Frequently Asked Questions about the Philippines
The following is a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Philippine travel with answers for each question.
What do I need to do to travel to the Philippines?
You need to meet all the entry requirements established by the government. Citizens of many countries are not required to apply for a visa to travel to the Philippines however it is extremely important to have the required documents including:
- Passport with a validity of six months beyond the expected stay
- Roundtrip flight itinerary
- Hotel bookings
- Drivers License
- Official ID (country, school, company)
Is a visa required to travel to the Philippines?
US citizens do NOT need a visa to visit the Philippines unless they plan on staying for more than 30 days. You’ll need a valid passport and a return airline ticket to enter the country. If you’re traveling to the Philippines from another country, check the embassy’s site to see whether or not you’ll need a visa.
What vaccinations do I need before going to the Philippines?
No special vaccinations are needed to visit the Philippines, but checking that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations including your measles vaccination.
Where is the Philippines located?
The Philippines archipelago is a nation made up of 7,641 islands in South East Asia.
READ MORE: An Introduction To The Philippines: An Island Nation
What are the Philippines known for?
The Philippines is known for many things: it’s tropical climate, spectacular geography, tropical fruits, biodiversity, and hospitality of the people.
It is the second-largest archipelago in the world stretching across more than 7,000 islands.
The Philippines is an amazing melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines.
Though Filipino and English are the official languages, 175 indigenous languages are spoken in the country.
The Philippines is often referred to as the Capital of the World’s Festivities for its calendar full of colorful and lively festivals.
When is the best time to travel to the Philippines?
It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season. The dry season starts in late November and ends in May.
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
When should you not go to the Philippines?
Holy Week (due to excessive crowds & closures) and Rainy Season (due to undesirable weather)
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
What’s the weather like in the Philippines?
It is always hot and humid in the Philippines, more so during summer. Warmer months start from March until October. Strong typhoons usually occur from June to November. Cooler air can be felt from November to February.
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
What should I wear while in the Philippines?
It is best to wear comfortable clothes such as cotton T-shirts and blouses, lightweight pants and sundresses. Wearing shorts is common in the Philippines … but you may want to avoid those along with other skimpy clothing when visiting sacred places and worship houses.
READ MORE: Cultural Etiquette in the Philippines: Guide to Dos and Don’ts
What should I pack for my trip to the Philippines?
The stuff you need depends on your itinerary … but basically you should pack the following items:
- lightweight t-shirts and tops
- shorts
- sundresses (for women)
- flip flops
- sandals
- walking shoes
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- hat
- swimwear
- toiletries
READ MORE: The Ultimate Travel Checklist
How much does it cost per day in the Philippines?
Plan to spend about $55 a day when traveling in the Philippines.
The following article details many common costs for travelers in the Philippines …
What language Is spoken in the Philippines?
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English. Different regions of the Philippines speak different regional languages. Although there are 183 different dialects spoken in the Philippines.
READ MORE: What Language do People in the Philippines Speak?
What are the most common Filipino phrases I should know when traveling to the Philippines?
- Yes = Oo
- No = Hindi
- None = Wala
- Thank You = Salamat
- How are you? = Kamusta ka?
- I love you = Mahal kita
- I like you = Gusto kita
- How much? = Magkano
- Good morning = Magandang umaga
- Good noon = Magandang tanghali
- Good afternoon – Magandang hapon
- Good evening – Magandang gabi
- Hold on/Wait = Saglit lang
- Sorry = Pasensya
- Goodbye = Paalam
- Take care – Ingat
READ MORE: Common Filipino Phrases Every Visitor to the Philippines Should Know
What are popular Annual events and festivals in the Philippines?
The Philippines are known to have many festivals taking place throughout the entire country. The following are the most popular:
- Sinulog Festival – Cebu
- Ati-Atihan Festival – Aklan
- Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City
- Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon
- Panagbenga Festival – Baguio City
- Lechon Festival – Batangas
- Kadayawan Festival – Davao City
- MassKara Festival – Bacolod
READ MORE: Annual Festivals & Events in the Philippines
What are popular activities in the Philippines?
- Relaxing on the Beach
- Swimming & Watersports
- Diving & Snorkeling
- Island Hopping
- Hiking
- Mountain Climbing
- Exploring Islands by Motorcycle
- Caving
- Shopping
- Heritage and Cultural Tours
- Wildlife Tours
- Biking
READ MORE: Popular Activities in the Philippines
How to get to the Philippines?
The most common way to enter the Philippines is by air, commonly through Manila Airport since it is the country’s premier airport. Cebu City has a new international airport which is an excellent alternative to Manila’s airport.
Use the following online service to determine the various transportation options available to you based on your point of departure and your destination.
READ MORE: 17 Ports of Entry to the Philippines
How do I get around in the Philippines?
You can get around the country by airplane and ferry for inter-island trips. Within the provinces, the most popular way to get around is through busses, jeepneys, and car rentals.
READ MORE: Transportation in the Philippines
Is Uber available in the Philippines?
No, Uber no longer operates in the Philippines. Uber was bought out by the ride-sharing network Grab in 2018. Grab uses a different app but provides the same services. Grab is a safe, reliable, affordable, and convenient way to get where you need to go. It’s currently available in Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Baguio City.
What is there to do in the Philippines?
You can do water, air, land, and culinary adventures in the Philippines. You can also find health and wellness activities, heritage and cultural activities, medical tourism, shopping, volunteering, and nightlife.
