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 Latin America but this would be my first time in Philippines.
Thanks for any help!
Currency tips for Philippines
Started by CanuckTraveller · 22 Mar 2026 · 955 views
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22 Mar 2026 at 00:22
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22 Mar 2026 at 04:52
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are about the same than what's described here.
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22 Mar 2026 at 14:49
Not sure I agree about that area. I found the outskirts to be better value.
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22 Mar 2026 at 18:32
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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22 Mar 2026 at 19:52
Been going for years. The scene has shifted a bit but still good.
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22 Mar 2026 at 23:35
Adding my experience from last month.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 20%.
The scene has changed a bit since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 20%.
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23 Mar 2026 at 00:59
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are higher than what's described here.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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23 Mar 2026 at 03:39
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
Texas Heat — Houston, TX
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23 Mar 2026 at 04:53
I'd also recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. Essential.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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23 Mar 2026 at 12:34
I'd also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you go. Essential.
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
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23 Mar 2026 at 20:52
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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24 Mar 2026 at 04:02
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
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24 Mar 2026 at 08:21
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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24 Mar 2026 at 10:11
Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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24 Mar 2026 at 11:56
Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Wanderlust Carl
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24 Mar 2026 at 12:14
Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.
Calgary Kevin — Calgary, Canada
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24 Mar 2026 at 19:34
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Dublin, Ireland | 34 countries visited
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25 Mar 2026 at 00:06
Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.
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25 Mar 2026 at 03:37
With respect, my experience was more mixed. But maybe I went at the wrong time.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
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25 Mar 2026 at 12:50
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
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