Giga roaming: Plans, pricing, and activation

Giga roaming offers convenient and flexible connectivity abroad, perfect if you’re based in Singapore and prefer straightforward mobile solutions. 

Backed by StarHub’s reliable network, Giga includes free monthly roaming data in popular countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and South Korea. This means you can stay connected abroad without swapping SIM cards or buying costly add-ons.

But if your itinerary includes destinations beyond these free-roaming zones, what are your options? In this article, you’ll get a clear breakdown of Giga’s roaming plans, pricing structures, and easy activation tips. We’ll also explore Holafly’s unlimited eSIM as a fine alternative for your global travels.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of July 2nd, 2025, and is subject to change.

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What is Giga roaming?

Giga roaming lets you use mobile data overseas with your existing plan, no SIM swaps or manual activation needed. As a digital-only telco under StarHub, it’s designed for simplicity and ease of use, especially for Singapore-based travellers heading abroad.

Once you arrive, your phone automatically connects to partner networks, allowing you to browse, use apps, and receive SMS without hassle. 

However, outgoing calls and traditional SMS aren’t supported, so you’ll need to rely on internet-based messaging services like WhatsApp or Telegram to stay in touch.

Giga roaming countries

Roaming is included by default in all Giga plans, but the countries covered depend on the type of plan you’re on. All subscribers get free data roaming in key Asian destinations. Users on 5G plans enjoy even wider coverage, with free international roaming across 48 countries.

If you’re travelling outside these zones, Giga also offers optional roaming passes to extend your coverage. Some key Giga roaming destinations include:

• Giga roaming in Malaysia
• Giga roaming in China
• Giga roaming in Japan
• Giga roaming in APAC

Below is a full breakdown of the countries Giga included under each roaming option:

Each pass is designed to suit different travel needs. If you’re staying within Asia, the APAC pass may be enough. For long-haul or multi-region trips, the Global pass offers more complete coverage.

Giga roaming: Plans and pricing

Giga provides free monthly roaming data with most of its mobile plans, a useful feature if you’re based in Singapore and travel frequently across the region. The amount and coverage depend on whether you’re on a 4G or 5G plan.

• 5G plans include free international roaming to 48 destinations, along with a fixed Asia roaming allowance.
• 4G plans come with free roaming in selected Asian countries, with smaller data amounts depending on your plan tier.

There’s no need to activate roaming separately or pay extra; the data is included in your monthly subscription. 

All Giga plans are SIM-only, support eSIM, and can be easily managed through the Giga app.

Giga Roaming add-on plans

The following is an overview of Giga Roaming add-on plans, with all prices listed in Singapore Dollars (SGD):

These passes can be purchased directly through the Giga app and activated automatically upon first use overseas. 

Note: Research how much data you’ll need traveling beforehand, and buy a roaming pack that matches your destination and duration.

How to activate Giga roaming

Giga roaming is designed to work with minimal setup, but making a few quick adjustments before your trip can help avoid connection issues. 

All roaming features can be managed through the Giga app, and there’s no need for manual codes or separate registrations.

Before you travel

• Open the Giga app and check that your plan is active
• Ensure Data Roaming is enabled in your phone’s mobile settings
• Set Giga as your default SIM for data if using a dual SIM
• Confirm your APN is set to “giga” (leave username and password blank)

Upon arrival

• Switch Airplane Mode on and off to refresh your signal
• If your phone doesn’t connect automatically, select a local network manually
• If there’s still no signal, restart your device and check your roaming settings again

Once connected, your included data or active roaming pack will begin working automatically.

How to avoid high Giga roaming charges

Whether you’re using your included data or a roaming add-on, it’s surprisingly easy to burn through your allowance, especially when travelling. 

Apps can use data in the background, updates may run automatically, and streaming even a short video can consume more than you expect.

To avoid unexpected charges or running out of data mid-trip, here are some simple ways to stay in control while abroad:

• Monitor your usage through the Giga app to keep track of how much roaming data you’ve used
• Turn off background data and disable automatic app updates to avoid unexpected consumption
• Use Wi-Fi for heavy tasks like streaming, video calls, or large downloads whenever it’s available
• Enable Airplane Mode when your phone isn’t in use, especially during long flights or overnight stays
• Choose the right roaming pass before departure to match your destination and data needs. For instance, the gigaRoam APAC pass covers 14 regional countries and is ideal for short trips within Asia.
• Consider an unlimited data eSIM like Holafly if you’re travelling across multiple countries or prefer fixed, predictable costs

You can also check which apps use the most mobile data to manage your usage more efficiently while roaming.

Holafly eSIM: An unlimited data alternative to Giga roaming

Giga roaming offers a practical solution, particularly for short regional trips. With built-in data and optional roaming passes, it’s easy to manage on the go. 

However, add-on packs top out at 5 GB, which can be used up quickly if you’re navigating with Google Maps, joining video calls, or scrolling through social media.

For longer journeys or multi-country itineraries, constantly monitoring your data usage can become a hassle. That’s where an unlimited eSIM comes in. 

Holafly offers unlimited eSIM data across 200+ destinations, no contracts, and no unexpected charges. Hotspot support is included, making it ideal for travellers who rely on multiple devices or need consistent connectivity throughout their trip.

Here’s a quick comparison of Giga and Holafly roaming options to take into account:

Each option has its strengths. Giga offers simplicity and solid regional coverage, while Holafly caters to travellers who want reliable, high-volume data across multiple countries.

If you’re planning a longer trip or visiting more than one destination, Holafly’s eSIM could be a more flexible and cost-effective solution.

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Violet Lee

SEO Content Specialist

Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.

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