Choosing the right overseas roaming in Singapore

Published on 28 Apr 2025

Going overseas? Don’t let your data bill come home bigger than your suitcase.

Whether you're jetting off for a holiday or heading abroad for work, staying connected is a must. But that doesn’t mean you need to pay sky-high prices for it. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right data roaming plan, and how to avoid getting hit with surprise charges.

Understanding Data Roaming

First things first, what is data roaming?

When you travel overseas and use your mobile device to access the internet, you're no longer connected to your local provider’s network. Instead, you’re “roaming” on a foreign network, which means your data usage goes through a partner telco in that country. This is called data roaming, and while it’s super convenient, it can get expensive fast if you’re not prepared.

The Cost of Data Roaming

Not all overseas data roaming plans are created equal. Some telcos charge per GB, while others might be daily flat rates. The reality? Roaming charges can be unpredictable, especially if you don’t know your plan details or if you roam without activating a proper overseas data plan. The key to avoiding bill shock is being proactive and informed. With giga, we guarantee peace of mind with no hidden fees so that you can roam freely, knowing that you’ll never come back to a bill shock.

Why choose giga for your Overseas Data Plan?

Not sure which overseas data plan to pick? Here are some reasons why giga might be your best option:

Value for money: giga plans are built to give you more for less. The low price of the plans already cover both local and overseas data, so that you will have connection in Singapore or halfway across the world!
Reliable network coverage: giga works with a wide network of trusted telco partners across the globe, so you stay connected with strong and stable speeds wherever you go.
Ample data allowance: Whether you’re a light or heavy data user, giga’s got you covered with plans that offer generous data.

Top Pick $18.33 giga! 5G Plan

300GB 5G local data
10GB Asia roaming monthly (MY, ID, TH, KR, IN)
FREE 1GB international roaming monthly in 34 countries (incl. USA, UK, Canada & more)
800 mins talktime & 800 SMS
FREE data rollover

Avoiding High Costs with International Roaming Services

Here are some easy ways to avoid high charges while using overseas data:

Use Wi-Fi whenever possible (cafes, hotels, airports).
Download content in advance (maps, playlists, shows).
Turn off background app refresh to reduce passive data usage.
Monitor your data in real-time with your telco app (our giga App makes this super simple!).

Looking Ahead: The Future of Overseas Data Roaming

With the rise of digital telcos, data roaming is becoming more flexible, affordable, and customised to how you actually travel. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you deserve a plan that is built for you.

That’s why we created roaming add-ons that are easy to activate and packed with value. With gigaRoam, you get coverage in over 48 destinations, starting from just $5/GB – so you can roam smarter, not harder. Learn about gigaRoam here.