On Arriving

1. Visas are generally not required in going to the Philippines. Tourists are usually given 21 days of stay in the country. Extensions may be arranged with the local embassy.
2. The locals are very well known to be hospitable and helpful. Communicating with them is not a problem as the Philippines is one of the countries where English is as good as a second language next to the national language, Filipino (largely based on the Tagalog dialect).

Taking in the sights

1. The main mode of transport within the cities are taxis, mega taxis Asian atility type of vehicles (AUVs) like the ubiquitous Tamaraw FX,) buses, tricycles, and the famed jeepneys. Visitors new to Manila may find the driving habits of most jeepney and bus drivers as simply crazy. Seatbelts are always nice to have on when possible.

2. Always carry some cash in small denominations. Some establishments or public transport, do not have change for amounts bigger than P100.00

3. Itineraries and suggested sight seeing places may be obtained from the local tourism office. For more info, you can visit the Department of tourism’s web site at www.tourism.gov.ph or arrange tours via your hotel concierge or travel agent.

Dining in the Philippines 

1. Restaurants of all types and sizes and to fit all budgets are widely available in Metro Manila. The largest concentration of eating places to be found in one place is usually found in the malls, but there are a lot of areas or streets too that have become synonymous with having chains of restaurants.

2. All major international food chains and fast food outlets are found in Metro Manila and most major cities and tourist destinations in the Philippines.

2. Unless the service charge is already included in the bill, tipping is generally up to the discretion of the patron. A 10-20% tip is considered appropriate in most cases. Tipping is generally not done in fast food outlets.
   
3. For the gastronomically more adventurous visitor, there are many

small road side eateries which offer homestyle cooked meals. These eateries typically serve Filipino fare like the pork adobo, barbeque or sinigang (pork, chicken or fish cooked in tamarind soup).

4. Similar roadside eateries also abound on the way to the provinces,

The farther from Metro Manila, it is customary for these eateries or restaurants to offer the specialty food of the area or region.



 

Safety

1. Whenever changing currency, it is safer to stick to banks or

Central Bank authorized moneychangers commonly found in

malls and other upscale commercial areas.

2. For visitors still unfamiliar with Manila streets, try to stay in the areas near the main roads. Keep away from very small side streets and alleys where pickpockets may hangout.
3. For visitors wanting to experience the nightlife, try to stick to the main streets or places where the respectable bars and discos are located. Side street bars could be haven for all sorts of dubious characters including pickpockets, pimps and prostitutes.

"Tongue in cheek but keeping it real" travel tips:

1. It’s a Filipino fact of life: jeepney drivers, bus drivers, tricycle drivers and some cabbies are known to drive like maniacs. Ride at your own risk and take motion sickness medication just in case.
2. Foreign male tourists walking about alone may expect a pimp or two to approach him and offer the services of "tourist guides" and female companionship.
3. Be wary of the local words Filipinos will try to teach you . You may not know it but you can be saying anything from "hello" to cussing at and insulting old ladies.
4. Expect greetings of "Hey Joe!" when visiting provinces particularly where there were former US bases. To some locals, all Caucasian men are "Joes."
5. Don’t be surprised if the children of your Filipino friends start calling you "tita" (aunt) or "tito" (uncle.) You don’t have to be family to be an aunt or uncle.
6. Expect to be offered balut (boiled fertilized duck eggs,) or dinuguan (pork innards in pork blood stew) at one point or another during your visit. Consider it a "trial of fire."
7. When looking for local guides, get tourist guides from the Department of Tourism office or travel agencies. Don’t use the term "escorts" as the term has become synonymous with prostitution.
8. "Kain tayo," (Let’s eat!) is the usual Pinoy greeting for everyone who happens upon them during a meal or a snack. This however should not always be taken literally, more of just a gesture of courtesy.