Advise On Traveling To Philippines

[smore 19]

My plan is to travel to Philippines in beginning of November, maybe 10 days stay, 2 weeks total off work and such. Seems flights are much cheaper in the fall which works for me as that is the best time for me to travel, but still there seems to be a lack of flights to choose or direct flights like there was before covid when I researched this so flights are a bit longer. I am a novice traveler, maybe been on plane twice so keep this in mind with advise. I am not a world traveler, never been out of the USA.

 

So for travel I believe all I need is a passport which I have, from what I read I do not need a travel visa if under 30 days stay, I am covid vaccinated so I do not even believe they are requiring testing anymore for those vaccinated. Anything I am missing for what I need let me know.

 

Other advise would be helpful on Hotels, of course I am flying into Manila. Seems things are much cheaper for hotels than here in the USA, so thats a relief and looks like nice places when I search expedia or travel sites.

 

Any advise on what to be cautious of when flying, baggage, airport, hotels, taxi, just general things to be aware of from others experience. Any advise on currency and what to bring and what is accepted, maybe even advise on insurance like medical which I believe you can purchase a travelers type I think? I appreciate any advice, info, insight.

[nelmagriffin 150]

Hello,

Please read the following and maybe check for any updates as this was last month of this year. Please do no miss reading the topic below this page, it has a title destination, it is very specific with its arrival guide. I think that there are lot of changes with this guideline

Ty! NG

reference: Arriving In The Philippines (philippineairlines.com)

Edited August 19, 2022 by nelmagriffin

[hunny&me 274]

Vaccination - I believe you need to have 1 booster to be exempted from showing covid negative test.  Prior to flying, you need to register to https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/

Bring masks - it is still required.  Bring your own pen - yep, it is a small thing but you will need it. 

Exchange money at airport - you will probably need pesos for your transportation or tips (not required but appreciated for a help that you may need.  I needed help for my luggages  ).  (anyone picking you up, meeting you? Meeting someone?)

Get SIM card from airport (they are free last time, you just have to load it like 500 pesos).  You now have a philippine number if you need it (calls, internet)

Download Grab app (i do not know if just FB can register or need phil number). My husband has grab app when I visited him.  It is better than taxi.

Hotel - I booked Marriott (well i got points to use).. but if you do book this, see if you get offered with Travel Insurance.  When I booked my arrival night room, they offered a $20 dollar Travel Insurance from Allianz.  Then go to the TI website and adjust your date.  I was able to adjust it to 3-week duration without additional fee. ($20 for 3 weeks - good deal!)   Then, my May travel got postponed because of covid+, so had to rebooked for July had to pay fare change ($600).  .. Because of Travel Insurance - got my $500 back.

Of course, be cautious all the time (regardless of country or first time/regular traveler)..  

 

I was just back to US last week (With my immigrating husband, yey!). 

Have a great time!  It is rainy season.. but still enjoyable.

 

[MarJhi 964]

My first trip to the Philippines in 2019 I was a first time international traveler myself, so here are some of my recommendations.

 

When booking a flight that has a layover, keep in mind the length of the layover. My first trip had a 1:10 minute layover in Hong Kong, which sounded nice when I booked it, but turned out to be far too short. I recommend at least a 2 to 2.5 hour layover so you can have time to locate your next gate, stretch your legs, use the restroom and grab a snack or something. 

 

My first trip was through Hong Kong, my second trip had layovers in Japan. Japan was FAR easier to navigate (both Haneda and Narita airports) than Hong Kong. Quite frankly the Hong Kong airport personnel weren't as friendly or helpful as those in Japan, and the Japanese airports were smaller and less hectic. The flight from Hong Kong to Manila was a little over 2 hours, the flight from Tokyo to Manila was 5 hours. I will take a layover in Japan any day. 

 

I am assuming you and your fiance' have Facebook messenger, which will help you communicate using the airports Wi-Fi while you travel. 

 

Money! My first trip I took about $500 in cash and downloaded the Western Union app so I can wire myself money as needed once I was there. My second trip I sent $500 to my fiance' ahead of time so she can have it converted and waiting for me once I got there, and when I needed more later I used my Western Union app to wire myself some cash. The hotels I stayed at wanted a small deposit at check in, 1000 pesos or about $20, so keep that in mind depending on where you stay. I took my credit cards just in case, but never used them outside of the airports. Call your credit card companies ahead of time and let them know when and where you are travelling. I used the credit cards for food and drink in the airports so there was no need to exchange currency. 

