HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for Philippines from £2.14 a day. Your e SIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land. Activate by QR code in under two minutes, with no shop visit required. Keep your EE, Vodafone, or Three number live on dual SIM while your e-sim handles data abroad.
- Mobile networks
212+- 5G support
5G- Setup
under two minutes
Last updated
Your e SIM Philippines plan with local network coverage
Cheap eSIM for Philippines, starting from £2.14. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in Philippines. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. The cheapest eSIM Philippines from HelloRoam starts at £2.14 on SMART and Globe 5G networks. HelloRoam's eSIM for Philippines plans start at £2.14 on SMART and Globe networks covering Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao. Activate by QR code before Ninoy Aquino Airport and arrive already online without stopping at a SIM desk. A 180-day money-back guarantee on unactivated eSIMs is included with every plan.
Philippines eSIM with fast 5G coverage
HelloRoam provides eSIM plans for the Philippines starting from £2.14. Get 5G data on SMART and Globe across Manila, Cebu City, Palawan, Boracay, Davao. Activate via QR code before your flight.
- Plans start at £2.14 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from SMART and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Philippines coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- £2.14
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Philippines
Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on iPhone or Android before your holiday. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no shop visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone for travel from the UK
Set up an eSIM on your Android for travel from the UK
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready on arrival
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Holiday changed? Not to worry, your money is safe.
Plans change. With HelloRoam, you can request a full refund on any unused eSIM plan within 180 days of purchase. No questions asked if the eSIM has not been activated.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Philippines eSIM vs EE, Vodafone and Three roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Philippines, HelloRoam wins on price. EE charges £6/day on their Roam Abroad Pass, Vodafone charges £6.85/day on Xtra roaming, and Three Go Roam applies fair-use data caps. Skip the airport SIM kiosk and get the cheapest eSIM deal from £2.14 with instant QR activation.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | UK carrier roaming add-on | Budget eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Round-the-clock live chat | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Philippines carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Philippines SIM card vs HelloRoam eSIM: which is best for British island-hoppers?
A prepaid SIM card Philippines from Ninoy Aquino arrivals costs £5-10 and means a desk visit after a long flight. HelloRoam delivers local data by QR before your Heathrow departure, with plans from £2.14 on SMART and Globe 5G networks.
An eSIM in Philippines from HelloRoam starts as the most affordable option available online in GBP. Scan the QR before your Heathrow departure and land with data already active on SMART and Globe networks.
eSIMs Philippines from HelloRoam are already active on SMART and Globe networks the moment you land at Ninoy Aquino. One plan covers Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay with no card swapping between islands.
An eSIM card Philippines from HelloRoam is available in GBP with no ID queue. A 180-day refund guarantee for unactivated eSIMs applies to unactivated eSIMs and no physical SIM card is needed.
The cheapest eSIM for Philippines from HelloRoam covers all islands on one allowance. No card swapping between regions and instant QR delivery to your inbox before you fly.
A prepaid eSIM Philippines from HelloRoam is the simplest way to stay connected across all the islands. No contract, no counter visit, and a 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs.
Why UK Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for Philippines
Round-the-clock live chat support
HelloRoam support is available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, and email. A real person responds in under five minutes, whether you are setting up before a Heathrow flight or troubleshooting on holiday. That kind of round-the-clock access to mobile data help is hard to find from any other travel eSIM provider.
Best eSIM for Philippines
Connect to local 4G/5G networks on local carriers the moment you land in Philippines. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online without paying EE, Vodafone, or Three roaming fees. A prepaid data package for your destination costs a fraction of standard carrier daily charges.
Dual SIM ready
Keep your UK mobile number active for calls and texts on your main SIM. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone. No need to choose between your EE or Vodafone line and your holiday data. Your wireless connectivity abroad stays separate from your home plan, so there are no bill surprises when you return.
212+ carrier networks including Philippines
HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone picks the strongest 4G/5G signal in Philippines with no manual carrier selection needed. That breadth of network access means consistent cellular coverage whether you are in a city centre or a quieter coastal area.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam sends an alert when you reach 80% of your data allowance. Top up from your account dashboard in seconds. A pay as you go eSIM with no contracts and no surprise bills on holiday. Managing your internet abroad this way keeps costs clear and predictable from start to finish.
Local network speeds in Philippines
HelloRoam eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks in Philippines at local data prices. You get fast speeds for navigation, video calls, and streaming without paying EE or Vodafone daily roaming rates. Local network speeds through a travel eSIM are the same as what residents get, giving you a reliable connection throughout your trip.
