There are many things to consider when you decide to visit the Philippines, so what I have done is broken them down into different categories to help you. These are my own personal experiences of traveling around in the Philippines.

• (1) It is advisable that you have the following injections to be sure that you will not contract any of the illnesses which can occur. Please consult your doctor in your own country at least two months before you plan to visit the Philippines and they will advise you what you will require. The normal injections are 1/Tetanus. 2/ HepatitisA. 3/ Yellow fever. 4/ Typhoid. 5/ Cholera. 6/ Polio. They may also advise a course of Anti-Malaria tablets (although 99.9% of the Philippines is Malaria free). I do also advise that you take a supply of Pain killer tablets and Sun Block Cream.
• (2) All foreign visitors must firstly decide how long they intend to stay in the Philippines. For most people it is for a short holiday. This is fine, but if you decide to stay for over 21 days you must follow the guide lines in number (3)
• (3) If you intend to stay for greater than 21 days you must get a visa from the Philippine Embassy in your own country. This will be granted for up to three months at any one time. You can reapply for an extension once you are in the Philippines, but you must be prepared to sit and wait for a long time in the Visa issue office as the Filipino pace is very slow! They will not hurry if they can help it. Be sure to have all of your paper work with you otherwise you will have to return the next day and wait again. This can be very frustrating if you are use to getting things done immediately. Do not expect this to happen in the Philippines as they are very Bureaucratic and will need many copies of all the paper work. Don't forget your signature. This must be the same each time you sign anything, otherwise it will be rejected. You may encounter officials of dubious character. It has been my experience that the offer of 100 to 500 Pesos in such instances for their help has speeded up the processes.
• (4) You must also be prepared for a Culture shock, as you are now in a Third world country. Do not expect everything to be the same as they are at home. You will find that the people are very friendly and you will always get a smile as you walk down the streets or highways. You will never find toilet paper in any of the toilets except if you stay in a good hotel, so always carry some with you at all times. Never drink the local water. Always buy bottled spring water. It is very cheap P45 pesos for 6 liters. You will not suffer with an upset tummy if you do this.
• (3)If you take money with you to the Philippines take travelers cheques, or your own currency, or take US dollars,or British pounds always carry it on you. I would recommend a money belt. Never leave money in any hotel deposit safe or in your hotel room. If you need to get money from a bank or change money, be sure that you give yourself plenty of time. I have never found any bank in the Philippines where I can get or change money in less than 2 to 3 hours so you must be prepared to sit and wait. As I have said before in this text, time means nothing as the pace of life is much slower than you may be used to in your own country. Never use money changers as you will find that the rate of exchange is much lower. Also you may find that you do not get all of your money,however if you do use these services, always check it at least twice before you leave them.
• (4) Food. You will find some of the most mouth watering food going but be careful with the road side food venders as there are no hygiene laws such as those in England. Most of the venders do not have anywhere to wash their hands or to prepare the food correctly. I would advise you to use one of the many fine restaurants or fast food places in the towns. All food is very cheap and most dishes are served with rice.
• Drink. All of the hotels and clubs have a selection of beverages, San Miguel Beer (14.5% ), Tanduay Rum (80% proof) The prices will vary from place to place, in a club you will pay up to P 70 peso per bottle of Beer, or up to P 30 peso per shot of Rum, but if you like a drink in your own room, go to the local supermarket and buy it. It's very cheap, for example, a bottle of Tanduary Rum (5 year old) is only P 40 peso and a bottle of Beer is only P11 peso.
• Accommodation. This is of course your choice. There are many Hotels where the Top Prices are about P 1,300 pesos, but most people pay about P 350 pesos in a good Clean Hotel. There are other places you can stay like Pension Houses at P 150 pesos or a Beach Hut at P 50 pesos. All these prices are based on one night stay, but you can get discount if you decide to stay longer at that place.
• Medical. Whilst you are on holiday, make sure that you have taken out medical insurance, just in case you are taken ILL, as the cost of medical treatment and medication is expensive. For example if you require a blood transfusion this will cost you up to P 1,000 pesos per bag and the cost of a hospital bed will be around P 2,000 peso per day. For another example, if you have a bad tummy upset and go to the local doctor, this would cost you about P 1,000 pesos to see him plus any medication he may recommend for you. This could be about another P 500 pesos per medication.

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  ©:(1999) Phil_GIRLS,M.G.Bunce.