Philippines
Last checked:
- Capital
- Manila
- Currency
- PHP · Philippine peso
- Languages
- Filipino (Tagalog), English, Cebuano and other regional languages
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C · 220 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- El Nido and Bacuit Bay · Palawan
Limestone islands, lagoons and beaches seen on island-hopping boat tours.
- Coron · Palawan
Clear lakes, reefs and Second World War shipwreck diving.
- Boracay · Aklan
White Beach and watersports; environmental rules limit visitor numbers.
- Chocolate Hills and tarsiers · Bohol
Unusual cone-shaped hills and a sanctuary for the tiny tarsier primate.
- Intramuros · Manila
Walled Spanish colonial city with San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.
Getting around
Ride-hailing app
Grab
Main car-hailing app in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao; fixed upfront prices. Traffic in Manila is very heavy, so allow plenty of time.
Ride-hailing app
Angkas / JoyRide / Move It
Motorbike taxi apps in Metro Manila and Cebu: fast through traffic and cheap. Helmets provided.
Taxi
Taxis
Use reputable companies or airport coupon/yellow airport taxis. Insist on the meter. The UK government warns some drivers and accomplices have robbed passengers.
Public transport
LRT and MRT (beep card)
Rail lines in Metro Manila; crowded at peak hours. Pay with the beep card; contactless bank cards are accepted on some lines (varies).
Public transport
Jeepneys and tricycles
Cheapest local transport, fares from about 13 PHP. Pay the fixed fare by passing coins forward. Tricycle fares for tourists should be agreed first.
Ferries
Domestic flights and ferries
Islands are linked by budget flights (Cebu Pacific, PAL, AirAsia) and ferries such as 2GO and fast craft. Check weather; trips are cancelled during typhoons.
Money and cash
Currency: PHP · Philippine peso
Carry cash, especially small notes, for jeepneys, tricycles, island trips and small eateries; many islands have few or unreliable ATMs, so withdraw in cities before going. Cards work in malls, hotels and bigger restaurants. GCash and Maya QR payments are everywhere but need a local account. Local ATMs often charge foreign cards a fee per withdrawal.
Tipping
Tipping is common but modest in the Philippines. Many restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge, which by law must go entirely to non-managerial staff. Where there is no service charge, tipping about 10% or leaving small notes is appreciated.
| Restaurants | If the bill has a service charge, no extra tip is needed. Without one, about 10% or rounding up in sit-down restaurants. Not expected at carinderias (local canteens) or fast food. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Small change or 20-50 PHP for table service; not expected at counters. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up or let the driver keep small change. Optional in Grab (tip in app). |
| Hotels | 20-50 PHP per bag for porters; housekeeping tips optional. |
| Tours and guides | Island-hopping boat crews and guides commonly get 100-300 PHP per person or a shared tip (varies). |
| Food delivery | 20-50 PHP or in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Many restaurants and hotels add a 10% service charge, listed separately on the bill. Republic Act 11360 (2019) requires that all of it (100%) be distributed equally among covered employees, excluding managers; it cannot be used to meet minimum wage. VAT (12%) is usually already included in menu prices. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (Filipino or with local ID) get discounts, which you may see on bills.
Pressure tactics to watch for
Strong tipping pressure is uncommon. If staff say the service charge does not reach them, the law says it must go to them in full, so no extra tip is required. Unofficial 'helpers' (parking assistants, porters at piers) may ask for tips; a small amount is customary but optional.
Useful phrases
- Bill po, please. The bill, please (polite Taglish).
- Kasama na po ba ang service charge? Is the service charge already included?
- Sa inyo na po ang sukli. Keep the change.
Etiquette
- Use 'po' and 'opo' to show respect when speaking to older people; Filipinos are generally very polite and friendly.
- Dress modestly in churches: cover shoulders and avoid short shorts. The country is mostly Catholic, with Muslim areas in Mindanao.
- Avoid public confrontation or shouting; losing face is taken seriously. Stay calm in disputes.
- Remove shoes when entering homes if your hosts do.
- Bargaining is normal in markets (such as Divisoria) and for tricycles, not in malls.
- Smoking is banned in public places nationwide, and vaping rules are strict in many cities.
- Pointing with the lips or raising eyebrows to say yes are common local gestures; they are not rude.
Scams and how to handle them
Drugging by new 'friends'
Where: Manila (Ermita, Malate, Makati), malls and tourist spots
How it works: Friendly strangers invite tourists for food or drinks, spike them with sedatives, then rob them or drain their bank cards at ATMs.
How to avoid it: Do not accept food or drink from new acquaintances or go to their homes.
Card game cheating scam
Where: Manila malls and tourist areas
How it works: A friendly local invites you to meet family, then into a rigged card game against a rich 'mark'; you lose large amounts.
How to avoid it: Decline home invitations from strangers and never gamble with people you just met.
Taxi meter tricks and overcharging
Where: NAIA airport, Manila tourist areas
How it works: Drivers refuse the meter, use fast meters or demand fixed high fares.
How to avoid it: Use Grab, airport coupon or yellow airport taxis, and insist on the meter.
Bullet planting (laglag bala)
Where: Manila airport (NAIA), reported mainly in 2015-2016
How it works: Airport staff were accused of slipping bullets into luggage to extort travellers. Reports have since dropped sharply.
How to avoid it: Lock or wrap bags and keep them in sight at screening.
Romance and extortion setups
Where: Nightlife areas, dating apps
How it works: Women befriend male tourists, then threaten false accusations to extort money.
How to avoid it: Be cautious with new acquaintances and keep meetings in public places.
Fake hotel employee
Where: Manila streets near hotels
How it works: A person claiming to work at your hotel offers to show you 'something nice nearby', leading to a scam or robbery.
How to avoid it: Politely decline; real hotel staff will not approach you on the street.
Safety
- Street crime and robbery, sometimes armed, occur in Metro Manila and other cities. Do not display cash, phones or jewellery.
- Pickpocketing is common on crowded LRT/MRT trains and jeepneys.
- Methanol poisoning from bootleg drinks has been reported; buy sealed drinks from reputable places.
- Several Western governments advise against travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorism and kidnapping. Check current advice.
- Typhoon season runs roughly June to November; follow PAGASA warnings and expect ferry and flight cancellations.
- Carry a passport copy; police may check ID in nightlife venues.
How widely English is spoken
Very good: English is an official language used in government, business, signage and education, and most people speak it.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Philippines, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Manila
- Wikivoyage: Philippines
- Lawphil: Republic Act No. 11360 (service charge distribution)
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.