FAQ & TIPS
The Philippine Islands: 7107 and Rising!
A.K.A
The PI, Phil, Pinas - home of some of the most fun-loving people in the world!
The PI, Phil, Pinas - home of some of the most fun-loving people in the world!
Where Are We?
The Philippines is approximately 75Km South of Taiwan, 50Km NE of Borneo (Indonesia), bordered by the Philippines Sea in the east, South China Sea in the west, and the Sulu Sea in the south.
The Philippines is approximately 75Km South of Taiwan, 50Km NE of Borneo (Indonesia), bordered by the Philippines Sea in the east, South China Sea in the west, and the Sulu Sea in the south.
Area/Size:
300,000+ sq km (about the size of Italy or New Mexico). Active volcanic seamounts are continuing to rise from the ocean floor. There are approximately 7,107 Islands in the Philippine Archipelago.
Population:
approximately 100 Million and growing (2016 estimate)
Phone Home:
Country code: +63
Major Cities: Manila (02), Baguio (74), Cebu (32), Olongapo (47), Iloilo (33)
for more cities click here: http://countrycode.org/philippines
What Time Is It?
GMT +8 (same time as Beijing/Hong Kong/Singapore; no Daylight Savings Time)
300,000+ sq km (about the size of Italy or New Mexico). Active volcanic seamounts are continuing to rise from the ocean floor. There are approximately 7,107 Islands in the Philippine Archipelago.
Population:
approximately 100 Million and growing (2016 estimate)
Phone Home:
Country code: +63
Major Cities: Manila (02), Baguio (74), Cebu (32), Olongapo (47), Iloilo (33)
for more cities click here: http://countrycode.org/philippines
What Time Is It?
GMT +8 (same time as Beijing/Hong Kong/Singapore; no Daylight Savings Time)
Arrivals & Departures:
International Gateways: Clark, Manila, Cebu, Davao, Subic, and Laoag
Money:
Peso/P/PhP/₱: (bargain! exchange rate USD$1= PHP50 as of 01/31/2017)
Electricity:
220V (some major hotels have 110V). If you forgot your 2 or 3-prong plug adapters, they're available locally for about US$1.00
International Gateways: Clark, Manila, Cebu, Davao, Subic, and Laoag
Money:
Peso/P/PhP/₱: (bargain! exchange rate USD$1= PHP50 as of 01/31/2017)
Electricity:
220V (some major hotels have 110V). If you forgot your 2 or 3-prong plug adapters, they're available locally for about US$1.00
Weather:
Hot and Humid! In most lowland areas, average year-round temperature 25-32C (78-90F) with humidity around 80% (feels like Hawaii or a muggy Florida summer). Mountains and foothills can get chilly, so best to bring along a light windbreaker and/or sweater as well. If travelling during the rainy season (Jun-Nov), bring along a waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket, otherwise you can buy a decent umbrella for about P300 ($6.00).
Hot and Humid! In most lowland areas, average year-round temperature 25-32C (78-90F) with humidity around 80% (feels like Hawaii or a muggy Florida summer). Mountains and foothills can get chilly, so best to bring along a light windbreaker and/or sweater as well. If travelling during the rainy season (Jun-Nov), bring along a waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket, otherwise you can buy a decent umbrella for about P300 ($6.00).
However there are some distinct seasons in many regions:
Winter (Nov-Feb): Best time to visit! Usually very dry and cool. Mountain regions can get mighty chilly, down to 8C (46F) in December-January.
Summer (Mar-May): Hot, Hot, and Very Hot in the lowlands! Time to hit the beach or mountain regions like the millions of other local and international tourists.
Monsoon (Jun-Oct): Frequent HEAVY rains that may last for HOURS, however the weather is still good for island-hopping. Many hotels & resorts drop prices up to 50% off during this off-peak time.
What To Wear:
Forget it: suit and tie (Western formal wear)
Best Bet: laid back artist chique (check local Obra ni Juan brand)
Winter (Nov-Feb): Best time to visit! Usually very dry and cool. Mountain regions can get mighty chilly, down to 8C (46F) in December-January.
