A lot has changed in the Philippines and the world since I arrived in the Philippines in 1999.
There are many more options that do not require you to buy a cell phones in the Philippines or SIM card now. Virtual SIMS, Roaming plans from your home countries are all good options depending on compatibility and length of stay.
In the video, you will learn about cell phones in the Philippines.
As you will see, the phone is outdated but they still sell this type of cell phone here. They are functional, cheap and disposable.
Cell Phones in the Philippines
First, watch the video above. It will probably make you jealous, especially if you’re stuck in the cold, wet and icy parts of the western world. We all know what it’s like. Slaving away in the office working a nine-to-five job. That you would leave in a heartbeat if given the chance for something better to do. We have to make money here too, and man does it suck to work on a laptop every day, tryin’ to make a living.
That is, it sucks when your view isn’t Puerto Galera and this beautiful island that many ex-pats and long-term travelers are now calling their home. The great thing about communication in the Philippines is that it’s no problem at all. When you plan accordingly and do your research. What your best options are for where you will be staying around the islands. You have a few different options when considering what form of communication you will be planning to use during your stay in a tropical paradise. Below, we will discuss a few of your options for telecommunicating in the Philippines and what to expect when looking for cell phone plans, and knowing what are your best options when choosing cell phone networks in the Philippines.
When you come to the Philippines, communication will be no problem at all. There are countless options when it comes to buying a cheap cell phone in the Philippines and finding cheap cell phones for sale in all parts of the Philippines. Many tourists and travelers to the islands will often wait to purchase a phone until they arrive in the country knowing how much cheaper your phone options are in the Philippines when compared to what you will find for the same price in most western countries.
Cell Phone Shops in the Philippines
Finding a cell phone shop in the Philippines is actually quite easy considering most islands and even some of the smaller provinces all over the Philippines usually have one or more cell phone shops scattered around the area. When you arrive, you’ll be able to find cheap cell phones for sale at around $20 depending on the features and model you choose.
For around $20 you might have some basic functionality like texting and calling with an older “smart” phone-style screen that is a bit outdated, yet still gets the job done. If you bring your own unlocked phone, you’ll be able to buy a Philippines SIM card, which is only a few dollars and comes with a bit of credit that you can later refill after it’s been used.
Cheap Cell Phones in the Philippines
The Philippines is a very poor country and if you’re looking for cheap cell phones for sale you won’t have a hard time finding them. If you haven’t visited the developing world before, you will probably be shocked by the poverty in the Philippines. Despite this, there are many multi-million-dollar shopping malls. Inside each of these malls, you’ll be able to buy mobile phones, computers and lots more. One of the wild things about the Philippines (and most developing countries) is that despite poverty, almost everyone has a smart phone. It seems that regardless of how poor someone is, they have still got money for a cell phone.
A word of warning…Do not walk around with your expensive cell phone in your hand. There is a whole industry built around snatching, unlocking and selling phones.
If it’s the internet you need, you’ll be fine in the Philippines.
At BADLADZ Beach Resort and BADLADZ Staycation Condos we have free STARLINK Wi-Fi and mesh Wifi throughout the resort and condos. Bring your laptop and your WiFi-enabled cell phone and you’ll be able to get work done.
Mobile Phone Plans
You have a few choices for different mobile phone plans in the Philippines depending on which cell phone network you choose to go with. The most popular providers for the bigger metropolitan cities such as Manila and other places like Cebu and Boracay are “Smart” and “Globe” which are leading the pack for the top cell phone networks in the Philippines. One will have a stronger connection over the other depending on the specific area you are in. Trailing behind the top two providers I mentioned follows “TNT” and the remaining providers thereafter.
You can also buy a wireless internet hot spot. Do this, and you’ll have internet access practically anywhere, including in a location like the video above. Get your work done from the beach, or from the top of the mountain. So long as you have internet access, you can work anywhere.
That’s one of the beautiful things about living and working in the Philippines. Set yourself up with a business that you can run online and you’ll be able to work anywhere. Settle into a life of relaxation and travel.
Most mobile phone plans in the Philippines with work on what’s known as a “load” system. In other words, you purchase “data” or “minutes” referred to as “load” for the remaining of this article. And will vary in price depending on the types of features or data you require. Load charges vary in price and are valid for a certain number of days or set amount of data or calls.
You can choose to have only certain features such as text and data only, calls and data only. I’ve even heard of a plan that offers only Facebook messenger and texting as well. The more expensive the load plan, the more days and features you will get.
Cell Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Depending on the cell phone network in the Philippines that you choose. The load features you purchase for your device. There are other key points you should be aware of when using cell phones in the Philippines. For example, many cell phones offer the option for using dual sim cards from two different carriers. The reason for this option is that the bigger networks such as “smart” and “globe” charge more for calling and texting different networks. So often times you will see that many people have two sim cards. Along with two separate cell phone numbers for those individual networks as well.
Make sure to purchase an OPEN LINE cell phone that accepts both major networks
It’s a wonderful life when you stay at BADLADZ Beach Resort and BADLADZ Staycation Condos.
With jaw-dropping vistas, white sandy beaches, and lots of ice-cold beer, you should book your holiday today. Stop dreaming about it and make it happen! Come and experience the amazing Puerto Galera nightlife!
Cheers,
Sean
