Philippines Fast Facts (taken from the Philippine Department of Tourism)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I wear?

The Philippines’ tropical climate calls for light cotton clothes. It is preferred to wear discreet tops with sleeves and bottoms like pants and long skirts especially for office work and meeting with people. Photos shown here http://www.monsoonhub.org/sts/manilaairportinstructions/.

2. What should I pack?

Pack for personal essentials like:

Toothbrush – brands like Oral B and Colgate are available in grocery stores and drugstores with local brands also at hand

Toothpaste – Colgate, Close up, Pepsodent, Sensodyne are some of the imported brands available and local brands like Hapee could also be purchased

Soap – a huge variety of imported and local brands are available

Shampoo – brands in the market are Sunsilk, Cream Silk, L’oreal, Pantene, Finesse, Suave, Clean, Head and Shoulders

Comb/hair brush

Clothes – laundry services are available for Php30 (US$0.70) per kilo

Set of semi-formal clothes for special occasions

Rubber shoes or comfortable walking shoes

Leather flats or heels – for meetings and formal events

Flip-flops – especially needed for use in bathing in bathrooms in the provinces

Insect repellant lotion – Off lotion available in drug stores

Towel/face towel – guest house provides towels but your stay there will be interim

Beddings – Light beddings

And an emergency kit that includes:

Personal medications, if needed

Emergency medicines for headache, fever, diarrhea, etc – drugstores here might carry different brands of medications like Biogesic, Diatabs, Alaxan

Sewing kit

3. What’s the weather like?

The Philippines’ equatorial climate has a wet and dry season with an average of 23 to 32 degrees celcius. The dry season is from November to April and the wet season is from May to October. Expect sunshine and warmth and humidity everyday. Expect rain from time to time. Monsoon rains should be expected from July to September. The cooler months with an average of 25 degrees celcius start September until February. Summer heat can reach a high of 38 degrees celcius and may start in March and end in May.

4. How much money should I bring?

The cost of living in the Philippines is lower compared to other countries.

Average expenses for the following items:

Decent meal in a restaurant = US$6.00

Fastfood meal like McDonald’s = US$3.00

Bottled water 8oz/250ml = US$0.60

Bottled fruit juice 8oz/250ml = US$1.00

Jeepney ride (short distance) = US$0.20 *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney

Jeepney ride (long distance) = US$0.45

FX ride, public taxi ride (short distance) = US0.40 *http://trifter.com/asia-pacific/philippines/21-tips-on-surviving-an-fx-taxi-ride-in-the-philippines/

Taxi cab, private = US$1.20 for approximately 2 kilometers with a flag down cost of US$0.70

Tricycle ride = US0.45 *http://www.philippinesinsider.com/transport/the-versatile-philippine-tricycle/

NOTE: Please exercise extreme caution when riding public vehicles. Keep all personal valuables close to your chest. Be alert.

5. How much is the exchange rate?

1 US Dollar (USD) = 45 Philippine Pesos (PHP)

You might want to check http://www.xe.com/ for an updated exchange rate.

6. Is it safe to go here?

It is overall safe to travel in and around the Philippines. For additional information on safety, you may visit this site:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_999.html

Here is the German Embassy in the Philippines website:

http://www.manila.diplo.de/Vertretung/manila/en/Startseite.html

7. Are there vaccines required or recommended before I travel to the Philippines?

Here is a World Health Organization website on health, medical and risk factors when traveling to the Philippines:

http://www.who.int/countries/phl/en/

8. What are the best gifts or souvenirs I could bring home from the Philippines?

The Philippines is known for handicrafts, authentic pearls and other jewelries, mangoes, and barong (a cloth made of pineapple fiber). Dried mangoes are good presents. Bags, slippers, and other home accents made of bamboo, jute and other native fibers are also affordable, well-made and stylish. Pearls abound and are at a fraction of the normal cost.

9. What kind of food do they have?

Being a Spanish colony for centuries, Filipino food has been much influenced by the Spanish cuisine. Paella, callos, stew, tomato sauce based dishes are typical fares in Filipino households. The Chinese settlers also contributed to the taste of Filipino dishes. Siopao, siomai, noodles, congee are also normal dishes.

Filipinos also have penchants for dried fish, fish sauce, fish paste that might exude a strong odor to those not accustomed to them.

For your own protection, it is best to drink bottled water and other canned drinks to go with your meals.

10. I have allergies. What should I prepare for?

Considering the climate, prepare for allergies caused by warm weather and sudden rainfall. It entirely depends on what kind of allergies you have. Bring your doctor recommended medications in case of emergency.

11. Should I bring my own medicine kit?

It is preferred that you have your own medicine kit for your travel.

12. Can I bring my laptop for the trip?

Yes, it is best to bring your own laptop for your trip.

13. Can I bring my camera for the trip?

Yes, please bring your camera for the trip. Photos can be used for the projects.

14. What voltage and outlet do they have?

They use 220 volts with flat blade plugs.