After six weeks traveling through the Philippines, hopping islands, navigating ferries, dealing with sunburns, and soaking in some of the most beautiful views we’ve ever seen, we realized how many small details make a big difference. Whether you're staying for a week or a few months, these are the things we wish we had known before landing.
Let’s dive into the list.
Visas & Entry
- Canadians (and many others) can get a 30-day visa on arrival, but you can extend your stay online by up to 29 days with a simple form and fee.
- Be sure to print your visa extension confirmation—immigration at the airport will ask to see it when you leave.
Money & ATMs
- Bring some Philippine pesos in cash when you arrive. Not all ATMs work with foreign cards, especially in remote towns.
- Expect ATM fees between 250–300 PHP, plus limits on withdrawals (usually ₱10,000–₱20,000).
- Card use is rare outside major cities—cash is king. If a place accepts cards, they often charge 3–5% extra.
Water & Food Safety
- Tap water isn't safe to drink, but filtered water is widely available at hotels and restaurants.
- Use filtered or bottled water to brush your teeth, and don’t worry—restaurants usually provide safe drinking water with meals.
Laundry, Weather, & Sun
- Laundry is cheap and easy: about ₱40 per kilo, usually done within 24 hours.
- Weather apps are often inaccurate—rain forecasts don’t always mean rain. Don’t let them ruin your plans.
- The sun is brutal. Even with SPF 50 and reapplying often, we still got burned. UPF clothing is a game-changer.
Toiletries, Bugs & Health
- Most body products have skin whitening agents, including sunscreen—bring your own.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and any essential medication (especially things like lactase or glucose tablets).
- Tampons are very hard to find, especially outside Manila—stock up before your trip.
- If you’re concerned about food/waterborne illness, consider the oral Dukoral vaccine before your trip.
Connectivity & Apps
- Wi-Fi is often slow or unreliable, even in bigger towns.
- Get an eSIM or local SIM (we preferred eSIM for convenience). Grab is great for transport and food delivery in cities.
- Download offline maps and WhatsApp. Many hotels and tour operators use WhatsApp to communicate.
Animal Encounters
- Expect stray animals, especially dogs and cats. Some are in rough shape—it can be hard to see.
- Roosters crow constantly, not just in the morning. Bring earplugs.
- Be aware of sandflies and mosquitoes, especially near beaches at sunrise or sunset.
Transportation Tips
- Trikes and tuk-tuks are everywhere but prices vary wildly. Always ask your accommodation for a fair rate.
- You can—and should—negotiate. If the price is too high, walk away.
- Van and car drivers at ports and bus stations are aggressive. If you want a cheaper ride, walk to the street and flag down a trike.
- Grab the Grab app before you leave your home country (requires your number). It’s a lifesaver in cities.
- Renting scooters is efficient and cheap (₱250–₱350/day). Siquijor and Bohol are good for beginners—Coron and Moalboal, not so much.
Ferries, Flights & Delays
- You’ll likely pay terminal and baggage fees in addition to your ferry ticket.
- Even with an e-ticket, you must check in at the counter for a physical boarding pass.
- Weather delays are common. We had multiple ferries delayed or canceled due to rough seas.
- Domestic flights are prone to delays too. An active volcano actually canceled one of ours mid-trip.
Gear Recommendations
- Bring your own mask, snorkel, dry bag, and water shoes. Rentals are available but add up quickly.
- UPF gear, insect repellent, and a dry bag are must-haves for island hopping and canyoning.
Final Notes
- Download offline Google Maps and back up all important documents (visas, passports, tickets).
- Always carry toilet paper. Trust us.
- Skip whale shark tours—there are real ethical concerns. Do your research and decide for yourself.
- And lastly: be flexible. Travel in the Philippines is rewarding but unpredictable. Go with the flow, smile often, and enjoy the beauty of it all.
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