HelloRoam sells eSIM data plans for Manila, with e SIM pricing from NZ$4.93 across 212+ carrier networks. Scan a QR code and you're connected in under two minutes, no physical SIM swap needed. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active while the e-sim handles data. You can get a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, plus 24/7 live support.
- network coverage
212+- 5G support
5G- to activate
2 minutes
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eSIM Manila data plans from HelloRoam
Sorted for less: eSIM plans for Manila start from NZ$4.93, with local 4G LTE and 5G mobile data on trusted carrier networks. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Pay in NZD. Ninoy Aquino International airport SIM counters have queues across all four terminals and variable data quality. A Manila e SIM from HelloRoam starts at NZ$4.93 on SMART and Globe 5G networks covering BGC, Makati, Intramuros, and NAIA.
Manila eSIM with fast 5G coverage
HelloRoam eSIM for Manila: instant 4G data for Kiwi travellers in the Philippines. Activate before your flight from New Zealand.
- Plans start at NZ$4.93 with 5G speeds
- Coverage from SMART and 1+ other operators
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Manila coverage across major cities
- Network
- 5G
- Plans From
- NZ$4.93
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Manila
Follow these steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone or Android.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Pick a mobile data plan for your destination and pay securely in NZD.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready when you land
Your eSIM activates when you arrive at your destination. No SIM swap, no queues, no airport kiosk.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage your eSIMs in one spot.
Plans changed? No dramas. You're covered.
Travel plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, unactivated and unscanned eSIMs qualify for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No dramas.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Manila eSIM vs Spark, Vodafone NZ and 2degrees
Comparing an e SIM vs Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ roaming for Manila? Spark charges NZ$6/day, 2degrees NZ$5/day, and One NZ around NZ$5/day. HelloRoam eSIM starts from NZ$4.93 with local network speeds and a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days. You pay less than a single day of carrier roaming and get no surprise bills.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Local provider | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Live chat support | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| NZ$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| QR code delivered instantly | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Manila carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Kiwi Travellers Pick HelloRoam for Their Manila Trip
24/7 live support
Need help from Tokyo at midnight or London at 2am? Our support team is on 24/7. A real person responds in under 2 minutes. No bots, no hold music, no runaround. Live chat, WhatsApp, and email are all available so you get help however suits you best.
Best eSIM for Manila
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Manila the moment you land. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online when you land. No roaming charges, no SIM swap. Local carrier speeds mean maps, streaming, and messaging run without a hitch from the airport kerb.
Dual SIM: keep your NZ number
Keep your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM phone and handles all your data in Manila. Family and friends ring your NZ number as normal while you browse on local data rates overseas.
212+ networks worldwide
HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone picks the strongest 4G/5G or 5G signal when you land and switches as you move. That means consistent mobile internet whether you're in a major city, at a rural guesthouse, or on a highway between stops.
Data alerts before you run out
You get an alert at 80% data so you never run dry mid-trip. Top up your eSIM plan from the app with no profile reinstall and no store visit. Your data usage history stays in the dashboard so you can see exactly what you've spent and plan the rest of your trip.
Local 4G/5G speeds in Manila
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Manila. HelloRoam picks the strongest signal for maps, streaming, and video calls wherever you travel. Local network speeds make a genuine difference when you're navigating a new city or jumping on a video call with people back home.
Regional plans for multi-country trips
Heading to Japan, Thailand, the UK, or Fiji after Manila? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover Asia-Pacific, Europe, and 185+ countries on one QR code. No SIM swapping between stops. One prepaid data plan covers your whole itinerary so you spend less time worrying about connectivity and more time exploring.
Hotspot tethering in Manila included
Share your eSIM data with a laptop or tablet via hotspot. No extra fees, no fiddly setup. Works on all eSIM compatible phones including iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. Useful for keeping a travel partner connected or getting a work laptop online when hotel Wi-Fi isn't up to scratch.
Best eSIM Prices for Manila
Compare eSIM plans for Manila and save versus Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees international roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | NZ$6.57 |
| 3 days | NZ$18.75 |
| 7 days | NZ$40.50 |
| 15 days | NZ$78.90 |
| 22 days | NZ$107.03 |
| 30 days | NZ$134.12 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Manila
HelloRoam offers a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, zero activation fees, and 24/7 live support. See how HelloRoam stacks up against Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your Manila trip.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs | 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 |
| NZ$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | 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 Manila 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 eSIM and How Does It Work in Manila?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your mobile. No plastic chip, no SIM tray to fiddle with. Scan a QR code to install it on any eSIM compatible phone and you're connected in under 2 minutes. It works as a prepaid mobile data plan for Manila travel with no airport SIM counter queue, no replacement SIM, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide and you'll be sorted well before your flight from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. guide
Mobile Coverage in Manila
Manila has solid 4G coverage across Makati, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), Intramuros, Ortigas, and the main commercial districts. Globe and DITO are the main operators after the Smart/PLDT merger. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has 4G in all terminals.
