Philippines Elite Destinations

Best eSIM for the Philippines

Stay connected in the Philippines with instant activation and premium network coverage. No roaming fees, no physical SIM card required.

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Our best plans for the Philippines

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Lowest Price
100 MB
7 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$4.99 CAD
500 MB
7 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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$5.99 CAD
1 GB
7 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$5.99 CAD
3 GB
30 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$9.99 CAD
3 GB
15 days
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NETWORK
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HOTSPOT
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$9.99 CAD
5 GB
30 days
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$13.99 CAD
Best Value
10 GB
30 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$21.99 CAD
20 GB
30 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$35.99 CAD
50 GB
180 days
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NETWORK
4G/5G
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HOTSPOT
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$75.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
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$4.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
Hotspot
$5.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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signal_cellular_alt
NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
Hotspot
$5.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
Hotspot
$6.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
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$8.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
Hotspot
$9.99 CAD
Unlimited
1 days
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ACTIVATION
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NETWORK
Unlimited
wifi_tethering
HOTSPOT
Hotspot
$16.99 CAD

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2

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Frequently Asked Questions — eSIM Philippines

Buy your plan on ZapSim, receive a QR code by email instantly, scan it with your phone and you're connected in under 5 minutes.
Most recent smartphones support eSIM: iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 4+ and many more.
Plans start from $2.99 CAD, with multiple options from basic to unlimited data.
Yes, your eSIM is delivered instantly by email. Scan the QR code and activate your plan in under 5 minutes.

Travel Guide — Philippines

🌏Overview

The Philippines is a tropical archipelago of 7,641 islands, between paradise beaches, turquoise lagoons and spectacular rice terraces. With warm Filipino hospitality, world-class diving and lush nature, it's a dream destination for lovers of the sea and adventure.

🏛️ Capital Manila
👥 Population 115 million people
💬 Language Filipino and English (English widely spoken)
💴 Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)
💱 Exchange Rate 100 PHP ≈ $1.75 ($1 ≈ 57 PHP)
🕐 Time Zone PHT (UTC+8)
📞 Dial Code +63
🚗 Drive Side Right
🏙️Major Cities
Manila
13.5 million

Sprawling, bustling capital. The old Intramuros quarter, lively nightlife and the gateway to the islands.

Cebu
2.8 million

The country's second hub, blending colonial history, beaches and diving. Starting point for the whale sharks of Oslob.

Boracay
37,000

Island famed for White Beach, its powdery white sand and its sunsets. Water sports and parties.

Palawan (Puerto Princesa)
310,000

Gateway to the most beautiful province: underground river, El Nido and spectacular lagoons. A nature lover's paradise.

Davao
1.8 million

Major city in southern Mindanao. Tropical fruits, Mount Apo (the highest peak) and unspoiled nature.

⭐Top Attractions
  1. El Nido (Palawan) 🌿 Nature

    Turquoise lagoons, limestone cliffs and hidden beaches. One of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.

  2. Chocolate Hills (Bohol) 🌿 Nature

    Over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that turn brown in the dry season. A geological phenomenon unique in the world.

  3. Banaue Rice Terraces 🏛️ Culture

    2,000-year-old rice terraces carved into the mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  4. Boracay beaches 🌿 Nature

    Powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Legendary sunsets and a festive vibe.

  5. Mayon Volcano 🌿 Nature

    An almost perfectly cone-shaped volcano near Legazpi. A striking sight and a symbol of the country.

☀️Weather & Seasons
🌍
Climate

Hot, humid tropical climate year-round. A dry season, a rainy season and a typhoon season (June to November).

✅
Best Time to Visit

December to May (dry season) for sun and calm seas

⚠️
Avoid

June to November (typhoon season), with possible rain and storms

Dry season (Dec-Feb)
24°C to 31°C

The best time: clear skies, calm seas and pleasant warmth. Peak season.

Hot and dry (Mar-May)
26°C to 34°C

Very hot and sunny. Ideal for beaches, but stay hydrated.

Rainy season (Jun-Sep)
25°C to 32°C

Tropical showers and the first typhoons. Lush nature and softer prices.

Typhoons (Oct-Nov)
25°C to 31°C

Risk of typhoons, especially in the north and east. Follow the weather forecasts.