Summer (Mar-May): Hot, Hot, and Very Hot in the lowlands! Time to hit the beach or mountain regions like the millions of other local and international tourists.
Monsoon (Jun-Oct): Frequent HEAVY rains that may last for HOURS, however the weather is still good for island-hopping. Many hotels & resorts drop prices up to 50% off during this off-peak time.
What To Wear:
Forget it: suit and tie (Western formal wear)
Best Bet: laid back artist chique (check local Obra ni Juan brand)
This place is HOT - don’t sweat it out in a cashmere sweater and pumps! When you're lounging around town (like the malls, etc.) why not join the locals and throw on some jeans, t-shirt/blouse, sneakers, or sandals. However, casual shorts (bermuda, cargo, walking) and tank-tops, muscle shirts, sleeveless, spaghetti, and tube tops are also fine (just not during Mass or other religious services). If heading out to the beach, countryside, hills, or mountains, I recommend wearing some dry-fit, quick-dry, or lightweight clothing especially with UV protection. When outdoors, remember to pack a baseball cap, safari cap, scarf, or large handkerchief, to cover your head & neck. Whether you're at sea level or mile high (1800MSL) up, the sun will burn you bad! In case of rain, bring an umbrella, light windbreaker, jacket, or coat (heavier if heading to the mountains).
What To Ride/Drive (in the Metropolis):
Forget it: forget personally driving at all - period!
Best Bet: on really short trips - START WALKING;
for longer jaunts, hail a cab, UV Express shuttle van, Grab Cab, or Uber.
There are rental cars available in the business districts and some major hotels, however traffic is terrible everywhere. Rush hour is all day long in (Metro Manila as well as other cities and major towns). Even the suburban and rural roads get choked with funeral processions, truck & bus accidents, detours, and road closures. For out of town trips, I recommend hiring a vehicle and/or driver, even if it's from a family, friend, or close neighbor. Make sure they know how to drive though, because most "professional" drivers (and others) got their license straight out of a Cracker Jack box! Take it slow, drive defensively, and give everyone plenty of room otherwise you'll end up in a fender-bender . . .
If you do feel courageous - hop the jeepney, bus, or train (in that order). DON'T ride those contraptions called a trike/tricycle (motorcycle w/sidecar). I recommend a reputable taxi company in the Metro (e.g. MGE, DAVIS) or contact Grab Cab or Uber. It’s quicker and safer than chancing a mugger or pick-pocket on public transport. Tell the driver where you want to go, and which route YOU WANT to take. Also, make sure the driver sets the meter, and doesn't make you pay like "P30 or 50 EXTRA" due to "traffic" or some other nonsense. A lot of drivers don't want to venture far away from their preferred "routes", "territories", or "boundaries" (it's a corrupt political thing also) and will attempt to charge you EXTRA from the flag down/metered rate or they just want a "flat" rate. If the driver displays any of these behaviors or actions, report the driver and vehicle to: http://www.taxikick.com/ , then either skip fare, jump out, and/or flag down another taxi. NEVER SETTLE FOR A FIXED OR FLAT RATE unless it's the last vehicle on Earth - you’ll get ripped off everytime! And if the vehicle looks like it seen better days, skip it and wait for another one.
What To Ride/Drive (in the Metropolis):
Forget it: forget personally driving at all - period!
Best Bet: on really short trips - START WALKING;
for longer jaunts, hail a cab, UV Express shuttle van, Grab Cab, or Uber.
There are rental cars available in the business districts and some major hotels, however traffic is terrible everywhere. Rush hour is all day long in (Metro Manila as well as other cities and major towns). Even the suburban and rural roads get choked with funeral processions, truck & bus accidents, detours, and road closures. For out of town trips, I recommend hiring a vehicle and/or driver, even if it's from a family, friend, or close neighbor. Make sure they know how to drive though, because most "professional" drivers (and others) got their license straight out of a Cracker Jack box! Take it slow, drive defensively, and give everyone plenty of room otherwise you'll end up in a fender-bender . . .
