Avoid Roaming Charges in Philippines: Full Prevention Guide (2026)
You can avoid roaming charges in Philippines by purchasing a travel eSIM that uses Globe's 5G network at a fixed price.
Your phone connects to Globe in Philippines regardless of whether you use carrier roaming or an eSIM. The difference is price: carriers charge $10/day for that access, while an eSIM charges $27 for 20GB.
An eSIM saves $53 compared to 8 days of carrier roaming in Philippines ($27 vs $80).
Per-day roaming fees for Philippines
Your carrier charges the moment your phone connects to Globe in Philippines. These are the charges you are here to avoid.
AT&T International Day Pass
AT&T charges $10 per day, auto-triggered when your phone connects to Globe. Calendar-day billing resets at midnight Eastern, not local time. Without the pass: $2.05 per MB. A 8-day trip costs $80.
Verizon TravelPass
Verizon charges $10 per day with a 2GB daily high-speed cap. Auto-enrollment is on by default. The same Globe towers, the same $10 daily charge. Without TravelPass: $2.05 per MB.
T-Mobile Magenta International Data
T-Mobile includes free data at 256 Kbps in 215+ countries. That speed barely loads a map tile. High-speed add-on costs $5-15 per day.
Per-MB Worst Case
$2.05 per MB. One Google Maps session: $20-30. One hour of normal use: $205. One iCloud backup overnight: $1,025-2,099.
AT&T's International Day Pass activates the moment your phone touches Globe's network in Philippines — even for a push notification. That is $10 charged before you open your phone. Over 8 days: $80. Without the pass, per-MB rates run $2.05/MB. Background syncs alone can cost $50-200 overnight. A Philippines eSIM eliminates both scenarios: 20GB on Globe for $27.
Order of operations: disable roaming first, then install your eSIM in Philippines
Before Your Flight
- Disable data roaming.iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF. Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Data Roaming OFF.
- Turn off automatic app updates.iOS: Settings > App Store > App Updates OFF. Android: Play Store > Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update over WiFi only.
- Disable cloud backup over cellular. Prevent iCloud or Google from syncing photos and files on mobile data.
- Download offline maps for Philippines. Open Google Maps or Apple Maps and save Philippines for offline use while on home WiFi.
At the Airport
- Switch to airplane mode before boarding.
- Keep airplane mode on during layovers. Each country your phone connects to triggers a separate $10/day charge.
- If your eSIM is already installed, do not activate it until you reach Philippines.
After Landing in Philippines
- Turn off airplane mode.
- Verify data roaming is still OFF on your home SIM.
- Activate your eSIM as the data line. Enable data roaming on the eSIM line only.
- Wait 2-3 minutes for Globe network registration. Check the status bar for the carrier name.
Daily Roaming Hygiene
- Check data usage periodically in Settings.
- Keep your home SIM data roaming OFF at all times.
- Watch for WiFi-to-cellular handoff. Walking out of hotel WiFi range triggers a carrier connection. One push notification on your home SIM costs $10.
eSIM Alternative for Philippines
Why an eSIM Replaces Roaming
An eSIM connects to Globe at 5G speed. Same towers. Same coverage. No daily charge. No per-MB billing. Savings of 85-95% compared to carrier roaming.
Plan Options for Philippines
| Tier | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $3.49 | $3.49/GB |
| 3GB | $6.30 | $2.10/GB |
| 5GB | $10.80 | $2.16/GB |
| 10GB | $19.80 | $1.98/GB |
| 20GB | $27 | $1.35/GB |
Unlimited Daily Plans
For heavy data users, digital nomads, or extended stays, unlimited daily plans remove all data anxiety.
| Days | Price | Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 days | $5.01 | $5.01/day |
| 3 days | $14.41 | $4.80/day |
| 7 days | $33.62 | $4.80/day |
| 14 days | $65.04 | $4.65/day |
| 30 days | $128.41 | $4.28/day |
Recommended Provider
Airalo is the recommended eSIM provider for Philippines. Best Overall with a 4.25/5 rating across 200+ countries. Compare all eSIM providers for Philippines.
