Questions about my visit to the Philippines

[forgiven 0]

I am excited that 7 more days and I will be flying the friendly skies to visit my sweetheart in Davao Philippines.

I have started this thread so that I can ask some questions about preparations I will need to make before I leave and after I arrive there. I'm sure I will think of more questions as the days draw closer and I will post those as well.

Questions before I leave next week:

1- Is there a web site that I can visit to inform me what I can and cannot take on the plane such as personal items like shampoo, vitamins, electronics, etc?

2- How many pesos should I have on me when I land in Manila because I have heard that I will have to pay a fee to leave the airport there and pay a fee when I land in the airport in Davao as well?

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water?

4- what food should i stay away from and what foods are safe to eat?

5- has anyone had a problem as an American in the Manila airport?

6- since my mobile phone wont work in the Philippines is there a prepaid phone that can be purchased to take with me?

I will have more questions in the next few days:

Thanks

[Dakine 26]

I am excited that 7 more days and I will be flying the friendly skies to visit my sweetheart in Davao Philippines.

I have started this thread so that I can ask some questions about preparations I will need to make before I leave and after I arrive there. I'm sure I will think of more questions as the days draw closer and I will post those as well.

Questions before I leave next week:

1- Is there a web site that I can visit to inform me what I can and cannot take on the plane such as personal items like shampoo, vitamins, electronics, etc?

2- How many pesos should I have on me when I land in Manila because I have heard that I will have to pay a fee to leave the airport there and pay a fee when I land in the airport in Davao as well?

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water?

4- what food should i stay away from and what foods are safe to eat?

5- has anyone had a problem as an American in the Manila airport?

6- since my mobile phone wont work in the Philippines is there a prepaid phone that can be purchased to take with me?

I will have more questions in the next few days:

Thanks

Main thing is to stay in Davao [fairly safe] and don't travel North. Like to South Cotobato!!! Muslims and Abu "eat" puti there!

[RonMay 1]

I am excited that 7 more days and I will be flying the friendly skies to visit my sweetheart in Davao Philippines.

I have started this thread so that I can ask some questions about preparations I will need to make before I leave and after I arrive there. I'm sure I will think of more questions as the days draw closer and I will post those as well.

Questions before I leave next week:

1- Is there a web site that I can visit to inform me what I can and cannot take on the plane such as personal items like shampoo, vitamins, electronics, etc?

there must have for sure (google is the best place to search) and better yet, call your airport and or the airline and see what standard precautions they're taking in terms of carry-on items... last time we travelled last nov. i brought my laptop, my big camera that was placed in a camera bag, my small digi cam, PSP, a lot of wirings and other electronics to keep us busy while waiting on the next flight lol

2- How many pesos should I have on me when I land in Manila because I have heard that I will have to pay a fee to leave the airport there and pay a fee when I land in the airport in Davao as well?

there's a money changer inside the airport, and usually my husband just change $200-300 into peso (P8000-12000 equivalent) just to start and when you pay the taxi driver, or whenever you pay over something, dont take all your bulky money and count in front of them... always keep a small amount in one pocket for little expenses and the rest is in your secured bag/pocket (i always remind my husband that as a bad habit)

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water?

water is good but for sure try to drink the bottled water just to be safe. and since you'll be staying in the hotel, for sure the water is (very) safe for shower/bath purposes lol... you'll be fine (at least basing on husband and 2 of our american friends who stayed w/ us)

4- what food should i stay away from and what foods are safe to eat?

it depends on your stomach... food is safe in a restaurant but there might be some engridients that you're not used to (like my husband doesnt like coconut in his food which is pretty common in phil)... dont worry everywhere you go, there's an american style of food and very familiar to your liking especially in davao

5- has anyone had a problem as an American in the Manila airport?

base in our experience not really (except that our wakeboard bags were still in san fran and we're in manila already lol)... its a safe place just be extra careful though (as an SOP for travellers)

6- since my mobile phone wont work in the Philippines is there a prepaid phone that can be purchased to take with me?

yes you can do that or just like me, i called my provider at&t to unlock my extra phone coz im going to phil and i wanted to use that phone in phil as my local phone (buying sim card in phil)

i wish you luck! happy trip and God bless!!!

