Best Prepaid Phone Plans in the Philippines

Last Updated – Jun 21, 2023 @ 9:08 am

If your main goal is to lower your monthly bills, then the best prepaid mobile plans in the Philippines are the solution to your dilemma.

These plans do not just give you amazing value for your money, but it also gives you an opportunity to *finally* get rid of lengthy contracts that don’t always fit your needs.

Prepaid phone plans are truly the most practical (and affordable!) option if you already have a device. 

You’ll be surprised at how many choices you have when it comes to this wireless service plan, with some even granting you much-needed data allowance, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for as low as Php50 for a couple of days! What a steal, right?

Keep in mind that it’s quite challenging to pin down the perfect prepaid phone plan for each individual since it ultimately depends on your usage.

What is a Mobile Prepaid Plan?

A mobile prepaid plan means you consistently have to pay or recharge for your plan upfront. This is the plan you’ll automatically have when you purchase a SIM in a store. Before you can enjoy any type of services such as calls, texts, or mobile internet, you have to “load” your SIM.

The services you’ll be able to enjoy depend on the credit available on your prepaid plan, as well as the amount you pay.

Prepaid plans also usually expire after a few days. For example, your load promo may only be valid for 5 or 7 days, or even 30 days.

If you use up all your credit allocation before it expires, you need to recharge again. For instance, if you sign up for unli call and text with 8GB internet, and you use up all your mobile data allocation, you won’t be able to access websites anymore, although you’ll still be able to call and text.

Related Guide: Best Pocket WiFi in the Philippines

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Prepaid vs. Postpaid

To better understand what a mobile prepaid plan is, you should also know what a postpaid plan is.

A postpaid plan is a contract where you pay a set price per month to your network in exchange for fixed inclusions.

Postpaid plans can be SIM-only or with a device, although it is more common for Filipinos to choose postpaid plans with a device. Usually, this type of plan includes unlimited calls and text. The main difference is usually the data allocation.

To give you a better perspective on prepaid phone plans and postpaid phone plans, let’s discuss the pros and cons of each.

Pros of a prepaid phone plan

Price.

Because you’ll only pay for the service you use, a prepaid plan may help you save more money. This is the case especially for people who usually use their phones only for talking and texting.

Convenient.

Because you don’t have to go to your preferred network’s store to set up your postpaid plan contract, you can save time and money.

Freedom.

Sometimes, being tied to a long service contract doesn’t make sense, especially if your phone usage is inconsistent. With a prepaid plan, you can simply add load to your SIM when you need it. 

No surprise bills.

When you go with a prepaid plan, you won’t have to worry about extra monthly charges that can easily rack up. This will give you peace of mind, especially if you’re paying for your family’s phone plan.

Cons of prepaid plans

Price.

Remember what we told you about saving more money when it comes to prepaid phone plans? Unfortunately, this is not the case 100% of the time. If you have to consistently use your phone, especially for mobile data, you still have to spend money.

You need to buy a phone.

There are limited prepaid phone plans that come with a phone so this is an added expense on your part. If you do find a prepaid plan with a phone, it’s usually not a smartphone and you can only use it for calls and text.

Limited roaming capacity.

Prepaid phone plans don’t offer a lot of services related to roaming, which means you may not be able to use your phone properly if you go out of the country or if you need to call someone abroad.

Related: Complete International Travel Checklist

Expiration.

Most data plans and load come with an expiry date. If you weren’t able to use your full service allotment before it expires, it can be frustrating.

Pros of a postpaid plan

Tons of Inclusions.

Do you fear not having enough load for data, calling, or texting? Then you’ll love postpaid since it usually comes with a high limit on data, as well as unlimited calls and texts.

Convenient.

Although you’d have to go to a store to sign your contract, you won’t have to reload your phone all the time, which can be very convenient, especially for those who don’t want to manually do this task.

More options.

