Organize your stay Philippines
Money Philippines
The country'scurrency is the Philippine peso, abbreviated ₱, P or PHP. The currency is divided into banknotes (of PHP 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000) and coins (of PHP 1, 5 and 10, plus the rarely used centimes).
The exchange rate in 2023 is 1 € = 61.19 PHP; 100 PHP = 1.63 €.
Payments. When traveling in the Philippines, it's imperative to carry cash with you at all times. This is the only way you'll be able to pay for almost all your expenses. Try to carry small bills or coins for tricycle, cab orenvironmental fee payments (10-20 PHP), for example, as vendors or service providers will often claim not to have change to give you. Credit cards are only accepted in luxury hotels and certain stores in large and medium-sized towns.
Banks. Always check your credit card limits before you leave, to avoid unpleasant surprises. And to be on the safe side, tell your banker about your trip, as there are sometimes options to be unlocked before you can use your card abroad. And in the event of a problem, your bank will be able to increase your limit remotely. In the event of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions so that you can continue your trip with complete peace of mind. Before you leave, make a note of the assistance number printed on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24/7. In the event of a stop payment, this is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number.
Withdrawals. ATMs are not available everywhere, so take precautions and make your withdrawals in cities and airports. For each withdrawal, a fee of 250 PHP applies and generally the maximum withdrawal is 10,000 PHP (≅170 €). Add to this any bank charges depending on your bank (around €4-5). Some online banks allow you to avoid these fees, such as Revolut or N26. Here's a glossary that may come in handy when withdrawing money in English: "Retrait" is " withdrawal ". If you're asked to choose between withdrawing from a " checking account ", a " credit account " or a " saving account ", opt for " checking account ". Select debit or credit. (If you make a mistake in any of these options, don't worry - the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). Indicate the amount (often limited to PHP 10,000) and click " enter ". To the question " Would you like a receipt? ", answer " Yes " and keep your receipt.
Budget & Tips Philippines
Cost of living. The cost of living is low compared to European countries, but you shouldn't always compare it to your home country, or you'll soon find yourself spending recklessly. On the other hand, tourists often make use of expensive services: car rentals, tours organized by travel agencies and hotels with the same level of comfort as those in Western countries. In such cases, the bill quickly climbs! For backpackers who use local transport and want to live like Filipinos, this country remains an inexpensive destination. Generally speaking, it's worth noting that any tourist site or tourist attraction is more expensive than elsewhere (especially Boracay).
Budget per day. On the whole, it's an inexpensive destination compared with France, of course, but compared with other Southeast Asian countries, it's rather expensive. This is particularly true of transport: you can expect to pay between 30 and 100 euros for an internal flight, and between 10 and 40 euros for a ferry trip, or special activities such as diving (between 50 and 400 euros) and organized tours. The average budget per day depends on each traveler's expectations, the time of year and the places visited.
- Low budget (less than 2,000 PHP/day): hostel dormitory (less than €10/night), street food (less than €5/day), public transport and free activities.
- Medium budget (between 2,500 and 4,000 PHP/day): guesthouse or mid-range hotel (15-30 €/night), restaurants (10-15 €/day), cabs or tricycles, paid activities.
- Big budget (between 8,000 and 15,000 PHP or more/day): European-standard hotels (min. 40-50 €/night) or luxury resorts (+ 150 €/night), high-end restaurants (min. 1,000 PHP/day), private and exclusive activities, private transport.
- Scooter hire costs between 300 and 500 PHP/day, depending on location, and petrol 20 PHP/day.
Money-savingtips: book your flights and ferries in advance, use public transport or scooters to get around, prefer less touristy islands and local restaurants. And avoid the high tourist season (December-April) and major festivals. In the off-season, it rains, but hotels offer very attractive price reductions.
Tipping. The practice is a little vague. Filipinos will tell you that there are two types of tip: the one you give when the service you're paying for is more than up to your expectations, in which case you can give around 10-15%, and the one you give out of pity. Some small cafés and restaurants have a tip box on the counter where you can leave a tip. In practice, you can always round up and leave change when you pay. In short, tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated and left to your discretion.
Taxes. In restaurants and cafés, service charge (12%) is not always included in the price and is added at the time of the bill. There is also often a 12% tax, which is not always clearly indicated when booking a room.
