← All countries
Local app preferred
WhatsApp
Works fine
Works fine
Unreliable
Works fine
Asia
Philippines
6 apps tracked3 work fine
Last verified: July 29, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer
Payments1
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Use instead: GCash / Maya
Cash-heavy. GCash and Maya wallets need a local number; cards work at malls and hotels.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Messaging1
Use instead: Facebook Messenger
WhatsApp works, but Messenger is by far the most-used chat app.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
No direct substitute
Google Maps works well for driving, walking and public transit.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: Grab / Angkas
Uber is gone; Grab dominates, with Angkas for motorbike taxis.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Internet Access1
U
Local app preferredUS carrier roaming
Use instead: Local eSIM (Airalo / Holafly)
US roaming works but is expensive; a local eSIM is cheaper and faster. Set it up before you land.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?
Social Media Access1
Instagram / Facebook / X
No direct substitute
US social apps work normally.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 29, 2026
Still accurate?