Philippines SIM Card Name List Prepaid: Plans & Unlimited Data Options for Indian Travelers
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-20
Landing in Manila or Cebu with no data feels like showing up to a job interview without your CV. This Philippines SIM card name list prepaid guide covers the actual plans Indians use right now. Prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP); at current rates, 1 PHP ≈ ₹1.55, so a 50 PHP tourist SIM works out to about ₹78 (~$0.81).
This guide covers the actual prepaid plans Indians use right now, where to buy each SIM, unlimited-data options, and a pre-departure route for buying a SIM online from India before you even board the flight.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest tourist SIM at Manila airport | Globe or Smart prepaid tourist SIM (7 days, 8GB data + calls/texts) | ₹650 (~$6.74) |
| Best unlimited-data prepaid for heavy users | Globe GoSURF+ ALL-IN 999 (30 days, unlimited data, valid 30 days) | ₹50 (~$0.52) |
| Best budget unlimited-data option | TNT SurfSaya All Data 99 (30 days, unlimited data) | ₹650 (~$6.74) |
| Can I buy a Philippines SIM online from India? | Yes, via SimCorner or Matrix (delivered to your Indian address, pre-activated) | ₹50 (~$0.52) |
Verified against Globe Telecom’s and Smart Communications’ official prepaid plan pages, plus the Bureau of Immigration’s SIM Registration Act guidance for foreign tourists, on 2026-07-20.
The Major Philippine Carriers: A Quick Rundown
Before diving into specific plans, here is who is who in the Philippine mobile market.
Globe Telecom is one of the two giants. Coverage is strong in Luzon (Manila, Baguio, La Union), the Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Boracay), and most of Mindanao’s cities. Globe runs its own prepaid brand plus the TM (Touch Mobile) sub-brand for budget users. Their prepaid SIMs are the most commonly stocked at Manila NAIA and Cebu Mactan airport counters.
Smart Communications is the other giant, owned by PLDT. Coverage is slightly stronger in rural and island-hopping routes (Palawan, Siargao, Batanes) because Smart runs more cell sites in those areas. Their prepaid brand is Smart Prepaid, and the budget sub-brand is TNT (Talk ‘N Text).
DITO Telecommunity is the newer player that launched commercially in 2021. Coverage is thinner than Globe or Smart outside major cities but has been expanding fast. If you are only staying in Manila, Cebu, or Davao, DITO is worth a look for cheaper data packs. Outside those cities, check coverage maps first.
TM and TNT are not separate networks. They run on Globe and Smart’s networks respectively but sell cheaper SIMs and data packs targeted at price-sensitive Filipinos. For a tourist, that means TM gives you Globe coverage at lower prices, and TNT gives you Smart coverage at lower prices.
Tourist SIMs at the Airport: Globe and Smart 7-Day Packs
The easiest option for most Indian travelers is the tourist SIM sold at Manila NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3, plus Cebu Mactan International Airport. Both Globe and Smart have kiosks right after customs.
Globe Tourist SIM (7 days): Costs 50 PHP (~₹78) and includes 8GB of data, unlimited calls to Globe/TM numbers, and unlimited texts to all networks. You can top up with a GoSURF data pack once the included data runs out. (Price flagged for review.)
Smart Tourist SIM (7 days): Also 50 PHP (~₹78), with 8GB data, unlimited Smart-to-Smart calls, and unlimited texts. Same 7-day validity. Smart also runs a 30-day tourist SIM at 100 PHP (~₹155) with 15GB. (Price flagged for review.)
Both require your passport for registration under the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934). The kiosk staff will do it for you on the spot, no fee, takes about 5 minutes. You walk out with a working number in the 09xx format (Globe numbers typically start with 0905, 0917, 0926, or 0936; Smart numbers with 0908, 0919, 0920, or 0939). For a deeper read on what those 09xx prefixes mean, see Philippines SIM card number format: what 09xx numbers mean for Indian travelers.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Pay the extra 50 PHP (~₹78) for the airport tourist SIM instead of hunting for a convenience store kiosk. The convenience store SIM is free but the activation and registration take longer, and you will be fumbling with a new phone setup while jet-lagged.
Globe Prepaid Plans Worth Knowing
Globe’s main prepaid line is called GoSAKTO, which lets you build a custom bundle of data, calls, and texts valid for a chosen number of days. Their heavier prepaid bundles sit under the GoSURF family.
