Philippines eSIM: Best eSIM Options for UK Travellers

“Landing somewhere new is exciting. Staying connected makes exploring it that little bit easier.”

Mabuhay, dear travellers!

You’ve landed in the Philippines.

At the airport, you’re greeted by warm air. Beyond the terminal are palm trees. Your suitcase is with you, your holiday play list is in place and you’re probably wondering one thing:

How will I keep in touch?

Whether or not you’re looking for a hotel in Manila, book a Grab, look up ferry schedules in Cebu, or send a message to your family back home in the UK or sharing a perfect sunset in Palawan, mobile data is one of the most useful things you can pack in your suitcase.

That’s where a ‘Philippines eSIM’ can help make travelling easier.

The eSIM can be digitally downloaded to a compatible phone, rather than looking for a small physical SIM at the airport. You can make your connection before you board the flight and stay with your UK SIM and change to different SIM when necessary.

The fascinating part is that you can do more than just that. Not all eSIMs are made for the same traveller.

A short city break calls for a different eSIM plan from a three-week island adventure. A traveller who primarily uses WhatsApp will find a different package to one who is always posting videos, finding maps and sharing their trip on the web.

So, as you land at the airport and depart the island at sunset, let’s explore how you can find the appropriate connection for your trip to the Philippines.

Why choose a Philippines eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into a compatible device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a mobile plan to the eSIM.

This can be particularly useful for those visiting the Philippines from the UK as you might want to keep your UK phone number active, using a local or travel data plan.

That would mean you’d be able to land and turn on your travel line and use mobile data without having to look for a SIM pin in your bag.

A Philippines travel eSIM can help you with:

• Use Google Maps and navigation
• Grab bookings
• WhatsApp and Messenger
• Hotel and flight information
• Online banking notifications
• Translation apps
• Social media
• Video calls
• Accessing ferry and transport data
• Keeping in touch with family

Another great bonus that frequent travellers will love: you don’t need to physically remove the SIM to connect to the internet.

The UK SIM will remain in your phone with the travel eSIM handling your data.

Before you purchase: Check your phone

It is the first thing I would never miss out on!

Please note that you must ensure that your phone supports eSIM technology and is not locked to your UK mobile network before purchase.

On an iPhone, you may typically see under Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock to check. If it states “No SIM restrictions” then the phone is unlocked.

Globe also suggests checking eSIM compatibility using its GlobeOne app and Smart says visitors need to ensure that the device is unlocked before installing its eSIM.

Also check:

1. Is your phone eSIM compatible?

eSIM isn’t available for all phones.

2. Is your phone network unlocked?

A locked UK cell phone is unlikely to work for another network.

3. Does your phone support dual SIM use?

This might be helpful if you wish to have your UK number and Philippine connection enabled at the same time.

4. How much data do you actually need?

Don’t necessarily purchase the largest package.

A traveller using WhatsApp, maps and social media as a supplement to other activities will probably need much less data than someone streaming videos every night.

Philippines eSIM options for UK travellers

There is no single plan that suits everybody.

Instead, think about these options according to your travel style.

1. Globe Traveller eSIM

If you are looking for a local network when travelling to the Philippines, one of the main choices to consider is Globe.

Globe now provides a special eSIM for Travellers. It comes with 80GB of all-access data, unlimited calls and texts to all networks and is valid for 30 days when you buy it. The eSIM is available for purchase on the GlobeOne app before you come to the Philippines, and will be registered once you’ve arrived.

It’s a fun possibility for extended holidays when you can use lots of data.

It might even work for travellers who would prefer a local calling and texting service over a data-only travel eSIM.

A nifty feature? Globe’s Traveller eSIM can be installed prior to your arrival, but you’ll need to register when you connect to the Globe network in the Philippines.

Best for: longer trips, bigger data consumption and visitors who seek a local connection in the Philippines.

2. Smart Prepaid Tourist eSIM

Smart is another prominent network in the Philippines and has prepaid eSIM options for visitors.

At the moment, Smart offers a Prepaid Digital Tourist eSIM at its online store, along with a Smart Prepaid Philippine Tourist eSIM. A Smart Prepaid eSIM is available for purchase at international airports in the Philippines as well.

Smart’s eSIM system operates via QR code, where you can scan the code to install the mobile plan on a compatible phone.

This is especially handy if you would rather not visit a shop at the airport.

Best for: travellers that want prepaid options and a Philippine network.

3. International travel eSIMs

There’s another way, though.

There is an alternative to purchasing from a Philippine network: an international eSIM provider.

It can be a good option when simplicity is the key.

