This was posted 8 years 5 months 3 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

Starhub (Singapore SIM) $15 SGD/AUD; 2.4GB for Use in US, UK, HK, Aus, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia

1081

This SIM is only sold in Singapore but roams to many different countries. I recommend stopping at Singapore airport (somehow) for the first leg of your journey to make life easier.

I know that sounds annoying, but I believe this one is valuable because this is a Singaporean SIM card that offers roaming rates identical to the normal Singaporean data rate which is pretty cheap across several countries.

  • 1GB/ 3 days $5
  • 1GB/ 7 days $7
  • 1.2GB/30 days $10
  • 2.4GB/30 days $15
  • 3.6GB/30 days $20

This $15 SIM is very similar to our $30 SIM starter kits expect it includes $18 of credit with the SIM, which means you can instantly activate it with the 2.4GB plan or get 3GB over 9 days (see above)

You can use this data in:

  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • UK
  • USA

I believe the best value for this SIM lies in:

  • Wanting to do a SE Asia trip across several countries
  • An $18 top-up seems to give you $20 of credit valid for 180 days, so you can use it for subsequent visits overseas.
  • Being able to use the excess data back in Australia
  • A real month for expiry
  • 100GB of 3G data for use in Singapore in the first 3 days (dunno what you'd use it for tbh)
  • Getting cheap data for the USA where comparable data is more expensive. As you can see $20 USD for 2GB, USA only, not including state tax or the price of the SIM which can be as high as $20 USD if you go to a T-Mobile store. $20 + $20 + 8% tax = $43.2 USD = $58.42 AUD.
  • Being machine washable.

How to use

You need to have bought a valid domestic (Singaporean) data plan before and activate Happy Roam by (star)123(star)333#. Your APN needs to be switched to 'shppd'.
Source

Other stuff:

  • Roaming partners and additional information available in the clicky.
  • For T-Mobile using travelers, the other option is to use the Tourist plan which is $30 SIM included for 2GB of data and unlimited domestic/int'l and 1000 min domestic talk texts for 3 weeks (21 days) so that $30 USD + state tax ~ $43.82 AUD or buy a $30 Walmart T-Mobile SIM for $34.82 USD excluding tax= $50.08 AUD which includes 5GB data, 100 min calls.
  • Probably not possible to combine with the Changi Airport $40 voucher given that it excludes the retailers that sell the SIM, but hey you might get lucky and find it somewhere else? shrugs

Related Stores

StarHub
StarHub

closed Comments

  • +3

    Thanks for posting this. It's not exactly an "oz" bargain but it definitely benefits oz travellers.
    I would never consider getting sg SIM card for SEA trip. This is brilliant. Even if it's more expensive than buying a local SIM card, for us, buying it from Singapore is more convenient.

    • Cheers mate! :)

    • -8

      Isnt the rules of this site that the deal has to get obtainable in aus?

      If we let this go then there many deals arounf the world….. like most things in 3rd world countries might be deals like $2 meals and stuff.

      • Feel free to read OP quoting the guideline down the comment.
        If it benefits us the "Oz", I don't know why this is a problem especially when it complies with the guideline.

  • Urghhh this would be great but I'm flying in to KL and out of SIN.

    Thanks for posting! Can anyone find any retailers that post this to AU?

    • +3

      I've tried, but I can't find it on eBay or the like. We might wanna suggest this SIM to an Aussie reseller like TSD at some point and get them to stock it for us.

      • Anyone recommend one for Thailand/Malaysia(Borneo) and Singapore?? I really only need a litle data for maps, uber and the like.

        • You could obtain HERE Maps to preload maps* and use a $30 telstra starter kit with a 100MB roaming pass (which will use the $30 credit).

          *Google Maps works too now, but it's area-limited ish.

          :)

        • +2

          I was recently introduced to a free app called maps.me

          You download the country and even if you have zero phone coverage. The satellites send your location down.

          People who live on a boat and are often out of every range use this and are delighted with it.

        • +1

          @StrayfireX:

          Cheers, I already have HERE maps but really looking for Google Maps to find restaurants etc.

