Usually, the simplest way to stay connected when traveling is to purchase a local SIM card when you reach your destination. In most countries, this is a straightforward process that requires no major hurdles before you have signal coverage in all developed areas.
This is no different in the Philippines, where purchasing a SIM card as a tourist or short-term visitor is easy if you follow the rules for obtaining one. If you are traveling to the island region in the near future, keep reading to discover everything you should know about SIM cards in the Philippines.
Where You Will and Won’t Get Signal
The Philippines is a nation made up of over 7,640 islands. The massive land mass they occupy means that covering every square mile of livable space with connectivity is a significant task.
In addition to the distance between islands, many islands within the Philippines often suffer from intermittent power supply and frequent power cuts. Frequent power cuts cause signal beacons to lose power and shut down, which can also lead to signal loss, even when visiting areas that usually have coverage.
So, while the general rule is that urban, more densely populated areas usually have signal while more remote, outlying areas do not, it is important to manage your connectivity expectations. This includes if you are staying at a hotel or resort that offers Wi-Fi, as the Wi-Fi is sometimes reliant on mobile 5G connectivity.
Mobile Data Cost and Speed
The Philippines is ranked 55th worldwide in terms of having the cheapest mobile data per GB, costing an average of just US$0.59 (or around 33 PHP) per GB. This pricing, however, is based on single GB purchases, which are often more expensive than bulk bundle purchases.
When purchasing larger amounts of data, particularly when offered through a promotion, it is possible to get up to 24 GB of mobile data for around US$5 (or 282 PHP). In some cases, providers will even give complimentary data when you activate your SIM card. This data is, however, limited, with 3GB being the average granted to new customers.
Determining the speed of the data is trickier, as it depends on where within the nation you are visiting. As mentioned, more urban areas have 5G coverage and boast mobile data speeds of up to 287.2 Mbps (network dependent). Areas that have less or weaker coverage will naturally have lower speeds.
On average, download speeds throughout the region run at around 28 Mbps.
Where and How to Buy a SIM Card
SIM cards are widely available, with many electronics stores and the largest providers’ official retail stores, which are located in most malls, offering them. Tourists can often also purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival in the country.
Globe, Smart, and DITO, the three mobile telecommunications market leaders in the Philippines, all follow the same method of activating a SIM card once purchased. This method is set out by the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act of 2022, which made it a legal mandate to register any new SIM card before activation.
Because of this law, you will not be able to purchase a new SIM card and use it immediately. Instead, you will need to register it, which is often done via your chosen provider’s website, app, or in-store when you make your purchase.
For tourists, you will need to provide clear images of your passport and visa stamp obtained when entering the country. You will also need to prove that you have a valid return ticket to your home country and proof of your address while you are in the Philippines. This can take the form of a hotel booking confirmation or an affidavit if you are staying with someone.
In addition to these documents and any others you may be required to submit, you will also need to take a selfie or complete a liveness appearance check, which will map the biometric data of your face to confirm your identity.
Once all this has been submitted and verified, your new SIM will be activated. It should be noted, however, that tourist SIM cards are only active for 30 days and will automatically be deactivated after this period.
If you are planning on staying in the region for longer than 30 days, you will also need to provide an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) or proof that you are employed by a local company or a student at a local educational institute.
The Best SIM Card Plans Based on Your Needs
Like almost all countries, providers in the Philippines offer prepaid or postpaid services. Choosing which to purchase can be done using the same logic you may apply when looking to choose between low or high volatility slots on the market. Ultimately, you have to weigh the pros and cons of both and decide which option is best for you.
If you plan on using large amounts of data in a short space of time or are only in the country for a limited period, prepaid plans are your best option. Like high volatility games, these offer more significant benefits for inconsistent or periodic users and can be obtained at better prices more easily.
If you are looking for consistent packages that provide data on a more reliable schedule, then, like low-volatility games, postpaid SIM cards are the right choice for you. These often cost more but offer better long-term benefits, such as access to devices, for those planning to stay in the region for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
Getting connected with your new SIM card in the Philippines is easy if you have the required documents and follow the straightforward process. However, you’ll need to keep in mind the reality of the region, including that you may occasionally be find yourself without signal. As such, planning accordingly if you have any digital needs, particularly if you will be working while travelling, is imperative to make the most of your trip.