Tips When Traveling to the Philippines

Are you looking for tips when traveling to the Philippines? If yes, then this blog is for you.

The Philippines is an enticing destination for short-term travelers, medium-term expatriates, and long-term settlers. With so much to offer anyone of any age, it’s no wonder more and more people are deciding to look into moving abroad, particularly to a country with a rich and colorful history.

Whether you’re traveling to the Philippines for business or pleasure, there are a few things you might not know. In this blog, I will give tips during pre-departure and while visiting places in the country.

Tips When Traveling to the Philippines: Pre-departure Phase

1) Plan your departure date.

Be sure to double-check your passport expiration date before making any travel plans. Passports that expire within two years cannot be used for international travel, so if you’re unsure about the status of your passport, check with your local post office or embassy. You’ll also want to know how many days you need to stay, what activities you want to do, and how much money you’ll spend. You may also include in your planning knowing the local currency in the Philippines (Philippine Peso), the local language (Filipino), or the dialect in a place you will visit.

2) Book your flight early.

One of the tips when traveling to the Philippines that I consider very practical is booking your flight early. The earlier, the better! You’ll be able to find better prices and avoid last-minute costs like change fees or cancellation fees. Plus, booking early means that you can take advantage of any special deals that airlines offer in advance of their departure date—like extra luggage allowance or upgrades on flights.

3) Be aware of local holidays and schedule your travel accordingly.

In the Philippines, several significant holidays are celebrated across the country each year. These include New Year’s Day (January 1st), Labor Day (May 1st), Independence Day (June 12th), All Saints Day (November 1st), Christmas (December 25th), and New Year’s Eve/Day (December 31st).

There are also the biggest festivals in the country that you might be interested to see. If your travel is in January, don’t miss the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City. It commemorates the feast day of Sto. Nino is said to bring good luck. The festival includes a parade featuring dancers dressed as Sto. Nino, other saints, and street dancing takes place throughout the city. The best part? There’s no shortage of food vendors with delicious treats like leche flan (custard) and kakanin (rice cakes).

In May, head to Bohol for a taste of the Dinagyang Festival. This celebration honors the Child Jesus—the same saint celebrated at Christmas—and features parades culminating in grand processions. The processions are done through city streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance routines performed by locals. Dancers wear colorful costumes made from indigenous materials such as palm fronds or bamboo tubes.

If you’re planning on visiting during one of these holidays, make sure you book your flight well. If you can’t change your flight, pack plenty of snacks for yourself and your family members so that you aren’t caught off guard when delays occur due to traffic or weather conditions!

4) Get the proper documentation for your trip.

Make sure to check in with your airline before you leave. Make sure they have your travel itinerary and contact information and ask if there’s anything else they need from you. You should also prepare all necessary up-to-date paperwork—medical records, vaccination records, etc.

5) Pack appropriately for the weather conditions in the Philippines at this time of year (temperatures could range from hot/humid to cool/wet).

The Philippines is a tropical country that can get hot and humid. But it can also get cool and moist—and sometimes both simultaneously. It’s important to pack appropriately for the weather conditions in the country. Generally, you can expect temperatures ranging from hot/humid to cool/wet.

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may want to pack more or less clothing depending on how much sun you’ll be getting. If you spend much time outdoors, consider packing extra sunscreen and sunglasses. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes appropriate for the terrain you’ll be walking on (e.g., sandals or flip-flops for beaches, hiking boots for mountains). In hot/humid weather, wear lightweight clothing that won’t get too sweaty or heavy when it gets damp. Light clothes that dry quickly if it rains—such as cotton T-shirts, shorts, and skirts—and heavy clothes for when it gets cold at night—like long-sleeve shirts and sweaters or jackets made from wool or fleece fabrics.

In hot/humid weather, wear lightweight clothing that won’t get too sweaty or heavy when it gets damp. Wearing lightweight cotton clothes is highly recommended, like t-shirts and shorts, as well as light raincoats or ponchos if you think it might rain while you’re there.

Tips When Traveling to the Philippines: Visiting Places in The Philippines

As part of the tips when traveling to the Philippines, here are a few things you need to prepare when you start visiting places in the country.

1) Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

When you visit the Philippines, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The weather is warm and humid, so you’ll want to wear something light and breezy. If you’re traveling in a group, make sure everyone has comfortable shoes on their feet. It’s easy for people to get blisters from walking around in the heat all day long! And if someone does get one, make sure they have a bandage or some other way of covering it up.

2) Have a translation app ready to use.

The Philippines is home to over 100 different languages and dialects, but the most widely spoken in the country is Tagalog. You can find many people who speak English, but it’s always a good idea to have a translation app ready to use when visiting places in the country. It can be hard to get around in the Philippines if you don’t speak Tagalog,

3) You’ll need access to your cash while traveling, so be prepared.

One of the tips when traveling to the Philippines is always to be ready with your cash. Wherever you go, there’s a big chance to have to buy or pay for something, so be ready. If you’re bringing cards with you, check if the city you’re visiting has ATMs near your hotel or where you will spend most of the time.

4)  Have a list of significant numbers you may need while in the country.

We all know that there are some numbers you need to have on hand when visiting the Philippines. Here’s a list of some significant ones: +63 is the country code for the Philippines, and +632 is the area code for Metro Manila. Have a list of contact numbers of your friends, Immigration Office, police department, consulate, and hospitals.

5) Expect to be welcomed with the warmest smile by everyone.

You’ll find that everyone is eager to help you, and they’ll go out of their way to ensure it’s an excellent experience for you. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax on the beach or a fun night at an authentic Filipino restaurant, Filipino people are happy to help.

6) Be ready to eat rice and ulam every meal.

You’ll tend to eat rice and ulam every meal when visiting the Philippines. The country has a lot of rice fields, so rice is a staple food in the Philippines. You can find whole grains like brown rice and quinoa and refined grains like white rice. That’s just how it is. You’ll be reminded of what you’re missing out on whenever you see someone else eating rice and ulam.

You can’t escape the smell of garlic frying in oil and tomatoes simmering in broth—you’ll know your meal is ready when it hits your nostrils. The sound of sizzling meat on a hot pan—that’s how you know your ulam is prepared to eat! and even the sight of steam rising off your plate as you eat each bite—and if there wasn’t any steam coming off that plate? Well… that wouldn’t be right at all!

7) Drinking tap water is unsafe, so bring a water bottle.

You can’t just grab a drink from the tap, fill up your water bottle from a faucet, and be on your way. You’ve got to bring your water with you when you visit the Philippines. Bring your water bottle and fill it up at a local store or restaurant if you want to stay hydrated and healthy while visiting the country.

8) Buy tickets in advance and choose non-peak hours if possible to avoid traffic!

The Philippines is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. But it can also be jam-packed, especially during peak hours and weekends. Buying your tickets in advance is a good idea if you plan to do fun activities in the Philippines requiring reservations. Then, choose non-peak hours to avoid traffic when visiting places in the country, especially in Manila.

9) Don’t hesitate to haggle if you buy something off the street.

Don’t be shy about haggling—it’s a part of the culture! If you’re buying something from a street vendor, don’t hesitate to try and get a lower price. It’s not uncommon for people to go back and forth with the seller until they agree on pricing.

10) Take note of the culture.

For example, ask permission before taking photos if visiting a barangay (village). Showing respect for local customs is vital!

I hope that you enjoyed this article! I tried my best to give you some of the best tips so that you can prepare for your next travel. If you plan to travel to the Philippines soon, try to follow all these things, and you will have a great experience! Make sure to pack everything you need for a safe and fun vacation!

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