          I didn't know about the $30 100mb roaming with telstra, might be enough if I make sure nothing is running in the background!

        • +1

          @zappy32:

          Google Maps lets to record large areas of the map to use offline so just save the cities you will go to the most. That's 30 days before you have to update the maps you record so yeah.

          I'd keep HERE as a backup. Not as detailed but the maps don't expire.

        • +1

          Have a look at Tron.com.my. I'm on a prepaid with 365 days expiry. Although I only use them for calls, I'm sure they have data too. Their rates very competitive too.

    • +1

      zappy32, consider what I've posted below

  • +2

    Good find! I'm travelling to Singapore in August, followed by a trip to the US in September. I think this will be perfect.

    Just need to be aware that this is for data only. Can't make calls while outside of Singapore. While that's not an issue for most people, you do need to be aware of this limitation. 😀

    • Yep, which is why I suggested the T-Mobile plan for people that do. :)

  • I'm travelling to Singapore in August for 14 days. So I'm guessing will need to purchase $15 Happy Prepaid SIM and then a 30-Day 3.6GB for $20 so total $35. If this is true, its a pretty cheap deal.
    The question is, is this available to foreigners? I clicked on how to registers " See document list." and it doesn't specifically say foreigners. Can anyone confirm?

    • +2

      $15 SIM card price includes $15 credit which you can use on data packs. So if you find a way to add $5 more credit, you can get the 3.6GB data pack for $20 SDG/AUD.

      "In Singapore you have to show a photo ID to purchase a SIM card for registration. This can be done at any 7-Eleven or Cheers branch and takes some minutes."

      From Prepaid Data SIM wikia

      • -1

        Some places don't even care.

      • Thanks for the reply. Will give it a go.

    • +1

      I just bought a sim card at Changi airport 10 minutes ago. $30 for 14GB data and unlimited calls. Only lasts 10 days, though. Much better deal for shorter trips.

      • Only if you use that much data, otherwise the extra 20 days expiry would be better for some people (like me).
        However yours does include unlimited calls so that's pretty good.

        Which telco btw?

        • +1

          Singtel

  • does anyone know if this can be purchased without exiting the customs and 'enter' singapore? as I only have about 90 mins transit time, not sure if that's enough time to clear the customs twice…

    • +1

      There's a 7eleven (I think) on the top level airside of T3 near the food court. You can get it there

      • great, thanks for the info!

      • +1

        I've tried exactly that, but this 7-11 doesn't have Starhub sim cards for some reason.
        Check te queue at the customs though, if they are short you can easily enter and leave within 10 minutes.

      • Most of the cash exchange places in the airport do sim cards as well.. Thats where i got mine last trip..

        • while that's true, they don't carry the cheaper $15 ones.

          and not all the exchange counters offer Starhub SIMS. for Starhub SIMs, you need to go the UOB exchange counters.

    • +1

      I was in Singapore for 4 days a few weeks ago. Getting through immigration was a breeze in both directions. Maybe 5 minutes entering Singapore, 2-3 minutes when leaving.

      • +1

        the time it takes all depends on the passenger loads at your specific time of day. while changi is a very efficient airport, it sounds like you got a very easy immigration. But at most, it'll take 30 minutes going through immigration on arrival and about 10 minutes getting airside for departure.

        • Possibly. Arrived at approximately 5:30pm, went back through immigration to leave at about 9pm from memory. Also, I was in T1 FWIW.

    • +1

      90 minutes transit time is plenty of time in Changi Airport. do bear in mind the airport is huge and does take a while to get between terminals.

    • +1

      Just wanted to update you guys, the money exchange at T3 (transit area) sells this SIM card, costed $16 AUD, so no need to exist the customs if you are short on time. Cheers.

      • Thanks !

  • +2

    This is an awesome deal. As someone above said, not quite an "Oz"bargain but definitely something some of us can benefit from as is obvious from some of the commenters above me. Nicely formatted too. It's actually really awesome that this can be used in Australia too!

    I'll post it over on CheapCheapLah. Hope you don't mind if I do a straight copy and paste, and of course I will give you credit.

    edit: Posted!

