Customs and traditions
After 300 years of Spanish rule, Christianity, and in particular the Catholic religion, is deeply rooted in Philippine society. Over 80% of the Filipino population belong to the Catholic Church. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in Southeast Asia and the third most populous Catholic country in the world, with about 80,000 practicing Catholics. Protestantism, Buddhism and Islam are minorities.
The Christmas season in the Philippines is one of the longest in the world, starting as early as August with Christmas carols in shopping malls and restaurants. The festive atmosphere and preparations for Christmas begin at this time and continue until around mid-January.
Filipinos are warm and welcoming, and their interactions with foreigners are generally benevolent and courteous.
The country is gradually opening up to Western culture, especially in terms of fashion: casual and slightly lighter clothing is accepted. However, care must be taken to ensure that clothing is appropriate. Bathing suits are only worn on the beach. In non-tourist areas you'll want to dress conservatively. In religious and sacred places, you'll need to cover your shoulders and thighs.
If you want to take a photo of a Filipino, first ask his or her permission.
Filipinos are not strict about schedules. Transport delays, for example, are not uncommon.
When annoyed, keep calm, as signs of irritation can be misunderstood.
The usual taxes and service charges (waiter's wages) are generally included in the bill, although some "higher" category hotels and restaurants add these extra charges, which seems to be a misleading practice with no valid justification. Gratuities are common and appreciated from taxis, guides and restaurants and are generally calculated at 10% of the total bill.
Moderate bargaining is common at many open-air markets, especially those aimed at tourists. However, prices for food and drink are generally fixed.
Cigarette smoking and vaping is allowed but regulated: smoking is prohibited in most public places, whether indoors, at work, in government offices, in healthcare facilities or on public transport, on pain of a fine. In certain public places, "designated smoking areas" are available.
Time difference
London, United Kingdom time is 7:00 hours behind Manila, Philippines.
Electricity and internet access
Electrical sockets are 220V, American type. An adapter is therefore necessary. These are available in some shops, and some hotels supply them.
Safety
The main risks are snatch and grab. We advise you to travel light, keep scanned copies of your passports and tickets, and keep a close eye on your personal belongings.
The road network is well developed but often congested at peak times, especially in Manila. Some roads are not always well maintained. To be on the safe side, we advise travellers not to hire a motor vehicle (prefer bicycles, for example), and both pedestrians and passengers are advised to obey the traffic rules.
Currency
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
As of November 15, 2024, 1 EUR = 61 PHP.
We recommend that you check the exchange rate before you leave and contact your bank for advice. Remember that while it's easy to withdraw money from cash machines or change money at the office in major cities, there may not be any cash machines on islands or in more remote, rural areas. It's important to plan ahead.
Payment by credit card is now commonplace in hotels, restaurants and shops in major cities, but less so, if at all, in rural areas and smaller, less touristy towns.
Weather
The Philippines has a tropical climate, generally warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, with high averages around 27-32°C. The coastal areas are often warmer than the mountainous regions. However, the country has two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).
The dry season corresponds to the high season, with milder temperatures and less rain, while the wet season can see high temperatures and higher humidity, leading to heavy rainfall. As a result, tourist numbers drop and accommodation prices fall.
Languages
In the Philippines, there are two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog, also influenced by Spanish) and English. Filipino is the national language, but English is also widely spoken and used in business, education and communications. In addition, there are several regional dialects. A tourist can therefore easily communicate with a good grounding in English.
Accommodation quality
Tourist accommodation in the Philippines is varied, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Hotels generally offer a good level of comfort and service.
In more remote or less-developed regions, accommodation may be more limited and of variable quality.
We always strive to offer our customers hotels of the highest standard.
Please note that hotels are rated 3-, 4- or 5-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 3-, 4- or 5-star standards.
Food quality
Philippine cuisine is known for its diverse flavours, blending Asian, Spanish and American influences. You'll find a wide variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to meat and rice dishes. It's also sweeter than in Europe.
While restaurants are generally safe, it's advisable to be more cautious about the hygiene of street food stalls or small local restaurants. Make sure the food is fresh and well cooked. Avoid eating pre-prepared food and prefer food prepared in front of you.
It is also advisable to drink bottled water to avoid water-related health problems. However, hotels are increasingly providing purified water, so don't hesitate to ask.
By following these basic precautions, you can safely enjoy delicious Filipino cuisine.
