Island, Philippines
Bohol
A friendly, green island of Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and river cruises, with Panglao's beaches an hour away. Easy to do solo on day tours; Tagbilaran itself is quiet and public transport is limited.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$719–1,200Comfortable, one person · ₱45,000–75,000Details
- Value for money89/100Better value than 88% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; refill stations sell cheap filtered water and hotels give bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts, malls and some restaurants; cash for tricycles, tours, markets and small eateries.Details
Where to stay in Bohol
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tagbilaran City | Ferry port, hospitals, markets, cheap local stays |
| Panglao Island | Beaches, diving and resorts; most visitors stay here |
| Loboc–Carmen | Rural stays near river cruises and Chocolate Hills |
| Anda | Quiet east-coast beaches and caves |
Apps that work in Bohol
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Limited coverage in Tagbilaran and Panglao; few drivers |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Tricycles and booked drivers are the norm. Agree prices before riding; hotels can arrange airport transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts, malls and some restaurants; cash for tricycles, tours, markets and small eateries.
- 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 Bohol solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bohol meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.