Planning my first trip to Philippines in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from the UK and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in Philippines.
Thanks for any help!
Philippines — tipping etiquette
Started by KiwiKen · 1 Mar 2026 · 1942 views
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1 Mar 2026 at 05:00
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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1 Mar 2026 at 12:12
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were lower when I went. Maybe timing matters.
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1 Mar 2026 at 15:14
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
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1 Mar 2026 at 19:38
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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1 Mar 2026 at 22:21
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
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2 Mar 2026 at 02:11
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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2 Mar 2026 at 04:47
This matches my experience. Philippines is underrated.
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2 Mar 2026 at 12:13
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
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2 Mar 2026 at 19:24
This matches my experience. Philippines is one of my favorites.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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2 Mar 2026 at 22:59
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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3 Mar 2026 at 08:42
Adding my experience from 3 weeks ago.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.
Yorkshire Lad — Leeds, UK
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3 Mar 2026 at 11:04
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
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3 Mar 2026 at 14:19
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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3 Mar 2026 at 23:54
100% agree. The quality is hard to beat.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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4 Mar 2026 at 06:28
Quick question — how was the hotel security?
Ozzie Travels — Sydney, Australia
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4 Mar 2026 at 11:39
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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4 Mar 2026 at 12:48
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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4 Mar 2026 at 20:12
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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5 Mar 2026 at 00:03
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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