HelloRoam vs Google Fi: which eSIM works for Singapore travellers in 2026?
For Singapore travellers, HelloRoam is the only one of the two you can actually sign up for. Plans start at S$1.32, with unlimited options from S$2.22/day. No monthly fees: you pay only for your trip. The app supports 63 languages and 31+ currencies including SGD. Unactivated eSIMs can be refunded within 180 days. A 7-day France trip runs S$7.70 on HelloRoam, against Google Fi's 65 USD/month Premium plan or 10 USD/GB Flexible rate, if you could even open an account.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
185+ countries
Google Fi Wireless is a US domestic carrier. Signing up needs a US billing address, so Singapore residents cannot open an account at all, full stop. HelloRoam has no such restriction: it's open to travellers from any country, including Singapore.
Destination tip: for Japan, a HelloRoam 1GB plan starts at S$4.48 against Google Fi's 10 USD/GB Flexible rate, a 65% saving on a destination where data is essential for transit apps and maps around Tokyo and Osaka.
Quick verdict: Google Fi or HelloRoam for a Singapore traveller?
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travelers. Plans start from S$1.32 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveler visiting France for a week pays S$7.70 with HelloRoam versus $65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan. That is over 90% in savings for the trip.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at $65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data across 200+ destinations. If you already pay for the plan, you get international coverage at no extra cost. The 90-day international limit and the US residency requirement make it unsuitable for non-US residents or long-stay travelers.
For travelers searching for the best eSIM for international data, HelloRoam covers more use cases at lower cost. Google Fi serves a niche: US residents who want one bill for home and abroad.
 Google Fi | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 3.2/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | $20/mo + $10/GB | S$1.32 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveler who needs affordable data |
HelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature ComparisonHelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature Comparison
| Category | Google Fi | HelloRoam |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ | 185+ (direct local networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription ($20-$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | $20/mo base + $10/GB international | S$1.32 (fixed) / S$2.22/day (unlimited) |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE + 5G (T-Mobile roaming) | 4G LTE + 5G (local carriers) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (1GB to 20GB+) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.4/5 (20K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | 5.0/5 |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp (63 languages) |
| Delivery | eSIM instant / SIM ships | Instant QR code via email |
| Refund Policy | No guarantee (prorated Flexible refund only) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Languages | English only | 63 native languages |
| Currencies | USD only (US credit card required) | 31+ with auto-detection |
| Hotspot | No hotspot on Essentials; blocked on iPhone internationally | Free on ALL plans, ALL devices |
| Data Usage Alerts | Passive usage display only | 80% proactive push notification |
| Smart Plan Recommendation | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks algorithm picks optimal plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | 2025 (Future Syncs, UK, 2024) |
Google Fi leads on US domestic coverage, a built-in VPN, and Alphabet backing. HelloRoam leads on no-residency signup, no 90-day cutoff, and clear fixed-price travel plans.
Pricing by Country: Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Google Fi prices show the flat $10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans with local carrier rates. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Destination | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 France | $10/GB | From S$5.13 | 60% | HelloRoam |
 Japan | $10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 UK | $10/GB | From S$3.65 | 72% | HelloRoam |
 Mexico | $10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 Thailand | $10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
 Germany | $10/GB | From S$3.65 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat 10 USD per GB on the Flexible plan, no matter the destination. HelloRoam works directly with local carriers, so prices vary by country. You get local network rates instead of roaming markups.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges $10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at $65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data. All Google Fi plans require an active US account. HelloRoam charges a one-time fee per trip with no monthly commitment. Prices verified June 2026 from fi.google.com and helloroam.com.
Find Your Plan
Browse data plans for Japan, Korea, Australia, and more
Mexico
5GTelcel+1+1 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Morocco5GOrange MoroccoPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
United States5GVerizon+1+1 othersPopularData eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
S$3.69
Japan5GNTT docomo+3+3 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Japan in minutes.
From
Turkey5GVodafonePopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Turkey in minutes.
From
China5GChina Unicom+1+1 othersPopularUnlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia19+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
S$8.32
Africa29+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
S$20.54
Europe33+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
S$5.13
Middle East11+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
S$16.19
West Asia6+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
S$9.24
South America20+ countries
Popular1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
S$13.18
Speed Test Comparison
Android Authority tested Google Fi against a travel eSIM across 5 locations in Italy in 2026. The test compared Google Fi against a generic travel eSIM, not HelloRoam specifically.
