Few questions about going to the Philippines

[John & Rose 7,239]

12 minutes ago, jan23 said:

Is there wifi available?  Or u have to purchase ?

All of the airports that I've been through have had free wifi.  I also bought a SkyRoam unit because the internet in the Philippines is not great.  The SkyRoam was cheaper than paying for the international service from AT&T and it has been rock solid for me.  

 

You will have connectivity in the airport but in the Philippines it is very hit and miss.  You can pick up a Globe or Smart SIM but neither provider is really great.

[jan23 1]

10 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

All of the airports that I've been through have had free wifi.  I also bought a SkyRoam unit because the internet in the Philippines is not great.  The SkyRoam was cheaper than paying for the international service from AT&T and it has been rock solid for me.  

 

You will have connectivity in the airport but in the Philippines it is very hit and miss.  You can pick up a Globe or Smart SIM but neither provider is really great.

Where u can buy the Skyroam ?? 

[John & Rose 7,239]

Just now, jan23 said:

Where u can buy the Skyroam ?? 

I actually bought mine at the airport on my way to the Philippines!  It was a few dollars more but it was convenient.  They are around at some Best Buy stores or Brookstone.  Amazon sells them too.  You can buy or rent them.  Rent is like $10 a day.  Buying it was $120 but 24 hours of unlimited data is $8 a day.  Since I was planning a few trips, I decided to buy.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

5 hours ago, jan23 said:

Where u can buy the Skyroam ?? 

Where exactly are you going and what airlines are you taking?

[Hank_ 9,174]

8 hours ago, jan23 said:

Thanks for focusing on my concern.

 and not trying to hold your tongue to correct my grammar its very nice of u..god bless your heart.. unlike the first person who comment my post!.anyway well the portable potty is for my sick dad.. 

    

Ah ... good son.    

 

As for grammar .. I have enough trouble correcting my own.

[Hank_ 9,174]

6 hours ago, jan23 said:

Where u can buy the Skyroam ?? 

Skyroam is not a cheap way to go.  If you are in an area with SMART simple buy a SMART sim for your phone and you are good to go.  I use SMART and ask for the UNLIMITED SURF 995 (it isn't listed anymore more, but SMART still offers it.. ), otherwise you get SURFMAX 995 (P995 = $20)  either will give you a month of internet.   Not sure what area you are going to be staying.

 

I use smart and have pull between 36-60MB download speeds, but I am metro Manila   (LTE G-5 is alive!)

Edited September 14, 2017 by Hank_

[John & Rose 7,239]

15 hours ago, Hank_ said:

Skyroam is not a cheap way to go.  If you are in an area with SMART simple buy a SMART sim for your phone and you are good to go.  I use SMART and ask for the UNLIMITED SURF 995 (it isn't listed anymore more, but SMART still offers it.. ), otherwise you get SURFMAX 995 (P995 = $20)  either will give you a month of internet.   Not sure what area you are going to be staying.

 

I use smart and have pull between 36-60MB download speeds, but I am metro Manila   (LTE G-5 is alive!)

I tried that one time.  The Skyroam was more reliable (fiancee & kids hooked up to me when they had no Globe or Smart connection).  They never got more than .3 mbps from their cell phones.  I was getting 1.5 to 3 mbps with Skyroam.  I know their area Pateros metro Manila has always had internet issues.  It may just be where we were.  They use both Smart and Globe because they go between two houses (Las Pinas and Pateros) and Smart works at one location where Globe doesn't and vice versa in the other location... 

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

11 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I tried that one time.  The Skyroam was more reliable (fiancee & kids hooked up to me when they had no Globe or Smart connection).  They never got more than .3 mbps from their cell phones.  I was getting 1.5 to 3 mbps with Skyroam.  I know their area Pateros metro Manila has always had internet issues.  It may just be where we were.  They use both Smart and Globe because they go between two houses (Las Pinas and Pateros) and Smart works at one location where Globe doesn't and vice versa in the other location... 

You guys complain about bad cell service in MM. If you think that's bad then don't come out to the provinces in Mindanao. 

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 minute ago, cyberfx1024 said:

You guys complain about bad cell service in MM. If you think that's bad then don't come out to the provinces in Mindanao. 

I can imagine that many parts of the islands are much more challenging than MM!!!  My step daughter is going to cry the first time she connects here!  She lives on her cell phone there and has no idea what she is about to experience.

[JE57 239]

Jan23 -  Others have asked what airlines you are flying and where you are connecting thru.  This is vital information to provide you more detailed information that may significantly help you on your flight.  

   For example -  If you are flying a segment on a Chinese Airline expect that you will not be allowed to use your cellphone at all (even in airplane mode) on the plane. 

                          If you are flying a leg on United and it's an older plane and you are not in business or first you may find that you have no seat back entertainment and they expect that you will download the United App to connect to the movie server on the plane (before you leave). 

                         Some airlines will require you to show a return ticket before you board the plane (assuming you are not traveling on a Philippine passport)

 -

  Personally I would never travel without cash on me as well as a couple credit cards or ATM cards set up for international withdrawals. 

 The vape kit and supplies present some special considerations.   I assume you've researched this some and are aware that any use in flight will be strictly prohibited. But you are not allowed to put anything with Batteries in your checked bags on most airlines so taking in your checking is the right approach. 

-

WIFI on the plan is possible on some airlines/flights but you will almost certainly pay for that and pay dearly for it. 

