Philippines SIM Card, eSIM, Pocket WiFi – Which One is Best to Use?
Whether you’re a foreign traveler exploring the top tourist spots in the Philippines or a balikbayan visiting families and friends, especially during Philippine festivals and fiestas, staying connected is essential. To do this, you have to secure your SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in the Philippines. But which one should you use? Read on so you can compare and decide the best one for you.
Philippines SIM card
What is a tourist SIM card in the Philippines?
A tourist SIM card in the Philippines is a tiny card inserted into your gadget (smartphone or tablet), allowing you to call, text, or use mobile data. SIM cards in the Philippines are mainly offered by big telcos like Globe, Smart, and DITO, as well as travel solutions providers like Big Sky Nation.
What are the best tourist SIM cards in the Philippines?
Here are the best SIM cards in the Philippines for tourists:
1. Globe Traveler SIM Card
This LTE & 5G SIM card is offered by Globe, one of the biggest telcos in the Philippines. We’ve been long-time users of Globe SIM cards, and we can say that it is a pretty reliable network provider in the country.
Data Plans:
- 20GB: ₱500 (US$9) valid for 15 days
- 30GB: ₱750 (US$13) valid for 15 days
- 80GB: ₱1,500 (US$26) valid for 30 days
Pick-up location: Globe booths at the arrival areas of NAIA Terminals 1,2,3,4, Mactan-Cebu Airport, Clark Airport, and Caticlan Airport (Boracay)
Nice Feature: Unlimited calls and texts to all local networks
Notes:
- The Globe Traveler SIM is only offered to foreign tourists in the Philippines.
- Claim your SIM card at the Globe booths located at the arrival areas of major airports in the Philippines.
- Present your passport for verification.
- Before leaving the Globe booth, be sure to register your SIM on the Globe SIM Registration portal.
2. Snappy Travel SIM Card
The Snappy Travel SIM Card is offered by Big Sky Nation Inc., the #1 travel solutions provider in the Philippines. Their 4G LTE SIM card features data coverage not only in the Philippines but in other parts of Asia including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and China, among others.
Data Plans:
- 300MB: ₱90 (US$1.56) valid for 1 day
- 500MB: ₱150 (US$2.60) valid for 1 day
- 1GB: ₱250 (US$4.3) valid for 1 day
Pick-up location: Manila Airport (NAIA Terminals 1 and 3)
Nice Feature: Extensive coverage to other Asian countries; Free cancellation up to 48 hours
3. Smart All-In-One Traveler SIM
This All-In-One Traveler SIM is offered by Smart Communications, one of the largest telcos in the Philippines, and has been awarded by Ookla as the fastest mobile data network.
Data Plans:
- 4GB: ₱349 (US$6) valid for 7 days
- 8GB: ₱699 (US$12) valid for 15 days
- 12GB: ₱999 (US$17) valid for 30 days
- 24GB: ₱1,499 (US$26) valid for 30 days
- 36GB: ₱1,999 (US$35) valid for 30 days
Pick-up location: Major airports and seaports in the Philippines including Manila (NAIA), Cebu, Davao, Clark, Siargao, Caticlan (Boracay), and Puerto Princesa, to name a few
Nice Feature: Unlimited call and text to all networks + PLDT landline
Notes:
- The Smart All-In-One Traveler SIM is only offered to foreign tourists and OFWs.
- You can get the SIM from Smart booths located at the arrival areas of the airports and seaports in the Philippines. Just present your foreign passport, foreign resident card, Seaman’s book, or OFW card.
- After getting your SIM, register it on the Smart SIM Registration portal.
- You can top-up or reload your SIM at the Smart online store or any convenience stores, sari-sari stores, and malls nationwide
- Visit the Smart Travel SIM’s official website for more information.
How much is a Philippines SIM card?
The SIM card itself is technically free, but you need to buy a data plan along with it. Depending on the network provider and validity period, data plans could range from ₱90 (US$1.56) with 300MB per day to ₱1,999 (US$35) with 36GB valid for 30 days.