I will have more questions in the next few days:

Thanks

Edited May 9, 2008 by RonMay

[tallcoolone 102]

Glad to see you are going to Davao. It's by far my favorite city in PI. I tell americans going to PI to stay in Airport in Manila and catch a plane to another city in PI.

Once i arrive in PI, i go to Mercury store and buy Lomitol over the counter and take it. That way I can adjust to PI food rather quickly.

I drink the water in Davao, and i eat mainly street food or restaurants. Lots of delicious food in PI.

I am not a fan of Jollibees and Chow Kins is nasty to me.

You will not have any problems in Manila Airport.

My rule of thumb when I am in PI is someone comes up acting weird or acting strange then you should draw back and punch them in the face, thank god i have not had to do this. I have never had a problem in PI.

Cell phones: take a tri band world wide phone and have it unlocked over there. Cost is about 4 bucks. If not buy a cellphone over there and use it. PI people text as rule.

[Stephen1 0]

1. things life shampoo, shaving cream and things in tubes should be in your check in bag or you may have to throw it away. I had to throw mine away.

2. Not to much cause the ATMs work over there. I was able to get money out of BDO ATM machines and it avoids the exchange rate but there is an international transacation fee of about 2 dollars I think.

5. Just know if people seem to be really helpfull getting you a taxi or finding things or getting phones to work they arnt just doing it to be nice but want some money. On person was trying to help me and led me to a car that was charging 30 dollars to take me to my hotel, I found a taxi that charged about 5 dollars.

1. things life shampoo, shaving cream and things in tubes should be in your check in bag or you may have to throw it away. I had to throw mine away.

2. Not to much cause the ATMs work over there. I was able to get money out of BDO ATM machines and it avoids the exchange rate but there is an international transacation fee of about 2 dollars I think.

5. Just know if people seem to be really helpfull getting you a taxi or finding things or getting phones to work they arnt just doing it to be nice but want some money. On person was trying to help me and led me to a car that was charging 30 dollars to take me to my hotel, I found a taxi that charged about 5 dollars.

[JeffnBhing 0]

1- Is there a web site that I can visit to inform me what I can and cannot take on the plane such as personal items like shampoo, vitamins, electronics, etc? http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

2- How many pesos should I have on me when I land in Manila because I have heard that I will have to pay a fee to leave the airport there and pay a fee when I land in the airport in Davao as well? you can pay in USD dollars

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water? dont drink the shower water

4- what food should i stay away from and what foods are safe to eat? no salads no shellfish

5- has anyone had a problem as an American in the Manila airport? main check in area go to the far right lane, the other lanes are for locals only, dont mess up here or you'll have to wait an additional 45-60 minutes

6- since my mobile phone wont work in the Philippines is there a prepaid phone that can be purchased to take with me? get a cell off ebay with their bandwidths, i dont remember right now but I have bought 2 so far for 40 bux delivered. have your girl send yoy a pre-paid and programed with her cell number sims card you can put in ahead of time, that way you can text her when you arrive. She will be in the parking garage straight infront of the exit of the airport, acrodd the street...look at the sighn that says last name a-?lower level and the other letters upper level. There will be thousands of people waiting there so wear something that will catch her eye cause you will not find her.

Bring something to help you sleep through the flight, it's brutal man!

[sunandmoon 450]

My rule of thumb when I am in PI is someone comes up acting weird or acting strange then you should draw back and punch them in the face, thank god i have not had to do this. I have never had a problem in PI.

