In general
Documents and visa
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival and a return or onward air ticket (checked at check-in and at the border). Many nationalities, including EU citizens, do not need a visa in advance for tourist stays up to 30 days: an entry stamp is given on arrival - other nationalities should check their own entry rules. It is MANDATORY to fill in the online 'eTravel / e-Arrival Card' at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure (you get a QR code to show). An airport departure tax may apply.
Currency and payments
The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). The Philippines is a very cash-driven country, especially on the islands and in small towns: cards are accepted in cities, malls, hotels and larger restaurants, but you need cash elsewhere. ATMs are common in cities but scarce on smaller islands (withdraw before moving on, and mind per-withdrawal limits and fees). The GCash app is widely used. You may not import/export more than 50,000 PHP in local currency; foreign-currency amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared at customs.
Language
The official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. English is extremely widespread and used routinely on signs, menus, transport and in offices: communicating is easy almost everywhere - a real advantage over many other Asian destinations.
Health and vaccines
No mandatory vaccine except yellow fever, required only for those arriving (or who transited an airport) from at-risk countries. Being up to date with routine vaccinations is recommended (including a polio booster), and discuss hepatitis A/B and typhoid with your doctor. DENGUE is endemic and very widespread, even in residential areas: protect yourself from mosquitoes day and night (repellent, covering clothing). Public healthcare is inadequate even in major cities; private clinics are better but expensive and REQUIRE proof you can pay before admitting you, even in an emergency. ALWAYS take out insurance with high medical cover and air repatriation. For divers: the best-known dive spots often have NO nearby hyperbaric chamber, so weigh this carefully.
eSIM and connectivity
The main operators are Globe and Smart, with good 4G/5G coverage in cities and tourist areas, patchier on remote islands. A local tourist SIM (sold at the airport and in towns, ID required) or an eSIM bought before departure is the best option: roaming with non-local SIMs is expensive outside their home region. On small islands expect moments with no signal: download maps and bookings offline.
Electricity
Power is 220V/60Hz, with sockets mainly type A and B (flat 'US-style' pins), plus European type C in many places. WATCH the unusual combination: the plug is US-style but the voltage is 220V, so 120V-only devices (typical in North America) need a converter, not just an adapter. European two-round-pin plugs often fit; bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Time zone
The Philippines is at UTC+8 all year (no daylight saving time).
Climate and seasons
Tropical climate, hot and humid all year. The dry season (roughly November-May) is the best time for the islands and the sea; the rainy and typhoon season runs roughly June to December, with possible flooding, cancelled flights and rough seas. Typhoons can upend plans: leave buffers between internal flights and follow the weather bulletins (PAGASA).
Good to know
Internal flights and getting around
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands: you move mainly by plane (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia) and by ferry/fast boat (bangka for island hopping). Internal flights are frequent but prone to delays and cancellations, especially in the rainy season: do NOT schedule an international flight right after a domestic one - always leave a day's buffer. In cities use Grab (a ride-hailing app) rather than street taxis. Jeepneys are picturesque but awkward with luggage.
Areas to avoid and terrorism
The classic stops on this itinerary (Manila, Palawan/El Nido/Coron, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Siargao) are touristy and suitable for travel. The whole Mindanao region is, however, ADVISED AGAINST (with the sole exception of Siargao island), due to terrorism, kidnapping and banditry risk: in particular avoid central-western Mindanao, the Zamboanga peninsula and the Sulu archipelago to the south-west. A nationwide state of emergency is in force, with checkpoints and searches: always cooperate with the security forces. Foreigners are NOT allowed to take part in political rallies or protests.
Safety and crime
Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching, theft from cars and hotel lobbies) is widespread across the country, especially in parts of Metro Manila (e.g. Quezon City): keep valuables in the safe, do not flaunt cash or jewellery, and use Grab in the evening. Sudden violent quarrels can occur: avoid confrontations and dodgy venues. For excursions and island hopping rely on reputable local operators; independent 'DIY' travel in the less-visited interior is discouraged.
Drugs: zero tolerance
Anti-drug legislation is extremely harsh and enforced with great severity: possession, use or dealing - even of tiny amounts - can mean fines up to EUR 250,000 and very heavy prison terms, up to life imprisonment. After serving the sentence, foreigners are expelled. Absolutely avoid any substance, and never agree to carry other people's parcels or luggage. If arrested, contact your embassy immediately and ignore anyone promising easy 'fixes'.
Eating and tipping
Filipino food is tasty and cheap: try adobo (marinated meat), sinigang (sour soup), lechon (roast pork), pancit, halo-halo (iced dessert) and the islands' very fresh fish. Drink only bottled water. Tipping is not compulsory but much appreciated: 10% in restaurants if a 'service charge' isn't already included; a few pesos for boat crews or porters is welcome.
Useful numbers
- 911 — National emergency hotline (police, ambulance, fire)
- 117 — Alternative emergency line (being replaced by 911)
- +63 2 8892 4531 — Italian Embassy in Manila (McKinley Hill, Taguig). Emergencies for Italian citizens: +63 917 5375071. For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Treat the Philippines as an archipelago, not a single country: it runs on internal flights and boats, so always leave a day's buffer before your international flight home, and travel in the dry season (Nov-May). Bring cash for the islands, good anti-dengue repellent and solid health insurance: private clinics want proof you can pay before treating you.