The Ultimate Guide to the Best SIM Card in Cebu: Cebu Airport SIM Card and Getting a Cebu Sim Card

Last updated on March 1st, 2024 at 03:43 am

Looking for the best guide on getting SIM card in Cebu or a Cebu airport SIM Card purchase? For a strong signal in Cebu, Globe and Smart SIM cards are top choices. For eSIM, consider Holafly for hassle-free data and Maya for comprehensive plans.

Landing at Cebu Airport and wondering if you can buy a sim card at Cebu Airport? Yes, there are kiosks selling with Globe and Smart the best SIM card providers in Cebu and the Philippines.

If you are going from Mactan Cebu International Airport to city center you should know that it will take 30 minutes by taxi and more than an hour by public transportation. Ready to dive into the colorful culture and stunning landscapes of Cebu?

Cebu, the Philippines’ oldest city, offers a rich history, stunning beaches, and an increasingly vibrant digital scene. Whether you’re a backpacker hitting the beaches or a business traveler attending a conference, staying connected is key.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the essential information to help you make an informed choice when it comes to buying a SIM card in Cebu.

Related Travel Guides (Cebu Airport SIM Card)

• Buying an eSIM for a Philippines Trip
• Cheapest and Best Travel Insurance for the Philippines
• Filipino Cuisine: Best Filipino Food to Try
• 20 Best Beaches in Cebu to Visit in the Philippines
• Manila vs Cebu

Where to Stay in Cebu

If you are staying near the airport or you prefer staying in Cebu in a relaxing beach with a pool. Read below the list of beach resorts in Cebu around Mactan.

Click here to book your accommodations before your trip to Cebu with Booking and Agoda!

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Cebu?

Absolutely! Buying a SIM card in Cebu is an easy process. Just remember that you’ll usually need to present a valid ID, such as your passport, for registration as per local regulations as the Philippines recently passed its SIM card registration law.

Cebu SIM Cards Companies and Packages

Globe

Known for its extensive coverage and variety of data plans, Globe is a go-to for many travelers.

Globe Traveler SIM

• Globe has a preloaded traveler SIM which you can purchase in the arrival area of the airport and can directly use after the sim registration. You don’t have to worry about reloading and registration of data plans. Below are your choices. Get 10GB of data for $5.37 USD for 7 Days, 20GB of data for $8.94 USD for 15 Days, and 40GB of data for $18 USD valid for 30 days. All plans include unlimited calls and texts to all phones in the Philippines (all networks).

Globe Prepaid SIM

• Globe has its own prepaid SIM (that locals use) which you can buy (these usually cost a dollar outside the airport. You will need to reload this SIM with credits and use those credits or register for services for added perks. See the plans below.

Go+ Promos: Enhanced Connectivity

• GoPLUS99: ₱99 (approx. $1.90) for 8 GB all-access data + unli all net texts, valid for 7 days.
• GoPLUS129: ₱129 (approx. $2.50) for 10 GB all-access data + unli texts + unli calls to Globe/TM, valid for 7 days.
• GoPLUS149: ₱149 (approx. $2.85) for 12 GB all-access data + unli texts and calls, valid for 7 days.
• GoPLUS250/400: ₱250/₱400 (approx. $4.80/$7.70) for 15/25 GB all-access data, valid for 15 days.

Go Promos: Ideal for Casual Internet Use

• Go59/75: From ₱59/₱75 (approx. $1.15/$1.45) for 5 GB data + GoWiFi + unli texts/calls, valid for 3 days.
• Go120/140: ₱120/₱140 (approx. $2.30/$2.70) for 10/11 GB data + GoWiFi + unli texts/calls, valid for 7 days.
• Go250/400: ₱250/₱400 (approx. $4.80/$7.70) for 15/25 GB all-access data, valid for 15 days.

GoBOOSTERS: Customize Your Plan

• GoWATCH/PLAY/SHARE/LEARN/WORK/LISTEN/SHOP/RIDE/KOREAN/PINOY/ANIME/GoLONGER/GoBOOST15/GoCALL10: Additional 1 GB or specific feature add-ons for ₱10/₱15 (approx. $0.20/$0.30) per day.
• Go5G 99/199/299: 5 GB 5G data for ₱99/₱199/₱299 (approx. $1.90/$3.80/$5.75) for 3/7/15 days, requires an active Go+ or Go90+ subscription.

