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Internet in the Philippines: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
With more than seven thousand islands, coverage can vary hugely from one island to the next. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling the Philippines.
Roaming with your own plan
Roaming charges for the Philippines are high for most non-Asian plans, a local solution is cheaper.
Local SIM or eSIM?
Local SIM cards are available, but coverage and points of sale vary a lot by island. An eSIM with wide network coverage is more practical for anyone visiting multiple islands.
Costs
Budget €10 to €20 for a two-week data plan.
Do you need a VPN?
The Philippines has no structural internet censorship, a VPN is mainly useful because wifi at resorts and on smaller islands is often shared and unsecured.
Practical tips
- Globe and Smart are the two largest networks, coverage varies by island, check this specifically for your route
- On remote islands and during typhoon season (June-November), connectivity can drop out
- For domestic flights and inter-island ferries, a data connection is handy for checking tickets and weather updates
Ready for your trip across the Philippines?
Check out our eSIM tips and recommended plans for the Philippines.
See eSIM for the Philippines