Philippines Travel Guide
Essential travel information — emergency numbers, safety, currency, visas, customs and getting around.
The Philippines is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded urban areas and tourist hotspots. Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. Exercise caution when traveling at night. Certain regions, particularly parts of Mindanao, have higher security risks due to ongoing conflicts and insurgencies.
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Type A (two flat parallel pins), Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin), and Type C (two round pins) are common. Voltage is 220V at 60Hz.
Tipping is not mandatory but widely appreciated for good service. Many restaurants include a 10% service charge; if not, a 10% tip is customary. For hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers, small tips are common. Rounding up taxi fares is also a common practice.
Prepaid SIM cards are readily available at airports, convenience stores, and authorized dealer shops from major providers like Globe, Smart, and DITO. You will need a valid ID (passport) for registration, which is now mandatory.
Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for an initial stay of 30 days. Check the specific visa requirements for your nationality with the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate before your trip. Extensions are possible through the Bureau of Immigration.
Right-hand traffic
In urban areas like Manila, public transport includes jeepneys (iconic, affordable, fixed-route buses), tricycles (motorcycle with sidecar for short distances), and buses. Manila also has an elevated train system (LRT and MRT). Provincial buses connect towns and cities across larger islands.
Grab (most dominant for cars and motorcycles, also offers food delivery)
Domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between major islands, with airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Ferries are a common and affordable option for inter-island travel, offering various routes and classes. Buses are used for inter-province travel on larger islands like Luzon.
- • Mano Po: A gesture of respect where a younger person takes the elder's hand and presses it to their forehead.
- • Hospitality: Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality and generosity towards guests.
- • Strong Family Ties: Family is central to Filipino culture, with extended families often living together or nearby.
- • Pakikisama: A cultural value emphasizing group harmony and good relations, often leading to avoidance of direct confrontation.
- • Punctuality: 'Filipino time' is a common term referring to a relaxed attitude towards punctuality, so expect some delays.
Generally casual and comfortable due to the tropical climate. Modest attire is appreciated when visiting religious sites (churches, mosques), where shoulders and knees should be covered. Swimwear is reserved for beaches and pools.
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic. When visiting churches, dress modestly, remove hats, and maintain a respectful silence, especially during services. Photography may be restricted in some areas.
Basketball is by far the most popular sport, deeply ingrained in the national culture, with leagues, street courts, and passionate fans everywhere. — Basketball dominates the sports scene, with professional leagues (PBA) and countless amateur games. Cockfighting (sabong) is a traditional and legal pastime, though often controversial. Boxing also holds a special place, with national heroes like Manny Pacquiao. Water sports like diving, snorkeling, surfing, and island hopping are popular recreational activities, especially in coastal and island regions.
Third Sunday of January (Cebu City)
Sinulog Festival
A grand and vibrant religious festival honoring the Santo Niño (Child Jesus), featuring massive street parades, elaborate costumes, and energetic 'Pit Señor!' chants. It's one of the largest and most popular festivals.
Third week of January (Kalibo, Aklan)
Ati-Atihan Festival
Known as the 'Mother of all Philippine Festivals,' it's a centuries-old celebration honoring the Santo Niño. Participants paint their faces black and don indigenous costumes, dancing to rhythmic drumbeats in the streets.
May 15 (Lucban, Quezon)
Pahiyas Festival
A colorful harvest festival where houses are elaborately decorated with 'kiping' (leaf-shaped rice wafers), fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural produce. It's a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
Fourth Sunday of January (Iloilo City)
Dinagyang Festival
Another major festival honoring the Santo Niño, known for its spectacular street dancing competitions (Ati-Ati tribes competition) with intricate choreography and vibrant costumes, showcasing Iloilo's rich culture.