HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile: which eSIM works for a Singapore traveller in 2026?
Publisher disclosure: this comparison is published by HelloRoam. We present verified data and honest analysis, including areas where Mint Mobile outperforms our service.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Mint Mobile
4.7/5 (242K ratings)
180+ countries
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Travel tip: Heading to Japan? Mint Mobile's 10-day pass costs US$20 for 10GB, plus your monthly plan, which starts at US$15. That's US$35 or more in total. HelloRoam offers 10GB in Japan for S$20.54 as a one-time payment. The 10GB plan runs on a local Japanese network. No US plan required.
Quick verdict: Mint Mobile or HelloRoam for your trip?
HelloRoam is a dedicated travel eSIM provider with plans from S$1.32 across 185+ countries. There is no subscription, no monthly bill, and no daily roaming fee. You pay once and travel.
Mint Mobile is a solid budget US carrier. Its US$15/month introductory price on T-Mobile's 5G network works well for domestic calls and texts. T-Mobile acquired the brand for US$1.35 billion in May 2024. But Mint Mobile is not a travel eSIM provider. International data comes via an add-on pass that costs US$5-US$20 on top of your existing monthly subscription.
Mint Mobile eSIM vs HelloRoam: Feature-by-Feature ComparisonMint Mobile eSIM vs HelloRoam: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
HelloRoam wins on 15 out of 19 features. Mint Mobile leads on its Android app rating and its years in market, and the two tie on data speeds and the iOS app rating.
Pricing by Country: Mint Mobile vs HelloRoam
Mint Mobile requires an active subscription and charges US$5–US$20 for international passes on top of your monthly plan. HelloRoam offers a simple one-time payment with no subscription, monthly bill, or daily surcharge.
Mint Mobile's 10-day pass includes 10GB data, 500 minutes, and 500 texts. That US$20 pass requires an active monthly plan, from US$15/mo. HelloRoam prices are for data-only eSIM plans. Keep your existing carrier for calls and texts while HelloRoam handles travel data. The table compares each country's HelloRoam 10GB plan with the US$20 pass.
Mint Mobile's 10-Day Minternational Pass covers 180+ countries at US$20 for 10GB, 500 minutes, and 500 texts. This pass requires an active Mint Mobile plan, from US$15/month for new customers who prepay. Prices verified June 2026 from mintmobile.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.
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Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
S$3.69
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Japan in minutes.
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Unlimited eSIM Plan
Get connected in Turkey in minutes.
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Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
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1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
S$8.32
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
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S$20.54
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
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S$5.13
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
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S$16.19
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
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S$9.24
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
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S$13.18
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
S$17.57
Mint Mobile vs HelloRoam speed test results
Real-world eSIM speed depends on country, time of day, and carrier network. Here's what independent reviewers documented.
HelloRoam speed data:
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.


Image source: mintmobile.com
Mint Mobile speed data
US domestic (Ookla Speedtest): 411 Mbps in Irvine CA, 58 Mbps in Boise ID. Typical range 79-357 Mbps on T-Mobile's 5G.
International: Mint Mobile throttles you to 128 Kbps once you reach your Minternational Pass data cap. At 128 Kbps, video calls and streaming are not usable.
Abroad network: International data routes through T-Mobile partner networks.
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. Mint Mobile needs a prepaid plan of 3, 6, or 12 months before you can use international roaming. Plans start at US$15 a month.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam gives you 180 days to request a refund on unactivated eSIMs. Mint Mobile gives you 7 days.
63 website languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your currency. Mint Mobile is English-only, USD-only, and requires a US address to sign up.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on every plan, on phones that allow hotspot, so your laptop or tablet can share your travel data.
Low-data emails and preflight reminders.
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. It also reminds you to activate your eSIM before your flight. Mint Mobile shows your usage in its app.
One recommended plan per destination.
Each HelloRoam destination page marks one plan as Recommended, chosen by data size and kept under a set price cap. You also get a data calculator and a day slider for unlimited plans that shows the price before you buy. Mint Mobile lacks these features.
24/7 live support with WhatsApp.
HelloRoam offers round-the-clock support in your own language. Mint Mobile support runs 5am-7pm Pacific.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities. Visiting Tokyo, Barcelona, or Dubai? The city page shows the plans that work there.
