Data Roaming Guide: What Is It & How to Activate?

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 connnecting to a foreign carrier's network instead of StarHub's.

💡 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.

💡 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.

View the full list of roaming destinations →

✓ 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.

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

Before You Travel: Settings Checklist

💡 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 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.

✓ Near the Causeway or border areas

Phones in areas like Johor Bahru sometimes latch onto Malaysian networks while you are still in Singapore. Switching roaming OFF prevents accidental connection to foreign towers.

✕ 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.