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As a digital nomad who’s worked from the bustling streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Siargao, I’ve tested various eSIM providers to stay connected across the Philippines.
Among them, Airalo’s Philippine eSIM stands out for its reliability and coverage.
Before diving into the details, it’s essential to understand the internet speed required for remote work in the Philippines.
A minimum download speed of 10–25 Mbps is recommended for tasks like video conferencing. In comparison, speeds of 50 Mbps or higher are ideal for uploading large files or participating in HD video calls.
With this in mind, let’s explore how Airalo and Nomad compare in providing the best eSIM experience for remote work in the Philippines.
Variety of Plans
Airalo: As a digital nomad who’s spent considerable time in the Philippines, I’ve found Airalo’s single-country eSIMs to be a game-changer.
Their plans cater to both short-term visitors and long-term residents, offering flexibility that suits various travel durations.
Whether you’re in Manila for a week or exploring Palawan for a month, Airalo provides tailored options to keep you connected without the hassle of local SIM cards.
Nomad: On the other hand, Nomad’s regional and global plans are designed for the globetrotter who hops from one country to another.
While these plans include the Philippines, they may not offer the same level of optimisation and coverage as Airalo’s dedicated Philippine eSIMs.
For those focusing solely on the Philippines, Airalo’s specialised plans ensure optimal connectivity and value.
Why Airalo is Better: For travellers concentrating on the Philippines, Airalo’s dedicated eSIMs provide a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Their plans are tailored to the local network infrastructure, ensuring better coverage and performance across the archipelago.
Whether you’re working remotely from a café in Cebu or navigating the streets of Davao, Airalo’s eSIMs offer seamless connectivity, making them the superior choice for staying connected in the Philippines.
Price and Affordability
Airalo: Having spent considerable time working remotely across the Philippines, I’ve found Airalo’s pricing to be both competitive and transparent.
Their 1GB plan for 7 days is priced at USD 4.50, which is ideal for light data users needing basic connectivity.
For those requiring more data, Airalo offers flexible options ranging from 3GB to 20GB, with prices scaling accordingly. This tiered pricing structure allows travellers to select a plan that best fits their data needs and travel duration.
Nomad: Nomad presents a budget-friendly alternative with a 1GB plan for 7 days priced at USD 4.00.
While this is slightly cheaper than Airalo’s offering, it’s essential to consider the overall value. Nomad’s plans are designed for travellers who need short-term connectivity and are less concerned with extensive data usage.
However, for longer stays or heavier data consumption, the incremental cost of Airalo’s higher-tier plans may provide better value, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity without the need for frequent top-ups.
Network Coverage
Airalo: As a digital nomad who’s journeyed through the Philippines—from the urban sprawl of Manila to the tranquil shores of Siargao—I’ve come to rely on Airalo’s eSIM for its robust coverage.
Partnering with leading local networks like Smart and Globe, Airalo ensures a seamless connection even in remote areas.
Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Cebu or working from a café in Davao, Airalo’s eSIM provides consistent and reliable service, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive nationwide coverage.
Nomad: While Nomad offers commendable coverage in major urban centers such as Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, its service can be less dependable in more secluded regions.
This variability can pose challenges for digital nomads who require uninterrupted connectivity for work or communication.
In contrast, Airalo’s extensive network partnerships ensure that users stay connected across the archipelago, even in less frequented locales.
Why Airalo is Better: For those prioritising consistent and widespread connectivity throughout the Philippines, Airalo’s eSIM stands out.
Its strategic collaborations with top-tier local carriers guarantee reliable service, whether you’re in a metropolitan hub or a remote island.
This comprehensive coverage makes Airalo the superior choice for travellers and remote workers navigating the diverse terrains of the Philippines.
Device Compatibility
Airalo: As a digital nomad who’s worked from the bustling streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Siargao, I’ve come to appreciate the seamless connectivity that Airalo’s eSIM offers.
