Discover the best travel tips for the Philippines with this in-depth guide.
Traveling in the Philippines is an extraordinary experience that will give you access to some of the most stunning beaches, coral reefs, and landscapes the world has to offer. It’s a really unique country, both physically and culturally, and there are a lot of things tourists should know before they go to be able to experience it fully.
As someone who has traveled to the Philippines 7 times (yes, you read that right), I’ve written this list of Philippines travel tips to help you prepare!
As someone who has travelled to the Philippines 7 times (yes, you read that right), I’ve compiled this list of Philippines travel tips to help you prepare. I’ve put the most practical, need-to-know stuff first, followed by the cultural things that’ll help you get the most out of your trip.
33 Things to Know Before Traveling in the Philippines: Top Philippines Travel Tips
Money, Costs & Connectivity
Grab a local SIM card as soon as you land
So much of travel in the Philippines runs on your phone, from booking boats and tours over Messenger to ordering a Grab, that a local SIM is close to essential. Pick one up from a Globe or Smart counter at the airport when you arrive (the two main networks), top it up with a data package, and you’ll have cheap, reliable data across most of the country. Coverage can get patchy on the smaller, remoter islands, but for the most part you’ll be connected.
You can speak English to locals
There are well over 100 languages spoken in the Philippines, with the most widely used being Tagalog, Cebuano (Visayan) and English. English is part of compulsory education here, and most people retain a good level of it throughout their lives. While accents can be strong, you can comfortably speak to locals in English and they’ll almost always respond.
Top Tip
That said, it’s always courteous and warmly appreciated to learn a few words in Tagalog (or even better, the local language), like “salamat” (thank you).
You’ll need SMALL BILLS as a tourist
Local businesses often don’t carry much change, so that 500 or 1,000 PHP note you just got from the ATM is basically useless in small towns or shops, especially if you’re spending 100 PHP or less.
Top Tip
Be sure to break those big bills at airports, department stores, or hotels, and carry lots of small bills for day-to-day expenses. Luckily, you can also use these small bills for tips, too.
GCash is everywhere
The Philippines has gone big on mobile payments, and GCash is the dominant e-wallet, used for everything from market stalls to topping up your SIM. It’s genuinely useful if you’re staying a while, though it usually requires a local phone number to set up, which is another good reason to grab that SIM early. Cash is still king in rural areas, but in cities and tourist spots GCash is increasingly accepted.
Plan around ATM limits and fees
A quick practical heads-up that catches a lot of travellers out: ATM withdrawal limits in the Philippines are often low (frequently around 10,000 PHP per transaction), and most machines charge a fee on top of whatever your home bank adds. Machines can also run dry over weekends and holidays, and on smaller islands they’re scarce or non-existent.
Top Tip
Withdraw enough cash before heading anywhere remote, and don’t rely on finding a working ATM once you’re off the beaten track.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s always appreciated
The minimum wage in the Philippines is low, in most places less than $10 USD a day, so tips genuinely matter. Tipping isn’t fully standardised, so you may find a service charge already on your restaurant bill, or you may not. Taxis and guides usually don’t include one. If someone gives you great service, be it a tour guide, a waiter, a masseur or a driver, don’t be afraid to tip 10% or more. It goes a long way.
Know where haggling is expected (and where it isn’t)
A little good-natured bargaining is part of life in the Philippines, but only in the right places. It’s expected and fine at markets, with souvenir sellers, and when negotiating tricycle or habal-habal fares (agree the price before you set off). It is not appropriate in restaurants, malls, supermarkets or fixed-price shops. Keep it friendly and fair, the few pesos you might save mean far more to a local trader than to you.
Getting Around the Philippines
The Philippines has over 7,000 islands
Many people think of the Philippines as a “small” country. While that may be true in terms of landmass, there are actually over 7,000 islands here. I’ve seen estimates ranging from 7,100 to 7,700 in total. To put that in perspective, if you visited one island a day, it would take you over 19 YEARS to see them all! It also means that even when you think you’ve seen the Philippines, you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Getting There
Practically, it means there’s essentially no train travel, and to get from island to island you’ll need to fly or take a boat. More on that next.
You can get from island to island by boat or airplane.
This one should be self-explanatory, but there are only two ways to get from island to island: by boat or plane.
Boats usually take a lot longer, are bumpier (as the seas can get somewhat rough), and often are cancelled when the weather isn’t perfect. Planes, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive but are more reliable.
Getting There
Either way, the weather in the Philippines can often be unpredictable, so it’s wise to budget in a few extra days for getting from place to place there (in case of delays or cancellations).