Location
Milan
Venice
Florence
Rome (Test 1)
Rome (Test 2)
Google Fi
61.8 Mbps
42.3 Mbps
40.6 Mbps
306 Mbps
300 Mbps
Travel eSIM
89.5 Mbps
5.98 Mbps
50.5 Mbps
64.3 Mbps
135 Mbps
Who Wins
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Google Fi
Local carrier networks: HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks on 4G/LTE, with 5G where the local network offers it.
Plan types: Choose a fixed data plan or a day-based unlimited plan.
Independent benchmarks: Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025. Speed varies by destination and carrier. Both providers use the same local towers, so results are comparable.
Why HelloRoam Works Better for Singapore Travellers
No subscription required.
HelloRoam is pay-as-you-go. Buy a plan when you travel, starting at S$1.32. Google Fi requires a monthly subscription of $20 to $65 before you can access international data.
Open to travelers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travelers from every country. Google Fi requires a US billing address. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
No 90-day cutoff.
Google Fi suspends international data access after 90 consecutive days abroad. HelloRoam has no such limit. Use your eSIM for as long as your trip lasts.
Free hotspot on every plan and device.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans and all devices. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund policy.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee. The Flexible plan only provides a prorated refund.
63 languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency. Google Fi is English-only and USD-only, with a US credit card required at checkout.
80% data usage alerts.
HelloRoam sends a push notification at 80% data usage so you are never caught off guard. Google Fi shows passive usage only with no proactive threshold alert.
Smart plan recommendation.
The Goldilocks algorithm picks the optimal plan for your trip length and budget. A data calculator helps you estimate how many GB you need. Google Fi has no recommendation engine.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities, each showing the plans that work there. Google Fi has no city-specific coverage options.
Trip duration slider with auto-configured APN.
HelloRoam's trip duration slider lets you adjust plan length at checkout. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
Pros and Cons
Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if:
- You want lower prices. Plans start at S$1.32. Unlimited from S$2.22/day. Google Fi's Flexible plan charges $10/GB, and HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited data on local 4G/LTE and 5G networks. No monthly bill, no contract.
- You want refund protection. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee.
- You need support in your language. 63 native languages. 24/7 WhatsApp and live chat. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, trip duration slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and 80% usage alerts.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay. Zero-dollar checkout with referral credits.
Choose Google Fi if you:
- Live in the US and want one plan for home and travel. Google Fi replaces your domestic carrier with unlimited calls, texts, and international data under one bill.
- Need a permanent US phone number. Many US services require a US number for two-factor authentication and banking. Google Fi provides one that works abroad.
- Travel less than 90 days at a time and already pay for it. If you already subscribe to Unlimited Premium at $65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimized for Pixel devices with a built-in VPN, encrypted calls, and automatic premium Wi-Fi connections.
Inside the App
HelloRoam App Features
The interactive data usage calculator estimates how many GB you need based on your activities. You stop guessing about plan sizes.
The Goldilocks algorithm picks the best plan for your trip length and budget automatically.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
80% data usage alerts warn you before your cap hits.
The real-time data dashboard tracks usage as it happens.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and UnionPay.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email. All of this works across 63 languages and 31+ currencies.
Real-time data dashboard. Live circular progress tracker with one-tap top-up.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveler's email.
Auto-configured APN. Your eSIM activates with network settings pre-loaded. No manual configuration needed.
Google Fi
Google Fi App Features
Manage your domestic and international plan from one screen.
Built-in VPN for Pixel phones with automatic secure connections.
Wi-Fi calling and text over any connection.
Usage tracking for calls, texts, and data in a single dashboard.
International data through T-Mobile partner networks in 200+ countries.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travelers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active. Google Fi shows no branded carrier name.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, with no separate hotspot cap.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
200+ country coverage
Google Fi provides international data in 200+ destinations on the Flexible and Unlimited plans. Coverage uses T-Mobile and US Cellular partner networks abroad.
Built-in VPN for Pixel
Google Fi includes a built-in VPN on Pixel phones with automatic secure connections on open Wi-Fi networks. This is unique to the Fi platform.