If you do feel courageous - hop the jeepney, bus, or train (in that order). DON'T ride those contraptions called a trike/tricycle (motorcycle w/sidecar). I recommend a reputable taxi company in the Metro (e.g. MGE, DAVIS) or contact Grab Cab or Uber. It’s quicker and safer than chancing a mugger or pick-pocket on public transport. Tell the driver where you want to go, and which route YOU WANT to take. Also, make sure the driver sets the meter, and doesn't make you pay like "P30 or 50 EXTRA" due to "traffic" or some other nonsense. A lot of drivers don't want to venture far away from their preferred "routes", "territories", or "boundaries" (it's a corrupt political thing also) and will attempt to charge you EXTRA from the flag down/metered rate or they just want a "flat" rate. If the driver displays any of these behaviors or actions, report the driver and vehicle to: http://www.taxikick.com/ , then either skip fare, jump out, and/or flag down another taxi. NEVER SETTLE FOR A FIXED OR FLAT RATE unless it's the last vehicle on Earth - you’ll get ripped off everytime! And if the vehicle looks like it seen better days, skip it and wait for another one.
What To Ride/Drive (to/from the province or countryside):
Forget it (if at all possible): a non air-conditioned bus!
Best Bet: on long trips (over 200km or 8hr by ground), take a plane
If you’re heading out of Metro Manila, hire a car or van. It's best to leave town between 12a-5am to avoid the heavy TRUCK traffic on EDSA, C5, and other major arteries. For Luzon Southbound, stick to the expressways: SLEX, Cavitex, and Star Tollway, and then other national and major highways. For Luzon Northbound, use NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, and then other national and major highways.
WARNING: If you're looking for adventure, you board a banca (local motorized outrigger), ride on top of a jeepney (more risky), or climb aboard a carabao (water buffalo) at YOUR OWN RISK!
Road Navigation:
GPS is now available, with popular mobile apps such as Waze and Google Maps giving traffic updates, travel time, routes, and ETD/ETA data (however a lot of maps for the remote countryside are not that reliable). However, routes can often be hampered by construction and detours, especially during rainstorms and other bad weather.
Forget it (if at all possible): a non air-conditioned bus!
Best Bet: on long trips (over 200km or 8hr by ground), take a plane
If you’re heading out of Metro Manila, hire a car or van. It's best to leave town between 12a-5am to avoid the heavy TRUCK traffic on EDSA, C5, and other major arteries. For Luzon Southbound, stick to the expressways: SLEX, Cavitex, and Star Tollway, and then other national and major highways. For Luzon Northbound, use NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, and then other national and major highways.
WARNING: If you're looking for adventure, you board a banca (local motorized outrigger), ride on top of a jeepney (more risky), or climb aboard a carabao (water buffalo) at YOUR OWN RISK!
Road Navigation:
GPS is now available, with popular mobile apps such as Waze and Google Maps giving traffic updates, travel time, routes, and ETD/ETA data (however a lot of maps for the remote countryside are not that reliable). However, routes can often be hampered by construction and detours, especially during rainstorms and other bad weather.
If you’re going From Manila to Baguio, take the Victory Liner Deluxe. It costs about $15 one-way but well worth it. Book early because trips are scheduled about 2-3X daily and seats sell out quick. It has a rest room, snack service, and is non-stop service!. Main terminals are Pasay, Cubao, and Caloocan. Check the VL website: https://www.victoryliner.com/
Ocean Transport:
Although large ferries like FastCat, SuperCat, and the big barge RORO's (Roll-On, Roll-Off vehicle & cargo ships) are safe and reasonably inexpensive, I would rather cross water by plane unless I don't have a choice, or the trip is about 3 hours or less. If there is a storm coming, I wouldn’t hop a ferry if you paid me! It seems like every time a heavy storm or typhoon arrives, a 400-seat ferry sets sail, hits the storm, capsizes, sinks, and then 800 people die! WTF? Don't know what's up with the local Coast Guard and Port Authorities . . . (when it comes to money, operators will do anything to make a buck - safety notwithstanding!)