 

Now the BEST advice I can give you, what really worked for me, was to have my fiance meet me at the airport in Manila. Doing that, and wiring her some money ahead of time, I didnt have to worry about exchanging currency, getting a sim card right away or getting ripped off by a taxi scam. I got through the aiport fairly quickly, spotted my fiance, she used the Grab app (download it, never use a regular taxi) and we were at the hotel in no time. Had she not been there I would have been scrambling to get that stuff done after 23 hours of travel. The next morning we got up and went to get me a sim card. So if at all possible, have her meet you there and wire her some money ahead of time. 

 

People in the Philippines are generally very friendly, but like anywhere else there are always bad apples. If someone comes up to you and starts with "Hello my friend!", they are the most likely to try to scam you. At the airport, you will have that lost look, that overwhelmed by everything look, and you will make a nice target. Don't carry more cash on you than you need for that particular day and keep the rest in the hotel room safe (make sure they have a safe). My wallet and keys stayed in the hotel safe nearly the entire time. I bought a small pouch that attaches to my belt and tucked inside the waist to carry cash and ID. Don't walk around with your phone in your hand, keep it in your pocket. 

 

Depending on where you go, you will probably encounter beggars, be prepared for that. When we think of a homeless person in the US, our first image is typically a guy on the street corner with a sign. In the Philippines, it will many times be children, small children and it will affect you. You will want to help, but there will also be eyes on you, so as soon as you pull out some money you might make yourself a target. I wont pretend to tell you the wrong or right thing to do, that's up to you to decide, but you need to prepare yourself for that. And be prepared for them to be aggressive, at one point I had 4 kids tugging at my pant legs, grabbing at my pockets while their mother was asking for money. 

 

There are plenty of online resources to purchase travel insurance and it is fairly cheap.

 

Have a great trip!

Edited August 19, 2022 by MarJhi

[B_J 2,752]

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.

 

The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  

 

The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

[flicks1998 1,044]

18 hours ago, smore said:

My plan is to travel to Philippines in beginning of November, maybe 10 days stay, 2 weeks total off work and such. Seems flights are much cheaper in the fall which works for me as that is the best time for me to travel, but still there seems to be a lack of flights to choose or direct flights like there was before covid when I researched this so flights are a bit longer. I am a novice traveler, maybe been on plane twice so keep this in mind with advise. I am not a world traveler, never been out of the USA.

 

So for travel I believe all I need is a passport which I have, from what I read I do not need a travel visa if under 30 days stay, I am covid vaccinated so I do not even believe they are requiring testing anymore for those vaccinated. Anything I am missing for what I need let me know.

 

Other advise would be helpful on Hotels, of course I am flying into Manila. Seems things are much cheaper for hotels than here in the USA, so thats a relief and looks like nice places when I search expedia or travel sites.

 

Any advise on what to be cautious of when flying, baggage, airport, hotels, taxi, just general things to be aware of from others experience. Any advise on currency and what to bring and what is accepted, maybe even advise on insurance like medical which I believe you can purchase a travelers type I think? I appreciate any advice, info, insight.

You've got decent advice above and to answer all of your questions thoroughly, would be a long post.  I got to know the Terminals very intimately over the years as they were my "home" for a long time.  At one point, my departure airport was considered one of the worst in the world while my arrival airport was considered the best in the world (Singapore), then vice versa when Friday came.  Just information below:

• Its always best to travel without check-in bags but if you have to, you will pick these up just after immigration.
• Terminal 1, 2, and 3 are all set-up differently but follow this:
  • Exchange money at the airport.  NAIA actually has decent FX rates.  At times they may only be 0.1 worse than a bank downtown, other times you will find them the same.  I know some have mentioned using BDO at SM but at times they can have one of the worst rates, although they are convenient.  Also, this worst rate fluctuates, many times they will be lower than other options but sometimes they may be about the same.  In the big picture of things, if you are only exchanging $1000 or so, its really not a big deal where you exchange at.  One of the best places in Makati is Sanrys which is in the basement of Glorietta.  They are excellent.
  • After baggage claim, in the main arrival hall, get a SIM card, either Globe or Smart.  I used Smart for 16 years and at one point tried globe, but I always thought the promos were easier to understand with Smart.
  • Youll need to purchase a load card and many times they will only tell you they have 500p cards.  This is not always true and many times in their booth they are hiding the 100p and 300p cards.  They get a larger "commission" on the higher value cards and will try to force these on foreigners.  Occasionally they will be "out of stock" (the most common phrase you will hear on your trip) but if you want a smaller card try to push for it.  If not, then the 500p will suffice.  Besides the card, they may be able to directly load your phone from their phone at the booth.  If thats the case, you can ask for any amount to be loaded.  If you go this route, wait for the confirmed text youll receive that they really send you the load.  
  • Dont exit the airport until you have secured all your money, your phone is connected to the network, etc etc.  You wont be allowed to go back into the terminal.  Once you are ready, exit the terminal and if you are being picked up by your Fiance/spouse, then look for him/her.  If not, since you are now connected to the internet, trip the Grab app and use that.  Grab and for awhile, Uber was the best thing that ever happened in Manila.  Uber no longer operates in SE Asia but I have never had a bad ride with Grab.  
  • When you walk out of the terminal, act like you have been there before and done it.  Dont wander around lost or aimlessly.  All eyes are on you and somebody will be approaching for a taxi.  Just tell them no and thats it.  Dont engage.  It may seem a little rude, but if this is your first trip, its your best tactic.  Alot of times when I arrived in countries I hadnt been to before, and countries known to have alot of scammers at the airports, I would wear sunglasses so I would avoid direct eye contact with anyone at the airport but at the same time, be able to judge the scene.  Sometimes I would even wear headphones to drown out the "You want taxi, you want taxi."  But walk around the airport confidently, if you arent confident on where you are going you will attract scammers.  Always keep control of the situation.  I can always tell who the least experienced travelers are.  Its all about perception.  Just create the appearance that you own NAIA.  I promise, this will help you tremendously.
  • As for your hotel location in Manila, talk to your Fiance.  I lived in Makati so Im biased to that place.  Its modern, has everything you need, but also on the outskirts it can be very local.  BGC I never liked.  Boring and like living in a US city.  Ermita/Malate - kind of a dump, many foreigners live around there.  Need to be careful of pick pockets.  One area you may try is Ortigas, its not my kind of area but some like it.  You may also want to try Airbnbs.  They tend to be better value than hotels especially for longer stays.
  • If you are going to the province (not Manila or Clark, or Cebu, or Davao, etc), make sure you exchange enough money in Manila.  Provincincial exchange rates can be bad.  For example if the rate is 50p to 1 USD, you may get 43 or 45p in the province.  Not always, but many times.

The above is just a starter.  Just be mindful of your belongings at all times.  Dont act like its your first rodeo around the city as well.  Put your money/phone in your front pockets, always!  If street kids come up to you, take both your hands and shove them in your front pocket and dont take them out.  Dont push or hit the kids.  They will report you to the police and Ive seen foreigners have to pay money to the street kids   

 

Have fun.

[Adventine 3,201]

Plenty of excellent advice in this thread already. I'll add one more thing that's useful wherever I travel: before leaving home, get Google Maps on your phone and download an offline map of the area you're travelling to. Much more convenient than old-school paper maps, and you avoid projecting that "newbie tourist" vibe to potential scammers. Be sure that you download the offline version of the map so you have access even if you don't have data/your data is slow.  

[smore 19]

21 hours ago, hunny&me said:

Vaccination - I believe you need to have 1 booster to be exempted from showing covid negative test.  Prior to flying, you need to register to https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/

Bring masks - it is still required.  Bring your own pen - yep, it is a small thing but you will need it. 

Exchange money at airport - you will probably need pesos for your transportation or tips (not required but appreciated for a help that you may need.  I needed help for my luggages  ).  (anyone picking you up, meeting you? Meeting someone?)

Get SIM card from airport (they are free last time, you just have to load it like 500 pesos).  You now have a philippine number if you need it (calls, internet)

Download Grab app (i do not know if just FB can register or need phil number). My husband has grab app when I visited him.  It is better than taxi.