Power on a plane can be an issue on long flights I like to use SEATGURU website to check out information about the seat I'll be in and that can offer you great information about rather you'll have power, issues being close to the toilet or non-reclining seats.   On really long international flights sometimes the little things can make a big difference. And again this can depend a lot on which airline you are one.  

   -

   Good luck, have a good trip!

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

8 hours ago, JE57 said:

Jan23 -  Others have asked what airlines you are flying and where you are connecting thru.  This is vital information to provide you more detailed information that may significantly help you on your flight.  

   For example -  If you are flying a segment on a Chinese Airline expect that you will not be allowed to use your cellphone at all (even in airplane mode) on the plane. 

                          If you are flying a leg on United and it's an older plane and you are not in business or first you may find that you have no seat back entertainment and they expect that you will download the United App to connect to the movie server on the plane (before you leave). 

                         Some airlines will require you to show a return ticket before you board the plane (assuming you are not traveling on a Philippine passport)

 -

  Personally I would never travel without cash on me as well as a couple credit cards or ATM cards set up for international withdrawals. 

 The vape kit and supplies present some special considerations.   I assume you've researched this some and are aware that any use in flight will be strictly prohibited. But you are not allowed to put anything with Batteries in your checked bags on most airlines so taking in your checking is the right approach. 

-

WIFI on the plan is possible on some airlines/flights but you will almost certainly pay for that and pay dearly for it. 

Power on a plane can be an issue on long flights I like to use SEATGURU website to check out information about the seat I'll be in and that can offer you great information about rather you'll have power, issues being close to the toilet or non-reclining seats.   On really long international flights sometimes the little things can make a big difference. And again this can depend a lot on which airline you are one.  

   -

   Good luck, have a good trip!

I second everything on this but I will add that Seatguru is the best. 

[Noe&Estella 57]

Most of the things you mention you truly dont really need. First and foremost no liquids abroad the airplane period, unless you want to be stopped or tackled. The only liquid you're allowed to have is when the attendant feed the passengers and provide the liquids. You could bring disinfectant wipes and you should because all these seats are full of bacteria especially on the rest arms.

Once you get to the Philippines buy bottled water, do not drink from the faucet or you could get very sick. Also do not eat exotic foods, eat what you know what you are truly eating. Take Advil, Aleve or Motrin because the change of weather can make you feel sick. The pollution could give you really bad headaches depending where you're going to stay at? Also take HALLS cough drops in case you start feeling a itchy throat. 

Oh yeah!!! Do not trust taxi 🚕 drives in Manila!!! They can charge you way more because your a Foreigner. Make sure someone that's from their negotiates with a taxi driver. Bring sandles, use them everytime you take a shower no matter what!!! Bring two pairs, one to walk in your hotel room and the other to take showers.

[Hank_ 9,174]

With taxis make sure they turn on the meter, if they refuse.. get out, get another taxi, I have done this numerous times.   

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

6 hours ago, Hank_ said:

With taxis make sure they turn on the meter, if they refuse.. get out, get another taxi, I have done this numerous times.   

I have noticed the ones that don't want to turn on the meter wanted to take me to some "buddy's bar that they known where all the pretty girls are", all the while I am taking the taxi to the hotel to see my then fiance now wife. 

[John & Rose 7,239]

9 hours ago, Hank_ said:

With taxis make sure they turn on the meter, if they refuse.. get out, get another taxi, I have done this numerous times.   

AMEN!!!!  Taxis are horrible in Manila.  I ALWAYS use Grab or Uber.  Taxis are only for last resort.  If they don't use the meter, get out!!!!

 

Also, depending on where you are, get used to tricycles or even Jeepneys.  I was very comfortable with the tricycle after a few trips.  Not so much with the jeepneys...

 

13 hours ago, Noe&Estella said:

Most of the things you mention you truly dont really need. First and foremost no liquids abroad the airplane period, unless you want to be stopped or tackled. The only liquid you're allowed to have is when the attendant feed the passengers and provide the liquids. You could bring disinfectant wipes and you should because all these seats are full of bacteria especially on the rest arms.

Once you get to the Philippines buy bottled water, do not drink from the faucet or you could get very sick. Also do not eat exotic foods, eat what you know what you are truly eating. Take Advil, Aleve or Motrin because the change of weather can make you feel sick. The pollution could give you really bad headaches depending where you're going to stay at? Also take HALLS cough drops in case you start feeling a itchy throat. 

Oh yeah!!! Do not trust taxi 🚕 drives in Manila!!! They can charge you way more because your a Foreigner. Make sure someone that's from their negotiates with a taxi driver. Bring sandles, use them everytime you take a shower no matter what!!! Bring two pairs, one to walk in your hotel room and the other to take showers.

I did all the shots and took all the precautions the first trip.  Since then I am not afraid of the water or food.  I don't go out of my way for tap water but I don't run away from it either.  I use bottled every chance I get but brushing teeth and similar I use tap water.  The street food is good but go to places that the locals keep busy.  The more the food turns over the fresher it is.  I agree with sandals.  They are comfortable and you will feel more like a filipino!  

 

It is a tropical island country.  Expect geckos and cockroaches.  It is ideal breeding grounds there.  Have Motrin, Imodium, Claritin, Hall's and GasX available.  You can buy all that there too.

 

It is a beautiful country but it is very different culturally.  Relax and take it all in...