SIM card for Cebu & Philippines

[albatross710]

HI,

Just thought I'd update the forum on Philippines SIM cards.

When I arrived at CEB after clearing immigration and customs there is a SIM vending machine next to the currency exchange booths. On the day I arrived, the machine was open and a lady was dispensing cards and then loading them with the credit. There is a screen on the machine for the loads but at this time she was loading them.

I am sure there was a scam involved somehow but within minutes I had the SIM in my iPhone 3g and I was live on the Globe network.

The prepaid system I am sure is easy to understand but I seem to need to recharge everyday for the three days I was there. I am sure taking the time to study Globe - Prepaid would have helped get a suitable plan for voice, txt and data.

Annoyingly they keep texting offers to sign up for free text, text every minutes between 7am-9am for free stuff and others. One day I went to the Globe shop in Ayala and signed up for unlimited calls and text for PHP25. (50cents) Needless to say that expired within about 2 hours, not sure what happened with that.

When I left the country I stil had credit and used the card for roaming after I left the country.

As I was not planning to be back for a while, I assume the card would have expired before my next visit. I choose to dispose of the card rather than rely on it working when I return.


Alby
Does anyone understand their prepaid plans? or have other relevant experiences?

[Inver]

Usually the cards expire after 1 month if not topped up.

I put 500 php ($AU11) load on the prepaid sim and that would last me for a couple of weeks albeit not making many phone calls just mainly data usage.

Having to recharge daily would be very annoying.

[albatross710]

Actually, since returning I have upgraded to the iPhone 4s. I wonder how easy it will be to obtain a microsim on arrival.

[straitman]

Actually, since returning I have upgraded to the iPhone 4s. I wonder how easy it will be to obtain a microsim on arrival.

I'm hanging on to my iPhone 3gs for use in these situations.

[DeKa]

I'm hanging on to my iPhone 3gs for use in these situations.

Just carry a SIM cutter.
Cut My Sim

[Inver]

Actually, since returning I have upgraded to the iPhone 4s. I wonder how easy it will be to obtain a microsim on arrival.

I'm sure you will have no issues getting a micro sim if you visit a Globe or Smart store which are at most of the major shopping centres over there.

[albatross710]

I'm sure you will have no issues getting a micro sim if you visit a Globe or Smart store which are at most of the major shopping centres over there.

Ok thanks.

[albatross710]

An update from my last trip. When I purchased the SIM card at the Cebu airport vending machine, the lady dispensing the cards used a pair of scissors to cut the SIM to size.

Interestingly, the vending machine never seems to work. Both time I have purchased the cards, there is a local airport person there whom operates the machine and hands out the cards. She also pre-loads the 'load' and gets it working. She says that teh airport has too many problems with people not understanding the vending machine and the process.

I'm sure there is a scam there somewhere but within 5 minutes of arriving each time I have a working SIM, data access and am on my way.

Also, btw the hire car rate offered just outside of arrivals is PHP475 to Cebu city. The taxi rank upstairs will get you to the same place for PHP200.

Alby