READ MORE: Popular Activities in the Philippines
What should I see while in the Philippines?
Which islands, cities, and towns you visit will depend on your interests, travel style, and budget.
READ MORE: Top 25 Tourist Destinations in the Philippines
What do they eat in the Philippines?
Filipino cuisine is a delicious combination of cultures from around the globe, including Malaysian, Indonesia, Spanish, Chinese, and American.
The most famous dish is adobo, stewed meat (like chicken or pork) in a salty, peppery, vinegary, and garlicky sauce.
Other favorites include: lechon, lumpia, pansit, sinigang, sisig, balut, chicken inasal, crispy pata, and dinuguan.
Popular drinks include: fresh coconut, mango, pineapple, and calamansi fruit juices and smoothies.
READ MORE: Popular Filipino Foods & Drinks
Can you drink the tap water in the Philippines?
Drinking tap water in the Philippines is NOT safe. Drink only bottled water. Make certain your ice and cocktails are made with clean water too.
Do I have to tip in the Philippines?
Leaving a tip in the Philippines is not expected, but it is appreciated.
Restaurants will often add a 10% service fee … so only leave an additional tip for exceptional service.
Other services, like taxis, spas, or bellhops, tipping between P20 or P50 is a great rule-of-thumb. (For reference, P50 is approximately $1 USD) For bar tabs, rounding up is an adequate way to show your gratitude.
What forms of entertainment are available in the Philippines?
There are various forms of entertainment available in the Philippines. Cinemas and sports activities are available during the day while there are plenty of bars, clubs, and discos during the night. You can also experience sunset watching and cruise and attend concerts.
READ MORE: Popular Entertainment in the Philippines
What is nightlife like in the Philippines?
Manila, undoubtedly, has a vast nightlife among other areas in the country. Outside Manila, Boracay Island is the place to be. Cebu has an equally interesting night scene.
READ MORE: Nightlife in the Philippines
What is shopping like in the Philippines?
Every city in the Philippines has at least 1 mall and usually several. Most every type of shop and service can be found in the malls in the Philippines. The following is an article about malls in the Philippines and what you should know …
READ MORE: Shopping at Malls in the Philippines: What YOU Need to Know
What is a sample itinerary for a trip to the Philippines?
A sample itinerary outlines the duration of the trip, destination, time, and activities for each day.
VIEW: Recommended Itineraries for the Philippines
How much money to budget for a trip to the Philippines?
The amount you spend on a trip to/in the Philippines depends on your choice of travel style. As a general rule plan to spend about $55 a day when traveling in the Philippines. This is the amount I usually budget per day. Some days I spend more … some days I spend less … but on average this is the amount I usually spend per day.
Plan to spend about $55 a day when traveling in the Philippines.
The following article details many common costs for travelers in the Philippines …
Where should I stay in the Philippines?
There are many different types of accommodations available in the Philippines ranging from … to … luxurious resorts.
When doing research online of where to stay for specific destination, we use the following sites to conduct our research:
Book your room with these trusted online booking sites. Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive. We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:
READ MORE: Various Types of Accommodations Available in the Philippines
What are the most popular cities in the Philippines?
READ MORE: Cities & Towns in the Philippines
What are the most popular islands in the Philippines?
The following is a list of the top 10 islands that are considered to be the best listed in no particular order.
VIEW: 35 Largest Islands in the Philippines
Is the Philippines safe?
As with any country, some areas of the Philppines have increased risk … exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, a measles outbreak, and kidnapping.
Most of the Philippines is safe, but the country’s southern region should be avoided. The US Department of State advises citizens not to travel to the Sulu Archipelago.
Travelers should also remain vigilant in Metro Manila and Quezon City where foreigners can be targeted as victims of robbery. Avoid traveling after dark or stick to well-lit streets; leave valuables at home, and keep a low profile.
TIP: One of the best ways to protect yourself while traveling in the Philippines is travel with a local Filipino.
What are the safest cities in the Philippines?
READ MORE: Cities & Towns in the Philippines
Which electrical plugs are used in the Philippines?
The Philippines uses plug types A (two flat parallel prongs), B (two flat parallel prongs and one round), and C (two round parallel prongs). The US uses types A and B, so packing an adapter in case you come across a C socket is wise.
Additionally, sockets in the Philippines provide a voltage of 220V with a standard frequency of 60hz. If you’re traveling from Europe, Australia, or Asia, you’re good to go. However, the standard voltage in the US is 120V. Check the input range on your devices to see if they can handle 220V (many mobile-phone chargers can). Otherwise, plan on packing a voltage converter.
We suggest packing a couple 3-prong to 2-prong adapters as many places still use 2-prong (ungrounded) outlets.
TIP
It’s always a good idea to use a surge protector with expensive electronics in the Philippines.
READ MORE: Practical Information to Know about the Philippines
What should I avoid doing in the Philippines?
When traveling to the Philippines, the following are a few things you should avoid:
- Don’t insult the country or its people.
- Don’t disrespect elders.
- Don’t use first names to address someone older.
- Don’t show your valuables in public.
- Don’t get offended too easily.
- Don’t go without prior research.
What else should I know BEFORE traveling to the Philippines?
The following are articles which contain most everything you need to know about the Philippines:
- Welcome to the Philippines
- The Philippines: An Island Nation
- Travel Guide for the First Time Visitor
- Practical Information about the Philippines
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