Best eSIMs for Philippines travel in 2024

There are various eSIM providers for traveling to the Philippines, with prices ranging from $1 to $65 from Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, aloSIM, and Nomad. These providers offer between 1 GB and 50 GB data for local, or global use. The best eSIMs for Philippines travel don’t replace your existing phone plan – they add a new, secondary data plan that gives you high-speed connectivity. You can choose from numerous eSIM providers for the Philippines, and I’ve tested and evaluated each of them to help you make an informed decision before you go.

Top 5 eSIMs for the Philippines: shortlist

1. Saily

   The overall best eSIM for Philippines
   9.6
2. Airalo

   Philippines eSIM with the most flexible data plans
   9.3
3. Jetpac

   Philippines eSIM with unique travel perks
   9.2
4. aloSIM

   Flexible and competitively priced eSIM
   8.8
5. Nomad

   Best prepaid Philippines eSIM
   8.4

Overview of best Philippines eSIM plans

The best Philippines eSIM plans come from providers like Saily, Airalo, Jetpac, Nomad, and AloSIM. While none of them offer unlimited data, they all allow you to top up your data if needed. Here’s a quick Philippines eSIM comparison:

If you’re heading off on a long, multi-stop trip, then I recommend choosing an eSIM for the Philippines from Nomad or Jetpac. These popular eSIM providers offer the most suitable extended data plans so that you don’t run out of data. Jetpac excels for shorter, low-intensity trips too, providing a one-dollar plan for travelers who need minimal data to check their emails. However, the best eSIM for the Philippines is Saily, due to its flexibility and ease of topping up data, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. It also offers a variety of inexpensive plans for short or long stays, making it a reliable option for any traveler.

Best eSIMs to use in the Philippines: a detailed list

1. Saily - overall best eSIM for the Philippines
2. Airalo - top choice for flexible data plan eSIMs in the Philippines
3. Jetpac - flexible Philippine eSIM at a competitive price
4. AloSIM - eSIM for Philippines with unique travel perks
5. Nomad - prepaid Philippines eSIM with wide coverage

In searching for the best eSIM for the Philippines, I tested more than 20 providers. I evaluated key factors like their price, data allowances, device support and activation process. The following findings will help you to decide on eSIM while traveling to the Philippines.

1. Saily - overall best eSIM for the Philippines in 2024

Saily is the best eSIM for the Philippines, offering flexible plans ranging from 7 to 30 days. With data options ranging from 1GB to 20GB and prices starting at only $3.99, Saily provides one of the most affordable and reliable eSIM solutions for your Philippines trip.

Regional coverage: Saily offers data plans for over 150 countries, making it a top choice for multi-stop trips. I could choose from top locations, including the US and UK. Saily also had eSIMs for every country close to the Philippines, including Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia.

Plan variety: Saily's plans extend to a month, with 7 and 30-day options. You can get 1 GB of data for 7 days or choose from multiple 30-day options: 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB. However, I would’ve liked to see a 14-day data plan. Also, this Philippines eSIM does not give you a phone number, so you won’t be able to send and receive calls or SMS.

Cost of Philippines eSIM plan: Saily's plans cost between $3.99 (1 GB / 7 days) and $27.99 (20 GB / 30 days). Alternatively, you can increase your 30-day data allowance to 3, 5, or 10 GB for a higher cost. Saily also adjusts its prices regularly in line with the respective country’s cost of living and markets. There’s no pay-as-you-go option – the ability to top up your data if it runs out – and no hidden fees or catches are involved. The price you see is the price you’ll pay.

Activation process: Setting up Saily is very straightforward, but you should do it before you leave. Once you've purchased an eSIM for the Philippines, you'll receive an email with a QR code. Simply scan the code to initiate your connection; I tested this, and it won't take more than a few minutes.

Customer support: Saily’s website Help Center has a contact form you can use to get help with your eSIM. There’s also a 24/7 live chat feature for more readily available assistance.

2. Airalo - top choice for eSIM in the Philippines due to flexible data plans

Airalo is a top Philippines eSIM choice, offering flexible plans for 7, 15, or 30-day trips starting at $4.50. Although it's a bit more expensive than Saily, Airalo also provides a wide range of data options, from 1 GB to 20 GB, ensuring travelers can find the right plan for their needs.

Regional coverage: Airalo has extensive worldwide coverage, with 200+ supported countries and regions. You can simply get a Philippines eSIM or choose a Global eSIM that includes the Philippines and up to 136 other countries as part of a multi-stop trip.