I also never had to resort to anything like that in Davao. but then my wife did work for 911, so if anyone gave me trouble, I'd would have TFD take care of them. just joking.

you've been given alot of good advise. you'll have a great time in Davao. but like traveling anywhere, be aware of your surroundings. should a problem occur, dial 911, just like here.

Edited May 9, 2008 by Roy and Yazi

[RonMay 1]

Bring something to help you sleep through the flight, it's brutal man!

lol TELL ME ABOUT IT!

my first flight goin back to phil was a scary one coz of turbulence mixed w. excitement... too tight of a chair (economy) gosh... turbulence made me cry ... from phil to the US though was a lot better coz i was so fatigue and drained that i slept most of the whole flight... but its WORTH IT!

[SunShineFL1210 0]

I am excited that 7 more days and I will be flying the friendly skies to visit my sweetheart in Davao Philippines.

I have started this thread so that I can ask some questions about preparations I will need to make before I leave and after I arrive there. I'm sure I will think of more questions as the days draw closer and I will post those as well.

Questions before I leave next week:

1- Is there a web site that I can visit to inform me what I can and cannot take on the plane such as personal items like shampoo, vitamins, electronics, etc?

2- How many pesos should I have on me when I land in Manila because I have heard that I will have to pay a fee to leave the airport there and pay a fee when I land in the airport in Davao as well?

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water?

4- what food should i stay away from and what foods are safe to eat?

5- has anyone had a problem as an American in the Manila airport?

6- since my mobile phone wont work in the Philippines is there a prepaid phone that can be purchased to take with me?

I will have more questions in the next few days:

Thanks

[ChrisB0707 4]

You wont have to pay anything at the airport when you arrive just when you leave. I was in Davao in 2003 and wasnt to bad. Make sure are always with someone. I have been many times since then but only go to Manila or Makati now. When you land in Manila you will need to find a way to get to the other airport for flights with in the country because the international airport is different. If you need a taxi just walk outside to the left after you get your bags and you will see a little building to get a taxi. Airport taxi is the best way to go and honest. When you are in Davao make sure you get to see Jackridge. Where are you staying, when I was there I stayed at Marco Polo hotel and it was nice. What company do you have your cell phone with now? Most companies will unlock the phone for you if you tell them you are going to travel international. I have T-Mobile and had this done with 4 different phones, just make sure its tri band. When you arrive just go to a local mall and get a Globe sim card for your phone. Everyone there likes to text so be ready. Dont exchange your US dollars at the banks in the airport. You will get a much better rate at a money exchange in one of the malls.

[SunShineFL1210 0]

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water? dont drink the shower water

Good advice!

Happy trip anyways..

[RyaNRiza 1]

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water? dont drink the shower water

LOL, funny, but wise

[RyaNRiza 1]

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water? dont drink the shower water

Good advice!

Happy trip anyways..

I don't think you need to take precautions on the shower thing.

I heard that Davao has the safest drinking water in the world. How true? (to anyone who knows this)

Yeah, it's still safer to drink bottled water.

[Dakine 26]

3- I was told that the water is treated in Davao and it is very safe but i will still drink bottled water but is there any precautions I need to take when I shower in the water? dont drink the shower water

Good advice!

Happy trip anyways..

I don't think you need to take precautions on the shower thing.

I heard that Davao has the safest drinking water in the world. How true? (to anyone who knows this)

Yeah, it's still safer to drink bottled water.

Watch out for the ice cubes!! Maybe OK if you drink "Hi octane" drinks!!

[envy_me 18]

Main thing is to stay in Davao [fairly safe] and don't travel North. Like to South Cotobato!!! Muslims and Abu "eat" puti there!

i don't think it is nice to say that they eat puti there, i live in manila and i, myself is scared to go to some places in mindanao but i don't scare people like that esp if the person is askin abt what to do and what not..

i understand that there are really bad exaggerated news that u guys have seen.. but just that it is not nice to make comments like that joke ot not.. esp if u havent been there.. IMO

Edited May 9, 2008 by envy_me