HelloRoam vs Google Fi: which eSIM works for Singapore travellers in 2026?
If you live outside the US, HelloRoam is the only one of the two you can 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 website comes in 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.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
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. In Japan, you need data 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 travellers. Plans start from S$1.32 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveller visiting France for a week pays S$7.70 with HelloRoam versus US$65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$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 travellers.
For travellers 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 149 reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo + US$10/GB | S$1.32 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveller 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+ (local carrier networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription (US$20-US$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo base + US$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, varies by country) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (sizes vary by country) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp, in your language |
| 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 website 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, on phones that allow it |
| Data Usage Alerts | Data usage alert you set in the Fi app | Low-data email on fixed plans |
| Recommended Plan per Destination | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | Launched 2025 (Future Syncs, founded 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 US$10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans on local carrier networks. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Destination | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$10/GB | From S$5.13 | 60% | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
UK | US$10/GB | From S$3.65 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$10/GB | From S$4.48 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$10/GB | From S$3.65 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat US$10 per GB on the Flexible plan regardless of destination. HelloRoam prices vary by country, and each plan runs on local carrier networks.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges US$10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$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
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
S$3.69
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Japan.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Turkey.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia
19 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
S$8.32
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
S$20.54
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
S$5.13
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
S$16.19
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
S$9.24
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
S$13.18
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
S$17.57
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 in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan.
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.
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 US$20 to US$65 before you can access international data.
Open to travellers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travellers 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 rule. Your data works for the full plan validity, however long you have been abroad.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans, on phones that allow hotspot. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
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.
Low-data email alerts.
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan.
One recommended plan per destination.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page, based on data size and price. 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.
Unlimited day slider with auto-configured APN.
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you choose how many days you buy. 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. Compared with Google Fi's Flexible plan, HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited daily plans in most destinations, on local carrier 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. Support in your own language, 24/7 on WhatsApp and live chat. A website in 63 languages. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, unlimited day slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and low-data emails on fixed plans.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, 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 US$65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimised 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 pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
Low-data emails warn you before a fixed plan runs out.
The data dashboard shows how much data you have used and how much is left.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. You can also pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB or UnionPay card.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email.
Data usage dashboard. A circular progress tracker, with a Top up button on eligible plans.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveller'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.
Key insight: Google Fi's app is built for US subscribers managing a combined domestic and international carrier plan, so it is of little use if you do not live in the US. HelloRoam's app is built for international travellers: a recommended plan on each destination page, a data calculator and preflight reminders. Outside the US, HelloRoam simply covers more of what you need.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
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, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan data.
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
Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world, runs Google Fi. That backing brings strong infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection. On Wi-Fi abroad, you can make US calls without paying roaming fees.
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 travellers 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 travellers 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
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models
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 US residency, a US address and US payment, which blocks Singapore-based travellers from the Google Fi international plan entirely. HelloRoam has no such restriction. Anyone with an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone can buy a plan and install it before leaving Changi Airport. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam connects to local partner networks in Japan, with 5G where available. Set up the plan before you leave Changi (SIN) and you are connected the moment you clear immigration at Narita or Haneda. Japan is a popular trip from Singapore, and HelloRoam covers it. Japan plans start at S$4.48 for 1GB.
HelloRoam covers South Korea on local partner networks. Seoul and Jeju are popular trips from Singapore, and HelloRoam gets you online from the moment you land at Incheon International Airport. Install your plan before you leave SIN. Plans are prepaid with no monthly commitment. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Singtel roaming adds charges to your Singapore bill based on the roaming pack or usage you pick, so a longer Tokyo trip or heavy use costs more. HelloRoam charges one prepaid price for the plan, with Japan plans from S$4.48 for 1GB. A fixed data plan gives you one allowance for the whole trip on local networks. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
StarHub's roaming passes add a charge to your Singapore bill, and a busy travel day of maps, photos and navigation can use up a small data allowance quickly. HelloRoam gives you local network data for a one-time payment. For a week in Bangkok or Phuket, compare the StarHub roaming price with a HelloRoam Thailand plan before you go.
M1 roaming adds charges to your Singapore bill when you use data abroad. HelloRoam skips carrier roaming by connecting to local networks at your destination, for one prepaid price. For frequent short trips to KL, Bangkok or Taipei, compare that price with M1's roaming rates for the same trip.
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 partner networks. For a short trip to Bangkok or Phuket, install a HelloRoam plan before you leave SIN and have instant data on arrival. Plans are prepaid, so you avoid StarHub, Singtel or M1 roaming charges. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Malaysia on local partner networks. Singaporeans making short cross-border trips to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur use HelloRoam to avoid carrier roaming charges. Plans are prepaid at one flat price. Install yours at home before you cross the border.
Yes. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan includes 50GB of full-speed international data a month, and speeds drop after that. The Flexible plan charges for every GB you use overseas. HelloRoam fixed data plans run on local partner networks for one prepaid price, with no daily fees, and speeds depend on the local network. For business travellers, that means one known data cost for the whole trip.
HelloRoam is a practical Google Fi alternative for Singapore-based travellers who cannot get Google Fi. It covers 185+ countries on local networks, needs no US address, 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 eSIM 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 a few minutes. The plan activates when you land at your destination, not at Changi. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Australia on local partner networks. Flying to Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast? Install a plan before you leave SIN and you are connected on landing. Google Fi requires a US address, so Singapore residents cannot sign up for it.
HelloRoam covers the United States on local partner networks. Singapore professionals attending conferences in San Francisco, New York or Chicago can install 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 a Google Fi alternative for Singapore professionals travelling to the USA.
HelloRoam covers Indonesia, including Bali, on local partner networks. Heading to Bali or Jakarta? Install a plan before you leave SIN and you have mobile data the moment you land. 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 can store more than one eSIM. iPhone XS and newer can store several eSIMs and switch between them, and many recent Samsung Galaxy models can too. Keep your Singapore carrier line 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 on local partner networks. Singaporeans travelling to London for work, study or tourism can install a plan before leaving Changi and be online right after landing. Plans carry no daily fees, so you avoid Singtel or StarHub roaming charges for your week in London. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
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