Advise On Traveling To Philippines

[smore 19]

6 minutes ago, smore said:

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.

Well I might have to settle for a 1 or probably 2 stop flight thru Seoul Korea as there just seems to be no flights available. Even if I try and get from where I am located to LAX, it would not work to connect to the Manila flight that day and looks like it would be about the same price anyways trying it that way and not saving much time either. Some of these travel search sites just don't seem as smart, as one will find flights, but another will not, seems some just cannot figure out things like you go from this place to that, than you can go to Manila.

[B_J 2,752]

12 minutes ago, smore said:

Well I might have to settle for a 1 or probably 2 stop flight thru Seoul Korea as there just seems to be no flights available. Even if I try and get from where I am located to LAX, it would not work to connect to the Manila flight that day and looks like it would be about the same price anyways trying it that way and not saving much time either. Some of these travel search sites just don't seem as smart, as one will find flights, but another will not, seems some just cannot figure out things like you go from this place to that, than you can go to Manila.

You don't have to use the travel sites. You can book a flight LA on southwest.com and then book your flight to Manila on philippineairlines.com.

[AlaMike 231]

My suggestion on flights (my experience only). 

Search for flights from MSL (Minneapolis St Paul) to MNL (Manila). I use Microsoft Edge search engine because it gives a better selection of flights. I have used Delta for all my flights but there are many others to choose.

You will see 3 options "best", "cheapest" and "quickest".  Prices will vary with each selection.

I try to choose the option with the shortest time that i can afford, usually around 24 +/- total flight time.

You do not want to have a layover in an airport lobby for 13 to 18 hours... trust me.

I try to leave the US on a Thursday, which puts me in Manila on Friday around 9-10 PM Philippine time.

I stay at a hotel close to the airport, all are just across the street from the terminal. I use the Holiday Inn only because I have points and the stay is free. Get a good nights sleep... you will need it. Then start the next day with my travels to the province of my wife.

But choose one within your budget and travel time. 

A few other tips...

1 - Take an extra pair of glasses or contacts. Keep them in your carry on... just in case.

2 - Do not wear "flashy" or expensive clothes or jewelry, it only draws attention. If your anything like me... 6' and 275lbs you draw enough attention as it is without looking like you have money.

3 - Keep your wallet, passport, etc. in your front pocket. Yes, there are pick pockets.

4 - Do not leave these items in your hotel room. As most hotels have great security, you just can't take the chance.

5 - Let your fiancé negotiate the price of things. Some but not all merchants see an American and the price goes up.

6 - Have an international rate plan added to your cell phone. They are not expensive and your regular phone and number work. Mine is Verizon and I had service everywhere there was regular service for local phones.

 

*** But most of all, have fun. See the country side, eat good food and live it up. You only get to go around once...act like it.

 

[smore 19]

1 hour ago, B_J said:

You don't have to use the travel sites. You can book a flight LA on southwest.com and then book your flight to Manila on philippineairlines.com.

I agree about not having to use travel sites. I am going to try some of the major airlines in my area and see what they come up with. Was just doing a bit of quick research to give me an idea on costs, now that I have an idea on that I need to narrow down a flight that works.

[smore 19]

23 minutes ago, AlaMike said:

My suggestion on flights (my experience only). 

Search for flights from MSL (Minneapolis St Paul) to MNL (Manila). I use Microsoft Edge search engine because it gives a better selection of flights. I have used Delta for all my flights but there are many others to choose.

You will see 3 options "best", "cheapest" and "quickest".  Prices will vary with each selection.

I try to choose the option with the shortest time that i can afford, usually around 24 +/- total flight time.

You do not want to have a layover in an airport lobby for 13 to 18 hours... trust me.

I try to leave the US on a Thursday, which puts me in Manila on Friday around 9-10 PM Philippine time.

I stay at a hotel close to the airport, all are just across the street from the terminal. I use the Holiday Inn only because I have points and the stay is free. Get a good nights sleep... you will need it. Then start the next day with my travels to the province of my wife.

But choose one within your budget and travel time. 

A few other tips...

1 - Take an extra pair of glasses or contacts. Keep them in your carry on... just in case.

2 - Do not wear "flashy" or expensive clothes or jewelry, it only draws attention. If your anything like me... 6' and 275lbs you draw enough attention as it is without looking like you have money.

3 - Keep your wallet, passport, etc. in your front pocket. Yes, there are pick pockets.

4 - Do not leave these items in your hotel room. As most hotels have great security, you just can't take the chance.

5 - Let your fiancé negotiate the price of things. Some but not all merchants see an American and the price goes up.

6 - Have an international rate plan added to your cell phone. They are not expensive and your regular phone and number work. Mine is Verizon and I had service everywhere there was regular service for local phones.