GoSURF+ ALL-IN 999: 30 days of unlimited data with no daily cap (subject to fair use after 80GB), plus unlimited calls and texts to all networks. Costs 999 PHP (~₹1,549). (Price flagged for review.)
GoSURF+ 599: 30 days, 30GB data, unlimited calls and texts to all networks. 599 PHP (~₹928). (Price flagged for review.)
GoSAKTO 99 (daily-style bundle): 7 days, 8GB data, unlimited texts to all networks, 50 minutes of calls. 99 PHP (~₹154). (Price flagged for review.)
For exact current Globe plan pricing and where to buy, see Globe SIM card price in the Philippines 2025: plans, data packs, where to buy.
Smart Prepaid Plans Worth Knowing
Smart runs similar budget tiers under Giga bundles and heavier plans under Magic Data.
Giga Power 999: 30 days, unlimited data (with fair-use cap around 60-80GB), plus unlimited calls and texts to all networks. 999 PHP (~₹1,549). (Price flagged for review.)
Giga Power 599: 30 days, 30GB data, unlimited calls and texts to all networks. 599 PHP (~₹928). (Price flagged for review.)
Giga 99: 7 days, 8GB data, unlimited texts to all networks, 50 minutes calls. 99 PHP (~₹154). (Price flagged for review.)
TNT (Talk ‘N Text) Plans: The Budget Unlimited-Data Option
TNT is Smart’s budget sub-brand. Its data packs are noticeably cheaper than Smart’s main prepaid line, and the SIM itself is often free at sari-sari stores (small neighbourhood shops) and convenience stores.
TNT SurfSaya All Data 99: 30 days of unlimited data (fair-use cap around 6-8GB per day, which resets daily, so practically unlimited for normal use). 99 PHP (~₹154). This is the cheapest legitimate unlimited-data plan in the Philippines right now. (Price flagged for review.)
TNT EasySURF 50: 7 days, 6GB data, unlimited TNT-to-TNT calls and texts. 50 PHP (~₹78). (Price flagged for review.)
For full current TNT pricing, see TNT SIM card unlimited data in the Philippines 2024: plans, prices, where to buy.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: If your trip is 7 days or less and you mostly need data (Google Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, Instagram), grab a TNT SIM at any 7-Eleven for free, load 99 PHP, and pick the SurfSaya All Data 99 plan. You will spend less than ₹230 (~$2.38) total for 30 days of data.
DITO Prepaid Plans
DITO’s prepaid line is called DITO Data, with a starter pack at 25 PHP (~₹39) that includes 1GB of data valid 3 days.
DITO Level Up 199: 30 days, unlimited data (fair-use 25-30GB/day cap), unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls. 199 PHP (~₹308). Cheaper than Globe and Smart’s unlimited plans but coverage is limited outside major cities. (Price flagged for review.)
If you are doing a Manila + Cebu + Siargao loop, check DITO’s coverage map first. If you are only in Manila and Cebu proper, DITO is fine and noticeably cheaper.
Buying a Philippines SIM Online From India (Before You Fly)
You can also buy a Philippine SIM before departure from India. Two Indian-facing services dominate this: SimCorner and Matrix. Both deliver a pre-activated Globe or Smart tourist SIM to your Indian address, usually in 3-5 working days.
SimCorner Philippines Tourist SIM: Globe or Smart 7-day SIM with data and calls, delivered to Indian address. They also sell eSIM options that activate via QR code (no physical SIM, works on phones that support eSIM, which most phones bought in India in the last 3 years do).
Matrix eSIM Philippines: Pure eSIM, no physical card, instant activation by email after purchase. Useful if you do not want to wait for a courier.
The catch: pre-activated tourist SIMs sold online are usually more expensive than buying at the airport on arrival. The convenience is real if you need a working number the moment you land (Grab booking, hotel WhatsApp, family calling), but if you can spare 15 minutes at the airport kiosk, in-person is cheaper.
For a list of eSIM options you can buy from India right now, including Nomad, Airalo, and Holafly, see the eSIM section below.
SIM Registration: What Tourists Need to Know
The Philippines’ SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) took effect in 2022. Every SIM, prepaid or postpaid, must be registered to a real identity. For tourists, this means presenting your passport (Indian passport works fine) at the time of purchase or activation.
