What is the best SIM in the Philippines? Practical guide based on real experience
If you’re going to travel to the Philippines, one of the first questions is always the same: Smart or Globe, which is better?
The short answer is: it depends on where you go, but in practice they are much more similar than they seem.
The country’s two main operators are Smart and Globe. In theory:
- Smart offers slightly higher speeds
- Globe has slightly wider coverage in remote areas
Budget SIMs: TNT and TM
There are also:
- TNT (Smart’s budget version)
- TM (Globe’s budget version)
They are widely used by locals and cost less, but they have lower network priority, especially during peak hours. They’re fine for basic use, less so if you work online or use hotspot.
But theory matters little. What matters is what really happens in the field.
Real-world test: Smart vs Globe in the Philippines
I used Smart and Globe at the same time while traveling between Manila, Cebu, Boracay, El Nido, Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete.
In big cities (Manila, Cebu)
There are no noticeable differences. Fast, stable connection, no issues for browsing, social media, Google Maps or hotspot. In an urban context, both are excellent.
Outside towns and on more remote islands
When you start going on excursions away from major urban centers, the limits appear. Sometimes Globe gets a signal where Smart doesn’t, but often the connection is still too weak to load a web page or navigate with maps.
In practice:
- yes, Globe can “have more signal”
- but not enough to really make a difference
I tried using dual SIM, but the advantage was minimal. When one worked poorly, often the other was also unusable. In the end I decided to stick with Smart, but Globe remains a solid alternative.
Where to buy the SIM: airport, on the street or online?
❌ Airport: not recommended
At the airport you’ll find Smart and Globe, but sold with expensive tourist bundles. They work, but you pay much more than necessary. I’d avoid them.
✅ Sari-sari store: the local option
SIMs are available everywhere in the classic sari-sari stores (small neighborhood shops). It’s the cheapest option, but it takes time and a bit of adaptation.
🔥 The best solution: official eSIM before departure
If you want to arrive already up and running, the best choice is to buy an official Smart or Globe eSIM online before your trip.
⚠️ Note: I’m not talking about the overpriced “tourist” eSIMs you find on a thousand sites.
I’m talking about the official eSIMs from local operators.
- Cost: about 99 pesos
- They often include 2 GB of initial credit
- Once activated, you download the official app and choose the plan you want, whenever you want
Smart, in particular, offers a plan called Magic Data, with GB that never expire. If you stay long or return often to the Philippines, it’s pure gold.
Official links to purchase eSIMs
If you want to purchase the eSIM before arriving in the Philippines, here you can find the links to the operators’ official websites:
- Globe eSIM: https://shop.globe.com.ph/esim
- Smart eSIM: https://store.smart.com.ph/sims/esims
After activation, remember to download the operator’s official app from the store (App Store or Google Play): it’s essential to manage data plans, top-ups and usage.
If you choose Smart
If you decide to use Smart, you can get extra GigaPoints on your first purchase by registering on the official app with this invitation code:
SMRT-K2ET-D7YZ
You can convert GigaPoints into data, discounts or other bonuses directly from the app.