This was posted 7 years 5 months 3 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

StarHub (Singapore) SIM Card $15 SGD/AUD; 3GB/30 Day in Japan, SKorea, US, UK, HK, Aus, NZ, Thailand, Taiwan, Canada, China+

1721
StarHub (Singapore) SIM Card $15 SGD/AUD; 3GB/30 Day in Japan, SKorea, US, UK, HK, Aus, NZ, Thailand, Taiwan, Canada, China+
Go to Deal
StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 18:55 starhub.com (4251 clicks)
Last edited 01/11/2019 - 12:53 by 3 other users

April 2019 update: now 4-Week 2GB/$18 or 4GB/$25 - please read comments, deal not otherwise updated

October 2018 update: Happy Roam data plans have slightly increased in price (details below have not been updated)

Supported Destinations: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America

extending sim/credit expiry

Same deal as before, but now works in Japan, South Korea, Philippines, NZ.

Buying it

  • This SIM is only sold in Singapore/on-board Jetstar flights but roams to many different countries. This works super well with Jetstar trips that stop by Singapore because you can buy the SIMs onboard; they include a free hot drink!

  • Alternatively you can but these at the Singapore airport at the UOB money exchange counters.

This SIM is positively awesome for a SE Asia trip! You can use whatever data you have left back home too!

Starhub has LTE/4G roaming, I tested this in Indonesia/Hong Kong; also gives unrestricted Internet access in mainland China without VPN (eg Google Maps, Gmail etc)

Prepaid SIMs

  • $15 SGD with $18 of credit
  • $32 SGD with $32 of credit, 15GB/10 day local data, 2GB/10 day int'l data
  • $50 SGD with $50 of credit, 15GB/10 day local data, 5GB/10 day int'l data (UOB only)

Spend credit on:

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

For example, you can buy a $32 SIM which includes 2GB int'l, then spend the credit on 2 x 2.4GB data packs for a total of 6.4GB of int'l data over ~ 70 days

Supported Countries:

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Hong Kong
  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • UK
  • USA

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

T&C:

  • Roaming partners and additional information available in the link.
  • Cannot be combined with the Changi Airport $40 voucher
  • Recharge will last for 180 days so to keep this SIM alive you just need to topup once every 6 month and you can use it every time you travel to those countries. Credit also rollover on recharge. Able to be recharged with Aussie CC.
Travel Mobile Broadband Plan Travel SIM Card

Related Stores

StarHub
StarHub

closed Comments

  • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:04
    +10

    And the best part is not even mentioned anywhere ;) you won't need VPN in China. This SIM will give you full internet access to Gmail, Play store, Google maps… And Facebook in China.

    It is in fact cheaper to use this SIM for data than the local HK SIM.

    Now with those extra countries (Japan, South Korea) included. This is truely the best SIM in the world.

    I have done my trip last time to HK and China and stopover in Kuala Lumpur and all I paid is $15 SGD instead of buying local sim everywhere which is really a hassle. Not to mention that it is very difficult to buy local SIM in China and Japan.

    • altomic on 01/07/2017 - 19:36
      +1

      Let me get this straight -

      so, in September when I fly to Beijing for 6 days (with a 2 hour stop over in Singapore) . I buy the S$15 sim with includes S$18 credit and use S$7 of that credit to get 7 days of internet with a 1Gb limit to use in Beijing?

      • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:40
        +3

        You could use up to 3GB (3 x 1GB/3 days = $15).

        I can't remember if there's rollover data, so don't recharge all at once.

      • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:44
        +3

        That is correct. You can also pre-order online, (must) PRINT out the receipt and collect your sim in Changi transit hall.

        • jace88 on 04/07/2017 - 12:03

          Transit hall as in, within the terminals or after you've cleared immigration?

        • samehada on 04/07/2017 - 13:57
          +1

          @jace88: you don't need to clear immigration.

      • altomic on 08/09/2017 - 17:36

        Note to people using this. Once you get to your target country(and already activated the sim when in Singapore) power off your phone and start again.

    • dlovep on 02/07/2017 - 11:15
      -1

      Facebook in China ? are you 100% sure or do you mean a China version's Facebook ? unless you don't mind to share your password…

      • samehada on 02/07/2017 - 11:31

        I have been there and done that myself. So that is a sure thing. Other people here also confirmed my explanation that China don't restrict internet access for foreign roaming SIM card. This maybe done for tourist.