AT&T charges exactly $10/day in Philippines — no discount for longer stays. A 8-day trip costs $80 whether you use 100 MB or 10 GB. Airalo offers tiered plans: 1GB at $3.49 for light users, 20GB at $27 for standard trips, unlimited at $5.22/day for heavy users. Match your plan to your actual usage instead of paying a flat $10/day regardless of consumption. Airalo connects through Globe — the same towers AT&T accesses for three to five times the cost. Choose the tier that matches your 8-day trip.
WiFi reliability in Philippines
WiFi Availability
WiFi in Philippines is rated limited. WiFi available in malls and hotels; speeds often slow; mobile data more reliable
Travelers in Philippines can stretch their eSIM data by offloading heavy tasks to WiFi. Download offline maps, update apps, and sync photos over hotel WiFi. Use the eSIM for navigation, messaging, and ride-hailing — tasks that consume 50-100 MB per day. WiFi availability here is limited (WiFi available in malls and hotels; speeds often slow; mobile data more reliable). This strategy works only after disabling data roaming on your home SIM. Without that step, your phone connects to Globe through AT&T whenever WiFi drops — $10 per occurrence. A 20GB eSIM at $27 covers 8 days of active use alongside WiFi offloading.
WiFi Security Risks
Public WiFi in Philippines carries risks: unencrypted networks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and credential theft. Use a VPN when connecting to hotel, airport, or cafe WiFi.
WiFi-to-Cellular Handoff Trap
Walking out of WiFi range triggers your phone to connect to Globeover cellular. One push notification on your home SIM costs $10 with AT&T. Prevention: keep cellular data OFF on your home SIM or use an eSIM as your data line.
WiFi Calling Setup
Keep your home phone number active for calls and texts via WiFi Calling. iPhone: Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling > ON. Android: Settings > Network > WiFi Calling > ON. Works alongside your eSIM data connection. No per-minute carrier roaming charges.
WiFi Assessment for Philippines
WiFi in Philippines is limited. WiFi available in malls and hotels; speeds often slow; mobile data more reliable Free public WiFi is scarce outside major hotels. Cafes may charge for access or require local phone number registration. Globe cellular data is the primary connection for travelers. AT&T charges $10/day for that Globe access through roaming. An eSIM on Globe costs $3.49 for 1GB at 70 Mbps. Plan for higher data usage because WiFi cannot fill the gaps. A 20GB plan covers 8 days without depending on unreliable hotspots.
Offline Preparation for Philippines
- Download Philippines in Google Maps before departure. Tap your profile icon, select Offline Maps, and download the regions you plan to visit. Offline maps include street-level navigation, Points of Interest, and basic search. This saves 3-5 MB per Maps session that would otherwise cost $6-10 at $2.05/MB without a roaming plan.
- Save the local language for Philippines in Google Translate (Settings > Offline Translation > download). Offline mode handles text, voice, and camera input without cellular data. Pre-translate hotel addresses, dietary restrictions, and emergency phrases before departure. Store translations as screenshots for instant offline access.
- Download entertainment before departure. Netflix, Spotify, and podcasts all support offline downloads. A 8-day trip to Philippines needs 5-10 hours of offline content for flights, transit, and downtime. Download on home WiFi. Streaming over an eSIM consumes 700 MB per hour of video, draining your plan quickly.
- Install ride-hailing apps for Philippines before arrival. Create your account and add a payment method on home WiFi. The app download and account setup consume 50-100 MB that you do not want running through a carrier roaming connection.
- Download an offline currency converter app with PHP (₱) rates. XE and Currency apps both support offline mode after an initial rate download. The local currency in Philippines is PHP. Pre-load the exchange rate on home WiFi so you can check prices without using cellular data at markets and shops.
- Save booking confirmations, boarding passes, and hotel addresses as PDF files or screenshots on your device. Store them in the Files app or a dedicated folder. If your eSIM data runs out or you lose connectivity in Philippines, offline documents keep your itinerary accessible. Email attachments consume 2-5 MB each to re-download.
