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£1 ₱82.50
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Travel warning
There's a very high threat of terrorist attacks, especially in parts of Mindanao and the Sulu islands, where they happen frequently and can target places like malls and transport hubs.
Weather & climate
Weather in Philippines
Philippines
36°
Light drizzle
Sat
28°
36°
Sun
28°
36°
Mon
28°
36°
Tue
27°
36°
Wed
29°
34°
Thu
28°
35°
Fri
27°
33°
SPF level in Philippines
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Philippines
What British travellers need to know
You can visit the Philippines without a visa for tourism for up to 30 days.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
You must have a QR code from the free e-travel system registration completed within the 72 hours before your arrival.
You must be prepared to show proof of return or onward travel as immigration officials and airlines may ask for it.
To stay more than 30 days, you must apply for an extension while in the Philippines, as overstaying can lead to fines, detention, or deportation.
Good to know:
If your non-Filipino children aged 14 or under are travelling without either parent, you must apply for a waiver of exclusion ground for entry into the Philippines.
You cannot take in more than 50,000 Philippine pesos and must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars on arrival.
Safety in Philippines
Tips when travelling
Philippines is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert to street crime and robbery, which is common and sometimes involves weapons.
Only use taxis from reputable companies as some drivers and accomplices have robbed and harmed passengers.
If you want to keep your passport in a hotel safe, carry a printed copy of its photo page as identification.
Penalties for possessing any amount of illegal drugs are severe and carry a mandatory prison sentence.
Swimming and surfing beaches are unlikely to have lifeguards, so get local advice before starting any activities.
Bonus tips:
Overt public displays of affection by LGBT+ travellers could be considered a 'grave scandal' and lead to a fine or prison sentence.
Check a dive operator's credentials and ensure safety equipment is available on the boat before scuba diving.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Philippines
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Philippines drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Philippines
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check the policy details carefully to ensure it covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Be aware of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as using repellent and wearing long clothing. Food and waterborne diseases are also a risk, so only drink bottled or boiled water and be cautious about the food you eat. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
Cards & payments
Card payments are accepted in major establishments in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still preferred in smaller establishments and rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Philippines
Tipping is customary in the Philippines, especially for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if service charge is not included. Check the bill first as some restaurants already include a service charge of 10%.
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 10-20 PHP is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
20-50 PHP per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 PHP per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
100-500 PHP per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the Philippines. Roaming can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data access.
Local SIM
10 GB for 500 PHP (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, LTE
Electrical in Philippines
Voltage
220V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type C
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities and tourist areas. Coverage can be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
WiFi is common in urban areas. Mobile data is a viable alternative, available from local carriers. Consider purchasing a local SIM for more affordable data access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
117
Ambulance
117
Fire
117
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Philippines
Country code
+63
To call the British Embassy in Manila from the UK, dial 00 63 2 8858 2200.
To call the Philippines from the UK, dial the exit code (00), followed by the country code (63), then the area code (if applicable), and finally the local number.
Languages in Philippines
Filipino(primary)
English
UK Embassy
British Embassy Manila
12/F Taipan Place Building, 120 Tektite East Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Philippines
Beaches in Philippines
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes for stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays or other purposes such as work or study, a visa is required. Check the latest visa requirements on the Philippine Embassy in London's website before you travel.
Parts of the Philippines are considered dangerous due to terrorism and crime. Check the UK government's travel advice for the latest information on specific regions. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid travelling to high-risk areas.
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, temperatures are generally warm and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring the islands and beaches. The wet season, from June to October, can bring heavy rainfall and typhoons.
The Philippines has a collectivist culture where 'pakikisama' (getting along with others) is valued. Show respect to elders by using 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to them. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be prepared to remove your shoes. Filipinos are generally hospitable, so be polite and respectful.
Filipino cuisine is diverse, with influences from Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American cuisines. Popular dishes include adobo (meat stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns), sinigang (sour and savory soup), and lechon (roasted pig). Rice is a staple food. Be sure to try local fruits like mangoes and calamansi.
Be aware of common tourist scams, such as overcharging by taxi drivers or vendors. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help, as they may try to take advantage of you. Keep your valuables secure and be vigilant in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). You can exchange money at banks, airports, and authorized money exchange establishments. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and islands.
Transportation options in the Philippines include buses, jeepneys (local shared vehicles), taxis, and tricycles (motorcycle with a sidecar). In major cities, ride-hailing apps are also available. For inter-island travel, you can take ferries or domestic flights. Be prepared for traffic congestion in urban areas.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.