Airalo offers Philippines eSIM packages with different validity periods, including fixed-data and unlimited-data options. When displaying its service page, its current listing in the Philippines is based on the primary network it currently has, which is Smart.

The most notable – the convenience.

It is possible to purchase your plan online and get the installation information and get ready everything prior to leaving the UK.

This might be comforting for first-time eSIM users as your connection is already installed on your phone before you get on board the plane.

Ideal for: short holiday, convenience of buying on the Internet, travellers preferring to organize everything before travelling.

Best eSIM Philippines based on travel style

In fact, I don’t think there is a single universal winner, I’d like to compare the plan to the journey instead.

For a short city break

If you’re staying in Manila for a couple of days, you might not need such a large amount of data.

Maps, messaging, social media and booking apps will be the tools you will be using the most – not a ton of video.

For island-hopping

Where your journey is like Manila–Cebu–Bohol–Palawan, it becomes more significant.

Look into the network behind the eSIM and destinations before purchase.

For a long Philippine holiday

A package that covers a longer period, 20 or 30 days, might be more practical.

For instance, Globe’s current Traveller eSIM card is crafted for tourists and is valid for 30 days.

With a high data workload,

If you are constantly posting your videos, maps, making calls and sharing your trip online, note the data allowance.

The cheapest option may not be the most practical if you run out of data during your trip.

For easy, pre-trip planning

If you’d like to arrange your connection before leaving the UK, an international travel eSIM can be a convenient option.

Philippines travel eSIM vs physical SIM

That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the classic SIM card.

Indeed, some travellers like to purchase one upon arrival.

A physical Philippines SIM card can be useful if you want a local number or prefer dealing with a local provider in person. Tourist SIMs are available at airports in the Philippines, including Globe and Smart.

• An eSIM has, however, a couple of nice little benefits.
• No SIM tray.
• No little bit of plastic to drop.
• No SIM pin.
• One less thing to remember.
• Keep your UK SIM.
• Current SIM can still be used in your phone.
• Prepare before flying.
• Depending on the provider you can make your connection beforehand.
• Easy for frequent travellers.

Depending on the phone, you can store multiple eSIM profiles for multiple trips.

That convenience is what many modern travellers are drawn to.

How much eSIM Philippines data do you need?

This is where many travellers end up buying more data than they need.

Consider the habits you have.

If your normal holiday routine is:

Maps + WhatsApp + email + every now and again, Instagram.

You don’t necessarily need a large data package.

If your routine is:

The combination of Google Maps + TikTok + Instagram Reels + YouTube + video calls + uploading 4K videos.

You will likely require much more.

My simple rule?

Purchase based on your routine and NOT your excitement for the holidays.

If the hotel has an internet connection, you can also use it to save your mobile data for when you’re out exploring.

If travelling within the Philippines for 2 weeks, I will consider the total allowances, validity, network coverage and if the hotspot can be used before the headline price.

Philippines eSIM plans: what can change?

There is one thing to remember about mobile plans: they can change quickly.

All prices, data allowances, validity and promotional extras may change.

Globe, for instance, is currently offering several traveller data packages and states its Traveller eSIM can be deployed prior to travel. It also says that more data can be purchased via GlobeOne, but not with extending the original 30 days time.

Smart also regularly refreshes their prepaid deals in its online store.

Therefore, before buying Philippines eSIM plans, please consult the provider’s current page.

Look at:

• Price
• Data allowance
• Validity
• Network
• Calls and texts
• Hotspot availability
• Activation rules
• Refund conditions
• Registration requirements

That final check can prevent you from picking a plan based on an old offer you saw in a blog post six months ago.

How to install a Philippines eSIM

The exact steps depends on the provider but is generally quite simple.

Step 1: Check compatibility

Ensure that your phone is unlocked and is compatible with eSIM.

Step 2: Purchase your plan

Select the provider and package that you would like to use.

Step 3: Follow the installation instructions

A QR code or in-app installation option will be provided.

Step 4: Install before your flight

Install the eSIM if you can get a reliable WiFi connection in the UK.

Step 5: If necessary, leave the UK SIM active

It is possible to clearly label the lines, for example, UK and Philippines, to prevent confusion.

Step 6: Switch mobile data

After you are done, you can choose the Philippine eSIM as your mobile data line.

Step 7: Check roaming settings

If you want to avoid unexpected charges from your UK provider, review your UK SIM’s data-roaming settings.

An important note – It is not always the case to install and activate an eSIM service.

Globe, for instance, claims its Traveller eSIM can be pre-installed prior to arrival but needs to be registered upon coming to the Philippines, and will start working as soon as it is registered.

A little UK traveller tip: keep your number safe

The following is something that is easy to miss.