- Save 911 as Philippines's emergency number in your contacts. Add your hotel address, embassy phone number, and travel insurance hotline. Store these as a contact card that works without internet access. Emergency calls work on any carrier network in Philippines regardless of your eSIM or roaming status.
Messaging Without Roaming in Philippines
Coordinate with travel companions in Philippines using WhatsApp group chats. Create the group before departure on home WiFi. Share itineraries, meeting points, and restaurant finds within the group. WhatsApp is the standard across Western and Southern Europe. Telegram has growing adoption in Eastern Europe. iMessage is common among iPhone users but does not cross the Android divide. Group messages consume 1-10 KB each. Photo sharing runs 1-3 MB per image. Share photos at lower resolution to conserve e SIM data. Location sharing on WhatsApp uses 0.5-1 MB per 15-minute session. AT&T charges $0.50 per SMS and $1-3/minute for calls on top of $10/day. WhatsApp on an eSIM at $3.49 for 1GB replaces all carrier messaging fees.
The Airport Roaming Trap in Philippines
Your phone connects to Globe the moment the aircraft doors open at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB). The immigration queue takes 20-60 minutes. During that wait, background apps sync email, check weather, and refresh notifications. AT&T's International Day Pass triggers on the first data byte. Verizon TravelPass auto-enrolls simultaneously. You have not opened a single app yet. The charge: $10 for AT&T, $10 for Verizon. Over 8 days: $80. Prevention: enable airplane mode before landing. Keep it on through customs. Install your eSIM on airport WiFi if not already installed. Activate the e SIM as your data line. Then disable airplane mode. Your phone connects to Globe through the eSIM at $3.49 for 1GB. No $10 trigger.
Bill Shock Prevention Checklist for Philippines
AT&T
- Open the myAT&T app or visit att.com/international before departure.
- Check if International Day Pass ($10/day in Philippines) is auto-enabled on your plan. If so, remove it under Account > International > Manage Day Pass.
- Disable data roaming on your iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF.
- Disable data roaming on Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming OFF.
- Install a Philippines eSIM before boarding: 1GB on Globe from $3.49.
- Set your eSIM as the primary data line: iPhone Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select eSIM line.
- Turn off Background App Refresh for non-essential apps: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- AT&T Day Pass resets at midnight US Eastern time, not PHT (UTC+8). A late-evening arrival in Philippines can trigger two Day Pass charges in two hours.
- After landing at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB): verify data roaming is OFF on your AT&T line and ON for your eSIM line.
- Check your AT&T account 48 hours after return. Dispute any charges within the first billing cycle. AT&T occasionally waives first-time roaming charges.
- Total AT&T Day Pass cost for 8 days: $80. Total eSIM cost: $27 for 20GB. Savings: $53.
Verizon
- Open the My Verizon app or visit verizon.com/travel before departure.
- Check if TravelPass ($10/day, 2 GB high-speed cap in Philippines) is active. Remove it under Plan > Travel > Remove TravelPass.
- Verizon TravelPass auto-enrolls when your phone connects to Globe. The charge triggers before you clear customs at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB).
- Disable data roaming: iPhone Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming OFF.
- Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming OFF.
- Install a Philippines e-SIM before departure: 1GB on Globe from $3.49.
- Verizon caps high-speed data at 2 GB per day on TravelPass. After the cap, speed drops to 600 Kbps for the rest of the day. The eSIM has no daily cap.
- After landing at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB): confirm your Verizon line shows "No Service" or "SOS Only." Your eSIM line should show Globe with signal bars.
- Verify no TravelPass charges appear on your Verizon bill within 48 hours of return. Call 611 to dispute within the first billing cycle.
- Total Verizon TravelPass cost for 8 days: $80. eSIM alternative: $27 for 20GB. Savings: $53.
T-Mobile
- T-Mobile Magenta and Go5G include free international data in Philippines, but speed is throttled to 256 Kbps.
- At 256 Kbps: Google Maps takes 30+ seconds to load, ride-hailing apps time out, video calls fail, and photo uploads take 2-5 minutes each.
