How Things Work in Philippines
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping around 10% is expected at sit-down restaurants; check your bill first as a service charge is often already included.
Updated 2025-06
Grab is the safest and easiest option in cities; jeepneys and tricycles cover local routes while domestic flights and ferries connect the islands.
Updated 2025-06
Private hospitals in Manila and Cebu are good quality, but travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — especially for remote islands.
Updated 2025-06
Drug laws are extremely strict with severe penalties; anti-smoking laws are rigorously enforced with heavy fines for smoking outside designated areas.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 911 for all emergencies; 117 reaches the Philippine National Police directly, and 143 connects to the Red Cross.
Updated 2025-06
The Philippines is casual overall, but cover shoulders and knees at churches; beachwear is fine at resorts but not in towns.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18 and alcohol is widely available; San Miguel Beer is ubiquitous, and some local government units have their own restrictions.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is expected at markets, street stalls, and with tricycle drivers; prices at malls and formal shops are fixed.
Updated 2025-06
Filipinos are generally very welcoming of photography, but avoid shooting military installations, government buildings, and church interiors during active mass.
Updated 2025-06
Sunday is significant in this Catholic nation and some businesses reduce hours; Holy Week (Semana Santa) sees widespread closures for 4+ days.
Updated 2025-06
Use Grab for all city travel — many Manila taxis have tampered meters or refuse to use them; only use the official yellow fixed-rate taxis from NAIA airport.
Updated 2025-06
Never drink tap water in the Philippines — bottled water is cheap and widely available everywhere.
Updated 2025-06
BDO, BPI, and Metrobank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards; carry cash as many islands and local businesses are cash-only.
Updated 2025-06
Buy a Globe or Smart tourist SIM at NAIA airport on arrival — both offer affordable data packs, though coverage varies significantly between islands.
Updated 2025-06
Type A and B flat-pin plugs (same as the USA) are standard; voltage is 220V at 60Hz — check your device's voltage rating before plugging in.
Updated 2025-06
Common scams include airport taxi overcharging, ATM skimming, fake police demanding cash, and gem investment schemes — stay alert in tourist areas.
Updated 2025-06
Popular tourist destinations like Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay are generally safe; avoid western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago entirely due to active kidnapping threats.
Updated 2025-06
Filipinos are famously warm and hospitable — use 'po' and 'opo' to show respect to elders, and the mano gesture to greet older relatives or hosts.
Updated 2025-06
English is an official language and spoken fluently by most Filipinos — there is virtually no language barrier for English-speaking tourists.
Updated 2025-06
The Philippines has world-class beaches including El Nido, Boracay, Siargao, and Coron — check for rip currents, jellyfish, and typhoon warnings before swimming.
Updated 2025-06
Driving is on the right side; an international driving licence is valid, but Metro Manila traffic is among the world's worst and Grab is far more practical.
Updated 2025-06
Filipino cuisine features adobo, sinigang, lechon, and kare-kare; turo-turo cafeterias offer filling meals from 60–100 PHP, and Jollibee is a beloved national institution.
Updated 2025-06
Cover up and be quiet at all religious sites; remove shoes at mosques; do not enter churches during active mass unless you intend to participate respectfully.
Updated 2025-06
November to May is the best time for most islands, especially Palawan and Boracay; typhoon season runs June to November with 20+ storms annually.
Updated 2025-06
Turo-turo meals from 60–100 PHP, local transport, budget island guesthouses, and early-booked Cebu Pacific promo fares make the Philippines very affordable.
Updated 2025-06