GoUNLI: Unlimited Calls and Texts

• GoUNLI20-350: Ranges from ₱20 (approx. $0.40) for unli calls/texts + 50 MB (1 day) to ₱350 (approx. $6.70) for unli calls/texts + 3 GB (30 days).

GoSURF: For Light Internet Users

• GoSURF30-2499: Plans start at ₱30 (approx. $0.60) for 300 MB (2 days) up to ₱2,499 (approx. $48.00) for 50 GB (30 days).

Smart

Smart, another telecoms and arguably the best signal in the Philippines also has their Smart Tourist SIM.

Want more flexibility? Purchase a regular Smart Prepaid SIM (also used by locals) and you can reload it yourself and register to various plans. This is best for all types of budget and will be the most affordable option. Find all of Smart’s prepaid promos here.

Dito SIM

DITO Telecommunity is a relatively new telecommunications provider in the Philippines, rapidly gaining popularity for its competitive pricing and expanding coverage, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Typical Plans:

• DITO offers various prepaid data plans that are known for their value. For example, a common plan might include 25GB of data for around PHP 199 (approximately $3.80 USD), valid for a month.
• They also offer unlimited data plans and call & text promos at competitive rates.

DITO’s appeal lies in its budget-friendly plans and growing coverage, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking affordable internet access in the Philippines, especially in areas where it has established its network.

Klook 5G Traveler SIM

Klook.com

With Klook, you can already pre-order your Traveler 5G Cebu SIM Card and pick it up upon arrival in Mactan-Cebu Airport, Terminal 2. This is a good way to get your Cebu airport SIM card. For $5.39 USD you get 29GB of high-speed internet and unlimited calls and text messages for 15 days. Talk about convenience!

👉🏽 PRE-ODER YOUR TRAVELER CEBU AIRPORT SIM CARD HERE

Navigating Cebu Airport SIM Card

Terminal Insights:

Mactan-Cebu International Airport, with its modern design and traveler-friendly layout, offers a smooth experience from the moment you land. The airport’s compact nature makes it easy to locate essential services, including SIM card kiosks of Globe and Smart, the Philippines’ two biggest telecom companies. There is also a newcomer, Dito SIM, so check out for that as well.

Finding SIM Card Kiosks for Cebu Airport SIM Card

Prominent providers like Globe and Smart Kiosks can be found in the arrivals area at Cebu airport.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Cebu and Cebu Airport SIM Card

Mactan-Cebu International Airport – Cebu Airport SIM Card

Right after landing, you’ll encounter several stalls and kiosks selling SIM cards in the arrival area. You can expect to find Globe and Smart (look out for DITO SIM, the newest SIM card company in the PH) sim card options – both have prepaid sim cards and Philippines traveler sim cards as well.

Shopping Malls

SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu and Robinsons Galleria Cebu have several stores where you can buy and activate SIM cards. If you want the option of not buying directly from Cebu airport because of the price and are not in a hurry to get one, your next best bet is the big malls. SM City Cebu usually sells prepaid Globe and Smart SIM cards and has to reload options as well in the SM Information desks. This is the same in all SM information desks across the country as well.

Local Mobile Stores

Globe, Smart, and DITO have shops all over Cebu City, where you can pick from a variety of plans and packages.

Convenience Stores and Small Sari-Sari Stores

Many convenience stores like 7-Eleven offer basic SIM card options. If you’re in a local part of Cebu city, small stores like general mobile and merchandising stores, and even in public markets even some sari stores (local neighborhood stores) you can get Philippine sim cards. Keep in mind that these stores usually don’t assist with activation. However, these options can be cheaper than a Cebu airport SIM card purchase.

Pre-Order Your Cebu SIM Cards Online and Pick Up Later

Klook.com

With Klook, you can already pre-order your Traveler 5G Cebu SIM Card and pick it up upon arrival in Mactan-Cebu Airport, Terminal 2. This is a good way to get your Cebu airport SIM card. For $5.39 USD you get 29GB of high-speed internet and unlimited calls and text messages for 15 days. Talk about convenience!

