How to buy a prepaid SIM card for the Philippines?

As your trip to the Philippines approaches and you're getting everything ready, one important detail to consider is how you'll stay connected and navigate around the country. From getting around to staying in touch, having reliable data access can truly enhance your experience.

Exchanging your UK SIM card for a local Philippines SIM card is an effective solution to hefty roaming fees. This way, you'll have access to maps, translation apps and other vital services without the need to constantly rely on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in the Philippines and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to the Philippines from the UK?

Getting a Philippines SIM card can help you save money while travelling. Since UK phone plans usually don’t cover international calls or data, a local SIM is a more affordable option than paying the high chargers from your provider for using your phone abroad. A local SIM should help you avoid many unexpected costs and stay connected while abroad.

With a local SIM, you can easily stay in touch with loved ones without relying on Wi-Fi. Plus, it helps you access some essential travel apps, like maps and translation services.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Philippines SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover the Philippines. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in the Philippines?

DITO offers the cheapest weekly SIM plan, with 10 GB for just 299 PHP. Their monthly plan costs 999 PHP and includes 50 GB of data. Most providers, including DITO, also have unlimited calls and texts in their packages.

If you’d like to buy an eSIM, Nomad’s weekly plan is the most affordable option at £3.50. If you’d like unlimited data, Holafly’s plans become cheaper the more days you buy.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for the Philippines?

You can purchase a Philippines SIM card at various convenience stores, retail outlets, official provider shops and even at the airport. Additionally, you have the option to order a physical SIM or an eSIM in advance, before your departure.¹

Make sure you have your passport ready, as you’ll need to provide it for identification and for SIM registration. Since you’ll be giving the store employees your personal document, it’s important to always visit reputable carriers.

Most stores will accept all payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff if you can pay with a credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for the Philippines in the UK?

You can buy a Philippines SIM card online before departing the UK, but the range of plans will be limited. As a result, you might miss out on better options that are available when you arrive in the Philippines.

SimCorner offers two SIM plans for the Philippines, one lasting 10 days and the other 15. Both include 6 GB of data and a mobile hotspot. The 10-day SIM costs £15, while the 15-day one comes at £29.²

Can you buy a Philippines SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can purchase a Philippines SIM card at several international airports, such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. These are typically available at kiosks or retail outlets in the Arrivals areas.³

However, airport prices are often higher, and store hours may be limited. You’ll usually find better prices and more options at stores downtown.³

Best prepaid SIM cards for the Philippines

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your trip to the Philippines.

Globe Telecom

Globe has a special SIM for tourists called the Traveller SIM, coming at 1,750 PHP. It includes 80 GB of data, as well as unlimited calls and texts to all networks. You can use it for up to 30 days.⁴

Smart Communications

Smart has a variety of prepaid SIM offers and bundles. You can also buy different add-ons on top of your plan.

One of the best deals if you’re travelling with a group is from TNT, Smart’s MVNO. The TNT 5G SIM bundle has five SIM cards with up to 22 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts to all networks. This is a weekly SIM and it comes at 539 PHP.⁵

DITO

With DITO, you can get a 7-, 15- and 30- day prepaid SIM, each coming with unlimited calls and texts. The weekly deal costs 299 PHP and includes 10 GB of data, the 15-day plan has 20 GB for 499 PHP and the monthly SIM costs 999 PHP for 50 GB of data.⁶

Best e-SIM cards for the Philippines

An eSIM is a simple and hassle-free way to stay connected in the Philippines without the worry of expensive roaming charges. You can get one before you leave the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive.

Be sure to check that your phone supports eSIMs before you buy one. If it does, here are some great options for eSIMs in the Philippines.

Nomad

At Nomad, there are eight plan options to choose from, starting with a weekly plan priced at £3.50 for 1 GB of data. Their 30-day plans range from £6 to £39.⁶

For instance, the 3 GB monthly plan is available for £6, while the 10 GB package is currently priced at £10.50. The two largest plans are the 30 GB package, costing £28, and the 50 GB plan at £39.⁶

Holafly

All Holafly eSIM plans provide unlimited data, with the price per day decreasing the longer the plan you purchase.

For example, the eSIM for the Philippines is priced at £6 per day, but the 7-day plan costs £24 in total. A 30-day Holafly eSIM is priced at £60, equating to just £2 per day.⁸

These plans are data-only, allowing you to retain your UK number. Additionally, you can share up to 500 MB of daily data via a hotspot, ensuring that your travel group stays connected.⁸

Airalo

Airalo offers a range of eSIMs for the Philippines under the name Alpas Mobile, with six different plans available to choose from. These plans vary in both data allowance and duration, providing options from 1 GB to 20 GB of data, and from 7 to 30 days of usage.⁹

For example, the 7-day eSIM, offering 1 GB of data, is priced at £4. Meanwhile, the 30-day plan with 10 GB of data costs £17.50. The most expensive option is the £26.50 plan, which provides a generous 20 GB of data.⁹

Spend like a local in the Philippines with Wise

As you choose a SIM card for your upcoming trip to the Philippines, you might also want to explore options for managing your spending while abroad.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in the Philippines and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2025