Build in buffer days for delays
This is one of the most useful planning tips I can give you. Inter-island travel by boat or plane is at the mercy of the weather, and delays and cancellations are common, especially in the rainy season.
The golden rule: never schedule a tight connection between a domestic flight or ferry and your international flight home. Always build in a buffer day (or two) at the end of your trip in a major hub like Manila or Cebu, so a cancelled island flight doesn’t cause you to miss your flight out of the country.
Watch the domestic flight baggage limits
Flying between islands is the fastest way to get around, but the budget carriers that dominate domestic routes (like Cebu Pacific) have tight baggage allowances that are strictly enforced, and buying extra allowance at the airport costs far more than adding it online in advance. Check the limit for your specific fare and pre-book any checked baggage when you book the flight. It’s an easy way to avoid an annoying and overpriced surprise at the airport.
Use Grab in the cities
In the larger cities, Grab (the Southeast Asian ride-hailing app) is your friend. It’s generally safer, more transparent and less hassle than flagging down a metered taxi and hoping the meter gets used, since the price is set upfront in the app. It’s not available everywhere, particularly on smaller islands, but in Manila, Cebu and other big hubs it makes getting around far easier.
Tricycles and habal-habal are the local short-hop transport
Once you’re on the islands, you’ll quickly get to know the tricycle (a motorbike with a sidecar) and the habal-habal (a motorbike taxi you simply hop on the back of). These are the workhorses of local transport, perfect for short hops the jeepneys don’t cover, and they’re cheap. Agree the fare before you climb on, and for longer distances you can often hire a tricycle and driver by the hour or the day to get around an island.
Jeepneys are an experience in themselves
As you travel around, you’ll see brightly decorated vehicles crammed with WAY more people than seems possible. These are the famous jeepneys, originally built from surplus American military jeeps left behind after WWII, and now a national icon.
They run fixed routes like buses, but they’re privately operated, so working out which jeepney goes where can be genuinely baffling. The upside? They’re incredibly cheap, usually around 12 to 15 PHP a ride.
Getting There
If you’re wanting to use public transportation, be sure to know the name of the place you’re going so you can ask people which jeepney to use. Or, when in doubt, just take a taxi.
Health, Safety and Packing
The Philippines is safe for tourists.
You may have the idea that the Philippines is unsafe for tourists. And while there are some unfortunate things going on in the country currently, tourists aren’t the targets. It’s a perfectly safe (and stunning) place to travel, and most of the tourist spots are far away from any violence.
With that said, you should always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings, as you would anywhere.
I’d recommend two things to protect yourself: buying comprehensive travel insurance, and bringing a handy money belt to store your valuables. Travel insurance is critical on any international trip, be it the Philippines or anywhere else; make sure you’re covered for theft, medical emergencies, flight delays and cancellations before you leave home.
Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen are critical, but try to bring them from home.
The Philippines is a tropical country, which means mosquitoes. Lots of them. And with the mosquitoes comes a risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue or Chikungunya. The best way to protect yourself is to ALWAYS wear a layer of repellent.
Similarly, sunscreen is an important thing to consider. Since you’ll likely be swimming very close to coral reefs and marine wildlife, it’s important to do what you can to protect them. By wearing ONLY reef-safe sunscreen like this, you can help protect (and avoid poisoning) the beautiful coral reefs while traveling in the Philippines.
Water shoes are a must.
As I mentioned before, you’ll be doing a lot of swimming in rocky areas and around coral. This means you can easily get cuts on your feet from sharp edges. Protect yourself by wearing closed-toed water shoes whenever you get in the water, and they’re equally handy on the boat trips where your feet are constantly getting wet. Just remember never to actually stand on coral itself.
Pack a universal travel adapter
A small but easily forgotten one: the Philippines runs on 220V, and sockets typically take flat two-pin (Type A) or round two-pin (Type C) plugs, which means UK three-pin plugs won’t fit. Bring a universal travel adapter so you can charge everything, and if you’re travelling with lots of devices, a small power strip plus one adapter saves juggling sockets.
Environment & Sustainability
Many places in the Philippines are under the threat of overtourism.
Although many parts of the Philippines are still open and welcoming to tourism, some of the most popular destinations are straining from the impact of unsustainable tourism practices. As an example, Boracay, one of the most famous resort areas in the country, was closed to tourists for several months so officials could rehabilitate the beaches and nature areas. Other hotspots, like El Nido in Palawan, face similar threats to infrastructure and sanitation.