- T-Mobile Go5G Plus adds 5 GB high-speed for $5/day. Go5G Next includes 15 GB/month at high speed. Check which plan you have in the T-Mobile app under Account > Plan Details.
- Calls on T-Mobile cost $0.25/minute in Philippines. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime calling over your eSIM data to avoid per-minute charges.
- Install a Philippines eSIM for full-speed data: 1GB on Globe at $3.49. Set the e SIM as your data line and keep T-Mobile for calls and texts.
- T-Mobile's free 2G tier is useful for: text-only WhatsApp messages, basic email (no attachments), and low-bandwidth background sync. It is not useful for: Maps, photos, video, social media, or ride-hailing.
- After your trip: check your T-Mobile bill for $0.25/minute call charges. Dispute within the first billing cycle if unexpected charges appear.
Local SIM vs eSIM in Philippines
Local prepaid SIMs at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB) in Philippines cost $3-8 for 5-15GB / 30 days. Available from Globe and Smart at airport counters. Wait time: 15-25 min; registration process added time since 2023. Passport registration required (SIM Registration Act 2023 requires passport and valid ID for all SIM purchases). An eSIM on Globe starts at $3.49 for 1GB with zero wait time and no passport scan. Install before departure. Activate after landing. The convenience gap is largest for short trips. For stays over 30 days, a local prepaid SIM may offer more data per dollar. For trips under 14 days, the e-SIM wins on time, convenience, and total cost.
How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Philippines
You can avoid roaming charges in Philippines by purchasing a travel eSIM that uses Globe's 5G network at a fixed price.
Your phone connects to Globe in Philippines regardless of whether you use carrier roaming or an eSIM. The difference is price: carriers charge $10/day for that access, while an eSIM charges $27 for 20GB.
- Confirm your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
- Buy an eSIM for Philippines: $27 for 20GB on Globe.
- Scan the QR code in Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
- Turn off Data Roaming for your primary carrier SIM.
- Your phone now uses Globe for data with zero roaming charges.
An eSIM saves $53 compared to 8 days of carrier roaming in Philippines ($27 vs $80).
Step-by-Step Avoidance Plan for Philippines
Step 1: Buy an eSIM for Philippines before your trip ($27 for 20GB). Step 2: Install it via Settings on your phone — no physical SIM needed. Step 3: Turn off carrier data roaming to block surprise charges. Step 4: Land in Philippines, enable the eSIM, and connect to Globe. Result: 5G speeds, $53 saved vs $10/day roaming.
Accidental Roaming Charges in Philippines
A 8-day trip to Philippines with data roaming on costs $80 on most US carriers. An eSIM on Globe costs $27 for 20GB — saving $53.
Emergency Contacts and Safety
Emergency Number
The emergency number in Philippines is 911. Save this in your phone contacts before departure. Emergency calls work without a data plan. Voice roaming is separate from data roaming.
Offline Maps and Translation
Download Google Maps or Apple Maps offline for Philippines. Download the Google Translate language pack if Philippines is a non-English speaking country. Both work without any data connection.
Embassy and Consulate Access
Download your embassy or consulate contact information before departure. Save as offline contacts. If you have an eSIM installed, embassy websites and phone numbers are accessible through your data connection.
Philippines-Specific Considerations
SIM Registration Requirements
Philippines requires SIM card registration with a passport. SIM Registration Act 2023 requires passport and valid ID for all SIM purchases
Country-Specific Quirks
- SIM Registration Act (2023) requires all SIM users to register with valid ID — affects tourists buying local SIMs
- GCash mobile wallet is ubiquitous for payments — requires a Philippine phone number to activate
- Internet speeds vary dramatically between islands; Luzon has best infrastructure
- Facebook Free Basics was formerly available — Filipinos are among the world's heaviest social media users
- Island-hopping routes between Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao often have limited mobile coverage on boats
Your pre-trip checklist for Philippines
Disable data roaming: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming OFF (do this before departure).
