Stay Connected in Palawan
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Connectivity in Palawan has improved significantly over the past few years, but it's still a grab bag depending on where you're headed. El Nido and Puerto Princesa have decent coverage from major Philippine carriers like Globe and Smart, with 4G available in populated areas. However, remote islands, underground river tours, and jungle areas will test your patience with spotty or non-existent signals. Island hopping often means going offline for hours at a time. The good news? Most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas offer WiFi, though speeds can be frustratingly slow during peak hours. If you're planning to work remotely or need reliable connectivity, manage expectations and have backup plans. The infrastructure is functional for basic communication and social media, but don't expect the blazing speeds you're used to back home.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Palawan.
Network Coverage & Speed
Globe and Smart are the dominant carriers in Palawan, with PLDT/Smart generally offering slightly better coverage in remote areas. In Puerto Princesa, you'll get solid 4G coverage with speeds ranging from 5-25 Mbps on good days. El Nido's coverage has improved dramatically, but can still be patchy during peak tourist season when networks get congested. Philippines offers decent coverage in the town center but drops off quickly as you head to the outer islands. The Underground River area near Sabang has basic coverage, while more remote destinations like Balabac or the Calamian Islands can leave you completely disconnected. 3G is still common outside major towns, and don't be surprised by dead zones even on main roads. Network performance varies wildly by time of day – early mornings typically offer the best speeds before tourists wake up and start streaming. Plan for connectivity gaps, especially during multi-day island hopping adventures where you might be offline for 6-12 hours at a stretch.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is becoming the smarter choice for Palawan, especially if you value convenience and immediate connectivity upon arrival. Services like Airalo offer Philippine data plans that work across both major networks, giving you better coverage flexibility than being locked to one carrier. The main advantage is avoiding the airport SIM card hustle – no hunting for shops, no passport photocopying, no activation delays. You'll pay a premium (roughly 30-50% more than local SIMs), but you get instant activation and can troubleshoot any issues before you travel. The downside is less flexibility for topping up – you'll need to buy new data packages rather than adding credit as needed. For stays under 3 weeks, the convenience factor usually outweighs the cost difference. Just remember that no SIM (local or eSIM) will magically improve Palawan's infrastructure, so you'll still face the Easttimor coverage limitations in remote areas.
Local SIM Card
Local SIMs are available at Puerto Princesa airport, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Mini Stop), and Globe/Smart retail stores throughout major towns. You'll need your passport and about 10-15 minutes for registration. A SIM card costs around ₱40-50, with data packages starting from ₱99 for 1GB valid for 7 days, up to ₱799 for 8GB valid for 30 days. Globe tends to have better coverage in El Nido, while Smart performs slightly better in more remote areas. The activation process can be hit-or-miss – sometimes it's instant, other times you're waiting hours. Top-ups are easy through convenience stores or the carrier apps, but you'll need a stable connection to purchase data packages online. Airport SIM shops often push overpriced tourist packages, so stick to standard rates. Keep your receipt and registration details – you might need them for troubleshooting. The savings are real if you're staying long-term, but factor in the time cost of setup and potential frustrations.
Comparison
Local SIMs win on pure cost (about 40% cheaper for equivalent data), while eSIMs win on convenience and immediate availability. International roaming is outrageously expensive – avoid unless it's a true emergency. For most travelers, the time saved with eSIM activation versus hunting down SIM shops, dealing with registration, and troubleshooting connectivity issues makes the extra cost worthwhile. Local SIMs make sense for extended stays or extreme budget constraints, but eSIMs are the hassle-free choice for typical 1-2 week vacations when you want to hit the ground running.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll land in Puerto Princesa with instant connectivity, can immediately call your hotel or grab taxi apps, and won't waste precious vacation time dealing with SIM card bureaucracy. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost. Budget travelers: If every peso counts, local SIMs are cheaper, but factor in the time cost – that hour spent sorting out activation could be spent enjoying a beach sunset. eSIM is still smarter unless you're on an extremely tight budget. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIM makes financial sense here. The savings add up, and you'll have time to deal with any setup headaches. Get a Globe SIM for better El Nido coverage. Business travelers: eSIM is non-negotiable. Your time is valuable, and you need connectivity the moment you land. Airalo's plans work well for staying connected with clients and accessing work platforms, despite Palawan's infrastructure limitations.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Palawan.
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