With that said, try to get out of the cities and major tourist areas and visit smaller islands while you’re here. Go beyond the “top 10” list. Not only will you help curb overtourism, but you’ll also get to experience a more magical, authentic side of the Philippines that’s quickly disappearing from the more popular islands.
There are some incredible natural attractions and animal species in the Philippines.
From nature conservatories to coral reefs, and volcanoes to caves, the Philippines is FULL of amazing attractions. There are incredible things to see on almost every island. On top of that, it’s home to some breathtaking wildlife species, like the whale sharks and the Tarsier monkeys.
With that said, it’s important to support organizations that are taking good care of these animals and places. Unfortunately, with the rise in tourism, poor environmental practices are going on, like feeding the whale sharks, capturing wildlife like pythons and alligators for tourists to take photos with, etc.
Top Tip
These kinds of practices are not okay, and you should do plenty of research on them before you choose to participate.
Trash disposal is a huge problem around the Philippines.
The Philippines is ultra beautiful, but unfortunately, rubbish is a huge problem here. You’ll often see it sitting on the side of the roads, washed up on beaches, and burning in people’s yards.
The one surefire way to be a responsible traveller is to minimise your own waste. Refuse plastic bags when offered and opt for fresh fruit, vegetables and bread instead of pre-packaged stuff. Bring your own lightweight containers for to-go food and use a refillable water bottle. The less you contribute to the trash problem, the better off everyone will be.
Some local governments are responding. El Nido has banned single-use plastics aboard tourist boats, and Boracay brought in strict environmental regulations after its rehabilitation. Hopefully, more and more local governments will follow suit.
It’s helpful to remind your tour operators of the importance of sustainability.
If you see your hotel or tour operator using disposable silverware and plates, or giving out plastic water bottles, it’s helpful to provide some feedback about reducing single-use waste. These business owners often do listen to customer complaints and feedback, so give them the opportunity to respond and improve.
Top Tip
Even simply speaking to the guide or owner in private at the end of your tour, or sending them an email, can help to improve sustainable travel practices in the long run.
Aim to support local businesses rather than foreign-owned companies.
Many Filipino families, especially in small towns, run their own businesses, restaurants, etc. However, these smaller businesses often have to compete with large, multinational investors who set up shop in tourist areas. The easiest way to support locals is by spending money in their establishments.
This is easy when it comes to food. The best Filipino food in the country is cooked at home, so it’s only natural that locally-owned businesses would have the best and most delicious eats.
And of course, it can be hard to avoid foreign-owned businesses (especially hotels) all the time, but be sure to do plenty of research and try your best to stay in locally-owned accommodations. That way, your money is going right back into the communities that you are visiting.
Food & Drink
Filipino food is incredibly diverse.
When I hear people saying, “I don’t like Filipino food,” it feels like a punch in the gut. I don’t know what Filipino food they’ve been eating, but most of the food I see in the Philippines is healthy, delicious, and usually fresh from the island where I’m staying.
There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, each with their own local specialties and foods. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, tropical foods everywhere…how can you NOT find something you like?!
But actually, I get where this sentiment comes from. I have the privilege of staying with relatives when I visit the Philippines, which means I get amazing, home-cooked meals with local recipes every day.
Most travelers don’t have that luxury, so they eat out at Filipino kiosks and restaurants, many of which serve the same few dishes: adobo, pancit, lechon/crispy pata, fried chicken, etc. Therefore, some tourists get the impression that Filipino food isn’t that diverse. But if you’re a foodie visiting the Philippines, I challenge you to find food that you love. You can do it.
Whether you search extra hard for a home-cooked restaurant, or make a local friend who invites you over, or take a cooking class where you learn to make local specialties, I guarantee you’ll find Filipino food that you adore. You might just have to look for it.
Tap water quality varies from island to island.
The tap water in the Philippines varies greatly in drinkability. In some places it’s perfectly clean; in others it’s full of sediment and best avoided. Because you never know, I recommend always drinking purified or filtered water, or filtering it yourself with a bottle and purification system. You can also boil water before drinking. Whatever you do, be cautious, an upset stomach is a miserable way to lose a few days of your trip.
The Philippines is home to some of the sweetest, freshest tropical fruits in the world.
If you’re after the best fruit in the world, you’ve come to the right place. The Philippines has fruit growing everywhere, from familiar bananas and coconuts to more obscure delights like kaymito and mangosteen. Forget your expensive supermarket coconut water; here you can get it fresh from the tree for a few cents.
