Best eSIM For the Philippines: Plans, Pricing & Setup (2025 Edition)

If you’re going to the Philippines, you’ll want to stay connected. Without the internet, it’s hard to get directions, book rides, or talk to people.

Buying a local SIM card can be tricky and take time. An eSIM makes this easier. It lets you use local data without needing a physical SIM card. In this guide, we’ll explain what an eSIM is, how it works, and why it might be the best option for your trip to the Philippines.

All Pictures by on Unsplash

 

What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?

Staying connected while traveling is now simpler, thanks to eSIM technology. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s already built into your device. This means you don’t need a physical SIM card anymore. Instead of looking for a shop and swapping out tiny cards, you can activate an eSIM in just a few minutes. Usually, you just scan a QR code or enter some activation details.

Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM lets you switch between mobile networks easily. This is perfect for travelers who need reliable internet. In the Philippines, getting a local SIM card can sometimes involve paperwork or queues. An eSIM offers a hassle-free way to get connected. Plus, there’s no risk of losing a small SIM card, and you can often manage your plan digitally. It’s becoming a go-to for international travelers.

Choosing between an eSIM and a regular prepaid SIM card will depend on what you need for your trip. You can also check out this article for more details on that about international roaming vs SIM.

 

How to Choose the Best eSIM for the Philippines?

Will You Have Signal Wherever You Travel?

The Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, and not all eSIMs offer the same coverage. If you’re mostly staying in major cities like Manila, Cebu City, or Davao, most eSIMs will provide good service.

However, if your plans include exploring more remote islands such as Palawan, Siargao, or the northern parts of Luzon, you’ll want an eSIM that partners with the Philippines’ leading carriers like Globe or Smart. It’s always a good idea to check the provider’s coverage map before you buy to avoid any surprises.

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

Your data needs will depend on how you use your phone. For simple tasks like using maps, checking emails, and light browsing, around 1GB to 3GB per week should be fine. If you plan to stream videos, use social media regularly, or make video calls, consider a 5GB to 10GB plan for a two-week stay. For those who work remotely or use a lot of cloud storage, looking for an unlimited plan or at least 20GB for a month would be best.

Pro tip: Many providers let you easily top up your data if you run low, so you can start with a smaller plan and add more if needed!

What’s the Length of Your Trip?

eSIM plans come with different validity periods. For short trips, say 2-3 days, a 1GB to 3GB plan is usually enough for navigation, messaging, and some social media. If you’re staying for 4-7 days, a 5GB to 10GB plan will likely cover more active use, including some streaming. For trips lasting two weeks or more, a 20GB or even an unlimited plan will give you constant data access without worries.

Want Voice and Messages, or Just Internet?

Most eSIM plans for the Philippines are data-only. This means you’ll use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, or Skype for making calls and sending messages over the internet. However, a few eSIM providers do offer plans that include a local phone number and traditional call/text allowances. If having a local number is important for your trip, make sure to check for this feature before purchasing.

Do You Need an eSIM Hotspot?

If you’re thinking of sharing your internet connection with other devices like a laptop, tablet, or a friend’s phone, ensure your eSIM provider allows hotspot usage. Some eSIM plans restrict tethering (sharing your connection). If you rely on a mobile hotspot for work or travel with others, double-check this feature before you buy.

What is the Best Deal?

Prices for eSIMs can vary. They depend on the provider, the amount of data included, and how long the plan is valid. For budget-conscious travelers, you can often find short-term plans with a few gigabytes of data starting from around $5 to $7 for a week.

If you need a lot of data for work or streaming, premium unlimited plans offer reliable and fast connectivity, though they will be more expensive. It’s always a good idea to compare a few options to find the best value for your needs. Also, keep an eye out for promotional deals or bundle discounts that can help you save some money.

 

Best eSIM Providers for the Philippines in 2025

Choosing the right eSIM provider is important for a hassle-free trip to the Philippines. Each one offers different things, so let’s look at some popular options in more detail for your 2025 travels:

Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile stands out for travelers heading to the Philippines because of its flexible plans and competitive pricing. You can customize your plan by choosing the exact number of days you need and the amount of data you think you’ll use.

