Practical Info A–Z

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for the Philippines — upon entry, you automatically receive a stay of 30 days. Requirements:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date
• Return ticket: Checked upon entry! Entry can be denied without a return/onward ticket. Tip: Book a cheap onward ticket (e.g., via onwardticket.com, from 12 USD)
• Sufficient funds: Theoretically required, rarely checked in practice

Extension

The 30-day visa can be extended locally at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) — initially by 29 days (to a total of 59 days), then monthly up to a maximum of 3 years (!). Cost for the first extension: approx. 3,000–4,000 PHP. This can be done in Manila, Cebu, and most major cities. Simple process — no complicated bureaucracy.

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP / ₱). Current rate (as of 2026): approx. 1 € ≈ 61–63 PHP.

Cash

The Philippines is still heavily cash-based — especially on the islands and in rural areas. ATMs are available in all major cities (BDO, BPI, Metrobank), but on small islands (Port Barton, Malapascua, Siquijor) they are rare or empty. Always carry enough cash!

ATM fees: 200–250 PHP per withdrawal. Maximum amount: 10,000–20,000 PHP. Tip: BPI ATMs often allow 20,000 PHP, BDO only 10,000.

GCash & Maya — Mobile Payment

The Philippines has caught up in mobile payment: GCash and Maya (formerly PayMaya) are the major mobile payment apps. In Manila, Cebu, and tourist areas, they are accepted almost everywhere — restaurants, shops, even tricycle drivers. For tourists: A GCash account can be registered with a local SIM and topped up via 7-Eleven.

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls. On the islands and in small restaurants: cash only. Amex is rarely accepted.

Medical care in Manila and Cebu is good (private hospitals like Makati Medical Center, Cebu Doctors Hospital), but limited on the islands. Travel health insurance is mandatory.

Vaccinations

• Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus
• For long-term stays/adventure travel: Rabies (stray dogs are common!), Japanese encephalitis
• Malaria: Only in remote areas of Mindanao and Palawan (not in tourist areas). Prophylaxis rarely needed.

Dengue Fever

Dengue is widespread in the Philippines — especially during the rainy season. There is no vaccine for travelers. Mosquito repellent (DEET-based, at least 30%) is the best prevention. If you experience high fever, headache, and joint pain: see a doctor immediately.

Travel Pharmacy

• Anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium + electrolytes — rehydration powder)
• Mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe!)
• Wound disinfectant and band-aids (coral abrasions!)
• Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
• Travel sickness tablets (for ferries and bangka boats)

The Philippines is mostly safe for tourists — the biggest risks are natural disasters and petty crime, not violent crime.

Safety Rules

• Avoid Mindanao: The Foreign Office warns against traveling to large parts of Mindanao (south) — especially the Sulu Islands, Marawi, and the western coast. Terrorist groups (Abu Sayyaf, Maute) are active. Exceptions: Siargao, Camiguin, and some coastal areas are considered safe — but stay informed.
• Typhoons: The greatest natural hazard. During the season (Jul–Nov), follow PAGASA weather reports and have flexible travel plans.
• Petty crime: Pickpocketing in Manila (especially in Quiapo, Divisoria) and busy markets. Keep valuables close to your body, no jewelry, no open phone in jeepneys.
• Scams: Overpriced taxi meters in Manila (use Grab!), inflated prices for tourists (research beforehand), fake tour operators.
• Drug laws: The Philippines has extremely strict drug laws. Possession can lead to long prison sentences. Under President Duterte (2016–2022), thousands were killed in the "war on drugs." The zero-tolerance policy remains in effect under the current government. Stay away from all drugs.

A local SIM card is indispensable in the Philippines — for Grab, GCash, communication, and internet.

The Providers

Buying a SIM card: At the airport (Manila T1, T2, T3 and Cebu T2 have Globe and Smart stands) or in any Sari-Sari store and 7-Eleven. Cost: 40–100 PHP for the SIM + data package. Since 2022, SIM registration with passport scan is mandatory.

Data packages (guidelines):

• Globe GoSAKTO: 8 GB for 7 days — 149 PHP (~2.40 €)
• Smart Magic Data: 12 GB for 7 days — 149 PHP (~2.40 €)
• 30 days / 24 GB — approx. 449 PHP (~7.30 €)

Internet speed: In Manila, Cebu, and tourist centers decent (10–30 Mbps). On remote islands, it can drop to 2G or fail completely. Starlink is available in some island cafés (Siargao, El Nido).

The Philippines uses 220 volts at 60 Hz. Socket types: Type A (two flat pins, like in the USA) and Type B (two flat pins + grounding). German plugs (Type C/F) do not fit — a travel adapter is mandatory.

Power outages (brownouts) are common on the islands — especially during the hot season and on small islands. A power bank (20,000 mAh) is indispensable. Better hotels have backup generators.

Island hopping is the activity in the Philippines. Almost every tourist island offers day tours to nearby islands, lagoons, and snorkeling spots. Here's how to book correctly:

Standard Group Tour vs. Private Tour

Included: Boat, boat team, lunch (grilled fish & rice on the beach), snorkeling equipment, drinking water. Extra: Entrance fees for marine parks (often 100–300 PHP), kayak rental.

Booking: The night before at your hotel/hostel or directly at the harbor. In high season (Dec–Apr) book 1–2 days in advance. Online via Klook or GetYourGuide is possible, but it's cheaper on-site.

The Philippines is one of the best and most affordable diving destinations in the world. PADI Open Water Course from 15,000 PHP (~245 €), fun dives from 1,500 PHP (~25 €).

The Best Dive Sites

Tipping is customary in the Philippines, but not regulated by fixed percentages:

• Restaurants: 5–10% on the bill if no service charge (SC) is listed. If SC is already included: round up or add 20–50 PHP extra.
• Hotels: 20–50 PHP per piece of luggage for bellboys, 50–100 PHP/day for housekeeping.
• Tour guides & boatmen: 100–300 PHP per person for a day trip. Feel free to give more for excellent service.
• Dive guides: 200–500 PHP per dive for outstanding service.
• Grab/Taxi: Round up or add 20–50 PHP extra.
• Massage: 50–100 PHP tip for a 1-hour massage.

Filipinos often earn very little (minimum wage in Manila: about 570 PHP/day). Tips make a real difference and are received with great gratitude.