Travel tips · Manila · Philippines
Manila travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
Manila blends Malay roots, more than three centuries of Spanish rule, a half-century of American administration and a long Chinese presence. Most Filipinos are Catholic, family is central, and English is widely spoken. Hospitality is warm and politeness is shown through words such as 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to elders.
Key facts
- Language
- Filipino and English
- Currency
- PHP
- Plugs
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap…
- Emergency
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
Things to know
- Add 'po' to sentences when speaking to older people as a sign of respect.
- Dress modestly in churches, covering shoulders and knees.
- Losing your temper in public causes embarrassment; stay calm and polite in disputes.
- Filipinos often point with their lips or a nod rather than a finger.
- If invited to someone's home, bring a small gift such as pastries or fruit.
- Queue patiently for trains and jeepneys; there are separate lines for women, the elderly and passengers with disabilities in some stations.
- The National Museum complex and many churches are free.
Tipping
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; where they do not, leaving about 10% is appreciated. Round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters and guides a small amount.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salamat po | Thank you (polite) |
| Magandang umaga | Good morning |
| Magkano po? | How much? (polite) |
| Para po | Stop here, please (on a jeepney) |
| Ingat | Take care |
| Masarap | Delicious |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, with modest dress for churches. Malls and offices are heavily air-conditioned, so carry a light layer, plus an umbrella in the rainy season.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water; refill stations are common.
- Emergency number
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from Globe and Smart are sold at the airport and convenience stores; SIM registration with ID is required. Malls and cafés have free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
Pickpocketing and phone snatching happen in crowded markets, on jeepneys and in rail stations, so keep valuables secure. Use metered taxis or ride-hailing, and be wary of strangers offering drinks or tours. Typhoons and flooding can disrupt travel from June to October.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Philippines's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Manila?
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; where they do not, leaving about 10% is appreciated. Round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters and guides a small amount.
+Can you drink the tap water in Manila?
Most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water; refill stations are common.
+What plugs are used in Manila?
Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Manila?
Filipino and English.