Hotel - I booked Marriott (well i got points to use).. but if you do book this, see if you get offered with Travel Insurance.  When I booked my arrival night room, they offered a $20 dollar Travel Insurance from Allianz.  Then go to the TI website and adjust your date.  I was able to adjust it to 3-week duration without additional fee. ($20 for 3 weeks - good deal!)   Then, my May travel got postponed because of covid+, so had to rebooked for July had to pay fare change ($600).  .. Because of Travel Insurance - got my $500 back.

Of course, be cautious all the time (regardless of country or first time/regular traveler)..  

 

I was just back to US last week (With my immigrating husband, yey!). 

Have a great time!  It is rainy season.. but still enjoyable.

 

Yes you are correct vaccination plus 1 booster shot, than it sounds like no covid test, no waiting, etc. I have heard of this onehealth thing before and how its a requirement, I briefly checked out the FAQ on it, but of course will need to look into that more and also complete it when necessary as it sounds like its a requirement.

 

I will certainly bring masks, and thanks for the advise on the pen. So you said exchange money at airport, do I need US Cash to exchange or can I use a credit card, debit card type of thing? Also can those be used in the Philippines or do I strictly need to exchange for cash/pesos.

 

I am confused about the Sim card thing, so its free to get but have to add minutes I suppose and it turns my phone into one with a philippine number? Not sure I want to mess with my phone and change the Sim card, I do use Whats app to communicate with who I am visiting there and am hoping than they can do most of the local calls if necessary.

 

I am not on FB, don't ever intend on it either. So not sure about what this Grab app is? I briefly did some research sounds like an Asia area app for many different things. I am not an app user so much as so many have so many issues with them I try and limit what I download. To find transportation would the hotels be able to suggest? Or also I am hoping who I am visiting should have a clue also about many of these things, we just have not been able to have a really good conversation about everything yet, but are planning to try and talk about it. Time differences, availability to internet and good connection, etc puts a bit of a difficulty between communication.

 

I think now days this travel insurance is very necessary with all the flights being canceled and such. I briefly again looked at the Allianz, I do think travel sites like Expedia offer it, but it did seem more expensive when I was just doing some searches for flights, like 300.00 for cancellation type thing, but actual travel insurance sounds like it covers much more than just cancellation reimbursement. I think you can also get medical coverage as well. Travel insurance is certainly something I will be looking into and getting and I will have to see if its offered like your experience. Your experience or situation you told about was just on the hotel part correct, since it sounds like the hotel offered the travel insurance.

 

I have been advised by who I am visiting its not the best weather that time of year, but its not about the weather and some lavish vacation its about us meeting and hopefully proceeding, spending time together but hopefully the weather will be ok. That time of year November works for me and my work, life, responsibilities as its just before winter here.

 

Thanks for your help.

[smore 19]

19 hours ago, MarJhi said:

My first trip to the Philippines in 2019 I was a first time international traveler myself, so here are some of my recommendations.

 

When booking a flight that has a layover, keep in mind the length of the layover. My first trip had a 1:10 minute layover in Hong Kong, which sounded nice when I booked it, but turned out to be far too short. I recommend at least a 2 to 2.5 hour layover so you can have time to locate your next gate, stretch your legs, use the restroom and grab a snack or something. 

 

My first trip was through Hong Kong, my second trip had layovers in Japan. Japan was FAR easier to navigate (both Haneda and Narita airports) than Hong Kong. Quite frankly the Hong Kong airport personnel weren't as friendly or helpful as those in Japan, and the Japanese airports were smaller and less hectic. The flight from Hong Kong to Manila was a little over 2 hours, the flight from Tokyo to Manila was 5 hours. I will take a layover in Japan any day. 

 

I am assuming you and your fiance' have Facebook messenger, which will help you communicate using the airports Wi-Fi while you travel. 

 

Money! My first trip I took about $500 in cash and downloaded the Western Union app so I can wire myself money as needed once I was there. My second trip I sent $500 to my fiance' ahead of time so she can have it converted and waiting for me once I got there, and when I needed more later I used my Western Union app to wire myself some cash. The hotels I stayed at wanted a small deposit at check in, 1000 pesos or about $20, so keep that in mind depending on where you stay. I took my credit cards just in case, but never used them outside of the airports. Call your credit card companies ahead of time and let them know when and where you are travelling. I used the credit cards for food and drink in the airports so there was no need to exchange currency. 