  • +2

    More appropriate over here.

    • +7

      "Deals in Overseas Countries - Deals available overseas may be applicable to Australians traveling to that destination. Some deals located overseas may not be applicable to the majority of Australians in reasonable circumstances however. Currently only travel/tourist related deals should be posted on OzBargain, these include but are not limited to: Flights, Accommodation, Tours, Airport Facilities/Transport, Special Events (World Cup, Olympics etc) & Communication (Sim Cards, Roaming internet etc)."

      I believe that I am within the guidelines though.

      • +1

        Yes, yes you are. I'm happily corrected.

      • Thx for clarifying. Good work

  • +1

    Anyone know if you can receive inbound calls outside Singapore on this SIM (or what inbound rates are)? Couldn't find anything on the website…

    • +3

      http://www.starhub.com/personal/mobile/prepaid-plans/prepaid…

      Here you are, sir. :)

      I stand corrected, it actually has $18 credit on it XD. That should be enough for light call usage. :)

      (incoming calls count)

      • +1

        Thanks! Though I can't see if there's a specific rate for inbound calls if I'm outside Singapore.

        Reason I ask is I'm going to Singapore and Malaysia soon, so if I can just use this sim for data (to make outbound VOIP calls) and incoming calls no need to also bother getting a Malaysian SIM. That said, with $18 credit I think I'll be fine as I don't expect to receive many calls.

        Thanks again :)

        • No worries, have a good day, mate!

        • +2

          oldm8, depending on how much data you need, I personally use U Mobile in Malaysia. If you're going to KLIA 2 then you can actually get a free SIM with your passport (free SIM available to foreigners). You do need to top up to get the SIM though. Personally, I pick the UMI 20 (Unlimited Mobile Internet 20) plan which is RM20 (~$6.77). It includes 1.5GB of data and 20 mins of calls.

          Last time I was there though the girl kind of insisted I had to recharge a higher amount as a minimum (I think she said RM30), even when I said "but I want UMI 20". I insisted because I felt like she wasn't understanding exactly what I was saying. Finally when we spoke Chinese she understood and I managed to get it for RM20 LOL.

          Oh, U Mobile generally have crappier reception though, but I have personally found it fine. I don't tend to leave urban areas when I'm there though.

          edit: Upon checking the terms of the "free SIM" it seems like she was right, and I was actually supposed to top up RM30!

        • +1

          @illumination: Thanks so much for the detailed response! I'll look into it as that's a pretty good deal. We're taking the bus from Singapore to Melaka, not flying - I'm sure I'll sort something out :)

          That said, having roaming data would be good for entertainment on the bus ;)

          I actually had a Malaysian SIM, Maxis Hotlink, but I've lost it - annoying!

        • +2

          @oldm8: No problem. My research is current as of about 3 weeks ago. I was extensively researching the prepaid options in Malaysia.
          The options:

          • Hotlink - which is Maxis' prepaid offshoot - reasonably priced
          • Celcom - like Telstra, the most comprehensive, expensive
          • Digi - I think of them like Optus - yellow with blue text, and reasonably priced
          • U Mobile - Vaya I guess? Cheap lol

          I'm fairly certain the free SIM is only available from KLIA2. You should be able to buy a standard starter pack from random 7-11s so you can still get it.

  • Great find. Thanks

  • +1

    I always find roaming data speed really slow. I had a 3 sim from the UK this year, it was about $40 and I had unlimited data roaming. It was great in Hong Kong, but I was still looking for wifi hotspots to get decent speed.

  • +2

    If heading to the US, you can pick up a T-mobile US$30 sim starter pack at Walmart (Walmart only special) which gives you unlimited SMS, $100 of calls and 5GB of LTE data.

    • Including the SIM card it costs $34.82 USD excluding tax= $50.08 AUD if you assume 8% tax.

      People have been reporting it hard to activate this plan because it's only avalible if you activate it online and most T-Mobile SIMs come preactivated now

      If you use the $35 starter kit at Walmart you should be sweet though :)

      • Just ask the guy to activate it in store. Takes 2 seconds.

