SIM Cards and Mobile Internet for Philippines: What Every Tourist Should Know

The Philippines is a country made up of over 7,000 islands, each with its own unique beauty and culture. From white-sand beaches to bustling cities, there's something for everyone. When exploring this breathtaking destination, it's important to ensure that you have a connection in advance. Purchasing a local SIM card in the Philippines is a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy mobile Internet and calls while traveling.

In this article, we'll explain what options of Philippines SIM cards are available to travelers, where to buy them, and how to choose the best offer from operators. You will learn about the advantages of physical and virtual SIM cards, peculiarities of their purchase and activation, as well as advantageous eSIM data plans for travelers.

What SIM cards in the Philippines are available to tourists

There are two types of SIM cards available to tourists in the Philippines:

• Physical SIM cards — these are traditional replaceable cards that need to be inserted into your phone.
• Virtual SIM cards - these are digital eSIM cards that do not need to be inserted into a smartphone physically.

A virtual eSIM card in the Philippines is popular among travelers because it provides several advantages over a traditional physical SIM card:

• no need to find a telecom store or retail outlet to purchase one activation is done online through a carrier's app or website;
• you can set up eSIM technology in advance, even before arriving in the Philippines, this will save time upon arrival;
• ease of managing your data plan, checking your balance and the ability to quickly top up your account via the app or online payments.

A prepaid virtual eSIM card in the Philippines is the best option for many travelers due to its flexibility, ease of activation and ease of use.

Where to buy a SIM card for the Philippines

You can buy a prepaid SIM card in the Philippines from a variety of places. Here are a few options:

• International airports — you'll find mobile operator counters in the arrivals area. But SIM card prices at airports in Manila and other cities will be higher than in the city.
• Telecom salons and offices of mobile operators — (Quezon City, Davao, Caloocan) there are many official outlets in major cities in the Philippines where you can get assistance from a specialist.
• Supermarkets, shopping centers, mini-markets — such popular chain stores as 7-Eleven, Ministop, Watsons.
• Offices of travel companies and hotels. However, the cost of SIM cards there may be overpriced, so it is better to compare prices with the offers of mobile operators.

When buying a prepaid data SIM card at any point of sale, do not forget to take your passport with you, as it will be required to register your number. Also pay attention to the terms and conditions of the data plan to choose the most suitable option for your travel style and communication needs.

The advantage of virtual eSIM cards for the Philippines is that you can buy and activate them before you travel. This allows you to always stay connected while enjoying your trip, rather than searching for a place where to buy a SIM card in the Philippines.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in the Philippines: nuances

The process of buying a physical SIM card for tourists is simple, but there are some nuances to be aware of:

• When buying at an official office of an operator or in a specialized telecom salon, you will need to present your passport to register the number. The employee will take a copy and ask you to sign the registration form.
• In small retail outlets it is sometimes possible to buy a travel SIM card for visitors without presenting documents. However, in this case the number will be registered in someone else's name, which may cause problems in the future.
• Activation of the purchased SIM card is usually automatic within 1 hour after the first top-up. You can use cash at the point of sale or make an online payment via the operator's app or website to top up your account.

With a virtual eSIM card in the Philippines, the payment and activation process is simplified. For example, when connecting via the international provider Yesim, you need to scan a QR code and follow the instructions on the screen of your smartphone. The procedure takes only a couple of minutes and does not require physical interference, and you can pay for the data plan with a bank card online.

Read also: TOP 8 Best eSIM Providers for Travelers in 2024: Review of Services

Best prepaid SIM cards for the Philippines

When choosing the right virtual SIM card for Philippines, it's worth looking at offers from leading international providers and local operators:

• Yesim
• Globe
• Smart

Let's take a closer look at the best SIM cards for the Philippines.

Yesim

Yesim is an international provider that provides its users with mobile Internet via eSIM technology in the Philippines and almost everywhere in the world. In the Philippines, Yesim offers travelers the following cell phone plans:

• 7 days, 3 GB for $12.10, perfect for a week-long trip with active use of online services.
• 15 days, 5 GB for $16.50. The best option for a two-week vacation in the Philippines without traffic restrictions.
• 30 days, 10 GB for $27.50. The best offer for a long trip.
• 30 days, 20 GB for $49.50. Suitable for business travel, video conferencing
• International eSIM plan. This pay-as-you-go plan allows you to pay for only the data traffic you actually use, with no long-term commitment. This data plan works for any destination from the Yesim country list. You top up your wallet with any amount, activate the data plan and use it until you have Ycoins on your account.

There are also unlimited data plans, which allow you to freely use the Internet without fear of using up all the traffic. Activation of a virtual eSIM card is done instantly after payment through Yesim.app. Right from your smartphone you can check your balance, activate additional packages and services. Online customer support is also available.

Read also: eSIM vs SIM: what's the difference

Globe

Globe is a mobile operator that offers travelers prepaid SIM cards for the Philippines with Internet traffic, and unlimited calls and text messages included. Here are the three available eSIM data plans:

• Traveler 5G SIM for 7 days for $5 with 10 GB of mobile Internet. Suitable for a week-long vacation with moderate use of online services.
• Traveler 5G SIM for 15 days for $8.84 with 20 GB of mobile Internet. The best solution for a two-week trip with active Internet surfing.
• Traveler 5G SIM for 30 days for $18 with 40 GB of mobile Internet. The most favorable offer for long trips or business trips.

Globe prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at Philippine international airports, official Globe stores, malls, supermarkets and authorized resellers.

Smart

Smart is a mobile operator offering travel SIM cards in the Philippines with Internet traffic, unlimited calls and SMS included. Available data plan options for travelers are:

• Travel Pack for $6 for 7 days, which includes 4 GB of mobile Internet.
• Travel Pack for $13 for 15 days with 8 GB of Internet traffic.
• Travel Pack for $18 for 30 days with 12 GB of mobile Internet. A good offer for a long trip.
• Travel Pack for $27 for 30 days with extended Internet package — 24 GB. Perfect for active users and long-term stays.
• Travel Pack for $36 for 30 days including 36 GB of Internet traffic. The maximum package for demanding travelers.

In addition to mobile Internet, all Smart Travel Pack tariffs include unlimited calls and SMS messages to all networks within the country, as well as unlimited access to social networks and messengers (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LINE, WeChat) in the amount of 1 GB per day.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

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