PHILIPPINES | When to Go, Where to Go and What to Bring? Practical Information
- World Mappers
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
USEFUL INFO PHILIPPINES
Practical information to organize the trip with details about the best period to go, necessary documents, how to get around and much more.
WHEN TO GO to the PHILIPPINES
The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to April, during the dry season, when the weather is more stable, sunny and ideal for both exploring the cities and enjoying the beautiful beaches and tropical islands. The rainy season is from May to November, with more frequent rains and the risk of typhoons, especially between August and October. Although rainfall is not continuous all day, the wet season can affect maritime transport and outdoor activities. The high season coincides with the Christmas holidays and Holy Week, so it is advisable to book well in advance to avoid high costs and limited availability.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED for the PHILIPPINES
To enter the Philippines, you need a passport with residual validity of at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Italian citizens (and many others) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days, if they have an exit ticket from the country. For longer stays, it is possible to request an extension at the Immigration Office. You also need the e-Arrival Card: to be filled out online within 72 hours of departure, available at https://etravel.gov.ph. Health insurance is not currently mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to have a travel policy that covers medical expenses, accidents and cancellation, especially for stays on remote islands or sports activities. For updated information, we recommend consulting the website Farnesina – Viaggiare Sicuri.
WHAT TO BRING to the PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is a breathtaking archipelago, full of wildlife, idyllic beaches, and vibrant culture. To make the most of your adventure, here's a reminder of what to pack (in fact, we recommend a backpack if you're planning a backpacking trip between the islands: it's more practical for getting around on boats, tricycles, and dirt roads). So don't forget the essentials:
Comfortable and resistant shoes (also perfect for trekking or excursions to waterfalls)
Mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer
High protection sunscreen and aftersun (the tropical sun is very strong)
Credit card and/or a prepaid card, and cash (on the smaller islands ATMs are rare)
Photocopy of your passport in case of loss
Basic medicine kit: antipyretic (e.g. paracetamol), intestinal and broad-spectrum antibiotic, anti-inflammatories, antidiarrheal, lactic ferments, plasters
Light and breathable clothing for the humid heat
Long/modest clothing for accessing churches and religious sites
Sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings in the mountains (e.g. Sagada or Baguio) or for the air conditioning in buses and shopping malls
If you are traveling with a lot of medicines, bring along the medical prescriptions in English
CULTURA nelle FILIPPINE
Filipino culture is a mosaic of Asian, Spanish and American influences, with a strong national identity linked to family, hospitality and spirituality. The Catholic religion is dominant (over 80% of the population), but it is lived in a festive and popular way, between colonial churches, processions and religious festivals. The Philippines is a democratic republic, and freedom of expression is generally respected. The concept of "bayanihan" (cooperation and mutual aid) is central to social life, as is the value of the family, often extended and very close-knit. Filipino cuisine mixes sweet, salty and sour in dishes such as adobo, sinigang, lechon and halo-halo. Pop music, karaoke and local dances are part of everyday life, while traditional festivals (such as Sinulog in Cebu or Ati-Atihan in Kalibo) celebrate history, faith and joy. The Philippines is a welcoming and smiling country, where cultural differences intertwine with dreamy landscapes and a strong sense of community.
GAY FRIENDLY PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in Southeast Asia, thanks to a generally open and welcoming society towards the LGBT+ community. Despite the influence of the Catholic religion and some traditional values, LGBT+ people are visible in everyday life, in the media and in the entertainment world. In large cities such as Manila, Cebu and Davao, there is a lively gay scene with bars, clubs, events and Pride that celebrate diversity, even if they are not always officially recognized by the state. Same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized, but there are ongoing public and legislative discussions on LGBT+ civil rights. Transgender people are well integrated into many sectors of society, although legal and social challenges remain. The Philippines is generally a safe destination for LGBT+ travellers, especially in urban and tourist areas. However, in some rural areas a more conservative attitude may persist.
LOCAL CURRENCY in the PHILIPPINES
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (PHP). Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos, while coins in circulation come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 pesos, as well as smaller denominations. Currency is easily exchanged at banks, authorized exchange offices, and at the airport. ATMs are available in major cities and towns, but can be scarce on some islands, so it is a good idea to carry cash. International credit cards (Visa and MasterCard, less often Amex) are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities, but in more remote areas or at local markets, cash is preferable. Be aware of withdrawal fees and always check the current exchange rate.
CREDIT CARDS in the PHILIPPINES
Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas in the Philippines, especially in hotels, mid-range and high-end restaurants, shopping malls, and international stores. However, in local markets, small businesses, and on remote islands, you may not be able to pay by card. In these cases, it is best to use cash. Some businesses charge a 3-5% fee for card payments. Carry a reserve of Philippine pesos and only use your card where you are sure it is transparently accepted.
TIPPING in the PHILIPPINES
Tipping is not mandatory in the Philippines, but it is appreciated, especially in the tourism industry. In more touristy restaurants, if the service charge is not included in the bill, a tip of 5-10% is acceptable. It is common for taxi drivers to round up the amount. Tour guides, porters, and hotel staff also appreciate small tips for good service. It is helpful to carry small bills so that you can tip easily.
BARGAINING in the PHILIPPINES
Bargaining is common in markets, souvenir shops, and with street vendors. Although many prices are indicative, there is often room for negotiation, especially in tourist areas. It is important to do so with respect and courtesy, without insisting too much. In shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants, prices are fixed. When bargaining, a smile can make the difference and create a friendlier relationship with the locals.
ELECTRICITY and TIME ZONE in the PHILIPPINES
The electricity in the Philippines is 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. The most common plugs are type A, B and C, so it is advisable to carry a universal adapter. The time zone in the Philippines is Philippine Standard Time (PST), or UTC+8, so 7 hours ahead of Italy during winter time and 6 hours ahead during daylight saving time. The Philippines does not observe daylight saving time, so the time zone remains constant throughout the year.
GETTING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
Getting around the Philippines requires a bit of flexibility, but there are many options. In larger cities like Manila and Cebu, you can use taxis, jeepneys (colorful local minibuses), tricycles and buses. Taxis are convenient, but make sure the meter is on or agree on a price in advance. For inter-island travel, there are frequent domestic flights with low-cost airlines, as well as ferries, bangkas (traditional boats), and speedboats. In tourist areas, renting a scooter is a popular option, but you need to drive carefully. Domestic flights are the quickest way to get around the archipelago, while minivans or local buses are used to explore inland areas. Finally, walking is a great way to discover city centers and local markets, especially in smaller places like El Nido or Siquijor.
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