First Time in the Philippines? What to Know Before You Arrive

The Philippines is a beautiful country, but arriving for the first time can be a little overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. There are a few things I wish I had known earlier, and some lessons I learned through personal experience.

Whether you're visiting Manila for a few days before heading to another island, travelling around the country, or staying for a longer holiday, a little preparation can save you time, money and unnecessary stress.

These are my personal recommendations for making your arrival and first days in the Philippines easier.

1. Before You Fly: Complete Your Philippines eTravel Registration

This is one of the first things I recommend taking care of before travelling.

The Philippines uses an online arrival and travel declaration system called eTravel. Complete your registration within 72 hours before your arrival and save a screenshot of your QR code on your phone.

Official website: https://etravel.gov.ph/

Registration is free. Be careful with third-party websites that charge a fee for completing this declaration.

I recommend doing this before leaving for the airport rather than waiting until you arrive. Immigration areas can get busy, and passengers who haven't completed their registration may need to spend extra time sorting it out.

Having your QR code ready can make the process more convenient.

2. Have Proof of Your Onward or Return Journey

This is something I learned the hard way.

On one occasion, I was asked to show proof of a return ticket at the airport. I didn't have one ready, and I found myself in a stressful situation where I had to book a return ticket at the airport. Otherwise, I was told I might not be allowed to continue with my journey.

My advice is simple: don't assume that a one-way ticket will always be enough.

Before travelling, check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality and visa status. Airlines may also check onward-travel documentation before allowing passengers to board.

If you need help arranging onward-travel documentation, you can explore DummyTicket.com:

Get onward-ticket assistance through DummyTicket.com (Affiliate link)

Use discount code H9MWJ52A at checkout.

Please understand that a temporary reservation or onward-ticket document is not a guarantee of airline boarding or immigration admission. Requirements vary, and travellers should ensure that their documentation meets the applicable rules. Where possible, have a genuine confirmed onward or return ticket.

3. Upon Arrival: Be Careful When Choosing Your Airport Transport

Once you leave the arrivals area, you may encounter individuals offering taxis or private transfers.

My personal recommendation is to avoid accepting unsolicited transport offers from people approaching you outside the terminal. Some travellers, particularly foreigners who are unfamiliar with local prices, may be quoted considerably higher fares.

Even when a driver uses a meter, I personally prefer to know the fare and booking details before getting into a vehicle.

My go-to recommendation is Grab.

Download the Grab app before travelling, create your account and familiarise yourself with how it works. You can enter your destination, compare the available ride options and see the fare before confirming most GrabCar bookings.

At Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), pickup arrangements vary by terminal. Follow the pickup instructions shown in your app and the airport's official signs rather than assuming every terminal uses the same meeting point.

Useful link: https://www.grab.com/ph/

A little preparation here can save you unnecessary negotiations after a long flight.

4. Get a Local SIM Card or eSIM

Having internet access as soon as possible makes travelling around the Philippines much easier.

You'll need it for maps, ride-hailing, restaurant delivery, communication and checking your bookings.

If your phone supports eSIM, you can arrange one before travelling. Otherwise, consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card after arrival.

Globe offers tourist SIM options at several Philippine international airports, including Manila, Cebu and Davao. Other local providers and authorised retailers also offer prepaid options.

My advice is to check that your phone is unlocked and compatible before purchasing a SIM.

Official information: https://www.globe.com.ph/international/traveler-sim

Don't wait until you desperately need internet access to arrange connectivity.

5. Food in the Philippines: A Note for Muslim and Halal-Conscious Travellers

One thing I personally found challenging in some parts of the Philippines was finding halal food conveniently, especially when I wasn't familiar with the area.

The Philippines has a diverse food culture, and halal options are available, particularly in areas with established Muslim communities. However, depending on where you're staying, you may not always find a suitable restaurant within walking distance.

My practical solution is to use the Grab app, particularly GrabFood, to search for restaurants and have food delivered to your accommodation.

One of my personal go-to restaurants is Kenny Rogers Roasters. I find myself ordering from there around 90% of the time when it suits my location and food preferences.

However, an important point for Muslim travellers: don't automatically assume that a restaurant or a particular dish is halal. Check the restaurant's current halal certification or ask directly about ingredients, preparation and cross-contamination before ordering.

