Are you planning a trip to the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines? Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, lush mountains, or vibrant cities, these travel tips for the Philippines will help you make the most of your journey. From packing essentials to cultural insights, we’ve got you covered with insider advice that will enhance your Philippine adventure.
Why should you trust my advice? I came to the Philippines on a spontaneous post-COVID backpacking trip in February 2021, and despite planning to stay 1 month, I am still here. I’ve collated all the tips I wish someone had told me before coming to the Philippines, advice intended to save you stress, time and money!
Avoid Overpacking
The Philippines has a warm climate year-round so you won’t need heavy clothing. Pack light, breathable fabrics and remember that you can always buy additional items. Many streets have laundry services, so you don’t need to pack for every day of your trip.
Consider Domestic Flights for Island Hopping
The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands and domestic flights can be an efficient way to travel between them. Airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer frequent and often affordable flights. Booking in advance can help you secure better rates and save time compared to sea travel for longer distances.
Don't Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is crucial for any trip, especially when visiting multiple islands and engaging in outdoor activities. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Ensure your policy includes coverage for activities you plan to do, such as scuba diving or motorcycle riding.
Book Activities in Advance, But Stay Flexible
Popular tours and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book key activities and accommodations in advance to secure your spot. However, leave some room in your itinerary for spontaneous adventures or recommendations from fellow travellers or locals.
Time of Year
One of the most crucial travel tips for the Philippines is understanding its seasons. From November to April, the dry season is prime time for beach activities and island hopping, with clear skies and calm seas perfect for diving and snorkelling. However, this peak tourist season means higher prices and more crowds, so book early.
The wet season, from June to October, has a higher risk of typhoons and heavy rainfall, potentially limiting accessibility to some islands. If you’re visiting during this time, stay informed about weather forecasts and keep your plans flexible.
For a sweet spot between good weather and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of May and November.
Don't Overplan Your Itinerary
While it’s tempting to try to see everything, the Philippines is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Don’t try to cram too many destinations into your trip. Island hopping and travel between locations can take longer than expected due to weather or transportation delays. Allow time to immerse yourself in each place and enjoy the laid-back Filipino lifestyle.
Visa Tips For The Philippines
Secure Proof Of Onward Travel
When entering the Philippines, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. This could be a return flight ticket or a ticket to your next destination. It’s a requirement to show that you intend to leave the country before your visa expires. To avoid any issues at the airport, make sure you have this documentation ready before your trip.
If you want to stay in the Philippines longer than your initial visa, you can book a ‘flight reservation’, which costs less than $20 and is valid proof of onward travel.
Understand Visa Extensions
If you plan to stay longer than the initial 30-day visa-free period (for many nationalities), familiarise yourself with the visa extension process. You can extend your stay at immigration offices throughout the country. It’s a straightforward process but be prepared with the necessary documents and fees.
To extend, find your nearest ‘Bureau Of Immigration‘. Depending on the government office you visit and the time of day it can take 5 minutes to a few hours to extend your visa. All you need is your passport and any previous visa extensions. The first 30-day extension costs 4050php (accurate as of September 2024).
Everyday Travel Tips For The Philippines
Don't Forget To Pack Sunscreen
The Philippines is known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches. Sunscreen is an absolute must-have item. The sun can be intense, especially near the equator, so pack a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently. This will protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without worry.
Bring suncream from your home country, as it is often expensive in the Philippines and may contain whitening ingredients, preventing you from achieving that glowing tan!
Pack Essential Personal Items
Some personal items, like tampons, may be harder to find in certain parts of the Philippines, especially in more rural areas. In fact, due to the Catholic nature of the country, finding tampons is a nightmare, and the available ones are extortionately priced! It’s wise to bring a supply from home or consider a menstrual cup for convenience.
Be Prepared For Child Beggars
In some areas, particularly in cities, you may encounter child beggars. This can be distressing, but it’s important to understand that giving money directly to children can perpetuate a cycle of poverty. Instead, consider giving the children food or buying them a meal.
While it may be hard to avoid giving a mother and her baby your spare cash, it is important to know that money donated to beggars may go towards drugs. This is why it’s better to donate food or volunteer at an outreach program.
Ask Locals For Recommendations
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and are often happy to share tips with travellers. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on restaurants, hidden beaches, or off-the-beaten-path attractions. You might discover some gems that aren’t in the guidebooks and get a more authentic experience of the Philippines.
Try "Ukay-Ukay" Shopping
“Ukay-Ukay” refers to secondhand clothing stores or thrift shops, which are popular throughout the Philippines. These shops can be treasure troves for unique finds at low prices. It’s a fun way to shop locally and perhaps pick up some tropical-weather clothing if you’ve under-packed.
Embrace Local Cuisine
Filipino cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from Spanish, Chinese, and American culinary traditions. Don’t miss out on local dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. Street food can also be a delicious and affordable option, but be cautious and choose vendors that seem popular and hygienic.
When choosing where to eat, look for a place busy with locals – That’s how you know it’s a good one! Most locals eat at karinderya (the places with big metallic pots) or at BBQ stands.
Practice Ethical Tourism
The Philippines is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. When participating in activities like island hopping, snorkelling, or wildlife watching, choose operators that prioritize environmental conservation.
