If you’re a foreigner or a balikbayan traveling to the Philippines, you’ll be glad to know that getting connected to a local network is now much easier. The Smart mobile network supports eSIM technology, offering prepaid eSIM subscriptions that you can easily activate as soon as you arrive in the country.
You won’t need costly international roaming services or have to physically swap out your SIM card with a local one. Moreover, if you’re using a newer iPhone model with no physical SIM tray, you can still use your device while in the Philippines and get connected to a local network throughout your stay.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built directly into a smart device. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are integrated into the device’s hardware and allow your phone to be configured with one or more mobile network operator profiles.
Not all devices support eSIM technology and not all mobile network operators support eSIM profiles. In the Philippines, Smart was the first to launch the prepaid eSIM, allowing visitors in the country to take advantage of the same services enjoyed by local prepaid subscribers.
What are the advantages of using an eSIM in the Philippines?
As a traveler, local communication should be the least of your worries. An eSIM allows you to connect to local mobile networks conveniently and hassle-free. Plus, you enjoy other benefits that you can’t get from a traditional SIM card, such as:
- Convenient use and easy activation
An eSIM eliminates the need to physically swap out SIM cards. eSIMs can be activated with a few quick steps using a QR code. Travelers can easily get their eSIMs even before arriving in the Philippines by purchasing from the Smart Online Store. A unique QR code will be delivered to your email right after the purchase, so your Smart prepaid eSIM is ready for activation once you’re in the country.
Alternatively, you can get a carded eSIM from a Smart booth in international airports, including NAIA, Clark, Mactan in Cebu, Kalibo, and Davao.
If you need guidance in activating an eSIM, simply follow the step-by-step instructions here.
- Easy switching between networks
With an eSIM, you can easily switch between a local mobile network operator and your original carrier to check on messages or voicemails. Simply click on the profile you want to activate. Just keep in mind that using your home eSIM or physical SIM may result in international roaming charges.
On the iPhone 14 and other iPhone models with an eSIM function, you can store up to eight or more profiles and choose two to be simultaneously active. This lets you receive and send calls and messages or use data on either of the active eSIMs at the same time.
Android phones with eSIM capability such as the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, and others may store around five or more eSIM profiles, with one active at a time. You can switch to another profile anytime you want.
- Enjoying local rates instead of international roaming rates
eSIMs allow you to take advantage of local mobile network operator plans and promotions, which are certainly more affordable than international roaming rates. By using an eSIM and subscribing to a local operator’s plan, you can save on roaming charges and have access to local calling, texting, and data rates.
The Smart Prepaid eSIM has an SRP of only P99 and comes with the same preload value as the regular Smart Prepaid SIM with up to 21 GB FREE data. In addition to cost savings, having a prepaid eSIM also provides you with flexibility in terms of duration and usage. You can top up according to your expected needs while in the Philippines, and take advantage of Smart promos for prepaid subscribers.
- Report problems easily to any Smart store
With eSIMs, there is no risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card—something you’re prone to experience when you swap SIM cards several times. The embedded nature of eSIMs enhances security and reduces the chances of losing connectivity due to a misplaced or damaged SIM card.
Moreover, in case you lose your phone, you can deactivate your eSIMs remotely, preventing others from accessing sensitive information that may be stored in them.
A Smart Prepaid eSIM is your essential travel companion in the Philippines
Travel around the Philippines with the confidence that you can stay connected at all times. A Smart Prepaid eSIM means one less thing to worry about, especially when you take advantage of Smart’s wide network coverage. Travelers can easily purchase a Smart Prepaid eSIM by dropping by the aforementioned airport booths or authorized online channels.