Although large ferries like FastCat, SuperCat, and the big barge RORO's (Roll-On, Roll-Off vehicle & cargo ships) are safe and reasonably inexpensive, I would rather cross water by plane unless I don't have a choice, or the trip is about 3 hours or less. If there is a storm coming, I wouldn’t hop a ferry if you paid me! It seems like every time a heavy storm or typhoon arrives, a 400-seat ferry sets sail, hits the storm, capsizes, sinks, and then 800 people die! WTF? Don't know what's up with the local Coast Guard and Port Authorities . . . (when it comes to money, operators will do anything to make a buck - safety notwithstanding!)
Road-Tripping :
Forget it: Holy Week (Wed-Sun); All Souls & All Saints Day; before, during, and after Christmas & New Years Holidays
Best Bet: anything that is considered off-peak
The best time to visit or travel within the PI (Philippines) is either between February to May or September to November. (Exception: Boracay’s hagabat or windy season is July to October; the weather is not enjoyable especially due to the wind sandblasts on White Beach). Inbound Philippine airfares are usually lowest from September to November. Most hotels’ peak season runs from December to June.
Filipinos are TRAVELERS! They shuttle back and forth between home and school, the city, and the province/countryside all the time, especially on weekends and local holidays. Millions travel during Christmas and New Years holidays. Holy Week (super peak) is especially CRAZY - It’s the busiest travel time of the year! Compare it to Thanksgiving holidays in the US. Make reservations on planes, buses, and ferries as airports, terminals, and ports are jam-packed!
Note: Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines and the 15th largest in the world! All major bus lines to/from the Megapolis are jam packed and sold out way in advance during the peak times. (During Christmas Week 2016 for example,the Victory Liner route from Pasay to Iba/Sta.Cruz, Zambales was totally SOLD OUT on Dec. 18th for TWO WEEKS straight all the way through New Year's Eve!)
That being said, you can’t complain travelling during a local heat spell or tropical showers in Feb or March, compared to -20F windchill coming off Lake Michigan in winter!
Forget it: Holy Week (Wed-Sun); All Souls & All Saints Day; before, during, and after Christmas & New Years Holidays
Best Bet: anything that is considered off-peak
The best time to visit or travel within the PI (Philippines) is either between February to May or September to November. (Exception: Boracay’s hagabat or windy season is July to October; the weather is not enjoyable especially due to the wind sandblasts on White Beach). Inbound Philippine airfares are usually lowest from September to November. Most hotels’ peak season runs from December to June.
Filipinos are TRAVELERS! They shuttle back and forth between home and school, the city, and the province/countryside all the time, especially on weekends and local holidays. Millions travel during Christmas and New Years holidays. Holy Week (super peak) is especially CRAZY - It’s the busiest travel time of the year! Compare it to Thanksgiving holidays in the US. Make reservations on planes, buses, and ferries as airports, terminals, and ports are jam-packed!
Note: Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines and the 15th largest in the world! All major bus lines to/from the Megapolis are jam packed and sold out way in advance during the peak times. (During Christmas Week 2016 for example,the Victory Liner route from Pasay to Iba/Sta.Cruz, Zambales was totally SOLD OUT on Dec. 18th for TWO WEEKS straight all the way through New Year's Eve!)
That being said, you can’t complain travelling during a local heat spell or tropical showers in Feb or March, compared to -20F windchill coming off Lake Michigan in winter!
