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PhilippinesHow much money to take to the Philippines: general approach
Of course, there is no exact answer to this question. It all depends on how, how long and where you want to relax or travel in the Philippines. This is a country of contrasts, where you can spend both a lot and very little. After several trips, we understood the main thing: the Philippines is not the cheap Asia that many think. Prices here greatly depend on the place, season and your ability to bargain.
In our opinion, the key point is understanding that in the Philippines there is often no "golden mean" in the price/quality ratio, especially in accommodation. Either you pay little and get very modest conditions, or you pay enough to get normal comfort. This is important to consider when planning a budget.
Advice from our experience: bargaining in the Philippines is possible and necessary almost everywhere, except supermarkets. With tricycle and taxi drivers (without a meter) the price can sometimes be reduced several times. But do it politely, with a smile. However, bargaining in cafes and stores with price tags is not always appropriate — it's better to focus on the indicated prices.
How much money to take if you are going on a package tour
Package tours to the Philippines are an expensive pleasure. If you choose this option, then flights, accommodation and sometimes breakfasts are already included. Your task is to calculate the budget for additional expenses: food (lunches, dinners), excursions, transport and souvenirs. The standard tour duration is 10-14 days.
| Expense item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch and dinner (cafes/restaurants) | 300 - 600 | 800 - 1,500 |
| Drinks (water, juices, coconuts) | 100 - 200 | 200 - 500 |
| Local transport (tricycle/taxi) | 150 - 300 | 300 - 800 |
| Excursions, entrance tickets, entertainment | 300 - 800 | 1,000 - 3,000 |
| Souvenirs, small purchases | 100 - 300 | 300 - 1,000 |
| TOTAL per day | 950 - 2,200 ≈ 15.44 - 35.74 USD |
2,600 - 6,800 ≈ 42.24 - 110 USD |
| For 10 days | 9,500 - 22,000 ≈ 154 - 357 USD |
26,000 - 68,000 ≈ 422 - 1105 USD |
| For 14 days | 13,300 - 30,800 ≈ 216 - 500 USD |
36,400 - 95,200 ≈ 591 - 1547 USD |
Thus, going on a 10-day tour, you can take with you from 10,000 to 68,000 pesos (162 - 1105 USD) per person for pocket expenses. Keep in mind that if your hotel is not located in a tourist center, transport costs may be higher. Also, the price greatly depends on the island: everything is more expensive on Boracay or Palawan than in Cebu or provincial towns.
How much money to take for independent travel
Independent travel in the Philippines gives incredible freedom but requires careful budget planning. You need to account for everything: from flights between islands to daily small expenses. We will break down the main expense items.
Accommodation: from hostels to hotels
- Hostel bed – from 300 pesos/night (without air conditioning and with minimal amenities) / 219 USD.
- Double room without air conditioning with shared bathroom – from 500 pesos/night / 8.12 USD.
- Double room with air conditioning and private bathroom – from 800-1,200 pesos/night / 13 USD.
- Good room in a 3*+ hotel – from 1,500-2,500 pesos/night / 24.37 USD.
In our experience, the Philippines really has few quality budget options. For 500-800 pesos you often get a room with questionable cleanliness and a shared bathroom on the floor. We advise not to skimp on accommodation and look at options from 1,000 pesos — this way you will save your nerves.
Food and dining: from street food to restaurants
- Lunch in a local cafe (rice with chicken/meat + drink) – from 100 pesos / 1.62 USD.
- Lunch in a chain restaurant (JolliBee and similar) – from 120 pesos / 1.95 USD.
- Lunch/dinner in a tourist restaurant – from 300 pesos / 4.87 USD.
- Local beer 0.5l in a store – from 60 pesos / 0.97 USD.
- Local beer 0.5l in a bar/cafe – from 100 pesos / 1.62 USD.
- Coconut on the beach – from 50 pesos / 0.81 USD.
Sometimes eating in a cafe is cheaper than cooking yourself, especially considering the prices of some products (milk, water, fruit out of season). But the selection in cheap cafes is very limited — mainly rice with meat or chicken.
Transport: tricycles, jeepneys and ferries
- Motorbike rental per day – from 350 pesos (on Boracay — from 2,500 pesos!) / 5.69 USD.
- Tricycle ride (short distance) – from 50 pesos (but tourists are often asked for 100-150, need to bargain) / 1.62 USD.
- Jeepney ride (local route transport) – from 10 pesos / 0.16 USD.
- Taxi by meter (in large cities) – starting from 40 pesos / 0.65 USD.
- Ferry between islands – from 500-1,000 pesos depending on distance / 8.12 USD.
- Domestic flight (e.g., Manila-Cebu) – from 1,500-3,000 pesos if booked in advance / 24.37 USD.
Our recommendation: for moving around the city, try to use jeepneys — it's inexpensive and authentic. Always agree on the price with tricycle drivers in advance and don't hesitate to bargain.
Entertainment, excursions and shopping
- Full-day excursion (diving, island hopping) – from 1,500 pesos / 24.37 USD.
- Entrance tickets to natural attractions – from 100-300 pesos / 1.62 USD.
- Massage (1 hour) – from 300 pesos / 4.87 USD.
- Local rum Tanduya 0.7l in a store – 130 pesos / 2.11 USD.
| Expense item | Budget traveler | Standard option | Comfortable vacation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500 - 800 | 1,200 - 2,000 | 2,500 - 5,000+ |
| Food | 300 - 600 | 600 - 1,200 | 1,500 - 3,000+ |
| Transport (local) | 100 - 300 | 300 - 600 | 600 - 1,500+ |
| Entertainment/shopping | 200 - 500 | 500 - 1,500 | 1,500 - 4,000+ |
| TOTAL per day | 1,100 - 2,200 ≈ 17.87 - 35.74 USD |
2,600 - 5,300 ≈ 42.24 - 86.11 USD |
6,100 - 13,500+ ≈ 99.11 - 219 USD |
Important for independent travelers: This table reflects daily expenses in one place. To them you must add the cost of international flight, insurance, domestic flights/ferries between islands and visa (if required). Travel within the Philippines is a separate expense item. If you plan to visit 3-4 islands in two weeks, budget an additional 5,000 - 15,000 pesos for transport. For detailed planning, we advise looking at our complete guide to prices in the Philippines, where we have collected all the nuances and specific numbers.
Budget calculator for a trip to the Philippines
Final budget tips for the Philippines
- It's better to take money in dollars and exchange for pesos in banks or official exchange offices or pawnshops in cities. The exchange rate at airports is unfavorable (except Manila airport), exchange a little for taxi, the rest — later.
- Bank cards are accepted in large hotels, shopping malls and restaurants, but cash is needed for markets, transport and small shops.
- Fruit prices greatly depend on the season. Mango, durian, pineapples in season (spring-summer) are much cheaper.
- Local alcohol (rum, gin) is very cheap, while imported — expensive. This can be used to your advantage.
- Transport between islands is the most complex part of the budget. Plan your route in advance and book plane tickets, it will be cheaper.
- Don't skimp on accommodation. A difference of 200-300 pesos per night can mean a transition from a room with cockroaches to a clean and comfortable one.
- Drink bottled water or water from coolers (often free in hotels). Tap water is better not to drink.
The Philippines is an amazing country with stunning nature and friendly people. Our experience shows that with proper budget planning, you can enjoy all the best it has to offer without unnecessary financial worries. Have a pleasant trip!