Plan variety: A number of Airalo's plans are flexible, including short-term, low-data Philippines eSIMs for temporary layovers and month-long plans with a 20 GB data cap.

Cost of Philippines eSIM plan: Philippines eSIMs from Airalo start at $19.55/monthfor a 1 GB data cap with 7-day validity. You can double that data allowance for up to 15 days at $7.00. Otherwise, you can get 3, 5, 10, or 20 GB for up to a month, for between $9.50 – $32.00. If you want the option of topping up your data on the go, make sure you opt for a rechargeable Philippines eSIM plan.

Activation process: Airalo follows the same activation process as Saily, which involves scanning a QR code sent to your email address. Once you’ve purchased your Philippines eSIM, check for an email and follow the steps. Doing this before you leave for your trip will help you to avoid any delays in getting connected.

Customer support: Airalo customers have several options for getting support with their eSIM, including email, live chat, and a dedicated phone line. You can request support from [email protected] or on a US toll-free line: +1 (888) 870-2848. The live chat feature is open 24/7, so you’ll never be stuck without connectivity due to time zone differences.

3. Jetpac - eSIM for Philippines with unique travel perks

Jetpac offers one of the most affordable Philippines eSIM options, starting at just $1 for 1GB of data valid for 4 days. For those needing more data, Jetpac offers plans with up to 40GB, available for 4, 7, or 30-day trips.

Regional coverage: Jetpac is a Philippines eSIM that also covers a vast 150+ destinations – impressive in my assessment, given its newcomer status. If you're planning a multi-stop trip, you can choose from bundled eSIM options that include Global, Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Plan variety: Jetpac has split its services into Jetflex and Jetpro, two eSIM types offering different benefits. Jetflex lets you build a custom data subscription with add-ons like a lounge pass. Jetpro is an all-in-one plan that includes those extras by default. Unsurprisingly, there’s no support for phone numbers just yet.

Cost of Philippines eSIM plan: The cheapest eSIM was just $1 (1 GB / 4 days) when I checked their pricing structure. This ranged all the way up to $65 for 40 GB / 30 days. Bear in mind that there is a Jetpac coupon – the basic 1 GB eSIM for the Philippines is usually $4.

Activation process: Jetpac's activation process works the same as my other recommended Philippine eSIM providers. After purchasing your eSIM, wait for the confirmation email with your personal QR code. Simply scan that code and enable data roaming in your device's settings and you’re good to go.

Customer support: In addition to live chat and email support, Jetpac offers a phone number on its website that will let you get support via WhatsApp. While it’s not a 24/7 service, it is a useful feature that can be more efficient than a web-based live chat service. If you experience a problem with your eSIM, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network to resolve your problem through WhatsApp.

4. Alosim - flexible Philippine eSIM at a competitive price

Alosim is the ideal eSIM for the Philippines, providing seamless activation and reliable internet connectivity. With flexible data plans ranging from 2GB to 20GB, it caters to every traveler’s needs. Whether you're staying for a week, 15 days, or a month, Alosim offers the perfect plan duration for your trip.

Regional coverage: AloSIM offers eSIM plans in 175+ locations, including eSIMs for travelers in the Philippines. It’s a little cheaper than the similarly priced Airalo provider, who offers 200+ locations. However, my colleague’s Airalo vs aloSIM comparison found aloSIM to be the better overall provider for single-destination trips.

Plan variety: AloSIM follows the tried-and-tested formula, offering a range of data plans from 1 GB – to 20 GB. However, there’s no option for more data-hungry travelers looking for a 40 or even 60 GB subscription. For that purpose, may I recommend you consider Nomad or Jetpac.

Cost of Philippines eSIM plan: I found AloSIM to be very reasonably priced – plans range from $4.50 to $38.00, with the most popular plan being $9.50 (3 GB/ 30 days). However, the best value-for-money plan is the 20 GB offer, valid for 30 days.

Activation process: Installing an aloSIM eSIM for the Philippines is straightforward and almost instantaneous. Once you've installed the eSIM, enable your aloSIM connection in your device's Cellular Plans settings menu. In your aloSIM app, you’ll find dedicated installation instructions with several methods for getting your Philippines data plan going.

Customer support: AloSIM allows you to get in touch via 24/7 live chat or by submitting an email request to [email protected]. If you're stuck in the meantime, aloSIM’s website also has detailed FAQs that clarify many questions.

5. Nomad - prepaid Philippines eSIM with wide coverage across the country

Nomad is an excellent eSIM choice for traveling in the Philippines, whether you're on a short trip or an extended stay. It offers flexible plans for 7 and 30 days, with data allowances ranging from 1 to 40 GB, allowing you to pick the plan that best suits your needs.