Watch Your Back Jack:
Forget it: expensive clothes and flashy jewelry
Best Bet: go low-key; hang like and with the locals
The MM (Metro Manila) is just like any other major international Megapolis. With over 20 Million people residing during the weekdays, there are plenty of perps: mostly small time muggers, pickpockets, and petty thieves - most making do with quick "snatch & grabs" while others are part of whole gangs of organized crime syndicates. Avoid walking alone outside the central business/entertainment districts, especially at night. Stick with ex-pats or locals in Makati, Fort BGC, Ortigas, and Eastwood districts. Most other cities’ entertainment districts are also generally safe. The “date rape" or "slip-something-in-your-drink” pill is still a common MO for robbers at some bars. On your trip, protect yourself by carrying as little valuables and cash as possible. Leave all the expensive jewelry and gadgets in your room safe or with hotel security for safe-keeping.
ATMs are everywhere in the big cities and major towns, so we advise to carry more plastic than cash. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket. Clutch your bag under your arm, and walk at a brisk pace. Always keep eye contact with pedestrians, and avoid using your phone while walking in large crowds on the street, train station, etc. Avoid wearing loose clothing, flashy jewelry, and/or carrying a lot of shopping bags. If you look like you got money or valuables, you'll likely be a prime target for theft. My strategy: keep no more than a few thousand pesos on your person (pocket/wallet) at any time. Like we said, ATMs are readily available. If confronted by thief or mugger, throw your cash one direction, and take off quickly in the other direction. It’s not worth getting, mugged, stabbed, kidnapped, or worse for a few bucks. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t carry your passport, IDs, laptop, electronic gadgets, or a lot of credit cards on you. Scan and print hard/soft copies of your important travel docs before your trip to carry along with you. Travel light whenever possible. Use your hotel room’s safe whenever possible.
Forget it: expensive clothes and flashy jewelry
Best Bet: go low-key; hang like and with the locals
The MM (Metro Manila) is just like any other major international Megapolis. With over 20 Million people residing during the weekdays, there are plenty of perps: mostly small time muggers, pickpockets, and petty thieves - most making do with quick "snatch & grabs" while others are part of whole gangs of organized crime syndicates. Avoid walking alone outside the central business/entertainment districts, especially at night. Stick with ex-pats or locals in Makati, Fort BGC, Ortigas, and Eastwood districts. Most other cities’ entertainment districts are also generally safe. The “date rape" or "slip-something-in-your-drink” pill is still a common MO for robbers at some bars. On your trip, protect yourself by carrying as little valuables and cash as possible. Leave all the expensive jewelry and gadgets in your room safe or with hotel security for safe-keeping.
ATMs are everywhere in the big cities and major towns, so we advise to carry more plastic than cash. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket. Clutch your bag under your arm, and walk at a brisk pace. Always keep eye contact with pedestrians, and avoid using your phone while walking in large crowds on the street, train station, etc. Avoid wearing loose clothing, flashy jewelry, and/or carrying a lot of shopping bags. If you look like you got money or valuables, you'll likely be a prime target for theft. My strategy: keep no more than a few thousand pesos on your person (pocket/wallet) at any time. Like we said, ATMs are readily available. If confronted by thief or mugger, throw your cash one direction, and take off quickly in the other direction. It’s not worth getting, mugged, stabbed, kidnapped, or worse for a few bucks. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t carry your passport, IDs, laptop, electronic gadgets, or a lot of credit cards on you. Scan and print hard/soft copies of your important travel docs before your trip to carry along with you. Travel light whenever possible. Use your hotel room’s safe whenever possible.
Money Matters:
Forget it: travelers’ checks.
Best bet: e-cash (ATM/Debit/Credit/E-Wallets/Crypto) and some emergency cash
Except for the large department stores and banks, most merchants don’t accept travelers’ check. Those that do, require a ton of identification.
Carry at least one Visa/MasterCard branded debit cards for meals, shopping, and daily miscellaneous expenses. Carry one major credit card for large expenses. Unless you are traveling to the remote countryside or treating the entire clan to dinner, carry no more than P2000-3000 on you at any given time.
