This blog post serves as basic facts for the travelers as this blog is called The Travel guide I will not lay down all the general facts about the Philippines history centuries back to Magellan or Jose Rizal. I will be straight to the point on what travelers need to know about this wonderful country.
Let' start with the basic here, Visas for the travelers
For most foreign visitors visas are not needed for stay of less than 21 days. You can avail of 3 months visa in advance and it will cost you right around US$35. Multiple entry visas from 6 to 12 months are also available but it can be a bit more expensive and allow only 59 days at a time, meaning on the 60th day of your stay you should exit the country for a week or so and come back again.
Visa extensions are generally available of course and generally faster to obtain in regional areas.
Health risks; Cholera, Hepatitis, Malaria and Rabies.
Get yourself immunize for these health risks before travelling to Philippines.
Electricity; 220V 60Hz (great to know if you come from USA and you use 120V)
Tourism; 1.2 Visitors per year, especially in the summer seasons
When is it the best time to travel to the Philippines?
The best time to travel to the Philippines is from the middle of December to the middle of May where the weather is cooler and tolerable. In additional this is also typhoon free season for most regions in the Philippines. But of course you can never predict the mother nature when it wants to strike. You may experience extreme summer weather in the month of March to June, rainy seasons starts from June to September/November.
Christmas and holidays seasons or easter breaks everyone is travelling and you'll have trouble getting seats on any form of public transportation.
January and May have the most colorful festivals, you can experience the real culture of the Philippines.
The rice terraces of Luzon looks best in the months of March to April and this is the best time to Island hopping.
Travel tips
- Always carry your passports, visas and other important documents with you or at least hide it safely in your hotel room where no one have access to it than yourself.
- Where Light clothing as the weather can change and become extremely hot during the day. Bring your weather jacket as well to keep you dry and cozy if it should rain.
- Bring sunscreen lotion if you are going to be outdoors most of the time
- Filipinos speak English and are very friendly towards foreigners. Do not hesitate to ask for directions if you are lost.
- Always bring water and insect repellent during adventures in the nature area
- Most of the land transportations are available 24/7, always have loose change when taking public transportations. And be wise when dealing with taxi drivers. Carry a map with you to know the routes you can take to your destination.
- when going to business offices or churches wear formal attires. Hotels and restaurants do not impose dress codes but wearing sleeveless, shorts and sandals for men is not allowed.
- All major credit cards can be used everywhere in the hotel, ask first the personnel about their credit card policy.
- Tipping is expected in any kind of services in the Philippines such as on restaurants, hotels and grocery stores.
- Philippines Peso is the currency in the Philippines although there are some stores that allows you to pay dollars, if not you will find lots of money exchanger stores all over the country, the safest place to exchange your money into Philippine Peso is at the bank or Western Union or Forex.
- Book in advance if you are going to resorts such as Boracay or taking an island trip in Palawan for example. As there can be fully book on some days.
