Are you heading to explore the beautiful islands of the Philippines, or experiencing the bustling city life of Manila? Whether you’re enjoying stunning beaches or savoring delicious food, you’ll surely want to share your experiences with your loved ones. The fastest way is to stay online while traveling. With eSIM Philippines, it’s a breeze.
Let’s explore the best options and eSIM packages that providers offer for travelers in the Philippines. And if you prefer a classic SIM card, you’ll also find your options covered.
eSIM Philippines: How to Choose the Best One?
When choosing an eSIM, you need to consider a few factors. Among them are the amount of data and how long you’ll be staying in the Philippines. Keep in mind that you usually consume more data on a sightseeing trip than you do at home.
Also note that most providers’ packages offer data only. With these, you can still easily communicate via WhatsApp, Messenger, Booking, and other apps during your trip.
We recommend buying packages that connect to Smart or Globe operators, as they have the best signal coverage in the Philippines. This information can always be found in the package description from the provider you’re buying from.
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The Best eSIM Data Packages for the Philippines
Let’s take a look at the most popular data packages available. We’ve selected the most cost-effective and reliable providers for you. Our selection is ideal for a two-week holiday, but data volume and usage may vary for everyone. If you’re unsure, check out our article on how to choose the best eSIM.
Cheapest Packages
If you need data mainly as a backup, 1 GB will suffice. For a great price of $1.54 with 7-day validity, you can buy from eSIM4Travel. With GlobalYO, the price drops below a dollar to $0.99.
For just one cent more, you can choose Jetpac, which offers a package that also works in five other countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand), making it a good option if you’re planning to visit these places as well.
If you prefer the popular Airalo, it costs $4.50, while Nomad offers it for $4.
Average Data Usage (5 GB)
If you frequently use Wi-Fi but also need data for maps, social media, and other apps while traveling, 5 GB should be sufficient. The best deal is from eSIM4Travel, offering 5 GB for 30 days at a great price of $6.74.
Jetpac offers their package for $9, again covering six Southeast Asian countries.
Other providers like Nomad offer eSIMs for $10. With Maya Mobile, it’s priced at $10.79, and Saily comes in just under $11 at $10.99.
With Airalo, the cost is $13.
High Data Usage (10 GB)
If you want plenty of data for your trip, 10 GB should be more than enough. With eSIM4Travel, you can get a 30-day plan for an excellent $12.54. Another good price is offered by Nomad at $13 (currently a promotion, but such offers often last a long time).
Mobimatter offers it for $13.99. For $15, you can buy from Jetpac, which again covers six Southeast Asian countries.
With Airalo, the price is $21. If you use our discount code (see box below), you can save $3.
Unlimited Data
Need to stay online all the time for work or have high data consumption? Unlimited data is the solution. However, be careful—some providers may slow down your internet after a certain data usage.
GlobalYO offers unlimited data for 15 days at $21.69. Keep in mind that after consuming 1 GB in a day, the speed slows to 512kbps. The good news is you can share data using a Wi-Fi hotspot.
eSIM4Travel has interesting daily packages with 1 or 2 GB per day. You can prepay up to 10 days. Once you use up the data volume, the internet slows down. These packages cost about $1 per day, or $2 for 2 GB daily.
Another option to consider is Maya Mobile, which offers unlimited data for 15 days at $40.49 with 3 GB daily. If you need up to 5 GB daily, you can upgrade for $75.59.
EtravelSIM offers a similar price at $39.99.
Market leader Holafly provides 15 days for $50.90. In rare cases, your data may be slowed down if the operator determines you’ve been consuming more than 90 GB monthly. If this happens, you can contact support, and they’ll assist you.
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Airalo $3 code MAREK7858
Nomad $3 code MARE67aw
Overview of the Best eSIM Philippines Packages
| Provider | GB | Price | Validity |
| GlobalYO | 1 GB | $0.99 | 7 days |
| eSIM4Travel | 5 GB | $6.74 | 30 days |
| eSIM4Travel | 10 GB | $12.54 | 30 days |
| GlobalYO | Unlimited | $21.69 | 15 days |
Traditional SIM Cards in the Philippines
If you prefer to use a traditional SIM card despite the attractive eSIM offers, it’s quite simple. You can purchase a SIM card directly at the airport (though the offers there may be less favorable), in authorized stores within the city, or online (e.g., on Amazon, where the SIM card will either be delivered to you or waiting at a designated location upon your arrival). Please note that you will need to show your passport for registration.
You can choose from three main operators: Globe, Smart, and DITO. Additionally, you may encounter four virtual operators, which operate on the Globe or Smart network. In terms of coverage, Smart offers the best coverage, closely followed by Globe. DITO currently has the weakest coverage, mainly because it has only been on the market for a little over a year. However, it is expected to improve over time.
Most operators offer affordable tourist packages. My recommendation is Globe. Here, you can get 20 GB for 15 days at approximately $9. If you need up to 40 GB, you’ll pay double the price. However, if you want the best and most stable signal, opt for Smart.
Smart has slightly higher prices. On the other hand, they also offer eSIMs (passport verification is still required). For 12 GB of data valid for 30 days, you’ll pay around $18. In terms of pricing, this is comparable to eSIM4Travel, sparing you the hassle of finding a store or dealing with airport queues.
Of course, there are many more package options. Both Smart and Globe offer numerous combinations. It’s up to you whether you want to sift through these offers and negotiate at an authorized store.
Summary of eSIM Philippines
The Philippines offers excellent ways to stay connected during your trip. The selection of eSIM Philippines options is diverse, catering to every need. If you prefer organizing everything for your trip from the comfort of your home, eSIMs are a hassle-free option. Some eSIM provider packages are comparable to basic tourist offers from local operators. For example, Nomad offers a high-quality deal.
If you want to save money, go for a package from Globe. You’ll have no issues with signal strength in most areas. Just be prepared for the process to be less smooth than buying an eSIM, which connects you immediately upon arrival. And that’s what I love about eSIM Philippines.
