Last updated Jun 2026

Philippines

Everything you need before landing in the Philippines: visa requirements, best eSIM plans, Manila airport transport options, ATM tips, and essential apps.

Visa

Passport	Status	Duration	Cost
🇬🇧UK	Visa-free	30 days	Free
🇺🇸USA	Visa-free	30 days	Free
🇦🇺Australia	Visa-free	30 days	Free
🇪🇺EU countries	Visa-free	30 days	Free
🇨🇳China	Visa-free (temporary)	14 days	Free
🇮🇳India	Visa-free	14 days	Free

Visa rules change. Always confirm your requirements at the official Philippines Bureau of Immigration site before you travel.

eTravel registration required before boarding

All travellers must register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival. It's free — you receive a QR code that airlines check before you board.

eSIM / SIM card

Buy before you fly — an eSIM activates automatically when you land, no airport queue needed. Prices are approximate USD and may vary.

Short stay — up to 10 days

AiraloBest value

7 days · 5GB · Smart network

~$11Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

7 days · Unlimited · Globe network

~$27Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

Long stay — 10 to 30 days

AiraloBest value

30 days · 20GB · Smart network

~$29Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

30 days · Unlimited · Globe network

~$75Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

More plan lengths and data sizes available directly from:

Airalo →Holafly →

No eSIM on your device? Physical SIMs from Smart and Globe are available at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 on arrival.

Purchase and install your eSIM 1-2 days before your departure, and activate it once you land — most eSIM validity periods start when the device connects to a supported network.

Airport Transport

CEB – Mactan-Cebu International

Philippines' second-largest international airport — gateway to the Visayas

Option	Time	Cost	Best for
Grab Designated pick-up area outside arrivals; covers Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu	30–45 min to Cebu City	PHP 200–350 (~$3.50–6)	Most convenient option for hotels in Cebu City or Mandaue
MyBus (public bus)Budget Stops outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; departs every 20–30 min; runs 07:30–21:40	~60 min to SM City Cebu	PHP 50 (~$0.90)	Budget travel with light luggage; connects to main Cebu City transport hubs
Official metered taxi Official taxi rank at front of arrivals at both terminals; insist the driver runs the meter	30–45 min	PHP 250–350 (~$4.40–6.20)	24/7 backup if Grab is unavailable

Use only metered taxis — not unmarked cabs

Unofficial taxis outside Cebu airport routinely quote inflated fixed fares. Use the official metered taxi rank or book Grab. If a driver refuses to run the meter, choose another cab.

Cash & ATMs

Verdict

The Philippines is moderately cash-dependent. Street food, markets, jeepneys, tricycles, and most local restaurants are cash-only. Cards are accepted at malls, chain restaurants, and mid-range hotels. Keep PHP 2,000–3,000 on hand at all times.

ATMs

Most Philippine ATMs charge PHP 250–300 (~$4.40–5.30) per foreign card withdrawal regardless of amount. HSBC ATMs are the exception — no surcharge for foreign cards, with a single withdrawal limit of PHP 40,000 (~$700). Withdraw larger amounts (PHP 10,000+) to minimise the per-transaction fee. Use a Wise or Revolut card to offset the cost.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated. Leave 10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge is included, and round up taxi fares. Not expected at street food stalls or carinderia (local diners).

Exchange a small amount (PHP 2,000–3,000) at an airport money changer for your first taxi or meal — then use city ATMs for the rest. Airport ATMs charge the same fee but often have worse exchange rates.

Essential Apps

🟢

Grab

Ride-hailing and food delivery across 20+ Philippine cities. The go-to app for safe, fixed-price transport from NAIA and Cebu airport.

🗺️

Google Maps

Essential for navigation — download Manila or Cebu offline before landing. Works reliably throughout the Philippines.

📱

GCash

Philippines' dominant e-wallet for QR payments at markets, stalls, and transport. Requires a Philippine mobile number to set up — easier once you have a local SIM.

📱

InDrive

Ride-hailing alternative to Grab where you negotiate the fare — often cheaper for longer trips across Metro Manila.

📱

foodpanda

Food delivery in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other major cities. A widely used alternative to GrabFood.

First Day Tips

1Register on eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before your flight — it's free and airlines routinely turn away passengers who haven't completed it. Do it the morning before departure, not at the gate.
2At NAIA, walk past anyone approaching you inside arrivals and go directly to the official yellow taxi queue or the Grab pick-up zones outside the terminal. A metered yellow taxi to Makati runs PHP 330–440 — any 'fixed rate' you're offered inside the hall will be significantly higher.
3Withdraw PHP 3,000–5,000 at a bank ATM once you reach the city rather than at the airport — the PHP 250–300 withdrawal fee is the same everywhere, but city exchange rates are better. Keep this cash for jeepneys, street food, and cash-only vendors on your first day.

Stay up to date on Philippines

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