Manage Nomad

How to cancel nomad: your step-by-step guide for singapore

What is nomad and why you might want to cancel

Nomad is a portable cellular data service that offers both app-based subscriptions and eSIM options for travellers. The service operates across multiple platforms: an app subscription managed through Arcadia Innovate LLC, digital eSIM packages sold directly through Nomad's platform, and a Japan-specific service (sim.nomad.inc) with its own rules. If you've purchased a Nomad plan in Singapore but no longer need it, you deserve a clear path to cancellation and potential refunds. At Stopee, we help consumers understand their rights and take action quickly.

Understanding nomad's product variants

Nomad offers three distinct product types, and each has different cancellation and refund rules. Your app subscription auto-renews through your device's app store, while eSIM plans are digital and activate directly on your phone. Physical Nomad Chips are less common but follow their own cancellation timeline. Understanding which product you own is your first step toward a smooth cancellation, and Stopee can guide you through identifying yours.

Why cancellation matters

Many travellers purchase Nomad plans and then find they don't need the data, lose the eSIM, or discover better local options. Auto-renewal can catch you by surprise, especially if you forget to cancel before your billing cycle resets. In Singapore, you're protected by consumer law, and Stopee is here to ensure you know exactly how to protect yourself.

Nomad pricing and plan options

Nomad's pricing in Singapore is transparent and tiered by data volume and validity period.

Current nomad plan rates in SGD

Which plan costs matter for cancellation

The amount you paid affects your refund prospects. Smaller charges under S$10 are less likely to trigger refund escalation, but your consumer rights remain the same regardless of price. If you've paid S$20 or more, cancellation becomes financially meaningful, and you should prioritise following the steps Stopee outlines to recover your money.

How to cancel nomad: methods and steps

Your cancellation process depends entirely on which Nomad product you own.

Cancel nomad app subscription through your app store

If you subscribed to Nomad via the app store on your phone, auto-renewal happens automatically, and you must cancel through your device settings or app store account. This is the most common cancellation method.

1. Open your device settings or app store account (App Store on iPhone, Google Play on Android)
   • iPhone: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
   • Android: Google Play > Account > Subscriptions
   • Web: Visit your app store account page directly
2. Find Nomad in your active subscriptions list
3. Tap or click on the Nomad subscription
4. Select "Cancel subscription" or "Cancel" (wording varies by platform)
5. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation
   • The app store may offer a discount to keep you subscribed; decline this unless you genuinely want to stay
6. Verify your cancellation by returning to your subscription list; Nomad should no longer appear as active

Warning: Cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date. App store cancellations are not instant; allow 1 business day for processing. Pro tip: Check your confirmation email from the app store immediately after cancelling to confirm the date.

Cancel nomad eSIM plans

If you purchased a standalone eSIM plan directly from Nomad, refund eligibility depends on whether you've activated it.

1. Check whether you've activated the eSIM on your device
   • If it's unused and uninstalled: you're within the 30-day refund window
   • If it's activated: refunds are unlikely but not impossible
2. Contact Nomad support immediately via their help centre or email
   • Visit Nomad eSIM refund policy
   • Request a cancellation and refund, stating your purchase date and plan name
3. Provide proof of purchase (order confirmation email or app screenshot)
4. Wait for Nomad support to respond; typically 3-5 business days
5. If refund is approved, funds return to your original payment method within 5-10 business days

Warning: Once an eSIM is activated, Nomad's standard policy is no refund. However, if you activated it by mistake or the service failed, escalation is possible. Pro tip: Screenshot your eSIM activation status before contacting support; this strengthens your case if you claim it was unused.

Cancel nomad chip (physical SIM)

Physical Nomad Chips are rare but follow a strict 7-day return window if unactivated.

1. Check whether the Nomad Chip has been activated (inserted and used)
2. If unactivated, contact Nomad support within 7 days of purchase
   • Use the help centre contact form or email address
   • Provide your order number and state that the Chip is unused
3. Follow Nomad's instructions for returning the physical Chip if required
4. Await confirmation of return receipt and refund processing

Warning: The 7-day window is strict; cancellations after day 7 are rarely approved. Pro tip: If you received the Chip late or have a legitimate reason (e.g. device incompatibility), mention this when requesting cancellation outside the window.

Cancel sim.nomad.inc (Japan-specific service)

If you purchased through sim.nomad.inc, cancellation rules are stricter and refunds are typically not available due to the product nature.

1. Review the sim.nomad.inc FAQ for your specific plan
2. Contact the provider directly if you believe you're eligible for an exception
3. Request cancellation in writing with your order reference
4. Expect a response within 5-7 business days; exceptions are limited

Warning: Japan-focused eSIM plans rarely qualify for refunds. Check the FAQ carefully before attempting cancellation. Pro tip: If you're cancelling due to service failure (no data, network issues), document this with screenshots; service failure is a stronger refund argument than "changed my mind."

Your consumer rights and refund eligibility

In Singapore, your consumer rights are protected by law, and understanding them empowers you to negotiate with Nomad.

What singapore's consumer protection (Fair trading) act says

The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects you when purchasing goods and services in Singapore. Nomad must honour this law when you request cancellation or refund.

• If Nomad advertised a product as having features it didn't deliver, you have grounds for refund or replacement
• If you cancelled within a reasonable timeframe but weren't given clear cancellation instructions, this is unfair practice
• If Nomad's terms contradict consumer law (e.g. "no refunds ever" when law requires them), the law wins
• Digital services like eSIMs fall under the Act; you can request cancellation if the service doesn't match the description

At Stopee, we've helped thousands of consumers understand these rights and use them to recover money from subscription services that don't deliver.