Their eSIMs support a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This broad compatibility ensures that whether I’m using my iPhone, Android tablet, or Windows laptop, I can stay connected without any hitches.
Moreover, Airalo provides a regularly updated list of compatible devices, allowing me to verify if my specific model is supported before purchasing an eSIM.
Nomad: While Nomad also supports a variety of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and laptops, there are some nuances to consider. The compatibility can vary depending on the device’s model and region.
For instance, certain regional models might not support eSIM technology, even if the global variant does. Additionally, some devices may require manual activation, which could be a bit more cumbersome compared to Airalo’s streamlined process.
Therefore, it’s crucial to check the latest compatibility lists and ensure that your device is both eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked before opting for Nomad’s eSIM.
Why Airalo is Better: Given my extensive travels across the Philippines, I’ve found Airalo’s eSIM to be more reliable and user-friendly.
The wide device compatibility, coupled with the ease of activation, ensures that I can focus on my work and adventures without worrying about connectivity issues.
Whether I’m in a remote village or a metropolitan area, Airalo’s eSIM keeps me connected, making it the superior choice for staying online in the Philippines.
Comparison Table: Airalo vs Nomad
| Feature | Airalo | Nomad |
| Plan Types | Single-country eSIMs | Regional & Global eSIMs |
| Pricing | From USD 5 for 1 GB/7 days | From USD 4 for 1 GB/7 days |
| Coverage | Nationwide (including remote areas) | Primarily urban centers |
| Device Compatibility | Broad (iOS, Android, tablets, laptops) | Most modern devices |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support (email, live chat, FAQs) | Email support only |
Airalo: As a seasoned digital nomad who’s worked from the bustling streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Siargao, I’ve come to appreciate the seamless connectivity that Airalo’s eSIM offers.
Their single-country eSIMs for the Philippines are tailored to provide reliable service across both urban and remote areas, ensuring that I stay connected regardless of my location. With plans starting at USD 5 for 1 GB over 7 days, Airalo offers competitive pricing that suits various data needs.
The broad device compatibility, including support for iOS, Android, tablets, and laptops, ensures that I can use my preferred devices without compatibility issues.
Additionally, Airalo’s 24/7 customer support, including live chat, provides peace of mind, knowing assistance is readily available whenever needed.
Nomad: While Nomad offers regional and global eSIMs, their coverage in the Philippines is primarily concentrated in urban centers.
This focus may limit connectivity options in more remote areas, which can be a drawback for digital nomads seeking consistent service across the archipelago.
Their pricing starts at USD 4 for 1 GB over 7 days, making it an attractive option for light data users. However, the device compatibility is limited to most modern devices, potentially excluding older models or less common devices.
Customer support is available via email only, which may result in longer response times compared to Airalo’s more immediate support channels.
Why Airalo is Better: For digital nomads focusing on the Philippines, Airalo’s dedicated single-country eSIMs provide extensive coverage, including remote areas, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the country.
The competitive pricing, broad device compatibility, and 24/7 customer support make Airalo a superior choice for those seeking seamless and consistent service during their travels.
Final Verdict: Airalo – Your Ultimate eSIM Companion in the Philippines
Navigating the archipelago as a digital nomad, I’ve tested both Airalo and Nomad eSIMs extensively.
While Nomad offers budget-friendly options, especially for short stays, Airalo consistently outperforms in terms of coverage, device compatibility, and customer support.
Airalo’s dedicated Philippine eSIMs ensure seamless connectivity across both urban hubs and remote islands, making it ideal for those seeking reliable internet for remote work.
In conclusion, if you’re planning an extended stay or require consistent and fast internet speeds for tasks like video conferencing or large file uploads, Airalo stands out as the superior choice.
Its tailored plans, broad device support, and responsive customer service make it a trustworthy companion for digital nomads in the Philippines.
So, whether you’re working from a café in Cebu or a beachfront bungalow in Palawan, Airalo ensures you’re always connected.