as-you-use basis and charges piled up while you were away and landed on your statement after you got home. Today, StarHub's data roaming on our new 5G Unlimited+ Plans work differently: roaming is a pay-upfront entitlement bundled straight into your monthly subscription. That means the data, calls, and SMS you use abroad are already paid for. No fluctuating per-megabyte rates, no activation hoops, and no need to buy a separate travel data pack before you fly.
✓ No bill shock
Your roaming data, calls, and SMS are included in your monthly plan price. There are no per-megabyte charges and no surprise fees on your next statement.
✓ Instant connection on landing
No QR codes, no separate activation. Enable data roaming on your phone before you board and you are connected within seconds of landing.
✓ Keep your Singapore number
OTPs, banking alerts, and calls to your Singapore number all reach you normally while you are overseas. No SIM swap needed.
✓ Unlimited roaming calls and SMS on every plan
Every 5G Unlimited+ plan, including the entry-level 5G Lite at $22/mth, includes unlimited roaming calls and SMS. You are never charged per minute for calls while overseas.
The right plan depends on how often you travel and where. If most of your trips are to SEA destinations like Bangkok or KL, the Core plan covers them. For frequent flyers visiting Japan, South Korea, or Australia, the Plus plan's APAC pool is the better fit. If you travel globally, the Max plan's 20GB Global allowance is designed for you.
| Feature | 5G Lite | 5G Unlimited+ Core | 5G Unlimited+ Plus | 5G Unlimited+ Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $22/mth | $38/mth | $48/mth | $78/mth |
| Local Data | 150GB | Unlimited | ||
| Roaming Data | 1GB Global + 1GB SEA | 3GB Global + 5GB SEA | 5GB Global + 10GB APAC | 20GB Global |
| Roaming Calls & SMS | Unlimited on all plans | |||
Need more roaming data mid-trip?
Purchase add-on packs via the StarHub app: 5GB SEA at $5, 10GB APAC at $10, or 15GB Global at $15. View all 5G Unlimited+ plans
Even with a built-in allowance, your phone’s roaming setting acts as the "master switch". If it remains off, your device will not connect to our global partner networks.
Before You Travel: Settings Checklist
Set to SHWAP to route data correctly through StarHub.
Set to Automatic so your phone finds the best available partner.
Turn ON to enable clear calls over 4G/5G while roaming.
Enable this in cellular settings before you depart.
Confirm StarHub is the data SIM; disable old travel eSIMs.
Restart your phone to finalize and apply new settings.
Steps for iPhone 12 and later running iOS 16 and above.
Open Settings > Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data / Service)
Select your StarHub SIM line (for Dual SIM users)
Toggle Data Roaming to ON (switch turns green)
Samsung, Pixel, and OPPO devices use slightly different menu names. Look for "Connections" or "Network & Internet".
Settings > Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet
Tap on Mobile Networks
Toggle Data Roaming to ON
💡 How to confirm it is working?
Once you land, turn off Airplane Mode. You should see a foreign carrier name and an "R" or "Roaming" indicator in your status bar. Load a web page to confirm data is live.
After you land, run through these to confirm your connection is working correctly before you need it.
Carrier name visible: Check the top of your screen for a foreign carrier name. If it still shows StarHub, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network rescan.
Roaming indicator: An "R" icon or the word "Roaming" should appear in your status bar next to the signal bars.
Data is live: Open your browser and load any webpage. If pages do not load, check that Data Roaming is toggled ON and your APN is set to SHWAP.
Check your data balance: Open the StarHub app to see your remaining roaming data. The app uses no roaming data, so checking it is free from anywhere overseas.
Turning off data roaming is simply the activation process in reverse. This ensures your device stops searching for foreign signals once they are no longer needed.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming.
On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.
Toggle the Data Roaming switch to OFF.
✓ After landing back in Singapore
Ensure your phone connects exclusively to StarHub's local network and stops scanning for foreign carriers unnecessarily.
✓ When relying on Wi-Fi only
If your accommodation has reliable Wi-Fi, turning off roaming preserves your bundled allowance for when you're on the move.
If your phone is not connecting after you land, work through these in order. Most roaming problems are caused by one of the 4 issues below.
✕ No signal at all after landing
Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off. This forces your phone to rescan for local networks. Check that Data Roaming is toggled ON and that Network Selection is set to Automatic.
✕ Signal shows but no data
Verify your APN is set to SHWAP. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network. On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names. Delete any incorrect APN entries and enter SHWAP manually, then restart your phone.
✕ Data speeds are unusually slow
Manually select a different local network operator if your phone's signal indicator shows a weak connection. Go to Settings > Network Selection > Manual, scan for available networks, and try an alternative carrier in the list.
✕ Issue persists after all steps
Contact StarHub support directly through the StarHub app. Support is available while you are overseas and the app does not use your roaming data to connect.
Data roaming is the service that keeps your phone connected to mobile internet, calls, and SMS when you are outside Singapore, by connecting through a foreign carrier's network. Your Singapore number and plan entitlements remain active while you use partner towers abroad.
APAC roaming data is a shared mobile data allowance that covers 20 Asia-Pacific destinations under one pool. It works like a multi-country pass, giving you one balance to draw from across Australia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, and more.
No. Roaming data, calls, and SMS are pre-paid entitlements included in your monthly plan fee. There are no surprise charges on your statement after you return home. If you consume your bundled allowance, you can easily top up via the StarHub app.
Yes. Incoming SMS works normally while roaming. This is essential for receiving banking 2FA codes, WhatsApp or Telegram verification, and travel booking updates. Your Singapore number stays reachable throughout your journey.
Open the StarHub app from anywhere overseas. Checking your balance through the app does not consume any of your roaming data, making it free to monitor your usage. Your remaining SEA, APAC, and Global balances are all displayed in real-time.
In border areas like the Causeway or Tuas, your phone may latch onto stronger signals from Malaysia. To fix this, turn Data Roaming OFF or toggle Airplane Mode to force your device to reconnect to StarHub’s local towers. Setting Network Selection to 'Automatic' also helps maintain the best local signal.
Staying connected overseas no longer requires jumping through hoops. By understanding what data roaming is and how to manage it, you can move across borders with the confidence that your maps, banking apps, and messages will work the moment you land.
5G Unlimited+ Core: $38/mth
Unlimited local data, 5GB SEA + 3GB Global roaming data, unlimited roaming calls & SMS.
5G Unlimited+ Plus: $48/mth
Unlimited local data, 10GB APAC + 5GB Global roaming data, unlimited roaming calls & SMS.
5G Unlimited+ Max: $78/mth
Unlimited local data, 20GB Global roaming data, unlimited roaming calls & SMS across 165+ destinations.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general information and convenience. While we take care in preparing our articles, readers should refer to official sources or professional advice for specific, up-to-date details.
Mobile Plans
20 Apr 2026
An eSIM replaces your physical SIM card with a digital profile stored inside your phone. This guide covers how eSIM works, how to activate it, how to transfer and how to fix common activation issues.
Read more![SIM Only Plan Comparison Singapore [2026]](/content/dam/starhub/2026/personal/articles/SIM-Only-Plan-Comparison-Singapore--2026-/compare-sim-only-plans.png)
Mobile Plans
05 Mar 2026
Compare SIM Only Plans, Coverage, Costs and Find the Best One for You
Read more
Our websites uses cookies to improve your online experiences. By continuing your visit, you agree to our use of them. For more information, please read our Data Protection Policy .