Singtel data roaming offers Singaporeans and other customers straightforward network access throughout China. However, even with active Singtel roaming, you’ll still face China’s Great Firewall restrictions that block many popular global apps and websites. Understanding these limitations before arrival will help you prepare appropriate alternatives for staying connected during your stay.
I. Overview of Singtel’s Roaming Services
Singtel’s international roaming keeps you connected when traveling abroad without changing your SIM card. Your service turns on automatically when you land in a new country, including China.
Key benefits:
- Works right away upon arrival – no setup needed
- Covers over 230 countries worldwide
- Offers affordable data bundles to control costs
- Let’s keep your regular phone number
In China, Singtel roaming works well with all major local networks (China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom), giving you reliable coverage throughout the country. Most Singtel plans let you add China data packages for better rates during your visit.
II. Singtel Roaming Options for China
Singtel offers several ReadyRoam plans covering China. Here’s what you need to know about your roaming choices.
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Coverage |
| ReadyRoam Asia | 4GB | $18 | 30 days | 18 destinations (includes China) |
| ReadyRoam Worldwide | 6GB | $40 | 30 days | 81 destinations (includes China) |
| ReadyRoam Others | 1GB | $60 | 30 days | 157 destinations (includes China) |
These plans are ideal for light to moderate data users traveling to China, with fixed pricing and no unexpected charges.
III. How to activate the ReadyRoam plan
To activate your ReadyRoam plan:
- Launch the My Singtel app and search for your destination or tap Roaming
- Tap ‘Get’ on the ReadyRoam banner to continue
- Select your plan’s start date
- Review your order details
- Tap ‘Add to Singtel bill’ and then ‘Subscribe’
- Wait for the confirmation SMS once your order is processed
IV. China eSIM – Alternative Option to Roaming
Even with your roaming service activated, you’ll face significant restrictions online. China’s Great Firewall blocks many popular global applications and websites. Services you likely use daily, such as WhatsApp, Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram, will not function properly on a standard roaming connection. You may consider using eSIM for the trip.
eSIMs offer a convenient digital alternative, ideal for avoiding physical SIM hassles. You can buy China eSIM online, install via QR code, and activate automatically upon arrival. Ensure your device supports eSIM technology.
You can buy eSIM for China travel from Chinaesim.com, which offers unlimited data plans starting from $13.90 for 3 days (about $4.63/day). They provide multiple durations ranging from 3 to 30 days. Their plans include 1GB/day high-speed data, then unlimited data at 5Mbps speeds. A key advantage is that these eSIMs allow access to normally blocked sites like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google services without requiring a VPN.
VI. Tips to Reduce Data Usage While in China
Managing your data usage while traveling in China can save you money and prevent unexpected charges. Here are some practical ways to minimize data consumption:
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible – Connect to free Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, cafes, airports, and shopping malls to avoid using mobile data.
- Disable auto-updates and background data – Prevent apps from automatically updating or using data in the background by adjusting your phone settings.
- Download content for offline use – Save maps, music, videos, and travel guides to your device before your trip or while connected to Wi-Fi.
- Use local apps – WeChat and other Chinese apps are optimized for the local network and typically use less data than Western alternatives.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can significantly reduce your data consumption and avoid excessive roaming charges during your stay in China.
VII. FAQs
Will Singtel roaming allow access to WhatsApp in China?
No. WhatsApp is blocked by China’s Great Firewall. Singtel roaming only provides internet access; it doesn’t bypass content restrictions.
Can I hotspot with Singtel roaming data?
Yes. You can share your Singtel roaming data via hotspot with other devices, but be aware of Singtel’s fair use policy. Excessive usage may trigger throttling or additional charges, so check your plan’s specific terms before relying heavily on hotspot sharing.
Is it better to use eSIM or roaming for a 1-week stay?
Depends on your needs. For a 1-week stay, an eSIM often provides better value with more data at lower cost than roaming.