Capital city in Metro Manila, Philippines
Manila
The Philippines' gateway: big, loud and humid, with strong hospitals, malls, nightlife and the best English in the country. Traffic, flooding and heat wear people down; most stay in Makati or BGC.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,280–2,080Comfortable, one person · ₱80,000–130,000Details
- Value for money40/100Better value than 39% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Apr, 33°CDetails
- Air quality29 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2016) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$13–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and GCash in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, carinderia eateries and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Manila
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Makati (Poblacion, Salcedo, Legazpi) | Nomads and first-timers: coworking, restaurants, nightlife |
| Bonifacio Global City (BGC) | Clean, walkable, modern; condos, cafés, offices |
| Ortigas | Mid-priced condos, malls, hospitals, less nightlife |
| Malate–Ermita | Backpackers: cheap hostels, Rizal Park, Intramuros nearby |
| Quezon City (Maginhawa, Tomas Morato) | Local food, students, cheaper long stays |
Apps that work in Manila
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: White taxis are fine if the meter runs; refuse flat fares. Grab is easier, but surge pricing hits in rain and rush hour.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and GCash in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, carinderia eateries and small shops. ATMs are everywhere.
- 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 Manila solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Manila meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Manila International Airport Authority (NAIA)
- LRT-1 (Light Rail Manila Corporation)
- Grab Philippines
- Department of Tourism
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.