        I should add that after the 5gb LTE data, you get unlimited 3G data.

        • Walmart - yes

          T-Mobile store - they will deny it's even a remotely valid possibility and try to put you onto another plan

          "Full speeds available up to data allotment, including tethering; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for balance of service period."
          Source

  • +1

    This could come in handy for my SEAsia trip. Does anyone know if this could be used on a 4G tablet? I was sold a prepaid call+data roaming SIM package at Heathrow airport last year and it stopped working after a few days when it'd detected that device in use was a 4G tablet instead of a phone.

  • +1

    Good find Op. Perhaps it's time to create a category for overseas deals.

  • +1

    Dang I would've made good use of this three weeks ago.

    Passed Singapore on the way to Indonesia, and ended up with a very crappy Indonesian provider.

    • I'm moving to Indonesia for 7 months, what carrier did you use? Thanks! :)

      • +1

        My friend from Jakarta told me about this mobile phone plan with unlimited 4G:

        https://indosatooredoo.com/en/personal/producttariff/im3/fre…

        Mind you, the 4G coverage in Indonesia is still very limited, so depending on where in Indonesia you'll be moving, this may or may not be relevant.

        • I worry a bit with a carrier like that which promises a lot a cheap data.

          It is so much cheaper than Telkomsel, XL Axita and Smartfren.

          I've browsed through a few Indonesian forums and they seem to indicate that Indosat can be pretty slow at times.

          I'll keep it on my Pocket WiFi. Thanks for the recommendation :)

        • +1

          @StrayfireX:

          My friend showed me his speedtest result using this plan. It was 50.25Mbps download and 16.76Mbps upload.

          In comparison, my Telstra 4G in Sydney CBD gave me 53.73Mbps download and 39.45Mbps upload.

          Again, the plan seems too good to be true, and maybe this is also a new plan so it is only a matter of time before everyone is in it and the speed slows down.

        • @scrypton:

          That's insane! I'll surely have to give it a go! :)

      • It was a Telkomsel Kartu As (look for the 'Ace' card pic).

        I think it was one of the cheaper one, but that was the only one the seller had with an internet package.

        I think I also used a Simpati one on my trip last year….also not much better.

        • Thanks for those details!

          I'm pretty sure that Kartu As is heavily shaped. I'm very intrigued that you found Simpati to be slow, because Telkomsel seems to have the best overall stats on Opensignal.

          When I arrive, I'm hoping that the dedicated 4G Simpati package will be better (hoping).

        • +1

          @StrayfireX:

          There were so many of those cards around, all with different price points.

          I believe my Simpati card was geared to work best in East Java. So if you get the right one you should get good speeds.

        • Telkomsels network is just as good as any, anywhere. I always use Telkomsel Simpati in Indonesia.

          Like everywhere in the world, coverage varies between carriers, and you are always going to find a blind spot on one carrier, that is covered by another. You just choose the one that suits your common locations the best. If not sure, just ask the local wartel or the lads hanging around the Indo-marets which is the best.

  • +1

    I'm heading to Singapore on Friday (have a 12 hour layover) on a flight from KL and then onto MEL later that night. Seems like a decent sim card to pick up for next trip to Asia.

    Wonder how much of a pain it is to keep active and use again in a few months time.

    • At this point it seems entirely academic I haven't tried it myself, Prepaid Data Wiki says that credit is valid for 4/6 months after a recharge at different parts of the article. It might roll over, it might not. You might be able to use your debit card with Starhub, you might not. shrugs

    • +1

      I'll buy it off you if not ;)

      • +1

        After further digging, it seems like an $18 top-up is valid for 6 months.

        :)

  • It says "All Data Plans are applicable for Happy Roam, including free data given with top-up. Free 100GB data promotion is not applicable." - so is that 100GB not valid? I'll be in Singapore for a month but am flying out to Hong Kong one weekend.

    • 100GB is for 3G Singapore use/3 days only.

      • +1

        Thanks! Pity there isn't anything above 3.6gb - was hoping to get a sim with heaps of data. Singtel possibly then. Like this has 14gb of data http://www1.singtel.com/personal/phones-plans/mobile/prepaid…

        • I think you can subscribe multiple times to the 3.6GB pack.

