SIMBA Telecom discussion thread

[A7997A]

Did you catch the part where there’s no expiration? With that particular offer you get 1.1GB in 100 countries for US$2 or in 153 countries for US$3, and that’s a one-time charge until you use up the data. If that’s across 5, 8, or 11 trips, no problem. And that’s just one pair of offers. There are many others.

For comparison, SIMBA includes roaming in “60+ countries,” and it looks like Eight includes roaming in 64 countries. Not 100, not 153.

I’m simply pointing out that the local plan’s bundled international roaming might not be relevant to getting the best overall deal. And that’s surely correct. For example, bundled roaming is definitely not part of the best overall deal when visiting the scores of countries that are not included in the bundled roaming allotments.

Also, you might hate the bundled roaming partner network in the country(ies) you visit. Separate eSIMs let you pick your preferred roaming network(s).

OK, but see above. And that’s you, assuming you’re visiting once of the 60-odd countries…and don’t blow through the bundled allotment either. YMMV.

There is no plan in the world that can ensure you get coverage that you like for all destination.
However a suitable plan that cover the most common destinations would be useful, esp when it hardly cost anything more than the alternatives. I am not aware of any plans lower than eight's $8 that has VoWifi support, which is very useful for oversea usage. CL's $3 plan don't count, since it is no longer listed. Neither would senior plan since it is not available to all.

Simba & eight allotment has so far been sufficient for most of my recent needs, if I need something additional an esim could certainly come in useful, but I see them as complimenting what I have rather then being the focus.

Also I am not able to find the prices you mentioned either on esimdb.com or keepgo. Was that a coupon code posted on external site ?

 

[BBCWatcher]

CL's $3 plan don't count, since it is no longer listed.

It doesn’t count now. It did/does for those who jumped on it.

Neither would senior plan since it is not available to all.

If you’re 60+ obviously senior plans count very much.

Also I am not able to find the prices you mentioned either on esimdb.com or keepgo. Was that a coupon code posted on external site ?

Look at the global plans with no expiration. Click/tap on any of Keepgo‘s plans. The 100MB plans with 1GB promo code yield 1.1 GB of data.

 

[dgeralds]

Best option for me cos I'm living in 4 countries. China, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia. Majority of time in China. The allowance is more than sufficient and I don't usually use more than 1/4 of the 18GB. The remaining 8GB is usually untouched.

When I travel these days, I don't bother getting another sim card for that country. I just use Simba.

When I'm back in Singapore, I don't even bother switching to wifi when at home.

I'm planning for almost the same....slow travel in this part of the region...stay from a week to few months in each country. Hence deciding a Simba esim.

 

[chari-men]

Best option for me cos I'm living in 4 countries. China, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia. Majority of time in China. The allowance is more than sufficient and I don't usually use more than 1/4 of the 18GB. The remaining 8GB is usually untouched.

When I travel these days, I don't bother getting another sim card for that country. I just use Simba.

When I'm back in Singapore, I don't even bother switching to wifi when at home.

Wah what you working as sia living in 4 countries??

 

[chari-men]

Time to leave Simba for a while(or for good) after so many years... Might jump back if got hiong deals after official merger with M1 lol ..

 

[dilphinus]

Wah what you working as sia living in 4 countries??

Not working.

My family is in Singapore.

My spouse's family is primarily in Australia.

We have stuff to do in Taiwan. Spouse holds Taiwanese citizenship too.

Spouse is working in China.

Every few months come back Singapore. Every year goes back to Australia for 2 months. Then every few months in Taiwan.

 

[JAYSCS]

One economical strategy for international roaming that works for many people is simply to get a separate roaming data eSIM if your phone supports eSIMs. For example, according to esimdb.com Keepgo is selling a 1.1GB (total using an esimdb.com promo code) eSIM with no expiration (!) for US$3 that works in 153 countries/territories including weird ones like Afghanistan. Or US$2 if you want the 100 country/territory version. A 1.1 GB allotment lasts a very long time if you’re simply using WhatsApp text messages and summoning a ride using Grab or an equivalent app — then quickly shut off mobile data once your ride arrives. (And you otherwise stick to Wi-Fi for app downloads, downloading offline maps, email, video, audio, etc. And set your phone to low data mode.) Meanwhile, while you’re in Singapore, pay only $3.30 per month for Circles.Life (current deal), for example.

In other words, even if you travel internationally, the best overall deal may not be with a local plan that offers much or any international roaming. The lowest cost local plan could still work best for you.

