Why data roaming may be better for spontaneous getaways… especially when it’s free 😉
Booking a spontaneous trip means a lot of scurrying around with limited time to prep. You’ll have to think of your accommodation, travel essentials, insurance, and documents, among other things!
The list goes on and on — even the best travellers are bound to forget something on their trip.
And one of those often-overlooked items is WiFi and connectivity. But if you’re a StarHub user, you won’t have to stress about it anymore. Read on to find out how!
The problem with SIM cards
When you’re abroad, it’s pretty common to rely on airport WiFi until you get to a SIM card provider. But consider yourself cooked if you arrive outside their operating hours.
Not to mention, connecting to public WiFi leaves you more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
But worst of all, swapping out your home SIM card usually means missing text messages and calls. No Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or One-Time PIN (OTP) also means you have to go through the hassle of switching cards again just to do some online banking.
Then there are travel eSIMs, which you can set up on your mobile phone even before you’ve landed.
However, setting up an eSIM can be a wonky process. I remember having problems with the installation QR code, e-mailing the data providers for troubleshooting, and waiting hours for their response… if they came at all!
And admittedly, there are times when travel eSIM connectivity wouldn’t be so reliable — a possible source of inconvenience or panic when you’re navigating a new destination.
StarHub introduces free data roaming in mobile plans
These SIM card issues abroad can be avoided if you use data roaming instead.
And the good news is, StarHub’s 2-Year Device Plan and 5G SIM Only Star Plan L come with mobile data that you can use in select areas:
| StarHub Mobile Plan | Free Data + Coverage |
| 2-Year Device Plan S | 1GB Data Roaming (Asia Pacific) |
| 2-Year Device Plan M | 1GB Data Roaming (Global) |
| 2-Year Device Plan L | 2GB Data Roaming (Global) |
| 2-Year Device Plan XL | 3GB Data Roaming (Global) |
| 5G SIM Only Star Plan L | 2GB Data Roaming to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand |
Opting for a plan with free data roaming also means you don’t need to swap SIM cards during your trip for 2FA/OTP messages 😌
*Pro-tip: If you’re looking to upgrade your phone, you could get an iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, or Honor 200 Pro starting from S$0* with a 2-Year Device Plan.
*Based on prices and offers valid as of publishing date, including 9% GST. Check www.starhub.com/mobile for the latest offers.
Take note that the complimentary data roaming included does not cover data top-ups during your trip, and destinations outside the data plan options.
Roam anywhere freely for your next weekend trip
With your internet connectivity all sorted out, it’s time to tick it off your pre-travel list. Now, onto the fun part! 🛫
If you still haven’t decided where to go, consider one of these ideas for spontaneous getaways — perfect for a (long) weekend.
🇮🇩 Batam, Indonesia (chill island getaway)
Only a ~50-minute ferry ride away, Batam has beautiful beaches and is relatively quiet, making it an ideal place to unwind from city life. Enjoy spa treatments, scenic coastal views, and affordable beach resorts on this relaxing island.
🇲🇾 Johor Bahru, Malaysia (cafe-hopping)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place, JB never fails. With new cafes, restaurants, and shops popping up from time to time, JB has become more than just a day trip destination.
Read also: JB Day Trip Itinerary — What to Do, Eat, and Shop Under S$65
🇹🇭 Bangkok, Thailand (eating and shopping)
A flight to Bangkok is only 2.5 hours away, making it ideal for a long weekend destination. During the daytime, explore the opulent malls and cafes. At night, head to the markets for delicious street food. Their nightlife also gets pretty busy! 🍻
Read also: Bangkok Food Guide — 9 Street Food Stalls Most Recommended by Locals
Save time and money with free data roaming included on StarHub plans
If you’ve only been using physical SIM cards or foreign eSIMs for travelling, you might be missing out on some perks of being a StarHub mobile customer, such as:
1) Free data roaming to many destinations worldwide
2) No swapping of SIM cards so you won’t miss out on calls and 2FA/OTP messages when overseas
3) Discounted phone prices with any 2-Year Device Plan (including the iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, or Honor 200 Pro). Or go for a no-contract SIM only Star Plan to purchase a phone via monthly payments with 0% interest
4) Avoid security risks while connecting to public WiFi or using foreign eSIMs
Learn more about StarHub plans with free data roaming here: 2-Year Device Plan, or 5G SIM Only Star Plan L. You’ll have one less thing to worry about on your spontaneous getaways!
Which destination are you flying to if you have free data roaming? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you by StarHub.