Haggling. This is virtually non-existent in the Philippines. In large stores, restaurants and tour operators, prices are displayed. In smaller stores, sari-sari, street-food stalls or markets, prices are not displayed, but Filipinos rarely inflate their prices for tourists, and if they do (sometimes in very touristy places), you'll quickly realize it, and after a few days on the spot, you'll have an idea of the fair prices. In this case, you can negotiate calmly and reasonably.
Passport and visas Philippines
With the exception of people whose country of origin does not have diplomatic relations with the Philippines, all visitors with a valid passport (valid for another 6 months after the date of return) and a travel document for the next stage (exit ticket) can stay in the country for 30 days without a visa. On the spot, if you wish to extend your stay, it is possible to obtain an additional 29 days (i.e. a total of 59 days). You'll need to pay PHP 3,030, which you can obtain from the Immigration Office in Manila or from a regional office (Cebu, Davao and other cities).
For stays of more than two months, it is necessary to obtain a visa before departure. Apply at the Philippine embassy in your country, in Paris, Brussels or Berne.
Etravel. Since Covid, anyone arriving in the Philippines must complete an Etravel Card(https://etravel.gov.ph/). It's advisable to fill in the form before departure, so you don't waste time getting off the plane. Customs require presentation of the QR code generated by this application on arrival in the Philippines. Entry requirements vary according to the traveler's vaccination status.
Driver's license Philippines
To rent a scooter, you may be asked for your driving license, so remember to bring it with you. For stays of less than 3 months, a French or international license can be used. In fact, in the event of a police check on the roads, it's up to the policeman's discretion, but you risk a fine.
If you want to rent a car, you'll always be asked for it. You must also be at least 21 years old. Remember to take out insurance if this is not included in your rental contract.
Health Philippines
Westrongly advise you to take out travel and repatriation insurance , because in the event of accident or illness, medical costs can rise very quickly, and if you don't pay you won't have access to it.
Before you leave, consult your general practitioner, who will be able to compile a traveler's first-aid kit and update your vaccinations, as well as your dentist. A minor health problem in France can become problematic in the Philippines, where access to care can be slow and tedious (especially on islands with remote infrastructures).
Tap water is undrinkable. As a reminder, water is a traveller's main enemy. Statistically, 1 out of every 2 travelers is affected by turista within the first 48 hours, and 80% of illnesses contracted while traveling are directly attributable to contaminated water. So stick to bottled water, or better still, water fountains in hotels and restaurants. Disinfectant tablets are also available to put in your water bottle.
Malaria. Also known as malaria, this is a potentially serious parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites below 600 meters altitude. In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contraction by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing).
Dengue fever. This virus, fairly common in tropical countries, is transmitted by mosquitoes, the same vector as the Zika and chikungunya viruses. Dengue fever is characterized by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, severe joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in the event of fever, and to drink water regularly.
Japanese encephalitis. Transmitted by a nocturnal mosquito (peaks at dusk and dawn), mainly in rural areas. Depending on the region, transmission may be perennial, or limited to the rainy or hot seasons. Most forms of the disease are symptomless, but it can also lead to severe neurological sequelae and even death. The Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique (HCSP) recommends vaccination in the event of expatriation or exposure to outdoor environments in rural areas (e.g. camping, hiking, cycling, rice paddies).
Zika and chikungunya viruses. Transmission of these viruses is also possible in the Philippines, so it is once again advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites (repellents and covering clothing in the evening). Particular attention should be paid to pregnant women.
Rabies. Rabies is still present throughout the archipelago. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The onset of the first symptoms (phobia of air and water) varies between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms have been observed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. If you are in any doubt about whether you have been bitten or scratched, it is essential to consult a doctor, who will administer an anti-rabies vaccine combined with appropriate treatment. Preventive vaccination does not exempt you from curative treatment in the event of a bite.
HIV and STIs. The AIDS virus and sexually transmitted infections such as hepatitis B are widespread in the Philippines, so avoid risky behavior.
Mandatory vaccination Philippines
There are no mandatory vaccines to stay in the Philippines but as for any trip, some recommendations. The recommended vaccines are those for diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP), rubella, mumps and measles in children and anti-tuberculosis vaccination. Depending on the travel conditions, it may also be advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid fever, rabies and viral hepatitis A and B. For those planning extended stays in Asia and rural areas, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis may be useful. Ask your doctor or an International Vaccination Center for advice(https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr/).
