The 5 best eSIM for Philippines: Compare eSIMS

Are you gearing up for a trip to the Philippines? In today’s interconnected world, having a dependable Internet connection during your travels is not just a convenience but a necessity. Utilizing an eSIM card emerges as the most straightforward method to stay connected while exploring the vibrant landscapes of the Philippines. Drawing from my hands-on experience, I’ve curated a list of the top 5 best eSIM for Philippines.

These recommendations are tailored to ensure you make the most of your journey, whether you’re immersing yourself in the pristine beaches, navigating bustling cities, or exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Let’s dive into the details now!

Best eSIM for Philippines: Top 5 you must know

1. Esimwise

I highly recommend Esimwise based on my personal experience. As an individual user, I confidently endorse us as one of the best eSIM for Philippines. In the ever-evolving field of telecommunications, where established brands often dominate, Esimwise’s emergence offers a refreshing perspective with innovative solutions. Despite being in the early stages of market establishment, this presents exciting opportunities for users seeking alternatives that better align with their evolving needs.

Focusing solely on a dedicated eSIM option for the Philippines is ample; there’s no necessity to draw comparisons with other packages because Esimwise distinctly emerges as the premier eSIM offering for the Philippines. Esimwise presents competitive rates, starting from $4.5, featuring data plans beginning at 0.5GB, 1GB or more. When scrutinizing other providers, you’ll observe that our data packages are comprehensive and economically optimized.

Esimwise boasts a competitive pricing advantage, seamlessly aligning with the cost optimization requirements of users. Our pricing structure ensures affordability without compromising the variety of available eSIM plans, making us an appealing choice for those looking for a cost-effective connectivity solution, especially during travel.

Esimwise excels in providing a user-friendly experience. The installation and activation process are quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes. This efficiency caters to the preferences of users who value a seamless and expedited setup. Esimwise’s commitment to a hassle-free experience positions us as an attractive option for individuals who appreciate the convenience of swift eSIM activation.

Furthermore, Esimwise distinguishes by offering 24/7 customer support in multiple languages. This accessibility ensures that users, regardless of  your location or time zone, can seek assistance whenever needed. The availability of support in various languages enhances the overall customer experience, accommodating a diverse user base and facilitating effective communication and query resolution in your preferred language.

What we are proud:

• Convenient QR code setup
• Adaptable pricing
• Unlimited data plans
• Versatile data packages
• Technical support 24/7
• Diverse payment methods

We are improving:

• New brand on the market
• No App

Esimwise takes your connectivity in the Philippines to the next level with fast 4G/5G speeds. We are a tailored portal to dependable, lightning-fast connectivity designed to match your distinctive travel rhythm. Choosing Esimwise means embracing a unique connectivity partner, seamlessly blending with your journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Philippines.

2. Airalo

Airalo is my next suggestion in the list of best eSIM for Philippines. Having traversed diverse terrains in more than 50 countries, my unwavering reliance on Airalo’s eSIM card services has been a testament to their unwavering reliability. With each journey, Airalo has consistently delivered seamless connectivity, earning my steadfast endorsement for anyone seeking an eSIM card solution.

When navigating the digital landscape of the Philippines, I’ve found Airalo to not only stand out but to surpass its counterparts, such as SimOptions, with its exceptional eSIM card plans. Let’s delve into the comprehensive details of the data-only eSIM card plans tailored for the Philippines in 2024, offered by Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days: $4.5
• 3 GB data for 30 days: $9.5
• 5 GB data for 30 days: $13
• 10 GB data for 30 days: $21
• 20 GB data for 30 days: $32

Airalo eSIM cards in the Philippines leverage the robust 4G/LTE network of Globe. However, it’s essential to note that these eSIM cards are not yet 5G ready, reflecting a minor limitation in the current technological landscape.

For those keen on optimizing value, the most lucrative Airalo eSIM card option generously provides 20 GB data at an economically enticing rate of $1.6 USD per Gigabyte. Notably, in popular destinations within the Philippines, a consistent and reliable 4G/LTE signal is prevalent, ensuring commendable data speeds.

As an individual user, it’s crucial to understand the specifics. All Airalo eSIM cards are explicitly designed for data-only functionality, devoid of a designated phone number and lacking support for traditional phone/SMS services. I recommend installing the eSIM card within 1 month, and post-activation, the credit validity period initiates with the initial connection to a supported network.

What I like:

• The most affordable eSIM option on the market.
• Coverage for 190 countries.
• Data sharing capability.
• An easy-to-use app for buying and installing eSIMs.

