6 plans from 1GB to 20GB. Buy now, scan the QR, and your data works the moment you land.
It runs on Philippines's national mobile networks, so the same plan works right across the country, including Manila, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan. There is nothing extra to buy for a city or island.
Slashtel Philippines eSIMs start at $2.39 for 1GB over 7 days, across 6 plans. The lowest price per GB is $1.44 on the 20GB plan. A one-week trip costs from $2.39 (1GB). It connects to SMART and Globe on up to 5G. Prices checked 9 October 2026.
Last checked: September 2026
You land at Manila (MNL) after a long flight, or maybe at Cebu (CEB) for the islands. The heat hits you, the queue for taxis is long, and you need to message whoever is picking you up. Or you are in Cebu, ready to head to the port for a ferry. Either way, you want data working before you leave the airport.
Slashtel gives you a Philippines eSIM that arrives as a QR code by email within a minute of buying. Install it at home, and it connects when you land. Prices start from $2.39, with no contract and no local address needed. It is data only, so no local number, calls or SMS. But WhatsApp calls work over data, and hotspot is allowed.
UK travellers often come for island holidays and to visit family. The Philippines is a long way from the UK, so trips tend to be two weeks or more. You might fly into Manila, then take a domestic flight to Palawan or Boracay. Or you have family in Cebu and spend time between islands. Having data means you can book ferries, check flight times, and stay in touch without hunting for Wi-Fi.
Indian travellers come for holidays and business travel. Direct flights from India to Manila and Cebu make it easy. Business travellers need reliable data for email and WhatsApp, while holidaymakers want maps and social media. If you are visiting family, you will want to share photos and make video calls. A data eSIM keeps you connected without swapping your SIM card.
| Data | Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 3-5 days | Maps, WhatsApp text, light email. No video. |
| 3GB | 1 week | Maps, WhatsApp calls, occasional social media. |
| 5GB | 2 weeks | Maps, WhatsApp video, some music streaming. |
| 10GB | 1 month | Daily use including video and video calls. |
Pick based on how long you are staying and how much you stream. If you are unsure, start smaller and top up online on the same eSIM if you run out.
Island hopping is the norm here, and signal can drop on boats and on remote beaches. That is normal. Do not rely on having data while you are on the water. Download offline maps and any tickets or bookings before you set off. When you are back on land in a town, signal usually returns.
Book ferries and domestic flights online before you leave Wi-Fi. Many operators release seats and sailings that fill up fast, especially in peak season. If you wait until you are at the port, you might find the next ferry is full. Use your eSIM data to book ahead when you have a good connection, or do it from your hotel Wi-Fi the night before.
Install your eSIM at home while you have Wi-Fi. The QR code arrives by email within a minute, and you can add it to your phone straight away. Follow our installation guide for step by step instructions. Your home SIM stays in your phone for calls and OTPs, so you do not lose access to your bank. If you are an Indian traveller, see our guide on keeping your Indian SIM active. The eSIM is data only, so your regular number still works for SMS. Days start counting only when the eSIM first connects in the Philippines, so you can install it days before you fly.
Ready to go? Browse Philippines data plans and choose the size that fits your trip. Prices start from $2.39. No contract, no local address, and top ups are done online on the same eSIM. The QR arrives by email within a minute. Install it before you fly, and you will be online as soon as you land in Manila or Cebu.
Last checked: September 2026. Prices and plans are verified on the Slashtel site at the time of writing.
Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM compatible. Most modern iPhones and many Android phones support eSIM. Check your settings for an eSIM option before you buy.
Yes. Your physical SIM stays in your phone for calls and SMS, including bank OTPs. The eSIM handles data only. You can turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.
For 1 week, 3GB is usually enough for maps, WhatsApp calls and occasional social media. For 2 weeks, 5GB covers maps, WhatsApp video and some music streaming. If you plan to work or stream video daily, choose 10GB.
Yes, install it at home while you have Wi-Fi. The QR code arrives by email within a minute of purchase. You can add the eSIM to your phone and it will only start counting days when it first connects in the Philippines.
You can expect good coverage in cities like Manila and Cebu, and in popular areas of Palawan and Boracay. However, signal can drop on boats and on remote beaches, which is common when island hopping. Coverage is not guaranteed everywhere.
Yes, hotspot is allowed. You can share your data with a laptop or other devices. Just keep an eye on your data usage if you are streaming or downloading large files.
For most trips a 5GB to 10GB data eSIM valid for 30 days is the right size: Slashtel's 5GB plan for the Philippines is $8.49 on SMART and Globe. Install it before you fly, keep your home SIM on for calls and bank texts, and top up the same eSIM if you run low.
If your phone supports eSIM, an eSIM is simpler than a local SIM card: nothing to collect at the airport, no passport registration, and your home SIM stays in the phone for calls and OTP texts. A physical SIM only makes sense for long stays where you need a local phone number.
From $2.39 for 1GB valid 7 days, as of 9 October 2026. Longer trips: two weeks from $5.29 (3GB), one month from $5.59 (3GB).
$1.44 per GB on the 20GB plan (30 days, $28.79). Bigger plans usually cost less per GB, so buy the size you expect to use.
SMART and Globe, with speeds up to 5G where available. The eSIM picks the strongest network automatically.
No. Slashtel eSIMs are data only, with no local number, calls or SMS. WhatsApp and other internet calls work, and your home SIM can stay on for calls and OTP texts.
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in the Philippines, not when you buy it, so you can buy and install it before you travel.
After payment Slashtel emails a QR code within a minute. Scan it in your phone settings while on Wi-Fi at home, then switch on data roaming for the eSIM when you land.
Yes. Hotspot and tethering are allowed on Slashtel eSIMs.
Pick a plan, pay by card. QR arrives by email within a minute.
Scan the QR on Wi-Fi at home. Takes two minutes. Keep your main SIM in.
Enable data roaming on the Slashtel line. Done, no shops, no queues.