Circles.Life vs M1: Which Has The Best Data Roaming Plans

Staying connected while traveling has never been more important. Whether you're checking maps, messaging family, or handling work emails on the go, mobile data is a must. That’s where data roaming comes in.

What is data roaming? It's the ability to use your mobile network abroad through partnerships between your local telco and international carriers. When you travel outside Singapore, your phone connects to a foreign network so you can continue to use mobile data, calls, and texts, just like you would at home.

Data roaming matters because not all plans are created equal. Without the right plan, you could face slow speeds, unexpected charges, or limited coverage in certain countries. Choosing the right roaming option helps you avoid bill shock and ensures a smooth experience while traveling.

In this guide, we compare Circles.Life and M1, which are two of Singapore’s leading telcos, to help you find the best data roaming plan for your next trip.

Circles.Life’s Data Roaming Plans

Circles.Life offers a simple, transparent approach to roaming that’s built for travelers who want control, flexibility, and no surprises.

At the core of Circles.Life’s roaming offering is the Borderless Plan, available in both 4G and 5G versions. For $30, you get 100GB of data that can be used in Singapore and across 7 popular travel destinations. This includes unlimited incoming calls, 300 minutes of outgoing calls, and full access to CirclesAI powered by OpenAI’s latest models. Best of all, there’s no need to swap SIMs. Simply activate roaming directly from the app before your trip.

Circles.Life’s roaming is designed to be contract-free with no hidden fees, and users can activate or modify their roaming settings anytime through the Circles.Life app.

Roam Boost Add-Ons

For travelers who need more data or want to roam in additional countries, Circles.Life offers Roam Boost Add-ons, which come in two types:

• Recurring Add-Ons (SuperRoam):

  • SuperRoam Asia: 20GB for $20/month

  • SuperRoam Global: 2GB for $12/month or 5GB for $20/month

  • SuperRoam Europe: 2GB for $35/month

• One-Time Boosts (GoRoam):

  • GoRoam APAC Plus: 1GB for $8, 2GB for $16, 5GB for $40 (valid 7 days)

  • GoRoam Europe: 100MB for $7.50 or 200MB for $15 (valid 7 days)

These add-ons are ideal for short-term travel, giving you the freedom to purchase only when you need it.

M1’s Data Roaming Plans

M1 offers a variety of roaming options to suit different travel needs, from daily flat rates to subscription-based access. However, the structure can be more complex than Circles.Life, especially with additional charges that may apply depending on the plan.

1. Data Passport (Daily Passports)

M1’s Daily Passport is a pay-per-country roaming plan with prices based on your destination. Rates range from:

• $2.95/day for nearby countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines

• $3.95/day for countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia

  $7.95/day for destinations in Europe, the UK, and the US

Each daily passport includes data roaming for a single country, with usage tied to your local mobile plan. However, there’s a $4.95 monthly subscription charge for every bill cycle where roaming is used, even if you only travel for a day.

2. Roaming Subscription Plan

Frequent travelers can opt for a Roaming Subscription, which includes:

• A $20 one-time registration fee

• A $10 monthly subscription fee

  Pay-per-use charges that vary by destination

This plan offers up to 20 per cent savings on roaming compared to pay-as-you-go rates. It also includes voice and SMS roaming discounts.

3. Pay-As-You-Go Roaming

For those who prefer flexibility without monthly commitments, M1’s Pay-As-You-Go Roaming requires:

• No registration or subscription fee

• Charges based on actual usage per destination

This option is automatically activated for all postpaid users aged 18 and above, but without a cap or alerts, users may risk higher bills if they are not tracking usage closely.

Circles.Life vs M1 Data Roaming Charges

Information Updated on: May 21, 2025

Circles.Life offers greater transparency, app-driven control, and wider plan flexibility. M1 provides more granular options per country but includes hidden charges and manual steps that may not suit casual travelers.

Circles.Life SmartTravel vs M1 Smart Roaming: Key Differences

When it comes to managing data usage while overseas, the way roaming is activated and controlled plays a big role in cost and convenience. Circles.Life and M1 approach this differently—one with app-based manual controls, the other with automated roaming tied to subscriptions or pay-per-use.

Circles.Life’s SmartTravel system is ideal for users who prefer control and predictability, while M1’s Smart Roaming works better for users who travel frequently and want auto-connectivity though it comes with higher risk of unexpected charges.

Which Telco Offers the Best Roaming Plan in Singapore?

Choosing the best roaming plan depends on how often you travel, where you're going, and how much control you want over your mobile usage. Circles.Life and M1 both offer solid options, but they cater to different user needs.

Price Transparency

Circles.Life provides upfront pricing with no hidden fees. All roaming charges and add-ons are clearly listed in the app. In contrast, M1’s roaming charges can include additional monthly fees that apply once any roaming feature is triggered, even for a single day.

Flexibility

Circles.Life allows users to activate, pause, or adjust roaming directly through the app. You can top up data as needed or switch between plans easily. M1 requires pre-activation for some plans and does not always provide the same level of self-service flexibility.

