Should we get a Singapore or Malaysian mobile phone sim?

[sosie]

My partner and I are moving to Singapore from the UK and we're trying to work out what is the best way to sort out mobiles.

I will be travelling to Malaysia quite a bit and ideally we want a provider that will let us have unlimited internet access so we can use skype to make calls.

Would it be more cost effective to get a Malaysian SIM? Or both Malay and Singapore SIM?

And can anyone recommend any providers that would enable us to have unlimited web access? Also PAYG or contract?

Thanks!

[Strong Eagle]

Call me confused. You are talking mobile phones in one sentence and unlimited internet access in the next.

I assume you will have legal residence in Singapore. If correct you will be able to get a post paid phone account, cheaper generally than pre-paid and offering more data options.

I assume you will not have residency in KL. You will not be able to buy anything but prepaid SIMs.

I assume you will be staying in KL. Most hotels offer internet. There is also a mobile broadband service offered which is satisfactory... not great... and really drops off if you stay on a high floor.

[sosie]

Sorry! Maybe I wasn't being clear.

In the UK we have contracts that enable us to have unlimited internet access on our handsets. I've been using it to make phone calls via Skype - saves lots of money when I'm calling people in other countries.

I assumed (perhaps wrongly!) it may be the same in Singapore.

My partner will be an EP holder so we have residency in Singapore, however my family live in and around KL so I'll be going to visit them from time to time, but want to be able to call my partner when I'm in Malaysia.

Just really wondered what is the cheapest option for making calls from a mobile whilst in Singapore and Malaysia.

Is it worth having two SIMs? A prepaid SIM whilst in Malaysia and a post paid phone account whilst in Singapore?

Thanks for your help

[LoriW]

Is it worth having two SIMs? A prepaid SIM whilst in Malaysia and a post paid phone account whilst in Singapore?

I think I would do just that. I'm moving out to Singapore next week (eek) but my family are in Singapore and my partner and I visit every year. I've had a PAYG sim card from Singtel for several years now which I share with my father when he goes out there for visits (generally not at the same time as me).

PAYG in Singapore doesn't seem to work in the same way as in the UK - I've had PAYG for years since for my usage, a contract really doesn't work out cheaper at all. With the Singtel card, I can make and recieve calls and send and recieve text messages - that seems to be about it! I have also never got to grips with roaming on it either

[Strong Eagle]

Others may chime in but you will get killed with mobile data charges in Malaysia on a prepaid card... if you can find one that permits data usage at all. Your only real option in KL (my info is now a year old) is the previously mentioned broadband modem for your PC and/or find a place with wifi or other traditional internet access to use Skype.

In Singapore, Starhub has the best data plan... about S$38 per month for unlimited usage. Singtel data plans allow you 50 GB per month from $29 to $73, post paid.

I'd go with two SIMS for phone conversations... even with the 'roaming deals' offered by Singtel, you get killed on phone charges. But I don't think that your idea of using data/Skype as an alternative to long distance will be cost effective at all in Malaysia... because they don't want it to be.

Even Singtel and Starhub have to be dragged kicking and screaming into the world of data... because their lucrative international business goes out the window when you can Skype.

PS: There is no Skype for Symbian... and Fring... while OK has a definite lag.

[sosie]

Thanks both very much for your advice.

It's been really useful.

And LoriW good luck with your move!

[durain]

if you want a mobile with data plan purely to use skype, then it could be a false economy. you might as well just dial direct. and getting skype or any other VoIP/SIP client on a mobile is not as straightforward as your UK provider. and the local provider (singapore or malaysia) might block VoIP/SIP on your data plan. i know vodafone in the UK block them as they want you to use the mobile to dial direct!