Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to the Philippines, you may be wondering if you can buy a SIM card at Manila Airport. The good news is that it's possible to purchase a SIM card upon arrival at Manila Airport, also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Both major networks, Globe and Smart, have booths or kiosks at the airport where you can buy prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs. In this paragraph, we will explore the options available for travellers looking to stay connected during their visit to the Philippines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | SIM cards are available at Manila Airport |
| Ease of finding | Easy to find; located in the Arrival Hall |
| Providers | Smart and Globe |
| Cost | Around $34 USD for unlimited GB data; cheaper options available outside the airport |
| Payment methods | Cash and international credit cards accepted |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
| Registration | Required, but not instant; may take up to 24 hours |
| Documentation | Passport required for registration and identification; proof of onward travel may be needed |
| Coverage | Nationwide, but connectivity may vary depending on the network |
| Alternatives | eSIMs and prepaid SIM cards can be purchased online |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy a SIM card at Manila Airport
When you arrive at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can purchase a SIM card from either Smart or Globe, the two main mobile internet providers in the Philippines. Both companies have booths or kiosks in the international arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You can also buy a SIM card in advance from their websites and pick it up at the airport.
The Smart and Globe stores are open 24/7, so you can always buy a SIM card upon arrival. The booths are very recognisable as staff will be standing in front of them with signs and shouting about their SIM cards.
SIM cards from the airport will be more expensive than those bought elsewhere, but they will work nationwide. They will come with some initial credit to make calls and use data, and you can top up online or buy data packages. You will need to present your passport for identification when buying a SIM card.
If you want to avoid the high prices at the airport, you could order an eSIM online before your trip, or buy a prepaid SIM card in a phone store in Manila.
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SIM card costs
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has SIM card kiosks from the major networks Globe and Smart, as well as DITO, in the departure halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. These "starter kits" typically include $3 of airtime/data and are activated on the spot.
The cost of a SIM card at Manila Airport depends on the provider and the plan you choose. Smart offers both unlimited and limited data plans. A Smart SIM card with unlimited GB data costs around $34 USD.
For a wider selection of packages, ranging from 150-2,500 PHP, you can head to the dedicated Telco Express store near immigration control in Terminal 1.
If you want to avoid the potential queues at the airport, you can purchase a SIM in advance from carrier websites like Smart, Globe, or DITO and choose airport pickup. Simply provide your flight details, and the SIM will be left at your Manila hotel's front desk upon check-in.
Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in a phone store in Manila, which will be cheaper than at the airport.
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Data allowances
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/NAIA) has multiple options for purchasing SIM cards, with booths and kiosks from the major networks Globe and Smart. These are located in the departure halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and the international arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Both Globe and Smart offer tourist SIM cards for free, with some initial credit for calls and data. These SIM cards do not require identification or documentation, but a passport may be requested to verify that you are a foreigner.
Regular SIM cards from Globe and Smart are also available for purchase at the airport. These SIM cards typically come with 300MB of data and PHP150-300 worth of call credit valid for 1-2 weeks. The Cebu Pacific-Smart SIM usually includes 1GB of data valid for 7 days. These SIM cards are more expensive than those purchased in regular stores, with prices ranging from PHP1500 to PHP3500.
Smart Philippines offers two types of data plans at the airport: Data Packages with No Expiry and Unlimited Data Plans. The cheapest plan costs PHP1500 (around $26.20 USD), while the most expensive plan is PHP3100 (about $54.10 USD). These plans are also available as eSIMs.
It is important to note that SIM cards purchased at the airport may not be activated immediately, and registration may take some time. For this reason, it is recommended to consider purchasing a SIM card from a regular store or reseller, where prices are typically lower.
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Registering your SIM card
You don't need to register your SIM card at the airport. The registration process requires an internet connection and the uploading of documents. You can register later during your trip in the Philippines.
You will need a valid passport for ID. Proof of address can be your hotel booking or an affidavit from a local contact. The process is mostly done online via the telecom provider's app. Customer service may also assist with registration.
SIM cards purchased at Manila Airport will work nationwide, but connectivity may vary depending on the network coverage. While LTE is available in major urban areas, only 3G or Edge may be available in rural provinces.
The Philippine government requires SIM card registration, which involves taking a photo for verification purposes. Have a recent photo on your device or bring printed photos that meet the size/format requirements.
You may also need to fill out a registration form with basic information such as your name, date of birth, and nationality. Another form of ID, such as a driver's license, may be required for extra verification.
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Topping up your SIM card
Once you have your SIM card, you can top it up online via the telco apps or purchase load cards from convenience stores, grocery stores, or corner shops once you are in the city.
If you have a dual-SIM phone, you can slot the Philippines SIM card next to your existing one and enjoy the benefits of both SIM cards during your travels.
To avoid accidental data roaming charges, remember to turn off mobile data for your original SIM card and rely on Wi-Fi when available.
You can monitor your data usage by sending a text to a number provided by your network operator, accessing their dedicated app, or checking your smartphone’s settings.
For those looking for a more convenient and modern solution, eSIM cards offer a digital alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. eSIM cards can be purchased from numerous international providers and activated upon arrival in the Philippines. Some eSIM providers available in the Philippines include Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi, Nomad, and MTX Connect, offering a variety of data packages to choose from.
Using an eSIM card not only saves you the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards, but also allows you to keep your existing mobile number active while enjoying the benefits of a local data plan.
With a virtual eSIM card in the Philippines, the payment and activation process is simplified. For example, when connecting via an international provider like Yesim, you need to scan a QR code and follow the instructions on your smartphone screen. The procedure takes only a couple of minutes and does not require physical interference, and you can pay for the data plan with a bank card online.
Airalo also offers a range of eSIMs for the Philippines under the name Alpas Mobile, with six different plans to choose from, varying in data allowance and duration. These plans provide options from 1 GB to 20 GB of data and from 7 to 30 days of usage.
For instance, the 7-day eSIM, offering 1 GB of data, is priced at £4, while the 30-day plan with 10 GB of data costs £17.50. The most expensive option is the £26.50 plan, which includes a generous 20 GB of data.
Additionally, Globe offers a Traveller 5G eSIM for 7 days for $5 with 10 GB of mobile internet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a SIM card at Manila Airport.
You can buy a SIM card from the booths or kiosks in the departure or arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
You can buy SIM cards from the two main mobile internet providers in the Philippines: Smart and Globe. DITO is also available at some kiosks.
You will need to present a valid passport for identification when buying a SIM card. You may also need to show proof of your onward travel from the Philippines and a recent photo for verification. It's best to have Philippine pesos as not all kiosks accept foreign credit cards.
Tourist SIM cards at Manila Airport are sold at inflated prices compared to SIM cards sold at regular stores or from resellers. You can expect to pay around PHP150-300 for the SIM card and initial load. Smart Philippines SIM cards are sold between PHP1500 and PHP3500.