 

Now the BEST advice I can give you, what really worked for me, was to have my fiance meet me at the airport in Manila. Doing that, and wiring her some money ahead of time, I didnt have to worry about exchanging currency, getting a sim card right away or getting ripped off by a taxi scam. I got through the aiport fairly quickly, spotted my fiance, she used the Grab app (download it, never use a regular taxi) and we were at the hotel in no time. Had she not been there I would have been scrambling to get that stuff done after 23 hours of travel. The next morning we got up and went to get me a sim card. So if at all possible, have her meet you there and wire her some money ahead of time. 

 

People in the Philippines are generally very friendly, but like anywhere else there are always bad apples. If someone comes up to you and starts with "Hello my friend!", they are the most likely to try to scam you. At the airport, you will have that lost look, that overwhelmed by everything look, and you will make a nice target. Don't carry more cash on you than you need for that particular day and keep the rest in the hotel room safe (make sure they have a safe). My wallet and keys stayed in the hotel safe nearly the entire time. I bought a small pouch that attaches to my belt and tucked inside the waist to carry cash and ID. Don't walk around with your phone in your hand, keep it in your pocket. 

 

Depending on where you go, you will probably encounter beggars, be prepared for that. When we think of a homeless person in the US, our first image is typically a guy on the street corner with a sign. In the Philippines, it will many times be children, small children and it will affect you. You will want to help, but there will also be eyes on you, so as soon as you pull out some money you might make yourself a target. I wont pretend to tell you the wrong or right thing to do, that's up to you to decide, but you need to prepare yourself for that. And be prepared for them to be aggressive, at one point I had 4 kids tugging at my pant legs, grabbing at my pockets while their mother was asking for money. 

 

There are plenty of online resources to purchase travel insurance and it is fairly cheap.

 

Have a great trip!

I believe from what I have searched I find flights from USA to Seoul Korea than to Manila, still a very long flight, no direct from USA anymore since covid, there used to be one.

 

I do not have FB, and as mentioned don't ever intend on having it. We use Whats app, and I assume we can use that to continue to communicate while I am on my way there and when I get there.

 

I will have to look into the money thing more, sounds like its best to convert USA cash to pesos, not sure if I can even do that here or something before I leave? So are credit cards are accepted? Sounds like you never used them outside the airport but took them just in case you needed them. Good idea to let bank, credit card company know your traveling.

 

Appreciate the BEST advise you gave. That is the plan to have who I am visiting meet me at the airport, I believe that is the plan, however flights will arrive 10pm or 11pm there time. You spoke of this Grab app again and sim card, are those necessary? So you said never use a regular taxi? what do you use, what sort of method is it if its not a regular taxi.

 

Thanks for the heads up about the scams and what be careful of and not to do. And also about the beggars and to be cautious.

 

Yes now days travel insurance is necessary with all the issues going on with these airlines and its sounds like it pretty cheap so well worth it.

 

 

[smore 19]

5 hours ago, B_J said:

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.

 

The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  

 

The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Sounds like you were new to traveling like me. I am also worried about the navigating through various airports especially foreign ones. However you had mentioned direct nonstop flight from LA to Manila. A while ago, maybe 2 years ago before all the covid stuff I did see that flight from LA to Manila but I have not seen that flight available anymore. But sounds like you still fly that flight, please let me know if that is still available. I of course would have to fly to LA from where I am but than nonstop to Manila would be very nice. Most of the flights I have seen go through Seoul Korea than to Manila and leave here in the morning and arrive in Manila 10pm or 11pm, which I guess is not to bad, than you can go to sleep for the night and wake up daytime in Manila.

 

I am certainly hoping to rely on who I am visiting for much of things as otherwise I will have no clue, we will of course be together almost all the time so that should not be an issue with her knowing her way around, knowing how things are, etc.