 

*** But most of all, have fun. See the country side, eat good food and live it up. You only get to go around once...act like it.

 

Thanks for your advise. I am going to do more searches for flights, Delta is the most common airline in this area, there are a few others but Delta seems to have the most flights. Going to try to go to the actual airlines sites as well. I am seeing around 24-26 hour times which I believe includes layovers, seems no matter where you are in the USA the flight is around 20 some hours. There are of course longer ones 40 hours or more because of layovers, and like you said you don't want some 18 hour layover. I am seeing 2-4 hour layovers with 2 stops.  Your times seem to be what I am seeing when I am searching, however I was leaving on a friday and arriving 10pm. Not sure if there is a better day flight wise from the USA for more flight options, but friday works for me for days off work, but thursday could work also if there are more options on a thursday than a friday. Sounds like there are plenty of Hotels right across the street from the airport, from what I have seen its really reasonable prices, not like here in the USA.

 

Very good advise on your 1-6 and I appreciate the tips. I am adding more and more of these tips to my memory. Number 6 I prefer versus messing with a Sim card and philippines number. I will have to check on my phone to see if they have international plan that works in philippines.

[smore 19]

Phone research. So I spoke with my phone provider. My phone provider Straight Talk will not work in the Philippines with its regular features like using the phone or messaging. I can however if I can find wi-fi use whats app to make or receive calls, send messages. I can get whats called Pocket Wi-Fi I guess and than I do not have to worry about finding a location with Wi-Fi, I guess thats what has been explained. I really only need to be able to communicate with the person I am visiting and perhaps be able to send messages back to USA if needed to keep in touch, let everyone know I arrived, am doing ok, etc. I am hoping the person I am visiting we can use there phone to do all in philippines calls if necessary. This is a learning curve for sure and I appreciate all the advise, tips, help so far that people have posted for me.

[MarJhi 963]

5 hours ago, smore said:

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 never had a layover in South Korea so I cannot speak on it, but I have heard good things about that airport

 

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. Whatsapp requires the use of a phone number, Facebook messenger does not. Facebook messenger only requires an account and the ability to connect to the internet (like airport WiFi when traveling). I don't use Facebook messenger on a normal basis, but on my trips to the Philippines I used it on my phone as a lifeline to connect while traveling. Once my travel was over, I deleted the Facebook messenger app. You might be able to get an international plan for travel through your cell phone service provider, but those are quite expensive. 

 

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. Credit cards are accepted at some places, but you'll have a hard time using a credit card at the local markets, mom and pop shops and smaller (not chains) restaurants

 

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. My flights arrived after 10PM, it's no problem. Manila is a massive city and you can always find transportation. A SIM card is 100% necessary unless you dont want to use your phone. The Grab app is similar to Uber, it will give you 2 options, you can order a Grab Taxi or a Grab car. It will give you a route and a rough but fairly accurate estimate of the cost of the ride. I suggest taking a Grab car, they are privately owned vehicles, not taxis and are much cleaner and nicer vehicles. A Grab taxi might cost you 300 pesos from point A to point B whereas a Grab car might cost 400 pesos. A regular taxi opens you up to a lot of scams, overcharging, taking the long route, claiming their meter is broken etc. 

 

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. Just remember, your fiance is the local and she will be your #1 protector to keep you out of trouble. If she suggest something or tells you not to do something or go somewhere, pay attention. 

 

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.

 

 

 

Edited August 20, 2022 by MarJhi

[MarJhi 963]

6 hours ago, AlaMike said:

 

6 - Have an international rate plan added to your cell phone. They are not expensive and your regular phone and number work. Mine is Verizon and I had service everywhere there was regular service for local phones.

 

 

How much is your international rate plan on Verizon?

 

I have AT&T and it was about $10 a day, so for me it was cheaper to just get a local sim card while I was there.

[AlaMike 231]

5 hours ago, MarJhi said:

How much is your international rate plan on Verizon?

 

I have AT&T and it was about $10 a day, so for me it was cheaper to just get a local sim card while I was there.

The same @ 10 a day but I have use the monthly for 100. Plus, I don't miss any calls, emails or texts to my normal number.

[MarJhi 963]

33 minutes ago, AlaMike said:

The same @ 10 a day but I have use the monthly for 100. Plus, I don't miss any calls, emails or texts to my normal number.

Oh if AT&T had a monthly plan for $100 I definitely would have gone that route. Might need to change carriers.