Install a Philippines eSIM while on home WiFi — plans from $3.49 for 1GB on Globe.
Save 911 as Philippines's emergency number in your contacts.
Pack a Type A/B/C power adapter for Philippines.
Local currency is PHP (₱).
Time zone: PHT (UTC+8). Adjust your phone clock on arrival.
After landing at Ninoy Aquino (MNL) / Mactan-Cebu (CEB): turn off airplane mode, activate your eSIM as the data line.
Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts via WiFi Calling.
Roaming FAQ for travelers to Philippines, answered
How do I disable roaming when using dual SIM for Philippines?
With dual SIM, you need to disable roaming on your home SIM specifically. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > select your home SIM line > Data Roaming (off). Then set the eSIM as your primary data line under Cellular Data. On Android: Settings > SIM Manager > select home SIM > Data Roaming (off). The eSIM stays set to allow data. This prevents AT&T from charging $10/day while your Philippines eSIM handles data through Globe. Both SIM lines stay active: home SIM for calls and texts, eSIM for data at $3.49 instead of carrier roaming rates.
Can background apps trigger roaming charges in Philippines?
Yes, background apps are one of the most common sources of surprise roaming bills. With data roaming enabled and no day pass, AT&T charges $2.05/MB in Philippines. Background App Refresh on iPhone syncs mail, news, and social apps every 15-30 minutes automatically, including at 3am while you sleep. A single overnight background sync session can accumulate $50-200 in charges without you opening your phone. Disable Background App Refresh before travel: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Off. Then disable data roaming. An eSIM replaces carrier data entirely. Background syncs bill against the eSIM's flat-rate data at $3.49, not your home carrier's per-MB rate.
What happens if I forget to turn off roaming in Philippines?
Your phone connects to Globe and AT&T charges $2.05/MB without a plan. A single 50 MB background sync costs over $100. With AT&T International Day Pass, you pay $10 the moment any data is used, even a push notification. Act immediately: turn on Airplane Mode, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming and switch it off, then disable Airplane Mode. Your home SIM resumes voice and SMS without data. Install an eSIM ($3.49 for 1GB on Globe) to restore data access. Call your carrier within 48 hours because AT&T and Verizon both waive first-time roaming overcharges if reported in the same billing cycle.
What is the cheapest way to avoid roaming charges in Philippines?
A prepaid eSIM is the most cost-effective way to avoid roaming charges in Philippines. The best per-GB rate is the 20GB plan at $27 total, which works out to $1.35/GB on Globe. Disable data roaming on your home SIM before departure and install the eSIM as your data line. Your home SIM keeps your number active for calls and texts. The eSIM handles all data at flat-rate pricing with no per-day activation fees and no per-MB overages.
How much does roaming cost in Philippines?
AT&T International Day Pass charges $10/day in Philippines, totaling $80 for a 8-day trip. Verizon TravelPass costs the same $10/day. Without a day pass, AT&T pay-per-use rates reach $2.05/MB, so a 50 MB Google Maps session costs over $100. T-Mobile includes free international data but throttles to 256 Kbps, which is too slow for navigation or video calls. A travel eSIM connects to Globe starting at $3.49 for 1 GB with no daily activation fee and no per-MB overages.
Should I use WiFi Calling or an eSIM for calls in Philippines?
Use both. WiFi Calling routes calls through your home carrier over WiFi, using your home minutes. It is free on most US carrier plans. The limitation: WiFi Calling only works when connected to WiFi, not mobile data. An eSIM on Globe at $3.49 gives you mobile data everywhere. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime over eSIM data for calls when WiFi is unavailable. Enable WiFi Calling before departure: iPhone Settings > Phone > WiFi Calling. When on hotel WiFi, calls route free through your home carrier. When on mobile data, use WhatsApp calls through the eSIM.
What happens to my home number while using an eSIM in Philippines?
