Stay online in the Philippines from the moment you land in Manila, Cebu or Clark. Install a data eSIM before you fly, skip the SIM counter queue in arrivals, and keep your usual number for calls and texts while you use maps, Grab and messaging apps from island to island.
Philippines eSIM
Philippines eSIM plans
Every plan is data only, priced in US dollars, with no contract and nothing to return.
Our picks
Three plans we would buy ourselves, by the trip you are taking. Every plan we sell is listed below.
Short trip
4.2 GB
0.6 GB a day
7 days
A week or so away: maps, messages, rides and the odd video call.
$1.90 per GB
$7.99
Buy this planLong trip
22.5 GB
1.5 GB a day
15 days
Two weeks or more, with room for photos, streaming and work email.
$0.84 per GB
$18.99
Buy this planHeavy use
60 GB
15 days
You stream, work online or share your connection every day.
$0.45 per GB
$26.99
Buy this plan
Fixed data
One allowance for the whole trip, used at your own pace.
Daily data
A fresh allowance every day, slower above it until the next day.
Also covered by Asia Pacific
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Asia Pacific
Also covered by Global (170 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (170 countries)
Also covered by Global (75 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (75 countries)
No eSIM, no charge. If your payment goes through and we cannot issue your eSIM, we refund you in full. Refund policy
Real people. A person answers every day, 07:00 to 23:00 Paris time, within 2 hours. How we look after you
Safe checkout. Secure payment by Stripe. Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Local networks. See which ones it uses in Philippines
Which Philippines plan fits your trip
Philippines plans come in two shapes, from 1 to 30 days. The plan cards above show what is on sale:
- Daily data, 0.6 GB or 1.5 GB a day. Suits steady use: maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos every day.
- Fixed data, from 20 GB for three days up to 60 GB for two weeks. Use it however you like over the trip, heavy one day and light the next.
- A one-day plan covers a layover in Manila.
See fixed, daily or unlimited for how each type behaves.
Coverage across the islands
Coverage is strong in Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao and the other cities, and in the main resort areas such as Boracay, El Nido, Coron and Panglao in Bohol. It is patchy on the smaller islands, on island-hopping boats, in the mountains of northern Luzon and on remote beaches, and it can drop for a while after a typhoon. Download offline maps of each island before you go, and save ferry and flight bookings to your phone.
Arriving at the airport
Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. When you land at Manila NAIA, Mactan-Cebu or Clark, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only and keep it off on your usual SIM. You can then book a Grab or message your hotel straight away, instead of queuing at a SIM counter after a long flight.
How much data do you need?
A typical traveler using maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos uses about 1 GB a day. Video calls and streaming push that up quickly: pick a larger daily allowance or a fixed plan for a longer stay.
Visiting more than the Philippines?
The Asia Pacific plan covers the Philippines together with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and other destinations in one install, and the global plans cover it too. Check the country list on the plan before you buy, and compare the cost with your own carrier in travel eSIM vs international roaming.
Networks in Philippines
The Philippines has three mobile networks: Smart, Globe and DITO. Smart and Globe have the widest coverage across the provinces; DITO is newer and strongest in the cities. A travel eSIM connects to one of them as a roaming partner, which is why data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. The partner network can differ from plan to plan, so check the plan details, or ask us at support@esimlounge.com before you buy.
How to install your eSIM
Install it at home before you fly, then switch it on when you land.
Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked. Most phones from the last few years do.
Scan the QR code
Scan the code from your email while you still have Wi-Fi at home. It takes about two minutes.
Switch on when you land
Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts if you like.
Philippines eSIM questions
Does the eSIM work in El Nido, Coron and Siargao?
Mostly, in the towns and resorts. Coverage is weak on island-hopping tours and remote beaches, so download offline maps and save your bookings before you set off.
Is there an unlimited plan for the Philippines?
Not at the moment. The largest plans are the fixed-data ones, up to 60 GB for two weeks, and the 1.5 GB a day plans.
Does the eSIM come with a Philippine phone number?
No. The plans are data only. If you need a local number, a SIM from a shop or the airport gives you one.
Will I keep my phone number?
Yes. Your usual SIM stays in the phone for calls and texts, and the eSIM carries your mobile data. Keep data roaming off on your usual SIM to avoid roaming fees.
When does the plan start counting days?
On most plans the days start when the eSIM first connects to a network in the Philippines, not when you install it. The plan details say how yours works.