Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $9–18 | $25–60 |
| Food | $5–12 | $15–30 |
| Transport | $3–8 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $0–10 | $10–25 |
| Entry Fees | $0–5 | $5–15 |
| Daily Total | $17–53 | $65–155 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities receive visa-free entry for 30 days, extendable at immigration offices
- NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) has 4 terminals — confirm which terminal your airline uses before arriving
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, return ticket, and travel insurance at all times
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance is essential. Manila has excellent private hospitals (Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's) but costs are high
- Tap water is not safe to drink — use bottled water. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover
- Manila is a major city — exercise normal urban caution, especially at night in unfamiliar areas. Petty theft is the main risk
Getting Around
- Grab (ride-hailing app) is the safest and most convenient transport. Download and set up before arriving
- MRT/LRT trains are cheap and efficient for north-south travel but extremely crowded during rush hours
- Manila traffic is severe — allow 2–3 times the expected travel time during rush hours (7–9am, 5–8pm)
Connectivity
- Buy a Globe or Smart SIM card at the airport for affordable 4G data — eSIMs also work well in Manila
- WiFi is available at most accommodation, malls, and cafes. Speeds are generally good in urban areas
- The Grab app, Google Maps, and Google Translate are the three most useful apps for Manila navigation
Money
- Currency: PHP (Philippine Peso). Cards accepted at malls, hotels, and restaurants. Cash needed for markets, jeepneys, and street food
- ATMs are widely available. Visa and Mastercard are most accepted. Notify your bank before travelling
- Tipping is appreciated — 10% at restaurants, 20 PHP for hotel porters, round up for taxi/Grab rides
Packing Tips
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot and humid conditions. A light rain jacket for sudden downpours
- Comfortable walking shoes — Manila sidewalks are uneven and you will walk more than expected
- A portable fan, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are essential for all-day exploration in the heat
Cultural tips
Filipino Hospitality
Filipinos are among the most welcoming people in Asia. A smile goes a long way. Use po and opo (polite particles) when speaking to elders. Accept offered food and drink graciously — refusing can be perceived as rude.
Respect Religious Sites
The Philippines is predominantly Catholic. Dress modestly when visiting churches — cover shoulders and knees. Photography inside churches may be restricted during services. Remove hats before entering.
Photography Etiquette
Filipinos are generally happy to be photographed but always ask first, especially in markets and residential areas. Avoid photographing poverty or hardship — it is disrespectful and reduces people to spectacles.
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken — the Philippines has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia. Learning basic Tagalog (kamusta — hello, salamat — thank you, magkano — how much) is appreciated and earns warm responses.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned restaurants over international chains. Buy from market vendors and artisan shops. Tip generously by local standards — 50–100 PHP means more to a local worker than it costs you.
Filipino Time & Patience
Manila runs on its own clock — traffic delays, long waits, and flexible scheduling are normal. Build buffer time into every plan and embrace the pace. Getting frustrated with Manila's chaos misses the point — the city reveals its rewards to patient visitors.
