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Carefully selecting the best SIM card in the Philippines ensures that you are receiving the best services for your local communication needs. Whether you’re making calls, sending texts, or using data to stay updated online, you need to take considerations when finding the right provider. In this guide, we’ll help you select the best prepaid SIM card to suit your needs.
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Choosing the Right SIM Card in the Philippines
This needs to be said: No SIM cards come with the same quality despite having common perks. It can be confusing if you take a first glance at each SIM and believe they come with the same benefits. Although the Philippines is home to various brands that offer SIM cards, each have its own ups and downs.
With that said, you should look into SIM card providers that offer the best value in terms of connectivity and data capacity. We recommend considering the provider’s pricing, data offers, and network coverages.
Listed below are the available SIM cards you can find within the country:
Globe Prepaid 5G SIM
Globe is a well-known brand that offers widespread network coverage within the country. It offers a variety of data plans, making it a perfect choice for casual or heavy data users. Globe offers a fast internet connection thanks to its latest 5G SIM, which is in constant demand among locals.
They are considered the Philippines’ best SIM card provider in terms of fast net and available in every location.
The 5G Prepaid SIM allows you to surf the internet with little trouble. Its high-speed connectivity makes it also ideal if you are an avid mobile gamer and love to keep up with the competition. With Globe, you can constantly connect online, no matter where you are. The upsides of Globe include:
- Fast internet
- Nationwide availability
- Tri-cut SIM
Also Read: How to Activate Roaming for Globe (Prepaid and Postpaid)
Smart Prepaid 5G SIM
Another ideal SIM card for your heavy data needs. Smart’s 5G Ready Prepaid SIM Card ensures you have strong connectivity at an affordable price. The telecom brand fits on various compatible devices in order to give everyone reliable data within the country. Smart Prepaid offers flexible top-up options, affordable data bundles, and easy activation.
Moreover, Smart dramatically reduces latency, which enables uninterrupted surfing, gaming, and streaming. It is generally considered the best SIM card in the Philippines in terms of data convenience and security. Summing it up, Smart offers:
- Improved security when connected
- Virtual SIM card
- User-convenient
DITO Level-Up Pack 199 SIM
DITO Telecommunity is an up-and-coming telecom provider known for its innovative data promotions. If you are looking for fast and dependable data at a reasonable price, we highly recommend DITO. Besides its high-speed connectivity and all-net SMS, DITO also offers unlimited calls to the same SIMs and inclusive DITO Level-Up Plans.
DITO also offers the Level-Up SIM Pack 199, which comes with texts, calls, and data allowances. DITO’s general upsides include:
- High-speed data
- Affordable promos
- 5G connectivity
GOMO SIM
The GOMO is a fully digital telecom that stands out for its numerous features. The telecom company highlights its No Expiry Data feature, indicating that there is no need to worry about unused data expiring, as its validity is infinite. Like DITO, GOMO is a newcomer company that aims for clients looking for quick and dependable mobile services at a reasonable price.
This SIM can cater to your data needs without spending too much or worrying about its duration. GOMO comes with the following:
- Nationwide LTE coverage
- 5G Ready connection
- Data has no expiration date
GOMO has been widely advertised and garnered the attention it has today thanks to its unlimited data and no expiry offers. You may find them convenient for your all-round net usage.
TM Prepaid SIM
TM, owned by Globe Telecom, offers an array of unique services for the needs of Filipino customers. These services come at a reasonable cost and excellent network coverage. With this SIM, you are guaranteed a reliable connection in the most remote spots in the Philippines. Through TM, you will have:
- Affordable load promos
- 5G-ready connectivity
Additionally, TM comes with a tri-cut format, allowing it to be used in any phone/device.
Unlimited Data Plan in the Philippines
Whether you are staying online either with a smartphone or a computer, you need a sturdy and lasting internet service to go through whatever you plan. Given the importance of connectivity nowadays, you will find it convenient to select unlimited data plans for your needs.
Unlimited data plans have no usage limits or caps, making them popular among heavy internet users. The main reason SIM cards are essential is that everyone wants to stay connected online. With that said, here are the available options you can consider:
Globe | ||
Plan | Price | Benefits |
GPlan Platinum Plan PLUS 3799 | ₱1499 | Unlimited all-access data One-day roaming Monthly consumable worth ₱1,500 |
GPlan Platinum Plan PLUS 4999 | ₱1999 | Unlimited all-access data Two-day roaming Monthly consumable worth ₱2,250 |
GPlan Platinum Plan Plus 7999 | ₱2499 | Unlimited all-access data Five-day roaming Monthly consumables worth ₱4,250 |
GoSURF999 | ₱999 | Unlimited data with a daily cap Valid for 30 days Can be registered via SMS or the GlobeOne app |
Smart | ||
Plan | Price | Benefits |
Plan 1499 | ₱3799 | Unli 5G for 12 months 40GB data Unli all-net mobile calls and texts Unli landline calls Free Netflix mobile plan or ₱149 off your existing subscription |
Plan 1999 | ₱4999 | Unli 5G for 12 months 60GB data Unli all-net mobile calls and texts Unli landline calls Free Netflix mobile plan or ₱149 off your existing subscription |
Plan 2499 | ₱7999 | Unli 4G/5G Unli all-net mobile calls and texts Unli landline calls Free Netflix mobile plan or ₱149 off your existing subscription |
Smart | ||
Plan | Price | Benefits |
Unli 5G with Non-Stop Data 99 | ₱99 | Unlimited 5G data for one day Unlimited non-5G data for one day |
Unli 5G with Non-Stop Data 149 | ₱149 | Unlimited 5G data for three days Unlimited non-5G data for three days |
Unli 5G with Non-Stop Data 299 | ₱299 | Unlimited 5G data for seven days Unlimited non-5G data for seven days |
Unli 5G with Non-Stop Data 999 | ₱999 | Unlimited 5G data for 30 days Unlimited non-5G data for 30 days |
DITO | ||
Plan | Price | Benefits |
FlexPlan 888 | ₱888 | Unli 5G 40GB 4G data per month Unli all-net calls and texts 12 months of Prime Video subscription |
FlexPlan 1288 | ₱1,288 | Unli 5G 60GB 4G data per month Unli all-net calls and texts 12 months of Prime Video subscription |
FlexPlan 1688 | ₱1,688 | Unli 5G 100GB 4G data per month Unli all-net calls and texts 12 months of Prime Video subscription |
GOMO | ||
Plan | Price | Benefits |
GOMO Unli 5G Data | ₱799 | Unli 7GB data (No Expiry) Valid for 30 days with free SIM |
GOMO Unli Data 599 | ₱599 | Unlimited data for one month to all sites and apps Speed of up to 5Mbps Valid for 30 days |
The combination of affordable pricing, 5G rollout, subscriber growth, changing usage habits, and various network leadership has made unlimited data promos extremely popular among Filipino mobile users. Feel free to check them all out. Just choose wisely for your mobile net needs.
