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Home to blindingly white beaches, sociable English-speaking locals, and oodles of world-class SCUBA, the Philippines is an epic tropical getaway for Aussies with a sense of adventure.
I had a ball bouncing around Palawan just before COVID. But there’s one thing I didn’t love: mediocre internet. This underdeveloped archipelago of 7,000+ islands has limited rural coverage – a reliable travel eSIM can make a big difference.
In this eSIM guide to the Philippines, we’re covering why you should go digital, the top providers for Aussies, and what to consider when comparing plans.
WHAT IS AN E-SIM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
First time using the tech? The eSIM is a digital SIM card stored on your phone. Instead of inserting a tiny plastic sheet with a microchip into your device, you sign up for a suitable plan and download the eSIM.
Most modern smartphones support eSIMs, which have become popular among savvy travellers in the past 5 years or so. Once installed, the eSIM automatically connects to the best available network upon landing in the Philippines – it’s kind of like roaming without the sky-high fees.
WHY USE AN E-SIM FOR TRAVELING IN THE PHILIPPINES
eSIMs offer more convenience than local SIMs and better prices than global roaming.
No more stuffing about swapping minuscule bits of plastic, struggling to open annoying SIM trays, or handing over sensitive passport info to randoms. You also won’t stress about getting ripped off by a smiling kid at a questionable airport SIM card kiosk – I’m still salty about that.
Going digital lets you compare plans at your own pace. Installation is a cinch once you’ve settled on a provider. If you go with ZenSim, you can scan a QR code or download the ZenSim app. Your plan will kick into gear upon touchdown, so you can message your mum while waiting at the luggage carousel.
THE BEST ESIMS FOR AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING TO THE PHILIPPINES
In the interests of comparing apples to apples, we’re only covering 30-day plans with 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited data allowances.
- Disclaimer: All prices accurate at the time of research. AUD-USD exchange rate subject to change.
ZenSim
Coming in cheaper than the competition, the ZenSim Philippines eSIM offers excellent value for Aussies. But it’s not just about price. ZenSim delivers a range of nifty benefits that add real value, including unlimited hotspotting, multi-country top-ups (in case you decide to check out Thailand), and solid coverage throughout most of the country.
ZenSim primarily uses the Globe Telecom network in the Philippines. Covering 96% of the population and boasting an expanding 5G network, Globe is among the country’s leading telcos. Plus, ZenSim is an Australian-owned brand with overwhelmingly positive reviews for customer service – it’s got a near-perfect 4.9/5 rating on ProductReview.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10GB | A$28 ($19 USD) |
| 30 | 20GB | A$44 ($30 USD) |
| 30 | Unlimited | A$97 ($63 USD) |
Airalo
A big name in the eSIM industry, Airalo offers easy-to-use plans in a wide range of countries worldwide, including the Philippines. However, from previous testing, we often found Airalo connects to lower-tier networks with nagging latency and unimpressive speeds.
Customers can quickly and easily top up data through the user-friendly mobile app, which works seamlessly on a wide range of devices. The service has an average TrustPilot score of 4/5, indicating some users are less than satisfied.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10GB | A$29 ($19.50 USD) |
| 30 | 20GB | A$44 ($30 USD) |
| 30 | Unlimited | A$106.50 ($72.50 USD) |
Jetpac Global
Jetpac Global is a well-known eSIM provider with a strong presence on TikTok (or maybe it’s just my algorithm?). As you can see, the brand is quite a bit pricier than others, though it does periodically offer seasonal specials.
JetPac has a solid Trustpilot score of 4.7/5, although there are plenty of complaints about challenging set-ups and sub-par customer service. There’s no unlimited plan, but we like that they offer free access to WhatsApp and Grab after your data has run out.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10GB | A$53.50 ($34 USD) |
| 30 | 20GB | A$86.50 ($55 USD) |
| 30 | Unlimited | Not available |
Saily
From the creators of NordVPN, Saily offers a range of security features that other providers don’t, including automatic blocking of malicious URLs. Customers also get a free trial subscription to NordVPN to stay safe while browsing anonymously.
Pricewise, Saily is mid-range – a wee bit higher than ZenSim and others. On Google Play, Trustpilot, and the App Store, Saily consistently ranks 4.7/5. Power users should note that data gets throttled at 1 Mbps after 5GB per day on the unlimited plan. Don’t purchase your plan too early because Saily has a 30-day activation period.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10GB | A$28.50 ($18.99 USD) |
| 30 | 20GB | A$45 ($29.99 USD) |
| 30 | Unlimited | A$108 ($71.99 USD) |
Simify
Another Aussie-owned eSIM brand, Simify appeals to customers who value flexibility due to its huge range of data options. That said, its prices are a fair bit higher than many competitors, including ZenSim.
Simify has a generous refund policy for travellers who cancel their trips, purchase a plan without a compatible device, or struggle to connect upon arrival. There’s no Simify app, however, which makes checking your balance or topping up data a chore.
| Days | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10GB | A$39 ($23 USD) |
| 30 | 20GB | A$75 ($45 USD) |
| 30 | Unlimited | A$109 ($63 USD) |
THE BEST ESIM FOR AUSTRALIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES: OUR TOP PICK FOR 2026
Many Aussie travellers find that ZenSim offers the best value. The small, Australian-owned brand has built a well-earned reputation for competitive prices without compromising on quality. Unlimited hotspotting is a blessing for laptop-wielding digital nomads, and the 5-minute setup process is a cinch.