See a summary of Philippines SIM card prices below:
Philippines SIM card prices 2024
| SIM Provider | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days |
| Globe | – | ₱500 (20GB) ₱750 (30GB) |
₱1,500 (80GB) |
| Big Sky Nation | ₱630 (300MB daily) | ₱1,350 (300MB daily) | ₱2,700 (300MB daily) |
| Smart | ₱349 (4GB) | ₱699 (8GB) | ₱999 (12GB) ₱1,499 (24GB) ₱1,999 (36GB) |
*Do note that the Philippines SIM card prices above are correct as of publication date. Check the respective data plan listings before your trip to the Philippines for the latest prices.
Where to buy a Philippines SIM card?
We recommend that you buy your PH SIM card before your trip so you’ll have peace of mind knowing you already have a SIM card ready when you arrive.
If you failed to secure your Philippines SIM card online, you may still get an actual SIM card at arrival areas of major airports in the Philippines including Manila Airport, Mactan-Cebu Airport, Clark Airport, and Caticlan (Boracay) Airport.
Note: Prepare your passport for verification and SIM card registration.
Philippines eSIM
What is a Philippines eSIM?
Instead of an actual SIM, you just download an eSIM app and install it to your smartphone or tablet. Telcos in the Philippines like Globe and Smart offer eSIMs. You may also subscribe to global eSIM providers such as Yesim, Airalo, and Ubigi.
What is the best Philippines eSIM?
Here are some of the best Philippines eSIMs you can purchase online:
1. Yesim eSIM Philippines
This eSIM Philippines is offered by Yesim, one of the best eSIM providers for travelers, covering more than 200 countries including the Philippines. The eSIM has standard or unlimited mobile data in major PH cities like Metro Manila, Cebu City, Zamboanga City, and more.
Tip: If you’re new to Yesim, use our promo code: CHILL3 to get a €3 (₱189) welcome bonus.
Unlimited Data Plans:
- Unli Data: ₱445 (US$7.70) valid for 1 day
- Unli Data: ₱1,400 (US$24.20) valid for 7 days
- Unli Data: ₱2,100 (US$36.30) valid for 15 days
- Unli Data: ₱3,440 (US$59.40) valid for 30 days
Standard Data Plans:
- 3GB: ₱764 (US$13.20) valid for 7 days
- 5GB: ₱1,085 (US$18.70) valid for 15 days
- 10GB: ₱1,787 (US$30.80) valid for 30 days
- 20GB: ₱3,188 (US$55) valid for 30 days
Local PH Network: Globe
Nice Feature: Unlimited data option with 24/7 customer support
2. Airalo Philippines eSIM
This Alpas Mobile eSIM is offered by Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store with over a million users in more than 200 locations. This eSIM features mobile data via Globe with coverage all over the Philippines.
Data Plans:
- 1GB: ₱261 (US$4.50) valid for 7 days
- 2GB: ₱405 (US$7) valid for 15 days
- 3GB: ₱550 (US$9.50) valid for 30 days
- 5GB: ₱753 (US$13) valid for 30 days
- 10GB: ₱1,200 (US$21) valid for 30 days
- 20GB: ₱1,850 (US$32) valid for 30 days
Local PH Network: Globe
Nice Feature: Varied data-only plan options to choose from
3. Ubigi Philippines eSIM
This Philippines eSIM is offered by Ubigi, one of the largest eSIM providers in over 200 countries including the Philippines. Their eSIM features 5G mobile data in the Philippines with 1GB, 3GB, and 10GB plans provided by Smart.
Data Plans:
- 1GB: ₱289 (US$5) valid for 7 days
- 3GB: ₱521 (US$9) valid for 15 days
- 10GB: ₱1,100 (US$19) valid for 30 days
Local PH Network: Smart
Nice Feature: Can reload in the app without WiFi or data credits
4. Globe Philippine eSIM
This Philippine eSIM is offered by Globe, one of the largest telcos in the Philippines. This local eSIM features various 4G data plans with coverage across the country.
Data Plans:
- Unli Data:
- ₱650 (3 days)
- ₱1,589 (5 days)
- ₱1,698 (10 days)
- 3GB / Day:
- ₱289 (3 days)
- ₱311 (7 days)
- ₱398 (15 days)
- ₱405 (30 days)
- 5GB / Day:
- ₱383 (3 days)
- ₱419 (7 days)
- ₱520 (15 days)
- ₱542 (30 days)
- 10GB / Day:
- ₱607 (3 days)
- ₱665 (7 days)
- ₱788 (15 days)
- ₱817 (30 days)
Local PH Network: Globe
Nice Feature: More data plan options
5. Smart Prepaid eSIM
This Prepaid eSIM is provided by Smart, one of the major telcos in the Philippines. This eSIM comes with 21GB of free data as well as 300 texts and 30-minute calls to all local networks.