When you can expect a refund from nomad

Nomad's standard policy states no refunds except as required by law or app store policy. However, refunds are possible in these scenarios:

• eSIM unused and uninstalled within 30 days: you have a strong case
• Nomad Chip unactivated within 7 days: you're within the return window
• Service failure or misrepresentation: escalate to Nomad management or a consumer authority
• App store policy override: if your app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) grants a refund, Nomad must honor it

Pro tip: If Nomad refuses your refund request after you've followed cancellation steps, file a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Stopee can guide you through this escalation if needed.

What happens after you cancel nomad

Cancellation is just the beginning; you deserve clarity on what comes next.

Access and data after cancellation

When you cancel your app subscription, auto-renewal stops at the end of your current billing cycle. You retain access to any remaining data balance until that period expires. For eSIM plans, access stops immediately once your data is consumed or your plan expires, whichever comes first.

Refund processing timelines

If Nomad approves your refund, money returns to your original payment method within this timeline:

• App store refunds: 3-5 business days (app store processes, not Nomad directly)
• Credit card charges: 5-10 business days (your bank processes the reversal)
• PayPal or digital wallet: 2-3 business days

Pro tip: Check your bank or app store account if you don't see a refund within 10 business days; contact your bank or Stopee for escalation.

Reactivation and changing your mind

If you cancel and then change your mind, you can purchase a new Nomad plan at any time. However, once you've cancelled, the original plan cannot be reinstated. You'll start fresh with a new purchase and new terms.

Common mistakes when cancelling nomad

Cancelling a subscription is frustrating when you're unsure of the exact steps, and many consumers make avoidable errors that delay refunds or prevent cancellation altogether.

Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel

The most common error is trying to cancel through Nomad's website when your subscription is actually managed by your app store. If you bought the app subscription through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel there-not through Nomad's website. Stopping payment through your bank or card issuer doesn't count as cancellation and can create disputes.

How to avoid it: Check your original purchase confirmation email. It will state whether you subscribed via the app store or directly. If it says "Subscription via App Store" or "Charged by [app store name]," cancel through your device settings, not Nomad's website.

Mistake 2: cancelling too close to your billing date

If you cancel fewer than 24 hours before your next billing cycle, you may be charged one more time. The app store processing time means your cancellation request takes up to 24 hours to fully process.

How to avoid it: Cancel at least 48 hours (2 days) before your renewal date. Check your subscription settings to see exactly when you'll be charged next, then work backwards.

Mistake 3: not following up on eSIM refund requests

Many consumers submit a refund request to Nomad but never hear back because they didn't provide all required information or check their spam folder for responses.

How to avoid it: Include your order number, purchase date, and plan name in every support email. After submitting, mark the date in your calendar. If you don't receive a response within 5 business days, follow up with a second email referencing your first request.

Mistake 4: treating "cancellation" and "refund" as the same thing

You can cancel your subscription immediately, but a refund is separate and requires approval. Some consumers cancel, assume they'll get money back, and then discover refunds aren't automatic for activated eSIMs.

How to avoid it: Before cancelling, check whether you're eligible for a refund based on your product type (app, eSIM, or Chip) and activation status. At Stopee, we help you confirm refund eligibility before you take action.

Cancellation checklist before you start

Use this checklist to ensure you're ready to cancel Nomad and maximise your chances of a successful refund.

• [ ] Confirm which Nomad product you own: app subscription, eSIM, Chip, or Japan service
• [ ] Locate your original purchase confirmation email
• [ ] Note your order number, plan name, and purchase date
• [ ] Check your billing date and ensure you're cancelling at least 48 hours before the next charge
• [ ] Determine whether your product is eligible for refund (activated vs. unused)
• [ ] Take a screenshot of your current subscription status before cancelling
• [ ] Have your payment method and account details ready (app store or PayPal)
• [ ] Know your escalation contact: Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) if Nomad refuses

When to escalate: consumer authorities in singapore

If Nomad denies your cancellation or refuses your refund despite your eligibility, don't accept no as a final answer.

Consumers association of singapore (CASE)

CASE is your free government-backed escalation point. If Nomad won't refund or has treated you unfairly, file a complaint with CASE.

• Visit CASE.org.sg for guidance and complaint forms
• Provide your purchase proof, cancellation request evidence, and Nomad's response (or lack thereof)
• CASE will investigate and mediate on your behalf, usually at no cost
• If mediation fails, CASE can escalate to the regulator

Stopee recommends this step if Nomad ignores your cancellation request or refuses a refund you're entitled to by law. Consumer authorities exist to protect you, and using them is your right.

Comparing nomad to other travel data services

If you're reconsidering Nomad altogether, here's how it stacks against competitors in Singapore.

Nomad offers a competitive 30-day refund window for unused eSIMs, which is better than Airalo's 7 days. If price is your concern, Nomad is mid-range; local SIMs are cheaper but less convenient for travellers. Stopee has helped consumers compare these options and choose the right fit for their travel plans.

Your next steps: taking action with stopee

Cancelling Nomad is straightforward when you follow the correct steps for your product type. You now know whether you're cancelling an app subscription, eSIM, or physical Chip-and you understand your refund rights under Singapore law.

If Nomad refuses your cancellation or disputes your refund, remember that Stopee and consumer authorities like CASE are here to back you up. You're not alone in this process. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds they deserve, and navigate the frustration of auto-renewal traps. Your next step is to take action today: cancel through the correct channel, document everything, and follow up if needed.

Visit Stopee.com to track your cancellation status, escalate disputes, and access consumer rights guides for any subscription service. Stopee is your independent advocate, and cancelling Nomad is just the start of taking control of your spending.