Indie Tip #2 | Travel to Philippines: What to Bring

Travel to Philippines [Part 1]: What to Bring

Are you planning to go backpacking on the mountains of Sagada or hopping the islands of Palawan? I have compiled a list of things to keep in mind when traveling to the Philippines. This article should be helpful in keeping you safe and street-smart.

BACKPACK

It doesn't matter if you are a rugged backpacker or a suitcase jetsetter as long as you take these into account when you travel to Philippines:

1. Travel documents. Stash a photocopy of your passport, visa, plane ticket and your emergency list of phone numbers in all pieces of luggage you bring. That way, you never lose a copy.
2. USB/Thumb drive. Hey, internet shops are mushroomed all over this country. Just keep a digital copy of the documents mentioned above. Have it printed when you need it. Send it to your own email address, too just in case you lose the USB drive. Another use for this is storage (duh!). Transfer the files here from your camera's memory card.
3. Autovolt chargers or voltage transformers for your electronic gadgets. Power outlets in the Philippines are 220V. It's 110V in the US. So, if you plug, say, a hairdryer you brought in from USA, it will be fried unless you use a transformer. A lot of electronics are made to be 'autovolt' now. It means it can be plugged in a 110V or 220V outlet.
4. Forget about the phrasebook. The Philippines have different dialects in different islands anyway. English is still the second language so you don't have to worry if you know how to speak english. Otherwise, there's always sign-language. Besides, if you try to speak the native tongue, the locals will probably just find your accent funny but you still won't get your message accross.
5. Tampons. For women who don't use pads, it is good to know that you rarely find a tampon in these shores. You better bring your own.

I don't need to list down all the other stuff like bring a sunblock and personal medicine because those are no-brainers.

Congratulations, your baggage is all set! Feel free to contact me when you decide to visit Philippines!



Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Alfredo R. Roces)