Avoid touching coral, feeding wild animals, or participating in activities that may harm local ecosystems (i.e. whale shark snorkelling in Oslob).
Get A Local SIM Card
Staying connected can enhance your travel experience and provide peace of mind. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and offer good data coverage in most areas. You can purchase these in convenience stores. Globe and Smart are two major providers with widespread coverage.
For 90php ($1.6), you can get 8 GB of data and unlimited texts on a globe SIM card, which is a lot cheaper than the $30 SIM cards they try to sell you at the airport!
A virtual SIM, or eSIM, is another great option to save money, particularly if you are visiting multiple countries!
Mentally Prepare Yourself For The Noise
The Philippines is home to a significant amount of noise – 100s of horns honking in heavy traffic, motorbikes crowding around cock fighting arenas, karaoke on every street corner and a symphony of frogs during heavy downpours.
Come with an open mind, accepting that the noise is a part of the country’s vibrant culture, and perhaps bring a pair of earplugs for when it’s really loud!
Expect A Power Outage During Your Trip
Particularly in the province and in areas where tourism is rapidly booming, power outages are a common occurrence. Never blame the accommodation you are staying at as it is simply a part of the rural lifestyle. To stay prepared, pack a powerbank!
Carry Extra Tissues
Most toilets in malls and transportation hubs have a fantastic standard of hygiene, with cleaners on standby throughout the day. However, the toilets lack one essential thing… Paper! It is common practice to bring your own tissues into the toilets.
Remember, never flush anything (including paper or tampons) down the toilet, as the Philippines’ plumbing is not powerful enough to manage that!
Immodium May Become Your Best Friend:
The Philippines cuisine may please your tastebuds, but it might be challenging for your stomach, especially if you’re accustomed to strict food hygiene standards.
Medications like Imodium can be a traveller’s best friend when your gut needs a moment to catch up with your new diet. This is one of the most important travel tips for the Philippines, particularly if you are new to travelling!
Money Tips For The Philippines
Be Aware Of ATM Limitations
While ATMs are available in cities and tourist areas, they may be scarce in more remote locations. Some ATMs have low withdrawal limits or may run out of cash, especially during holidays.
It’s wise to withdraw enough cash in larger towns or cities to cover your needs in more rural areas. ATMs charge foreign cards a 250php fee per transaction, with a maximum withdrawal of 10,000php at a time.
Always Carry Cash
While your home country might be racing towards a cashless society, especially since COVID-19, the Philippines has a different system. Here, cash still reigns supreme in most daily transactions.
Outside of upscale malls, international airports, and large chain establishments, cash is not just preferred – it’s often the only accepted form of payment.
But here’s a pro tip: break down those large bills! That crisp 1000-peso note might seem convenient, but it can quickly become a burden when you’re trying to buy a refreshing buko (coconut) juice from a street vendor or haggle for souvenirs in a local market. Many small businesses and vendors don’t have enough change for expensive notes.
Don't Be Afraid To Bargain
Bargaining is common in Southeast Asia. While it’s not appropriate in all situations (like restaurants or established stores), feel free to negotiate prices in markets. Start by offering about half the initial price and work up to a mutually agreeable amount.
Culture Tips
Respect The Catholic Culture
The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and religion plays a significant role in daily life. Respect religious customs and dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. During Holy Week and other religious holidays, you may encounter processions and celebrations. Participating respectfully can be a great way to experience local culture.
It’s also important to understand that certain topics are considered somewhat taboo in the Philippines. Birth control, abortions, shaving, and even the use of tampons aren’t widely accepted for women.
Learn Basic Filipino Phrases
While English is widely spoken in the Philippines, learning a few basic Filipino (Tagalog/ Bisaya) phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals. Simple greetings like “Maayong Buntag” (Good morning) or “Salamat” (Thank you) can help you with daily interactions and show respect for the local culture.
It can be a tad confusing to learn the language, as the country is home to over 170 different dialects. The words you learn in Cebu won’t be understood in Manila or Siargao!
Transportation Travel Tips For The Philippines
Use Grab Instead Of Traditional Taxis
Grab, a popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, is widely used in the Philippines, especially in major cities. It’s often more reliable and transparent than traditional taxis, with set fares and the ability to track your ride. Download the app before your trip for a convenient and safe transportation option.
If you need a taxi, check it is metered, as a pre-agreed price is often expensive! Walking a few minutes from the main tourist spots will help you find the fairest taxi drivers.
Renting A Scooter
Renting a scooter can be an excellent way to explore, especially on smaller islands. Keep these travel tips for the Philippines in mind if you’re considering renting a scooter:
- License Requirements: Check if your home driver’s license is valid or if you need an International Driving Permit.
- Safety First: Always wear a helmet, even if locals don’t. Roads can be unpredictable.
- Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers scooter accidents, as many policies don’t by default.
- Inspect Before You Ride: Check the scooter’s condition, especially brakes and lights, before setting off. Take photos of any pre-existing damage before you ride the bike.
Tricycles/ Jeepneys
If you aren’t comfortable renting a scooter, use the local transportation system. While busses are best for long journeys, jeepneys and tricycles are more affordable for short trips.
Further Southeast Asia Travel Advice
Remember, these travel tips for the Philippines are based on personal experience. Always check the latest travel advisories and local regulations before your trip, as conditions can change. Enjoy your Philippine adventure!
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.
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