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Philippines SIM card for tourists: Best providers and buying guide
Learn what are the best SIM cards for the Philippines for tourists with Globe, Smart, plus some modern alternatives!
From exploring the streets of downtown Manila to catching a wave at Boracay, each trip to the Philippines can bring unexpected, unforgettable moments. This said, whether you’re a social media show-off or a Google Maps travel guru, one thing is certain: staying connected is vital.
Buying a Philippines SIM card is one way to get data, texts, and calls during your travels. But which is the best provider, and where can you find a physical SIM in the Philippines?
We’ll compare deals, provide invaluable insights, and even offer a cheaper, easier-to-find alternative in our guide to SIM cards for the Philippines below!
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Local carriers in the Philippines
Let’s start with what local carriers offer in the Philippines. Smart Communications and Globe Telecom offer Philippines SIM cards for tourists, which are available for purchase at the country’s main airports and seaports.
You’ll need to take your passport to get a SIM card from either Smart or Globe. So, let’s compare both carriers and see what each one offers with its tourist SIM card.
Smart Communications
Smart Communications offers five SIM card packages for travelers and overseas Filipino workers, ranging from $7.80 to $35.50 USD.
Here’s what each one of these plans offer:
- Data ranging from 4 GB to 36 GB
- Validity from seven to 30 days
- Easy top-up with additional data packages
- Easy pick-up at airports and seaports
Advantages of Smart Communications
- Access to the best mobile network in the Philippines
- Up to 4G/LTE mobile data speeds
- Unlimited calls and text messages
- Access to 1 GB of mobile data for social media apps
Disadvantages of Smart Communications
- Only available upon arriving at airports or seaports in the Philippines
Globe Telecom
Another option for tourists is to get a Globe SIM card. Similar to Smart, five data plans are available for travelers and overseas Filipino workers looking for reliable Philippine SIM cards.
These plans range from roughly $13.50 to $53.50 USD and include the following features:
- Unlimited call and text messages to any mobile network operators
- Data plans ranging from 30 GB to 169 GB
- Validity ranges from 15 to 30 days
Advantages of Globe Telecom
- Includes high amounts of mobile data for a local SIM card
- Available top-ups through the Globe App
- Reliable coverage with access to 5G networks
- Up to 169 GB available with Globe SIM cards
Disadvantages of Globe Telecom
- Only available for purchase within Philippines airports
How to buy a tourist SIM card in the Philippines
Once you arrive in the Philippines, the airport is the easiest place to get a local SIM card. Both Globe and Smart have different stores located in the following airports:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Clark International Airport
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport
- Caticlan Jetty Port
- Basco Airport
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport
- Laguindingan Airport
- Iloilo International Airport
- Bacolod-Silay International Airport
- Kalibo International Airport
- Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport
- Godofredo P. Ramos Airport
- Puerto Princesa International Airport
- San Vicente Airport
- Siargao Airport
Plus, Smart also allows you to buy a SIM card at seaports, so if you arrive at the Caticlan Jetty Port or Manila Harbour, you can choose your data plan before leaving for your next destination.
How to buy a SIM card outside Philippines airports and seaports
If, by any chance, you were in a rush and couldn’t buy a SIM card at the airport or seaports, you can still get one in different stores around the Philippines.
Convenience stores such as Mini Stop, Family Mart, or 7-Eleven are great options for getting a prepaid SIM, and different bundles are available. However, these aren’t the same plans you’ll get at the airport with a tourist SIM card.
Finally, you can also visit the official Globe and Smart stores around the Philippines, where you can get a local SIM card and access the tourist’s available mobile plans.
What are the requirements for getting a tourist SIM card in the Philippines?
When getting a Philippines prepaid SIM card, there are two things you need to take with you:
- Your passport
- An unlocked phone
If you have these two things when looking for a local SIM card, you only need a valid payment method, and you are all set.
How to activate a tourist SIM card in the Philippines
To activate a prepaid SIM, you’ll have two options, which vary depending on where you buy it:
- If you buy it at an official store, you can ask the customer support agent to help you set up the SIM card.
- If you buy a SIM card in a convenience store, you’ll need to insert the prepaid SIM card on your phone and follow the instructions on the screen.