        • dlovep on 02/07/2017 - 11:34
          -1

          But what they didn't mention is they will kept your "packets" for future usage. Then it goes Chinese hacker bla,bla,bla…

        • samehada on 02/07/2017 - 11:47
          +2

          @dlovep: Do you know that even VPN got blocked by Chinese Great Wall firewall? Chinese firewall even use deep packet inspection to try to block VPN.

          If you are worried too much don't bother to go to China.

        • SyntaxTerror on 02/07/2017 - 15:50

          @dlovep: You really don't know how internet security works do you?

        • ardseidel on 02/07/2017 - 16:09

          Basically as long as the APN is setup correctly it will roam back through their servers. Same as Telstra when I travel to china. Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat all work fine on roaming.

        • dlovep on 03/07/2017 - 11:09

          @samehada: I think you reply to the wrong guy, not me.

        • dlovep on 03/07/2017 - 11:14

          @SyntaxTerror: Yes, I don't really know how Internet work, but as far as I know your so-called VPN is safe only when you think you are tunneling a network with encrypted code even someone make a copy of it, you are rest assure its safe. Like what SSL told you it's safe until it got exploit. You're inside a country where they manufacture all those equipment and think you can outsmart them ? good luck with that. I was told by company I'm not allow to use AU company laptop in China, I will get a local one instead.

  • MrHyde on 01/07/2017 - 19:11

    Does it work in Macau?

    • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:13

      Not that I can see.

      • qazwsx on 01/07/2017 - 23:38
        +2

        It does not, but I would keep looking out for it. Starhub introduced a similar package for their postpaid customers that does work in Macau, which is missing from this prepaid deal (although the prepaid has a lot more countries than the postpaid offer).

        The other alternative is to pick up a M1 prepaid card (another Singapore telco) - they have the same offer but their roaming is only limited to SG, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Macau. But for $15 you get $18 credit and 500mb free on sign up (unlike Starhub their free data on sign up worked for me on roaming). $15 should be cheaper than separate Macau and HKG SIMs.

    • StrayfireX on 02/08/2017 - 22:27

      It works in Macau now! :)

  • sol95 on 01/07/2017 - 19:11
    +1

    Also works in NZ

    I’ve used mine in Sth Korea, UK, NZ, usa, and obviously, Singapore. To be precise, South Korea isn’t exactly a new addition. I used this when I was in Seoul October last year.

    I travel pretty regularly through singapore, so pick up a few prepaid top-up cards whenever I’m there.

    If I need to make a call, I either use FaceTime audio calls or use Skype credit bundled with office 365.

    • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:18
      +1

      You don't have to, you can recharge online using your Australian credit card.

      • sol95 on 01/07/2017 - 19:20

        I know that. But i prefer to get a top up card with cash

      • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:22

        Neat! I didn't know that! I'm going to keep a line on Starhub just for the roaming!

        Indosat didn't let me use my Aussie debit card.

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:39
          +2

          The advertised bonus credit when you recharge $20 is annoying. The bonus credit can ONLY be used to make phone calls in Singapore which is useless to me.

          This sim is very useful for those who travel to China for business. Like me I use Gmail and Facebook and once travel to China I got disconnected with the world without VPN. Especially if you need to find some important email or flight itinerary and can't login to Gmail once you are in China.

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:48
          +5

          Maybe you can also add this to your post. Recharge will last for 180days so to keep this SIM alive you just need to topup once every 6 month and you can use it every time you travel to those countries. Credit also rollover on recharge.

          Don't let it expires because.
          1. You have to go to Singapore to buy this SIM
          2. Singapore law only allow every person to register for 3 SIM, so if your sim expired and you have registered 3 sims in total you HAVE to go to Starhub shop to de-register the other expired sim before you can buy a new one.

        • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:51

          @samehada:

          Done.

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:54

          @StrayfireX: … and full unrestricted internet access in China.

        • sol95 on 01/07/2017 - 19:57

          @samehada:
          Really on point 2? How strict are they on it? I know we're talking Singapore, but over the course of the past 10 years, I've probably bought and registered about 15 different prepaid simcards before this starhub one which I kept.

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:59

          @sol95: I believe this law was applied just about 2 years ago. You can google it to check. I also knew it when I did some research about this Starhub SIM last time.

        • qazwsx on 01/07/2017 - 23:39

          @samehada: I live in Singapore these days, pretty sure they deregister them pretty quick after expiry because I have definitely bought more than 3 SIMs.

