ManilaTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Use bottled or filtered water; tap water quality varies by building.
• Choose busy kitchens with visible turnover, especially for seafood and grilled chicken.
• Ice is generally fine in hotels and established restaurants, less predictable at street stalls.
• For delicate stomachs, keep first-day meals simple and avoid raw sauces left at room temperature.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Use ride hailing after dark; street taxis are inconsistent on meters and routes.
• Keep phones away from open jeepney windows and curbside traffic.
• Avoid changing money on the street; use banks, malls, or licensed counters.
• Traffic is the main operational risk: pad airport transfers generously.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Politeness is practical currency; abruptness gets poor service.
• Use “po” and “opo” with older locals when speaking Filipino basics.
• Dress neatly in hotel lobbies, upscale malls, and business districts.
• At heritage sites, keep voices low and photography discreet.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Restaurants often add service charge; leave extra only for sharp service.
• Round up ride fares or add a small cash tip for drivers handling luggage.
• Hotel porters and housekeeping appreciate modest peso notes.
• Upscale salons, bars, and private guides expect more deliberate tipping.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Smoking and vaping are restricted in many public areas; use marked zones only.
• Carry photo ID when entering major office towers or private residential compounds.
• Drone use around Manila Bay, government areas, and airports needs caution and permits.
• Drug laws are severe; avoid any gray-market offer completely.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Heat and humidity dehydrate quickly; carry water even for short walks.
• Dengue risk rises in rainy months, so use repellent at dusk and after rain.
• Private hospitals are stronger for travelers than public emergency rooms.
• Travel insurance should include hospital admission and medical transport cover.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.