Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for the Philippines depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for the PhilippinesEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 161
- Fire
- 160
Currency
- Name
- Philippine Peso
- Code
- PHP
- Symbol
- ₱
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B, Type C
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
PST (UTC+8)
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Typhoon season: June–October. Some areas (Palawan, Siargao) have different weather patterns — check locally
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | 10% service charge is often added automatically — check before adding more |
| Hotel staff | ₱50–100 per bag or service | — |
| Taxi / Tricycle | Round up | — |
| Tour guides | ₱200–500 per day | — |
Dress Code
- Conservative when visiting churches — cover shoulders and knees
- Beachwear outside of beach areas is inappropriate
- Casual dress is fine in cities and markets
Social Etiquette
- 'Mano po': press the back of an elder's hand to your forehead as a sign of respect — expected when greeting older relatives
- Filipino hospitality ('Pagtutulungan') is central — food is always offered and refusing can be seen as rude
- 'Hiya' (sense of shame/face) is important — avoid causing embarrassment in public
- Indirect communication is common — 'yes' sometimes means 'I understand', not 'I agree'
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Smoking banned in most public places — designated areas only
- Anti-littering strictly enforced in many cities
- Drug offences carry severe penalties — the Philippine government takes this extremely seriously
- LGBTQ+ relationships are not legally recognized; public displays of affection can cause issues in conservative areas
- Buying alcohol requires ID — minimum age 18
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Kamusta | kah-MOOS-tah |
| Thank you | Salamat | sah-LAH-mat |
| Yes / No | Oo / Hindi | oh-OH / HIN-dee |
| Excuse me | Paumanhin | pow-mah-NEEN |
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