Global and regional plans
Visiting more than one country? HelloRoam regional eSIMs cover the EU, Asia, the Americas, and 185+ destinations in a single purchase. Unlimited data plans work for longer holidays. One QR code, no border hassle. A single regional plan gives you mobile data and wireless connectivity across multiple countries without ever swapping a physical SIM card.
Hotspot and data sharing in Philippines
Share your Philippines eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone's mobile hotspot. No extra charges and no separate setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones with data sharing enabled. It is a practical way to keep a travel companion or work device running on the same prepaid data package at no added cost.
eSIM Prices for Philippines
HelloRoam, the best eSIM Philippines. Compare plans from 1 to 30 days and pick the right data for your trip.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | £2.86 |
| 3 days | £8.14 |
| 7 days | £17.59 |
| 15 days | £34.27 |
| 22 days | £46.50 |
| 30 days | £58.26 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Philippines
HelloRoam eSIM reviews from UK travellers highlight the 180-day refund policy, no activation fees, and round-the-clock live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your Philippines holiday.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium Philippines carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in Philippines
An eSIM card is a digital SIM built into your phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to open. Scan a QR code to activate your e SIM in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid international data plan for Philippines travel with no airport SIM shop queue, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Mobile data through an eSIM connects to local in-country networks, giving you the same wireless connectivity as a resident rather than a roaming tourist. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Heathrow, Gatwick, or any UK airport. guide
Mobile connectivity guide for the Philippines
the Philippines have 5G mobile coverage across its main cities and tourist areas. SMART and Globe provide connectivity in Manila, Cebu City, Palawan, Boracay, Davao. SMART and Globe both provide 5G in Manila and Cebu. 4G is available across the main tourist islands.
Very remote and smaller outer islands have limited signal. The Philippines is popular with British travellers for Palawan's stunning lagoons, Boracay's beaches, and Manila as a stopover on long-haul itineraries.
- HelloRoam connects to SMART 5G, Globe 5G in Philippines
- 5G coverage across Manila, Cebu City, Palawan, Boracay, Davao
- Connect on SMART and Globe
- Activate via QR code before your flight from the UK
eSIM Travel Tips for Philippines
Install your eSIM before your flight to the Philippines
Set up your HelloRoam eSIM profile at home before heading to the airport. Switch it on when you land and you will have mobile data straight away. No hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.
Save offline maps before you go
Download offline maps of Manila, Cebu City, Palawan, Boracay, Davao before your departure. This is especially useful in areas with patchy signal or when navigating beach holiday or Southeast Asia trip locations where connectivity may be limited.
Check FCDO travel advice
The FCDO advises against travel to western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Normal precautions in Manila, Palawan, and popular islands. Check gov.uk.
Keep your UK number active for calls
Use your dual SIM settings to keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts whilst routing all data through your HelloRoam eSIM. You stay reachable on your usual number without paying EE, Three, or Vodafone UK international charges.
Currency in the Philippines
Philippine peso (PHP). Cash widely used. Cards accepted in Manila and major tourist areas.
Mobile networks in the Philippines: what British travellers need to know
the Philippines are served by SMART and Globe. HelloRoam connects on SMART and Globe, which provide 5G coverage across main cities and tourist areas. Your eSIM selects the best available signal automatically.
- SMART
- 5G
- Globe
- 5G
HelloRoam eSIM vs UK carrier charges for British travellers in the Philippines
A straight comparison of your mobile data options for a beach holiday or Southeast Asia trip in the Philippines.
| Category | HelloRoam eSIM Recommended | Local SIM card in the Philippines | UK carrier roaming (EE, Three, Vodafone UK, O2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From £4.33 total | £2.24–£11.19 total | £7.46–£18.64/day |
| Details | Plans start at £2.14. Buy before your flight, install via QR code at home, and land in the Philippines already connected on SMART and Globe. No UK carrier international charges, no local SIM hassle. | Local SIM cards are available in the Philippines but require time to purchase and set up on arrival. Tourist SIMs may require ID or local address. Any leftover data is lost when the plan expires. | the Philippines is outside the UK. EE, Vodafone UK, O2, and Three all charge daily international data charges or require international add-ons. A week of carrier roaming can add significant charges to your monthly bill. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best time to visit the Philippines from the UK
The Philippines is popular with British travellers for Palawan's stunning lagoons, Boracay's beaches, and Manila as a stopover on long-haul itineraries. November to May is the dry season and the best time for Palawan and Boracay, with temperatures of 24°C to 32°C. Monsoon runs June to October.
Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team
Reviewed by the HelloRoam Editorial Team
Top Destinations in Philippines
Manila
HelloRoam offers fast data in Manila, Philippines. Set up your eSIM before departure and land connected.
Globe 5G blankets Ninoy Aquino International Airport and BGC; activate before the Grab ride into Makati.
Antipolo
Antipolo is a hillside city east of Manila known for its pilgrim shrine, suman sticky rice, and sweeping views over Metro Manila. HelloRoam keeps you connected here.
Globe and Smart cover Antipolo with 4G. The city is easily reached from Ortigas via Marcos Highway.
Cagayan De Oro
Cagayan de Oro is the gateway city of Mindanao, a fast-growing hub known for white-water rafting on the Cagayan River and great food. HelloRoam keeps you online.
Globe and Smart run 4G across CDO. Activate before landing at Laguindingan Airport, about 45 minutes west of the city.
Cainta
Arrive in Cainta ready to connect. HelloRoam covers all of Philippines with fast data.
Globe 5G covers Cainta's retail corridor and Ortigas extension road; strong data on the C6 road toward Metro Manila.
Cavite
Arrive in Cavite ready to connect. HelloRoam covers all of Philippines with fast data.
Globe 5G serves Cavite's Coastal Road and the Imus commercial strip; solid data between Manila and Tagaytay.
Cebu City
Cebu City is the dynamic capital of Cebu Province, a historic port city that blends colonial heritage with modern shopping and nightlife. HelloRoam keeps you online throughout.
Globe and Smart both offer strong 4G and 5G in Cebu City. Activate before landing at Mactan Cebu Airport.
Davao City
HelloRoam works across Davao City, giving you mobile data throughout Philippines.
Globe 5G covers Francisco Bangoy International Airport and downtown Davao; fast data along Roxas Avenue.
Quezon City
Quezon City is Metro Manila's largest city, packed with universities, shopping districts, live music venues, and outstanding Filipino restaurants. HelloRoam keeps you connected.
Globe and Smart offer solid 4G and 5G. Use live maps to navigate heavy traffic.
Zamboanga
Zamboanga is a colourful city in the southern Philippines known for its Chavacano language, vintas, and lively waterfront. HelloRoam keeps you connected.
Smart offers the most consistent 4G. Activate before arriving at Zamboanga Airport.
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Reviews
HelloRoam eSIM Reviews from UK Travellers
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Last updated
Common Questions About Philippines eSIM
How much does an eSIM for Philippines cost for British island-hopping travellers?
A travel eSIM Philippines from HelloRoam starts at £2.14 on SMART and Globe 5G networks. HelloRoam delivers the QR code to your inbox before you fly from Heathrow so you skip any local SIM shop. Every plan includes a 180-day money-back guarantee for unactivated eSIMs for unactivated eSIMs.
Which cheapest eSIM Philippines option covers Palawan and Boracay without multiple SIM cards?
A travel sim Philippines from HelloRoam activates by QR code before your flight, giving instant local data on SMART and Globe 5G networks from £2.14. One e SIM Philippines plan covers all islands with no contract and no SIM swapping between regions. HelloRoam delivers the QR code to your inbox before you board.
Does a Philippines eSIM work across all major islands including Palawan and Cebu?
A HelloRoam eSIM for Philippines connects to SMART and Globe 5G networks across Manila, Cebu, and main Palawan towns from £2.14. Remote Calamian Islands and Batanes north of Luzon have limited coverage. Download offline maps before island-hopping by bangka ferry between less-connected Visayan islands.
Is a HelloRoam Philippines eSIM cheaper than using a local Globe or Smart SIM?
Local Globe and Smart SIM counters at NAIA require passport registration and set-up time after a long-haul flight. A HelloRoam cheapest eSIM Philippines plan activates by QR at home for £2.14 on SMART and Globe 5G networks. Land at NAIA already connected and head straight to your transfer without any terminal queue.
What is the best eSIM for the Philippines?
HelloRoam is a strong eSIM choice for British travellers visiting the Philippines, connecting on SMART and Globe with 5G and 4G coverage across Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay. Plans start from £2.14. Install via QR code before your flight and arrive already connected.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in the Philippines?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM plans work throughout the Philippines on SMART and Globe. Coverage is strong in Manila, Cebu, major tourist areas, and main island destinations. Very remote smaller islands may have limited signal.
