I've done a bit of a search on LP but couldn't find specifics. So I would appreciate your advice on the best SIM card for the Philippines and where I might purchase it. I have a tri-band mobile phone and want to both call to and receive calls from the U.S.
Do any of the cards allow for free incoming calls on a mobile? About how much is the average cost per minute to and from the U.S.?
Thanks!
sisquoc
1
s0mekindofsuperstar
As for me i can say GLobe Telecom offers the best mobile service in the philippines. from messaging to call bothe international and local. you can buy it anywhere from malls to convenient stores.
For more information about travelling in the Philippines visit my site at http://www.letsgotophilippines.blogspot.com/</a>
2
chietg
Globe and Smart pre-paid sim cards abound in malls, convenient stores (even the local "sari-sari store"), MRT stations, even shops inside airport and sea pier terminals. These cost around Php50-60, then you just have to reload it in different increments. Reloading stations are even more abundant, just ask the locals around where you can buy "load" for cellphone. Calling the US normally costs Php15/minute and does not charge incoming calls. You can check the Globe website to see current promos for calling the US.
3
mervdmer
I agree with number 1.
I visited indonesia two months ago and used Globe's international roaming during my stay. a month later i checked my bill i cant believe they charged almost the same rate for calling and sms for so cheap. Kudos for Globe.
comment for smart? i dont want to cemment. i might get sued
4
cdoguide
Stiff competition between Globe (they also own Touch Mobile), Smart (they also own Talk n Text) and Sun Cellular is driving call and text rates down! I say kudos to Sun Cellular. They were the ones responsible for providing unlimited call and text services (Sun to Sun) and cheaper international calls that forced Globe and Smart to provide the same services.
6
jim72
Globe has stronger reception than Smart. I've found that if I'm travelling by ferry, and a long way from land, I can usually still get reasonable reception if I have a Globe sim card, but not if I have a Smart sim card.
7
sisquoc
I followed the above link to the Globe site, but I could not understand that site at all. Unfortunately, I didn't get any helpful information.
I did want to ask about Telestial--which I gather is the same as Smart (??) and not well thought of (??). For $49 U.S. prepaid, you get free incoming, voice mail, but only $11 U.S. counts as credit towards calling time. Telestial offers more of what I am interested, and the site was easy to understand. But, jeez, that's expensive.
Thanks for all your thoughts.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner