3 Best SIM Cards for Philippines in 2024

Are you preparing for your trip to the Philippines? The Philippines is a country where beautiful nature and vibrant cities come together. The capital, Manila, has many tourist spots that are perfect for social media , and Cebu Island has beautiful beaches. When traveling to these areas, you will need a stable internet connection to take photos and videos and check local information. In this article, we will introduce recommended SIM cards and how to set them up for communication in the Philippines. Use this information to fully enjoy the charm of the Philippines.  

1. Key points regarding communication quality, coverage, and fees

Checking communication area

When choosing a SIM card for the Philippines , check the coverage area. It is preferable to choose a SIM card that can provide reliable coverage not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Also, if you are traveling to multiple countries, it is convenient to have a SIM card that can be used in other countries. Pay special attention to the coverage in the region or islands you are going to.

Data Capacity and Speed

In the Philippines, 5G is being rolled out in major cities such as Manila and Cebu, but 4G is mainly prevalent in other areas. 3G communication is still in use in some areas. Choose the appropriate data capacity and speed depending on your itinerary and purpose. If you want to watch videos or download large amounts of data, a large data plan is especially suitable. However, in major cities such as Manila and Cebu, you can take advantage of high-speed 5G communication, so be sure to check the speed and coverage when using it.  

Choose your rate plan

When communicating in the Philippines, roaming charges may occur if you use a Japanese line. Be sure to carefully check the data plan options and contract details to choose an appropriate plan depending on your usage.  

2. SIM card types and how to select them

SIM card type

Choose the right SIM card for your smartphone . In addition to physical SIM cards such as standard SIM, micro SIM and nano SIM , there are also embedded eSIMs available. Make sure you check which SIM card type your smartphone supports before you travel .  

3. How to get a SIM card in the Philippines

Where to buy and how to buy

In the Philippines, you can get SIM cards at airports, city mobile phone shops, major supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. Purchasing at the airport is convenient, but the price can be a little high. In-store staff may also be able to help you set up and activate your SIM card .  

Recommended SIM cards for traveling to the Philippines

■PLDT SIM

PLDT , the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines , offers wide coverage and high-speed data communication. It is available in a wide range of areas from urban to suburban and rural areas, and provides high-speed Internet connection especially in urban areas.  

■ Smart SIM

Smart, the second largest telecommunications company in the Philippines , offers wide coverage and reliable communication services. Especially in urban areas and tourist destinations, Smart offers excellent communication quality and high data speeds. The popular prepaid plans, the POWER ALL series , are available for use for 7 to 60 days. For tourists, the 7-day plan with 8GB for 99 pesos or 12GB for 149 pesos is especially recommended. During the subscription period, you can use unlimited calls and SMS.  

■ Globe SIM

2 Globe is one of the major telecommunications carriers in the Philippines , offering wide coverage and fast data speeds. Signal strength is particularly noticeable in urban and densely populated areas, and the company offers 4G and in some areas 5G services . Prepaid plans are available in 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day options, with the 7-day plan offering 10GB of data for 300 pesos and the 30-day plan offering 40GB of data for 1,000 pesos . Unlimited calls and SMS are available during the subscription period .  

Things to note when purchasing a SIM card in the Philippines

Where and how to get a SIM card

In the Philippines, SIM cards can be purchased mainly at airports, shopping malls, and convenience stores. After purchasing a SIM card , it may take some time before you can start using it, so it is important to plan ahead. Some stores may also accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Cash payments are the norm, so some stores only accept cash . It is important to be prepared depending on your payment method.  

Choose your data plan

When communicating in the Philippines, roaming charges may occur if you use a Japanese line. Be sure to carefully check the data plan options and contract details to choose an appropriate plan depending on your usage.  

Check your SIM card type

Before you travel, check which type of SIM card your smartphone is suitable for. If you need to replace your SIM card , it's useful to have a pin and a place to store your current SIM card .  

Check SIM lock

Make sure your smartphone is not SIM-locked by your carrier or can be unlocked . If it is SIM-locked, you may not be able to use the SIM card you purchased locally . It is important to check in advance to ensure smooth communication.  

If you're going to the Philippines! " eSIM " is definitely recommended!

■Benefits of using " eSIM " in the Philippines

For your trip to the Philippines, we highly recommend eSIM ( embedded SIM) . Unlike traditional physical SIM cards , with a digital SIM built into your smartphone, you can start using your communication service in just a few steps online . This eliminates the hassle of having to change and carry SIM cards , improving convenience during your stay. Take advantage of the new eSIM technology to easily enjoy your next-generation travel.  

■ Recommended for traveling to the Philippines ! If you want an eSIM, try "VOYAGEESIM"

Click here for a list of products

You can choose from two plans : 7 GB for 7 days and 30 GB for 30 days .

With " VOYAGEE SIM", you don't need to replace the SIM card you use in Japan ! You don't even need to wait to buy one! Just buy it in Japan and set it up in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will be able to communicate in the Philippines right away! It's convenient, comfortable, and smart!  

*The communications service provider for this product is Billion Connect. Ltd.  

summary

For those of you planning a trip to the Philippines, we recommend using an " eSIM ". In this article, we introduced the best means of communication for traveling to the Philippines, as well as the benefits and precautions of an " eSIM ". By using an eSIM , the process will be simplified and you will be able to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and diverse culture of the Philippines. We sincerely hope that your trip to the Philippines will be more comfortable and fulfilling. Enjoy your trip. Have a great trip!