Do not simply delete the number from your phone, if it is your UK number that you used for banking or for important account verifications for WhatsApp.

On the other hand, if your phone has the option for dual SIM cards, you can retain your UK line for services that you require and use the Philippine eSIM to access mobile data.

• Check before takeoff
• Mobile data switching
• Data roaming
• Default voice line
• Default messaging line

Few minutes of advanced work in London can save much confusion upon arrival in Manila.

Is an eSIM reliable everywhere in the Philippines?

There is no such thing as a foolproof mobile connection…

The Philippines is an island country with cities, beaches, mountains and isolated communities. This coverage may depend on your location and network and local conditions.

Hence, I wouldn’t select a plan because of only the term “unlimited data”.

For trips outside the main tourist areas, see the provider’s coverage details for the trip.

• But have a small offline backup.
• Print off your hotel address.
• Record your booking information.
• Have critical vehicle details stored locally.
• When possible, download offline maps.
• Your eSIM should make travelling easier, not your holiday.

Can you use an eSIM for Grab?

Yes, mobile data can be helpful for a service like Grab, if the service is available in your location, and your mobile device has an active data connection.

A reason is that I suggest you get your connection soon after you arrive.

• Now imagine exiting the airport, having just come back from a long flight.
• You’ve got your suitcases!
• You have a good knowledge of your hotel.
• You pull out your cell phone.
• Grab loads.

It can be such a rewarding little moment.

Currently, Globe is offering its Traveller SIM and eSIM with a GrabCar benefit but terms may evolve.

What about WhatsApp and social media?

If you’re a visitor to the UK, an eSIM will allow you to use mobile data without needing to switch to a new app, just as you normally would with a SIM card.

Especially helpful if your family is waiting for that initial message:

“We landed safely!”

Send it from the airport, post your first photo and begin your Philippine story without having to wait for a SIM shop.

Just keep in mind the apps like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube can use up a considerable amount of data than regular messaging.

My checklist before buying

Before you press purchase, save this little checklist.

✓ Is my phone eSIM compatible?

✓ Is it unlocked?

✓ How many days am I travelling?

✓ How much data do I realistically need?

✓Will my travel destinations be included in the plan?

✓ Is it data-only or does it include calls and texts?

✓ Can I install it before leaving the UK?

✓ When does validity begin?

✓ Does it require registration after arrival?

✓ Can I use hotspot?

✓ What happens if I run out of data?

That final question is often forgotten.

which Philippines eSIM should you choose?

Well, it will depend on your trip.

For a local Philippines traveller connection, check out Globe and Smart.

International travel eSIM service providers can provide an alternative if a travel plan is desired that can be arranged digitally before the trip.

When looking for a heavy data package for a longer trip, be sure to compare packages and duration of validity. And if you are only visiting for a few days, there may be little reason to pay for a huge allowance.

The best eSIM Philippines call, however, isn’t necessarily the one with the most data number, or the loudest advertisement.

It’s the one that matches your travel style, your data use, and your phone!

Your Philippine adventure starts before the beach

It is amazing to travel to the Philippines.

• Perhaps your dream starts with the hustle and bustle of Manila.
• Perhaps it is a tranquil morning in Bohol.
• Perhaps it’s the turquoise waters of Palawan.
• Perhaps it’s a Cebu food stop that you didn’t plan on.

No matter whether you are going to the airport, a winter gathering, or the grocery store, having the right communication system is a great help in dealing with these little moments.

One of the easiest things to arrange before you depart the UK can be a Philippines eSIM.

So, before you zip up that suitcase, check your phone, compare your Philippines eSIM plans, choose the amount of data that suits you and get your connection ready.

Then comes the fun bit!

• The flight.
• The islands.
• The food.
• The people.
• Unexpected stories.

And naturally, the first beautiful Filipino “Mabuhay!”

If you need more inspiration before you travel, take a look at our Philippines travel guide, read about how to choose a ‘Philippines SIM card’, find out how to get the cheapest flight to the Philippines and read the latest Foreign travel advice Philippines before you travel.

Ever since I got into my career, I’ve been aware of a few times when the easiest journeys started with simply one thing:

Always available to say, “Let’s go.”

Quick Philippines eSIM guide

A final note for UK travellers

Travel information, network coverage, prices, data allowances and government advice can change. Before travelling, please consult the provider’s most current conditions of use and the latest UK government travel advice. Travel information, network coverage, prices, data allowances and government advice can change. Before travelling, check the latest UK government travel advice for the Philippines and your eSIM provider’s current terms and conditions.

World Pinoy Flights— bringing your Philippines journey a little closer, one good vibe at a time.

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