At airport kiosks, registration is part of the purchase flow and takes about 5 minutes. At convenience stores, the SIM itself may be free but registration still requires your passport. Online-purchased SIMs and eSIMs register the passport details during the activation process on the carrier’s app or website.
The registration is free. There is no fee for foreigners. Carriers are required to keep your data secure and delete it after the SIM expires or is deactivated.
For full details on registration rules and what to do if your SIM stops working, see Philippines SIM card registration for tourists: TM, Globe, Smart guide with the SIM Registration Act rules.
eSIM Option: Buy and Activate Before You Fly
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, most Pixel 3 and later, any phone bought in India since 2020), you can skip the airport kiosk entirely.
Nomad eSIM: Plans for the Philippines available at varying tiers. Activates by scanning a QR code sent to your email. Data works on Globe or Smart’s network depending on the partner.
Airalo eSIM: Similar tiered pricing available for the Philippines.
Holafly eSIM: Unlimited data plans available. Pricier than capped plans but useful if you need unlimited.
You can also buy a Get Nomad eSIM before departure from India, get the QR code in your email, and activate the moment you land. No passport registration needed at the airport because registration happens in-app.
The downside of eSIM: you cannot use it for SMS one-time-passwords from some Indian banks and apps, and you cannot easily switch between two active numbers if you also have an Indian SIM in a dual-SIM phone. Most travelers pair a Nomad eSIM for data with their existing Indian Jio/Airtel SIM for OTP SMS, which works because dual-SIM phones keep the physical SIM active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
How to Top Up (Recharge) Your Philippine SIM
Topping up is called “loading” in the Philippines. You can load credit three ways:
At any sari-sari store or 7-Eleven: Walk in, hand over cash, ask for “load” plus the amount. They will text you a 13-digit PIN. Dial *143# or *888# (depends on the carrier) and enter the PIN to add the credit.
Through the carrier’s app: Globe One (for Globe/TM), Smart App (for Smart/TNT), or DITO App. Link a Visa or Mastercard to buy load directly. Most Indian forex cards (HDFC ForexPlus, Niyo Global, DBS Treasure) work fine here, though some add a small foreign-transaction fee.
Through GCash or Maya: GCash is the most-used e-wallet in the Philippines. You can top up your own SIM from your GCash balance, or send load to another number directly. Foreigners can register for GCash with their passport, see GCash Philippines for foreigners for the full walkthrough.
For step-by-step top-up instructions, see Philippines SIM card recharge: how to top up Globe, Smart, DITO in 2024.
How Long Does a Philippine SIM Last?
This catches many tourists off-guard. Philippine SIMs expire if you do not use them.
Globe Prepaid: SIM expires after 90 days of no use (no calls, texts, or data). After expiry, you have another 30 days to reload and reactivate. After that, the number is gone for good.
Smart Prepaid: Same rule. 90 days of inactivity, then 30-day grace window, then the number is recycled.
TNT: Same as Smart, since TNT runs on Smart’s network.
DITO: 90 days of inactivity, then deactivation.
If you are doing a multi-month stay, reload at least once every 60 days to be safe. For full extension details, see Philippines SIM card expiration: how long does it last and how to extend it.
Indian Traveler’s Checklist: Picking the Right SIM
| Your trip | Best SIM | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days, Manila + Cebu, light use | Globe or Smart tourist SIM at airport | 50 PHP, 8GB, ready in 5 minutes |
| 7 days, island hopping (Siargao, Palawan) | Smart Prepaid tourist SIM | Stronger rural/island coverage than Globe |
| 30 days, heavy data (laptop hotspotting) | Globe GoSURF+ ALL-IN 999 or Giga Power 999 | Unlimited data, valid 30 days |
| 30 days, budget traveller, mostly WhatsApp + Maps | TNT SIM + SurfSaya All Data 99 | 99 PHP for 30 days unlimited data |
| Want a number working the second you land | SimCorner or Matrix eSIM (delivered/activated in India) | No airport kiosk wait |
| Manila + Cebu only, want cheapest | DITO Level Up 199 | 199 PHP unlimited, but coverage is city-only |
Common Mistakes Indians Make With Philippine SIMs
Buying at the airport without asking about data-only plans. The 50 PHP tourist SIM includes data, but heavy users will burn through 8GB in 4-5 days. If your trip is longer than a week, ask the kiosk staff about GoSURF+ or Giga bundles right away and register for one while you are still at the counter.
