I will be visiting the Philippines for the first time. I was told to expect to get the runs, is it avoidable?

Question

I am guessing I should not drink the tap water, but what else should I look out for?

Answer 1

It's unavaoidable but, there are ways to minimize it.
Eat only in the resturants or fast food places like jollybee.
Don't eat any shellfish.
Don't eat at the sidewalk vendors or any street food (vendors carts).

Don't eat any dishes that have coconut milk as an ingrediant.

You'll probably get a mild case no matter what just from the change of diet. Keep a pack of kleenex tissues in your pocket at all times. Evan in the nicer resturants they don't have TP available most of the time.

Answer 2

Of course it's avoidable. But it also depends on how strong or how weak your body is.
Of course you shouldn't drink tap water. You don't drink tap water even in other countries. Aside from drinking only bottled water, just be careful about food in general. Since the climate is very warm, food tends to spoil more easily than in cooler places. Freshly cooked meals shouldn't be a problem. If you have a weak system, you may want to stay away from seafood too but you may just be missing a lot. Some visitors who do get the runs actually had a little too much to eat. That's because eating in the Philippines is a national past time.

Answer 3

Yes dont drink tap water. And stay away with uncooked greens like lettuce... it holds a lot of water and obviously tap water is used to wash it. Ice is ok though even if tap water is used because by the time it becomes ice it already reached the 0 degrees freezing point which is the same as boiling.

I agree with Trixie take roll of toilet paper with you. Not all the restrooms provide it specially in public areas. If you stay in the hotel, you're fine... they supply it.

It will be good to watch over your belongings. Safekeep most of your money and passport in safety deposit box provided by the hotel or resort. Take money that you will only need for the day. Make photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Travelers check is not widely used and acceptable because they are afraid of fake and stolen tc.

Generally speaking it is a nice country. You just have to be careful and observant of your surroundings just like going anywhere else. There are some good and bad parts of the country. Make sure you go to tourist oriented places. The Department of Tourism will not promote them unless they know it is safe to visit... got my point?
Goodluck and have fun!

Answer 4

Everything should be cooked through, stay w/fruit that has a peel - oranges, bananas. If you want other fruit, wash the knife w/bottled water. Avoid ice - made w/tap water. Also, rinse your toothbrush w/bottled water - put a washcloth over the tap to remind yourself. Bring Immodium and Pepto Bismol tablets - take them at the first sign of a problem.

I came home from Jamaica w/a raging case of diarhea, and had bouts for a month afterwards. Not worth it.

Answer 5

Seems like they're all advising you about diarrhea resulting from drinking water and ice here in the Philippines. Don't forget to bring toilet paper with you. In cases of emergency.... like diarrhea lol You certainly don't want to be without a TP handy with you.

Answer 6

Dont drink water, which includes any drinks made with water. Don't drink anything with ice cubes either. If the water has been boiled, such as prepared foods, it should be okay. The boiling kills the bacteria that causes diarrhea.

Answer 7

Drink bottled water, canned or bottled soda - no ice. Last time we were there - the ice did us in. We forgot that ice is made from tap water.
Avoid buying food from the sidewalk vendors.

Answer 8

Yah avoid tap water and foods your stomach might not accept, just watch out for what you take as far as food/drinks are concerned and hopefully you'll make it ok...Have fun

Answer 9

Don't drink the water. Don't eat fresh fruit. Take some Imodium AD with you just incase.

Answer 10

philippines is a nice country, mony tourist spots and nice beaches.. just watch out for people who will took advantage of you.. additional fare rates, expensive beach and bar entrances and of coures snatchers...but never the less enjoy!! life is too short to think of those....