What I don’t like:

• Short-term plans offer very limited gigabytes.
• eSIM cards do not include calls and SMS.
• Data plan durations are confined to 7 and 30 days.
• Services and technical support are exclusively in English and may have delayed response times.

During my trip to the Philippines in January 2023, I personally experienced using the Airalo eSIM. Throughout my stay, mainly in the Metro Manila area, I found the coverage to be satisfactory. However, for those intending to explore less populated areas, it’s recommended to check the network coverage in those specific locations in advance.

3. Nomad

Next on the list my best eSIM for Philippines is Nomad. In my personal experience, Nomad’s eSIM in the Philippines proved to be serviceable, yet noticeably slower compared to my previous experience with Esimwise.

Throughout my stay, I successfully utilized Nomad’s eSIM for tasks such as navigating with Google Maps, using Grab for transportation, staying active on social networks, and basic web browsing without encountering significant issues. However, the challenges surfaced when I attempted to employ the personal hotspot, particularly at the airport during my return journey. The speed was considerably slower compared to the remarkably stable connection I had previously enjoyed with Esimwise.

Although the Nomad website may lack some user-friendliness, it compensates with comprehensive plans, offering users a variety of options. Let’s delve into the detailed Nomad eSIM card plans tailored for the Philippines:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $7
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $10
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $21
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $27
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $35
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $40
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $49

The standout feature of Nomad eSIM cards lies in their exceptional value, with rates dropping as low as $0.98 USD per Gigabyte. To make the most of these benefits, it’s important to complete the installation within 30 days, and the validity period begins upon the eSIM’s initial connection to a supported network in the Philippines—typically upon landing. While speed considerations may exist, Nomad’s eSIM distinguishes itself with affordability and an array of options.

In addition, it’s crucial to note that Nomad’s eSIMs cater exclusively to data usage and do not support incoming or outgoing calls and SMS. Despite this limitation, being on LTE/4G/5G network ensures that these eSIM cards are 5G ready, providing connectivity with the latest technology.

What I like:

• Easy purchase and installation of eSIM cards.
• Diverse eSIM options with different prices and gigabytes.
• Accessible technical support on the app and web.

What I don’t like:

• Gigabytes are capped at 50GB or less, without unlimited data options.
• Short-term plans offer very limited gigabytes (1GB).
• eSIM cards do not include calls or SMS.
• Services and technical support are exclusively in English.

Setting up my device for cellular data and activating data roaming with the Airalo eSIM was a breeze – no complications whatsoever. While my usage was confined to Manila, the coverage proved to be robust, with few exceptions in predictable areas like inside elevators where reception naturally tends to be weaker.

4. SimOptions

In my personal experience, I also rate SimOptions as one of the best eSIM for Philippines today. It’s been reliable and quite stable for me. The process of ordering through SimOptions is swift and uncomplicated, ensuring a seamless and efficient connection during my travels.

Over the years, SimOptions has been my go-to choice for staying connected abroad due to its reliability and often offering some of the most competitive eSIM card deals. However, when it comes to the Philippines, it’s important to note that the eSIM card plans from SimOptions are relatively more expensive compared to alternatives like Esimwise, Airalo and Nomad.

Let’s take a closer look at the eSIM card plans offered by SimOptions for the year 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $7.90
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $14.90
• 6 GB data for 10 days = $17.90
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $39.90
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $64.90

All SimOptions eSIM cards ordered through their platform are exclusively valid in the Philippines, except for the Smart Traveller eSIM with 3GB data. This particular eSIM card is valid in 26 countries worldwide and stands out as the best value SimOptions eSIM card, priced at $3 USD per Gigabyte.

While SimOptions does not specify the exact mobile network operator used in the Philippines, it’s important to note that their eSIM cards for the country are not 5G ready, offering a maximum data speed of 4G/LTE.

These eSIM cards do not come with a phone number, and they do not support incoming/outgoing calls or SMS services. The validity period for these eSIM cards is 1 year, with credit validity starting immediately after the eSIM card is installed, even if you are not physically in the Philippines.

What I like:

• Easy purchase and installation of eSIM cards.
• Diverse eSIM options with various durations, prices, and gigabytes.
• Coverage for 160 countries.

What I don’t like:

• Gigabytes are capped at 20GB or less, with no unlimited data card options.
• Customer service cannot be guaranteed.
• Speed is dependent on the specific brand of the eSIM card.
• No app

While the ordering process with SimOptions is swift, it’s crucial to highlight that their eSIM plans for the Philippines tend to be relatively more expensive when compared to alternatives such as Esimwise. This consideration is important for travelers seeking cost-effective options for their connectivity needs in the Philippines.