First stop once you reach the arrival lobby at the airport, is the bank ATM machine for petty cash. Avoid the airport kiosks and street-side money changers. Use FOREXat the bank, major malls, department stores, or other reputable currency exchange counters. Use plastic at ATMs and the merchant POS. You can buy groceries, fast food/takeaway, sit-down meals, clothes, toiletries, prepaid load (mobile airtime), etc. with your VISA/MC/ATM/debit card. There are higher fees (usu. USD$5.00) for using ATMs with cards issued outside of the country (e.g. STAR, CIRRUS, JTB, and other networks) however it's much quicker and convenient. If you're staying long-term (more than 2 months), apply for a local load (e-wallet) cash card that you can reload often (SmartMoney MC, UnionBank EON Visa). Locals almost always use cash, and love queuing up at the bank and ATMs. So get your cash early and often because some machines run out of cash early on Friday nights, paydays (1st, 5th, 10th,15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th), and other major bank holidays when people travel home to the provinces where there are no banks and ATMs. If you have to cash some foreign currency, go to the banks, large department stores, or ask for reputable FOREX dealers. Rates are competitive.
Forget it: travelers’ checks.
Best bet: e-cash (ATM/Debit/Credit/E-Wallets/Crypto) and some emergency cash
Except for the large department stores and banks, most merchants don’t accept travelers’ check. Those that do, require a ton of identification.
Carry at least one Visa/MasterCard branded debit cards for meals, shopping, and daily miscellaneous expenses. Carry one major credit card for large expenses. Unless you are traveling to the remote countryside or treating the entire clan to dinner, carry no more than P2000-3000 on you at any given time.
First stop once you reach the arrival lobby at the airport, is the bank ATM machine for petty cash. Avoid the airport kiosks and street-side money changers. Use FOREXat the bank, major malls, department stores, or other reputable currency exchange counters. Use plastic at ATMs and the merchant POS. You can buy groceries, fast food/takeaway, sit-down meals, clothes, toiletries, prepaid load (mobile airtime), etc. with your VISA/MC/ATM/debit card. There are higher fees (usu. USD$5.00) for using ATMs with cards issued outside of the country (e.g. STAR, CIRRUS, JTB, and other networks) however it's much quicker and convenient. If you're staying long-term (more than 2 months), apply for a local load (e-wallet) cash card that you can reload often (SmartMoney MC, UnionBank EON Visa). Locals almost always use cash, and love queuing up at the bank and ATMs. So get your cash early and often because some machines run out of cash early on Friday nights, paydays (1st, 5th, 10th,15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th), and other major bank holidays when people travel home to the provinces where there are no banks and ATMs. If you have to cash some foreign currency, go to the banks, large department stores, or ask for reputable FOREX dealers. Rates are competitive.
Food & Drink:
Forget it: fast-food, street vendors, and international (American) franchises
Best Bet: hole-in-the-wall joints and other local sit-down restaurants
As with most vacations, your second highest expense behind lodging are your meals. However, you can still splurge (compared to prices back home) and why not be adventurous. Chow down on some local cuisine. It’s inexpensive and you usually get good-sized portions. Like a friend once said, “Whatever I can’t eat back in New Orleans...” Foodies: pack a big appetite, because there is a LOT of delicious food here you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Unless you are on a super-saver budget, avoid fast-food restaurants. We offer inclusive tours that include meals from your hotel or partner restaurants. Take advantage of our e-wallet/cash cards which can be used for shopping and dining in the malls and other venues.
Stock up on bottled water, soda, or juice at the grocery. If you prefer a brew, grab the local San Miguel brand.
Forget it: fast-food, street vendors, and international (American) franchises
Best Bet: hole-in-the-wall joints and other local sit-down restaurants
As with most vacations, your second highest expense behind lodging are your meals. However, you can still splurge (compared to prices back home) and why not be adventurous. Chow down on some local cuisine. It’s inexpensive and you usually get good-sized portions. Like a friend once said, “Whatever I can’t eat back in New Orleans...” Foodies: pack a big appetite, because there is a LOT of delicious food here you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Unless you are on a super-saver budget, avoid fast-food restaurants. We offer inclusive tours that include meals from your hotel or partner restaurants. Take advantage of our e-wallet/cash cards which can be used for shopping and dining in the malls and other venues.
