Introduction
Travelling out of Singapore used to mean one thing. A massive bill is waiting when you get home.
Things have changed.
Now we have telcos like GIGA and Circles Life fighting to give you data abroad without making you sweat. Both are decent. But they work very differently.
So if you're stuck choosing between the two before your next trip, this one's for you.
A Quick Look at Both Brands
GIGA is StarHub's digital-only brand. It pitches itself as a no-frills mobile plan for younger users who live on their phones.
Circles Life, on the other hand, is Singapore's first fully digital telco. It runs on its own M1-powered network and has been around since 2016.
Both let you roam. But the way they package it, that's where the gap shows up.
How GIGA Handles Roaming
GIGA gives you data roaming through add-ons. You buy a pack, you use it, and it expires.
Most of their roaming bundles cover the usual spots. Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, that sort of thing.
Prices look okay on paper. But the catch is you have to keep topping up if your trip runs longer than expected.
There's no built-in roaming. You always have to plan and buy.
How Circles Life Does It
This is where it gets interesting.
Circles Life has Circles Roam, a flexible roaming product built right into the app.
You pick the country. Pick the data amount. Pick how long. Done.
No SIM swaps. No physical cards. You just activate it before you fly, and it kicks in the moment you land.
They cover over 100 destinations. From Japan to the US to most of Europe.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GIGA | Circles Life |
| Roaming Type | Add-on packs | Flexible Roam product + eSIM |
| Country Coverage | Around 30 to 40 | 100+ destinations |
| Activation | Manual top-up | Instant via app |
| Data Flexibility | Fixed packs | Choose your own data amount |
| eSIM Support | Limited | Full eSIM ready |
| Hotline & Support | StarHub support | 24/7 in-app chat |
| Best For | Short regional trips | All trips, short or long haul |
What People Actually Use Them For
If you're flying to KL for the weekend, GIGA might do the job.
But for anything longer, or anywhere outside Asia, GIGA starts feeling limited.
Circles Life works for both. Quick getaways and proper holidays. Same app, same plan, same login.
Pricing and Value
GIGA's roaming packs sit at fixed price points. You pay for what's in the pack even if you don't use all of it.
Circles Life lets you pick smaller or bigger data bundles based on your trip. So you don't waste money on data you don't need.
That alone makes a real difference if you travel more than twice a year.
The Coverage Question
GIGA leans heavily on Southeast Asia. Fair enough, that's where most Singaporeans go.
Circles Life covers Southeast Asia, too. Plus Japan, Korea, Australia, the UK, the US, most of Europe, and even some less common spots like Turkey and Egypt.
If you travel beyond the usual list, this matters a lot.
Speed and Stability
Both ride on local partner networks abroad. So speeds depend on where you are.
That said, Circles Life users report fewer dropouts and faster activation. Probably because the whole thing runs through the app instead of needing manual settings.
Why Circles Life Edges Ahead
GIGA is fine. It does what it says.
But Circle's Life feels built for someone who actually travels. The app is clean. The pricing is honest. The country list is huge.
You also get the option to bundle roaming with your main Circles Life plan, so everything sits in one place.
That's something GIGA can't match right now.
Who Should Pick What
Pick GIGA if you barely roam and only stick to nearby countries.
Pick Circles Life if you travel often, go beyond Asia, or want flexibility without the back and forth of buying packs every trip.
For most people, the second option just makes more sense.
Final Thoughts
GIGA isn't a bad choice. It's just narrower.
Circles Life gives you wider coverage, smarter pricing, and a smoother experience from booking to landing. Honestly, for the way Singaporeans travel today, it's the easier pick.
If you've got a trip lined up, take a quick look at Circles Roam before you go. You'll see the difference the moment you land.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Circles Life roaming without changing my SIM?
Yes. It works on your existing Circles Life line through the app.
Q: Does GIGA cover Europe and the US?
Limited. Most of their packs focus on Southeast Asia.
Q: Is eSIM supported on Circles Life roaming?
Yes, fully supported.
Q: Which is better for long trips?
Circles Life. The flexibility in data and duration makes longer trips easier to manage.