The LRT and MRT transit networks have 4G at most stations. Traffic in Manila is severe and Grab is essential.
- HelloRoam connects to SMART 5G, Globe 5G in Manila
eSIM Travel Tips for Manila
Install Grab Before Landing at NAIA
Manila traffic is notorious. Grab is the safest and most reliable way to get a fair price on rides from NAIA Airport to Makati, BGC, or anywhere in the metro. Install Grab and add a payment method before leaving New Zealand. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps it running from arrivals.
BGC and Makati Have the Best Coverage
Bonifacio Global City and Makati's CBD have the strongest 4G coverage in Manila. These modern commercial districts have dense network infrastructure. They are also the safest and most tourist-friendly areas.
Download Offline Maps for Intramuros
Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city, has 4G on the main streets. Some interior areas and older lanes can have variable signal. Download offline maps before exploring the fortifications and Fort Santiago.
Plan for Traffic: Allow Extra Time
Manila traffic can make a 10-kilometre trip take over an hour. Use Grab's traffic estimates and Google Maps real-time routes to plan journeys. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps navigation apps running throughout.
Know the Emergency Number in the Philippines
The Philippines emergency number is 911. Tourist assistance is available at +63-2-524-1660. Save these before visiting remote areas, attending events, or travelling to provinces. Emergency calls work on any active eSIM in the Philippines.
Manila Mobile Network Guide
Metro Manila has 4G LTE coverage across most of its 17 cities and municipalities. Globe and Smart lead in coverage, and DITO has expanded rapidly since 2021. 5G is available in Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Ortigas centre, and parts of Quezon City.
Makati city centre, Ayala Avenue, and the Greenbelt mall area have strong 5G and 4G. BGC (Fort Bonifacio) has excellent 5G with strong indoor coverage in malls like SM Aura and Uptown Mall. Ortigas centre (SM Megamall area) has good 4G and growing 5G. Intramuros (the historic walled city) and Rizal Park have 4G coverage throughout.
The main signal challenges in Manila are indoor penetration in older buildings, congestion during peak hours (especially around SM Malls on weekends), and dense traffic corridors where tower capacity gets stretched. The MRT-3 elevated rail has outdoor 4G at all stations. LRT Line 1 and Line 2 have outdoor coverage at stations. Underground sections of some pedestrian underpasses and basement malls can have reduced signal.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has 4G coverage at all four terminals. Terminal 3 (Globe and Smart priority) has better indoor signal than Terminals 1 and 2. Brief congestion in arrival halls during peak international flights can slow data speeds. New Zealand travellers should confirm their handset is unlocked and supports local network bands.
- SMART
- 5G
- Globe
- 5G
Best Time to Visit Manila
New Zealand travellers planning a trip to Manila should consider November–April (dry season) as the most rewarding time to visit. Temperatures around 22°C to 36°C make exploring comfortable. December–January is the busiest month with highest fares from New Zealand. cool season December–February is quieter. Sinulog Festival (January) is a local highlight. Avoid June–October (typhoon season) if possible. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps you online all year.
NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) has four terminals spread across Pasay and Parañaque. All terminals have 4G coverage. Terminal 3 has the strongest indoor signal. Your HelloRoam eSIM connects as soon as your phone detects the local network.
MRT-3 runs elevated above EDSA highway from Taft Avenue to North Avenue with 4G at all above-ground stations. LRT-1 and LRT-2 also run elevated with outdoor coverage at stations. The PNR commuter rail has 4G at platforms.
Jeepneys and buses on EDSA and main roads have outdoor coverage throughout city routes. Kiwi travellers should activate their eSIM before boarding so they have data when they land.
Top Attractions in Manila
Rizal Monument Luneta Rizal Park
The Rizal Monument in Luneta Park honors national hero Jose Rizal in Manila. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Visit the park on Sunday morning when local families gather for activities.