A few fruits to seek out: mango (some of the best on earth), pineapple, papaya, kaymito (star apple), mangosteen, atis (sugar apple), lanzones, chico, rambutan and lychee. The list goes on forever, and I find a new favourite every time I go back.
Filipinos often eat with their hands.
You might find it surprising, but Filipinos often eat with their hands, and it’s a completely normal way of life. There’s even a traditional communal feast called a boodle fight (or kamayan), where the food is laid out on banana leaves and everyone digs in with their hands. You’ll likely eat this way at some point on your trip, so wash your hands often or carry sanitiser or wipes for a quick pre-meal clean.
Customs & Etiquette
There’s a common gift-giving tradition called “pasalubong”.
Pasalubong is a noun, that basically means “a gift for a loved one.” Whenever I visit the Philippines, my mom sends me with a giant suitcase full of gifts for every family member. It’s common family or friend etiquette to bring back small trinkets, gifts, or supplies when you return to the Philippines. During the holidays, each item comes wrapped nicely.
As a tourist, you should be aware of this too, especially if you’re going to be staying with friends or local families. It will be greatly appreciated if you bring some kind of pasalubong to your hosts, whether it’s a snack from your home city or a small trinket or souvenir.
Elders command a lot of respect in Filipino tradition.
You might see young people taking the hands of their elders to their foreheads, or calling older family members “Ate” or “Kuya.” These gestures are a sign of respect for elders in the Philippines.
Top Tip
While you don’t have to do any of this as a tourist, it’s important to keep in mind this deep respect for elders as you interact with locals.
Look out for the gestures and words that show it
You’ll see this respect in small, lovely everyday gestures. One is the “mano,” where a younger person gently takes an elder’s hand and touches the back of it to their forehead, almost like asking a blessing. You’ll also hear people address anyone slightly older as “Ate” (older sister or woman) or “Kuya” (older brother or man), even when they’re not related.
You don’t need to do any of this yourself, but understanding it helps you appreciate the warmth of Filipino family life, and adding “po” and “opo” (little words that lend respect) when speaking to elders is a touch locals will love.
Filipinos have a lot of legends and superstitions.
One of the most fascinating elements of Filipino society, in my opinion, is just how many legends and superstitions are passed down through families and communities. In our ancestral home, my family will sit around discussing old family history and legends for hours over cookies and calamansi juice. Most families are like this in some way.
And then there are the islands, each with its own folklore. I grew up hearing about the aswang (a shape-shifting creature of Filipino myth) and other spooky stories used to keep misbehaving children in line. Each legend shows how deeply connected Filipinos are with nature and heritage. If you want to learn more, just ask a local, especially in the more rural areas
The capital city, Manila, is one of the top 10 largest cities in the world by population.
Again, there seems to be a misunderstanding that the Philippines is a “small” country. But in reality, there are LOTS of Filipinos, and the metropolitan areas are quite large. Metro Manila is one of the most densely populated urban areas on earth, home to well over 13 million people across its greater metropolitan area.
Traffic in Filipino cities can be fairly horrendous, genuinely some of the worst I’ve experienced anywhere, so it’s best to plan travel to and from the airport several hours in advance to account for the congestion. Don’t ever assume a short distance means a short journey here.
Funny & Interesting Things to Look Out For
Filipinos LOVE karaoke!
One thing you ABSOLUTELY have to do while traveling in the Philippines is karaoke. It’s a Filipino national pastime, drinking San Miguel beer and singing at the top of your lungs with friends.
If you befriend a local, ask them where the best karaoke place is (there’s usually one or more on every island). Let loose and enjoy! Some Filipino karaoke favorites include Top 100 songs from 3 months ago, Celine Dion, and musical tracks.
Listen for the famous “sir/ma’am.”
When I brought my boyfriend to the Philippines for the first time, I told him to listen out for the common Filipino salutation, the famed “sir/ma’am.” Once you hear it, you can’t unhear it.
I’ve never heard this anywhere else in the world, EXCEPT from Filipinos, but I think it’s a lovely way to address people when there’s a mixture of genders present. When you visit the Philippines, listen out for this (sometimes funny) greeting, and smile to yourself when you finally hear it.
Filipinos are some of the kindest, most generous people in the world.
You may have heard this from others or witnessed it first-hand, but Filipinos are seriously kind and generous.
Even though I go back to visit family and not purely for tourism, I love how welcome I feel whenever I return. Filipinos love it when people come to experience and visit their beautiful home, and they’re quick to provide any help or recommendations that you might need.
So, the tl;dr? If you decide to visit the Philippines, you might just come back with a new set of friends and family that make this island nation feel like home.
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