One bill for home and travel
Google Fi bundles US domestic calls, texts, and international data under one monthly subscription. US residents avoid separate charges for domestic and international service.
Permanent US phone number
Google Fi subscribers get a US phone number that works abroad, which is useful for two-factor authentication and US-based banking apps.
Alphabet / Google backing
Google Fi is operated by Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world. This brings robust infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection, so you can make US calls from abroad without paying roaming fees when on Wi-Fi.
Is Google Fi Legit?
Google Fi Wireless is a legitimate US wireless carrier owned by Alphabet Inc. Google launched it as Project Fi on 22 April 2015 and rebranded it to Google Fi Wireless in April 2023, though none of that helps if you can't sign up from Singapore.
Trustpilot:
According to Trustpilot (June 2026), Google Fi has a 1.4 out of 5 rating based on 149 reviews. That is a "Bad" rating. Common complaints include billing disputes, customer service delays, and the 90-day international data cutoff catching travelers off guard. Trustpilot ratings for telecom companies often skew negative because satisfied customers rarely leave reviews.
Expert reviews:
WhistleOut gives Google Fi 4.0/5. Reviews.org rates it 4.8/5. Tom's Guide recommends it for travelers who already use Android and want domestic plus international under one bill.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
BBB complaints:
Google Fi falls under Google LLC's unaccredited BBB profile, which lists consumer complaints across Google's services. These cover billing disputes and activation failures.
Phone Compatibility
HelloRoam Advantage: Check Your Device Instantly
HelloRoam runs an interactive device compatibility checker on every country page. Search by brand, Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, or Huawei, and find your exact model. No separate compatibility page, no guesswork.
All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) and newer
All Samsung Galaxy S20+, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 3 and newer
Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands with eSIM support
iPads and tablets with eSIM capability
No country restriction: travellers from Singapore or anywhere else can purchase and activate an eSIM plan. Every eSIM activates with an auto-configured APN, so you connect without touching network settings.
Devices Google Fi Supports
Best experience: Pixel phones support automatic network switching, VPN, and encrypted calls
iPhones: XS and later models support eSIM. International hotspot is not available on iPhones.
Samsung: Galaxy S23 to S26 (unlocked North American versions)
Requirement: You need a US billing address. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
Key difference: HelloRoam removes the guesswork. Search your exact handphone model, get instant confirmation, and buy your plan. No band compatibility checks needed, and auto-APN means zero manual configuration on arrival.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Holafly
Holafly focuses on unlimited data with strong Europe and Latin America coverage. See how the unlimited plans stack up.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
Four steps to get connected
Getting Your eSIM Set Up
- 1
Pick your destination
- 2
Scan your QR code
- 3
Set up your eSIM
- 4
Get connected
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Fi is not available to Singapore residents. It requires a US mailing address, a US billing method, and a Google account linked to a US profile. Google fi is not available outside us, which blocks Singapore-based travellers from accessing the google fi international plan at all. HelloRoam has no country restriction. Anyone with an eSIM-compatible phone can purchase a plan and install it before departing Changi Airport. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam connects to NTT Docomo and KDDI (au) in Japan on local 4G and 5G networks. Singapore travellers can set up the plan before departure from Changi (SIN) and be connected the moment they clear immigration at Narita or Haneda. Japan is the most popular long-haul destination for Singaporeans, and HelloRoam covers it fully. Japan plans start at S$4.48 for 1GB.
HelloRoam covers South Korea with connections to SK Telecom and LG Uplus networks. Seoul and Jeju are popular with Singapore travellers, and HelloRoam gets you online on local 4G/5G networks from the moment you land at Incheon International Airport. Activate your plan before leaving SIN. Plans are prepaid with no monthly commitment. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Singtel's international roaming plans charge a daily rate with a data cap, so the charges stack up for every day of a Tokyo trip, with reduced speeds once you hit the cap. HelloRoam charges one flat prepaid price for the full trip, with Japan plans from S$4.48 for 1GB. Fixed data plans give you one allowance for the whole trip on local 4G/5G networks. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
StarHub's WorldRoam plans charge per day with a data allowance that often runs out quickly on a busy travel day of maps, photos, and navigation. HelloRoam gives you local network data for a one-time payment. For a week in Bangkok or Phuket, HelloRoam saves you a meaningful amount compared to StarHub's daily international roaming charges.
