Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philippines Safe?
The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and friendliest countries you will ever visit. There have been isolated incidents in some parts of the country but it is generally safe for travelers. And as with any other country, tourists and visitors must always take precautions when traveling abroad.
Can I extend my Visa?
Yes! If you decide to lengthen your stay, you can easily extend your visa for up to 59 days. Please visit www.immigration.gov.ph for more information.
What is the language spoken in Philippines?
Filipino is the official language of the Philippines.
Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?
Yes. Electricity in the Philippines is 220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept these specifications.
Electrical plug details
What are the local cuisines?
Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history. As such it is a mélange of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Malay, American, and Spanish influences. Though it is not as renowned as Thai and lately Vietnamese cuisine, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all South East Asian cuisines. Don't make the mistake to think of Filipino food as bland; it is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions and ginger to add flavor to dishes. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and this often is what brings out the flavor of the food as opposed to a healthy dose of spices.
Filipinos usually eat with a spoon and fork, with the spoon held in the right hand and the fork used for pushing food onto the spoon. But sometimes, Filipinos eat by their hands, usually on provinces and remote areas or when they are on a picnic and making banana tree leaf as their plate.
Is the running tap water safe for drink?
The Filipino tap water is generally not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.
How safe is Philippines ?
The Philippines is a safe country, and you can relax while you are there. That said, it's still important to use common sense. There are a few areas that are not as safe to visit, mostly in the south. These areas are dangerous because they have a history of violence and insurgencies from multiple political and religious groups. However, the island of Leyte is free of these issues and very safe. Here are some tips:
- Be careful if traveling on buses, as petty theft is common.
- Ask for a receipt when you store your backpack or luggage.
- Do NOT carry your passport or any credit cards and cash that you will not need.
- Use only registered taxis.
- Do not walk into unknown areas by yourself at night.
- Avoid any contact with drugs, as laws are very strict in the Philippines .
What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?
Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you. Generally, sanitation will not be as thorough as in your home country, so you may experience some stomach issues. Bring you may want to bring some anti-diarrheal medicine with you. To avoid this problem, always make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, drink only bottled water, and eat food that was prepared as sanitarily as possible. Also, never have unprotected sex and wear insect repellant to avoid mosquitoes.
Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?
No! While you are in the Philippines , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In the Philippines , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.
What are the sanitary conditions in Philippines ?
Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Be prepared to not have toilet paper all the time, and don't expect a western-style toilet all the time.
The Filipino toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.
Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?
Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks' ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.
What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?
The official currency of the Philippines is the Peso.
Money exchanges can be made at various banks and at the airport. Current exchange rates can be found using a website like www.xe.com or looking in a newspaper like the Wall Street Journal.
Is it safe to carry cash with me?
Carrying cash is not safe; therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.
How do I contact my family once I arrive in Philippines?
International Direct Dialing from the Philippines is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns although they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games. You can use any type of communication to call back home.
What should I know about Filipino religious conduct?
Filipino people respect different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Remember to be respectful of Filipino customs and traditions while traveling, for example, it may be customary to remove your shoes before entering a home.
How do I respect the Filipino people?
Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Filipino culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Filipino people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy.
See also the General Information page for more information about the Philippines.
Places to see in the Philippines
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