US$5.00 referral credits.
Refer a friend and both of you earn US$5.00 in credits toward your next plan. Credits stack and can cover an entire checkout at $0 out of pocket.
Branded carrier identity.
Your phone displays "HelloRoam" as the carrier name (SPN), so you always know your travel eSIM is active and connected.
Pros and Cons
Who Should You Pick?
Choose HelloRoam if:
- Travel internationally more than once a year. One-time plans from S$1.32 save hundreds compared to daily roaming fees. No monthly bill between trips.
- Need coverage in 185+ countries. HelloRoam covers all of them with no US plan. Mint Mobile's 180+ country pass works only on top of a Mint Mobile monthly plan.
- Want unlimited data abroad. HelloRoam offers unlimited daily data plans from S$2.22/day. Mint Mobile caps international data at 1GB, 3GB or 10GB per pass.
- Don't have a US address. HelloRoam works for travellers from any country. Mint Mobile requires a US address and US phone number to sign up.
- Need multilingual support. HelloRoam support answers in your own language around the clock via WhatsApp and live chat. Mint Mobile support runs 5am-7pm Pacific.
- Want real buyer protection. HelloRoam's 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs is far longer than Mint Mobile's 7-day window.
- Want to buy a plan for someone else. HelloRoam lets you send an eSIM as a gift to a fellow traveller. Mint Mobile has no equivalent feature.


Choose Mint Mobile if:
- Need a cheap US domestic plan. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan starts at US$15/month when you prepay. For US calls, texts, and data, that's strong value.
- Rarely leave the United States. Mint's free Canada roaming and affordable passes cover short trips to neighboring countries.
- Want the T-Mobile 5G network. Mint Mobile gives full access to T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE coverage for domestic US use.
- Need a full phone service. Mint Mobile bundles voice, SMS, and data as a complete carrier. HelloRoam is data-only for travel.
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.


Image source: mintmobile.com
Mint Mobile App (iOS 4.7/5, Android 4.7/5):
Clean interface for managing your US domestic plan (calls, texts, data).
Minternational Pass purchase for international add-on data.
Hotspot management (subject to plan caps).
Account management: plan renewal, auto-pay, upgrade options.
Wi-Fi calling and text support for low-signal areas.
Insight: Mint Mobile's app is built for domestic US subscribers managing a monthly plan, which is of no use if you are signing up from Singapore. HelloRoam's app is built for international travellers: a recommended plan on each destination page, a data calculator and preflight reminders, with setup just as fast.
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 plans
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
T-Mobile US 5G network
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE network, delivering strong domestic US coverage with typical speeds of 79-357 Mbps.
Minternational Pass in 180+ countries
The 10-Day Minternational Pass adds 10GB of international data across 180+ countries for US$20 on top of your active monthly plan.
Budget domestic plans from US$15/month
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan starts at US$15/month on T-Mobile's network for new customers who prepay 3, 6, or 12 months.
Wi-Fi calling and texting
Mint Mobile supports Wi-Fi calling and text, so you can make US calls from abroad over Wi-Fi without paying roaming fees.
Physical SIM option
For US customers who prefer a physical card, Mint Mobile ships a physical SIM to a US address. HelloRoam is eSIM-only.
T-Mobile subsidiary backing
T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile in May 2024 for US$1.35 billion. For US customers, this means a major US carrier's infrastructure backs Mint Mobile.
Is Mint Mobile Legit?
Mint Mobile is a US carrier backed by T-Mobile US, a solid choice if you live there, but its international travel options are limited, and it isn't built with a Singapore traveller in mind.
Publisher Disclosure
This comparison is published by HelloRoam. We compete with Mint Mobile's international roaming product. All Mint Mobile data comes from mintmobile.com, WhistleOut, BestMVNO, Reviews.org, Android Authority, and the App Store/Play Store as of June 2026. We present verified data and honest analysis. Verify pricing directly at mintmobile.com.
Phone Compatibility
Mint Mobile eSIM Compatibility
Mint Mobile supports eSIM on unlocked phones compatible with T-Mobile's bands. Compatible devices include iPhone XR and later, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and later models, Google Pixel 4 and later, and select Motorola and OnePlus devices. The first 5 eSIM activations within 12 months are free; each one after that costs 3 USD.
HelloRoam Advantage
HelloRoam supports all standard eSIM-capable smartphones, including iPhones (XS and later), most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Google Pixel 4 and newer, and most modern Android flagships. A device compatibility checker sits on every country page, so you can confirm your phone works before buying. Every plan includes free hotspot on phones that allow it, so your laptop, tablet and travel companions can share your phone's data connection. Hotspot uses your plan's data. HelloRoam sets up APN settings automatically during installation, so there is no manual network setup.

Key difference: HelloRoam removes the guesswork. Search your exact handphone model, get instant confirmation, buy your plan. No band compatibility checks needed, and auto-APN means zero manual configuration.
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HelloRoam vs Google Fi
Google Fi bundles US phone service with international data. Compare an all-in-one carrier against a dedicated travel eSIM.
Four steps to get connected
Getting Your eSIM Set Up
Common Questions
Mint Mobile is a US-only carrier. Singapore residents cannot sign up because Mint Mobile requires a US address and a US payment method. HelloRoam has no such restrictions. Any traveller departing from Changi Airport can purchase a HelloRoam plan online and install it before their flight. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam is the direct Mint Mobile alternative for Singapore-based travellers who need affordable international data. It covers 185+ countries on local carrier networks with no US account required. Plans start at S$1.32 as a one-time payment with no contracts or monthly fees. Setup is straightforward and takes minutes at home or at Changi.
Singtel roaming for Japan adds charges to your Singapore bill based on the roaming pack or usage you choose, so a longer Tokyo trip costs more. HelloRoam charges one prepaid price for the whole trip, including unlimited plans in Japan on local partner networks. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries. 24/7 support is available.
Mint Mobile does not operate in Singapore and cannot be used by Singapore residents. It runs on T-Mobile's network and serves only US customers with a US address. For a trip from Singapore to the United States, HelloRoam covers the USA on local partner networks with no US account needed. You can install it before you leave Changi. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
StarHub roaming for Korea adds a charge to your Singapore bill, and a small data allowance can run out quickly on a busy travel day. HelloRoam covers South Korea on local partner networks at one flat prepaid price. Fixed data plans run on local 4G/5G networks with no daily billing. For a short Seoul trip, compare the StarHub roaming price with a HelloRoam Korea plan before you go.
Your Singtel SIM stays in the physical SIM slot for Singapore calls and SMS while HelloRoam runs as an eSIM for international data. Your Singapore number stays active for incoming calls and business contacts. Set HelloRoam as your data line in Settings when you land. This dual SIM setup is clean and practical for frequent travellers from Singapore. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam covers the United States with local carrier connections on 4G and 5G networks. Singapore professionals attending conferences or meetings in New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles can install a plan before leaving SIN. Plans are prepaid with no monthly commitment. Mint Mobile requires a US address and is not available to Singapore-based travellers at all. HelloRoam is the Mint Mobile alternative for Singapore professionals visiting the USA. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Australia on local partner networks. Flying to Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast? Install a HelloRoam plan before you leave SIN and have instant data on arrival. Plans are prepaid, so you avoid daily Singtel, StarHub or M1 roaming charges. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers Indonesia, including Bali, on local partner networks. Heading to Bali for a holiday? Set up the eSIM at home or at Changi before you depart. Plans are prepaid at a flat rate with no daily charges. You get data on local networks from the moment you land at Ngurah Rai Airport.
Installing a HelloRoam eSIM at Changi Airport (SIN) takes a few minutes using the terminal Wi-Fi before your flight. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam confirmation email and follow the steps in your phone's eSIM settings. The plan activates when you arrive at your destination, not at Changi. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam covers the UK on local partner networks. Heading to London for work, study or tourism? Install a plan before you leave SIN. You are online on local 4G/5G networks from the moment you land at Heathrow. No monthly subscription is required.
iPhones sold in Singapore from iPhone XS (2018) and newer support eSIM. Most Singapore iPhones are sold without carrier restrictions and work with HelloRoam immediately. Go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Add eSIM, and scan your HelloRoam QR code. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, contact Singtel, StarHub, or M1 to have the restriction removed before adding a third-party eSIM profile. An eSIM cannot be transferred to another device once installed. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Many recent Samsung Galaxy S flagship models support eSIM, as do the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series, though support depends on the model and where it was sold. Go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager to check eSIM on your device. Budget Samsung A-series phones in Singapore generally do not support eSIM. Unlocked Samsung models with eSIM work with HelloRoam straight away. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam supports hotspot sharing on all plans. Turn on Personal Hotspot and connect your laptop or tablet to your HelloRoam data connection. This is useful for Singapore business travellers who need their laptop connected in hotel rooms or at conferences abroad. For data-heavy work trips, an unlimited plan lets you share data through hotspot too, under its fair use policy.
Mint Mobile is a US phone carrier. It runs on T-Mobile's network and needs a US address and a US payment method to sign up, so it is not open to Singapore residents. HelloRoam is a prepaid travel eSIM for data. You pay once per trip, with no contract and no monthly fee, and HelloRoam sells plans in 185+ countries. Your Singtel, StarHub or M1 number stays on your physical SIM for calls and texts while HelloRoam carries your data abroad.
HelloRoam covers Taiwan on local partner networks. Heading to Taipei or Taichung? Install a plan before you leave Changi and be connected on landing at Taoyuan Airport. Plans are prepaid at a flat rate with no contracts. Taiwan is a popular trip from Singapore. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Open the HelloRoam app, pick your Japan eSIM and choose a top-up, if your plan offers one. It adds data to the eSIM you already have, with no new QR code and no reinstall. This is useful on longer Japan trips where you use more data than expected for maps, booking apps and staying in touch with contacts back in Singapore. If your plan has no top-up option, buy a new plan for the rest of your trip.
HelloRoam's regional Asia plan covers 19 countries under a single purchase. If your itinerary runs through several Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, check the plan's country list to confirm each stop. When every stop is included, one plan is simpler than buying individual country plans.
An eSIM needs a compatible phone (iPhone XS and newer, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models and Google Pixel 4 and newer qualify, or check your phone's settings for an Add eSIM option), a Wi-Fi connection for the first setup, and the profile cannot move to another device once installed. For most travellers these are small limits. The clear benefit is avoiding daily roaming charges from Singtel, StarHub or M1 on every trip abroad. Plans start from S$1.32.
HelloRoam covers Vietnam on local partner networks. Heading to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi for a short holiday or business trip? Install a plan before you leave SIN. Plans are prepaid at a flat rate on local networks. Vietnam is a popular short-haul trip from Singapore. 24/7 support is available.
HelloRoam activates based on the local network at your destination. When you cross into Malaysia, your phone connects to the Malaysian network on your HelloRoam Malaysia plan. If you have a Singapore Singtel SIM in the physical slot, set HelloRoam as the preferred data SIM in settings to ensure you use the HelloRoam connection and avoid unexpected carrier roaming charges.
HelloRoam covers Hong Kong with local carrier connections. Singapore travellers heading to Hong Kong for business or leisure can activate a plan before leaving Changi. Plans are prepaid, with no contract. You are online on local 4G/5G networks from the moment you clear customs at Hong Kong International Airport.
Go to Settings, then Connections (Samsung) or Network and Internet (Google Pixel), open SIM Manager or SIMs, and tap Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your HelloRoam confirmation email. The eSIM profile installs in a few minutes. Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and free of carrier restrictions. Compatible Android models include many recent Samsung Galaxy phones and Google Pixel 4 and newer. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
HelloRoam is a strong choice for trips from Singapore to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, the UK, the USA and more, with 185+ countries in total. Plans start at S$1.32 with no monthly fees. Setup takes minutes at home or at Changi Airport, and 24/7 WhatsApp support is there for anything that comes up on the road.
Mint Mobile's main disadvantages for travellers are a daily roaming fee on top of your monthly plan, no unlimited international data option, and support that runs 5am to 7pm Pacific time. You must have a US address to sign up, which rules out Singapore residents. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries, with plans from S$1.32, no monthly contract, and 24/7 support that answers in your own language.
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