City, Philippines
Iloilo
Relaxed Visayan city of Spanish-era churches, riverfront parks and excellent food (batchoy, seafood), with easy island trips to Guimaras and Gigantes. Few nomad amenities and typhoons in season, but cheap, friendly and walkable in parts.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$639–990Comfortable, one person · ₱40,000–62,000Details
- Value for money95/100Better value than 94% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: Apr, 32°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; refill stations are on most streets.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, batchoy shops and small guesthouses.Details
Where to stay in Iloilo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Iloilo Business Park (Mandurriao) | Newer condos, malls, cafés and the easiest long stays |
| City Proper and Jaro | Heritage churches, old streets, local eateries and cheap hotels |
| La Paz | Famous batchoy, markets and cheaper rentals |
| Molo | Quiet district with the Molo Church and old houses |
Apps that work in Iloilo
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Cars and motorbikes in the city; fewer drivers late at night |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Use Grab or tricycles; taxis are metered but not always willing to use it. Book a van for Gigantes or Guimaras day trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, batchoy shops and small guesthouses.
- 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
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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.