Philippines eSIM: Another alternative for tourists
Another option, which is available for most modern smartphones, is to use an eSIM in the Philippines. This works as a solution in case your phone is no longer compatible with SIM cards, and you can purchase it both before you depart or while you’re traveling.
Some providers, like Holafly, represent an ideal solution if you’re looking for a Philippines SIM card with unlimited data, so let’s talk about it.
Holafly: Virtual SIM card with unlimited data
While using a local SIM card is a reliable option, Holafly is an alternative that competes with Smart and Globe to offer a variety of data plans for the Philippines with its eSIM, which you can purchase before traveling and have ready for when you land.
Holafly eSIM for the Philippines offers data plans ranging from 1 to 90 days, starting at $5.90 per day and up to $138.90 for 90 days. One thing: Holafly eSIMs get cheaper the more days you purchase, so take advantage of this to prepare your budget!
With Holafly, you’ll get extensive coverage in the Philippines, as the eSIM works with both Globe and Smart networks, providing up to 5G data speeds for an unforgettable journey!
Advantages of Holafly’s Philippines eSIM
- Holafly eSIM plans get cheaper for each day you purchase
- Access to an internet connection as soon as you arrive
- Easily purchase on the website or mobile app
- Unlimited data plans start at $5.90
- Strong and reliable connection thanks to the extensive coverage of Globe and Smart
- Allows to share up to 500 MB of data per day
- Available customer support in 19 languages
Disadvantages of Holafly’s Philippines eSIM
- Lacks of phone calls and text messages, but unlimited data allows the use of VoIP apps for calling
- Requires an eSIM-compatible phone
Which SIM card is best in the Philippines?
After reviewing the different plans available from Globe, Smart, and Holafly, it’s time to decide which SIM card is best for the Philippines.
Here’s a side-to-side comparison between each one of the carriers, so let’s see what each one of these providers offers for tourists.
| Company | Smart | Globe | Holafly |
| Mobile networks | Access to 4G/LTE networks | Access to 5G networks | Access to 4G/LTE/5G networks |
| Data plans | Up to 36 GB of data bundles | Up to 169 GB data bundles | Unlimited data on all the Philippines plans |
| Pricing | Prices range from $7.80 to $35.50 USD | Prices range from $13.50 to $53.50 USD | Prices range from $5.90 to $138.90 USD, with prices decreasing for each day you purchase |
| Phone calls and text messages | Unlimited calls and text messages | Unlimited calls and text messages | Doesn’t include phone calls and text messages |
| Top-ups | Top-ups available through the website | Top-ups available through the app | Top-ups available through the Holafly app |
| Where to purchase | Available in airports and seaports | Only available in airports | Available to purchase through the app and website before traveling |
These three options are quite similar in terms of features and pricing. However, there is one major difference: Holafly offers unlimited data, which means peace of mind as you use your phone to stay connected during your Philippines vacation.
While Globe and Smart offer affordable local rates, these are more limited in purchasing, as you’ll need to wait until you arrive in the Philippines to get one. With Holafly, you can purchase an eSIM before traveling and get an internet connection as soon as you land!
Lastly, with unlimited 5G data from local providers, the Holafly eSIM is a great option for other tasks, such as using Google Maps to visit certain places, translating words to English, and even sharing videos and photos on social media apps!
So, it’s time to stay connected in the Philippines during your trip with Holafly, forget about data usage and enjoy your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Globe and Smart, the local providers, only sell their SIM cards in the Philippines at airports, seaports, and local stores.
None of the local providers offer unlimited in the Philippines. That’s why the Holafly eSIM is a better option, as you’ll get unlimited data during your trip.
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Hi, I'm Brenda Beltrán. I'm passionate about travel, technology, and video games. In 2019, I started my career as a journalist in entertainment and technology. Then, I discovered that content creation was my true calling. Now, at Holafly, I'm dedicated to sharing travel tips and experiences that will make your adventures unforgettable. ✈️ Hola, soy Brenda Beltrán, apasionada por los viajes, la tecnología y los videojuegos. Desde mis inicios en 2019 como periodista en entretenimiento y tecnología, descubrí que la creación de contenido era mi verdadera vocación. Hoy, en Holafly, me dedico a compartir consejos y experiencias de viaje para que cada una de tus aventuras sean memorables.✈️
