In Singapore, you no longer need to be tied to a 2-year contract to get a good deal. SIM-only plans (no contract) are now the gold standard. But with so many options like GOMO and SIMBA, which one should you pick?
1. The Giants: Singtel & StarHub (Premium Experience)
Choose these if you want the absolute best 5G coverage, especially in MRT tunnels or deep inside office buildings.
- Singtel: The most reliable and widest 5G coverage in SG. Great if you often travel to Malaysia (their roaming integration is seamless).
- StarHub: Often wins for the fastest download speeds. Excellent if you also want to bundle home fiber internet or cable TV (Premier League, etc.).
- Verdict: Best for business users who cannot afford a dropped call.
2. The Challenger: SIMBA (The King of Value)
SIMBA (formerly TPG) has its own network and is famous for offering massive data at incredibly low prices.
- The Plan: $10 for 400GB (5G) is their signature offer.
- Pros: * Free Roaming: Includes generous roaming data (often 10GB+) to popular destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and even Thailand/South Korea.
- Unlimited Calls: Free calls to local mobile numbers.
- Cons: Indoor coverage (elevators, basements) can still be weaker than Singtel/StarHub.
- Best For: Students, heavy data users, and frequent travelers on a budget.
3. The “No-Frills” Sub-brands: GOMO & giga!
These are owned by the giants but offered at half the price. You get the same network quality without the premium price tag.
- GOMO (by Singtel):
- Features: Uses Singtel’s 4G/5G network. Frequent “Data Pump” promos (e.g., $18.33 for 300GB-400GB).
- Pros: Very stable app, easy to add roaming “Roam Like A Local” packs.
- giga! (by StarHub):
- Features: Uses StarHub’s network. Famous for Data Rollover (unused data moves to the next month).
- Pros: One of the best customer service experiences through their app.
| Plan Type | Example | Monthly Cost | Best Feature | Recommendation |
| Traditional | Singtel 5G | $35 – $80 | Reliability / Support | Business / Stability seekers |
| Value (MVNO) | GOMO | ~$18 | Singtel Network Quality | Most Expats’ Top Choice |
| Ultra-Cheap | SIMBA | $10 | Massive Data & Roaming | Budget-conscious / Travelers |
| Feature-rich | giga! | ~$15 – $20 | Data Rollover | Consistent data users |
5. HomeInSG’s Practical Advice for New Expats
- Start with SIM-only: Never sign a 2-year contract immediately. Get a SIM-only plan first to test the coverage in your specific house and office.
- eSIM is your friend: If your phone supports it, you can get a GOMO or SIMBA eSIM online and activate it instantly without waiting for a physical card.
- Porting is easy: In Singapore, you can keep your phone number even if you switch telcos. It’s a free service called “Mobile Number Portability.”
- Roaming Comparison:
- GOMO: Best for those who want a stable connection in Malaysia/Indonesia.
- SIMBA: Best for those who want “free” roaming data included in their $10 plan for multiple Asian countries.
Before signing up for a mobile plan, you need your Singpass for identity verification. Read my [Singpass Guide] to set it up first.
