Smart, Airalo introduce Philippine’s first international prepaid eSIM

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has partnered with global platform Airalo for the first ever prepaid eSIM in the country for international customers.

The eSIM is a virtual SIM that allows customers to access prepaid mobile services from Smart without the need to buy a physical SIM card.

Under the partnership, companies which provide services that need connectivity in the Philippines, such as tour operators, distributors or even international travelers visiting the country can conveniently purchase Smart’s prepaid eSIM via the Airalo website or app.

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that allows travelers to conveniently access over 190 eSIMs at near local rates from around the world, all via eSIM-compatible smartphone, tablet or PC.

“We are really happy to make it easier to get connectivity in the beautiful country of the Philippines by welcoming Smart to our store,” Airalo co-founder and CEO Bahadir Ozdemir said.

The country’s first international prepaid eSIM is powered by Smart, the country’s fastest mobile data network as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firms Ookla, Opensignal, and umlaut.

“As global borders re-open, Smart is ready to provide our world-class customer experience on the country’s fastest network to welcome visitors and help provide a lasting positive impression of the Philippines,” Smart’s head of strategic partnerships and revenue operations Kat Luna-Abelarde said.

Smart is the wireless arm of telco giant PLDT Inc. As of end-June, it has deployed more than 4,000 5G sites across the country.

Smart has also pioneered 5G roaming services in 27 countries, with 38 partners all over the world.

Smart is part of the Conexus Mobile Alliance, one of the largest mobile alliances in Asia, pushing for the development of 5G in the region.