Data Plan: 21GB data for only ₱99
Local PH Network: Smart
Nice Feature: Affordable data plan with free calls and texts
Note: Don’t forget to register your eSIM to activate it.
6. Eskimo Asia Pacific eSIM
This Asia Pacific eSIM is offered by Eskimo, one of the world’s leading eSIM providers. Their eSIM features 4G data not only in the Philippines but also in over 80 countries.
Data Plans:
- 1GB: ₱347 (US$6) valid for 1 year
- 3GB: ₱809 (US$14) valid for 1 year
- 5GB: ₱1,098 (US$19) valid for 1 year
- 10GB: ₱1,907 (US$33) valid for 1 year
Local PH Network: Globe
Nice Feature: 365 days (1 year) validity
How much is an eSIM in the Philippines?
An eSIM in the Philippines could cost from ₱99 (US$1.71) to ₱3,188 (US$55), depending on your data plan and validity period.
See a summary of Philippine eSIM prices below:
Philippines eSIM prices 2024
| eSIM Provider | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days |
| Yesim | ₱764 (3GB) | ₱1,085 (5GB) | ₱3,188 (20GB) |
| Airalo | ₱261 (1GB) | ₱405 (2GB) | ₱1,850 (20GB) |
| Ubigi | ₱289 (1GB) | ₱521 (3GB) | ₱1,100 (10GB) |
| Globe | ₱311 (3GB) | ₱520 (5GB) | ₱817 (10GB) |
| Smart | ₱99 (21GB) | ||
| Eskimo *Valid for 1 year |
₱347 (1GB) ₱809 (3GB) ₱1,098 (5GB) ₱1,907 (10GB) |
||
*Do note that the Philippines eSIM prices above are correct as of publication date. Be sure to check the respective eSIM plan listings before your trip for the most updated rates.
Where to buy a Philippines eSIM?
We recommend that you get your eSIM before your trip to the Philippines and activate it as soon as you arrive.
You can buy your eSIMs from these providers:
Global eSIMs:
Local eSIMs:
Note: Prepare your passport to activate and register your eSIM in the Philippines.
Philippines pocket WiFi
What’s a pocket WiFi in the Philippines?
A pocket WiFi or WiFi egg is a small device that lets your smartphone, tablet or active watches connect to the internet using WiFi. It is mostly offered by travel service providers like Big Sky Nation in the Philippines. A SIM card is usually inserted into the pocket WiFi to provide the network signal.
What is the best pocket WiFi for the Philippines?
Here are some of the best PH pocket WiFi you can rent online:
1. 4G LTE WiFi for Asia (Manila Airport Pick-Up)
This 4G LTE WiFi by Big Sky Nation is one of the popular pocket WiFi rentals in the Philippines. It features 4G unlimited data or 1GB, 500MB, or 350MB daily data with coverage across the Philippines and other Asian countries. It can be shared by 5 devices and has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Data Plans:
- Unlimited: ₱490 (US$8.47) per day
- 350MB: ₱150 (US$2.60) per day
- 500MB: ₱250 (US$4.30) per day
- 1GB: ₱350 (US$6) per day
Pick-up location: NAIA Terminal 1; NAIA Terminal 3
Nice Feature: Covers more Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and more!
2. 4G LTE WiFi for Asia (Manila Delivery)
This 4G LTE WiFi by Big Sky Nation is another pocket WiFi option if you want to have the device delivered to your address in Manila, Philippines. It also features 4G unlimited data or 1GB, 500MB, or 350MB daily data covering the Philippines and more Asian countries. It is shareable with 5 devices and can last up to 10 hours.
Data Plans:
- Unlimited: ₱490 (US$8.47) per day
- 1GB: ₱350 (US$6) per day
- 500MB: ₱250 (US$4.30) per day
- 350MB: ₱150 (US$2.60) per day
Delivery: Within Metro Manila
Nice Feature: Can also be used in more Asian countries including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and more!
