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For my trip to the Philippines, I decided to try Jetpac, a Singapore-based eSIM provider, to see if it could simplify the whole process. I installed Jetpac ahead of time and relied on it for mobile data throughout the trip.
This review is written from the perspective of someone who usually depends on renting pocket Wi-Fi devices. Using an eSIM was a new experience for me, so this should be especially helpful if you’re considering one for the first time. I tested Jetpac for navigation, messaging, streaming, and quick work check-ins, such as connecting briefly to handle emails and online documents while on the go.
Jetpac delivered a smooth and reliable eSIM experience during a short trip, handling navigation, messaging, light streaming, and quick work check-ins without friction. It’s best for travelers who want straightforward mobile data without relying on pocket Wi-Fi or unpredictable roaming.
Jetpac offers a range of data-only eSIM plans with different data caps and validity periods. During my stay in the Philippines, I had access to multiple plan options, from short-term, low-data bundles to higher-capacity plans valid for up to 30 days.
| Data option | Validity | Price (USD) |
| 1 GB | 4 days | $1 |
| 3 GB | 7 days | $12 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $19 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $29.99 |
| 15 GB | 30 days | $31.99 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $55 |
| 30 GB | 30 days | $44.99 |
| 40 GB | 30 days | $59.99 |
I was traveling for a short stay, so I opted for the 1 GB/4-day plan], which was enough for navigation, messaging, and occasional streaming without worrying about running out of data too quickly. For longer trips, the 30-day plans offer better value if you expect to use data more heavily.
Jetpac’s pricing is flexible and competitive, especially for short trips where low-data plans keep costs down and make it easy to avoid overpaying. The range of 30-day plans also offers solid value for travelers who know roughly how much data they’ll need.
That said, the lineup would be stronger if an unlimited data option were available, as capped plans require more active data monitoring and limit appeal for heavy or long-term users.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
I purchased my Jetpac eSIM before my trip through Jetpac’s website.
For this test, I chose the 1 GB plan valid for 4 days, which suited a short stay where I mainly needed data for navigation and messaging.
After completing the purchase, I received a confirmation email with instructions to proceed with setup.
Instead of scanning a QR code manually, Jetpac guided me to complete the installation through their mobile app. I installed the Jetpac app on my iPhone 13, signed in, and followed the on-screen prompts.
The app walked me through the installation process step by step, including granting permissions and choosing an installation method. I selected Automatic installation, which allowed the eSIM to be installed directly on the same device with one tap.
Once I confirmed the installation, my phone added Jetpac as a new mobile plan. The activation process took around three minutes, matching the app’s estimate.
After installation, the app reminded me to enable data roaming for the Jetpac eSIM, which is required for it to connect once you arrive at your destination.
One issue I ran into was that the eSIM wasn’t clearly labeled on my phone.
Although this was my first time installing an eSIM myself, the device already had multiple eSIMs installed, which made it unclear at first which line should be used for data.
I contacted Jetpac’s customer support via WhatsApp and received a response within a minute.
The agent helped me identify the correct eSIM and explained that the app status may take some time to update. After restarting my phone, the connection switched to LTE within seconds, and the eSIM worked as expected.
Activation Verdict: Jetpac’s setup process was mostly smooth and fast, with installation and activation completed in just a few minutes. I would have rated it higher if the app clearly indicated when the eSIM was already connected, or included a note during installation explaining that the app status may not update immediately and that users may need to manually test their connection.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
I tested Jetpac’s eSIM in the Philippines, using it throughout daily movement that included walking, short drives, and general on-the-go use.
Throughout the trip, I relied on mobile data in different situations, from navigating around during the day to quickly checking messages or nearby places in the evening.
The eSIM connected via TELNA on LTE and stayed on the same network during testing. Since I only tested it in one area, this review reflects performance in a single location rather than network switching across regions.
Before running the test, I turned WiFi off and set the Jetpac eSIM as the active data line on my phone. I used Speedtest by Ookla to measure download speed, upload speed, ping, and network type.
