Best eSIM for the Philippines

At a glance

• Budget pick: Talisim — $13.38 for 10 GB / 30 days, and the only plan we checked that can use both Smart and Globe
• Best for the Philippines plus Southeast Asia: Airalo Asialink
• Best for unlimited data: Holafly Philippines — handy for remote work in Siargao or El Nido, from $27.50 for 7 days, but hotspot is capped at about 500 MB–1 GB a day
• For cruises: GigSky — its Cruise + Land plans work on board many cruise ships

Prices we checked

10 GB of data for 30 days, from each provider’s own website on 17 October 2026.

Provider	Price	Networks
Talisim	$13.38	Smart, Globe
Nomad	$17.00	Globe
Airalo	$19.00	Smart

Holafly sells unlimited data instead: $27.50 for 7 days or $50.50 for 15 days.

Network notes

Smart and Globe both cover the main cities and tourist areas. Outside them, each has gaps the other fills, and which one is stronger changes from island to island, so being able to use both is a real advantage. DITO is growing but still thinner outside cities.

Of the plans we checked, only Talisim’s can use both. Nomad’s runs on Globe and Airalo’s on Smart.

Practical connectivity tips

• Install before you land. Airport Wi-Fi at NAIA (Manila) and Mactan-Cebu works but is time-limited and can be slow, and you’ll want data for Grab.
• Apps you’ll want online: Grab (rides and food), Angkas and JoyRide (motorbike taxis in Manila and Cebu), Google Maps, and the ferry operators’ booking sites.
• Island-hopping and boat transfers often lose signal. Download maps and tickets first.
• Typhoons can knock out power and masts for days. Keep offline maps and a power bank.

Watch out for

• Local SIMs need registration with ID under Philippine law. Travel eSIMs that roam don’t, which is one reason they’re simpler for visitors.
• GCash and Maya (popular payment apps) usually need a local number. Carry cash for small islands.
• Remote islands (parts of Palawan, Siquijor, Batanes) have slow 4G or none.