More pocket WiFi rentals you can use in the Philippines
Here are more pocket WiFi providers with country-specific pick-up locations, which you can also use when you arrive in the Philippines:
- Singapore: Yoowifi Unlimited 4G Travel WiFi (SEA)
- Malaysia: RoamingMan 4G/5G WiFi
- Thailand: Smile WiFi Unlimited Pocket WiFi
- Vietnam: Cloud SIM 4G WiFi
- Indonesia: JavaMiFi 4G Portable WiFi
How much is the pocket WiFi rental in the Philippines?
A Philippines pocket WiFi could cost an average of ₱150 (US$2.60) to ₱490 (US$8.47) per day, depending on your selected plan. See a summary of PH pocket WiFi rental rates below:
Philippines pocket WiFi rental prices 2024 (online rates)
| Service Provider | Battery Life | # of Devices | Cost Per Day (Unli Data) |
| Big Sky Nation | 10 hrs | 5 | ₱490 |
| Yoowifi | 16 hrs | 5 | ₱215 |
| RoamingMan | 12 hrs | 5 | ₱448 |
| Smile WiFi | 10 hrs | 5 | ₱294 |
| Cloud SIM | 12 hrs | 5 | ₱299 |
| JavaMiFi | 12 hrs | 5 | ₱322 |
*The PH pocket WiFi prices above are correct as of publication date. See the individual listings for the most updated Philippine pocket WiFi rates.
Where can I rent a pocket WiFi in the Philippines?
We suggest that you get your PH pocket WiFi online before your trip for your peace of mind. Your Philippines pocket WiFi can be picked up from the airport or delivered to you.
If you failed to get one online, you may still rent a pocket WiFi at the Big Sky Nation booth located at the pre-departure areas of NAIA 1 and NAIA 3. You can easily spot it as it has a big “RENT A WIFI” sign.
Philippines SIM card vs eSIM vs Pocket WiFi
To get a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in the Philippines? To help you decide, you need to consider your length of stay, budget, number of users, and how much data you need.
Which one is the most cost-efficient?
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest PH SIM, eSIM, and pocket WiFi we found:
| Service Provider | Cost | Validity | Ave. Daily Cost |
| Globe SIM Card | ₱500 (20GB) | 15 days | ₱33.33 |
| Globe eSIM | ₱405 (3GB) | 30 days | ₱13.50 |
| Big Sky Nation Pocket WiFi | ₱150 (350MB) | 1 day | ₱150 |
From the comparison table above, we can say that a Philippines eSIM is the cheapest in terms of average daily cost. However, the data limit is significantly lower, and you should also consider that not all smartphones are eSIM compatible.
While tethering may be possible, it’s also not ideal to share your mobile data with multiple devices as it could drain your phone. In that case, it’s best to get the pocket WiFi instead where you can share with up to 5 devices and split the cost.
What are the pros and cons?
Philippines SIM Card
Pros:
- No extra device
- You can keep the SIM
- Practical for solo or couples
Cons:
- Need time to set up to your gadget
- Potential phone compatibility issues
- Connection dependent on phone battery life
Philippines eSIM
Pros:
- No more physical SIM card
- No need to carry another device
- Installation is easy
Cons:
- eSIM compatibility issues
- Must download and install an additional app
- Usage dependent on phone battery
Philippines Pocket WiFi
Pros:
- No need to set up anything
- Multiple devices can connect
- Longer battery life
Cons:
- An extra device to carry and charge
- Must return the device
- Extra care not to lose or damage the device
Our recommendation as locals of the Philippines
As Filipino locals, we recommend that you get a local SIM card like Globe when traveling solo or as a couple in the Philippines. The rates are definitely cheaper and it’s easier to maintain since there will only be one or two people using it.
If you don’t want the hassle of inserting a physical SIM, get an eSIM like Yesim, Airalo, or Ubigi instead. Don’t forget to check your phone compatibility first before subscribing to any data plan.
A pocket WiFi in the Philippines is only good if multiple users need to share the WiFi. We don’t really recommend this as your first option when traveling around the Philippines, especially if you enter and exit from different airports since you have to return the pocket WiFi device.
So, are you going to use a SIM card, eSIM, or pocket WiFi in the Philippines? Tell us about your experience soon!
Read our other SIM card, eSIM, and pocket WiFi guides, too: