Travel Tips

• Light clothing is ideal year-round, especially from March to May. Heavy clothing during the rainy months from June to October.

• When shopping in a public market, it is perfectly acceptable to haggle for the cheapest price.

• English is the most widely spoken next to Tagalog.

• Comfortable yet sturdy footwear are best, as traveling the islands will often involve some walking.

• When headed to the remote areas, come prepared with an insect repellant and even your own water in handy containers.
Always have the island map with you.

• Prepare to hop in a jeepney, tricycle, or pedicab – exotic modes of land transport that are the most commonly available
for going around. Always bring loose change when taking public transport.

• Know the transport schedules. Some destinations are only being serviced intermittently, not to mention extreme
weather conditions that will affect these schedules.

• Casual clothing is acceptable inside churches and business offices. Dining establishments and hotels impose no
dress code but shorts and slippers are deemed improper.

• For formal occasions, the traditional Barong Tagalog, the Philippine national costume for men, is just as suitable as the
suit-and-tie.

• When traveling by car, be mindful of the number coding ordinance for vehicles that is being implemented strictly in selected
cities.

• Do not miss visiting during the summer, when there is a concentration of major festivals, celebrations, and events.

• The Philippine monetary unit, the peso, is generally preferred for financial transactions. Money-changing shops are available
in key cities and towns.

• Tipping is expected for many services. The standard amount is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that include a
service charge, which is often 10% as well of the total bill.

• Be sure to sample the endless variety of native delicacies and local cuisine, which differ in every region. The Philippines is
made up of 7,107 different flavors that you will want to take home with you.

• For tourist information and assistance, get in touch with the Department of Tourism and any of its accredited offices nationwide.

Source: Department of Tourism