Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to the Philippines

My first visit to the Philippines was in 2024 and I was impressed.  I had seen photos and videos splashed across social media, but I’d always wondered if the sand was really that white.  Or the water was really that clear?  Luckily – the answer to both of those questions is yes.  The Philippines – hands down – has the most beautiful beaches of anywhere I’ve traveled to.  After traveling around the country for six weeks, this is everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Philippines!

 

Is the Philippines Worth Visiting?

Overall, yes – the Philippines is worth visiting.  Especially if you’re a beach bum in search for beautiful islands.  However, I spent 8 months traveling around Southeast Asia and I have to say the Philippines was one of my least favorite countries unfortunately.  If you’re trying to decide between the Philippines and another island destination I would suggest looking into Thailand or Indonesia instead.  However, the Philippines is still a great, beautiful country with the kindest people in Southeast Asia.

The reason the Philippines was not one of my favorite countries is because I thought the food was lacking, it was expensive compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, and I like my vacations to be more than beaches.  The Philippines had very little to offer aside from the beach aspect of the country.

 

Brief History of the Philippines

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago that’s as rich in history as it is in stunning beaches.  Its story begins with various indigenous groups, each with their own vibrant cultures and traditions.  The islands caught the eye of European explorers in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan claimed them for Spain, marking the start of over 300 years of Spanish influence, visible today in the country’s predominant Catholic faith and colorful festivals.  The U.S. took the reins in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, introducing a new wave of cultural and educational reforms.  Finally, in 1946, the Philippines secured its independence, blossoming into the democratic and diverse country we know today.

 

I VISITED THE PHILIPPINES ON AN 8-MONTH TRIP THROUGH SOUTHEAST ASIA – YOU CAN SEE MY ITINERARY HERE

 

Safety Tips for Visiting the Philippines

As of 2023, the Philippines ranks 115th out of 163 countries and territories on the Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States holds the 131st spot).  In my experience traveling through the Philippines, I felt perfectly safe.  None the less, here are some general safety tips to follow when traveling through the Philippines…

• Do not bring illicit drugs to the Philippines (some islands had drug sniffing dogs that met you at the port)
• Make two copies your passport; keep one copy in a separate place from where you keep your passport, and leave the second copy at home with a loved one
• Forward all hotel reservations to a family member/friend so they can track where you’re supposed to be at all times
• Don’t carry all of your cash and credit/debit cards on you – keep some in your hotel room in case your purse was to be taken
• Know the number and address of the US Embassy (or whatever country you’re from).  In this case, the US Embassy is located in Manila, the number is +63 23012000 and the address is 1201 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
• Know how to dial out – the code for the Philippines is +63
• Know how to contact the police – 911; firefighters – 911; medical emergency service – 1555

 

Vaccines to Get Before Visiting the Philippines

I highly recommend checking out the CDC recommendations for vaccines to get before visiting the Philippines, and making an appointment with an infectious disease doctor before traveling.  Make sure you also ask about getting medicine to prevent malaria!

 

Travel Insurance

Another way to ensure safety during a trip is by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can cover illness, theft, airplane and hotel cancellation, and emergency evacuation services if something arises (each plan is different so make sure to see what your insurance covers before purchasing).  I used SafetyWing while traveling through the Philippines and would highly recommend it.

 

Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…

• Why You Need Travel Insurance… From a Nurse’s Perspective

 

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

 

Visa Requirements for Visiting the Philippines

If you plan to visit the Philippines for >30 days, you do need a visa.  If you’re staying for less than 30 days, you do not need a visa.  Getting a visa can be a little bit confusing and it isn’t very streamlined.  I flew into the Philippines and connected in Manila.  I had a four-hour delay between flights and I was able to run and grab my visa at the airport in Manila which was convenient.  I know that you can also get a visa in Palawan, but you can’t get a visa on the smaller islands so make sure you’re planning ahead.

 

The Best Time to Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is best visited during its dry season from December to February, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal, perfect for exploring beaches and outdoor attractions.  This period is also peak tourist season, so popular spots can be busy.  For a quieter visit, consider late November and March-May, which are shoulder seasons with fewer tourists and still pleasant weather.  The rainy season lasts from June to November and brings frequent showers and typhoons, which can affect travel plans, but also offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors for those willing to brave the weather.

I visited the Philippines April-May and overall the weather was still great.  However in May, there were more cloudy and rainy days; but nothing that altered my travel plans.

 

Cost of Visiting the Philippines

As I mentioned earlier, the Philippines was an oddly “expensive” country.  And don’t get me wrong – compared to the US and other western countries, it’s very affordable.  But compared to the other countries in Southeast Asia, it’s more expensive.  I would also say that the quality for price is lacking – especially when it comes to hotels.  Room rates were higher (than other countries I had visited in Southeast Asia) but the hotels were not nearly as nice.  If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, I would say that you can expect to spend (on food, accommodation, and tours)…

• Budget:  $40-$60/day
• Mid-Range:  $70-$100/day
• Luxury:  $100+/day

As for food, depending on what restaurant you’re at the price of a meal generally ranges from $5-$15 (with western restaurants being much more expensive than local restaurants).  Transportation varies depending on what island you’re on.  If you’re in Manila or Cebu where they have Grab, then transportation is very cheap.  Otherwise, some of the smaller islands are able to charge more for taxi’s because there isn’t Grab available.  If you plan to visit different islands throughout the Philippines, taking a ferry is relatively affordable.

 

Currency in the Philippines

The Philippines operates on the Philippine Peso (PHP).  At time of writing in 2024, 1 USD = 58 PHP.