        • qazwsx on 01/07/2017 - 23:40

          @samehada: On the limit of SIM cards per person, yes they reduced the limit a few years ago. Used to be like 7 or something…

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 23:41

          @qazwsx: I am not too sure about that, I just read the FAQ last time and it said you need to go to the shop to de-register even if the service is no longer active which is not an option for those who just transit in Singapore. So better be safe than sorry. It is good if they de-register automatically like you said.

        • jace88 on 02/07/2017 - 02:04
          +1

          @sol95: In my experience it's strict. I had to run around visiting the telco service centres (no, not the stores in shopping malls but the very few official service centres with hour long queues and don't open the same hours as the retail stores do) with my passport trying to cancel sim cards which I had long forgotten the number to, but were linked to my passport so I could buy a new sim.

          Also not sure if this matters to anyone but isn't all the internet usage routed through Singapore which can lead to very slow data when roaming? Or at least, this is my experience when I used Singtel sim cards in Hong Kong and Indonesia.

  • wako on 01/07/2017 - 19:12
    -1

    Does this use the full? telstra network for rural?

  • nightelves on 01/07/2017 - 19:28

    How would I be able to buy it if I'm travelling to Japan?

    • sol95 on 01/07/2017 - 19:30
      +1

      Did you actually bother to read?

      “Buying it
      This SIM is only sold in Singapore/on-board Jetstar flights but roams to many different countries. This works super well with Jetstar trips that stop by Singapore because you can buy the SIMs onboard; they include a free hot drink!”

    • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:41
      +1

      Unfortunately you can only buy this sim if you stop by Changi Airport or on Jetstar flight that transit via Singapore.

      Or you can borrow from your friend :) but don't make them become like the Indian doctor last time.

  • dasher86 on 01/07/2017 - 19:49

    Does this work in Vietnam?

    • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:50

      No, sorry.

      • dasher86 on 01/07/2017 - 20:05

        Fyi Vietnam is in SEAsia

        • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 20:06
          +2

          I would just list all the countries, but there's no space in the title. It covers basically all the SE Asia countries except Vietnam/Macau at this point. I can't even write out "Indonesia" or include "Phillipines" there isn't any space.

        • dasher86 on 01/07/2017 - 20:12

          @StrayfireX:
          Borneo, Laos, Myanmar, East Timor & Cambodia?
          Excellent will buy

        • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 20:17

          @dasher86:

          Borneo is part of Malaysia. Kalimantan is part of Indonesia. Now Brunei is valid, not that I would imagine too many people would be going there.

          I think East Timor is usually considered part of Oceania.

          I'm sure more people go to Indonesia/Malaysia/Singapore than all of these other countries combined.

        • jcheah12 on 02/07/2017 - 19:16

          @StrayfireX:

          There is no where that i can find that it lists countries such as Cambodia

        • dasher86 on 03/07/2017 - 13:41

          @dasher86:
          for those going Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - Viettel have removed roaming charges.

    • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 19:57

      Hopefully one day it will be added. Japan was not in the list before and it is now.

    • qazwsx on 01/07/2017 - 23:42

      Don't see many great deals in SG for Vietnam roaming - Vietnam I think has pricey telcos. The main telco in VN is still run by the military, so makes some nice money for them

      • samehada on 02/07/2017 - 11:21

        Just buy a local SIM and activate unlimited data pack which is 70,000VND (~$4AUD) for 30 days. They will give you about 500MB-1GB at full speed after that is at shaped speed but it is still usable.

  • WantToPayLess on 01/07/2017 - 19:49

    Does the SIM expire if not used for some time? Just wondering if the SIM can be put aside for a few months and then topped up when needed for an overseas trip.

    • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 19:50

      180 days from last recharge/activation.

    • altomic on 01/07/2017 - 19:51

      Recharge will last for 180 days so to keep this SIM alive you just need to topup once every 6 month and you can use it every time you travel to those countries. Credit also rollover on recharge. Able to be recharged with Aussie CC.

  • MrMaxwell on 01/07/2017 - 19:56
    +3

    Almost as good as Telstra's $300 for 2.2GB over 30 days LOL

  • futaris on 01/07/2017 - 19:58

    Has anyone topped up their card using a prepaid Australian or Singaporean credit (debit) card?

    • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 21:11
      +1

      Yes, you can topped up using any credit card, but you should use the one without foreign exchange fee like Citibank Plus Visa Debit card.

    • gabon on 01/07/2017 - 21:19

      Yep super easy brilliant sim

  • netbies on 01/07/2017 - 20:04

    I understand you can only buy the sim in Singapore airport. But do you have to activate in Singapore before using it elsewhere? Or I can activate it outside Singapore, e.g. here?

    • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 20:05

      You need to activate the SIM in Singapore, but I was able to activate new data packages in Hong Kong/Indonesia.

      • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 21:09
        +1

        you are wrong, you can activate this sim in Australia or in ANY of those supported countries in the list, just dial *142 to activate this SIM

        • cnitsuj on 01/07/2017 - 22:00

          ok great, I only have 1.5 hours to connect to my flight in Singapore, I may not be able to activate in time.

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 22:05
          +1

          @jmchin: just pop the sim in and dial *142 and it is activated.

          You can download the Happy Prepaid apps to manage your account. NEVER disable Roaming in the app or else you will not be able to re-enable it without contacting Starhub.

        • netbies on 02/07/2017 - 06:45

          Great. So I can ask my friend to buy one for me and activate here in Australia. ;-)

        • samehada on 02/07/2017 - 11:12

          @netbies: SIM will be registered under your friend's name.

        • netbies on 02/07/2017 - 16:27

          @samehada: ?? Even need registration when buying?

        • samehada on 02/07/2017 - 16:59

          @netbies: that's obvious. You need to show your passport when you purchase SIM card. The shop will enter your passport detail into Starhub system.

        • EarlyBird on 08/06/2018 - 15:16

          I've checked with Starhub and according to them, the SIM is automatically activated at the PoS. I brought one back to Aus, tried *142 and *142# and it couldn't connect but when I dialled *123# it said the SIM has already been activated.

  • ATangk on 01/07/2017 - 20:08
    +2

    god damn I need this but not going via singapore..

  • markj on 01/07/2017 - 20:08
    +1

    May be best to list this in https://www.cheapcheaplah.com/ given it is a deal only attainable in singapore not australia

    • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 20:10
      +2

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/253587#comment-3789820

      "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)."

      • markj on 01/07/2017 - 20:33

        Cheers. Just a recommendation however. They need the extra posts!

        • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 20:53

          Feel free to copy this across if you feel like it :)

    • marquise on 01/07/2017 - 21:17
      +1

      I'm actually so happy I saw this post here as I'm about to travel to a few of these countries. My fellow traveller is going via Singapore first, so I'll have to get him to buy a few of these when he's in transit.

  • plentifoo on 01/07/2017 - 20:10
    -1

    not really an australian bargain then? shouldn't this go on cheapcheaplah ozb's singaporean sister site?

    it's almost the equivalent of buying a duty free swiss watch in changi because it's cheaper there so you can wear it back here.

    i.e. the offer is only available in a foreign country, with no online means to procure it.

    • mmd on 01/07/2017 - 20:31
      +3

      Disagree
      Not many will visit cheapcheaplah to check deals. Especially if you're just stopping over enroute to Japan/HK etc

    • INFIDEL on 02/07/2017 - 05:04

      Because this type of deal is specifically dealt with in OzBargain Deal posting guidelines - Overseas Deals

      Deals in Overseas Countries - Deals available overseas may be applicable to Australians traveling to that destination. … Currently only travel/tourist related deals should be posted on OzBargain, these include … Communication (Sim Cards…), as posted above.

  • hippyhippy on 01/07/2017 - 20:39
    +1

    I would like this sim.. but not going via Singapore. ..

  • daft009 on 01/07/2017 - 20:42

    The $40 Changi voucher is now $20 only.
    http://www.changiairport.com/en/passenger-guide/transit/chan…

  • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 21:21

    I have 3 of this SIMs, thinking of letting you guys borrow it but only if you are in Melbourne.

    • ATangk on 01/07/2017 - 21:35

      Any chance you'll post it pretty please with a cherry on top to Sydney?

    • CheapCoffee on 02/07/2017 - 02:12

      If you are being serious, I will be heading to China in few months time and I'm currenrtly looking for a sim card to take/buy there that will also let me have access to google at a reasonable price. I would really appreciate it if you could send me a PM if you think we can work something out. Cheers.

    • noel127 on 02/07/2017 - 14:32

      PM me :)

    • lovetravellinginbiz on 02/07/2017 - 18:16

      I'm in melbourne and need one for my trip in October. Can I buy it off you?

  • cnitsuj on 01/07/2017 - 22:02
    +3

    According to the website, the UOB branch details below. Looks like it's not open when I arrive in Singapore during my layover time.