ZenSim’s famously fast customer support resolves most issues in a jiffy. You’re unlikely to need it, though. The brand has an industry-leading 4.9 average score on ProductReview. That’s also partly because ZenSim only partners with top-tier telcos – in the Philippines, it uses Globe Telecom.
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT ESIM PLAN FOR THE PHILIPPINES
Whether you’re beach bumming on Boracay or snorkelling in Cebu, it’s worth researching the best eSIM for you. Here’s what you should consider.
DETERMINE YOUR DESTINATION
Just visiting the Philippines? Or gallivanting around South East Asia on a prolonged oriental adventure? If it’s the latter, choose a provider with multi-country top-ups or a regional plan. ZenSim Asia, for example, includes 15 countries for one low price.
THINK ABOUT USAGE
Given all but the shoddiest Filipino accommodation has WiFi, do you really need a ton of data? I find 20GB per month covers me while out and about, then switching to the hotel internet for binge-watching or doom-scrolling in the evening.
DO YOU HOTSPOT?
If you’re sharing a connection or working online with a laptop, unlimited hotspotting is a non-negotiable. Many travel eSIMs restrict or outright ban tethering. With ZenSim, you’re free to hotspot to your heart’s content.
WILL YOU NEED TOP-UPS?
Most eSIM providers let you top up partway through your trip. But only a select few, such as ZenSim, offer multi-country top-ups for when you fancy crossing borders. Look for mobile apps, which provide a hassle-free way to monitor usage and recharge on the go.
READ CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Some eSIMs look good on paper, but fail to deliver acceptable connections or customer service. Online review sites like TrustPilot and ProductReview provide insight into how travel eSIM companies really stack up.
COMPARE PRICES
Once you’ve worked out what you want from an eSIM, it’s time to weigh up rates. Some larger, well-established providers charge more due to brand recognition alone. Lesser-known underdogs like ZenSim often offer better deals.
HOW TO BUY AN ESIM FOR TRAVEL IN THE PHILIPPINES
Getting started with an eSIM is a cinch. No need to find a provider, queue for service, faff about with paperwork, or battle a language barrier. As they’re digital-only products, the best (and only) place to buy an eSIM is online – head straight to the provider’s website.
ZenSim has fine-tuned the setup process to take less than 5 minutes.
Here’s how it works.
Head to our Philippines travel eSIM page
Select your plan
Enter your name and email address
Add your payment
That’s it. You’re now the proud owner of an eSIM. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
HOW TO INSTALL AN ESIM
You don’t need a Computer Science degree to install an eSIM. The whole point of the product is to make travelling overseas easier.
When you purchase a ZenSim travel eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code in your email inbox. Scan it and follow the prompts.
iPhone users can install their eSIM with a single tap in the ZenSim app. If you’re on Android, the app also offers a super simple installation process.
Having issues? Try our step-by-step installation guide or connectivity troubleshooting page.
Once setup is done, your eSIM will remain dormant until you touch down in the Philippines, which will trigger the start of your 30-day validity period.
Unsure if your phone is suitable? Check out our eSIM compatibility checker.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL ESIMS IN THE PHILIPPINES
CAN I USE MY PHILIPPINES ESIM IN OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES?
Sure. But you’ll need to do a multi-country top-up first. Purchasing an Asia travel eSIM policy might work out better value.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE COVERAGE IS ANY GOOD?
Coverage varies widely between eSIMs. Instead of listening to marketing claims, check out online reviews, which can provide real-world insight into performance. In the Philippines, ZenSim mostly connects to Globe Telecom, one of the country’s leading telcos.
SHOULD I BUY A LOCAL SIM OR AN ESIM IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Local SIM cards may work out cheaper for long-stayers. But they come at the cost of convenience. You’ll need to find a reliable shop (watch out for scammers), present your passport, switch SIMs, configure the settings, and learn how to monitor your plan. That whole rigmarole will take a chunk out of your day. For a few bucks more, you can purchase an eSIM online in minutes and start scrolling upon touchdown.
ZenSim: The Best eSIM for Australians in the Philippines
Bargain prices aside, it’s the speedy customer service, fast-flowing data, handy mobile app, and exceptional coverage that make ZenSim the top option in the Philippines. Unlimited hotspotting keeps the work-from-anywhere crowd content, while a daily unthrottled limit of 3GB is enough for most unlimited users.
The Australian-based brand boasts an industry-leading 4.9 average score on ProductReview, a testament to its exceptional service and coverage.
Head over to the Philippines Travel eSIM page to kickstart your holiday the easy way.
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Written by Josh Warner
Co-founder of ZenSim, full-time banana bread lover.
Josh has been an engineer for the past 12+ years and in the telecommunications industry for the past six. A self proclaimed developer, designer, copywriter and occasional gym goer, if you have used a ZenSim website or app, it's likely Josh was the one who designed & built it.
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