M1 charges daily roaming fees with tiered data speeds across different destination zones. HelloRoam skips carrier roaming by connecting to local networks at your destination. For Singaporeans making frequent short trips to KL, Bangkok, or Taipei, HelloRoam's prepaid model is more cost-efficient than daily roaming charges from M1.
eSIM-compatible phones let you keep your Singtel SIM in the physical slot for Singapore calls and SMS while HelloRoam handles data abroad. Set HelloRoam as your data line when you land at your destination. Your Singapore number stays active for incoming calls. This is a clean, fuss-free setup for frequent travellers from Singapore.
HelloRoam covers Thailand on local AIS and DTAC networks. Singapore travellers on short trips to Bangkok or Phuket can activate a HelloRoam plan before departing SIN and have instant data on arrival. Plans are prepaid and cost much less than daily StarHub, Singtel, or M1 international roaming charges. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Malaysia with Maxis and CelcomDigi network connections. Singaporeans making short cross-border trips to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur use HelloRoam to avoid carrier roaming surcharges. Plans are prepaid and cost less than one day of standard international roaming from Singapore carriers. Activate from home before you cross the border.
Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan caps full-speed google fi international data at 50GB per month. After that, speeds drop much. The Flexible plan charges 10 USD per GB used overseas. HelloRoam fixed data plans run on local 4G/5G networks with no daily fees. For business travellers who depend on reliable data, that is a clear advantage over google fi overseas limitations.
HelloRoam is the practical google fi alternative for Singapore-based travellers who cannot access Google Fi. It covers 185+ countries on local networks, has no US address requirement, and charges a flat prepaid rate from S$1.32 with no monthly fees. Support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp for help on the go.
You can install your HelloRoam e-sim at Changi Airport (SIN) using the terminal Wi-Fi before your flight. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam confirmation email and follow the prompts in your phone's eSIM settings. The whole process takes about three to five minutes. The plan activates when you land at your destination, not at Changi. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Australia with Telstra and Optus network connections. Singapore travellers flying to Sydney, Melbourne, or Gold Coast can activate a plan before departure from SIN and be connected on landing. Plans run on local 4G and 5G networks. Google Fi requires a US address, making it unavailable to Singapore residents.
HelloRoam covers the United States with direct local carrier connections at 4G and 5G speeds. Singapore professionals attending conferences in San Francisco, New York, or Chicago can activate a plan before leaving SIN. Plans are prepaid with no monthly commitment, ideal for one-off business trips. Google Fi requires a US address, which rules it out for Singapore-based travellers. HelloRoam is the google fi alternative for Singapore professionals travelling to the USA.
HelloRoam covers Indonesia including Bali with Telkomsel and XL Axiata network connections. Singapore travellers heading to Bali or Jakarta can activate a plan before departing SIN and have mobile data from Ngurah Rai International Airport on arrival. Plans are prepaid with no daily fees, a straightforward option for popular holiday trips from Singapore.
iPhones sold in Singapore from the iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. Most Singapore iPhones are sold without carrier restrictions, so HelloRoam works straight away. If your iPhone is carrier-locked to Singtel, StarHub, or M1, contact your carrier to have the restriction removed. Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM to install a HelloRoam plan. Note that an eSIM cannot be transferred to another device once installed. Plans start from S$1.32.
Most modern flagship phones support multiple eSIM profiles. On iPhone XS and newer, you can store multiple eSIMs and switch between them. On Samsung S21 and newer, dual eSIM is supported. Keep your Singapore carrier eSIM for local use and add HelloRoam for international trips. Switch your data line in phone settings when you travel. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam supports hotspot sharing on all plans. Turn on Personal Hotspot and connect a companion's phone, your tablet, or your work laptop to your HelloRoam data connection. This is useful for business travellers who need to keep a laptop connected during transit or in hotel rooms. For each device that needs its own fast independent connection, separate plans are the better option.
HelloRoam covers the UK with EE, O2, and Three network connections. Singaporeans travelling to London for work, study, or tourism can activate a plan before departing Changi and be online immediately on arrival. Plans carry no daily fees. This is a significant saving compared to Singtel or StarHub international roaming for a week in London. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
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