Boracay SIM Card Guide 2026: Airport vs D'Mall Prices

Kicking off our Boracay travel series, let's dive into something every traveler needs: a local SIM card! The big question is, where's the best place to snag one – right at Kalibo Airport or once you're settled in D'Mall?

As seasoned travelers to Boracay know, Kalibo Airport (KLO) is quite compact. I recall seeing booths for both Smart and Globe (the main Philippine mobile carriers) in photos from before the pandemic. However, on my most recent visit in early 2026, only Globe was available at the airport.

Here were the Globe SIM card options available at Kalibo Airport during my trip:

• 300 PHP for 10GB, valid for 7 days
• 500 PHP for 20GB, valid for 15 days
• 1,000 PHP for 40GB, valid for 30 days

Since I was planning another trip to Cebu and Bohol just a week later, I briefly considered getting the 30-day plan. But ultimately, I decided to just pick up the smallest option and deal with the next SIM purchase when I got to my next destination. Honestly, I hadn't done my homework beforehand, so I had no idea how the airport prices compared to what I might find in D'Mall.

Still, the journey from the airport to Boracay is a bit of a trek, and I figured the price difference couldn't be that significant, so I went ahead with the purchase. It was a little awkward, though, as behind the SIM counter, there were rows of tour agency reps holding up signs for their arriving guests. It seemed like I was the only one buying a SIM at the airport! Most travelers these days either buy their SIMs in D'Mall or have their tour operator arrange one for them as part of a package.

📍 XW7G+37X, D'mall de Boracay, Boracay, Aklan, Philippines

You'll find a great spot to buy a Philippine SIM card right here in D'Mall. Just wander around, and you'll stumble upon it naturally – it's pretty easy to spot!

This is the shop! They have the price list clearly displayed outside, so you can check out the options without even stepping inside.

They offer several options here. Comparing it to the plan I bought at the airport, they had an 8GB plan for just 150 PHP. Remember, at the airport, I paid 300 PHP for 10GB. So, for roughly half the price, you get a very similar amount of data! That 150 PHP difference is quite significant – it's like saving ~$2! Even so, I don't regret my airport purchase since I used it well on my journey and received some urgent calls.

For those wondering why it's 150 PHP (I wondered too at first!), the staff explained it's 125 PHP for the SIM card itself plus 25 PHP for the initial load/credit, totaling 150 PHP. (Yes, I went in and asked, even though I wasn't buying, all for you, dear readers!)

It seems both the airport and D'Mall primarily offered Globe SIM cards during my visit. When it comes to whether Smart or Globe has better coverage, it really seems to be a 'case-by-case' situation. I've read conflicting reports on various travel blogs and forums. Some travelers swear by Smart for its superior coverage, while others insist Globe is the way to go. It likely depends on where you're traveling within Boracay and the Philippines.

Based on my experience using Globe, I found the coverage to be generally good where it mattered most. There were certainly times when the signal dropped, especially when driving through winding, remote areas, but that's understandable. While there were occasional minor inconveniences, it didn't significantly hinder my overall usage.

One thing is for sure, though: the internet speed in the Philippines felt noticeably slower compared to other places I've traveled, like Vietnam. It really makes you appreciate how incredibly fast the internet is back home!