Travel eSIM Mobile Data Plans

Travel eSIM mobile data plans are prepaid data packages that you buy online and install on your mobile phone before you leave Singapore. TPG Mobile offers a range of these eSIM plans for travellers who want to avoid expensive roaming charges and the hassle of buying a local SIM after landing. You can choose a plan that covers a single country, a region, or a global footprint, with fixed data allowances or unlimited data options. You keep your usual Singapore SIM card in your phone, and the travel eSIM adds a data connection for use overseas.

Why choose a travel eSIM over roaming or local SIM cards

Roaming charges from Singapore telcos can add up quickly, especially if you use maps, messaging or social media while abroad. A travel eSIM is usually a more predictable cost because you pay a fixed amount before you travel. Buying a local SIM card after landing can be inconvenient: you may need to find a shop, show your passport, or deal with a physical card that might not fit your phone. With a travel eSIM, you install the profile before departure and connect as soon as you arrive, as long as your mobile phone supports eSIM.

How travel eSIM plans work

A travel eSIM is a digital SIM profile that you download to your phone. It works alongside your existing SIM, so you can keep your Singapore number for calls and texts while using the travel eSIM for data. The process usually involves scanning a QR code or entering a confirmation code in your phone settings. After installation, you enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line to connect to local partner networks in your destination. The data allowance and validity period depend on the specific plan you choose.

Types of travel eSIM plans

TPG Mobile offers several types of travel eSIM plans to match different travel styles and destinations.

Country-specific plans

These plans cover data usage in one country, such as Japan, Thailand, Australia or the United States. They are a good option if you are visiting a single destination and want a straightforward data allowance. Check the plan details for the exact data amount and validity period, as they vary by country.

Regional plans

Regional plans cover a group of nearby countries, such as Europe, Asia or the Middle East. They are useful if you are travelling across borders within one region. A single regional plan can replace the need to buy separate eSIMs for each country you visit.

Global plans

Global plans provide data coverage in a wide range of countries across multiple continents. They are designed for travellers on round-the-world trips or those visiting several far-flung destinations. The data allowance and number of covered countries vary by plan, so compare the details before you buy.

Fixed-data and unlimited plans

Some travel eSIM plans come with a fixed data allowance, such as 1 GB, 5 GB or 20 GB, while others offer unlimited data for a set period. Fixed-data plans are suitable if you know roughly how much data you need for maps, messaging and light browsing. Unlimited plans give you more freedom, but the actual usable data speed may be subject to a fair-use policy or a reduced speed after a certain threshold. Always read the plan description to understand the limits.

Choosing the right data allowance

To pick the right amount of data, think about what you do on your mobile phone while travelling. Checking maps, sending messages and using ride-hailing apps use relatively little data. Streaming videos, making video calls and uploading photos use much more. A common approach is to estimate your daily usage and multiply it by the number of days you will be away. If you are unsure, choose a plan with a little extra data to avoid running out. You can also top up or buy another eSIM if you need more later, though this depends on the plan and the destination.

Setting up your travel eSIM before departure

Install the eSIM profile before you leave Singapore, while you still have an internet connection. This avoids the stress of trying to download it after you arrive, when you may not have Wi-Fi. After installation, check that the travel eSIM line is enabled in your phone settings. On the day you travel, you can keep your usual SIM active for calls and texts, but disable data roaming on that line to avoid charges. When you land, the travel eSIM should connect automatically to a local network. If it does not, you may need to manually select a network in your phone settings, as the available partners can vary.

Compatibility and requirements

Travel eSIMs work only on mobile phones that support eSIM technology. Most recent models from Apple, Samsung, Google and other major brands have this feature, but older or budget phones may not. Check your phone's settings for an option like “Add eSIM” or “Mobile data” to confirm compatibility. Also ensure your phone is unlocked, because some carrier-locked devices may not accept an eSIM from a different provider. If your phone is not eSIM-compatible, a physical SIM may be a better option for your trip.

Retired Singapore SIM plans

TPG Mobile has previously offered local Singapore SIM-only plans, including some marketed to seniors and prepaid customers. These plans are no longer sold on this site. If you have a link to a retired plan such as an 80 GB SIM-only plan or a seniors SIM-only plan, that offer is not available. The current product range is focused on travel eSIM data plans for use overseas. For your next trip, you can choose a travel eSIM that suits your destination and data needs.

Making your decision

Start by listing the countries you will visit and how many days you will be away. Then compare the coverage and data allowance of the relevant travel eSIM plans. If you are staying in one country, a country-specific plan is often the simplest. For multi-country trips, a regional or global plan may offer better value and convenience. Fixed-data plans give you a clear budget, while unlimited plans provide peace of mind for heavy use. Whichever you choose, install the eSIM before you leave and keep your usual SIM in the phone for calls and texts. This way, you can focus on your trip without worrying about connectivity.