Stock up on bottled water, soda, or juice at the grocery. If you prefer a brew, grab the local San Miguel brand.
What to Bring/Leave:
Personal items: Women may want to bring their own feminine hygiene products, since foreign brands are scarce, and tampons are not readily available locally.
Medication: I recommend bringing your own prescription meds and OTC drugs, since most international/foreign brands are not usually available. If you're staying out in the small towns, villages, mountains, and/or rural provinces, it would be good to bring a first-aid kit for emergencies. If you're looking for an ambulance, good luck!
Recommended medication to bring from abroad (or comparable brands):
1) Pepto-Bismo, Imodium AD Chewables (upset stomach, indigestion, food poisoning, and diarrhea)
Personal items: Women may want to bring their own feminine hygiene products, since foreign brands are scarce, and tampons are not readily available locally.
Medication: I recommend bringing your own prescription meds and OTC drugs, since most international/foreign brands are not usually available. If you're staying out in the small towns, villages, mountains, and/or rural provinces, it would be good to bring a first-aid kit for emergencies. If you're looking for an ambulance, good luck!
Recommended medication to bring from abroad (or comparable brands):
1) Pepto-Bismo, Imodium AD Chewables (upset stomach, indigestion, food poisoning, and diarrhea)
2) Tylenol, Excedrin (acetamenophin), Bayer (aspirin), Advil (ibuprofen) - headache, cramps, mild swelling, general pain relief, reducing fever, flu, cough, and cold symptoms, etc. For me, the local brand Biogesic (paracetamol) and other analgesics or pain-killers are unfortunately junk!
3) Sudafed/Claritin/Robitussin (cough, cold, allergies, etc.) - "aint no fussin with the Tussin!"
4) Neosporin/Neomycin (minor cuts, scrapes): apply with bandages & swabs
4) Neosporin/Neomycin (minor cuts, scrapes): apply with bandages & swabs
Communications & Connectivity :
Unless you are traveling on business, there is no need to sign-up for international roaming on your mobile phone. Use your international smartphone (if unlocked), or upon arrival why not buy a local phone with WiFi ($25-50) which includes a prepaid SIM. You can then reload the SIM with airtime credits for as little as P30 up to P1000, allowing you to talk, text, and surf as much as you want.
You can keep in touch via email/chat/surfing/data transfer thru the local Internet cafes. Rates are inexpensive at P20-60/hour ($0.50-1.25/hr). You can also use your smartphone or laptop at free Wi-Fi zones all over town in coffee shops, restaurants, malls, hotels, entertainment, and business districts.
Personal electronics (cameras, phones, laptops, electric razors, etc):
Most gadgets and personal electronic devices sold these days run on universal or auto-voltage, 100-240V. Check the back or underside of the power supply on your device.
Unless you are traveling on business, there is no need to sign-up for international roaming on your mobile phone. Use your international smartphone (if unlocked), or upon arrival why not buy a local phone with WiFi ($25-50) which includes a prepaid SIM. You can then reload the SIM with airtime credits for as little as P30 up to P1000, allowing you to talk, text, and surf as much as you want.
You can keep in touch via email/chat/surfing/data transfer thru the local Internet cafes. Rates are inexpensive at P20-60/hour ($0.50-1.25/hr). You can also use your smartphone or laptop at free Wi-Fi zones all over town in coffee shops, restaurants, malls, hotels, entertainment, and business districts.
Personal electronics (cameras, phones, laptops, electric razors, etc):
Most gadgets and personal electronic devices sold these days run on universal or auto-voltage, 100-240V. Check the back or underside of the power supply on your device.
Since some power outlets are two-prong configuration (flat or round in Asia) you may have to drop by the local hardware or home store and purchase a Universal plug 3-prong adapter (approximately P50). However, if your electronic device/gadget uses 110V, bring both a travel converter and adapter. Most major 4-5 star hotels have 110V outlets in rooms (check beforehand).