Philippines
Traveling to · Philippines
Weather right now
34°C
Sun
35° / 28°
Mon
35° / 28°
Tue
35° / 27°
Wed
34° / 28°
Country facts
Capital
Manila
Language
tl · tl
Currency
PHP ₱
Emergency
911 all
Tipping
10% at restaurants if not included; 20-50 PHP for porters/drivers.
Plug & power
Type A/B/C · 220V · 60Hz
When to visit
December–March (drier season). May–November is rainy season — afternoon showers daily.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
high season
low season
Typical costs (USD)
Hotel · budget
$20-50
per night
Hotel · midrange
$60-130
per night
Meal
$4-15
restaurant, typical
Transit
$1-4
single trip
Excellent value. Tourist-zone prices higher; off-the-beaten-path very affordable.
Essential phrases
Hello
Thank you
salamat po
Please
Pakiusap
Excuse me
pasensya na po
Sorry
Paumanhin
Where is the bathroom?
Nasaan ang banyo?
How much?
magkano?
Help!
Tulong!
I don't understand
hindi ko maintindihan
Spicy
Maanghang
Not spicy
Hindi maanghang
Water
Tubig
Translate any phrase →
Open the full translation grid — your phrase will appear in 65 languages with audio and a cross-check verdict on each card.
Numbers
0
0
Zero
1
1
Isa
One
2
2
Dalawa
Two
3
3
Tatlo
Three
4
4
Apat
Four
5
5
lima
Five
6
6
Anim
Six
7
7
pito
Seven
8
8
Walo
Eight
9
9
Siyam
Nine
10
10
Sampu
Ten
20
20
Dalawampu
Twenty
50
50
limampu
Fifty
100
100
Daan
Hundred
1000
1000
libo
Thousand
What to pack
- Lightweight quick-dry clothing
- Strong SPF + sun hat
- Modest cover-up for religious sites
- Mosquito repellent (DEET)
- Bottled water for drinking + teeth
- Stomach prep (probiotic, Imodium)
- Sandals + closed shoes
Cultural notes
- English is widely spoken — Tagalog and English are both official
- Pointing with lips (chin nod) is normal; finger-pointing is rude
- 'Po' and 'opo' are added to sentences for respect to elders
- Filipino time can run 30-60 min late socially — venue events are punctual
- Tap water unsafe outside major hotels — bottled water for everything
Universal courtesies
Apply everywhere, every country — respect travels with you.
- Try a greeting in the local language even if it's the only word you know — it's appreciated everywhere.
- Match local dress norms when entering religious sites, government buildings, or rural areas.
- Ask before photographing people, especially children or in religious settings.
- Tipping customs vary — never assume your home country's expectation applies.
- Remove shoes when entering homes if your host does; watch their cue.
- Keep voices lower than at home in temples, mosques, museums, public transport.
- Hands and gestures mean different things across cultures — observe before reaching out.
- Cash + cards: rural areas often need cash; major cities take cards. Carry small notes.
- Don't compare countries to each other in front of locals — every culture stands on its own.
- If you don't know the etiquette, watching for 30 seconds usually teaches it.