Security Philippines
Areas formally advised against : in the south, almost all of Mindanao (with the exception of General Santos or Davao), the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi archipelagos. If you travel to Mindanao, you should be aware that you are taking risks, as certain areas such as Zamboanga are considered strongholds of certain armed groups who do not hesitate to kidnap Europeans and Filipinos alike, demanding ransoms in exchange for the release of their hostages; in addition to the risk of terrorism present. Southern Palawan is also not recommended.
The rest of the Philippines poses no particular problems for travelers, although in Manila it's best to stay in tourist areas, especially after dark. You may also be surprised to see armed guards in front of every building, store and bank. This policy was put in place a few years ago to counter the frequent robberies that were taking place, and it seems to be paying off, as bank and store robberies are down sharply.
Basic safety rules. Certain rules can be applied to avoid any problems: avoid political gatherings, don't leave personal belongings unattended, travel with the minimum, use official cabs or VTCs (Grab or cab), only accept drinks if they are served in front of you, avoid any contact with or consumption of drugs. In the event of a typhoon, earthquake or volcanic hazard, announcements are made several days in advance, and you should follow local recommendations.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Philippines
The time between Manila and Paris is +6 hours in summer and +7 hours in winter. When it's midday in Paris (in summer), it's 6 p.m. in Manila.
Spoken languages Philippines
The country has two official languages: Tagalog (or Filipino) and English. The good news for travellers is that the Philippines is certainly one of the Asian countries where English is best spoken, and by a very large majority of the population, the result of fifty years of American tutelage. It is more or less well spoken in all regions and by all strata of the population. This administrative language is learned as early as elementary school. Spanish, once the language of the elite, is no longer spoken. It is found as a Chavacano dialect in the south, around Zamboanga. In addition to the two official languages, Filipinos speak at least one of 170 dialects in their daily lives, such as Visayan, spoken by 25% of Filipinos (which includes Cebuano), or Ilocano (north of Luzon).
Communication Philippines
Network coverage is not very good; in the cities no problem, but on the islands, as soon as you find yourself in a remote area, it's not uncommon to have no network at all. You need to be aware of this, if you're hiking in the wilderness or travelling on the open sea, for example. In most hotels or guesthouses, a wifi connection is advertised, but in reality, it's not uncommon for it to be faulty... In short, forget 5G in the Philippines, you'll have to make do with 3G or even H+, and not everywhere.
We strongly advise you to buy a SIM card (1,000 PHP, less than €20) on arrival at the airport from one of the two telephone operators, Smart or Globe.
Electricity and measurements Philippines
Electricity. 220-240 V, 60 Hz. You don't need to bring an adapter, as most outlets support French and Belgian appliances. Brown-outs are not uncommon, especially in the provinces. An electric lamp and a portable battery may prove useful.
Weights and measures. Filipinos use the metric system.
Luggage Philippines
Documents: original and copies of passport and driver's license, Etravel card, travel insurance and visa if needed.
Electronics: chargers, portable battery, headphones, flashlight, and just in case an adapter for American flat plugs.
Clothing: it is hot all year round, so bring light, quick-drying clothing (linen, cotton or sportswear) that covers up the sun and mosquitoes (pants, long-sleeved t-shirts), a k-way for the rain, one or two sweaters if you are going to high altitudes or for night bus or airplane rides.
Shoes: water shoes to avoid injury from coral or sea urchins (tip: bring a plastic bag to carry them when they are not dry), hiking shoes, sandals.
Accessories: sunglasses, cap, bathing suit, light sleeping bag and microfiber towel, water bottle and/or water pouch, portable ashtray for smokers, some snacks and if there is still room, mask and snorkel to be autonomous and snorkel whenever you want. Take it or leave it tip: removing your jewelry before leaving allows you to travel with a lighter mind. As a reminder, we are in a poor country, there is no need to attract covetousness.
First-aid kit/toilet: high factor sun cream with a mineral filter(ocean-friendly), mosquito repellent, disinfectant, bandages, cleaning wipes, soap/shampoo, toothpaste, protective lip stick, tissues. And ask your doctor for advice.
