Buying a SIM card at Manila Airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) 2024: Travelers Guide

Published: July 2024

Staying connected is a top priority for most travelers, and getting a SIM card at Manila Airport is the easiest way to do so upon arrival.

This guide will help international travelers landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila get mobile data and call services. It shows where to buy a SIM card at Manila Airport, explains how to register it, and suggests the best prepaid SIM deals for tourists looking for cheap connectivity.

In this article

I. Should You Buy a SIM Card at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)?

YES, buying a SIM card at Manila Airport is a very good idea. Here’s why:

It’s easy to get one as soon as you land, so you can use your phone right away.
You have plenty of options to choose what suits you best.
The SIM works immediately without waiting.
There’s help available if you’re not sure what to do.
Prices at the airport are the same as in the city, so you’re not paying extra.

Getting a SIM at Manila Airport makes your trip to the Philippines smoother and keeps you connected from the start.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Manila Airport?

Two main ways to buy a SIM card at Manila airport are:

Buying online and picking up at the airport
Buying upon arrival at the airport

Now, let’s go into details.

1. Buying online and picking up at Manila airport

Ordering a SIM card online is easy and avoids airport lines. Get it at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), either at a counter or a specific gate.

How to get your SIM:

Find the counter or gate for your SIM.
Show your ID and flight info to get your SIM.
Follow the steps to activate your SIM.

What to prepare:

Valid ID
Flight details
Payment confirmation (if applicable)

Cost: Range from $5 to $30.

Pros: Easy, no lines, many options.

Cons: Needs planning and internet, extra fees.

2. Buying SIM card at Manila Airport Upon Arrival

Buying a sim card at the airport upon arrival is a good option for those who want to compare plans in person or need a sim card immediately.

Kiosks/stands/booths at the airport:

Airside Stalls: Inside departure areas of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, you can find SIM card kits from Smart, Globe, and DITO.
Telco Express: Near Terminal 1’s immigration, this shop has more SIM card options from different carriers.
Network Stores: If you can’t find what you need inside, major carrier stores are just outside the airport.

Opening hours: 24/7

Language support: English and Filipino.

What to prepare:

Passport
Unlocked mobile phone
Cash (some stalls may accept credit cards)

Pros: Easy to get and compare on arrival, no need to plan.

Cons: Might face queues at busy times, fewer plan options than online.

Additional notes:

Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked and compatible with the network frequencies in the Philippines.
Consider your data usage needs and choose a plan accordingly.
Top-up options are available at convenience stores and online through carrier apps.

III. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Manila Airport – Registration Process

Here are the very important things that should be well-prepared when you get a SIM card at Manila Airport:

A valid passport for ID check.
Proof of address like a utility bill or bank statement for KYC norms.
A passport-sized photo for identity verification.
Money for the SIM card fee, around $10-15, cash or card.
Your local address (e.g., hotel) for SIM card delivery if it’s not instant.
Fill out a registration form with basic info like name, DOB, and nationality.
Another ID, maybe a driver’s license, for extra verification.

IV. Best Tourist Manila Airport SIM Cards Options and Price

You will find the Smart and Globe stores in terminal 1. In this section, we will offer you the packages of these 2 operators. Especially, Smart sells 2 plans at Manila Airport: unlimited & limited data plans.

1. Smart Unlimited Data Packages

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Validity
1500 PHP (~ $38.25)	Unlimited	31 minutes	30 days
2000 PHP (~ $34)	Unlimited	93 minutes	30 days
2500 PHP (~ $42.5)	Unlimited	156 minutes	30 days
3000 PHP (~ $51)	Unlimited	218 minutes	30 days
3500 PHP (~ $59.5)	Unlimited	281 minutes	30 days

2. Smart Limited Data Packages

Price	Data	Bonus Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS
1600 PHP (~ $27.2)	72 GB	N/A	Unlimited (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)
2100 PHP (~ $35.7)	96 GB	6 GB (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)
2600 PHP (~ $44.2)	132 GB	6 GB (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)
3100 PHP (~ $52.7)	168 GB	6 GB (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)	Unlimited (90 days)

3. Globe Data Plans

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
2000 PHP (~ $34)	131 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
2500 PHP (~ $42.5)	200 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
3000 PHP (~ $51)	262 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days

Note: Prices may vary depending on the specific information of the provider. Check the latest information before making any decision.

V. The Philippines eSIM for Manila – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Are you traveling abroad and want to stay online easily? eSIM technology is your friend. With eSIM, set up your data plan before you go, and get instant internet access when you land, no SIM card swap is needed.

Among the top eSIM retailers in the market, Gigago always stands as the best choice for all visitors to 200+ countries. You’ll get tons of benefits if buying here like:

Whole coverage in the Philippines with the Globe network
Hotspot and tethering capabilities
24/7 customer support
Instant delivery of the eSIM via email

For the Philippines, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 5 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Philippines eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 – $141.50 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in the Philippines, there is always an option for you with Gigago

VI. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Manila Airport?

Here’s where to get a SIM card near Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines:

7-Eleven, Family Mart and Ministop sell them.
Globe, Smart, and DITO stores in Manila also have them.
Look in SM and Robinsons Malls for kiosks or shops.
Check with street vendors or small shops near the airport, but make sure they’re legit.

VII. FAQs

What documents are required to buy a SIM card at Manila airport?

Some vendors may ask for a valid ID, but many do not require any documentation to purchase a prepaid SIM card at Manila Airport.

Are there any special offers for SIM cards at Manila airport?

Some vendors may provide promotional packages or discounts on SIM cards purchased at Manila Airport for new arrivals.

How do I know which SIM card network has the best coverage in the Philippines?

It’s best to ask the vendor for recommendations on the SIM card network with the widest coverage across the Philippines.

VIII. Conclusion

In general, buying a SIM card at Manila Airport is handy for travelers to the Philippines. There are many prepaid options to keep you connected right away. Just check the deals, know the rules, and make sure the seller is real. A SIM card from the airport makes traveling around the Philippines easy.