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SIMBA Roaming: Coverage, Plans, and How to Stay Connected Abroad

Using SIMBA roaming abroad? This guide covers SIMBA's international roaming coverage across 140+ countries, how plans work, activation steps, and when a travel eSIM is worth considering.
Aisha
Aisha
03 March 2026
SIMBA Roaming: Coverage, Plans, and How to Stay Connected Abroad

Table of Contents

SIMBA Roaming allows you to stay connected overseas while keeping your existing Singapore number. There is no need to swap SIM cards. As a Singapore-based telecom provider, SIMBA offers international roaming for both prepaid and postpaid users, with transparent zone-based pricing and wide global coverage.

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, this guide covers everything you need to know about SIMBA international roaming. You will learn how SIMBA roaming works, the latest roaming rates, supported countries, data options, and how to activate roaming step by step before your trip.

We also compare SIMBA roaming with alternative solutions such as a Holafly travel eSIM, which offers unlimited data in many destinations without roaming charges. This helps you decide which option is more cost-effective for your travel needs.

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What Is SIMBA Roaming?

SIMBA roaming is an international roaming service that lets you use your Singapore mobile number for calls, SMS, and mobile data while travelling abroad. Instead of changing your SIM card, you stay connected on your existing SIMBA plan.

Formerly known as TPG Singapore, SIMBA is a Singapore-based telecom provider offering international roaming in more than 140 countries. The service works through partnerships with local network operators, allowing SIMBA customers to access overseas mobile networks with zone-based roaming rates.

SIMBA roaming is available for both prepaid and postpaid users, making it a flexible option for short trips, business travel, and longer stays overseas.

How SIMBA Roaming Works

SIMBA groups roaming destinations into different zones, and the amount of roaming data you get depends on your plan and which zone you are travelling in.

All SIMBA plans include roaming data for Group A countries, which covers over 60 popular destinations including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, South Korea, and Thailand. Plans also include a separate APAC data allowance for regional destinations such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

The key principle to understand: roaming data is drawn in a set order. Your main data is used first (in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong depending on plan), followed by your APAC allowance, then your Group A international allowance. Once each tier is exhausted, additional usage is billed at pay-per-use rates from your SIMBA Wallet.

SIMBA Roaming: Prepaid vs. Postpaid

Both prepaid and postpaid SIMBA users can roam internationally, though there are differences in how each works.

SIMBA prepaid plans are available to Singapore residents and tourists aged 16 and above. Each prepaid SIM is valid for 30 days per cycle, with passport holders limited to the same. Prepaid plans include roaming data to Group A destinations and APAC countries, depending on the plan tier. Prepaid users in Singapore can renew or change plans at SIMBA service centres or dealers. Switching to a postpaid plan is possible later if the user obtains a Singapore-issued ID.

SIMBA postpaid plans are available only to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and eligible pass holders, not tourists. Postpaid plans include roaming data as a standard inclusion, with higher-tier plans offering larger roaming allowances. All postpaid plans come with 5G access, unlimited local calls, and free incoming calls.

SIMBA Roaming Coverage: Which Countries Are Included?

SIMBA supports roaming in over 140 destinations worldwide. The core coverage tiers are:

  • Main data zone: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong (varies by plan)
  • APAC zone: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam
  • Group A (international): 60+ countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK, USA, Germany, France, and more
  • Beyond Group A: Additional countries accessible at pay-per-use rates via the SIMBA Wallet

To confirm coverage for a specific destination, use the SIMBA website or app to check whether that country is in Group A or falls under pay-per-use rates.

How to Check and Activate SIMBA Roaming

SIMBA roaming is activated by default on all plans. To confirm your phone is ready to roam before you travel, send an SMS with the number 3 to 1218 while still in Singapore. You will receive a confirmation of your roaming status.

Before you depart, also make sure:

  • Data roaming is enabled in your phone settings.
  • Your APN is set to TPG (required for data roaming to work).
  • Your network mode is set to Automatic.
  • You have checked the SIMBA app for your current data allowances and zone coverage.

SIMBA also offers eSIM options for eligible plans, which can be set up digitally without visiting a store.

Travel connected, without the roaming bill.
A TurkSIM eSIM connects you to local networks at local rates wherever you go. No pay-per-use surprises, no wallet deductions. Keep your SIMBA SIM active for calls while the eSIM handles your data.
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eSIM alternative to SIMBA roaming

When a Travel eSIM Makes More Sense Than SIMBA Roaming

SIMBA roaming works well for short trips to Group A destinations where your plan already includes a data allowance. But there are situations where a travel eSIM is the more practical choice.