There is now a wide range of postpaid plans below Php1,000 that you can get. If you don’t mind spending more, you’ll enjoy a wider range of options. Some even come with a complimentary Netflix subscription, and other perks such as free cloud photo storage.

It can come with a phone.

Because there are networks that offer phone + postpaid plan packages, you won’t have to worry about getting a new phone. You’ll even have the opportunity to upgrade your old phone from a previous plan without settling a huge upfront cost.

Cons of a postpaid plan

Commitment.

If you don’t like financial commitments, a postpaid phone plan may not be a good idea since you will be under a 12-24-month lock-in period. If you can’t pay your bill, your network may hunt you down, and your credit score will be affected.

Surprise bills.

Chances are, you’ve heard horror stories of people being charged thousands for extra consumption. If you cannot get into the habit of monitoring your data, text, and call usage, this can easily happen.

Related: Best Postpaid Phone Plans in the Philippines

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How prepaid phone plans work

Imagine this. Your 10-year-old son has been requesting a phone for years and is telling you that it’s important for school.

After some thinking, you agree that a phone for your kid is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. He may need a phone to contact you, or do research for his homework. Because of this, you get your kid a basic phone and buy a prepaid SIM card – one without frills or commitments.

But here’s the catch. Your son LOVES Tiktok. 

Can you imagine if you put your son on a postpaid plan with only 5GB of internet per month? He’ll use that up in a day! Additionally, he may not know how to correctly monitor his data usage and may rack up additional bills due to his love for the said social media platform.

So instead of a postpaid plan, you get him a prepaid plan. Then, you may get him a promo with free 1GB of Tiktok. When this allocation runs out, your kid needs to ask you for load once more. 

For this reason, prepaid plans are the best option for those who want control over their monthly network bills.

An added perk of prepaid plans is that the top networks in the country have made it easier for customers to access their various prepaid offers.

Therefore, looking for the perfect “load” or “promo” literally just takes a few clicks. 

Related: Best Internet Plans in the Philippines

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Types of Mobile Prepaid Plans In The Philippines

Here are the types of prepaid plans you can avail of in the country. Keep in mind that most of these prepaid plan types can be mixed, depending on the package available.

Prepaid load

A prepaid load is basically prepaid credits to be used to pay for calls, texts, and mobile data. However, using a “regular load” is wasteful and easily gets expensive.

Usually, regular load is used to sign up for a promo.

Unlimited Text

When you know that your phone is going to be used mainly for texts, it’s best to avail of unlimited text prepaid plans. This can either be unlimited texts to all networks or only limited to your network.

Unlimited Calls

Calls are a necessity for all kinds of users. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a senior citizen, chances are you’ll never run out of reasons to call someone.

Unlimited call plans also come in two types: either you can call all networks or only limited to your network.

Data

Data is the fuel that powers your mobile device. You can use up your data in many ways – internet browsing, downloading apps, playing games, and many more.

Although there are data-only plans, this offer is usually mixed with text and call capabilities.

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Best Prepaid SIM Cards in the Philippines

Here are the most common sim cards you can buy in the Philippines, including the Price.

• Smart: starts at Php40
• Globe: starts at Php40
• Cherry Prepaid: starts at Php29
• GOMO: starts at Php299 (with 30GB data)
• DITO: starts at Php49
• Talk N Text: starts at Php30
• Touch Mobile: starts at Php40

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Where to Buy Prepaid SIM Cards in the Philippines

If you’re a foreigner or a Balikbayan, getting a SIM card is so easy since it’s available in all major and non-major airports nationwide.

You can also easily find SIM card stalls in the mall, groceries, and sari-sari stores across the country.

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What type of SIM Card to Buy in the Philippines

There are different types of SIM cards you can get in the Philippines. For example, you can get a standard SIM card that can be used for texting, calling, and browsing the internet.

You may also get an eSIM (usually only in network stores), which is a programmable SIM card embedded into a device so you can connect all your gadgets to one number, or use multiple numbers on one device.

Another type of SIM you can get is a 4G or LTE sim, which is perfect for people who need fast internet.

Not content with 4G? Then purchase a 5G SIM to level up your mobile internet speed and experience. This is amazing for people who use their phones for streaming, gaming, and video calls. 

Traveling outside the Philippines? Then you can get a roaming SIM. This type of SIM card operates on more than one network within the country where you bought it.

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Top Prepaid Phone Plans in the Philippines

Here are the best prepaid phone plans in the Philippines.

Note: For some promos, the Keyword and Price are not listed. For these cases, the Keyword is also the name of the promo, and the Price is already obvious in the promo name. 

Smart

Considered as one of the premiere mobile operators in the country, it’s no surprise that this network offers some of the best prepaid plans you can have.

Smart is known to have reliable signal networks all over the Philippines, not only for calls and texts, but also for mobile data. 

Here are some of Smart’s best prepaid plans:

How to subscribe for a Smart prepaid plan:

1. Text the KEYWORD to 9999
2. Dial *121# and navigate the menu to register
3. Call the Smart Hotline. *888 on your mobile, and 888-1111 on landline
4. Visit the Smart Online Store
5. Download the My Smart App on App Store or Google Play Store

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Globe

Globe is another major player in the mobile Philippine industry with over 87 million subscribers.

The prepaid plans of this mobile network provide great value for money, especially those with data. Globe offers amazing deals especially when it comes to data. 

Here are the different globe prepaid SIM plans you can try.

How to subscribe for a Globe prepaid plan:

1. Dial *143 and navigate the menu to register
2. Download the Globe One App
3. Reload using call cards (dial 222)
4. Share-a-load
5. Buy load online

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DITO

This is a relatively new player in the network industry in the Philippines. Since 2020, they have been specializing in high speed data connection, and have made a mark in the country. 

Keep in mind that DITO currently doesn’t cover the whole country yet. You can only use DITO in most places north and south of Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

Here are DITO’s prepaid phone plans:

How to subscribe for a DITO prepaid plan:

• Download the DITO app

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TM

TM, also known as Touch Mobile and Republika ng TM,  is under Globe Telecom. It caters to the middle-income earners in the country, as well as low-income groups.

TM is popular for its affordable call and messaging services, as well as their “all network” offers.

Here are TM’s prepaid plans:

How to subscribe for a TM prepaid plan:

• Text the promo name to 8080.
• Dial *143# and navigate the menu to register.

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GOMO

GOMO is a fully digital telco that operates similarly to other network operators. However, they do not own or have any radiofrequency.

Instead, this mobile virtual network operator enters into a business agreement with an MNO. This way, it can use the MNO’s network to power its services.

The various GOMO Data offers are as follows:

Plan	Price	Validity	Inclusions
GOMO SIM	Php299	no expiry	30GB data only
GOMO SIM	Php499	no expiry	25 GB + 100 minutes calls + 500 texts

How to subscribe for a GOMO prepaid plan:

• Buy a GOMO SIM (get a new number or keep your existing number)

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TNT

This cellular service is Smart Communications’ counterpart to Globe’s TM. It is famous for its cheap promos, especially when it comes to calling and texting. 

How to subscribe for a TNT prepaid plan:

• Download the GigaLife app.
• Dial *123# and navigate the menu to register.

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Cherry

Cherry Prepaid is another affordable network that aims to empower Filipinos through their call, text, and data promos.

This prepaid network is owned by Globe Telecom. Here are the different Cherry prepaid plans.

How to subscribe for a prepaid plan:

• Text the Keyword to 2138.
• Dial *139# and navigate the menu to register.

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Sun Cellular

Sun Cellular offers tons of great promos for those who are looking for a cheap way to call and text. It is powered by Smart Communications.

Here are Sun Cellular’s mobile prepaid plans:

How to subscribe for a Sun Cellular prepaid plan:

• Text Keyword to 274.
• Purchase load through the Sun Online Shop.
• Dial *123# and navigate the menu to register.

