I will be going to the Philippines for the first two weeks in August. I was hoping someone could offer some good traveling tips. Anything from what to pack, what to where, what to carry with me, would help. I will be staying in a rural area with some relatives for the most part. Salamat!
2006-06-26 10:03:40 · 13 answers · asked by Ilovepeanutbutter 3 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
I'm going to Hilongos. It's a province of Leyte.
2006-06-27 06:15:18 · update #1
I expect that you live in the USA.
Maybe you already know this, but, I suggest you bring things, not so much for yourself, as for your relatives. American made things are highly appreciated. Goods such as chocolate, bars of soap, and even toothpaste will make them very happy. Buy bulk items in individual portions as much as possible because your gifts will be shared by many. <-- end of my own two cents.
Did you say rural?? You will certainly miss hot water and bathroom tissue. Bring many shorts and few skirts. Expect that your clothes will be hand washed and hung to dry, by you or someone else.
EXTRA CREDIT: If you can unlock your GSM cell phone, you will want to buy a local SIM card there for text messaging.
2006-06-26 11:08:13 · answer #1 · answered by Paatrick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would pack lots of shorts and T shirts and a couple pairs of bermuda type shorts and a shirt with a collar for going into town.
Bring some immodium ad or some similar over the counter medication for dirrerah. Some OFF or similar insect repellant. Travel packs of kellenex tissues because most places in rural areas don't stock toilet paper.
2006-06-26 20:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring lots of jeans and t shirts coz it's hot and humid in there. And I would say 98 per cent of the people esp. in rural areas wears those. What particular province in Phil by the way you aregoing? I am from Davao del sur, that's in Mindanao. I advice also that you put your money in the bank, and just carry some with you, just to be safe you know. And just withdraw lil by lil when you get to your destination. And also when withdrawing money in the bank, sometimes they would ask you if you want it in peso or dollar, ask for dollar and go to money changer like the ones in the mall coz they usually have higher exchange and never in the hotels, ohhhh they are bad!
P.S.
I don't know how rural is the place you are going to, you have to consider that also if the place have banks that you could access for withdrawing money.
2006-06-26 19:46:58 · answer #3 · answered by Koken 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common sense, you should not have to bring extra water, etc to the Philippines (other countries YES). Is this your first trip over there?? If so, take some time to go online and learn their culture - for example, some oriental cultures consider bare feet an insult. Since you are entering their country, try to be considerate of their beliefs - you will be regarded with respect if you show them some. Also, from experience over there - the 'beef' is NOT beef. If you are adventurous - Great - just be aware. And cool, lightweight clothing - it will definitely be hot over there unles you are very used to high humidity.
2006-06-26 17:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its good you're bringing canned goods to your relatives, they will really appreciate that, maybe to include US brand shampoos, conditioners and lotion, and chocolates. That is usually what I ask for 'pasalubong' from my sister,working in the US.
As to what to pack, if your baggage will allow, since august here, is rainy, so its not too hot, shorts, maong pants, tshirt will be okay, a jacket will also be suitable. If you're allergic to mosquitoes bites, u should bring insect repellant with you; usual stuff like soap, tissue, shampoo, lotion etc... but if you dont preferred any brand, u can buy it here, maybe u should do shopping first before going to rural area but usually in the rural area, there are also central market, where u can buy stuff u need, as long as u not picky with the brand. In case you love reading, bring book; if you love music, bring your ipod/cd, in case the tv signals are not okay in ur place.
Where in the Philippines are you going?
Im currently living in Rizal but working in makati.
2006-06-27 01:14:49 · answer #5 · answered by cutie81176 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
expect no hot water and air conditioning except if the house you're going to live with is equip with those things as some filipino household are. just ask your mom, what is the condition they are living there. just pack summer clothes. you can buy necessary stuff in the stores, like toiletries, water, etc.
expect rainy season, some storms and on some part flooding. bring lots of "pasalubong". don't worry about your accomodation there, you will be treated like a queen.
piece of advice- don't drink the tap water, you might get an upset stomach esp if you are not use to it.
2006-06-27 12:09:01 · answer #6 · answered by belle♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did someone said food??? Forget that, there you will more than you can, and find the best fresh food. Nice comfortable shoes, short sleeves T- shirts, if too hot you do not want to expose your skin too much as you would be thinking that you are fresh but when night comes, on those sun burn hurts. Sun block, body lotion, insect repellent, and what you can find simple cloths, and something nice for the night. You probably will adapt a sarong there and that will do. Have a safe and best trip.
2006-06-26 17:13:56 · answer #7 · answered by gaivotabr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get shots before leaving, and take plenty of toilet paper and bottled water. A compass is always helpful, too. And definitely bring along a dictionary that translates the native language to English.
2006-06-26 17:10:05 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pack tampons. Seriously.
2006-06-29 03:29:42 · answer #9 · answered by fakebobjones 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For packing tips, check out the list below. It might remind you of things you did not consider:
2006-06-26 18:24:03 · answer #10 · answered by seetheglobey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