If halal food is an important part of your trip, research the restaurants around your accommodation before booking it.

6. Where Should You Stay in Manila?

Your choice of accommodation can make a big difference, especially if Manila is only your first stop before travelling to another Philippine destination.

I would consider two main things:

• Your budget and the kind of neighbourhood you want to experience.
• Whether you have another domestic flight to catch.

If You're Travelling on a Budget

Look at accommodation in areas such as Pasay, particularly if you want to stay relatively close to the airport and Mall of Asia.

You can also compare options in Makati, where you'll find a range of accommodation, restaurants, shopping and transport connections.

Don't choose accommodation based only on the advertised distance from the airport. Manila traffic can be unpredictable, and a short distance on the map doesn't necessarily mean a short journey.

Compare the total price, location, recent guest reviews and transport options before booking.

If You Have a Domestic Flight

If you're arriving internationally and flying onwards to another Philippine destination the following day, I recommend prioritising convenience.

Pasay and the areas around NAIA may be practical options, depending on your departure terminal and budget.

Before booking, check:

• Which terminal your domestic flight departs from.
• How far the hotel is from that terminal.
• Whether the hotel offers airport transfers.
• Your expected travel time during peak traffic.
• Whether you need to transfer between terminals.

Don't assume that all flights use the same terminal. Confirm your terminal with the airline before arranging your transport.

If your next flight is early in the morning, staying somewhere convenient can be worth paying a little extra.

7. Have a Day or Two in Manila? Don't Spend All Your Time in Your Hotel

If you have a day or two before heading to another destination, I'd recommend exploring a little of Manila.

You don't need to plan an exhausting itinerary. A few worthwhile stops can give you a taste of the city.

Mall of Asia (MOA)

Mall of Asia is a good option if you enjoy shopping, restaurants, entertainment and waterfront views.

You can spend a few hours exploring the mall, eating, shopping and enjoying the surrounding area. The seaside area is particularly worth visiting around sunset.

Intramuros

If you're interested in history and architecture, visit Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city.

You can explore its old streets, historic buildings and landmarks, including Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

It's a very different experience from the modern shopping centres and business districts.

Rizal Park

Another worthwhile stop is Rizal Park, a historic public park in the heart of Manila.

It's a good place to take a walk, learn a little about Philippine history and enjoy some open space.

If you only have one day, choose the attractions that interest you most rather than trying to fit everything into a tight schedule. Allow extra time for traffic.

8. Things I Recommend Avoiding

A few simple precautions can make your first days much smoother.

Avoid accepting unsolicited airport transport offers. Use a recognised booking service or an official airport transport counter.

Avoid travelling without checking your onward-ticket requirements. Don't leave an important travel document issue until you're already at the airport.

Avoid assuming that every restaurant is halal. Check the food and preparation if this is important to you.

Avoid booking accommodation without checking the location. A cheap room far from your airport, activities or transport connections may cost you more in time and transport.

Avoid relying entirely on airport Wi-Fi. Arrange a SIM or eSIM so you can use maps and transport apps when you need them.

Avoid underestimating Manila traffic. Give yourself enough time for airport transfers and domestic flight connections.

9. My Final Advice

The Philippines is a country worth exploring beyond Manila. Its islands, beaches, mountains, food and welcoming people offer so much to discover.

But your experience can be very different depending on how prepared you are when you arrive.

Complete your eTravel registration, check your onward-ticket requirements, arrange internet access, use reliable transport, plan your accommodation around your itinerary and research food options if you have specific dietary requirements.

Most importantly, don't try to see everything at once. Give yourself time to enjoy the places you visit.

I hope these recommendations help make your first experience in the Philippines a little easier. They're based on my own experiences, and I hope they save you some of the time and stress I went through when I first started exploring the country.

Planning a trip to the Philippines or another destination in Southeast Asia?

At Sand & Island, we help travellers with personalised travel planning, flights, accommodation, airport transfers, visa assistance and activities.

Plan your trip with Sand & Island

Travel information note: Entry requirements, airline policies, airport procedures, transport pickup arrangements and service availability can change. Always confirm current requirements with official government sources, your airline and relevant service providers before travelling.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains a referral link to DummyTicket.com. If you use the link or discount code, Sand & Island may receive a commission or referral benefit at no additional cost to you. The recommendation does not guarantee acceptance by an airline or immigration authority.