Beach town, Philippines
La Union
A surf coast about five hours north of Manila, centered on San Juan's beach strip with cafés, yoga and a creative weekend crowd. Relaxed and cheap; busy on weekends, quiet midweek, and rough surf in the wet season.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$639–1,040Comfortable, one person · ₱40,000–65,000Details
- Value for money92/100Better value than 91% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 34°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; refill stations sell cheap filtered water, and most cafés supply refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus from ManilaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at bigger cafés, hotels and surf shops; cash for tricycles, markets, small eateries and boards.Details
Where to stay in La Union
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| San Juan (Urbiztondo Beach) | Surf beach, cafés, hostels and nightlife; the main strip |
| San Fernando | City center: markets, hospitals, malls, buses |
| Bauang | Black-sand beaches, cheaper and quieter, near highway |
| Agoo–Bacnotan | Quiet northern coast, local feel |
Apps that work in La Union
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Tricycles are the local taxi; agree fares. Hostels can arrange vans from Manila or Clark.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at bigger cafés, hotels and surf shops; cash for tricycles, markets, small eateries and boards. ATMs in San Juan sometimes run dry.
- 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 La Union 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.