One of the necessities while travelling is the access to the Internet. While there are many ways to stay connected while overseas, having a WiFi router, switching on a data roaming plan or using a pre-paid overseas data SIM card are the three most convenient options that we can choose.
For comparison, we would be comparing cities across various continents. According to Skyscanner, Hong Kong, London and Sydney are among the most popular destinations that Singaporeans would visit for a holiday. In addition, we included Kuala Lumpur as it is nearby hot favourite as well.
The options that we have selected are based on what is easily available in Singapore. For instance, you may find cheaper overseas SIM cards in your destination country, however, purchasing from reputable online sources do provide a level of assurance prior to embarking on your trip.
We used a reasonable amount of data usage for the comparison based on a given length of trip. Needless to say, the final amount that you have to pay would be different depending on your data needs.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (2D1N)
Wifi Router
Data Roaming
Overseas SIM Card
ChangiWifi
– 4G/3G (depending on network)
– 4G/3G network: only first 500MB per day, network speed will slow down when data limit exceeds
– Up to 5 connections
– Battery life: 6 hours
Price = $15 ($8 x 2 = $16. $16 – $1 = $15) Has to pay for 2 days at least, no option to click for one day
– Autoconnects to strongest network
– 1GB 4G/3G data
– Validity: 3 days
Price = $5 (for 1GB)
StarHub DataTravel Unlimited
– Unlimited data
Price = $38 ($19 per day x 2)
– 5GB data with 4G high speed internet
– 10GB basic internet data (up to 64kbps)
– RM5 credit for calls/data
Validity: 7 days
Price = $7.59
Y5 BUDDY
– 4G connection
– Must rent at least 3 days
– Battery life: 16 hours
– Price (self-collection)= $8 x 3 = $24
– Price (courier) = $24 + $6 = $30
M1 Unlimited Data Roaming
– Unlimited 4G/3G data roaming
– Charged daily
Price = $30 (1 day)
M1 Data Passport
– Use your local data bundle of your mobile plan to roam overseas
Price = $10/month
Changi Recommends 15GB MALAYSIA SIM CARD 7 DAYS
– Collect at Changi Recommends counter before departure
– 5GB data with 4G high speed internet (max speed: 42Mbps)
– 10GB basic internet data (up to 64kbps)
– RM5 credit for local calls and international calls
Validity: 7 days
Price = $11.50
Klook 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Malaysia
– Battery life: 12 hours
– 4G speed for first 500MB everyday
– Up to 5 connections
Price = $10 (min booking of 2 days)
Singtel Ready Roam
– $5/GB
– 1GB 4G/3G Data Roaming
Price = $5 (for 1GB)
Shopee Unlimited Data SIM Card
– 1st 5GB on 4G LTE/3G network
– RM6 calling credit
Validity: 30 days
Price (normal mail or self-collection) = $10
Price (registered courier) = $13.20
Klook: 4G WiFi (SG Delivery) for Malaysia
– Battery life: 12 hours
– 4G speed for first 500MB daily
– Up to 5 connections
Price = $5 x 3 + $14 (postage) = $29 (min 3 days)
–
Qoo10: Malaysia Celcom 30 Days Data + Local Call
– 5GB 4G/3G Speed Data
– 10GB 2G Speed Data
– RM4 call credit
Validity: 30 days
Price (normal mail or self-collection) = $9.99
Price (Qxpress) = $13.65
Roaming Man WiFi
– 4G speed for first 500MB daily
– Up to 5 connections
Price = $5 x 3 = $15 (min rental period of 3 days)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (5D4N)
Wifi Router
Data Roaming
Overseas SIM Card
ChangiWifi
Price = $39 ($8 x5 = $40. $40 – $1 = $39)
StarHub Data Travel
Price = $10 (2GB)
StarHub Data Travel Unlimited
Price = $95 (5 days)
Klook 15GB 4G SIM Card (KLIA 2 Pick Up)
Price = $7.59
Y5 BUDDY
Price (self-collection)= $8 x 5 = $40
– Price (courier) = $40 + $6 = $46
Promo code: y5june2019 : -$5
M1 Unlimited Data Roaming
Price = $75 (5 days)
M1 Data Passport
Price = $10/month
Changi Recommends 15GB MALAYSIA SIM CARD 7 DAYS
Price = $11.50
Klook 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Malaysia
Price = $25
Singtel Ready Roam
Price = $10 (2GB)
Shopee Unlimited Data SIM Card
Price (registered courier) = $13.20
Klook: 4G WiFi (SG Delivery) for Malaysia
Price = $25 + $14 (postage) = $39
–
Shopee: 8days 3GB Malaysia Prepaid Travel SIM Card
Price (normal mail) = $13.90
Price (registered courier) = $16.70
Price (POPStation) = $17.10
Roaming Man WiFi
Price = $25
–
Qoo10: Malaysia Celcom 30 Days Data + Local Call
Price (normal mail or self-collection) = $9.99
Price (Qxpress) = $13.65
HONG KONG (5D4N)
Wifi Router
Data Roaming
Overseas SIM Card
ChangiWifi
Price = $24 ($5 x 5 = $25. $25 – $1 = $24)
StarHub Data Travel
Price = $10 (2GB)
StarHub Data Travel Unlimited
Price = $95 (5 days)
Klook: 4G/3G Hong Kong SIM Card
– 3GB 4G Data
– HKD18 Call Credit
– Validity: 5 Days (after activation)
Price = $8.90
Y5 BUDDY
Price (self-collection)= $5 x 5 = $25
– Price (courier) = $31 ($25 + $6)
M1 Unlimited Data Roaming
Price = $75 (5 days)
M1 Data Passport
Price = $10/month
Changi Recommends: Hong Kong PCCW Tourist SIM Card
– 3GB data
– Unlimited CSL Wifi In HK
– Unlimited HK Local Calls
– Validity: 5 days
Price = $10.50
Klook: 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Hong Kong
– First 500MB daily on 4G network
– Unlimited 3G data will be applied after first 500MB
– Battery life: 12 hours
– Up to 5 connections
Price (self-collection) = $19.50
Price (2-way courier) = $33.50 (courier fee: $14)
Singtel Ready Roam
– 1GB = $20
– Can use across 18 destinations
Price = $40 (2GB)
Shopee Hong Kong Unlimited Data SIM Card
– First 3GB data on 4G/3G network.