    UOB Branch - Changi Airport Branch
    Airport Boulevard #B16-17 Singapore Changi Airport Passenger Terminal 2 Building
    Mon-Fri: 9.30am - 4pm
    Sat: 9am - 12.30pm

    • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 22:07

      You can buy it on the Jetstar flight and get free drink.

      • cnitsuj on 01/07/2017 - 23:11

        I'm not flying Jetstar, just flying via Singapore.

    • lemonteh on 01/07/2017 - 22:19
      +1

      You can buy from Starhub stores which are 24 hours it seems.

      • marquise on 01/07/2017 - 22:30

        Looks like you'd have to exit immigration

        • gabon on 01/07/2017 - 23:17
          +3

          you can buy it inside Changi - not 24hours but about 18 hours - Starhub have agents in foreign currency exchanges

    • cnitsuj on 01/07/2017 - 23:17
      +1

      Actually maybe here:

      StarHub Shops
StarHub’s Exclusive Partner outlets
StarHub Authorised Retailers
7-Eleven stores
Cheers convenience stores
SingPost
Changi Airport
StarHub Counters (Terminal 1, 2 and 3)
UOB Currency Exchange Counters (Terminal 1, 2 and 3)
Travellers Counters (Terminal 2 and 3, Arrival Halls)

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

    • qazwsx on 02/07/2017 - 01:06

      I am sure that is the actual UOB bank branch that happens to be located at Changi Airport.
      The UOB FX counters have different hours, and they should be in all 3 terminals.
      Should not be too hard to get the SIM card at any hour - I thought the FX counters didnt close but if they do, I think I have seen 7/11s airside (might not be every terminal). If not, there are a number of 7/11s and Cheers landside - SIN is quite easy to go in and out of immigration (especially since security is done at the gate).

      • cnitsuj on 02/07/2017 - 12:14

        Thanks for your tips. I only have 1.5 hours to catch my connecting flight!

  • suicine94 on 01/07/2017 - 22:10

    Why is this on ozbargain. Y not cheapcheapla

    • INFIDEL on 02/07/2017 - 04:58

      Because this type of deal is specifically dealt with in OzBargain Deal posting guidelines - Overseas Deals

      Deals in Overseas Countries - Deals available overseas may be applicable to Australians traveling to that destination. … Currently only travel/tourist related deals should be posted on OzBargain, these include … Communication (Sim Cards…), as posted above.

      • suicine94 on 02/07/2017 - 08:02
        -2

        Hmm so any discounted tours from random country A to random coubtry B can be posted here? Lol

        • INFIDEL on 02/07/2017 - 08:10
          +2

          Take it up with the Mods. Been like that for a while.

          The high number of upvotes shows the guideline is liked by enough Ozbargainers.

          A fair number of Ozbargainers will fly through Singapore on their way elsewhere. It's handy to know about this useful deal for travellers here, as they may never leave the airport to need to view cheapcheapla for Singapore or know about that site. (Should be listed on both sites.)

          Obviously if the deal (title clearly states Singapore) is not of interest to you, just don't bother looking at & commenting on it. That common-sense applies to all deals.

  • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 22:23

    @OP: I don't think you have unrestricted internet access in China because it routes through Singapore. The reason I can think of is that China don't restrict internet access on foreign roaming SIM card for tourist.

    • illumination on 01/07/2017 - 22:29

      I'm currently in China roaming using a Hong Kong data SIM. I can confirm I am able to access websites with my mobile data otherwise ordinarily blocked by normal Chinese WiFi. Using this logic, I wouldn't be surprised if this applied to this starhub sim too.

      Edit: sorry realised I misunderstood your comment. Ignore.

      • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 22:31

        @OP: please remove the incorrect info in your post. I have never mention that unrestricted internet access in China is because this SIM route traffic through Singapore.

        • StrayfireX on 01/07/2017 - 22:38

          I think it routes through Singapore. I got hmtl injection ads about Singaporian goods and services while in Indonesia and it let me browse Reddit which is blocked in Indonesia.

          This is how some Hong Kong -> China SIMs work:

          "One reason to get a SIM in Hong Kong instead of mainland China is because a China Unicom HK SIM will pass all data through Hong Kong, allowing through the “Great Firewall of China” (see Basics)."

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

        • samehada on 01/07/2017 - 22:47

          @StrayfireX: I have never received any ads on my browsing. It maybe your phone browser ad or the website you are visiting has javascript code to display ad based on cookies of those Singaporean site you visited.

          I do not believe the provider tamper with your internet connection.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join