5. Holafly

I find Holafly to be my preferred eSIM brand for various compelling reasons, so I would also recommend it as one of the best eSIM for Philippines. The standout feature is their 24-hour customer service, available in six languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese), with an impressive response time of less than a minute through chat or WhatsApp.

Holafly’s website showcases a selection of five unlimited data plans, spanning from 5 to 20 days, with prices starting at $19. Here’s a breakdown of the Philippines unlimited data eSIM plans:

• 5 days: 19 USD
• 7 days: 27 USD
• 10 days: 34 USD
• 15 days: 47 USD
• 20 days: 54 USD

Despite being positioned as one of the more expensive brands, my extensive testing of various eSIM card brands has led me to believe that Holafly’s slightly higher cost is worthwhile. This is particularly true when considering the peace of mind that comes with traveling without concerns about data limitations or the need for recharging. While other brands, such as Airalo, may seem more budget-friendly initially, it’s essential to note that additional charges may apply when data runs out.

Holafly’s user-friendly app allows me to monitor the remaining days of my contract, access the eSIM installation code manually, and communicate with their customer service department. This eliminates the need to purchase via a PC for QR code scanning. The app also features a comprehensive FAQ section to address any queries.

What I like:

• Coverage for 160 destinations.
• Unlimited data plans for all eSIM offerings.
• 24/7 multilingual technical support.

What I don’t like:

• No calls or SMS included.
• Relatively higher cost justified by unlimited data.
• No data sharing for the eSIM card in the Philippines.
• Installation cannot be done through their app.

For anyone looking to maximize their trip and enjoy seamless internet usage without concerns, Holafly’s unlimited data eSIM cards stand out as the best option.

How to choose eSIM for the Philippines?

When selecting an eSIM for use in the Philippines, consider these key factors for optimal compatibility and performance:

1. Network coverage

Evaluate the eSIM provider’s coverage, especially in remote or less populated areas. Customer reviews and coverage maps provide valuable insights into the reliability of the provider’s network.

2. Data usage

Assess the available data plans and pricing options. Choose based on your data usage patterns, considering customizable plans or fixed packages. Look for providers with top-up options for flexibility in managing unexpected data needs.

3. Data speed

Prioritize data speed for a satisfactory online experience. Check if the provider supports high-speed data services compatible with the Philippines’ network infrastructure. Opt for plans that align with your specific needs, such as streaming, video conferencing, or large file downloads.

4. Customer support

Scrutinize the quality of customer support offered by the eSIM provider. Efficient and responsive support is crucial for addressing technical issues. Choose providers with positive customer feedback on their support services for a reliable experience.

FAQs

1. How to buy an e-sim card for the Philippines?

For acquiring an eSIM card in the Philippines, the most convenient approach is to make an online purchase through eSIM providers, with Esimwise standing out as the premier choice in 2024. The online procedure is straightforward: verify eSIM compatibility, select an eSIM plan, make the purchase, and then easily install it by scanning the QR code and following the provided instructions. With this hassle-free process, you can now enjoy seamless connectivity in the Philippines, whether staying in touch or exploring new destinations.

2. Which eSIM is best for the internet in Philippines?

When deciding on the best eSIM for the internet in Philippines, it’s vital to consider factors such as data plans, coverage, network compatibility, and user reviews. Evaluate whether the eSIM provider provides data packages that suit your internet usage. Based on my personal experience, Esimwise stands out as the top choice for internet connectivity in the Philippines. I strongly recommend trying it out to experience reliable and customized eSIM services that cater to your internet needs.

3. Is eSIM internet faster than physical SIM in the Philippines?

Actually, eSIM or physical SIM does not inherently affect the internet speed. In other words, whether eSIM internet is faster than a physical SIM in the Philippines depends more on the network and data plan than the type of SIM card itself. Both eSIMs and physical SIMs can provide fast internet speeds if they are connected to a network with good coverage and high-speed capabilities. If you are considering switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM or vice versa, it’s essential to ensure that the network provider and the data plan you choose offer the desired speed and coverage in your specific location.

Wrap up

Above is my overview of the best eSIM options for the Philippines. Ultimately, your decision should align with your individual needs. Regardless of the brand you choose, rest assured that each one provides an excellent eSIM application to ensure a seamless and satisfying mobile experience. Esimwise, in particular, stands out with its user-friendly online purchasing process, a range of plans catering to different requirements, and the added advantage of 24/7 support through messaging, providing a comprehensive solution for those seeking eSIM services in the Philippines.