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New Contributor
Wellsy85
New Contributor
October 11, 2026
Question

ESIM in Philippines if handset is still under contract.

Hi, 

My phone contract does not run out until the end of 2027. However, I am going to the Philippines in March 2027 and would like to use my phone to navigate, e.t.c.

Would I be able to use an ESIM that is not ID mobile, like offered via trip.com or an ESIM that Saily offers, even though my contract would not have finished.

My phone make and model are ESIM compatible, but unsure if the handset would be unlocked and allowed, being that my contract would not have finished. 

 

    3 replies

    Owethu M
    iD Mobile Employee
    Owethu M
    iD Mobile Employee
    October 13, 2026

    Hi ​@Wellsy85, 

     

    Thank you for getting in touch. It’s great that you’re planning ahead for your trip to the Philippines in March 2027.

     

    You should be able to use a travel eSIM from another provider, such as Trip.com or Saily, alongside your iD Mobile contract, provided your handset is unlocked and compatible with the other provider’s eSIM. Your contract does not necessarily need to have ended for you to use a separate travel eSIM.

     

    Before purchasing one, we recommend checking with your travel eSIM provider that your handset is supported and confirming whether your device is network-unlocked.

     

    To help avoid unexpected charges on your iD Mobile account while travelling, we strongly recommend setting your Bill Cap to £0 before you leave. This helps prevent chargeable out-of-plan usage on your iD Mobile SIM.

     

    How to set your Bill Cap to £0:

    1. Open the iD Mobile app and log in.
    2. Select Services.
    3. Choose your mobile number.
    4. Select Bill Cap.
    5. Set the Bill Cap to £0.
    6. Save or confirm your changes.

    When you arrive in the Philippines, you can set your travel eSIM as the preferred SIM for mobile data in your phone’s settings. You should also consider switching off data roaming on your iD Mobile SIM to help prevent unintended roaming data usage.

     

    Please note that setting your Bill Cap to £0 may restrict chargeable services on your iD Mobile SIM, including roaming services that incur additional costs.

     

    We hope this helps you prepare for your trip and enjoy your time in the Philippines without worrying about unexpected mobile charges.

     

    Owethu

    New Contributor
    Wellsy85Author
    New Contributor
    October 13, 2026

    Hi Owethu, 

    Thank you for your response.

    My bill cap is capped at £0 currently to help with unexpected charges. 

    I read that all phone contract providers have to unlock their phones when providing a contract phone since a new law that came in on December 2021. I have only recently found that out. 

    So hopefully, when I'm away next year, an ESIM should be available to use for me 

    iD Mobile Employee
    Marquerita T
    iD Mobile Employee
    October 14, 2026

    Hi ​@Wellsy85.

     

    Thank you for the update and well done on setting your bill cap to £0. It’s the best way to avoid any unexpected out-of-plan charges while you’re away.

     

    We hope your trip next year goes smoothly, and if you need anything before then, please let us know.

     

    Thanks,

    Marquerita

    The iD Mobile Team

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