Travel Tips in the Philippines

by Ronel Forbes

November 4, 2021

To ensure that your travel plans are safe, we stay up to current on the situation in each region. Although a few islands and regions have security issues, the majority of the Philippine archipelago remains quiet and secure, devoid of tourism and the changes it brings.

Each island has its own distinct personality, so it’s well worth visiting more than one and spending the time to explore both the inland and the coast.

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 islands, the only way to go from one to the other is to fly or travel by boat. Not a big deal, it’s all part of the adventure but it does mean you have to factor in the fact that weather can change suddenly, disrupting transportation, and you can’t really expect or plan for anything to be on time in the Philippines. For this reason, don’t make your trip plans too close together.

Oh, and you’ve already received your first travel advice for the Philippines. Continue reading for more weekend getaways in close proximity to cities.

Language

Filipino, often known as Tagalog, is the official language of the Philippines. In the Philippines, around 111 additional languages and dialects are spoken, including Spanish, which is spoken throughout the country.

The majority of Filipinos are multilingual, speaking at least Tagalog and another dialect in addition to English.

Food and drink

Filipino cuisine is a unique, exquisite combination of Oriental, European, and American culinary influences, with a broad range of fresh seafood and delicious fruits. Adobo is the national dish, which consists of chicken or pig, or both, cooked in soy sauce and vinegar with garlic and black pepper.

Lechon de leche, which is roasted suckling pig, and crispy pata, which is pig’s leg and knuckle fried till the skin is lovely and crispy, are two other delicacies. Fish dishes are also tasty, albeit fish in the provinces is fresher than in Manila.

Dried fish and squid (pusit) are popular snacks that are dipped in vinegar. Almost every dish is accompanied by a side of plain steamed rice (kanin).

Bigas is the name for uncooked rice. To add flavor, coconut, soy, vinegar, and fish sauce are commonly utilized.

San Miguel is the best beer to drink. A delicious alternative is fresh coconut juice.

Tanduay rum is made locally, and Tapuy, a very strong rice wine, is worth trying. Lambanog is another alcoholic beverage made in the area.

This is prepared by collecting the sap from coconut trees and fermenting it in a hole in the ground with fruit.

Tipping

Tipping is customarily required for many services, although you have the option of not tipping. Even if there is a service charge, restaurant personnel will usually demand one.

Round up the fare if you’re taking a cab with a working meter. The industry standard is 10% of the entire bill.

Tipping is not required on bills that already contain a 10% surcharge. Tipping your guide 280 pesos per day and your driver 110 pesos per day per couple/group is a lovely gesture, however it is discretionary.

Money and expenses

The piso is the Philippine currency, though it is nearly always spelled “peso.” It is divisible into 100 centavos, with P10, P20, P50, P100, P500, and P1000 notes. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, and 25 centavos, as well as P1, P5, and P10.

The P10 notes are gradually being phased out in favor of coins. The US dollar is generally accepted, and most banks will not exchange sterling or the euro for it.

Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and, to a lesser extent, American Express are commonly accepted in Manila and other large cities, as well as in tourist sites. All cities and even many smaller villages have 24-hour ATMs (in the Visa, Plus, Mastercard, and Cirrus networks) where you can withdraw cash.

For a fee, most banks may advance cash against credit cards (usually Visa and MasterCard). When purchasing airline tickets or hotel rooms using a credit card, you may be charged an additional 2.5 percent fee.

Always check beforehand because some stores charge a 6% credit-card surcharge. Banks, hotels, and foreign currency dealers are all places where you can exchange money.

Always exchange your money with authorized dealers. A dinner will set you back around 170-300 pesos, or roughly 4-5 dollars. A drink will cost you between 25 and 30 pesos.

Etiquette and social norms

Filipinos are outgoing, polite, and upbeat people who will ask you personal questions without being rude. They are highly social and will offer to share a drink or lunch with you; try not to decline.

Filipinos have a strong sense of ‘good manners,’ especially when it comes to seniors and ladies. Those who do not speak English may respond to your queries by nodding their heads.

This might, however, signify ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or maybe’! The majority of Filipinos despite public displays of strong emotion, whether in the form of rage or tears.

It is normal and anticipated that when you are invited to someone’s home, you will bring a present.

The beaches in the Philippines are among the best in the world

Take your camera and be ready to be blown away. My top travel suggestion for the Philippines is to visit as many beaches as possible, regardless of where you’re staying.

There are some hidden jewels to be discovered!

Cockfighting is a common occurrence

You shouldn’t be astonished if you see cockfighting in the smaller towns and villages. It’s a way of life in this town, and residents will spend a lot of time getting ready for the brawl.

It’s common to see them standing or sitting outside their homes, clutching their roosters.

For this, my Philippines travel recommendation is to go to the Philippines. Simply disregard it.

Alternatively, join in! It’s all part of the culture of the Philippines. However, have a look at this bizarre story about cockfighting gone bad in the Philippines.

Our Thoughts

Overall, the Philippines is a fantastic travel location that should be on everyone’s bucket list! I like to assume that we all have varied tastes in nations, and the only way to find out if a country is right for you is to go there!

To travel safely purchase a Travel insurance coverage for your safety net.

MGS Insurance also provides Travel Insurance with Covid 19 Coverage. Visit us for more information.