– Unlimited low speed data @128kbps.
– 300 mins HK local call.
– HKD$30 credits for call & SMS
– Validity: 8 days
Price (normal mail or self-collection) = $11.90
Price (SpeedPost Economy) = $13.39
Roaming Man WiFi
Price = $25
–
Qoo10: Hong Kong SIM Card
– 2GB 4G/3G
– Unlimited low speed data @128kbps.
– 20 mins local call
Price (self-collection) = $10.99
Price (normal mail) = $11.79
Price (Qxpress) = $14.65
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (7D6N)
Wifi Router
Data Roaming
Overseas SIM Card
ChangiWifi
Price = $62 ($9 x 7 – $1)
StarHub Data Travel
Price = $40 (2GB)
*but can use across Australia
StarHub Data Travel Unlimited
Price = $133 (7 days)
Changi Recommends: Australia SIM Card
– 12GB local data
– Unlimited local calls and SMS, overseas calls and local SMS
– Validity: 28 days
Price = $26
Y5 BUDDY
Price (self-collection)= $10 x 7 = $70
– Price (courier) = $76
M1 Unlimited Data Roaming
Not applicable
M1 Data Passport
Price = $10/month
Shopee Australia Prepaid Mobile SIM Card
– 36GB local data
– Unlimited local calls and SMS, overseas calls and SMS (selected countries)
– Validity: 30 days
Price (self-collection) = $25
Price (delivery) = $26.49
Klook: 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Australia
– First 500MB daily on 4G network
– Unlimited 3G data will be applied after first 500MB
– Battery life: 12 hours
– Up to 5 connections
Price (self-collection) = $56
Price (2-way courier) = $70
Singtel Ready Roam
– 1GB = $12
– Can use across 18 destinations
Price = $24 (2GB)
Qoo10: Australia SIM Card
– First 1.2GB data on 4G LTE network
– Unlimited low speed data
– Validity: 8 days
Price (normal mail) = $18.80
Price (registered mail) = $22.60
Price = $84 ($12 x 7)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (10D9N)
Wifi Router
Data Roaming
Overseas SIM Card
ChangiWifi
Price = $89 ($9 x 10 – $1)
*Can be used for other European cities
StarHub Data Travel
Price = $50 (3GB)
StarHub Data Travel Unlimited
Price = $300 (10 days)
Changi Recommends: UK + Europe 10GB Vodafone SIM
Card– 10GB 4G Data- 1000 minutes call (UK + Europe)- Unlimited Text (UK + Europe)- Validity: 30 daysPrice = $46
Y5 BUDDY
Price (self-collection)= $8 x 10 = $80
Price (courier) = $86
M1 Unlimited Data Roaming
Not applicable
M1 Data Passport
Price = $25/month
Shopee: UK and Europe Travel Data SIM Card
– 5GB local data
– Unlimited SMS & calls (UK + Europe)
– Validity: 30 days
Price (self-collection and normal mail) = $29.99
Price (registered mail) = $33.49
Roaming Man WiFi
Price = $120 ($12 x 10)
Singtel Ready Roam
– 1GB = $35
– Can use across 56 destinations
Price = $105 (3GB)
Qoo10: UK SIM Card
– 1GB 4G data
– Validity: 7 days
Price (normal mail) = $12.90 x 3 = $38.70 (3GB)
Price (registered mail) = $42.50
FINAL VERDICT
For short trips, the cheapest option would be to simply switch on your data roaming. It is also highly convenient as you are able to do it anywhere and anytime.
Although having a WiFi router seems to be the most expensive option out of all, it may actually be a cost-effective solution if you are travelling in a group, since you can share the cost.
Also, some hotels provide HandyPhone, which has tethering ability that you can tap on for data usage for free.
This article was first published by Dollars and Sense.