M1 roaming: Coverage, plans, and pricing

M1 roaming is designed to keep Singaporean users connected wherever they go, without the hassle of switching SIM cards or losing access to mobile data abroad. As a leading local telecom provider, M1 offers flexible roaming plans for both prepaid and postpaid customers, covering key destinations across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

In this guide, you’ll learn how M1 international roaming works, what it costs, which countries are covered, and how to activate it before your trip. Plus, we’ll explore an alternative to standard roaming: Holafly’s unlimited eSIM for seamless travel connectivity in 200+ destinations.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of June 26, 2025, and is subject to change.

Avoid excessive roaming fees

Avoid unexpected roaming charges abroad. Connect to local networks and enjoy local rates.

Buy eSIM

What is M1 roaming?

M1 roaming lets you use your Singapore mobile number overseas for calls, texts, and data, no SIM swap needed. Coverage extends to 230+ global destinations via partner networks.

Depending on your plan type, your roaming experience will differ:

• Postpaid users: Billed monthly, with roaming available through add-ons like Data Passport, Daily Unlimited Data Roaming, or pay-per-use rates.
• Prepaid users: Pay in advance and activate roaming via short-term data packs or by topping up roaming credit.

Some postpaid plans, like Bespoke Flexi and Bespoke SIM-only, come with built-in roaming data, for example, 2GB in Malaysia and Indonesia. You may not need an additional roaming add-on unless you’re travelling to other countries or need more data.

M1 roaming countries

M1 roaming allows travellers from Singapore to stay connected in over 80 destinations with eligible data roaming plans. If you don’t purchase a plan, pay-as-you-go roaming access is still available in 230+ countries via M1’s global partner networks.

Some key destinations supported by M1 include:

• M1 roaming in China
• M1 roaming in Japan
• M1 roaming in Thailand
• M1 roaming in Europe
• M1 roaming in Australia
• M1 roaming in Indonesia
• M1 roaming in Asia

M1 groups countries into different roaming zones, depending on your plan type. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Tip: Always check your plan type to confirm which roaming passes are compatible. Not all M1 roaming plans are available to prepaid users.

M1 roaming plans: Types and pricing

M1 provides international roaming options for both prepaid and postpaid users. Some plans include free roaming in select countries, while others let you add data packs for more coverage or flexibility. All prices below are in Singapore Dollars (SGD).

Prepaid Add-ons Users

Using an M1 prepaid SIM? You can stay connected abroad by topping up with a roaming pack or one-time data bundle via the M1 Prepaid App. These packs are valid for specific durations and are ideal for casual travellers who prefer a no-contract solution.

Not sure how much data you’ll need abroad? Calculate your data usage.

Prepaid pay-per-use roaming

If you’re using an M1 prepaid SIM card without a roaming add-on, any data, call, or SMS usage abroad will be billed at pay-as-you-go rates, and these can climb quickly depending on where you’re travelling.

Let’s say you’re a prepaid user from Singapore heading to Australia and forget to activate a roaming pack. Here’s what it could cost you:

• Just opening Google Maps or checking emails could use up 1MB of data.
• At $0.058 per 10KB, that’s nearly $6 per MB, and your balance could disappear fast.

Here are some sample rates to illustrate:

Rates are charged in small blocks (e.g., per 10KB), and background apps using mobile data or even minor browsing can consume more than you think. 

To avoid these high fees, it’s best to activate a data pack or consider a prepaid eSIM for unlimited usage at a flat rate.

Postpaid add-ons

M1 postpaid users can choose roaming add-ons with fixed data or daily quotas, ideal for both short trips and regional travel, helping manage costs easily.

Note: “Use local data bundle” means your regular monthly data allowance can be used while roaming in those countries. Add-on bundles in excess of 15GB will be charged at $12.22/GB.

Postpaid pay-as-you-go

If you’re roaming abroad without activating an M1 roaming pass, your usage will be billed at pay-per-use rates, and these can be extremely high.

Data roaming is charged at $0.20 per 10KB, which works out to about $20 per MB, or approximately $20,000 per GB. This makes it one of the most expensive ways to access mobile internet while travelling.

For example:

• Malaysia: $0.02 per 10KB
• Thailand: $0.05 per 10KB
• UK or USA: $0.10 per 10KB

Even minimal data use, like background app refresh, can trigger significant charges. To avoid bill shock, always activate a data passport or consider an unlimited eSIM like Holafly when travelling beyond your plan’s coverage zones.

How to activate M1 roaming

Activating M1 international roaming is quick and easy using your mobile app or a simple dial code.

Postpaid users

To activate roaming on your M1 postpaid plan:

1. Open the My M1+ App
2. Navigate to Roaming
3. Select your travel destination
4. Tap Activate

Prepaid users

For M1 prepaid users, follow these steps:

1. Open the M1 Prepaid App or dial #100*81#
2. In your phone settings, enable the following:
   
   • Local Data
   • Data Roaming
   • Network Lock

How to avoid M1 roaming charges

Roaming fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful with your usage while travelling overseas. Here are a few simple ways to stay in control and keep costs down:

• Monitor your data usage through the My M1+ app
• Disable background apps and automatic updates while roaming
• Use Wi-Fi for data-heavy tasks like streaming or uploading files
• Turn on Airplane Mode when you’re not using your phone
• Buy the right add-on (e.g. the M1 $15 Data Passport) before your trip or top up as needed
• Consider an unlimited eSIM, like Holafly, for worry-free roaming at a fixed cost

An unlimited data alternative to M1 roaming: Holafly

While M1 offers a wide range of international roaming plans, from prepaid data packs to postpaid monthly passports, the setup can still lead to high charges, especially if you travel without a roaming pack or move between regions.

Holafly provides a simpler, more predictable solution:

• Unlimited data in 200+ destinations
• Fixed, transparent pricing with no surprise fees
• Instant activation via QR code or app
• Supports hotspot/tethering, even on prepaid plans

Here’s how Holafly compares to M1’s key roaming options:

Note: Holafly plans are available for both iOS and Android. Check eSIM compatibility before purchase.

Whichever option you choose, make sure it aligns with your travel style, but if you want to skip roaming complexities altogether, Holafly’s unlimited eSIMs offer a hassle-free way to stay connected abroad.

Get connected from anywhere

Buy your eSIM no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection.

Buy eSIM

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Europe

From

$6.90

USD

eSIM Bali

From

$6.90

USD

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.

Read full bio

Related reading