Manila Bay Roxas Boulevard Skyline At Dusk
Manila Bay at sunset from Roxas Boulevard is one of the city's most famous views. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Watch the sunset from the Baywalk area for the full golden hour over the bay.
Pasig River And Manila Skyline Ortigas Bgc Corridor
The Pasig River flows through Manila with the modern Ortigas and BGC towers rising above. Use HelloRoam eSIM to stay connected.
Take the Pasig River ferry for a unique view of the city's two sides.
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Reviews
What Kiwi Travellers Say
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
Manila eSIM Questions
Does a Manila eSIM cover BGC, Makati, and the full metro area?
Manila e-sim plans run on SMART and Globe 5G networks covering BGC, Makati, Intramuros, and NAIA from NZ$4.93. HelloRoam delivers the e-sim QR to your inbox before your flight from Auckland. Scan at home and land at MNL already sorted.
What is the best e-sim for Manila for Kiwis starting a Philippines trip?
Kiwis heading to the Philippines get a Manila e SIM card from HelloRoam from NZ$4.93 on SMART and Globe 5G networks. Activate by QR code before boarding in Auckland and skip every NAIA terminal SIM counter. No physical SIM swap, no Kiwi carrier roaming fees.
What is the best eSIM for Manila from New Zealand?
For Kiwi travellers, HelloRoam is a simple eSIM option for Manila. Plans start from NZ$4.93 across 212+ carrier networks in 185+ countries. Buy online, scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, and connect the moment you land. It's cheaper than Spark roaming at NZ$6/day, 2degrees at NZ$5/day, and One NZ travel passes. You get local 4G/5G speeds, a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, and 24/7 live chat support.
How much does an eSIM cost for Manila?
eSIM plans for Manila start from NZ$4.93. That's well under what Spark charges for roaming ($6/day) or 2degrees ($5/day for selected countries). Fixed data plans run from 1GB to 20GB. Unlimited daily plans suit longer stays, OE trips, and remote work. All plans include local 4G LTE and 5G with no overage charges and no carrier contract.
Which networks does eSIM work on in Manila?
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in Manila and your phone picks the strongest 4G LTE or 5G signal on arrival. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and popular tourist areas. For Kiwis heading out of Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), or Queenstown (ZQN), data is ready the moment you land.
How do I get an eSIM for Manila before my trip?
Buy your Manila eSIM on helloroam.com or the HelloRoam app before you fly from AKL, WLG, CHC, or ZQN. Scan the QR code in your phone Settings to install at home on Wi-Fi. Your eSIM activates automatically when you land in Manila. The whole process takes under two minutes. No airport kiosk, no SIM swap.
Does iPhone work with a Manila eSIM?
iPhone XS and all newer models support eSIM for Manila. Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the HelloRoam QR code. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active on the physical SIM line while HelloRoam handles data in Manila. That includes iPhone 15, 16, and SE models from 2020 onward.
Does eSIM work in Manila?
HelloRoam eSIM works in Manila on Philippine 4G networks. Coverage is solid across BGC, Makati, and NAIA Airport. Activate before your flight from New Zealand. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does eSIM work at Manila Airport (NAIA)?
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has 4G in all four terminals. Your HelloRoam eSIM connects on landing. You can book Grab from arrivals. The airport has full 5G coverage across all terminals. Activate your data in Settings when you land and HelloRoam connects automatically to local network. No queue, no SIM counter: you are online within seconds of landing.
Does eSIM work in BGC and Makati?
Bonifacio Global City and Makati CBD have the strongest outdoor 4G in Manila. These are the most reliably connected areas for tourists. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Can I use Grab in Manila with a HelloRoam eSIM?
Grab is the main rideshare app in the Philippines and needs a live data connection. Your HelloRoam eSIM keeps it running from arrivals at NAIA. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Is there coverage in Intramuros?
Intramuros has outdoor 4G on the main streets and at Fort Santiago. Some interior alleys can have variable signal. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does eSIM work on the Manila MRT?
The Manila MRT has 4G at most stations. Signal can be variable in some tunnel sections. Download your route before boarding. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Is there coverage at the Mall of Asia?
SM Mall of Asia and the surrounding Bay Area have solid outdoor 4G. One of the largest malls in Asia, it is well within Manila's coverage zone. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Manila eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$4.93. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
How much data do I need for a week in Manila?
A week in Manila typically uses 3GB to 6GB for maps, Grab rides, and social media. Traffic navigation is a constant data use. A 5GB plan covers most Manila stays. 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.