Regional coverage: Nomad is a prepaid Philippines eSIM but also supports another 110+ countries. Recently, Nomad launched the Global-EX eSIM for 81 countries, which includes the Philippines in its roster. This eSIM is geared toward travelers frequently returning to the Philippines or visiting as part of a multi-stop trip.

Plan variety: Variety is not Nomad’s strong point, and if flexibility in your Philippines eSIM is important to you, I recommend looking at other providers. Beyond the basic plan that offers 1 GB over 7 days, all other plans are fixed at 30-day validity. You can also add on additional data if you run out.

Cost of Philippines eSIM plan: Nomad offers huge flexibility on data allowances, with prices starting at $4.00 (1 GB / 7 days) and extending to $49.00 (50 GB / 30 days). Nomad discount codes allowed me to save significantly on most plans. For instance, the highest-priced plan, originally $125.00, is now available for just $49.00. This represents excellent value for a long-term plan that offers a substantial data pool.

Activation process: After buying your Nomad Philippines eSIM, you'll see an option to 'Add automatically.' Select this and then follow the instructions presented on the screen. You can access your installation instructions anytime using the Nomad mobile app..

Customer support: You can create a support ticket on Nomad's website, but it won’t be the fastest way to get a response. In my experience, you’re better off using your mobile device's in-app, 24/7 live chat feature.

For a deeper investigation of Nomad, read our Nomad review.

How to use eSIM in the Philippines

Setting up an eSIM for the Philippines is simple and can be done before you leave for your trip. I recommend doing so to avoid any trouble getting connected when you land. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on Android and iOS, both of which have slightly different steps.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings then Mobile Service on and Add eSIM.

2. Check your email and scan the QR code Saily sent you. Alternatively, you can input the details yourself.

3. Follow the installation instructions to finish activating your eSIM.

On Android:

1. Head to Settings, then Network & Internet, and finally Mobile Network.
2. Select Add Carrier and tap on Download a SIM instead.
3. Check your email to scan your Saily QR code – or enter the activation details yourself if needed.
4. Go through with the activation instructions included in the email.
5. Reboot your Device to make sure the eSIM is functioning properly.
6. Finally, verify your Philippines eSIM is working. Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Network and make sure you see the connection.

Get the best eSIM for the Philippines

What to know before you purchase eSIM for the Philippines

Avoid the risk of connectivity issues slowing down your trip when you arrive. Before traveling to the Philippines, I recommend pausing to consider the following points:

• Check your device’s compatibility. Most handsets manufactured since 2018 will support eSIMs, including Google Pixel 3 and above, iPhone 11 and above, or Samsung Galaxy S20 onward. However, older smartphones usually lack this feature. You can also check your phone’s settings to see if you spot an option to ‘Add eSIM.’
• Activate your eSIM at the right time. When you land in the Philippines, you may need instant access to navigation and travel apps. So, set up your eSIM before you leave your home country unless the provider states otherwise.
• Understand the timing needed for activation. Most eSIMs are quite quick to set up – you simply scan a QR code that’s sent after you sign up. However, others might require a different or more lengthy process.
• Check your required speeds and connectivity. Do you need 4G or 5G connectivity? Check supported network connections and speeds on the official eSIM websites – some providers may only offer slow 3G connections in certain areas.
• Decide whether you need to make and receive calls. Some eSIMs provide a phone number to make and receive calls and SMS messages. However, other eSIMs only give you a mobile data plan. If your Philippines eSIM doesn’t have a phone number, you’ll be limited to cellular data-enabled apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Don’t risk being unable to connect to your Philippines eSIM when you land and are eager to start exploring. I recommend having your phone up and running as soon as your plane touches asphalt.

Does my phone support eSIM?

The majority of smartphone handsets manufactured since 2018 will support eSIMs; modern iPhones, Samsungs, and Google Pixels all support eSIM technology. However, it depends on your provider and your location. Smartphones purchased in China for example don’t support eSIM technology.

Here’s how to check if a Philippines eSIM will work on your device:

1. Check your device specifications. Check your phone manufacturer’s website or the documentation that came with your handset.
2. Refer to your device’s settings.
   1. iPhone: Open Settings, then Cellular. There will be an option to set up a cellular plan if your phone supports Philippines eSIMs.
   2. Android: Open Settings, then Network & Internet and Mobile Network. This is where your eSIM settings will be on Android.

