How can I buy and use SIM card, reload card, and 3G network in the Philippines.

Hi everyone, this is Edward again. While studying English in the Philippines, Edward gained so much experience about living in another country that he couldn’t wait to share with you. First up, let’s take a look at how to buy and use SIM cards, reload, and accessing 3G network in JY square, near 3D academy.

How is the internet connectivity in the place?                                                                                                             

I was very surprised at the beginning to learn that the internet connection in 3D is very fast and stable. The school seems to know that the internet is very important for all students in 3D. The school chose to offer all students with high-speed connectivity. (Do not ask me about the password 😛 )

The internet is very expensive in the Philippines. Only very few hotels, restaurants, and cafes are equipped with free Wi-Fi. And even though they offer the free WIFI, the speed is often too slow, almost like a crawling turtle. (I cannot imagine how much 3D paid for a stable internet connection to make all students satisfied). Sometimes, you can only use Wi-Fi for 1 hour in a cafe as part of their free service, which makes me appreciate the effort given by the school even more.

So, if you are in 3D, you will never worry about Wi-Fi. However, once you go out or travel, Edward strongly suggests that you should buy a SIM card and use 3G. Do not rely on the free WIFI provided by the hotels if you want to surf the internet at all.

How about mobile phone network here?

The Philippines has 3 mobile phone network providers.

1. Smart: It is a subsidiary of media conglomerate PLDT in the Philippines.
2. Globe: It is under the auspices of the Ayala group, a large corporation in the Philippines.

80% of the Filipinos use 2 mobile phone networks above. However, some islands and provinces have a weak signal from these 2 networks.

3. Sun: This mobile phone network is from Gokongwei.

Edward seldom encounter anyone using this network (I am the unlucky 20% of the users)

Where can I buy a SIM card and reload card?

Edward uses a Globle SIM card because it always gives a lot of promotions. It also has a stronger connection in the major cities. Most of my friends use it and I will shares some tips with you about how to get one for yourself.

SIM cards can be purchased easily in the city. There are two shops selling phone accessories on the second floor in JY mall, the mall beside 3D Academy. So getting a SIM card is practically just steps away from your room.

The shop sells nano SIM for iPhone.

You need to pay 100 pesos for nano SIM with 0 pesos in the account balance and you pay another 100, 300 or 500 to reload the card.

The shop sells regular SIM cards for other mobile phone types.

For a normal SIM card, it’s cheaper. You only need to pay 40 pesos. There’s also 0 pesos in the account balance and you pay 100, 300 or 500 to reload the card.

Tips (Attention! Shhhhhh… Don’t tell anyone :)):

1. Save money when you buy a nano SIM.

You can buy a regular SIM  card and have it cut to nano SIM size for 30 pesos only. This shop will help you do it. You are welcome! **wink**

The shop help you to cut

2. Where can I buy reload card if these places are running out of it

Sometimes, the shops run out of reloading cards. In such case, you can ask them for E-load (electronic load). For E-load, the shops can share with you some amount of load from mobile to mobile.

If that doesn’t work, you can walk to 7- eleven convenience store (It’s located on the first floor of the building behind 3D, inside the gate. It opens from 6 am).

It is this gate

The shop sells load card

If you travel around the Philippines, remember you can always buy the reload card at the MINISTOP or other convenience stores.

The main gate JY

If you go to the convenient store from another gate of JY Square, it only opens at 10 am. This gate is near the foreign exchange, where you can have your money changed to peso.

How can I use reload call card?

Dial *143 # and press 2, press 2 again and enter the 10 – digit call card number (on the left your card) and then enter 6 – digit call card number (on the right your card). If it does not work, please try again. Wait for about 30 seconds, mobile phone network will send you a message to inform your account is now loaded. Be careful of messages from unknown numbers like 288402 which is a shortcode number or any other number you don’t recognize. 

Tips:

1. The easiest way to load call card

You can tell the shopkeeper “Excuse me, Could you help me to reload the call card, please” Do not worry! Filipinos are really friendly and helpful. They will help you to do it without asking for extra tips. **wink wink**

2. The shortest way to check your account

You can check your account by dialing *143#, press 2, press 1, and press 1.

If you do not like doing a lot of actions to check the balance? – Just type BAL and send to 222 (that is all). Globe will send you a message within 30 seconds.

3. What is the best choice to subscribe to a 3G network?

If you do not subscribe to the 3G data, Mobile phone network will charge you the internet fee per MB of usage and it costs a bomb! This is because the default internet fee is expensive and it does not give you any promo offer.

3g data packs

Hence remember to subscribe to the 3G data before surfing your internet. To register, you just need to type Name of the data pack and send 8080 (GS10 send 8080)

I normally choose GS299 for 30 days because I stay here for a long time and I think it fits for someone who goes out often.

If you only go out to travel during the weekends, GS50 for 3 days is the best choice for you.

That’s it for the sharing of the day. If you have any questions or have the better suggestion, please, share it with us ^.^

Enjoy your life in 3D. Thank you for reading. Goodbye and have a nice day.