Best eSIM for the Philippines for Canadian travellers

What to know about staying connected in the Philippines

• Under the SIM Registration Act, tourists must register a local SIM with their passport, proof of a local address (a hotel booking works) and a return or onward ticket.
• A tourist-registered SIM is valid for 30 days, then deactivates automatically. The rule covers local eSIMs too.
• Globe and Smart run 24-hour desks in the NAIA (Manila) arrivals hall that handle registration, but airport bundles cost more than the same data in the city.
• Globe has the broadest coverage on remote islands, Smart is strong in major cities, and DITO is fast but has the thinnest coverage.
• Airalo's Philippines eSIM uses Smart and has no local number. It's activated before you fly, so there's no airport registration.

How to set up your eSIM

Do this at home on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly, so you land connected.

• To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If Carrier Lock says 'No SIM restrictions', it's unlocked. Only your carrier can unlock it.
• An iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs. To add one from a QR code, scan it with the Camera app, tap 'Cellular Plan Detected', then tap Add Cellular Plan.
• On arrival, choose which line your iPhone uses for data in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. If your home line stays on, you might still be charged roaming fees by your home carrier.
• Data Roaming on iPhone is under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. It lets you use data on networks outside your carrier's coverage.
• On Samsung Galaxy phones, add an eSIM in Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, by QR code or activation code. Even listed models may not support eSIM depending on country of origin.
• Pixel 7 and later can use two eSIM profiles at once. Google suggests using a prepaid international eSIM and activating it when you arrive to avoid roaming charges.