Which carrier has eSIM in the Philippines? All three mobile networks do: Globe, Smart and DITO. Globe and Smart offer eSIM on prepaid and postpaid, and TNT (part of Smart) has a prepaid eSIM too. DITO sells a prepaid eSIM in its app and stores. If you are visiting, a local eSIM means registering with your passport, so a travel eSIM you install before you fly is the simpler option. Trying to work out which network a number like 0936 or 0966 belongs to? The Philippine mobile prefix list is further down this page.
Just visiting? These Philippines eSIMs are data-only plans you install at home and use the moment you land in Manila, Cebu or anywhere else in the country.
Data-only plans for the Philippines · 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days, 20 GB for 15 days · See all Philippines eSIMs · Also visiting other countries in Asia? See the Asia eSIM plans
eSIM providers in the Philippines: Globe, Smart and DITO
The Philippines has three mobile network operators. Here is what each one says about eSIM on its own website, checked in November 2026.
Globe eSIM (and TM)
Yes, Globe offers eSIM. Globe introduced eSIM for its postpaid customers in November 2018 (Inquirer: Globe introduces eSIM in PH). Today Globe's help page says eSIM is available for Globe Postpaid and Globe Prepaid, and that eSIM for TM customers is still in the works (Globe: eSIM help).
- Globe Prepaid eSIM: you buy it in the GlobeOne app. Already on Globe Prepaid with a physical SIM? You can request a switch to eSIM in GlobeOne and keep your number (Globe: Local prepaid eSIM).
- Globe Postpaid eSIM: pick eSIM as the SIM type when you apply for a new plan online, or ask at a Globe Store to upgrade your current line.
- Globe Traveler eSIM: for visitors, sold in the GlobeOne app under the option for PH visitors. You can install it before your trip, but you must register it when you arrive, with your passport, your address in the Philippines and a selfie. It is valid for up to 30 days (Globe: Prepaid Traveler eSIM).
Smart eSIM (and TNT)
Yes, Smart offers eSIM on prepaid and postpaid. Smart is the mobile arm of PLDT, so if you are searching for a PLDT eSIM, this is it (Smart: eSIM).
- Smart Prepaid eSIM: sold through the Smart Online Store, Smart Stores, Smart booths at airports and selected retailers. You scan the QR code, then register your new number on Smart's SIM registration site. Calls, texts and data only work once it is registered.
- Smart Postpaid eSIM: Smart says it is only available on its Signature and Infinity plans. New SIM-only subscribers can order it online. Existing subscribers upgrade at a Smart Store.
- Switching a physical SIM to eSIM: go to a Smart Store. Smart says you keep your number.
- TNT eSIM: TNT, Smart's other prepaid brand, launched a prepaid eSIM in December 2023 (Inquirer: TNT launches Prepaid eSIM).
Smart also notes that a phone can hold several eSIM profiles, but only two numbers can be active at the same time.
DITO eSIM
Yes, DITO sells a prepaid eSIM. New subscribers buy it at a DITO Experience Store or in the DITO eShop inside the DITO app, then register it in the DITO app. A few limits are worth knowing (DITO: eSIM):
- You can't yet port a number from another network onto a DITO eSIM.
- You can't yet convert a DITO physical SIM to an eSIM.
- On iPhone and iPad, DITO eSIM currently works on 4G data only.
DITO also describes an eSIM option for its postpaid plans (DITO: Postpaid eSIM). Check DITO's list of compatible phones on its eSIM page before you buy.
Do tourists need to register an eSIM in the Philippines?
Yes, for any SIM or eSIM from Globe, Smart or DITO. The SIM Registration Act (Republic Act 11934) asks tourists for a passport, proof of an address in the Philippines and a return or onward ticket. A SIM registered this way is only valid for 30 days and then switches off automatically (Lawphil: Republic Act No. 11934).
That's fine for a short trip, but it adds a step when you land. A travel eSIM skips it: you buy it online, install it at home and it connects on arrival. The trade-off is that you don't get a Philippine number.
Philippine mobile prefixes: is it Globe, Smart or DITO?