The test recorded a download speed of 27.74 Mbps and a ping of 94 ms. Upload speeds were sufficient for everyday tasks like photo sharing and messaging. While the ping was higher than a local SIM, it didn’t interfere with normal travel use.
These speeds were sufficient for navigation, messaging, browsing, and HD streaming, with no noticeable slowdowns. What matters is that pages and apps loaded reliably when needed.
I used Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation while moving. Routes loaded almost instantly, and directions stayed smooth throughout the trip. To test responsiveness, I intentionally missed a turn, which triggered a forced reroute. The map recalculated within seconds, without freezing or lag.
For travelers driving or navigating unfamiliar areas, fast rerouting is critical. Delays or freezes can easily lead to missed exits or added stress, which wasn’t an issue here.
After navigating around the area, I stopped at a local spot for a quick meal before continuing the day.
I tested WhatsApp by sending a text message, a single photo, and a 30-second voice message. Text messages were delivered instantly. The photo uploaded within a few seconds, and the voice message sent without delays or retries.
Reliable messaging matters during travel for coordination, sharing updates, or sending location details, and Jetpac handled these everyday tasks smoothly.
This test focused on casual travel streaming rather than long-form viewing. During breaks at cafés or restaurants, I played I played a short YouTube video at 720p for several minutes. Playback started within a few seconds, with no buffering during the video, and the quality remained stable throughout.
This level of performance works well for short videos, music, or quick entertainment while on the move.
Across the trip, Jetpac delivered consistent performance for navigation, messaging, and light streaming. Navigation stayed responsive, messages sent reliably, and streaming was smooth at 720p. While speeds weren’t the fastest available, consistency mattered more than peak numbers, and the connection stayed dependable in everyday travel situations.
Jetpac proved to be a reliable eSIM for real-world travel use, delivering stable LTE performance for essential tasks without introducing unnecessary friction.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
I tested Jetpac’s hotspot feature during my trip to see whether it was reliable enough for light work, not just casual sharing. Based on my experience, hotspot is supported on Jetpac across all plans, and I didn’t encounter any restrictions while using it.
For testing, I shared data from my iPhone to a MacBook. Hotspot was enabled through the phone’s Personal Hotspot settings, and the laptop connected without any extra setup or configuration.
I used the hotspot mainly for light work tasks rather than heavy workloads. This included checking and responding to emails, using the Microsoft Teams app, working on Canva, and loading Google pages. Page loads were generally smooth, and everyday tasks worked as expected.
In terms of stability, the MacBook stayed connected throughout the session, with no sudden disconnections or drops. I didn’t notice aggressive throttling or unexpected slowdowns. During a short video call, there was slight lag, but it didn’t interrupt the session or make the connection unusable.
Overall, the hotspot was usable for short work check-ins while traveling, especially for tasks that don’t require sustained high bandwidth.
Jetpac’s hotspot works reliably for light work and short remote check-ins, with stable connections and only minor lag during video calls.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
I contacted Jetpac’s customer support via WhatsApp after having trouble identifying the correct eSIM line on my phone.
I was connected to a human agent in under a minute, who clearly explained how to identify the Jetpac eSIM among multiple existing eSIMs and noted that the app status may not update immediately.
After restarting my device, the connection switched to LTE and worked as expected, with no further follow-up needed.
Jetpac’s customer support was fast, human-led, and genuinely helpful, resolving setup issues within minutes for travelers who need immediate assistance on the go.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Yes, Jetpac eSIM is a legitimate service backed by Circles.Life, an established telecommunications company. It offers international data coverage in 200+ destinations.
You purchase a plan, download the Jetpac app, and install the eSIM directly on your phone by following the in-app steps. The setup takes only a few minutes with an internet connection.
Jetpac uses an eSIM to connect your phone to local partner networks abroad without a physical SIM card. Once activated, your phone automatically connects to supported networks in your destination.
You can contact Jetpac customer service via email, which is the primary support channel listed on their website and app. They also offer WhatsApp support for quicker, real-time assistance, with fast and helpful responses.
Yes, WhatsApp works normally with Jetpac eSIM since it provides mobile data. Messaging, photo sharing, and voice messages function without issues.
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