Executive Summary

Discussions on the HardwareZone forums reveal a strong interest in Singaporean SIM card options, particularly for travel and roaming. Users are actively exploring eSIM and physical SIM options for destinations like China, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Simba emerges as a popular choice due to its competitive roaming plans and ability to make/receive international calls. The community is also keenly evaluating the cost-effectiveness and convenience of various options, with a focus on data allowances and speed. There is a clear trend towards using eSIMs for ease of switching between local and international plans, with a specific mention of CMLink as a viable option for China. Data caps and the type of access (VPN vs proxy) are also hot topics.

Key Developments

eSIM Adoption and CMLink Popularity

The forum shows a growing trend towards using eSIMs, especially for travel. Users highlight the convenience of switching between local and international plans without needing to change physical SIM cards. CMLink, a Hong Kong-based provider, is gaining traction for its competitive data plans, especially for travel to China. One user, SibehHL, mentioned a 5GB daily plan (valid for 15 days) from CMLink HK, costing approximately *SGD 26.50* (converted from CNY 143.50). This is considered good value compared to other options.

“At this moment, I find paying CMLink eSIM HK SGD 26.50 for 5GB daily ( valid 15 days) to be extremely value for $$ when compared to the CMLink SG or CUniq SG plans.” – SibehHL (01 Dec 2024)

Simba’s Roaming Plans and Usage

Simba is frequently mentioned as a reliable option for users who travel often. Several users have highlighted its roaming plans, particularly for Malaysia and China. One user, dilphinus, uses Simba for their frequent trips between Singapore and China, benefiting from the ability to make and receive calls. Users like coyote and kevinlaikf also shared their positive experiences with Simba’s roaming plans in Malaysia, noting the satisfactory data allowance for activities like streaming and general usage. The Simba SuperRoam MY plan with 50GB for Malaysia has been specifically called out for its value.

“I alternate my stays in Singapore and China. Been using Simba. On the 7GB roaming plan. Simba is good cos I can make and receive overseas calls to/from Singapore.” – dilphinus (01 Dec 2024)

Data Caps and Plan Comparisons

The discussion includes detailed comparisons of data allowances and prices across different providers. Users are keen to find the most cost-effective plans for their specific needs. One user, HoGnix, mentioned a local shop promotion offering 200GB local data and 3GB each for China/HK, Malaysia, Indonesia/Thailand for *SGD 10. The standard SGD 10 plan provides 10GB local data with 10GB for China/HK. Another user, jasonho, clarified that the plan includes 3GB each for China and HK, totaling 6GB roaming data*.

“For those SGD 10 plan signed on local shop with 100GB per Month promotion. Now with 200GB local data, 3GB China/HK, 3GB Malaysia, Indonesia/Thailand.” – HoGnix (15 Dec 2024)

Community Insights

User Experiences

Users have shared a mix of positive and negative experiences with various SIM card options. SibehHL reported a positive experience with an eSIM plan, achieving an average download speed of 100Mbps and using it for hotspotting. raintr33 found CMLink eSIM to be reliable in Yunnan, China, highlighting its convenience over physical SIMs. Conversely, raintr33 noted that Nord VPN did not work in China, and advised using LetsVPN or Astrill instead. There’s a general consensus that Simba is good for roaming and maintaining a consistent communication channel.

“Tried out this eSIM plan for the first time. Bought the 15 days unlimited plan (5GB / Day) for approx SGD 27 and so far the experience is good with coverage and speed. D/L averages 100Mbps and using it to hotspot for kids to play games, whatsapp and watch YT.” – SibehHL (28 Nov 2024)

“I am now in Yunnan Dali and Kunming, the reception for cmlink eSIM is really good. Less troublesome than getting Cmlink SG since it’s only for a one time trip. eSIM saves the trouble of changing physical sim card too.” – raintr33 (03 Dec 2024)

Tips and Recommendations

Community members have provided practical tips for using Singaporean SIM cards, particularly when travelling. It’s recommended to update apps and sync data to the cloud before travelling to avoid unnecessary updates while roaming. Users advise that a simple proxy may be more effective than a VPN to bypass internet restrictions in China. Disabling call forwarding on a Chinese number can help to avoid unwanted calls. Additionally, users suggest that scam calls are more common on local numbers, and advise caution on where you share your contact information.
– Update apps and sync data before travelling
– Use a proxy instead of a VPN for China
– Disable call forwarding on Chinese numbers to avoid unwanted calls
– Be mindful of where you share your contact details

“Before stepping out of SG, ensure u had update your Apps and Sync data to all cloud early, avoid unnecessary updates.” – kevinlaikf (06 Dec 2024)

Important Considerations

Users should be aware that some VPNs may not work in certain countries, such as China. Nord VPN was specifically mentioned as not working. There are also discussions about the potential for scam calls on both local and international numbers. However, some users noted that they receive fewer scam calls on their CMLink numbers. The community emphasizes that personal preference and usage patterns should guide the choice of SIM card plan. It is also crucial to double-check the fine print of plans regarding roaming data and validity periods.

“Nord is confirmed can’t work in China one. Reddit recommend Lets VPN and Astrill.” – raintr33 (29 Nov 2024)

Looking Ahead

The forum discussions suggest continued interest in eSIM technology and affordable roaming plans. Users expect providers to offer more competitive data packages and better international call rates. The community will likely continue to test and compare different SIM card options, particularly for frequent travellers. Future discussions might focus on the reliability and performance of different proxy options for accessing restricted content. There is also an ongoing need for clarity on roaming data allocation and usage across different destinations.