Singtel ReadyRoam vs. eSIM: Best Travel Data for Singaporeans 2025

Planning a trip out of Singapore? Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to Malaysia or a multi-week European adventure, one question always comes up: “How do I get data overseas without getting a massive bill?” For years, the default answer was your local telco’s roaming package, like Singtel ReadyRoam. But in 2025, there’s a smarter, more flexible, and often cheaper alternative: a travel eSIM.

The debate between eSIM vs Singtel ReadyRoam is really about old habits versus new technology. Sticking with your local provider feels safe, but is it the best choice for your wallet and your travel style? Let’s break down the options to find the best travel data solution for Singaporeans. Before you even pack your bags, you can discover the ease of modern connectivity. Why not get a feel for it with a free eSIM trial from Yoho Mobile?

What are Traditional Roaming Plans like Singtel ReadyRoam?

For Singaporeans, roaming plans from local telcos like Singtel, Starhub, or M1 are familiar territory. Singtel ReadyRoam, Starhub DataTravel, and M1’s Data Passport are essentially add-on packages you activate on your existing postpaid plan.

How they work: You choose a plan based on your destination and duration, and it’s billed directly to your monthly statement. For instance, you might buy a 30-day, 5GB ReadyRoam plan for Australia.

The Pros:

• Convenience: It’s tied to your existing account, so there’s no need for a new provider.
• Keeps Your Number: You can make and receive calls and texts on your primary Singaporean number (though this often incurs separate, high charges).

The Cons:

• Cost: Roaming plans are notoriously more expensive per GB compared to other options.
• Inflexibility: Plans are often rigid. If you’re visiting multiple countries not covered by a single plan (like Japan and then the USA), you might need to buy two separate, expensive packages.
• “Bill Shock” Risk: Exceeding your data limit can lead to exorbitant pay-per-use charges, a common cause of post-holiday stress. You can find more details on their official Singtel ReadyRoam page.

Enter the Challenger: The Travel eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone. Instead of swapping physical cards, you simply download a data plan and activate it. This technology is a game-changer for international travel.

How they work: You buy a data plan from a global provider like Yoho Mobile, receive a QR code or an instant installation link, and activate it on your phone. You can do this before you even leave Singapore. For iOS users, the process is even simpler—after purchase, just tap ‘Install’ to begin the setup, with no QR codes needed.

The Pros:

• Superior Value: Travel eSIMs almost always offer more data for your money. The competitive global market drives prices down.
• Unmatched Flexibility: Need data for Malaysia for 3 days and then Europe for 2 weeks? You can buy a regional Southeast Asia eSIM or a global plan that covers all your stops. With Yoho Mobile, you can even build a custom plan tailored to your exact itinerary.
• Full Control: Prepaid plans mean you’ll never be surprised by a huge bill. If you need more data, you can easily top up manually. Plus, with services like Yoho Care, you’re protected from being completely disconnected even if your high-speed data runs out.
• Instant Activation: Land at your destination, switch to your eSIM, and you’re online instantly.

Don’t forget to first check if your device supports eSIM technology. Most flagship phones from the last few years do.

Head-to-Head: ReadyRoam vs. Travel eSIM for Singaporeans

Let’s put them side-by-side to see who wins in the key categories that matter most to travelers.

Scenario: A 10-Day Trip to Japan & South Korea

A Singaporean traveler plans a 10-day trip, spending 5 days in Tokyo and 5 in Seoul.

• With ReadyRoam: They would likely need to purchase two separate plans or a more expensive “multiple destinations” plan, which could easily cost over S$40-S$50 for a few GBs.
• With Yoho Mobile eSIM: They could purchase a single East Asia eSIM plan covering both countries, likely getting more data for under S$20. The savings are clear.

The Verdict: Which Data Plan is Right for You?

The choice ultimately depends on your travel style.

Choose a traditional roaming plan like Singtel ReadyRoam if:

• You’re on a very short, single-destination trip.
• Your company is paying the bill.
• You absolutely need to receive regular calls/SMS on your primary SG number and are willing to pay the premium.

Choose a Yoho Mobile travel eSIM if:

• You are a budget-conscious traveler looking for the best value.
• You are visiting multiple countries on one trip.
• You are a heavy data user for maps, social media, and streaming.
• You want to avoid any possibility of roaming “bill shock.”
• You value flexibility and control over your data plan.

For the vast majority of Singaporean travelers in 2025, the answer is clear. The move away from traditional roaming towards travel eSIMs is a smart one. It puts the power, flexibility, and savings back into your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a travel eSIM cheaper than Singtel ReadyRoam for a trip to Malaysia?
A: Almost always, yes. For a weekend trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru or KL, a travel eSIM plan from a provider like Yoho Mobile will typically offer more data for a lower price than a standard ReadyRoam package. It’s one of the best ways to get cheap data while roaming in Malaysia from Singapore.

Q2: Will my WhatsApp and other apps still work with my Singaporean number?
A: Absolutely! Your WhatsApp account is tied to your phone number, not your SIM card. When you use a data-only travel eSIM, all your apps, including WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram, will work just as they do at home, allowing you to stay in touch using your original number.

Q3: What’s a good Starhub DataTravel alternative for a long Europe trip?
A: A regional Europe eSIM is an excellent Starhub DataTravel alternative. Instead of paying for a fixed package, you can get a single Yoho Mobile eSIM for Europe that covers dozens of countries. This is far more cost-effective and convenient than traditional roaming for multi-country European holidays.

Q4: How do I avoid high roaming charges from Singapore telcos completely?
A: The best way is to turn off data roaming on your primary Singaporean SIM card before you leave. Then, install and use a travel eSIM for all your data needs overseas. This ensures you only use the affordable, prepaid data you purchased and won’t incur any accidental charges from your home telco.

Conclusion: Travel Smarter with an eSIM

The days of being locked into your home telco’s expensive and rigid roaming plans are over. While Singtel ReadyRoam and its counterparts offer a familiar option, the technology and value proposition of travel eSIMs have made them the superior choice for savvy Singaporean travelers in 2025.

With a travel eSIM from Yoho Mobile, you get more data for your dollar, the freedom to hop between countries seamlessly, and the ultimate peace of mind that comes with no hidden fees or surprise bills. It’s time to upgrade your travel connectivity.

Ready to explore the world without roaming worries? Browse Yoho Mobile’s affordable eSIM plans now.