Using your eSIM in Philippines
What you get with every Philippines plan
Where it works
Philippines
Networks
Globe, SMART
Hotspot
Allowed
When your plan starts
When you land
Install by
Within 180 days of buying
Questions about Philippines eSIMs
Do I need Facebook Messenger in the Philippines?
In practice, yes.
Dive shops, guesthouses and boat operators answer on Messenger rather than by email, and plenty list no other contact at all.
It runs over mobile data like any other app.
Will my eSIM work in El Nido or Coron?
Out on the island hopping boats and around the lagoons it fades, and the towns are no promise either.
Screenshot your tour booking before you leave the guesthouse.
Does Grab work in the Philippines?
In Manila and Cebu, yes, and it needs data to book and to pay.
Elsewhere you are waving down a tricycle, so a saved map pin matters more than an app does.
Is there signal on the island hopping boats?
Out between islands it disappears, and the crossings are long.
Treat the whole hop as time offline.
Tell your accommodation when you expect to be back on land.
How is coverage in Siargao and Bohol?
Nothing we publish promises General Luna or Tagbilaran.
The surf breaks on the far side of Siargao, the inland roads on Bohol and the waterfalls are worth downloading a map for.
Questions about every Ryvo plan
Will it work on my phone?
Does it come with a phone number?
No.
Ryvo eSIMs are data only.
There's no phone number, and you can't make calls or send texts on the eSIM itself.
Can I keep my usual number?
Yes.
Keep your main SIM on for calls and texts, and set the eSIM as your mobile data line.
Your carrier's roaming rates still apply to calls and texts, so check them before you go.
Can I share my data as a hotspot?
It depends on the plan.
Each plan says whether hotspot is allowed before you pay.
What if I run out of data?
Add data from your order page if your plan can be topped up.
If it can't, buy another plan for the same destination.
What if my eSIM won't connect?
Email us and we'll work through it with you, starting with your phone's mobile data settings.
If we can't get it working, our refund policy explains what happens next.
Before you go
The coverage list on this page names the Philippines, and the networks beside it.
Palawan's interior, the far side of Siargao and the small islands in between are thinner.
Facebook Messenger is how most small operators here take bookings and answer questions, ahead of email or a phone call.
Grab works in Manila and Cebu.
Outside them it is tricycles, jeepneys and motorbike taxis arranged on the spot.
Keep your usual SIM switched on for calls and texts, and choose the eSIM for mobile data.
Still need help?
Email us your order reference, and we'll help you get connected.