Your home number stays fully active. With dual-SIM setup, your home SIM keeps your phone number for calls and texts while the Philippines eSIM handles data on Globe. You receive calls on your home number. SMS messages arrive normally. Data routes through the eSIM at $3.49 instead of your carrier's $10/day roaming. On iPhone, set Cellular Data to the eSIM line and Default Voice to your home SIM. Both lines work simultaneously. Your home number is not affected by the eSIM installation and remains active throughout your entire trip.
Which network does a Philippines eSIM connect to?
Travel eSIMs for Philippines connect through Globe and Smart (PLDT), the same carrier infrastructure your home carrier's roaming partners use. The 5G network delivers up to 70 Mbps download speed. AT&T and Verizon both route their roaming through the same towers and charge $10/day for access. An eSIM connects to the same infrastructure for $3.49/GB with no daily activation fee.
What Android settings prevent roaming charges in Philippines?
Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming and switch it off. On Samsung One UI, the path is the same under Connections. On Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select SIM > Roaming (off). Next: Settings > Connections > Data Usage > tap Menu > Restrict Background Data (on). This stops all background apps from using mobile data. Disable auto-updates: Play Store > Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update Apps > Over WiFi Only. Install your Philippines eSIM via Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM. These settings block Globe roaming charges at $2.05/MB and route data through the eSIM at $3.49.
Can I get a refund on carrier roaming charges from Philippines?
Carrier roaming charges are nearly impossible to reverse after the first billing cycle. AT&T may waive first-time overcharges as a "courtesy credit" within 48 hours. Verizon offers similar one-time adjustments. After that, charges from Globe are final. Day Pass charges are non-refundable because they are classified as "used" once triggered. With an eSIM at $27 for 20GB, your maximum cost is fixed at purchase. If the eSIM does not activate, most providers refund within 14-30 days. The financial risk of an eSIM is $27; the risk of carrier roaming is uncapped.
Do I need to register a SIM card in Philippines?
SIM Registration Act 2023 requires passport and valid ID for all SIM purchases This applies to local physical SIM cards only. A travel eSIM installed before departure does not require local registration. It activates through your provider's app and connects to Globe without any in-person paperwork. Plans start at $3.49.
How do I unlock my T-Mobile phone for a Philippines eSIM?
T-Mobile unlocks phones after 40 days of active service (the shortest major-carrier requirement). Contact T-Mobile at 611 or use the T-Mobile app: More > Device Unlock. Processing takes 24-72 hours. T-Mobile also auto-unlocks phones after the 40-day period in many cases. Check by inserting a different carrier's SIM or looking for the eSIM option in phone settings. Postpaid phones must have the full device paid off. Prepaid phones need $100+ in refills over 12+ months. Start the unlock request at least 7 days before your trip to Philippines. An eSIM on Globe costs $3.49 versus T-Mobile's throttled free roaming.
Does using eSIM hotspot drain battery faster in Philippines?
Yes. Running a personal hotspot while on cellular data drains battery 2-3x faster than normal use. Expect 3-5 hours of hotspot use before needing to charge (versus 8-12 hours of normal phone use). The phone maintains both the cellular connection to Globe and the WiFi broadcast to connected devices, doubling radio usage. Bring a portable battery pack or keep your phone plugged in while tethering. On iPhone, battery optimization (Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging) helps but does not prevent rapid drain. Factor battery into your Philippines travel kit alongside the eSIM at $3.49.
How do I document a roaming dispute for Philippines?
Gather evidence before calling your carrier. Screenshot Settings > Cellular > Current Period Roaming (iPhone) or Settings > Data Usage (Android) to show the data volume used. Download your carrier app and export the itemized bill showing each charge from Globe in Philippines. Save your travel itinerary and flight confirmation to prove your dates in Philippines. Note the exact dollar amount disputed and the date it appeared on your account. Write down the name and employee ID of every carrier agent you speak with. This documentation package gives you a complete record if the dispute escalates to the FCC or a credit card chargeback.
Stop paying roaming charges in Philippines.
A 1GB eSIM costs $3.49. AT&T charges $80 for the same 8 days. Same Globe towers.
Former consumer pricing analyst at J.D. Power covering wireless carrier satisfaction surveys
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