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Where to Buy Prepaid Load in the Philippines

There are tons of ways you can buy prepaid load in the Philippines. Here are some of them.

Sari-sari stores

Most sari-sari stores are authorized loading merchants that can send you load. Usually, there’s a small tarpaulin outside stores that indicates the networks they can provide load for. 

GCash

GCash has tons of regular load, promos, and exclusive offers for different networks, including broadband.

Maya

This digital bank also offers prepaid load for various networks.

Coins.Ph

With this e-wallet, you can buy load with your cash or cryptocurrency.

Grab

Although this app is more popular for its food and transportation, they also have load options that you can pay for with the balance on your Grab wallet.

Bank apps

Most bank apps have been offering load for major networks since the pandemic.

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SIM Card Registration Law: How to Register Your SIM Card

In an effort to eliminate text scams in the Philippines, the SIM Card Registration Act was passed recently.

As mandated by the new bill, mobile phone subscribers using prepaid SIM cards are now required to register and verify their phone numbers with their respective PTEs within 180 days or 6 months from the effectivity of the measure.

An extension period of 120 days may be granted but only upon a valid written request addressed to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Here’s how you can register your SIM card.

Online

1. Fill up an online form to be provided by your telco provider. Input your name, birthday, address, SIM card number, and SIM card serial number.
2. Present a valid ID such as your passport, driver’s license, national ID, and other government-issued ID. You may also present your NBI clearance or PSA birth certificate.

In-person

1. A form will be given to you when you buy a SIM card from an authorized SIM card seller. Complete the form with your information, as well as the information on your SIM card.
2. Present a valid ID such as your passport, driver’s license, national ID, and other government-issued ID. You may also present your NBI clearance or PSA birth certificate. Keep in mind that sellers have a right to refuse to give you a SIM card if the presented ID is proven to be invalid.

Other things to keep in mind

• For those under 18, the SIM card will be under their parent or guardian.
• For individuals who live in places where there is no internet connection, wait for your telco company to visit your area to set up a remote registration drive.
• Foreign nationals who are visiting as tourists for not more than 1 month must present their passport, proof of address in the country, and a ticket that shows the date of their departure from the Philippines.
  • For foreigners who plan on staying for over 30 days, they will be required to present more requirements such as an alien certificate of registration ID, alien employment permit, and school registration ID for students.

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Prepaid Phone Plans FAQ in the Philippines

Still got questions about prepaid phone plans? We’ll answer them below.

Why are prepaid phone plans cheaper than postpaid?

Prepaid phone plans are usually affected by network deprioritization. When networks are too busy, carriers prioritize postpaid plans over prepaid plans, and prepaid plan users have to deal with a lower speed cap.

Additionally, prepaid phone plans also have fewer perks when compared to postpaid plans which is why it’s cheaper.

Can prepaid change to postpaid?

Yes. You can keep your current prepaid plan number when you switch to postpaid plan. Just talk to your network provider about it.

Can I keep my prepaid phone number?

Through Mobile Number Portability or MNP, you can keep your mobile number even when you change your plan, or switch networks.

How long can I use prepaid SIM cards?

Prepaid SIMs don’t have an expiration date as long as you keep using them. However, if you don’t use it or simply have zero balance, it will only stay active for a couple of months before it “expires.”

Here are the expiration dates for the different networks in the Philippines:

• Globe Prepaid: 60 days
• TM: 1 year
• Smart: 6 months
• Sun Cellular: 6 months
• TNT: 6 months
• GOMO: 1 year
• DITO: 3 months
• Cherry: 60 days

Before your SIM card will be terminated, your provider will send you a notification. However, don’t wait for this to happen.

Make sure to top up your SIM load to prevent it from expiring. Even a Php1 load is enough to keep it active. If your SIM becomes inactive, you won’t be able to send or receive texts, make or get calls, or connect to the internet. Additionally, the signal status will always be zero.

When it comes to unused SIM cards, the expiry data is listed on the package it comes with.