Coverage

Circles.Life offers coverage in 7 destinations – Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh through its Borderless Plan, and over 36 destinations in total through its Roam Boost add-ons. M1 covers around 70 countries with roaming options that vary by destination and plan type.

Speed and Performance

Both telcos provide reliable speeds where supported. Circles.Life includes 5G access in many countries through its 5G Borderless Plan, making it a strong option for streaming, video calls, and remote work while abroad.

Ease of Activation

Circles.Life makes activation easy through its app with real-time usage tracking and no need to contact customer service. M1 uses auto-activation for roaming, which may be convenient but lacks detailed usage tracking and can lead to unexpected charges.

Final Thoughts:

• Choose Circles.Life if you are a casual or short-term traveler who wants clear pricing and hands-on control through the app.

• Choose M1 if you are a frequent flyer visiting multiple countries and prefer roaming to be automatically handled, even if it costs a little more.

Best Roaming SIM Options for Singaporeans

When it comes to staying connected overseas, choosing the right SIM setup can make a big difference in both cost and convenience. Singaporeans today have several roaming SIM options, including local telco plans, travel SIMs, and digital eSIMs.

Circles.Life SIM Options

Circles.Life supports both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, offering flexibility for different phone models and travel needs. Users can switch to an eSIM instantly through the app, making it especially convenient for travelers who want to avoid dealing with physical cards.

Other Ways to Get a Roaming SIM in Singapore

• Airport counters: You can purchase international SIM cards at Changi Airport before departure.

• Overseas telcos: Buying a SIM directly in the country you’re visiting often provides the best rates for local use.

• Travel eSIM providers: Brands like Jetpac, Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer data-only eSIMs that can be activated before or during travel.

Pros and Cons: eSIM vs Physical SIM

For travelers who want convenience and flexibility, eSIMs are quickly becoming the preferred choice. Circles.Life makes it easy to switch between eSIM and physical SIM options, all managed through the app.

Tips to Avoid Roaming Bill Shock

Unexpected roaming charges can turn a great trip into a stressful experience. Here are three simple tips to help you stay in control and avoid surprise costs when using mobile data overseas.

TIP 1: Use Roaming Add-Ons Instead of Pay-As-You-Go

Always activate a roaming package or data add-on before traveling. Circles.Life offers one-time GoRoam and monthly SuperRoam options that give you fixed data at predictable prices. Avoiding Pay-As-You-Go rates is the first step to avoiding high charges.

TIP 2: Monitor Your Data Usage in Real Time

Use your telco’s app to track how much data you’ve used while roaming. The Circles.Life app gives you live updates, so you’ll know exactly when you’re close to hitting your limit. This helps you pause usage or top up with another add-on if needed.

TIP 3: Reduce Background Data from Apps

Streaming, auto-sync, and background refreshes can quietly drain your data. Turn off auto-play features, switch to low-data mode on apps like YouTube and Instagram, and use Wi-Fi whenever available.

Final Verdict

When comparing roaming options, Circles.Life stands out as the more user-friendly, transparent, and flexible choice for most travelers. Its app-based control, flat rates, and wide coverage give users peace of mind without the guesswork. Whether you're traveling for a few days or hopping across multiple countries, Circles.Life lets you manage roaming on your terms.

M1 may suit frequent flyers who are already subscribed to roaming services and want automatic activation. However, the added fees, plan complexity, and lack of real-time usage tracking make it less ideal for casual or short-term travel.

If you want control, clarity, and convenience while roaming, the choice is clear.

Try Circles.Life for your next trip. Experience easy roaming activation! 

FAQs on Data Roaming

What is data roaming and how does it work?

Data roaming allows you to use your mobile network while traveling overseas. Your phone connects to a partner network in the destination country so you can continue using data, calls, and texts just like at home. Charges and coverage depend on your telco and roaming plan.

Which telco offers cheaper data roaming rates — Circles.Life or M1?

Circles.Life offers clearer, more affordable options with flat daily rates and no hidden subscription fees. M1 charges per day based on country and includes additional monthly roaming fees once any roaming use is detected.

Does Circles.Life offer daily roaming plans?

Yes. Circles.Life’s Borderless Plan provides 100GB of data to use across Singapore and 7 popular destinations for a flat rate. You can also activate GoRoam and SuperRoam add-ons based on your travel needs.

Are there any activation steps needed before traveling?

Circles.Life users can activate roaming instantly via the app. M1 users may need to activate or subscribe to roaming plans manually before departure.

Can I use roaming on both SIM and eSIM with Circles.Life?

Yes. Circles.Life supports both SIM and eSIM, giving users the flexibility to switch or activate roaming directly from the app, depending on their device compatibility.

How do I track my data usage while roaming?

Use the Circles.Life app to view real-time data usage, add new roaming packages, and monitor your limits. This helps avoid overages and keeps spending under control.

Is it better to get a local SIM overseas or use Circles.Life?

For short-term trips or multi-country travel, Circles.Life is often more convenient and cost-effective. Local SIMs may offer slightly cheaper data but require setup and number changes. With Circles.Life, you keep your number, manage everything in-app, and avoid switching SIMs entirely.