Access U.S. Services from Singapore.
Singapore is one of Asia’s most digitally connected countries, yet Singaporean users still face the same payment barriers when accessing U.S.-only services. Despite world-class infrastructure, cards issued by DBS, OCBC, UOB, and other Singaporean banks get declined by American platforms that require U.S. billing addresses.
Here’s how Singaporean residents use US Unlocked to bridge the payment gap between Singapore and the United States.
1. The U.S. Payment Method Barrier
Even with a VPN to mask your location, U.S. services like Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and Apple TV+ use BIN (Bank Identification Number) verification. They check the first digits of your card to identify which country issued it.
The Problem: Cards from Singaporean banks are flagged as “non-US” and automatically declined, regardless of your VPN or browsing location.
The Solution: US Unlocked provides virtual Visa cards issued with valid U.S. billing addresses. To merchants, you appear as a legitimate U.S. customer, allowing you to subscribe to services that would otherwise reject Singaporean payment methods.
2. Funding Your Card from Singapore
You don’t need a U.S. bank account. Load your US Unlocked card using local Singaporean payment methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Use cards from DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, or any Singaporean bank to fund your account ($1.00 + 5% fee).
- Crypto / Stablecoins: Load instantly using USDC, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies through Singaporean exchanges like Binance, Crypto.com, or Coinhako (2% fee).
- Digital Wallets: Fund via Apple Pay or Google Pay ($1.00 + 5% fee).
All funds convert to USD in your account and are available immediately.
3. The Singapore Streaming Problem: Tech Hub, Limited Content
You’re in one of the world’s most connected cities with fiber-optic internet and 5G everywhere. Yet streaming services still treat Singapore as a limited regional market.
What’s missing: Netflix Singapore has 15% fewer titles than Netflix US. Disney+ delays releases by weeks. Services like Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and Paramount+ don’t work in Singapore at all—even with a VPN, because they require U.S. payment methods.
The paradox: Singapore has world-class digital infrastructure but gets treated as a small regional market for content licensing. Studios prioritize larger markets, leaving Singaporean viewers with smaller catalogs and delayed releases.
Ready to stop accepting smaller catalogs?
Read our complete streaming guide for Singapore →
Our comprehensive guide covers:
- Why Singapore’s tech infrastructure doesn’t solve streaming geo-blocks
- What’s actually missing from Singapore’s Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video catalogs
- How to access Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and other unavailable platforms
- Complete setup instructions using Singaporean payment methods
- Real cost comparison: Singapore subscriptions vs. U.S. access
4. Accessing U.S. Digital Services
Once funded, you can use your US Unlocked card alongside a VPN to access:
- Streaming: Subscribe to U.S. versions of Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and Paramount+.
- Digital Goods: Purchase from the Apple U.S. Store, Google Play US, or digital marketplaces that don’t accept Singaporean cards.
- Shopping: Buy from U.S. retailers (Amazon US, Best Buy, Target) that reject international payment methods or don’t ship to Singapore.
5. Shipping Physical Goods to Singapore
When buying physical products, pair US Unlocked with a freight forwarder like Shipito or Aramex Shop & Ship:
- Use your US Unlocked card to pay for purchases
- Ship to the forwarder’s U.S. warehouse address
- The forwarder receives your package and ships it to Singapore via DHL, FedEx, or SingPost
This gives you access to U.S. retailers that don’t offer international shipping or decline non-U.S. payment methods.
