Lifestyle Blogs - DITO Telecommunity

Top Buying Tips: Which SIM Card Should You Purchase Online?

Written by Admin | Dec 5, 2025 6:11:49 AM

Introduction 

With 82.3 million Filipinos projected to own a smartphone in 2029, it is logical to expect that subscriber identity module (SIM) cards will continue to be in demand. But acquiring your SIM is not as simple — choosing a SIM card, or more accurately, your network carrier, is just as important as selecting your next phone.

Fortunately, it's now convenient to buy a SIM card in the Philippines, as you can do it online. That's one less concern for you! As for how to choose among the available SIM options, here's a guide by DITO Telecommunity to help you out.

Which SIM Card To Buy Online: Tips for Choosing the Best for Your Needs 

Before you buy a SIM card in the Philippines, especially when doing so online, remember that your choice of SIM card will impact your connectivity. You should verify whether your network can meet your connectivity and mobile data needs. Furthermore, you should consider the following steps:

Check Available Networks 

Buying a new SIM card online was unlikely decades ago because you needed to visit an authorized dealer to get one. Today, acquiring your SIM is much easier with online shops and free shipping services! 

What you need to pay attention to, then, is the numerous network carriers offering these SIM cards. Research pertinent information about each network provider, primarily the following:

  • Network Coverage. Getting a signal should be your primary consideration. Do not buy a SIM card from a carrier unless you are sure there's coverage in your area. Fortunately, you can easily confirm your network's reach by checking the telco's website or asking around. 
  • Prepaid and Postpaid Plans. Networks offer both prepaid and postpaid plans to their subscribers. What you need to focus on are the available promos for each plan type. Assess your usage habits and how often you contact people, and choose a network with load promos and subscriber perks that meet your requirements.

Confirm Your Device Compatibility 

  • Before you order your SIM card online, ensure that your phone is compatible with it. This consideration specifically applies to the following situations:
  • Purchasing eSIMs. Embedded SIMs are not compatible with all phones, so it's essential to check whether your existing phone (or your new device, if you're buying another) supports an eSIM. Online lists are available for review, or you can view the specifications for each brand.
  • Enabling VoLTE Calls. If you require crystal-clear, high-definition voice calls, you would want a DITO SIM that uses Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology. Not all phones are compatible with this feature, so be sure to check compatibility. That way, you can maximize the features of the DITO SIM.

Evaluate Your Data Needs

When choosing a SIM card to buy, ensure that the network you are subscribing to offers sufficient load promos to meet your needs. You should be able to choose a budget-friendly prepaid load plan with a data-capped access in times when you don't really need to use mobile data, then switch to an unlimited plan if necessary. Pay attention to whether the plans allow data roll-overs, too, as it can help you keep unused data for later use. 

When evaluating your data needs, the following questions would help you with your assessment:

  • What is the average amount of data you consume per month? How much of that average is accessed through mobile data promos?
  • What is your monthly budget for mobile data?
  • How many texts do you send in a month? 
  • How many minutes of calls do you consume each month? 
  • Can you connect to the network anywhere you go? If not, what is your fallback?

Depending on your answers, you may need to decide whether to get a SIM with the most value per data plan or opt for a dual-SIM phone, allowing you to use different networks when moving from one location to another.

Research the Promos  

It is not enough to just confirm that your network carrier has prepaid and postpaid plans. You will also need to review the promos for each plan, especially if it's a long list. Take, for instance, how DITO's prepaid promos are listed:

  • Level-Up Packs - Data access boosters
  • Level-Up Socials - Data access boosters for social media
  • Unli 5G - Unlimited 5G data access
  • Data Sachets - Bite-sized load packs
  • App Booster - Data access for specific mobile apps
  • App Combo - Data access for gaming and streaming platforms

Each category features tiered plans with varying prices and validity periods, designed to accommodate different needs and budgets. As discussed, you should evaluate your requirements and match them with suitable promos to get the most out of your SIM card. 

Read Subscriber Reviews 

You can order a SIM card online with more confidence once you've checked what other subscribers have to say about the network carrier. Reviews are viewable at the telco's social media page, Reddit communities, and review websites. Be mindful of the content you absorb, as there may be baseless opinions and angry rants sprinkled in the comments you find. To ground you, make a list of the factors you want to consider when choosing a network provider, such as the ones mentioned in this article, and check whether they are provided in the feedback.

For instance, a subscriber complaining that there is no network coverage in their area when the telco does not have infrastructure in that location yet is an invalid feedback. However, if you notice that the commenter is from an area covered by the network, then that feedback is particularly helpful.

Planning To Get a DITO SIM Card? Here's How You Can Get One Online 

Do you think DITO meets all your requirements? Then, we wouldn't make it hard for you to get your SIM card. You can subscribe to the DITO network by visiting the eShop and ordering the DITO prepaid SIM starter pack online. Shipping is fast and free for a limited time, so act now or miss out!

Furthermore, if you wish to use an eSIM, you can easily purchase one through our shop and activate your SIM profile using a QR code and the DITO App

That said, ensure your phone is 5G-ready to maximize the 5G-centric promos from DITO.

Conclusion

Buying your SIM card in the Philippines is now easier than ever because you can check out online. However, before completing your purchase, choose a network carrier that best suits your connectivity needs. This selection is just as important as choosing your new phone, because you will use both for a long time. 

 

Check out what to expect when you become a DITO subscriber today!