Holafly vs TravelNet in the Philippines: prices, Globe vs Smart, and island coverage
Looking at Holafly for the Philippines? The main practical difference with TravelNet is not only price: it is how many networks your eSIM can use. In the Philippines, Globe and Smart cover different islands unevenly, so having access to one or two of them changes what you get in El Nido, Siargao or Bohol. Below: prices for 3 to 30 days, network access, and what each plan does after your daily data.
Holafly vs TravelNet prices in the Philippines (USD)
Holafly prices unlimited data by the day (1 to 90 days; $3.90 for 1 day). TravelNet offers two unlimited tiers and four fixed-data plans in the Philippines.
| Trip length | Holafly (unlimited) | TravelNet Unlimited Standard | vs Holafly | TravelNet Unlimited Plus | vs Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $11.90 | $8.99 | $2.91 less | $17.49 | $5.59 more |
| 7 days | $27.50 | $18.99 | $8.51 less | $37.99 | $10.49 more |
| 15 days | $50.50 | $33.49 | $17.01 less | $65.99 | $15.49 more |
| 30 days | $73.90 | $57.99 | $15.91 less | $115.49 | $41.59 more |
TravelNet Unlimited Standard costs less than Holafly at every length: $2.91 less for 3 days, $8.51 less for 7, $17.01 less for 15 and $15.91 less for 30. TravelNet Unlimited Plus costs more than Holafly at every length ($5.59 to $41.59 more).
If you need less data: TravelNet fixed plans
| TravelNet plan | Price | Holafly, same number of days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB / 3 days | $2.99 | $11.90 (unlimited) |
| 5 GB / 7 days | $10.49 | $27.50 (unlimited) |
| 10 GB / 15 days | $19.49 | $50.50 (unlimited) |
| 20 GB / 30 days | $35.49 | $73.90 (unlimited) |
For a 7-day island-hopping trip using maps, Grab and messaging, 5 GB at $10.49 costs less than half of Holafly’s 7-day price. 20 GB over 30 days is $35.49.
What “unlimited” means on each side
- TravelNet Unlimited Standard: full speed for 1 GB a day, then 512 kbps.
- TravelNet Unlimited Plus: full speed for 2 GB a day, then 2 Mbps.
- Holafly: unlimited; Holafly’s FAQ says an operator fair usage policy can reduce speed for up to one day in rare cases.
Networks and coverage in the Philippines
- Holafly lists one network: Globe.
- TravelNet lists Globe and Smart (PLDT), with 4G/5G. When Globe is weak in a given spot, the phone can use Smart, and vice versa.
- Coverage: Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Cebu and Davao are covered by both. Holafly warns that inland Palawan, the Banaue and Batad mountain routes, isolated parts of Siargao and boat crossings between islands can have weak or no signal. Typhoon season (roughly June to November) can also cause temporary outages on any network.
- Local SIM: Buying a local SIM instead requires registration with an ID under the SIM Registration Act (2022); travel eSIMs from Holafly or TravelNet are bought online before departure.
Hotspot, validity and extras
- Hotspot: Holafly allows 1 GB of shared data per day. TravelNet includes hotspot within each plan’s data or daily full-speed limit.
- Activation: both start on first connection in the Philippines. TravelNet allows 30 days after purchase to activate.
- Holafly extras: “Always On” 1 GB monthly backup data and telemedicine.
- TravelNet refund: full refund if the eSIM is not activated, replacement first if it is faulty
Which one fits your trip
- Island-hopping (Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, Visayas): access to both Globe and Smart is the deciding factor; TravelNet lists both, Holafly lists Globe only.
- Unlimited at the lowest price, any length: TravelNet Unlimited Standard, if 1 GB/day at full speed is enough.
- Heavy daily use (video calls, uploads): Holafly costs less than TravelNet Unlimited Plus at every length.
- Light use: TravelNet fixed plans from $2.99 (1 GB / 3 days).
FAQ
How much does Holafly cost in the Philippines?
On October 2, 2026: $3.90 for 1 day, $11.90 for 3 days, $27.50 for 7 days, $36.50 for 10 days, $50.50 for 15 days and $73.90 for 30 days.
Which network does Holafly use in the Philippines?
Holafly lists Globe. TravelNet lists Globe and Smart (PLDT).
Does Globe or Smart work better in Palawan and Siargao?
It depends on the exact place: coverage varies by municipality and island. An eSIM that can use both networks gives you a fallback when one is weak.
Is TravelNet cheaper than Holafly in the Philippines?
TravelNet Unlimited Standard is cheaper at every length (for example $18.99 against $27.50 for 7 days). TravelNet Unlimited Plus costs more than Holafly.
Do I need to register a travel eSIM in the Philippines?
SIM registration under the 2022 law applies to local Philippine SIMs. Travel eSIMs bought from Holafly or TravelNet are activated from the QR code you receive by email.