Southeast Asia
Philippines
Over 7,000 islands with superb beaches, diving and surf, warm English-speaking people and easy nomad bases in Siargao, Cebu and Manila. Slow island internet, typhoons and long transfers are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa159 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyPHPUS$1 ≈ ₱62.61Details
- Price level33%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType A, B, C220 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; cheap water refilling stations are everywhere and hotels provide bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalAmong Asia's most accepting societies, with visible gay and trans communities and big Manila Pride in June; Catholic conservatism still shapes national law.Details
- Internet114 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 66 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for 90 days after arrival; non-English licences need an official translation or IDP.
Where to go in Philippines
27 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManilaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,280–2,080 | Dec–Mar | 40/100 |
| BoracayIsland | 4/5 | $1,040–1,600 | Nov–May | 74/100 |
| PalawanIsland | 4/5 | $799–1,360 | Nov–May | 85/100 |
| El NidoTown | 4/5 | $799–1,360 | Dec–May | 85/100 |
| CebuCity | 3/5 | $958–1,520 | Jan–May | 67/100 |
| SiargaoIsland | 4/5 | $799–1,360 | Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov | 80/100 |
| CoronTown | 4/5 | $799–1,280 | Dec–May | 87/100 |
| BoholIsland | 4/5 | $719–1,200 | Jan–May | 89/100 |
| PanglaoIsland | 4/5 | $799–1,280 | Jan–May | 86/100 |
| MakatiDistrict | 4/5 | $1,440–2,240 | Dec–Mar | 48/100 |
| MoalboalTown | 4/5 | $639–1,040 | Jan–May | 93/100 |
| BaguioMountain town | 4/5 | $671–1,120 | Nov–Apr | 93/100 |
| La UnionBeach town | 4/5 | $639–1,040 | Nov–Apr | 92/100 |
| DavaoCity | 4/5 | $719–1,120 | Feb–May | 89/100 |
| DumagueteCity | 4/5 | $607–958 | Jan–May | 95/100 |
| SiquijorIsland | 4/5 | $559–878 | Jan–May | 96/100 |
| Puerto GaleraTown | 4/5 | $639–1,040 | Mar–Jun | 92/100 |
| MalapascuaIsland | 4/5 | $639–1,040 | Mar–Jun | 92/100 |
| Port BartonTown | 4/5 | $607–958 | Jan–May | 95/100 |
| TagaytayCity | 4/5 | $719–1,120 | Nov–Feb | 90/100 |
| SagadaMountain town | 4/5 | $447–719 | Feb–Apr, Nov–Dec | 99/100 |
| BanaueMountain town | 4/5 | $447–719 | Mar–Jun | 99/100 |
| ViganTown | 4/5 | $479–767 | Nov–Mar | 98/100 |
| IloiloCity | 4/5 | $639–990 | Jan–May | 95/100 |
| Angeles CityCity | 3/5 | $719–1,120 | Nov–Mar | 85/100 |
| BGCDistrict | 4/5 | $1,440–2,240 | Dec–Mar | 42/100 |
| BantayanIsland | 4/5 | $607–926 | Jan–May | 95/100 |
When to visit Philippines
December–May is driest (cooler December–February, hot March–May). June–November brings rain and typhoons, peaking August–October. Siargao's best surf is September–November.
Good to know
Entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking and vaping in public places are banned in many cities, with fines
- Drug laws are harsh; even small amounts can mean long detention
Etiquette
- Add 'po' when speaking to elders; respect seniority
- Don't raise your voice; public anger causes loss of face
- Dress modestly in churches: shoulders and knees covered
- Expect social events to start late
Tipping
Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- eTravel (Government of the Philippines)
- Bureau of Immigration
- Department of Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Philippines
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.