[smore 19]

20 hours ago, MarJhi said:

 

Seems like what I am finding is 2 stop flights from where I am, and goes through Seoul Korea. Also seems like when I go to an airline site like Delta I actually come up with less options, sometimes just 1 or 2. There are lots of travel sites so I am just seeing what will be best, flight time which seems to be around 22-28 hours, cost wise, etc. Still have not given up on the LAX nonstop to Manila, just would have to have all the stars to align to fly from where I am to LAX and not have a long layover to catch flight to Manila.

 

Not having FB and not wanting FB I cannot use FB messenger. I do have whatsapp and have had it for several years. So I am wondering if I will be able to use it on flight over there and while there. I have straight talk plan, and I already contacted them and they do not have a plan that would work overseas. So whatapp does use my phone for the account, however since whatsapp is setup already can I not use that app if I have Wi-fi, I believe that is what my phone company said, they also mentioned this pocket wi-fi device I can get so I did not have to connect to any local wi-fi, no idea what this pocket wi-fi is, anyone heard of it?

 

I am just not sure of this Sim card thing, seems like that is what alot of people do, but don't I have to open up phone take my sim card out which contains all my data and put in a sim card which than will not have anything saved on it from my orig sim card? I would not like the hassle of doing that. Certainly have to figure out communication with who I am visiting, while there I am sure we will use her phone for that, but still we need to communicate when I am leaving, on the way, and when I arrive.

 

Sounds like credit cards are really not the thing to use and I can see how many small places cannot accept them. Just need to than figure out how much to bring, how much to exchange, I do not want to overly bring to much and be walking around with lots of money.

 

I am hoping we can use her phone for getting transportation, perhaps thru that grab app, she is already familiar with traveling around so I am hoping that is something I do not have to think about so much. Sounds like the private rides are the way to go vesus a taxi.

 

I agree she will will my protector as she knows the country, so I am hoping alot of things I will not have to worry about as she will know them and be able to just do, like transportation. We will be together I am thinking the entire time so no matter where we go from Manila she should be able to handle how we are going to do that.

 

 

[MarJhi 963]

4 hours ago, smore said:

Seems like what I am finding is 2 stop flights from where I am, and goes through Seoul Korea. Also seems like when I go to an airline site like Delta I actually come up with less options, sometimes just 1 or 2. There are lots of travel sites so I am just seeing what will be best, flight time which seems to be around 22-28 hours, cost wise, etc. Still have not given up on the LAX nonstop to Manila, just would have to have all the stars to align to fly from where I am to LAX and not have a long layover to catch flight to Manila.

 

Not having FB and not wanting FB I cannot use FB messenger. I do have whatsapp and have had it for several years. So I am wondering if I will be able to use it on flight over there and while there. I have straight talk plan, and I already contacted them and they do not have a plan that would work overseas. So whatapp does use my phone for the account, however since whatsapp is setup already can I not use that app if I have Wi-fi, I believe that is what my phone company said, they also mentioned this pocket wi-fi device I can get so I did not have to connect to any local wi-fi, no idea what this pocket wi-fi is, anyone heard of it?

 

I am just not sure of this Sim card thing, seems like that is what alot of people do, but don't I have to open up phone take my sim card out which contains all my data and put in a sim card which than will not have anything saved on it from my orig sim card? I would not like the hassle of doing that. Certainly have to figure out communication with who I am visiting, while there I am sure we will use her phone for that, but still we need to communicate when I am leaving, on the way, and when I arrive.

 

Sounds like credit cards are really not the thing to use and I can see how many small places cannot accept them. Just need to than figure out how much to bring, how much to exchange, I do not want to overly bring to much and be walking around with lots of money.

 

I am hoping we can use her phone for getting transportation, perhaps thru that grab app, she is already familiar with traveling around so I am hoping that is something I do not have to think about so much. Sounds like the private rides are the way to go vesus a taxi.

 

I agree she will will my protector as she knows the country, so I am hoping alot of things I will not have to worry about as she will know them and be able to just do, like transportation. We will be together I am thinking the entire time so no matter where we go from Manila she should be able to handle how we are going to do that.

 

 

Where will you be staying, in the Manila area? Make sure your hotel has wifi. 

 

You sound very resistant to all of the advice given by everyone here about sim cards and your carrier doesnt have an international option, so maybe you'll just have to wing it and figure out something on the fly. Good luck on that.

 

I wasn't suggesting you not take your credit cards, they will be good in certain places and it's a good backup to have in an emergency. Outside of the airports I never really used them. 

 

As for how much cash to bring, I don't know a good answer for you for that question. You said you don't want to walk around with too much cash, but in the Philippines you shouldn't walk around with more cash on you than you need for that day. Is your plan to walk around with all of your cash on you at all times? Remember, the minimum wage in the Manila is around 500 pesos per day, that's less than $10 per day. How big a target would you be if someone notices you have all of your vacation money on you at all times? What would you do for money if something  came up and you needed more? What if your money got stolen or lost? You need to figure these things out now, not after you get there. 

[Palawan 131]

On 8/18/2022 at 6:31 PM, 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.

2 Weeks isn't long enough, you will culture shock for a few days, and you will have jet lag for few days as well.

 

If you can get a Charles Scwabb account setup before you leave, you can do it online and transfer money to your checking account you can use ATM at any bank in Philippines and Schwabb will refund your transaction fee for any ATM machine used world wide.  Most ATM will only give you 10,000 pesos per transaction with a  250 peso fee, Charles Schwabb will allow you upto $1000.00 US Dollars per day transaciton, you just stay at same ATM machine and use it 5 times in row.

 

I normally carry around 5k USD on me when I enter, make sure the bills are $100 and unmarked (No drawing or ink marks or tears) and you can exchange some as soon as you hit NAIA airport, they actually have very good exchange rate.

 

Enjoy Manila, it's a fun city the rest of the provinces not so much and kinda boring, be careful what you eat, lots of expired food for sale.

[smore 19]

11 hours ago, MarJhi said:

Where will you be staying, in the Manila area? Make sure your hotel has wifi. 

 

You sound very resistant to all of the advice given by everyone here about sim cards and your carrier doesnt have an international option, so maybe you'll just have to wing it and figure out something on the fly. Good luck on that.

 

I wasn't suggesting you not take your credit cards, they will be good in certain places and it's a good backup to have in an emergency. Outside of the airports I never really used them. 

 

As for how much cash to bring, I don't know a good answer for you for that question. You said you don't want to walk around with too much cash, but in the Philippines you shouldn't walk around with more cash on you than you need for that day. Is your plan to walk around with all of your cash on you at all times? Remember, the minimum wage in the Manila is around 500 pesos per day, that's less than $10 per day. How big a target would you be if someone notices you have all of your vacation money on you at all times? What would you do for money if something  came up and you needed more? What if your money got stolen or lost? You need to figure these things out now, not after you get there. 

I am actually not sure the exact plan yet about where staying the entire trip, I know Manila in the beginning for a day maybe, and than maybe at the end of the trip also for a night, but between I am not sure. I will have to check on availability of Wifi no matter where I will be staying.

 

I am not really resistant on the sim card, just was hoping it was going to be alot easier when it comes to bringing my phone. I may very well have to do the sim card thing as it seems that is what many do, I just have to research it more, get an understanding of it. I don't want to be messing up my phone I guess, cracking it open, switching cards if there is another more simple way to do the little communication I may need.  I don't want to wing it as thats never a good plan, so much more research will have to be done, as well as talking with her about it and seeing what she can tell me about service in the area.

 

I get that you were not saying not to take my credit cards, and I got that you said outside the airport you did not use them much, but still good to have them.

 

I also did not mean I would walk around with all my cash on me at all times, that was just a phrase that I did not want to bring way to much. I take it there are places where I can get more money, exchange money from my credit card, bank, or something if needed.

 

I appreciate all the advise, just trying to let all this sink in and educate myself so its nice to have others who offer help.

[smore 19]

5 hours ago, Palawan said:

2 Weeks isn't long enough, you will culture shock for a few days, and you will have jet lag for few days as well.

 

If you can get a Charles Scwabb account setup before you leave, you can do it online and transfer money to your checking account you can use ATM at any bank in Philippines and Schwabb will refund your transaction fee for any ATM machine used world wide.  Most ATM will only give you 10,000 pesos per transaction with a  250 peso fee, Charles Schwabb will allow you upto $1000.00 US Dollars per day transaciton, you just stay at same ATM machine and use it 5 times in row.

 

I normally carry around 5k USD on me when I enter, make sure the bills are $100 and unmarked (No drawing or ink marks or tears) and you can exchange some as soon as you hit NAIA airport, they actually have very good exchange rate.

 

Enjoy Manila, it's a fun city the rest of the provinces not so much and kinda boring, be careful what you eat, lots of expired food for sale.

10 days will have to be long enough, I am not retired, have a job, have responsibilities. So 10 full days not including the flights will have to be enough time.

 

I am going to have to research the money thing, what to bring, how to get more if needed with both my credit card company and bank. But thanks for the advise on setting up another account.

 

Trying to see if I am following what you said you carry around 5k USD, which is 5000.00? is that correct, um I will not be planning on that at all, no way this trip should cost that much, not including the flight, hotel which mainly will be paid for in advance. I mean even here in the USA where things are highly priced I would not plan on spending that much on vacation, and never have.

 

Thanks for the tip on expired food.