Where to Start When Planning a Trip to the Philippines
Transportation
Jeepney
Jeepneys are unique to the Philippines and are so affordable. We paid $0.60 at most for our jeepney rides. However, even after traveling via jeepney several times, I am still confused on how it works. Thanks to the help of several locals we ended up getting the the right ones.
Jeepneys are these open air minibus contraptions, usually brightly colored. On the side of the vehicle will be painted names the route the driver will take. You stand on the side of the road and wave down the one you need. If it is full they will keep on driving, if they have room you will hop on in the back.
It is a cash only system, make sure you have small bills, and you will hand up your change to the driver. Once you are at your stop you will knock on the ceiling notifying the driver you are getting off.
If you are up for the once in a life time experience, would highly recommend. However, this was by far the most confusing public transportation we encountered. Sometimes depending on the route and the time of day, it was difficult to find a jeepney that had space.
Grab
Is a ride sharing app used is several southeast Asia countries and is thankfully common in the Philippines.
Tricycles
Are basically a covered side care that can fit a couple people. They work like any taxi. You wave one done, haggle a price, and hop on in. They are not the cheapest way to get around, but if they are definitely also a unique experience.
Things to Consider:
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Best Time to Visit: January – April
Language: Tagalog
Drinkable Tap Water: No
Haggling: Yes
Tip: No
Cash or Credit Card:
Cash, unless visiting bigger cities (Manila, Cebu)
Cultural Tips:
Greeting is done by a handshake and a smile. If introducing yourself to a group you will start with the eldest or the most important person in the group.
Never use your index finger to beckon a person over, this is considered an insult. Instead with your palm facing down, use all your fingers to beckon the person over.
Using “Sir” and “Ma’am” is common in the Philippines as it is a sign of respect.
What We Wish We Knew:
- The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands! Making it a very unique country to explore, however, it makes it very time consuming to visit more than one island. Give yourself plenty of time if you are going to visit more than one island.
- English is taught in the schools in the Philippines. Unless you are in some very remote areas in the Philippines most of the time you will be able to find someone who speaks English.