 

Cash vs Credit/Debit

The Philippines is a cash heavy country.  A lot of places that I visited, whether it was restaurants, bars, etc did not accept debit or credit card.  And the worst part is is that the ATM charges you 250 PHP every time you withdrawal cash and you can only take out 10,000-20,000 PHP at a time.  (The Euronet ATM only allows withdrawals of 10,000 PHP so if you’re going to be in the Philippines for a long period of time, I suggest finding at ATM that allows you to take out 20,000 PHP).  Side note:  if the ATM asks if you want them to convert the money for you, always say “no” to avoid a higher conversion fee.

 

Tipping Practices

Tipping is not common in the Philippines but it is appreciated.  Some restaurants will have tip jars for you.  Or I did notice in the massage parlors, they would leave you envelopes at the end of your massage to add a tip.

 

How to Get to the Philippines

Currently, there are 70 domestic and international airports in the Philippines.  Chances are, if you fly to the Philippines you will connect in Manila (the capital).   Depending on where you’re flying from, you might also expect to connect in a larger city in Southeast Asia such as Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok or in the Middle East such as Dubai or Doha before arriving to the Philippines.

 

Tips for Getting to the Philippines from the USA

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines from the USA your journey can be pretty long!  To make your journey more comfortable, and maybe even more affordable, here are some simple tips…

• If you live in a small city, buy a flight out of a bigger city to save money
  • For example, I live in Omaha, NE so I use points to fly to Chicago in the morning, then get a night flight out of Chicago to my destination
• If you’re flexible on travel dates, play around with dates when it comes to arriving/departing for the cheapest flight
• Look at flight prices/times if you fly from the East Coast vs the West Coast
• Open a travel credit card to earn points to potentially use for your flight
• Sign up for Going (there is a free version) for cheap flight notifications)
• Compare flight prices on a big search engine
• Purchase travel insurance (before traveling) in case anything goes wrong with your flight
• Bring a good eye mask on the airplane for a chance at some shut eye

 

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO THE PHILIPPINES HERE!

 

How to Get Around the Philippines

Getting around the Philippines is relatively affordable.  Here are some great resources…

• “Grab” for affordable taxis (not available on every island)
• Bookaway or 12Go for ferry travel to different islands
• AirAsia or Cebu Pacific for affordable flight tickets throughout the Philippines
• Ask your hotel – hotels are more than happy to help you with accommodation, just make sure to ask what the price is ahead of time
• Motorbike rentals (just make sure you wear a helmet and feel comfortable driving)

 

Filipino Food & Drink

The Philippines isn’t quite as well known for their food as some other countries in Southeast Asia so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived.  It turns out, Filipino cuisine brings together flavors from Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American cooking, creating dishes that are both familiar but also distinctly Filipino.  Rice, a staple at any meal, often accompanies classics like adobo—chicken or pork soaked in a tangy mix of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.  Spanish rule left its mark with the introduction of dishes like chicharrón and flan, while American influences brought a taste for fried chicken and spaghetti.

As far as drinking goes, it’s not recommend to drink unfiltered water.  The good news is, most restaurants have water filters so instead of receiving a plastic water bottle you’ll generally be served water in glass.  To further cut down on plastic waste, I suggest bringing a reusable water bottle with you and requesting filtered water when available.

 

Language in the Philippines/Simple Phrases to Know

The two official languages in the Philippines are Filipino and English.  I would say most locals – especially those in the hospitality industry – know a good amount of English.  The two most spoken native languages are Tagalog and Cebuano.

When traveling, I always think it’s polite to learn a few phrases in the language of the country that you’re visiting.  Here are a few of Filipino words that will help you get by…

• Thank you = Salamat
• Hello = Kamusta
• Goodbye = Paalam
• Toilet = Palikuran

 

What to Pack for the Philippines

Below you’ll find everything I suggest packing for a trip to the Philippines!

• Swimming suit
• Breezy dresses
• Linen outfits
• Sunglasses
• Shower shoes/beach shoes
• Eye mask for the airplane
• Reusable water bottle (to keep your water cool on hot days)
• Lock for suitcase
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen (face and body)

 

 

For a complete packing list, don’t miss…

• The Best Packing List for the Philippines

 

Accommodation in the Philippines

By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in the Philippines is using Booking.com.  Not only will you find a plethora of hotels but you’re also able to filter through options.  Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, “very good 8+ reviews”  and “A/C” toggled ON.  From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES HERE!

 

The Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

With over 7,000 islands to choose from, there is truly no shortage of islands to visit in the Philippines.  When deciding your route through the country, my advice would be to decide whether you want a trip for lounging or water activities.  If you want to lounge, focus on the smaller islands where you can easily get around and where there are plenty of beautiful beaches.  If you want a more active trip, consider a bigger island like Palawan, Cebu, or Bohol.  Or maybe you want the best of both worlds and you’d like to visit both bigger and smaller islands.

Here are some of the most popular islands in the Philippines (I did not visit every island mentioned, this is just to give you an idea of places to visit)…

• Bantayan
• Bohol
• Cebu
• Coron
• Malapascua
• Palawan
• Panglao
• Siargao
• Siquijor

 

To help plan your travels around the Philippines, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate El Nido Travel Guide
• Cebu to Malapascua Island – The Ultimate Guide
• 2 Day Bantayan Island Itinerary
• The Best Things to Do in Panglao, Philippines

 

Philippines Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting the Philippines

 

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, I hope this guide to visiting the Philippines has inspired you and helped plan your travels.  If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in the Philippines, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinphilippines” or under my highlights for “Philippines”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Philippines” highlight

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