Which networks does HelloRoam use in the Philippines?
HelloRoam connects on SMART and Globe in the Philippines. These networks provide 5G coverage across main cities and 4G across tourist areas. Your phone selects the best available signal automatically. Smart Communications and Globe Telecom are among the strongest 5G providers in the area, covering tourist attractions, airports, and city centers. HelloRoam automatically selects the best available signal so you stay connected without manual network switching.
How do I set up an eSIM for the Philippines?
Purchase your plan on helloroam.com, scan the QR code in your phone settings, and activate data when you arrive. The process takes around five minutes and is best done at home before you travel.
How much does a HelloRoam eSIM for the Philippines cost?
HelloRoam eSIM plans for the Philippines start at £2.14. Larger data allowances are available for longer island-hopping trips or those who rely heavily on navigation and video calls. Plans start from £2.14 depending on data size and duration. Compared with roaming charges from home carriers, a HelloRoam plan costs significantly less for a typical trip to the Philippines. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges on your home bill.
Does HelloRoam work in Palawan and El Nido?
Yes, HelloRoam works in El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan on SMART and Globe. Coverage is good in the town centres. Island-hopping lagoon tours have limited signal. Download your tour maps and confirmations before leaving town.
How much data do I need for a two-week Philippines holiday?
Two weeks in the Philippines using Google Maps, WhatsApp, Grab, and social media typically uses 4 to 8 GB. If you are island-hopping across multiple destinations, choose a 8 to 10 GB plan to stay covered throughout your trip. For a week of typical travel (Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp messages, and social media) you need 3 to 5 GB. If you stream video or make video calls daily, choose a 8 to 10 GB plan. The HelloRoam app shows your remaining data balance in real time.
Is a HelloRoam eSIM cheaper than EE or Vodafone UK roaming in the Philippines?
Yes, in most cases. UK carriers charge daily international fees for using data in the Philippines. A HelloRoam eSIM from £2.14 gives you a fixed data cost with no surprise charges.
Does HelloRoam eSIM include calls and texts in the Philippines?
HelloRoam eSIM plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber for calls and messages over your data connection. Keep your UK SIM active on your dual SIM phone to receive calls and texts on your regular British mobile number. HelloRoam eSIM plans are data-only. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber for calls over your data connection. Keep your home SIM active for voice calls if needed. Emergency calls work on any network even without an active data plan.
Does HelloRoam work in Boracay?
Yes, HelloRoam works in Boracay on SMART and Globe networks. White Beach and the main tourist strip have good 4G coverage. D'Mall and resort areas are well covered. More remote sections of the island may have weaker signal.
Does HelloRoam work in Cebu and the Visayas?
Yes, HelloRoam works in Cebu City, Mactan Island, Bohol, and the main Visayas islands on SMART and Globe. Whale shark watching in Oslob and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol have reasonable 4G in tourist areas. Check the current entry requirements for the Philippines on the official embassy website or your government's travel portal before departure, as regulations change. Store digital copies of travel documents in the cloud so you can access them through your HelloRoam data connection while traveling.
What to Know Before You Buy
eSIM requires an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device. Check your phone settings before purchasing.
Most travel eSIM plans provide data only. Your existing phone number stays active for calls and texts on your primary SIM.
Coverage quality varies by location within Philippines. Urban areas typically have strong 4G/5G coverage, while rural or remote areas may have limited connectivity.
Install your eSIM before departure. Activation requires an internet connection, which may not be available at your destination airport.
Transparency Notice
- Service Provider Name (SPN)
- HelloRoam appears as the carrier name on your phone's status bar through the SPN, a standardized field in the eSIM profile. Unlike most travel eSIM resellers, HelloRoam provisions its own Service Provider Name.
- Public Network Name (PNN)
- The PNN is the network name field in your eSIM profile, defined in 3GPP TS 31.102 (EF_PNN). Your phone can read it to display the name of the network you are connected to.
- Access Point Name (APN)
- HelloRoam eSIMs auto-configure their Access Point Name during installation. Your device connects to the strongest local network infrastructure without manual settings.
Prices are our retail rates across 185+ countries. Plan recommendations use real traveller feedback and network performance data. Every purchase includes a 180-day refund window if the eSIM has not been activated.
Future Syncs Limited 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UK +44 203 916 6249 help@helloroam.com Reg. No. 15950168