For instance, you might find a plan offering 1GB of data for 7 days for just $2.38, or perhaps a larger 10GB package if you plan on using more internet during the same time for about $9.71. This means you only pay for what you really need.

For network quality, Yoho Mobile connects to strong local carriers in the Philippines, giving you access to both 4G and reliable 5G networks where available. This ensures good speeds for browsing, maps, and streaming in cities and many tourist spots.

Hotspot sharing is included, which is a big plus if you want to share your connection with your tablet, laptop, or with travel companions. Their customer support is usually available 24/7 and in multiple languages, easily reachable through their dedicated iOS and Android apps or their website. Payment is also made easy with a variety of options.

Flexiroam

Flexiroam is a well-known name, especially if your trip to the Philippines is part of a bigger adventure across multiple countries, as many of their eSIM plans offer global or regional coverage. For the Philippines specifically, you can find plans like 1GB for a week for $8, which uses dependable 4G networks, ensuring good connectivity in urban centers. They also support hotspot usage, so sharing your data is an option.

While convenient for multi-country travel, their plans for a single country like the Philippines can sometimes be a bit more expensive compared to some other providers focused solely on local plans. If you opt for one of their unlimited data plans, it’s good to know that your download speeds might be reduced once you’ve used a certain amount of data in a day, for example, after 3 GB. Customer support is available through email and chat.

Jetpac

Jetpac aims to provide simple and often budget-friendly eSIM plans, which can be attractive for travelers looking for a straightforward solution in the Philippines. You might find options like a 3GB data plan that is valid for one week, which is great for shorter trips for only $7. They generally utilize 4G networks, offering a stable internet connection in most popular areas and tourist destinations. Hotspot functionality is also usually supported, which is convenient if you need to connect other devices.

One thing to consider is that Jetpac does not currently offer unlimited data plans. So, if you’re a very heavy data user who streams a lot of videos or works online extensively, you might need to look at other options or be prepared to top up. Customer support is typically available during standard business hours.

Saily

Saily is often recognized for its affordable short-term eSIM plans, making it a popular choice for tourists making a quick visit to the Philippines. For example, you could get a 1GB plan designed to last for 7 days for $3.99, which gives you plenty of time to use your data. These plans generally run on a reliable 4G network, and hotspot capability is usually included, allowing you to share your connection.

While Saily offers good value for many travelers, a key point is that you must use the Saily app to activate and manage your eSIM. This might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer to handle things through a website or have limited space on your phone for new apps. For customer assistance, they offer live chat support, and most users report positive experiences with how quickly their issues are resolved.

Airhub

Airhub often appeals to travelers whose journey includes the Philippines as one stop on a multi-country tour, particularly in Asia, as they specialize in multi-country eSIM plans. You might find a plan offering 12GB of data valid for a month for $20, and they often support both 4G and fast 5G networks where available, ensuring good browsing speeds. Hotspot sharing is also typically available, making it a good option if you need to keep multiple devices connected.

When choosing a plan, you’ll find that Airhub’s options are often predefined, meaning you select from set data amounts and validity periods. This can mean a bit less flexibility in customizing the plan perfectly to very specific needs compared to some other providers. Users usually manage their plans through Airhub’s web portal rather than a mobile app. Customer support is generally available through live chat and email.

 

How to Buy & Activate an eSIM for the Philippines

Getting your eSIM for the Philippines is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you connected:

Step 1: Choose Your Preferred eSIM Provider

First things first, make sure your smartphone can use an eSIM. Many modern phones do, but it’s always good to double-check. You can see a helpful list of eSIM-compatible devices here. Yoho Mobile is a trusted provider offering good coverage across the Philippines. Take a look at their plans to find one that perfectly matches your travel needs.

Step 2: Go to the Yoho Mobile Store

You can easily visit the Yoho Mobile website to browse their eSIM options. Alternatively, you can download the Yoho app directly from the App Store if you have an iPhone, or from the Google Play Store for Android devices. This makes it quick and easy to see what’s available and make your purchase.

Step 3: Choose Your Destination

On the website or in the app, select the Philippines as your destination country. If your adventure includes exploring other nearby countries in Southeast Asia, like Thailand or Malaysia, you might want to consider a regional multi-country plan. This way, a single eSIM can keep you connected across different places.

