Question 1

Do I need a visa to travel to Philippines?

Accepted Answer

PHILIPPINES:
Australia: No - not required
Belgium: No - not required
Canada: No - not required
Germany No - not required
Ireland: No - not required
Netherlands: No - not required
New Zealand: No - not required
South Africa: No - not required
Switzerland: No - not required
United Kingdom: No - not required
USA: No - not requiredCitizens of most countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they hold a valid return ticket.

Question 2

Is tipping customary in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in the Philippines, but a tip of spare change or another small amount (20-40 pesos) would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

Question 3

What is the internet access like in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Large cities and tourist areas have internet access available at cyber cafes, but expect limited internet access in remote and rural areas.

Question 4

Can I use my cell phone while in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Cell phone receptivity is at a high rate in the large cities, but coverage may be patchy or less reliable in mountainous places, remote areas and on some islands. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home.

Question 5

What are the toilets like in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation whilst in the Philippines. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to although Western style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

Question 6

Can I drink the water in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in the Philippines. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating

Question 7

Are credit cards accepted widely in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist-orientated retailers, but less so by smaller vendors like small, family-run restaurants, market stalls and guesthouses. Be sure to carry enough cash to cover small purchases as credit cards may not always be accepted.

Question 8

What is ATM access like in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Travelers will be able to find ATMs that accept foreign cards in the large cities but less so in remote towns and rural areas. Be sure to have enough cash before leaving the city as ATMs may not always be available outside of metropolitan areas.

Question 9

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Question 10

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:From Australia?Go to: Smart TravelerFrom Canada?Go to: Canada Travel InformationFrom the UK?Go to: UK Foreign Travel AdviceFrom New Zealand?Go to: Safe TravelFrom the US?Go to: US Department of StateThe World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Question 11

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.Eden Reforestation ProjectsEden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle ReliefWorld Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation

Title	Author
My Faraway Home	Mary McKay Maynard
Invented Eden	Robin Hemley
When the Rainbow Goddess Wept	Cecilia Manguerra Brainard
When the Elephants Dance: A Novel	Tess Uriza Holthe
Dead Season	Alan Berlow

Philippines Tours & Vacations

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Ati-Atihan

Grand Cordillera Festival

Dinagyang

Feast of Our Lady of Candles

Obando Fertility Festival

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Philippines travel FAQs