👉🏽 PRE-ODER YOUR TRAVELER CEBU AIRPORT SIM CARD HERE

Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Cebu (Cebu Airport SIM Card)

The primary mobile operators in Cebu include Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and DITO SIM. They offer services ranging from 3G to 5G.

VoLTE & VoWiFi in Cebu

Not all local providers support these technologies, so you’ll want to check compatibility before making a selection.

SIM Card Registration in Cebu

Registration is simple and usually involves showing your passport for identity verification. This is a quick process, and you can use your SIM card immediately afterward. If you are in a hurry and don’t want to register with sellers and happy to do it on your own, here are quick links to registering your Philippine SIM card online:

• Globe SIM Registration
• Smart SIM Registration
• DITO SIM Registration

Alternatively, you can download their mobile apps and you can register directly through the apps. Look for Globe One (for Globe), Smart Gigalife (for Smart) and DITO PH (for DITO). You’ll easily find these apps in both Apple and Play Stores.

Remember that it’s important to register your physical sim immediately or you risk losing signal of your sim card. You will need wifi to register your SIM as data will not work yet before the Philippine SIM card is registered.

Roaming in Cebu

Roaming services are available but can get costly. It’s generally cheaper to buy a local SIM card, especially if you plan on using data services.

Cebu Mobile Speeds, Internet Prices & Insights

Cebu offers good network coverage and decent internet speeds, especially in urban areas. Data plans are generally inexpensive compared to Western countries.

Currency in Cebu

The currency in Cebu, as in the rest of the Philippines, is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in many places but having cash on hand is advisable.

Best SIM Card in Cebu

Globe Telecom Cebu

Strengths:

• Good Coverage: Sufficient network coverage, especially in tourist spots.
• High-Speed Data: 4G and some 5G services are available.

Weaknesses:

• Pricier: Globe can be more expensive compared to other local providers.

Ideal For:

• Travelers who prioritize robust data and services.

Pricing:

• 8GB Data Pack: 600 PHP (Validity 15 days)
• 20GB Data Pack: 1000 PHP (Validity 30 days)

Smart Communications Cebu

Strengths:

• Competitive Pricing: Cost-effective plans are available.
• Extensive Network: Wider coverage, including some rural areas.

Weaknesses:

• Customer Service: Varied experiences have been reported regarding their customer support.

Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious travelers who require good coverage.

Pricing:

• 4GB Data Pack: 300 PHP (Validity 15 days)
• 15GB Data Pack: 800 PHP (Validity 30 days)

Comparing eSIMs in Cebu

Maya eSIM Cebu

• 1 GB for $5 USD (30 days)
• 10 GB for $24 USD (30 days)

Maya offers relatively low-cost eSIM options that are easy to use and straightforward to set up. With a focus on affordability, Maya eSIM Madeira is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors who need basic data access.

👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE

Holafly Cebu eSIM

• Unlimited data for $64 USD (30 days) using discount code GAMINTRAVELER

Holafly offers unlimited data, making it ideal for heavy data users or business travelers. Using a promotional code can further reduce costs, making it a competitive option for those who don’t want to compromise on data usage.

👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER

Airalo Cebu eSIM

• 1 GB for $4.5 USD (7 days)
• 30 GB for $19 USD (30 days)

Airalo provides highly flexible, low-cost data options suitable for both short and longer stays. The ease of setup and wide range of data packages make Airalo a convenient option for those looking for customization and affordability.

👉🏽 GET AIRALO ESIM PLAN HERE

The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Cebu

In summary, Vodafone and NOS offer competitive data packages for both short-term and long-term stays. However, if you’re staying in Madeira for a short period, consider eSIM options from Airalo or Maya for flexibility.

Our Final Thoughts and Recommendations on SIM Card Cebu Airport and Best SIM Card in Cebu to Get

In Cebu, Globe and Smart dominate Cebu SIM card options with reliable signals. For eSIMs, Holafly offers quick activation, while Maya adds text & call perks.

👉🏽 GET HOLAFLY FOR UNLIMITED DATA HERE – DISCOUNT CODE: GAMINTRAVELER

👉🏽 GET MAYA MOBILE ESIM PLAN HERE

👉🏽 GET AIRALO ESIM PLAN HERE

Happy Travels!