Mountain town in Benguet, Philippines
Baguio
A cool pine-covered hill city, five to six hours north of Manila, with a student and art crowd, strawberry markets and mountain trips. Escapes the heat, but the city is crowded, steep and prone to landslides.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$671–1,120Comfortable, one person · ₱42,000–70,000Details
- Value for money93/100Better value than 92% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 25°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; water refilling stations are everywhere, and hotels provide bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundJoyRideWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and some cafés; cash for jeepneys, the market, street food and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Baguio
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Session Road–Burnham Park | Central: cafés, market, buses, walkable |
| Camp John Hay / Loakan | Pine forest, quiet cabins and golf |
| Upper Session / Legarda | Student area with cafés and cheap rooms |
| Bakakeng–Aurora Hill | Local residential areas with cheaper rents |
Apps that work in Baguio
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Small taxis are cheap and use meters; jeepneys cover routes. Grab does not serve Baguio widely.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and some cafés; cash for jeepneys, the market, street food and small shops.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Baguio solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.