I should also point out that some carriers support VoWifi (”Wi-Fi Calling”), and they may not charge any extra for that service when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network outside Singapore (but check that). When you’re connected to a hotel, coffee shop, or airport Wi-Fi network your phone can support voice calls and SMS text messages via VoWifi. Incoming SMS text messages via VoWifi should always be free, even for carriers that charge international roaming fees for VoWifi use overseas.

VoWifi is indeed a grey area when come to charging, really has to check before using...

 

[chari-men]

Not working.

My family is in Singapore.

My spouse's family is primarily in Australia.

We have stuff to do in Taiwan. Spouse holds Taiwanese citizenship too.

Spouse is working in China.

Every few months come back Singapore. Every year goes back to Australia for 2 months. Then every few months in Taiwan.

Good life... Hahahaha.. also considering to move to china long term in near future..

 

[dilphinus]

Good life... Hahahaha.. also considering to move to china long term in near future..

It's a sh!t place. Can't wait to leave for good.

 

[A7997A]

It's a sh!t place. Can't wait to leave for good.

Be warned : much of the world has turn to sh!t in recent years.

 

[rainydae]

Hi, I did a port-in to Simba around 3pm today and selected eSIM. I got the eSIM quite fast and scanned it. However, the eSIM doesn't seem quite usable. I can see the network, can see 4G+ etc., but can't call out or use data. Is this normal? Or do I need to wait for the port-in to be completed first? I thought I could use it since I would be given a temporary number. Thank you.

 

[Habrosus]

Hi, I did a port-in to Simba around 3pm today and selected eSIM. I got the eSIM quite fast and scanned it. However, the eSIM doesn't seem quite usable. I can see the network, can see 4G+ etc., but can't call out or use data. Is this normal? Or do I need to wait for the port-in to be completed first? I thought I could use it since I would be given a temporary number. Thank you.

Did they give you a temporary number?

I thought we just continue using the old line until the port over process is completed, and normally that'd be tomorrow morning.

 

[A7997A]

Hi, I did a port-in to Simba around 3pm today and selected eSIM. I got the eSIM quite fast and scanned it. However, the eSIM doesn't seem quite usable. I can see the network, can see 4G+ etc., but can't call out or use data. Is this normal? Or do I need to wait for the port-in to be completed first? I thought I could use it since I would be given a temporary number. Thank you.

When I ported in end of last year I could use the temporary number before porting is completed.
Do check your APN is set to the recommended values.
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4415873363225-What-is-the-APN-Setting-for-SIMBA

 

[rainydae]

Did they give you a temporary number?

I thought we just continue using the old line until the port over process is completed, and normally that'd be tomorrow morning.

Nope. No temp number given. I applied online and opt for esim. Ya, I just wanted to test and this seem a little unusual, so was concerned. I guess maybe just wait tml and see. Thank you for your reply

 

[rainydae]

When I ported in end of last year I could use the temporary number before porting is completed.
Do check your APN is set to the recommended values.
https://support.simba.sg/hc/en-us/articles/4415873363225-What-is-the-APN-Setting-for-SIMBA

Yeah. I created the APN manually already. Thank you. Hopefully tml morning will be okay.

 

[Habrosus]

Nope. No temp number given. I applied online and opt for esim. Ya, I just wanted to test and this seem a little unusual, so was concerned. I guess maybe just wait tml and see. Thank you for your reply

Your port-over process should be completed about now.

 

[rainydae]

Your port-over process should be completed about now.

Thank you for checking. Not really. No email yet. I am still using my current plan. Lol.

 

[Habrosus]

Thank you for checking. Not really. No email yet. I am still using my current plan. Lol.

There might not be an email...

If not done last night, then probably tonight. Anyway, restart your phone with the eSIM about 11am later and see the situation. If still nothing, then tomorrow...

 

[iMac]

Hi, I hope someone can let me know...

1. If i port-in from other telco and I need physical SIM card...do i need to pay extra for the card?

2. Is there free caller-ID for SIMBA or need to pay ?

3. Is there minimum contract months (eg 6 mths or 12 mths) for signing up SIMBA plans ?

 

[twosix]

Hi, I hope someone can let me...

1. If i port-in from other telco and I need physical SIM card...do i need to pay extra for the card?

2. Is there free caller-ID for SIMBA or need to pay ?

1. No need. Default is psim, unless u request for esim.
2. caller-id is free. roaming is free... call overseas or call from overseas are also free.