Metro Manila is big and mall-centric - a city built around shopping, dining, and indoor entertainment more than landmark sightseeing. The thing nobody overstates is the traffic: it gets genuinely intense, so build in a generous buffer for anything time-sensitive, and check Waze or ask a local, because realistic travel times are hard to guess from a map. But the real reward is outside the cities - the provinces are where the nature and history are, and they're worth structuring a trip around. One practical note from experience: cards still aren't widely accepted once you leave the big establishments, so always keep cash on hand.
Bills (₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500, ₱1,000) and coins (₱1, ₱5, ₱10, ₱20) are both in circulation.
Cash is essential outside Metro Manila; many restaurants, markets, and transport options are cash-only.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
4 / 10.0
Transactions are predominantly cash-based, particularly outside Metro Manila. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, large malls, and chain restaurants. Domestic mobile wallets like GCash and Maya are common but require a local phone number and identity verification for full functionality.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
₱560–₱1,120
Carinderia (local eateries) meals at ₱80–₱150 per meal. Jeepney and tricycle rides at ₱10–₱50. Grab rides for longer distances.
≈ $10–$20
Meals & Transit
₱560–₱1,120
≈ $10–$20
Carinderia (local eateries) meals at ₱80–₱150 per meal. Jeepney and tricycle rides at ₱10–₱50. Grab rides for longer distances.
Accommodation
₱450–₱850
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $8–$15
Accommodation
₱450–₱850
≈ $8–$15
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
₱1,400–₱2,800
Casual restaurants and mall food courts (₱300–₱600 per meal). Grab rides and occasional short domestic flights.
Ride-hailing application. Works with international cards and phone numbers. Provides localized transport booking features.
AngkasForeigner-friendly
Motorcycle taxi booking application. Requires helmet (provided by driver).
Navigation
Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Reliable for navigation in cities. Useful for finding restaurants and attractions. Works offline with downloaded maps.
Food
foodpandaForeigner-friendly
Food delivery app widely used in Metro Manila and major cities. Works with international cards.
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
Drug legislation is strictly enforced. The Philippines has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Penalties include life imprisonment. Do not carry, use, or purchase illegal substances.
Smoking is prohibited in all public places including restaurants, bars, malls, and public transport under Republic Act 9211. Designated smoking areas are required.
Vaping and e-cigarettes are regulated. Under Republic Act 11900, vaping is prohibited in the same areas as cigarettes. Minimum age to purchase is 21.
Littering is illegal and subject to fines. Many local government units enforce anti-littering ordinances strictly.
Cultural
Modest attire is customary when visiting churches and religious sites. Attire must cover shoulders and knees. The Philippines is predominantly Catholic.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets and with tricycle drivers, but not in malls or established restaurants.
Health
Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas. Drink bottled or filtered water. Ice in reputable restaurants is generally safe.
Be the first to share your Philippines trip
Log a trip to add tips and help other travelers see what's possible in Philippines.
Casual restaurants and mall food courts (₱300–₱600 per meal). Grab rides and occasional short domestic flights.
Accommodation
₱2,200–₱4,500
3-to-4 star mid-range hotels, serviced apartments, or standard boutique properties.
≈ $40–$80
Accommodation
₱2,200–₱4,500
≈ $40–$80
3-to-4 star mid-range hotels, serviced apartments, or standard boutique properties.
Luxury
Meals & Transit
₱4,500+
Fine dining restaurants (₱1,500–₱3,000+ per meal). Private transfers and domestic flights to island destinations.
≈ $80+
Meals & Transit
₱4,500+
≈ $80+
Fine dining restaurants (₱1,500–₱3,000+ per meal). Private transfers and domestic flights to island destinations.
Accommodation
₱8,400–₱19,500+
5-star luxury hotels, premium boutique properties, or high-end private villas.
≈ $150–$350+
Accommodation
₱8,400–₱19,500+
≈ $150–$350+
5-star luxury hotels, premium boutique properties, or high-end private villas.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping Customary
Restaurants
A gratuity of 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants if a service charge is not automatically included in the bill. Tipping is not expected at fast food outlets or casual roadside eateries.
Hotels
Bellhops typically receive ₱50 to ₱100 per bag. Housekeeping staff receive ₱50 to ₱100 per day.
Taxis / Drivers
Rounding up the fare is standard for metered taxis. Gratuities are optional for ride-hailing applications. Tour guides typically receive ₱200 to ₱500 per day.
Official Links
Verified government websites and official resources
Some links may be affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Public transport in Metro Manila consists of localized minibuses (jeepneys), three-wheeled utility vehicles (tricycles), public buses, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) networks
Ride-hailing services like Grab operate within urban centers
Inter-island transit is conducted via domestic aviation networks or ferry services
Regional areas rely heavily on three-wheeled vehicles and motorcycle transit
