The Philippines does not allow entry with an ID card alone for most travelers. All foreign travelers must present a valid passport upon entry. Citizens of ASEAN member countries can enter the Philippines with just their national ID card for short visits, but it is recommended to carry a passport for smoother travel.
All travelers entering the Philippines must present a valid passport. Below is a guide to entry requirements:
Citizens of the following countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for short stays (up to 30 days, extendable) with just a valid passport:
Citizens of countries that are not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa before traveling to the Philippines. A valid passport is required, and visas can be obtained from a Philippine embassy or consulate.
Note: Visa policies may change, so it's important to check the latest requirements before travel.
The Philippines has several toll roads, particularly around major cities like Metro Manila. Key expressways include the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Toll rates vary depending on the vehicle type and the distance traveled.
The Philippines has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: the hot dry season (March to May), the rainy season (June to November), and the cool dry season (December to February). The climate varies slightly depending on the region.
This is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 38°C (80°F to 100°F), especially in the lowland and coastal areas.
During the rainy season, the Philippines experiences heavy rains, particularly in the western and central regions. Typhoons are also common during this time.
This is considered the most pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F) and lower humidity levels.
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP), symbolized as ₱.
Peso banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10 pesos, and smaller centavo coins.
Currency exchange services are widely available at airports, malls, hotels, and currency exchange counters in major cities. ATMs are also available, allowing you to withdraw pesos using international credit or debit cards.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most urban areas, hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. However, cash is preferred in rural areas and smaller towns.