PHILIPPINE VIEWS 2004
We hope that someday you too can visit the beautiful Philippines. If you do, here are some hints that will be helpful to you:
1. Research your flight well, there are some real bargains to be had especially during the 'low' seasons.
2. Travel as light as possible, don't 'overpack' there are real bargains to be had in the Philippines, especially on clothing, just buy what you need there.
3. Change your currency only at authorized currency exchange outlets. Avoid "black market" money changers, they offer higher rates, but you could receive counterfeit bills or at the very least get cheated through well practiced 'sleight of hand'.
4. While there drink only distilled bottled water (Filipinos call it mineral water... who knows why?) and soft drinks. Do not use local ice unless you're absolutely sure it is made from bottled water.
5. If your traveling to the provinces outside metropolitan areas bring an insect repelent containing D.E.E.T.
6. If a Taxi driver won't start his meter or tells you it's broken, find another cab.
7. Keep your money out of sight in a money belt, we had absolutely no problems during our trip, but it is much better to be safe than sorry.
8. While you can easily rent a self-drive car if you have an International Driving permit (available from AAA), it is far better to hire a car & driver or use public transportation as rush hour traffic in Manila and other metropolitan areas is far worse than anything you will ever ecounter in New York City or Los Angeles.
9. Learn a few key phrases in Filipino (Tagalog). Filipino's will admire you for communicating in their language and it will help you make friends!
However, most Filipinos speak some English (with varying degrees of fluency), and it is the language of commerce there.
10. Don't act as if you are 'better' than the local people, it could bring you trouble. Humility is the key.