📋Practical Info
  • 🛂
    Visa 30-day visa exemption for most nationalities (EU, Canada, etc.), with a valid passport and a return ticket.
  • 🔌
    Voltage 220V, type A, B and C plugs. An adapter is often needed.
  • 💧
    Eau Prefer bottled water. Tap water is not recommended for travellers.
  • 💸
    Pourboire A tip (10%) is appreciated in restaurants and for services, but not mandatory.
  • 💵
    Argent Cash is king on the islands and in small shops. Cards are accepted in cities and hotels.
  • 🏥
    Santé Decent care in cities, limited on remote islands. Travel insurance with repatriation strongly recommended.
  • 🚨
    Urgences National emergency number: 911 | Keep your accommodation's contacts handy.
🛡️Safety
★★★☆☆ Moderate

The Philippines is generally safe for tourists in tourist areas. Extra care is needed, mainly in big cities.

📍 Areas to Watch

Avoid certain areas of western Mindanao (Sulu, Maguindanao). Tourist destinations are safe.

⚠️ Common Scams

  • Taxis without a meter: insist on the meter or use Grab
  • Fake guides and tours: book through reputable agencies
  • Pickpockets in markets and crowded transport

💡 Safety Tips

  • Use the Grab app for rides
  • Watch your belongings in busy places
  • Follow typhoon alerts during the rainy season
📱Mobile Connectivity
Network Coverage Good 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas. Weaker on remote islands and at sea.
Network Quality ★★★☆☆
Operators Globe, Smart, DITO

📶 Why you'll need mobile data

  • Book ferries, inter-island flights and tours online
  • Use Grab for safe, fairly priced rides
  • Navigate between islands with an offline map
  • Share your paradise-beach photos live
  • Stay reachable despite long inter-island journeys

Activate your ZapSim eSIM before you leave — you're connected the moment you land in Manila.

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🚄Getting Around

✈️ From the Airport

From Manila airport (NAIA), take an official taxi or Grab to the centre. Allow 30 to 60 min depending on traffic.

🗺️ Getting Around

Between islands: domestic flights (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines) and ferries. In cities: jeepneys, tricycles, Grab.

📱 Essential Apps

  • Grab — reliable taxis and ride-hailing
  • Google Maps — routes and navigation
  • Cebu Pacific — inter-island flights
💡

Book your inter-island flights in advance: they're cheap but fill up fast in high season.

💰Budget & Costs
🍜 Budget Meal $2-4 (carinderia, local eatery)
🍽️ Mid-Range Meal $8-15 (tourist restaurant)
🛏️ Budget Stay $12-25 (hostel or guesthouse)
🏨 Mid-Range Stay $40-90 (comfortable hotel, beach resort)
🎒 Backpacker Budget $25-40 per day (tight budget)
✨ Comfort Budget $80-150 per day (comfort, resorts)

💡 The Philippines is affordable. Inter-island flights and tours are the main expense.

🎌Culture & Etiquette

✅ Do

  • Smile and be polite: Filipinos are very warm
  • Learn a few words of Tagalog ("salamat" = thank you)
  • Try adobo, lechon and tropical fruits
  • Protect the reefs: don't touch the coral
  • Book your inter-island transfers in advance

❌ Don't

  • Disrespect elders or religious customs
  • Drink tap water
  • Underestimate the heat and the sun
  • Ignore typhoon alerts in the rainy season
  • Forget cash on the small islands

💡 Did you know?

  • The Philippines has 7,641 islands, of which only about 2,000 are inhabited
  • The country is the world's largest exporter of coconuts
  • Over 180 languages and dialects are spoken there
  • Karaoke is a genuine national institution
❓Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
No, most nationalities (EU, Canada, etc.) get a 30-day visa exemption. A valid passport and a return ticket are required.
Is the Philippines safe?
Yes, tourist areas are safe. Stay alert in big cities and avoid certain areas of western Mindanao. Follow typhoon alerts in season.
When is the best time to visit?
December to May (dry season) for sun and calm seas. Avoid the typhoon season (June to November), especially in the north and east.
Do I need mobile internet there?
Yes, it's very useful. To arrange island transfers, book excursions and stay reachable: an eSIM connects you the moment you land in Manila.

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