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Optus roaming in the Philippines: Roaming pass and activation
Learn how Optus roaming works in the Philippines, including $5 and $10 postpaid roaming plans, prepaid roaming packs, standard rates, and an unlimited data eSIM alternative for travellers.
Optus customers in Australia who are travelling to the Philippines can keep their existing SIM card at the destination, as Optus roaming works in this country.
This guide covers all you need to know about Optus roaming in the Philippines, including the postpaid $5 and $10 roaming plans, prepaid roaming packs, and the standard roaming rates in case you are not eligible for other roaming options.
In the end, if you are looking for an alternative to Optus in the Philippines, consider Holafly eSIM, with unlimited data, flexible plan durations, reliable coverage in 200+ destinations, and 24/7 customer support.
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Can you use Optus roaming in the Philippines?
Yes, Optus international roaming works in the Philippines for eligible postpaid and prepaid customers. Since the Philippines isincluded in Optus’s eligible Zone 1 roaming destinations, Optus customers can use their SIM card in this country without having to swap it with a local one.
Optus coverage is provided through local partners in the Philippines, primarily Globe Telecom.
Note: If your phone doesn’t auto-connect well, you can usually manually select Globe in your network settings under Mobile Networks / Carrier Selection.
Optus prepaid roaming pass for the Philippines
Optus offers two roaming passes based on customers’ plans.
Optus $5 Roaming Pass for the Philippines
If you are using Optus Choice Plus, Optus Plus Family, Optus Plus Promo, Optus Choice Plus Data, Optus Plus Kids, Business Choice Plus, Business Choice Data Plus, Business Teams Plus, or Qantas plans, you are eligible to use Optus $5 roaming in the Philippines.
This plan allows you to use 5 GB of data per day and unlimited talk and SMS. It costs you $5 for per day you use roaming in the Philippines, which is charged with your monthly bill. So, if you are on a 7-day trip in the Philippines and use Optus roaming all days, you’ll be charged $35 on your monthly bill.
Overview:
- 5 GB data per day
- Unlimited standard talk and SMS
- $5 per day (on days you use roaming)
Note: If you are an eligible Optus customer, the $5 roaming pass usually activates automatically when you start using roaming in the Philippines. If you don’t want to use this plan and would like to avoid roaming charges, you should turn off your data roaming on days you don’t want to use roaming in your destination.
Optus $10 Roaming Pass for the Philippines
Customers on Older postpaid plans or Non-Choice Plus plans are eligible to use the Optus $10 roaming pass.
Despite being more expensive than the $5 roaming plan, this roaming pass gives you less data per day. You will have only 1 GB of data with unlimited calls and texts for $10/day in the Philippines.
Overview:
- 1 GB of data per day.
- Unlimited standard talk and SMS
- $10 per day (on days you use roaming)
Note: You can easily use up all 1 GB of data in less than a day. In this case, you will be charged an extra 1 GB for an additional $10. Use our data usage calculator to see if 1 GB is enough for you during a day.
Optus prepaid international roaming packs for the Philippines
Prepaid customers must purchase an international roaming pack to use Optus roaming in the Philippines. Various roaming packs are available to suit your specific needs.
| Pack Type | Duration | Included Data | Standard Talk | Standard SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 International Roaming | 1 Day | 1 GB | 25 Mins | 50 SMS |
| $25 International Roaming | 14 Days | 5 GB | 50 Mins | 50 SMS |
| $45 International Roaming | 28 Days | 10 GB | 100 Mins | 100 SMS |
| $75 International Roaming | 186 Days | 15 GB | 100 Mins | 100 SMS |
Make sure to download the My Optus app before your trip, as that’s the best way to purchase another roaming pack if you run out of data or other inclusions during your trip.
Optus roaming charges in the Philippines
If no roaming pass or pack is activated, the standard pay-as-you-go roaming rates will apply, which can get very expensive quickly.
Postpaid standard roaming rates
Postpaid customers who are not on any of the eligible plans should pay for roaming in the Philippines as follows:
- Talk: $1.50 per minute.
- SMS: $0.50 per SMS.
- Data: $1.00 per MB.
Warning: A $1 per MB rate can get very expensive for frequent data users. A quick 10-minute use of data-heavy apps like Instagram or Snapchat during a day may cost up to $100.
Prepaid standard roaming rates
If you don’t purchase an international roaming pack, your usage in the Philippines will be charged at standard PAYG rates, which include:
- Talk: $1.00 per minute.
- SMS: $0.50 per SMS.
- Data: $0.50 per MB.
Warning: As a prepaid customer, the PAYG rates will be charged from your remaining credits, which can drain quickly. Purchasing a Philippines SIM Card or an eSIM is a more cost-effective option than paying the standard roaming rates.
How to activate Optus roaming for the Philippines
Activating Optus roaming in the Philippines is straightforward using the My Optus app.
Postpaid users
You can activate Optus roaming following these steps:
- Open the My Optus app and go to Settings.
- Check your Optus plan to see if you are eligible to use the $5 or $10 roaming pass.
- Turn on the International Roaming.
Prepaid users
Use the app to purchase an international roaming pack.
- Go to Add-ons on the My Optus app.
- Select International Roaming Packs.
- Purchase a pack based on your needs.
Stay connected in the Philippines with Holafly
Using Optus roaming in the Philippines is easy, but if you want to use the internet frequently, it may not be the best option. If you are looking for an alternative to Optus, with more flexibility, you can consider Holafly eSIM, with unlimited data, reliable coverage, flexible plan durations, and 24/7 customer support.
Holafly Philippines eSIM offers daily plans from 1 day to 90 days, ranging from AUD$5.90 to $2.43/day. Longer stays mean lower daily eSIM costs.
For frequent travelers, Holafly Plans offers a monthly subscription that covers 170+ destinations, allowing you to use the same eSIM in different countries without requiring you to swap it for local SIM cards.
Avoid hidden data costs
Get the full price upfront with a Holafly eSIM for Philippines. Enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost.
Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
