1. SIMBA Overview & Background
Pros
- Most competitive prices in Singapore — from $10/30 days
- Massive data inclusions (400GB–700GB on SIM-only)
- All plans include unlimited local calls to mobiles
- Generous IDD minutes to 20+ destinations built-in
- Roaming data included in every plan (APAC & global)
- No long-term contracts — month-to-month flexibility
- eSIM supported on all plans
- 5G network access included
Cons
- Indoor and basement coverage weaker than Singtel/StarHub
- Customer service primarily online — no walk-in centres islandwide
- Fewer device bundle options compared to big three
- App can be slow or buggy according to user reports
- No family plan bundles
SIMBA Telecom Pte Ltd (company registration UEN 201617990D) first launched in Singapore under its parent brand TPG Telecom, an Australian telco. It switched on commercial service in March 2020 as the country's fourth licensed mobile network operator.
The name changed to SIMBA in 2022 — a nod to Singlish slang for "tough" or "strong" — timed alongside a network upgrade and a wider selection of plans.
The network is SIMBA's own 3GPP-compliant infrastructure, covering the island with 4G and 5G. It's improved a lot since the early days, though independent speed and coverage tests still place it slightly behind Singtel and StarHub for indoor reach — think basements, car parks, and some older HDB blocks.
2. SIMBA SIM-Only Plans — Full Comparison (2025–26)
All SIMBA SIM-only plans are on a rolling 30-day cycle with no contract. Every plan includes: unlimited local mobile calls, 5G access, eSIM support, IDD minutes to 20+ countries, and APAC/global roaming data. Plans can be renewed or changed at any time.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Local Data | Local Calls | IDD Minutes | APAC Roaming | Global Roaming | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SuperRoam 10 | $10 | 400 GB | Unlimited mobile + 500 fixed-line | 500 min (20+ dest.) | 12 GB | 3 GB (60+ dest.) | Budget Pick |
| SuperRoam 12 | $12 | 500 GB | Unlimited mobile + 600 fixed-line | 600 min (20+ dest.) | 18 GB | 8 GB (60+ dest.) | Editor's Pick |
| SuperRoam 18 | $18 | 500 GB | Unlimited mobile + 800 fixed-line | 400 min (20+ dest.) | 30 GB | 10 GB (60+ dest.) | — |
| SuperRoam 20 | $20 | 600 GB | Unlimited mobile + 800 fixed-line | 400 min (21 dest.) | 50 GB | 12 GB (60+ dest.) | — |
| SuperRoam 25 | $25 | 700 GB | Unlimited mobile + 800 fixed-line | 400 min + 100 min Myanmar | 80 GB | 15 GB (60+ dest.) + in-flight | Best Roamer |
| SuperRoam 39 (online exclusive) | $39 | 500 GB | Unlimited mobile + 700 fixed-line | 700 min combined | 25 GB | 8 GB (60+ dest.) + in-flight | — |
Data as of March 2026. All plans on 30-day rolling cycle, no contract. Local data usable in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia & Hong Kong. Plans from $12+ also include Thailand. Verify current terms at simba.sg before signing up.
Which SIMBA SIM-Only Plan Should You Choose?
For most users, the SuperRoam 12 ($12/month) is the standout value — 500GB of local data is more than most people could ever use in a month, 600 IDD minutes covers regular international calls, and 8GB of global roaming data handles travel to common destinations like Japan, Korea, or Europe. Very few plans anywhere in Singapore offer this combination at $12.
If you travel frequently to Malaysia, Indonesia, or elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific, the SuperRoam 25 ($25) offers 80GB of APAC roaming — significantly more than other plans — making it the logical step up for regular travellers.
The SuperRoam 39 is harder to recommend on value alone, as its data and roaming inclusions are actually lower than the $25 plan. It appears to be positioned for users who make very large numbers of IDD calls.
3. SIMBA Prepaid Plans — What You Need to Know
SIMBA's prepaid option differs from the SIM-only postpaid-style plans described above. With a SIMBA prepaid plan, you maintain a SIMBA Wallet — a balance account that funds your plan renewals, any excess data usage, and excluded call types (such as IDD calls beyond your included minutes).
Prepaid Plan Renewal Rules
- Plans renew automatically every 30 days from your default payment method or SIMBA Wallet balance
- If automatic renewal fails, SIMBA provides a 30-day grace period before terminating the expired plan
- You can manually renew early at any time from the My SIMBA app or website
- Excess data usage is charged from your SIMBA Wallet at $4 per GB (billed in 10MB blocks)
- International calls beyond your included IDD minutes are charged from 1¢ per 30 seconds
Checking Your Account Balance
You can check your remaining data, wallet balance, and plan status in three ways:
- SMS
SIMBAto1218, then select option 2 - Log in to My SIMBA app (iOS / Android)
- Visit simba.sg/preaccount from your phone with the SIMBA SIM inserted
4. How to Top Up Your SIMBA Account — 5 Methods (Step-by-Step)
SIMBA offers multiple ways to top up your Wallet or renew your plan. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for each method, including what to expect, tips, and any known limitations.
Method 1: SIMBA Online Recharge Portal (topup.simba.sg)
The fastest and most popular method for most users. Accepts card payments, PayNow, GrabPay, and Google Pay.
Open the SIMBA top-up portal
Go to topup.simba.sg from any browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need to be connected via the SIMBA SIM to use this method.
Enter your SIMBA mobile number
Type your Singapore mobile number (e.g. 9XXX XXXX) in the phone number field. Double-check the number before proceeding.
Select top-up amount
Choose a preset amount or enter a custom amount. There is no minimum or maximum top-up requirement. Popular amounts are $10, $20, $30, and $50.
Choose your payment method
Select from: Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), PayNow, GrabPay, or Google Pay. PayNow is the most commonly used option for Singapore residents.
Complete payment & confirm
Follow the payment steps for your chosen method. You will receive an on-screen confirmation and an SMS to your SIMBA number once the wallet has been credited.
Method 2: My SIMBA App (iOS & Android)
The My SIMBA app gives you full account management including top-ups, plan changes, and usage monitoring.
Download the My SIMBA app
Search "My SIMBA" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it. The app is free.
Log in with your SIMBA account
Use your registered email and password, or your mobile number and OTP. First-time users need to register an account at simba.sg.
Navigate to "Top Up" or "Wallet"
From the home screen, tap Top Up or go to Account → SIMBA Wallet.
Enter amount and pay
Enter your desired top-up amount. Pay via saved credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX). Apple Pay and Google Pay may be available depending on your device.
Confirm in-app and check balance
The app confirms the transaction immediately and updates your wallet balance. No SMS verification needed when paying from a saved card.
Method 3: PayNow QR Code (Direct Scan)
If you bank with DBS, OCBC, UOB, or any PayNow-enabled Singapore bank, this is the quickest cashless method.
Open topup.simba.sg or the app
Either portal works. Select your phone number and top-up amount as normal.
Choose "PayNow" as payment method
A QR code will be displayed on screen. This QR code encodes the exact amount to pay.
Open your banking app and scan
Open your bank app (DBS PayLah!, OCBC, UOB TMRW, etc.), navigate to PayNow → Scan QR, and scan the displayed code.
Verify amount and confirm transfer
Your bank app will pre-fill the amount. Verify it matches, then confirm the transfer with your banking PIN or biometrics.
Method 4: GrabPay
If you already have GrabPay balance or a linked card via Grab, this is a seamless option available directly through topup.simba.sg or the SIMBA app.
Select GrabPay on the top-up page
After entering your number and amount, choose GrabPay as the payment method.
Redirect to GrabPay
You will be redirected to the GrabPay payment screen (or the Grab app if installed on mobile). Log in if prompted.
Select funding source and confirm
Choose to pay from your GrabPay Wallet balance, a linked card, or PayNow via Grab. Confirm the payment.
Return to SIMBA confirmation screen
After successful payment, you'll be redirected back to SIMBA's confirmation page and receive an SMS notification.
Method 5: Cash at SIMBA Service Centres & Authorised Dealers
For those who prefer cash payments, SIMBA has physical locations that accept top-ups.
Find your nearest SIMBA location
SMS SIMBA to 1218 to get a list of service centres and authorised dealers nearest to you. You can also check simba.sg for the current list.
Visit the location during opening hours
Bring your SIMBA SIM card or phone. Opening hours vary by location — some dealers are in convenience stores and supermarkets with extended hours.
Inform staff of your top-up amount
Tell the staff your SIMBA mobile number and the cash amount you want to add to your wallet. Pay in cash.
Request a receipt
Always ask for a receipt as proof of payment. Keep it until the credit appears in your account.
5. Top-Up Payment Methods: Side-by-Side Comparison
Not sure which top-up method suits you best? Here is a complete comparison across the five methods SIMBA supports:
Credit / Debit Card
Visa, Mastercard, AMEX. Available online (topup.simba.sg) and via My SIMBA app. Save card for one-tap future top-ups.
⚡ InstantPayNow (QR / Bank Transfer)
Works with all Singapore banks. Scan QR on top-up page from your banking app. Very reliable and widely used in Singapore.
⚡ 1–5 minGrabPay
Pay from GrabPay Wallet, linked card, or PayNow via Grab. Great if you already use Grab regularly. Available on web and app.
⚡ InstantGoogle Pay
Available via topup.simba.sg on Android devices. Uses cards saved in your Google Wallet. Convenient for Android users.
⚡ InstantCash (In-Person)
Pay cash at SIMBA Service Centres or authorised dealers. Best for those without a bank card. Locations may be limited.
⏳ 15–30 min| Method | Available Online? | Works Overseas? | Speed | Min. Amount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit / Debit Card | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (with foreign card) | Instant | No minimum | Most users; recurring top-ups |
| PayNow | ✅ Yes | ❌ Requires SG bank account | 1–5 min | No minimum | Singapore residents preferring bank transfer |
| GrabPay | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (if Grab acc. active) | Instant | No minimum | Grab app users |
| Google Pay | ✅ Yes (Android only) | ✅ Yes | Instant | No minimum | Android users with Google Wallet |
| Cash (In-Person) | ❌ In-person only | ❌ Must visit Singapore | 15–30 min | No minimum | Users without bank cards |
6. SIMBA Roaming & Add-Ons
SIMBA's built-in roaming inclusions are one of its most compelling features. Unlike many other carriers that charge separately for roaming, every SIMBA SIM-only plan includes roaming data at no additional cost.
Understanding SIMBA's Three Roaming Types
| Roaming Type | Countries Covered | Example Destinations | Plan Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| APAC Roaming Data | Select Asia-Pacific countries | Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand (from $12), Taiwan, Philippines | 12–80 GB depending on plan |
| Global Roaming Data | 60+ countries worldwide | Japan, Korea, Australia, UK, US, Europe, Middle East | 3–15 GB depending on plan |
| In-Flight Roaming | Select airlines | Available on $25 and $39 plans | Included in plan quota |
Purchasing Additional Roaming Data
If you exhaust your included roaming data, you can purchase additional roaming passes via the My SIMBA app or the SIMBA website. Add-on packages are available for both APAC and global destinations. Prices and availability vary — check simba.sg for current add-on options.
• Monitor your roaming data usage via the My SIMBA app. Overseas data speeds may vary depending on local partner network quality.
• IDD calls while roaming consume your included IDD minutes — calls beyond the included minutes are charged from your SIMBA Wallet.
7. Real User Experiences
We compiled feedback from Singapore Reddit communities (r/singapore), Google Play reviews of the My SIMBA app, Trustpilot, and independent telco comparison forums. Here is a representative cross-section of what real SIMBA users report:
Most criticised: Indoor/basement coverage, customer service speed, My SIMBA app stability
Average rating across platforms: ~3.9 / 5
8. SIMBA vs Competitors — How It Stacks Up
How does SIMBA's flagship $12 plan compare to similarly priced options from other Singapore MVNOs and MVNEs?
| Provider | Plan (~$10–12) | Data | Network | Calls | Roaming Included | IDD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIMBA | SuperRoam 12 — $12 | 500 GB | SIMBA 5G (own MNO) | Unlimited mobile + 600 min fixed-line | Yes — 18GB APAC + 8GB global | 600 min |
| MyRepublic | 4G Rewardland $10 | 450 GB | M1 4G | 200 min | Limited | Not specified |
| Maxx | 400GB SIM Only — $10 | 400 GB | M1 5G | 500 min | Limited | Not specified |
| GOMO | 30GB — ~$10 | 30 GB | Singtel 4G/5G | Unlimited local | Add-on only | Not included |
| CMLink | 400GB 5G — $15 | 400 GB | Singtel 5G | 600 min | Yes — regional roaming | 600 min |
Comparison based on publicly available data as of March 2026. Always verify current plan details directly with each provider before signing up.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
- On pure data volume at $12: SIMBA's 500GB leads the field by a significant margin — most competitors offer 30GB–450GB at similar prices.
- On roaming: SIMBA's built-in 18GB APAC + 8GB global roaming at $12 is genuinely exceptional. Most competitors charge separately for roaming data or include much less.
- On network quality: SIMBA runs its own network, which gives it more flexibility but also means its coverage is behind the established infrastructure of Singtel (which GOMO and others use). If coverage is your top priority, a Singtel-based MVNO like GOMO may suit you better despite lower data.
- On IDD: SIMBA's 600 included IDD minutes at $12 is exceptional. Most competitors either charge per minute or include far fewer minutes.