Some common mistakes when visiting the Philippines.

When you arrive in Manila. You may be surprised at the number of beggars in evidence. When it comes to adult beggars then let your own feelings be your guide, but you are certain to find children begging and under no circumstances should you give children money. These children are sent out by their parents and giving them money simply encourages the parents to send their children onto the streets at all hours. If you feel particularly charitable to a child you might like to buy them some food, but never give money.   Click the image to enlarge.   NEVER give money to begging children, no matter how much their plight may tug at your heart strings.

Travel light.

The author of this page has just returned from a 3 week vacation in Puerto Galera and only took 'carry on' luggage on the plane. That may seem a strange thing to do, so allow me to explain why. When you arrive in Manila it will probably be on something like a &$& so there will be 400+ people waiting at the luggage conveyor. If you only have hand luggage you save a good 45 minutes of waiting at the carousel. On top of this, when people actually get their luggage they present themselves to Immigration and in no time there will be a long queue with another long wait until you are cleared. By using just hand luggage you save well over an hour of hanging about and get to the taxi rank first.

There is a second reason for traveling light. You will undoubtedly be heading for a beach resort and you can buy anything you need almost certainly for a lot less than you would pay at home. For example, a good quality cotton T shirt in 2010 costs 100 Pesos which is around $2 US

Beach resorts in the Philippines are anything but a fashion show. Everyone lives in shorts and T shirts.

Health.

We have all heard horror stories of boat trips in the Red Sea, but a few simple precautions will keep you safe from major tummy upsets. The first precaution to observe is NEVER eat food from a street vendor. Never drink water from a tap. Bottled water is cheap and plentiful. Ice is another thing to be careful with. The ice in all hotels and resorts will be sterile but may not be so in cheap bars. The author takes Imodium with him in case of a tummy upset but by observing these simple precautions has never had the need to use them in recent years.

Money changing.

I have many friends who regularly visit the Philippines and every single one of us has been stung by a money changer at some point. Immediately you get through customs in the Philippines Arrival Hall there are two small bank counters and these are legitimate and safe to change money at. NEVER visit a money changer on the streets of Manila. They all offer you higher than the regular rate but the risks far outweigh the avant age.

The sun.

Be sure to pack one or two long sleeved shirts and some long trousers or jeans as well as some socks. The shirts come in very handy for keeping the sun off your back when swimming or snorkeling. The trousers and socks however are for a different purpose. The author of this page always changes into long pants with shoes and socks at night. Mosquitos love to target feet and the simple act of changing into long pants and socks will leave you almost impervious to stings and bites.

Immunization.

Whilst there is undoubtedly some Malaria in the Philippines it does not seem to be any kind of a major problem. It is wise always to have Hepatitis jabs before travelling anywhere in Asia and you should discuss with your doctor what protection you need.