Using Remitly App with BalikData Travel eSIM: A Pinoy Guide

You can definitely use the Remitly app with a travel eSIM like BalikData to send money home to the Philippines safely and quickly. Since BalikData provides a dedicated, private data connection, you won't have to risk your bank details on public Wi-Fi or pay for expensive roaming charges just to reach your family.

Sending money is one of the most important things we do when we are abroad. Whether you are an OFW working in the Middle East or a Pinoy tourist enjoying a vacation in Japan, making sure your family gets their allowance on time is a top priority. But using financial apps like Remitly requires a stable and secure internet connection. If your connection is "putol-putol" or if you are using unsecured public Wi-Fi at the airport, you might face security risks or transaction errors. That is where a travel eSIM comes in as your best friend.

Why Security Matters for Remitly Users

When you open the Remitly app to send your hard-earned money, you are transmitting sensitive information, including your bank details and personal identification. Using public Wi-Fi in malls or airports can be dangerous because hackers can sometimes intercept that data.

With BalikData, you are using a private cellular network provided by local carriers like T-Mobile in the United States or Softbank in Japan. This is much more secure than any free Wi-Fi you will find in a coffee shop. Plus, you don't have to worry about the connection dropping right in the middle of a transaction, which is every Pinoy's nightmare when sending money.

The "Data Only" Reality and Your PH SIM

One thing to remember is that BalikData plans are "data only." This means your eSIM does not come with a local phone number for traditional calls or SMS.

However, Remitly often requires an OTP (One-Time Password) to verify your login or confirm a transfer. To make this work smoothly, you should keep your Philippine SIM (Globe or Smart) inside your phone and turned on for roaming.

Here is the tipid tip: Set your phone to use BalikData for "Cellular Data" while keeping your PH SIM active only for "Default Voice Line" or SMS. This way, you receive the OTP for free via your PH SIM, but the actual internet usage for the Remitly app goes through your affordable eSIM. No more shock in your bill from expensive roaming data!

Comparing Your Options for Remitly

Feature	BalikData eSIM	PH Carrier Roaming	Public Wi-Fi
Cost	Mura (Affordable)	Very Expensive	Free (but risky)
Security	High (Private)	High (Private)	Low (Unsecured)
Speed	4G/5G Local Speeds	Varies (Throttled)	Slow/Unstable
Setup	Digital/Instant	Automatic	Manual Login
Reliability	Consistent	Good	Very Poor

How to Set Up Your eSIM for Remitly

Before you fly out, make sure to check if your phone is eSIM ready. Most newer iPhones and Android flagship phones are compatible. Once you have confirmed your device works, the process is very simple.

For iPhone Users

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code from BalikData.
3. Label it as "Travel" or "BalikData."
4. Under Cellular Data, select your BalikData eSIM.
5. Ensure Allow Cellular Data Switching is OFF to avoid accidental roaming charges on your PH SIM.
6. Keep your primary PH SIM ON to receive your Remitly OTPs.

For Android Users

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
3. Once activated, set BalikData as your preferred SIM for Mobile Data.
4. Keep your PH SIM active for Messages and Calls.

If you need more help, we have a step-by-step installation guide that explains everything in detail.

Staying Connected in Popular Destinations

Many Filipinos travel to Hong Kong for quick getaways or work. If you are visiting HK, read our Hong Kong MTR guide to help you navigate the city while staying connected. You can easily open your Remitly app while riding the train to send money before you even reach your hotel.

Planning a side trip? See our Macau day trip guide. Whether you are in Macau or the busy streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, having a reliable eSIM ensures you can message your family on WhatsApp or Messenger anytime to tell them the "pera is on the way."

For those traveling further, like to the United Kingdom or Europe, the coverage remains excellent. We partner with top-tier local networks like Orange or Vodafone to ensure you have a signal even in historic city centers or rural areas. This is much better than the "hit or miss" signal you sometimes get with international roaming from home.

Data Needs: How Much Do You Need?

Remitly itself uses very little data—just a few megabytes per transaction. However, you will likely be using other apps too.

• Messenger/WhatsApp: Low data for text, high for video calls.
• Google Maps: Essential for not getting lost, uses moderate data.
• TikTok/Facebook: High data usage! Be careful scrolling while on your eSIM.
• Remitly/Banking Apps: Very low data usage but requires high security.

BalikData offers various plans to suit your stay. Since it is mura compared to roaming, most travelers find it much easier to just stay connected 24/7 rather than hunting for Wi-Fi passwords in a foreign language.

Coverage in the Middle East

For our hardworking OFWs in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, staying connected is a lifeline. When you are on your day off and want to send money via Remitly from a park or a mall, BalikData provides the speed you need without the high cost of local prepaid SIMs that sometimes require long registration processes. Just scan, connect, and send.

Avoiding Common Issues

Sometimes, travelers forget to turn off "Data Roaming" on their primary PH SIM. To avoid charges, only turn on data roaming for the BalikData eSIM slot. Your PH SIM should have roaming enabled only for the network signal (to get SMS), but the "Mobile Data" toggle for that specific SIM should be off.

Also, remember that since our plans are data-only, you cannot use the eSIM to receive the SMS OTP directly. You must have your PH SIM active or use an authenticator app if Remitly allows it. This dual-SIM setup is the secret of many "pro" Pinoy travelers.

The bottom line

Using Remitly with a BalikData travel eSIM is the smartest way to handle your finances while abroad. It is secure, much cheaper than Globe or Smart roaming, and gives you the peace of mind that your transaction won't fail due to bad Wi-Fi. By keeping your PH SIM active for OTPs and using BalikData for your internet, you get the best of both worlds: security for your money and savings for your pocket. Stay connected with your family and keep those remittances flowing without the stress!