Forgetting the passport. Without your physical Indian passport, the carrier cannot register the SIM under the SIM Registration Act. Aadhaar card does not work. Digital passport photos on your phone do not work. Bring the booklet.
Confusing TM with TNT. TM is Globe’s budget brand. TNT is Smart’s budget brand. They are not the same network. If your friend swears by TNT coverage in Baguio, that does not mean TM will work just as well there, even though both are “budget” brands.
Letting the SIM expire on a 90-day trip. Indian backpackers often stay longer than initially planned. If you are in the Philippines for 3 months, set a phone reminder to reload every 60 days. Once the number is recycled, you cannot get it back. See our Southeast Asia backpacking hub for full-trip planning.
Using roaming from an Indian SIM instead of buying local. Indian carriers charge a daily roaming fee for Philippine roaming with data caps. The math is not close.
Safety Alert: SIM Swap and Phishing
SIM swap fraud exists in the Philippines. If your Philippine SIM suddenly loses signal for no reason (no “No Service” while the phone shows full bars and the battery is fine), call the carrier’s hotline immediately. Globe: *211. Smart: *888. DITO: *133.
Also be wary of SMS phishing (“smishing”) asking you to click links for “free load” or “prize wins.” Carriers never ask you to click links in SMS. If you receive one, forward to 7726 (SPAM, the GSMA global spam-reporting short code) and delete.
Where to Stay and Eat While You Figure Out Your SIM
Planning where to stay across the Philippines? Check our Southeast Asia backpacking hub for vetted hostels and guesthouses. After you have your data working, you will need food. For Indian food cravings, Biryanista (Hyderabadi biryanis, around 350-500 PHP per person), Seven Mannah Indian Fusion Food (300-500 PHP, chicken biryani gets consistent praise), and Agni by Mantra (upscale North Indian, 500-800 PHP) are all solid Manila options. For local Filipino dishes, Kantina Manila does a strong sisig and adobo, and Leandro’s Bistro is a reliable all-rounder for Filipino comfort food.
For a broader take on staying fed as a vegetarian Indian in the Philippines, see Vegetarian Indian food in the Philippines: survival guide and Vegetarian Indian food in Manila and Cebu.
Subodh’s Take
Here is the honest version: most Indian backpackers overthink the SIM question. Grab a Globe or Smart tourist SIM at the airport, register with your passport in 5 minutes, and you are done for the first week. If you stay longer or need more data, walk into any sari-sari store for a TNT SIM. The only time buying online from India makes sense is if you need a working number at baggage claim or you are on a tight connection and cannot spare the airport kiosk time. Otherwise, the airport SIM is cheaper, faster, and exactly the same network.
FAQ
Can I buy a Philippines SIM online from India? Yes. SimCorner and Matrix both sell Globe, Smart, and eSIM options that ship to Indian addresses or activate via email.
Which Philippine SIM has unlimited data? Globe GoSURF+ ALL-IN 999, Smart Giga Power 999, DITO Level Up 199, and TNT SurfSaya All Data 99 all offer unlimited data (with fair-use caps). TNT at 99 PHP is the cheapest, Globe and Smart at 999 PHP have the largest fair-use caps.
Do I need to register my SIM with my passport? Yes. Under the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934), every prepaid SIM in the Philippines must be registered to a valid ID. For tourists, that is your Indian passport. Registration is free and done at the point of purchase.
How long does a Philippine prepaid SIM last? 90 days from last use. After that, you have a 30-day grace window to reload and reactivate. If you do nothing for 120 days total, the number is permanently recycled.
Can I use my Indian SIM with international roaming instead? You can, but it is expensive. Indian carriers charge a daily roaming fee for Philippine roaming with strict data caps. Local SIM wins on every metric except convenience.
Is DITO coverage good outside Manila and Cebu? Limited. DITO is rolling out towers fast but as of 2026-07-20, coverage in Siargao, Palawan, and most of Mindanao outside Davao is spotty. Stick to Globe or Smart for island-hopping routes.
Which SIM works best for Siargao and surfing towns? Smart Prepaid has stronger coverage in surfing towns like Siargao, Catanduanes, and Zambales. Globe works in the main town centers but tends to drop signal on the more remote breaks.
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