          But yeah, that Singtel package is pretty tempting for Singapore only usage.

          Nice find! :)

  • Anyone have suggestions for a sim that covers lots of countries in Europe? Is there such thing? Thanks

    • Three UK has "roam like home" that covers some of the countries, but people say it's limited to 3G and slow.

    • See the travel sim wiki. From mid next year any euro sim should do as they are doing away with roaming fees in the euro zone.

      http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/European_Union

      Personally I used the German ortel sim last year.

  • Hello,
    How long can you keep this for and what is the min recharge you can put in to keep card valid for ever?

    Thanks

    • +1

      Porbably forever if you recharge $18 every 180 days.

      • +1

        1 Is there any reminder if credit is going to expire?
        2 Only 3G network?
        3 If haven't recharge after 180 days, can it be recharged and back to normal?

          1. Maybe the app will, I'm not sure if credit rolls over.
          2. It is for 4G in Singapore. It is likely 4G in other countries, but I don't know.
          3. Don't know.
        • +2

          lol these questions are to specific for a random dude on Ozbargain who found this deal to know
          Best you ask the telco directly!!

  • I will be travelling to Bangkok & then Koh Samui in a few weeks. Is there anything that i can get locally or from there that is similar? I would like to use data & make calls if possible. Thanks in advance.

    • +1

      Last time I was in Bangkok TrueMove had a stand outside the arrivals hall before you exit the airport, they'd sell you the SIM and set it all up for you before you leave. Had decent 4G in both Bangkok and Phuket, would imagine it would be suitable for Koh Samui also.

      • Thanks for that. I shall get it from there if i cannot find any good deals from here before i leave.

  • +1

    It's a shame that this doesn't include Japan!

    • It is! Would be a totally killer plan for Japan!

      They seem to be adding more countries. The entry on the Wikia doesn't include roaming to US/UK, so watch this space.

      If they can afford US data, they can afford Japanese data, hopefully. :)

  • Any word on the validity length? Wouldn't mind picking one up soon but won't be visiting those countries (except Singapore) for a while

    • As far as I know, it's not being cancelled anytime soon…

  • +1

    Im in SG now and getting back first week of July. Happy to bring some back in anyone needs. Within reason of course.

    • Awesome dude! You are the new OzB MvP :)

      • Hope they dont go checking how many I have attached to my Passport number :|

        • +1

          I mean like it's not a fair comparison, but I at least have 50 SIM cards in Australia, lol.

        • +1

          @StrayfireX:
          Telstra $15 sims and random port-in-port-out sims? :D

        • @cwongtech:

          I have a lot of Woolies $30 starters, a few Optus $30s and a few Telstra $30s. :)

          Waiting for a clearance of Vodafone $30s.

          My whole family is SIM slutting :)

  • +1

    I've used this before in both Singapore and Malaysia. I wasn't unable to activate 4G until my 100G free data for 3 days expired so as I was staying in Singapore for less than 3 days it wasn't activated until I returned to Singapore on the way back. Only had access to 3G in Malaysia not sure if this was due to the 4G activation issue or a limitation with roaming. Returning in a couple of weeks so will see how it goes this time.

    Also if you're buying at Changi Airport (UOB Bank forex) the minimum recharge they'll sell you is $18. You couldn't previously recharge online with an Australian credit card but they seem to have removed this limitation as I was just able to recharge my existing SIM.

    • All SIM cards are on 4G/LTE too. For 4G/LTE, you need to activate the free 4G/LTE Booster plan: dial (star)123(star)3(star)4(star)1#.

      Source

      I hope that lets you use the 4G. There's another activation code for roaming.

      You can recharge in smaller denominations through various means as covered by the wikia above.

  • +2

    I'm in Singapore now and will likely stock up on this since I'll be travelling to the US in September. I can buy a few for others if you guys don't have the opportunity to. Just drop me a pm and we can arrange the details.

    • Ur a legend, mate! :)

Login or Join to leave a comment