If you get stuck, contact your chosen Philippines eSIM provider to make sure that your device is supported before you get started. I recommend Saily as the best Philippines eSIM, as its supports all modern smartphones running on iOS and Android.

Get Saily eSIM for the Philippines on iOS and Android

Is it better to use eSIM or physical SIM in the Philippines?

It’s best to consider what you need from your Philippines eSIM, as many factors determine whether a physical or eSIM is best. Here is a comparison of key features and usability aspects that I recommend you consider when making your choice:

Activating a physical SIM can be very time consuming, as you’ll probably need to attend a physical store after landing in the Philippines. However, with an eSIM, you can simply activate it before you leave and save valuable time for other activities.

Overall, virtual eSIMs for the Philippines are more convenient and flexible. They can also save you money since you’ll only pay for the time you need. Meanwhile, physical SIM cards tend to be more expensive or tied to longer subscriptions, while being easily damaged if you make a mistake inserting them.

For the least hassle and to make your trip to the Philippines as smooth as possible, I recommend choosing one of the best Philippines eSIMs like Saily.

Get Saily eSIM for the Philippines

Is Globe or Smart eSIM available in the Philippines?

Yes, Globe and Smart both have eSIMs for travelers in the Philippines. Smart eSIM is a common Philippines eSIM, while Globe is the most common provider of carrier services for other eSIM providers in the Philippines, too.

Globe was the country's first carrier to use eSIM technology, so its plans are time-tested and popular with travelers. Smart Communications belongs to the Philippine Long-Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), meaning that this provider has extensive access to key telecom infrastructure and the ability to deliver high-speed plans.

Here’s a quick look at these two eSIMs for the Philippines:

Unlike the best Philippines eSIMs, Globe and Smart eSIMs won’t let you top your data up if it runs out. Their device compatibility tends to support fewer handsets, too. Overall, I recommend Saily or another of the best eSIMs for the Philippines that I've vetted and approved. Saily gives you international roaming at incredibly low prices, plus the ability to top up your data and share data with other devices.

Pay less for internet when you travel with Saily

Conclusion: Which eSIM is best in the Philippines?

Using an eSIM of the Philippines means assured connectivity at all times without paying costly data roaming charges. Unlike your carrier’s physical SIM card, eSIMs for the Philippines cost just a fraction of the price and come with unique travel perks and other benefits like the ability to buy more data on the fly.

I tested 15 different Philippines eSIM providers and confidently recommend choosing Saily as the best eSIM for the Philippines in 2024. Saily combines low prices with extensive country coverage and high-speed, local carrier connections. Start with Saily today from just $3.99 for 1 GB data on your next week-long trip!

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You may also like to read:
Best eSIM for USA travel
Top 5 best eSIM for Europe travel
Top eSIMs for China
Best eSIM for Japan travel
Best eSIM for UK travel

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FAQ

Is eSIM available in the Philippines?

Yes, you can get an eSIM for the Philippines from leading providers, including Airalo and Saily. I tested 20 eSIMs to see which ones were best for short- and long-term trips requiring internet connectivity and a phone number. Saily came out as the number one choice for the Philippines thanks to low cost, high-speed connections.

What is the best eSIM to use in the Philippines?

Saily is the best eSIM for the Philippines, combining simple activation with short and long-term data plans to suit all travelers. I found the best value for money in Saily’s longest plan – a 20 GB, 30-day data plan for just $27.99.

How can I get eSIM in the Philippines?

I recommend activating your Philippines eSIM before you leave for your trip. Choose an eSIM provider, for example Saily, then subscribe to a plan and follow the installation instructions. Activating your eSIM before you leave means you won’t risk potential network issues upon arrival.

Is Airalo good in the Philippines?

Yes, Airalo is one of my recommendations for the best eSIMs for the Philippines. It leverages the country’s Globe Telecom network, which was the first company to offer eSIM technology. Plans suit short- and long-term travel arrangements, with data packages ranging from 1 to 20 GB over, 1, 2, or 4 weeks.

What Philippines eSIM have unlimited data?

Philippines eSIM providers with unlimited data plans include ETravelSim, KKday, Matrix, and Maya Mobile. I tested each of them, but they didn’t make my list of recommendations. Remember that while data is important, so is ease of activation, cost, and device support. Saily proved to be a better all-around solution.

How much is an eSIM in the Philippines?

You can expect to pay between $1–$65 based on my research into the best Philippines eSIM providers. Typical standard pricing starts at around $4-5, but you can get the best prices with a Philippines eSIM coupon for Saily eSIM!