Welcome to Philippines 😊

Hey there! Are you ready to explore a tropical paradise? Look no further than the Philippines! Located in Southeast Asia, this beautiful country is made up of over 7,000 islands, each with their own unique charm.

From the bustling city of Manila to the stunning beaches of Boracay, there's something for everyone in the Philippines. If you're a history buff, visit the Spanish-colonial walled city of Intramuros or the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol. For adventure seekers, head to the island of Palawan for some island hopping and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

But the best part of the Philippines? The people! Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality and vibrant culture. Don't be surprised if you're greeted with a friendly smile and a "hello po!" (po is a respectful term used in the Filipino language).

And let's not forget about the food! Indulge in some adobo, lechon, or the national dish - sinigang. And for those with a sweet tooth, try some halo-halo, a delicious shaved ice dessert.

So what are you waiting for? Book that ticket and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines!

Quick Facts About Philippines

Currency: Philippine Peso
Population: Approximately 109 million.
Languages: Filipino and English

Money and Finances

The currency in Philippines is Philippine Peso (PHP). Coins come in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 pesos, while notes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Philippines, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, it is recommended to use ATMs located in banks or shopping malls for safety concerns.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Philippines, especially in major hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, but AMEX may not be accepted as widely. Some merchants may also charge a fee for credit card transactions.

Internet and Phones

In the Philippines, the average internet speed for downloads is 19.55 Mbps, while the average speed for uploads is 6.69 Mbps. While there are no significant government interferences in internet use, there have been reports of censorship and surveillance of online activity.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Telco companies in the Philippines include Globe and Smart. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 500 PHP ($10) per month. There are no sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Philippines

To call the Philippines from another country, you will need to dial the international code +63 followed by the area code and phone number. Area codes are used when dialing within the country, ranging from 2-8 digits depending on the location.

Transport Around Philippines

Air Travel

The major airports in the Philippines are Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu, and Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Train Travel

There is currently no inter-city train network in the Philippines.

Metro / Local Trains

The major cities in the Philippines have local train systems called LRT (Light Rail Transit) and MRT (Metro Rail Transit). These trains are crowded during rush hour but provide a cheap and convenient way to get around the city.

Buses

The main bus network in the Philippines is the Philippine Rabbit, with prices ranging from PHP 200-500 for a 3-4 hour journey. Another popular bus company is Victory Liner, with prices starting at PHP 250 for a 5-6 hour journey.

Rideshare

In the Philippines, the popular rideshare companies are Grab and Angkas. The average price for a 10 km ride is around PHP 200-300.

Driving by Car

Driving in the Philippines can be hectic, especially in tourist areas. Speed limits are usually around 60 km/h in city areas and 100 km/h on highways. The Philippines drives on the right side of the road.

Local Customs

In the Philippines, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A tip of about 10% is commonly given in restaurants and for services. Locals greet each other with a smile and a handshake. It is also common for younger people to take the hand of older people and place it on their forehead as a sign of respect. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal titles and last names. Men and women address each other using formal titles and last names as well. However, among friends and family, it is common to use nicknames and first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The health system in the Philippines is a mixture of public and private healthcare. Public healthcare is provided through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), where citizens can receive subsidized medical care. However, the public healthcare system is known to have limited resources and can be understaffed. Private healthcare is widely available and is of a higher standard, but can be more expensive. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor in the Philippines ranges from PHP 500-1,500 (USD 10-30).

COVID Situation

The Philippines has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 1.3 million confirmed cases and over 22,000 deaths as of September 2021. The government has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, curfews, and mandatory mask-wearing. Vaccination efforts are underway, with priority given to frontline workers and vulnerable populations.

Common Health Risks

The Philippines poses several health risks to travelers, including dengue fever, Zika virus, and food and waterborne illnesses such as typhoid and cholera. Malaria is also present in some areas. It is recommended that travelers take precautions such as using insect repellant, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding street food and tap water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

The legal drinking age in the Philippines is 18 years old. Public drinking is allowed, but drinking on the streets and in public places is prohibited. There are also 'dry' provinces where the sale and consumption of alcohol is banned.

Recreational Drugs

The drug laws in the Philippines are very strict and the use, sale, and possession of illegal drugs can result in fines, imprisonment, and even the death penalty. The country has a 'zero tolerance' policy towards drug use, so travelers should avoid any involvement with illegal drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

In the Philippines, pre-marital sex is not illegal, but it is generally frowned upon by the conservative Catholic majority. The country also has laws against adultery and concubinage, which can lead to imprisonment.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

The LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines faces discrimination and harassment, and same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. However, the country does not have any specific laws criminalizing homosexuality.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in the Philippines is strictly regulated and the country has some of the toughest gun laws in the world. Only licensed individuals are allowed to own firearms, and the penalty for illegal possession of a firearm is severe, including imprisonment and fines.