 

Thanks for your advise

[smore 19]

3 hours ago, flicks1998 said:

You've got decent advice above and to answer all of your questions thoroughly, would be a long post.  I got to know the Terminals very intimately over the years as they were my "home" for a long time.  At one point, my departure airport was considered one of the worst in the world while my arrival airport was considered the best in the world (Singapore), then vice versa when Friday came.  Just information below:

• Its always best to travel without check-in bags but if you have to, you will pick these up just after immigration.
• Terminal 1, 2, and 3 are all set-up differently but follow this:
  • Exchange money at the airport.  NAIA actually has decent FX rates.  At times they may only be 0.1 worse than a bank downtown, other times you will find them the same.  I know some have mentioned using BDO at SM but at times they can have one of the worst rates, although they are convenient.  Also, this worst rate fluctuates, many times they will be lower than other options but sometimes they may be about the same.  In the big picture of things, if you are only exchanging $1000 or so, its really not a big deal where you exchange at.  One of the best places in Makati is Sanrys which is in the basement of Glorietta.  They are excellent.
  • After baggage claim, in the main arrival hall, get a SIM card, either Globe or Smart.  I used Smart for 16 years and at one point tried globe, but I always thought the promos were easier to understand with Smart.
  • Youll need to purchase a load card and many times they will only tell you they have 500p cards.  This is not always true and many times in their booth they are hiding the 100p and 300p cards.  They get a larger "commission" on the higher value cards and will try to force these on foreigners.  Occasionally they will be "out of stock" (the most common phrase you will hear on your trip) but if you want a smaller card try to push for it.  If not, then the 500p will suffice.  Besides the card, they may be able to directly load your phone from their phone at the booth.  If thats the case, you can ask for any amount to be loaded.  If you go this route, wait for the confirmed text youll receive that they really send you the load.  
  • Dont exit the airport until you have secured all your money, your phone is connected to the network, etc etc.  You wont be allowed to go back into the terminal.  Once you are ready, exit the terminal and if you are being picked up by your Fiance/spouse, then look for him/her.  If not, since you are now connected to the internet, trip the Grab app and use that.  Grab and for awhile, Uber was the best thing that ever happened in Manila.  Uber no longer operates in SE Asia but I have never had a bad ride with Grab.  
  • When you walk out of the terminal, act like you have been there before and done it.  Dont wander around lost or aimlessly.  All eyes are on you and somebody will be approaching for a taxi.  Just tell them no and thats it.  Dont engage.  It may seem a little rude, but if this is your first trip, its your best tactic.  Alot of times when I arrived in countries I hadnt been to before, and countries known to have alot of scammers at the airports, I would wear sunglasses so I would avoid direct eye contact with anyone at the airport but at the same time, be able to judge the scene.  Sometimes I would even wear headphones to drown out the "You want taxi, you want taxi."  But walk around the airport confidently, if you arent confident on where you are going you will attract scammers.  Always keep control of the situation.  I can always tell who the least experienced travelers are.  Its all about perception.  Just create the appearance that you own NAIA.  I promise, this will help you tremendously.
  • As for your hotel location in Manila, talk to your Fiance.  I lived in Makati so Im biased to that place.  Its modern, has everything you need, but also on the outskirts it can be very local.  BGC I never liked.  Boring and like living in a US city.  Ermita/Malate - kind of a dump, many foreigners live around there.  Need to be careful of pick pockets.  One area you may try is Ortigas, its not my kind of area but some like it.  You may also want to try Airbnbs.  They tend to be better value than hotels especially for longer stays.
  • If you are going to the province (not Manila or Clark, or Cebu, or Davao, etc), make sure you exchange enough money in Manila.  Provincincial exchange rates can be bad.  For example if the rate is 50p to 1 USD, you may get 43 or 45p in the province.  Not always, but many times.

The above is just a starter.  Just be mindful of your belongings at all times.  Dont act like its your first rodeo around the city as well.  Put your money/phone in your front pockets, always!  If street kids come up to you, take both your hands and shove them in your front pocket and dont take them out.  Dont push or hit the kids.  They will report you to the police and Ive seen foreigners have to pay money to the street kids   

 

Have fun.

It would be nice to just travel with carry on bag and not have to check in any bags, just not sure if that is possible for 10 day say and would have to see how large a bag I can carry on. But I agree the hassle of check in bag would be nice to avoid.

 

Sounds like most are advising exchange money at the airport in Manila? Have no idea how much to even bring for that long of stay. Most things like of course flight and hotel might be paid for in advance if I use Expedia or some site like that. But daily things, food, travel, etc have no clue what to bring. I do not want to bring way to much or of course way to little.

 

Everyone keeps mentioning this Sim card and get one. So forgive me I am a technical person with computers, but phones I try to keep it simple with them. So I of course bring my phone, I have to replace my Sim card with one from there which will give me a philippines number? and load the phone with time. Do I need to do that? esp if the person I am with will have their phone. And we do communicate via whats app now.

