PLDT, Smart ease call, data costs for Filipinos in Saudi Arabia

Filipinos in Saudi Arabia can stay connected with their families in the Philippines without additional communication costs as PLDT Global and Smart Communications offer free roaming data and calls amid the ongoing situation in the Middle Eastern country.

Smart said Tuesday it is providing a free 1-gigabyte (GB) roaming data package, valid for five days, to subscribers currently in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to contact their families, access critical information, and reach government support services.

Subscribers can monitor their free data allocation through www.gigaroam.smart.com.ph.

Meanwhile, PLDT Global is expanding its free calling services through its Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo) platform, allowing Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to contact Philippine mobile numbers and PLDT landlines at no cost.

Using their TinBo Smart Virtual Number, customers can make free calls to Smart, TNT, and other Philippine mobile networks, helping reduce communication expenses during the ongoing situation.

The platform also provides free access to government assistance hotlines, including the 1348 Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-OWWA) Helpline and the 1343 Actionline Against Human Trafficking.

“Our priority is to help Filipinos overseas stay connected when they need it most. We are making it easier for our kababayans in Saudi Arabia to reach their loved ones and access critical support services as they navigate this situation,” Albert V. Villa-Real, president and CEO of PLDT Global and head of PLDT and Smart International Business, said.

Customers who need assistance accessing the free calling feature may contact TinBo through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.

PLDT Global and Smart said they continue to monitor developments in Saudi Arabia and remain prepared to provide additional assistance to affected subscribers as needed.