Can I use my TM SIM abroad without activating anything?

Without activation, outgoing calls and texts are charged pay-per-use and data will not work at all until you register a promo. Activation takes one minute.

Is receiving OTPs free while roaming?

Yes. Incoming SMS, including OTPs from banks and apps, is always free while roaming. You just need a roaming signal.

Can I register local TM promos like EasySURF abroad?

No. Local promos do not work while roaming. Only roaming-specific promos such as Roam Surf and GoRoam are available abroad.

Will my TM number change while abroad?

No. Your number stays the same. Roaming just routes your calls and data through a partner network.

How do I know which roaming promo is right for my trip?

For one country, GoRoam gives better value per GB. For multiple countries, Roam Surf is more practical since it works across all partner destinations.

Is 5G available on TM roaming?

Yes, if you have a 5G-capable device and your destination has a Globe 5G partner network. USA, Japan, and South Korea are among the supported destinations.

How do I deactivate roaming when I return?

You do not need to — your SIM detects the Philippine network and switches back automatically. To turn it off manually, text ROAM OFF to 8080 or toggle it in GlobeOne.

Travel & Roaming

How to Activate TM Roaming in 2026

9 min read Updated June 30, 2026

TM SIM roaming lets your Philippine number work in over 130 countries without swapping SIMs. Your TM SIM runs on Globe Telecom's international network partnerships, so the moment you land, your phone connects to a local partner network automatically. No manual setup needed just to get a signal.

What you do need to set up are the specifics: roaming activation, a data promo if you want mobile internet, and the right APN if data does not load.

What Is TM Roaming and How Does It Work?

When you land, your SIM looks for a Globe partner network and connects. Automatically: your phone shows a partner-network signal, incoming texts arrive free, and you keep your TM number for OTPs, calls, and messages.

Mobile data does not work until you register a TM roaming promo
Outgoing calls and texts are charged pay-per-use unless you have a promo active
You need at least ₱100 load to register for any roaming promo

Requirements Before You Activate

SIM registration: unregistered SIMs are blocked from international roaming. Complete your TM SIM registration first.
Load balance: at least ₱100 to activate via text and to register any data roaming promo (incoming texts and signal are free)
Timing: activate at least 24 hours before your flight — activation is usually instant, but delays happen

Text ROAM ON to 8080, or toggle roaming in GlobeOne, at least 24 hours before you fly.

How to Activate TM Roaming

All four methods do the same thing — pick whichever is easiest.

Text ROAM ON to 8080 — the quickest method. Have at least ₱100 load, text ROAM ON (all caps) to 8080, wait for confirmation, restart your phone.
Dial *143# — select Roaming & International → Activate Roaming, then confirm. Toll-free in the Philippines and abroad.
GlobeOne app — log in, go to Roaming Services, toggle TM Roaming ON. You can register Roam Surf and GoRoam promos from the same screen.
Call TM support — dial 211 from your TM SIM, or visit any Globe Store to enable roaming.

Check Method	What to Do
SMS Confirmation	Look for "You have successfully activated TM Roaming"
Text Check	Send ROAM STATUS to 8080 (free)
GlobeOne App	Roaming Services shows active roaming as ON
On Arrival	Restart after landing; a partner-network signal means it works

How to Activate TM Roaming When Abroad

Forgot to activate before your flight? Connect to Wi-Fi at the airport or hotel, open GlobeOne, and toggle roaming ON from Roaming Services — no local signal needed. If you already have a partner-network signal, text ROAM ON to 8080 or dial *143#. Data will not work until you also register a roaming promo.

TM Roaming Call and Text Rates (2026)

Action	Asia & Americas	Europe & Africa
Outgoing call	₱120 per minute	₱150 per minute
Incoming call	₱60 per minute	₱75 per minute
Outgoing text	₱20 per 160 chars	₱25 per 160 chars
Incoming text	FREE	FREE

These pay-per-use rates add up quickly. Even one short call abroad costs more than a full-day data promo. Register a roaming promo before using calls or data.

Data Roaming TM Promos in 2026

Roam Surf — multi-country data across all Globe partner networks. Roam Surf 399 (1 day), Longer Stay (5–30 days), Apps (WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger), and Roam Surf4All (shared for up to 4 users from ₱35/person/day).
GoRoam — country-specific data at near-local rates. Best value if you visit one country only (Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, USA, Singapore, South Korea, and more).
Roam Surf Plus — add ₱200 to an active Roam Surf 399 for 60 minutes of calls plus 60 all-network texts, valid 24 hours.
Roam Kabayan — built for OFWs, includes free incoming calls from the Philippines (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Guam, Japan, Jordan, Singapore, Hong Kong).

If you register Roam Surf while still in the Philippines, the validity countdown starts immediately. Register on arrival to get full value. Most GoRoam and Roam Surf promos are GlobeOne-exclusive, so download it before your trip.

Steps to Start Using Data

1Go to your phone's Settings
2Turn on Mobile Data and enable Data Roaming
3Set your network mode to 3G first, then switch to LTE or 5G once connected
4If data still does not load, set your APN to internet.globe.com.ph
5Restart your phone

Most phones set the APN automatically on a partner network, but if data will not load after restarting, manual APN setup fixes it most of the time. See our full TM APN settings guide.

Common TM Roaming Problems

No signal after landing — turn the phone off and on, set network mode to 3G first, then manually search and select a TM partner network. Check if your destination shut down 2G/3G.
Data not working after registering a promo — confirm the promo is active, ensure both Mobile Data and Data Roaming are ON, check your APN, restart.
Forgot to activate before flying — connect to Wi-Fi, activate roaming and register a promo in GlobeOne.
Cannot register a promo abroad — check you have at least ₱100 load and that roaming is already activated (registration fails without it).

You can top up abroad via GlobeOne or GCash, or ask family to pasaload you. Check your balance with ROAM DATA BAL to 8080.