Consider a travel eSIM if:

  • You are travelling to a country outside Group A, where SIMBA charges pay-per-use rates.
  • Your destination trip requires more data than your current SIMBA plan includes.
  • You want to avoid any risk of SIMBA Wallet charges for excess usage.
  • You are a tourist in Singapore on a prepaid plan and need flexible connectivity for onward travel.
  • You are visiting multiple countries and want consistent flat-rate data coverage.

A TurkSIM eSIM installs digitally via QR code. Your SIMBA SIM stays active for your Singapore number, calls, and SMS, while the eSIM covers data on local networks at your destination. Most current smartphones support dual SIM simultaneously.

SIMBA Roaming vs. Travel eSIM: Key Differences

FeatureSIMBA RoamingTurkSIM eSIM
Keep Singapore numberYesYes (dual SIM)
Roaming countries140+ destinations200+ destinations
Data includedPlan-based, zone dependentFixed upfront
Excess data chargesYes, via SIMBA WalletNo surprises
Tourist accessiblePrepaid only (30-day limit)Always
ActivationBuilt-in, check via SMS 3 to 1218QR code, before departure

Why SIMBA Users Pick Up a TurkSIM eSIM Before They Fly

SIMBA's Group A coverage is genuinely useful for quick regional hops. But the moment you step outside those 60-odd countries, or you push past your plan's roaming allowance, the SIMBA Wallet starts draining in ways that are hard to predict mid-trip.

Singaporean travellers on SIMBA tend to be data-savvy and price-conscious. That is exactly who a TurkSIM eSIM is built for.

  • No zone math before every trip. SIMBA's roaming works in tiers: main data, APAC, Group A, then pay-per-use. With TurkSIM, you pick your destination, pick your plan, done. No mental overhead.
  • Ideal for destinations outside Group A. Heading to Turkey, Morocco, Peru, or anywhere SIMBA's included data does not reach? TurkSIM has you covered without touching your Wallet balance.
  • Your SIMBA number stays on. Keep it active for Singapore calls and SMS. The eSIM handles data separately on local networks.
  • Tourists and short-term residents benefit most. If you are in Singapore on a pass and travelling onward, SIMBA postpaid is not available to you anyway. TurkSIM works regardless of your residency status.

Frequently Asked Questions about SIMBA Roaming

Does SIMBA roaming work automatically when I travel?

Yes. SIMBA roaming is enabled by default on all plans. Before you travel, send an SMS with 3 to 1218 from your SIMBA SIM while still in Singapore to confirm your roaming status. Also make sure data roaming is switched on in your phone settings and your APN is set to TPG.

How many countries does SIMBA roaming cover?

SIMBA roaming supports over 140 countries worldwide. All plans include data roaming for Group A destinations (60+ countries). Beyond Group A, pay-per-use rates apply from your SIMBA Wallet. Check the SIMBA website for the full and current list of covered destinations.

What is the SIMBA Wallet and when is it charged?

The SIMBA Wallet is your prepaid balance within the SIMBA system, used to cover excess data charges beyond your plan allowance. If you exhaust your roaming data in any zone, further usage is deducted from your Wallet at the applicable rates. SIMBA sends SMS notifications at 90% and 100% of each allowance tier, so you can track usage before unexpected charges occur.

Can tourists use SIMBA roaming?

Tourists in Singapore can purchase SIMBA prepaid SIM cards, which include roaming. However, prepaid SIMs registered with a passport are limited to 30 days per cycle. SIMBA postpaid plans are only available to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and eligible pass holders.

Can I use a travel eSIM alongside my SIMBA SIM?

Yes. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM (physical SIM plus eSIM). You can keep your SIMBA SIM active for your Singapore number while using a TurkSIM eSIM for data at your destination. This avoids pay-per-use charges while keeping your Singapore number reachable.

Is SIMBA the same as TPG Singapore?

Yes. SIMBA was formerly known as TPG Singapore. The network rebranded to SIMBA Telecom while maintaining the same infrastructure. The APN setting remains TPG for data roaming purposes.

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Disclaimer: The prices and information presented on this page reflect a snapshot at the time of research and may change at any time without prior notice.
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