Filipinos are adept in the English language. Although Filipino is the national language, English is widely used in business. The Philippines is also home to 176 languages and dialects which are scattered in the whole archipelago.

The Philippines is a tropical country where it can be hot and humid almost all-year long. Wearing light and casual clothes is highly recommended; but if you’re visiting mountain regions, consider wearing warmer outfits. We also advise tourists to be mindful of their clothes when visiting cultural and religious sites.

The Philippines has a wide range of accommodation options for every type of visitor, from 5-star hotels and luxury resorts to boutique hostels, transient houses and nipa huts. It’s advisable to book your stay in advance, especially when you’re visiting during the peak season: Holy Week, New Year, Christmas, and any major local festival.

Business hours of most private and government offices are usually from 8 AM to 5 PM or 9 AM to 6 PM, Mondays to Fridays. Most shopping malls are open from 10 AM to 8 PM, and banks are open from 9 AM to 3 PM. There are also 24-hour convenience stores in most areas.

Keep your expectations low when it comes to the Philippines’ internet connection but it still works fine nonetheless. In secluded areas of the country, expect a total disconnect as signal may not be available from time to time – a chance for you to live in the moment.

However, a couple of waysto stay connected are available  – there are prepaid SIM cards in mini-markets or roadside shops, pocket WiFi rentals, and free WiFi in establishments.

The two top mobile internet providers are Smart and Globe which are readily available; both have varying internet promotions and deals on unlimited calls and texts based on your budget and needs.

Most establishments in the Philippines already include a 10% service fee in bills.  However, a 15-20% tip is always well-appreciated. Tips are usually handed to cab drivers, bellhops, bartenders, waiters, or anybody who’s had given any kind of service.

The official currency in the Philippines is Philippine peso (currency code: PHP). Notes in the country come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000. On the other hand, coins come in 1-peso, 5-pesos, and 10-pesos, these small amounts come in very handy for small tips and paying jeepney drivers.

In major cities, ATMs are accessible in almost every corner; however, this is not the same case for remote islands and mountain provinces. Destinations such as Palawan, Panglao, and Siquijor have limited access to international-network ATMs. Be sure to carry around enough cash when traveling to these destinations.

Filipinos love to eat so much, that they munch a lot on snacks in between meals; having snacks or also known as merienda is a sure way to express courtesy even to those you do not know. Filipino meals normally includes spoon and fork and rarely a knife; but meals are best enjoyed when eaten with bare hands and no utensils at all, the Filipino way!

Rice is the staple food for Filipinos. Classic Filipino dishes such as adobo (marinated pork or chicken) and lechon (roasted pig) are more enjoyed when paired with steamed rice. Some Filipino food favorites also include seafood, pancit (noodles), halo-halo, mangoes, and balut.

There are multiple international airports in the Philippines. The major gateways are Manila, Davao, Aklan, Angeles, Cebu, and Iloilo, to name a few.

Before going out, make sure you check your destination on Google maps to familiarize yourself with the directions. It’s also best to avoid traveling during the Metro Manila rush hour, which is around 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM. We also advise that you download ride-hailing apps such as Grab for cars or Angkas for motorcycles, which are both convenient ways to get around Manila because they can be easily booked.

The Philippines has several international airports located all over its archipelagic islands. It’s best to know where exactly your destination is to determine the best entry point and save time and money. Book flights and hotels ahead of time because prices tend to increase as your travel dates get closer. Avoid traveling during super peak season if you’re on a budget or  you don’t like massive crowds; super peak season is usually during the Christmas season (late December), Chinese New Year (early January or late January), and the Holy Week (late March or early April).

There are two seasons in the Philippines – dry and wet. The best season to travel is during the summer season from March to May; while the rainy season starts from June to December. Strong typhoons usually occur from September to October. Follow PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration) on Facebook for daily updates about the weather in the Philippines.