A Philippine mobile number starts with a four-digit prefix, such as 0936 or 0918. The prefix tells you which network first issued the number. It doesn't always tell you the network today. Since mobile number portability started on September 30, 2021, people can switch networks and keep their number (Philippine Competition Commission: Mobile Number Portability Act study). So a 0936 number started on Globe or TM, but it could be on Smart or DITO now.
The lists below only include prefixes that published lists agree on (TechPilipinas: Mobile number prefixes). A few newer or reassigned prefixes are left out because the sources disagree.
Globe and TM prefixes
- Globe or TM: 0817, 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0953, 0954, 0955, 0956, 0965, 0966, 0967, 0975, 0977, 0978, 0979, 0995, 0996, 0997
- GOMO (Globe's digital brand): 0976
So 0936, 0953, 0956, 0965, 0966 and 0975 are all Globe or TM prefixes, and 0976 is Globe's GOMO.
Smart, TNT and Sun prefixes
- Smart: 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0939, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, 0999
- TNT: 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0938, 0946, 0948, 0950
- Sun (now part of Smart): 0922, 0923, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943
DITO prefixes
- DITO: 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994
DITO reserved these eight prefixes before its launch in 2021 (Philstar: DITO's first service launch).
Travel eSIMs for the Philippines
A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online before your trip, with no registration on arrival. At SimOptions, you can pick:
- Philippines plans: data for the Philippines only, from short 3-day plans up to long stays, with top-ups on every plan. See the Philippines eSIM page.
- Asia plans: one eSIM for the Philippines and 25 other countries, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Handy if your trip doesn't stop in Manila.
Both are data-only, so you won't get a Philippine number. You call and message through WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime or other apps, and your home line can stay on your phone for texts and bank codes. Comparing more options? See our list of the best eSIMs for the Philippines.
Flying on to Japan, Thailand or Singapore after the Philippines? This Asia eSIM covers 26 countries for 30 days, so one install lasts the whole trip.
How to set up a travel eSIM for the Philippines
Before you fly
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
- Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home. Scan the QR code from your email. On iPhone, you can also tap and hold the QR code and choose Add eSIM (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Philippines" or "Travel" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
When you land
- Turn on the travel eSIM line if it is off.
- Make it your data line. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM (Apple: Use Dual SIM with an eSIM). On a Pixel, use Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Google: Use dual SIMs on Pixel).
- Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM. On iPhone, it's under Settings > Cellular, then the travel line, then Cellular Data Options (Apple: Use cellular data on iPhone).
- Keep data roaming off on your home line if your plan charges for roaming in the Philippines.
Not connecting? See the correct roaming settings for an eSIM. Travelling on in Southeast Asia? See the eSIM providers in Thailand, or find an eSIM for your next destination.
FAQs
Which carrier has eSIM in the Philippines?
All three networks: Globe, Smart and DITO. TNT, part of Smart, also has a prepaid eSIM. TM eSIM is not available yet, according to Globe.
Does Smart have eSIM?
Yes. Smart Prepaid eSIM is sold online, in Smart Stores and at airport booths. Smart Postpaid eSIM is only on Signature and Infinity plans. You register a prepaid eSIM before it works.
Does PLDT have eSIM?
PLDT's mobile service is Smart, so a PLDT eSIM is a Smart or TNT eSIM.
Does Globe have eSIM?
Yes, on Globe Prepaid and Globe Postpaid. Prepaid eSIMs are sold in the GlobeOne app, and visitors can buy the Globe Traveler eSIM there too.
Does TM have eSIM?
Not yet. Globe's help page says it is working on eSIM for TM customers.
Is 0936 Globe or Smart?
0936 is a Globe or TM prefix. Because of mobile number portability, the number may have moved to another network since.
Is 0966 Globe or Smart?
0966 is a Globe or TM prefix too, like 0953, 0956, 0965 and 0975. 0976 is GOMO, Globe's digital brand.
Can a tourist get a local eSIM in the Philippines?
Yes. Globe sells a Traveler eSIM in the GlobeOne app, and Smart sells prepaid eSIMs at its airport booths. You register with your passport, a Philippine address and a return ticket, and the SIM is valid for 30 days.
Does a travel eSIM give me a Philippine number?
No. Travel eSIMs at SimOptions for the Philippines are data-only. For a +63 number, you need a SIM or eSIM from Globe, Smart or DITO.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
Before you fly, on Wi-Fi. When you land, make the eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