Step 4: Customize Your Yoho Mobile Plan

Now it’s time to pick a plan that fits how long you’ll be in the Philippines and how much data you think you’ll need. Here are a few general ideas:

• Short Stays (1-3 days): A plan with around 3GB of data is usually great for essentials like using maps, sending messages, and light internet browsing.
• Longer Trips (5-10 days): If you’ll be using social media, streaming music or videos, or making video calls, a 10GB plan or even an unlimited option would be a better fit.
• Business Travel or Heavy Usage: For constant internet access for work or if you’re a heavy data user, an unlimited data plan is often the most convenient choice.

Step 5: Buy Your eSIM

Once you’ve chosen your plan, you can complete your purchase on the website or through the app:

• Enter your email address carefully. This is where Yoho Mobile will send your eSIM activation details.

• Look out for any promo codes to save money, like YOHO12 for a 12% discount on all purchases.

• Select your preferred payment method. Yoho Mobile usually accepts various options like credit cards and other common online payment services. Enter your details to complete the transaction.

• If you want to try before you buy, you can get a free trial eSIM. Just scan the eSIM QR code below to activate your free eSIM and start using Yoho Mobile in over 70 countries.

Step 6: Install and Activate Your eSIM

After your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an email from Yoho Mobile. This email will contain a QR code, which is what you’ll use to activate your eSIM. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Open your phone’s Settings, go to Network/Cellular (or similar), and tap “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan.” Scan the QR code provided or enter the activation code manually if needed.
3. Set the eSIM as your default data SIM and turn on Data Roaming. Follow on-screen prompts to complete setup—the eSIM will activate automatically, and you’ll see the Yoho Mobile signal.

Do not delete the eSIM, turn off your phone, or disconnect from Wi-Fi during installation.

For iPhone users: The eSIM installs automatically without scanning or manual entry.

You might also find it helpful to learn how to create your own personalized eSIM plan with Yoho Mobile.

 

Is an eSIM Worth It in the Philippines?

Absolutely! If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of the Philippines, an eSIM is a fantastic way to stay connected easily and affordably. It means you can skip the stress of hunting for a local SIM card when you arrive and avoid those surprisingly high roaming charges from your home provider.

With an eSIM, you get reliable internet access, often with fast 4G and even 5G speeds in many areas, whether you’re exploring bustling Manila, relaxing on the beaches of Boracay, or discovering hidden gems. It just makes your travel experience smoother, letting you focus on enjoying your adventure with the convenience of instant connectivity right from your phone.

Photo by John Hernandez on Unsplash

 

FAQs About Using an eSIM in the Philippines

How much data will I need for my trip to the Philippines?

The amount of data you need really depends on what you’ll be doing online. If you mostly need data for checking maps, sending a few messages, and light browsing, about 3GB to 5GB per week should be plenty. If you love sharing photos on social media, streaming music, or making video calls back home, you might want to look at plans with 10GB to 15GB for a couple of weeks. For those who work while traveling or stream a lot of videos, an unlimited data plan is usually the best and most worry-free option.

Does the Philippines support eSIM technology?

Yes, definitely! The Philippines has good eSIM support, especially with its major mobile networks like Globe and Smart. This means you can get strong and reliable coverage in big cities like Manila and Cebu, as well as in many popular tourist destinations and islands.

Can I make regular phone calls and send SMS texts with a Philippines eSIM?

Most eSIM plans you’ll find for the Philippines are data-only. This is quite common for travel eSIMs. For calls and text messages, you’ll typically use internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, or FaceTime. These apps use your data to communicate. However, a few providers might offer special plans that include a local Philippine phone number for traditional calls and SMS. You can also look at this guide for more information about the best eSIM for call and text.

What is the best eSIM to use in the Philippines?

The “best” eSIM really depends on your individual travel style and needs:

• Yoho Mobile: is a top choice for travelers to the Philippines looking for affordable plans that you can customize to fit your trip length and data usage.
• Flexiroam: A good option if you’re a frequent globetrotter and need an eSIM that works in many countries beyond just the Philippines, though it might be a bit pricier for single-country use.
• Jetpac: A solid budget-friendly choice for shorter stays in the Philippines, but keep in mind they don’t offer very large data packages for heavy users.