Tips for Travelers in the Philippines

The Philippines is an amazing country with a variety of attractions that will give you the best experience of your stay. Before traveling, however, it is important that you carefully plan your itinerary and determine which places you want to visit each and every day of your stay. This is an essential part of planning so that you don't waste time thinking about where you are going and when. It is also important to find out about the local currency, language and travel options in the country.

The ideal time to visit the Philippines is between November and April, when the country attracts many tourists. During this time, you can admire the most beautiful places in the country and visit remote islands or areas that are not easily accessible at other times of the year. It is advisable to choose these months for traveling to enjoy the diversity of the Philippines to the fullest.

In the cities of Manila and Cebu, it is worth paying attention to dress style, as these are large metropolitan areas with a high proportion of immigrants. Hotels and restaurants in these regions have a dress code and wearing shorts, especially in upscale establishments, can lead to difficulties when entering. On the beach and in remote areas, there is little or no dress code and flip-flops are common.
Although many travelers prefer to bring a minimum of clothing, it is best for women to avoid overly revealing clothing (plunging necklines, see-through materials) to avoid unwanted attention and indecent behavior from the opposite sex or locals.
It is recommended to choose light clothing as washing clothes in the country is easy and inexpensive. Sarongs and pashminas are versatile garments that can be worn on the beach and also provide comfort during long bus or plane rides. When visiting churches in the Philippines, it is important that you cover your face and especially your shoulders and legs.

The crime situation in the Philippines has worsened considerably in recent years, despite the country's popularity with tourists. Theft, pickpocketing and violent crime are common in tourist hotspots, so visitors need to be particularly vigilant.

Transportation and taxis: Public transportation in the Philippines is not the safest or most reliable. Tourists have to contend with taxi drivers intent on theft, difficult traffic situations leading to traffic jams, and unpredictable and aggressive drivers. Floods leading to inaccessible roads and taxi drivers without meters pose additional difficulties for travelers.

Risk of pickpocketing: Although the popularity of tourist destinations brings with it a certain risk of petty theft, petty crime is relatively low compared to many European capitals. Nevertheless, travelers are advised to be vigilant and take precautions.

Risk of natural disasters: The Philippines is prone to typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, posing a serious risk to visitors. It is important to keep an eye on weather forecasts and follow all local government regulations.

Risk of robbery: Violent crimes such as assaults, robberies and kidnappings are commonplace in the Philippine islands. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially in remote and sparsely populated areas.

Risk of fraud: Travelers should always carry small bills to avoid being scammed by vendors. You should also be careful around ATMs, as scams may be attempted, and carefully check the cab driver's information on travel costs.

Risk for female travelers: Sexual assaults on women have increased recently, so they should avoid traveling alone after dark. You should always take precautions and avoid dark and empty streets and squares.

• Make sure you get the vaccinations recommended by the World Health Organization before you travel. This will help you avoid diseases such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid and malaria.
• Take insect repellent and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor with you. The climate in the Philippines is tropical, very humid and hot.
• Only drink bottled or boiled water. Do not drink tap water.
• Avoid eating on the street or in places with questionable hygiene. Choose more expensive restaurants and cafés to avoid stomach upsets.
• Be careful when visiting local markets as there are many pickpockets. Do not take any extra money or documents with you.
• Familiarize yourself with local customs to avoid getting into an embarrassing situation. Filipinos are very religious and conservative.
• Only travel on safe tourist routes. Some areas have an unstable environment.
• Watch out for possible natural disasters such as typhoons, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Keep up to date with the news.
• Always carry copies of important documents with you in case they are stolen or lost. When choosing a hotel, check the availability of safes - this way you can keep your valuables safe.
• Do not buy SIM cards from people on the street. Only buy them in official stores of mobile phone operators.
• If you rent a car or a bicycle, you should take out insurance. Driving here can be dangerous for unprepared tourists.
• Do not walk at night in unlit and deserted areas. It is better to call a cab.
• Do not buy medicines, especially for diarrhea or colds. Only buy from pharmacies.
• Do not photograph military installations or airports. This can be seen as espionage.
• Respect local traditions and customs. For example, you must not prick a person's finger or touch their head, as this is considered an insult.
• Be careful with food on a stick. It may be cooked under unhygienic conditions.
• When visiting temples and churches, dress modestly, shoulders and knees should be covered.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip and avoid common mistakes made by tourists in the Philippines.