 

Again another person who mentioned the Grab app, sounds like many use that app. I am again just a simple person when it comes to phones, try to to go overboard with apps as most just cause so many issues, don't work, and have privacy issues as well. But sounds like many of you use that Grab app for transportation and not to use a taxi. Sounds like transportation over there is more of an Uber thing and that is the best method of travel. I am certainly hoping who I am visiting will be familiar with most things as they should be and will be able to streamline many things and teach me, guide me, help me as we will be together for most of the time.

 

Ok so no walking around lost or aimless, I will try my best. I am hoping the plan is to be met at the airport by who I am visiting so that should help with the lost and aimless look. But I totally get the importance about the advise on not looking lost or aimless. The sunglasses is a good idea, looks like most flights I have checked into arrive at night, but hey I can wear my sunglasses at night, even the song says I can.

 

Thanks for the advise on Hotels, I have just briefly started to look just to get an idea, but I need to talk with who I am visiting to be sure of where we are staying as I believe we are leaving Manila area to visit her location so no idea where I might be staying, might not need a hotel after that. I have asked her to clarify where I am staying but we have not connected yet to talk about those details in a more in depth conversation.

 

I appreciate the advise on being safe, cautious and be mindful of my belongings at all times.

 

Thanks for taking the time to give so much advise, I really appreciate it.

[smore 19]

3 hours ago, Adventine said:

Plenty of excellent advice in this thread already. I'll add one more thing that's useful wherever I travel: before leaving home, get Google Maps on your phone and download an offline map of the area you're travelling to. Much more convenient than old-school paper maps, and you avoid projecting that "newbie tourist" vibe to potential scammers. Be sure that you download the offline version of the map so you have access even if you don't have data/your data is slow.  

Good idea, thanks for your advise. I am certainly going to be relying on who I am visiting for navigation, but having a map also helps, and one that is available when no data or slow internet. I mean we have many areas in USA with no data and slow internet still, heck I live in a location like that, but seems like its more common in philippines as she often has trouble with getting a connection or good connection, even issues with power outages and that, cannot charge phone.

[B_J 2,752]

43 minutes ago, smore said:

Sounds like you were new to traveling like me. I am also worried about the navigating through various airports especially foreign ones. However you had mentioned direct nonstop flight from LA to Manila. A while ago, maybe 2 years ago before all the covid stuff I did see that flight from LA to Manila but I have not seen that flight available anymore. But sounds like you still fly that flight, please let me know if that is still available. I of course would have to fly to LA from where I am but than nonstop to Manila would be very nice. Most of the flights I have seen go through Seoul Korea than to Manila and leave here in the morning and arrive in Manila 10pm or 11pm, which I guess is not to bad, than you can go to sleep for the night and wake up daytime in Manila.

 

I am certainly hoping to rely on who I am visiting for much of things as otherwise I will have no clue, we will of course be together almost all the time so that should not be an issue with her knowing her way around, knowing how things are, etc.

 

Thanks for your advise

Philippine Airlines still has nonstop from LA to Manila. As far as I know,  they're the only airline that has nonstop to Philippines.

[smore 19]

6 hours ago, B_J said:

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.

 

The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  

 

The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

I was curious so I did another search but specially from LAX to Manila and nonstop flights showed up via a few airlines, but it does show Philippine Airlines. Reasonable prices also at that time of year which I am thankful for. Just seems like on Expedia not much shows up but some other sites like Kayak more options for nonstop from LAX to Manila show up, even various flights in a day to choose from. I thought all these travel sites sorta showed about the same info. I would of course have to get a flight from where I am located to LA that would work to catch the nonstop flight.

[smore 19]

1 minute ago, B_J said:

Philippine Airlines still has nonstop from LA to Manila. As far as I know,  they're the only airline that has nonstop to Philippines.

I had just replied when you were replying. I thought some other airlines also had nonstop like China airlines or something but your right seems like only Philippine Airlines has that nonstop flight, but they do offer several of them it seems. I am just glad that option is still available as I just cannot seem to find it when I do a search starting from where I am located, but when I start out in LAX it comes up, weird that it does not give me that option when I enter from where I am located to go to LAX than Manila.