Buying a SIM Card in the Philippines
Looking for a SIM Card is no hassle here. In fact, finding these cards has been made easy and available anywhere. You just need to be aware of where the best place to get one is. Buying a SIM card in the Philippines is a simple process that can significantly improve your travel experience by providing local connectivity.
This convenience doesn’t stand out within the country as getting SIM cards in the fastest way possible ensures you stay in touch with loved ones and stay connected. The most common places to buy a SIM Card include:
- Small booths at the Airport, Bus Stations, or Malls: If you have just arrived in the Philippines and are in need of online connectivity, don’t worry. Small but legitimate booths can be found within the airport or malls.
- Convenience Stores and Sari-Sari Stores: Small convenience stores are widespread throughout the country and often provide SIM cards from major providers. These stores are often licensed to offer various options for you to select when needed.
- Street Vendors: You can even find vendors selling SIM cards on random streets. Many of these vendors offer competitive pricing and can assist with activation, making it a convenient option for those in need of immediate connectivity. However, ensure they are giving legitimate products to avoid any issues.
Acquiring a SIM card in the Philippines is a simple yet crucial step for travelers looking to stay connected. Whether you choose to buy one at the airport or at a local store, the process is user-friendly, and having a local number provides invaluable benefits during your stay. Always make sure to register your SIM card to avoid any service interruptions.
How to Register Your SIM Card in the Philippines
Once you have purchased your SIM Card, you need to activate and register it. As stated by the SIM Card Registration Act of 2022, all Philippine SIM card users must register their SIM with their respective telecommunications provider. This goes the same if you are a new user.
With that said, each provider has their own approach to registering your SIM by their provider. To avoid any issues with your SIM card, it’s best to register it as soon as possible after purchasing it.:
Globe / TM
Here is a step-by-step registration process for registering your Globe or TM SIM Card. You can see more details here.
- Go to new.globe.come.ph/simreg.
- Enter your Globe or TM number and click ‘Register.’
- Enter the one-time code sent to your number.
- Fill out the provided form. Prepare your valid ID and its ID number.
- Upload a photo of your ID and a selfie of you holding it.
- Click ‘Next’ to complete your registration and take note of the reference number.
Smart / TNT
Here is a step-by-step registration process for registering your Smart or TNT SIM Card. You can find further details about the process here.
- Visit smart.com.ph/simreg.
- Enter your Smart or TNT mobile number and confirm both “Terms and Conditions” and “Privacy Notice.”
- Click Send OTP. Enter the code afterwards and verify the OTP.
- Complete your profile and attach a copy of a valid government ID.
- Take note of your SIM card registration control number for further validation. You may also receive a call or an SMS regarding your successful SIM card registration.
DITO
Listed below is a simplified process for registering your DITO SIM Card. Explore the full details here.
- Download and launch your DITO app.
- Click on the registration banner.
- Fill out the provided form.
- Take a screenshot of your registration.
- Take a selfie with your valid ID and enter the OTP for verification. Click Submit afterward.
GOMO
- Download and launch your GOMO PH app.
- Create your Account.
- Navigate and select ‘SIM Registration.’
- Verify your Information.
- Upload the requested IDs and Submit.
Also Read: NTC Declares SIM Registration July 26, 2023 Deadline Final
Once you have followed the steps of the following registrations, you would receive a confirmation that your SIM is good to go. We recommend you follow the steps carefully to prevent re-doing the steps repeatedly. You can also reach out to the provider’s support to clarify any issue you’re facing.
Best Prepaid SIM Card in the Philippines in 2024
We have uncovered the various brands and their unique offers. Selecting the best SIM card in the Philippines depends on what you are looking for. Each provider, as mentioned, has their own ups and downs. They offer promotions and packages that can enhance your data experience.
Globe and Smart SIM cards are the top choices we can recommend, as they come with versatile net coverage. They offer multiple promos for various needs, not to mention that they are also available nationwide.
Keep Reading: eSIMs in the Philippines: Benefits, Activation, and Best Options
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