Packing list for the Philippines, travel insurance for the Philippines, and taking your belongings

What to bring to the Philippines: highlighted

Featured items:

• Documents: a passport with a validity of at least 6 months and a transit or return ticket!
• Money: cash is king, especially with all the brown-outs and on smaller islands and in the jungle, so bring some Philippine pesos (PHP). A debit card to quickly refill your wallet to pay for your next island trip.
• Care: coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor that is water-resistant.
• Outdoor and practical: cap or hat, sunglasses and rain gear for sudden tropical rain showers.
• Clothing: light clothing for tropical weather. 
• Shoes: hiking boots for jungle treks and volcano climbs and flip-flops for on the dive boat. Reusable water bottle, because you will need to drink a lot of water!
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhea and ORS (dehydration is real). Mosquito repellent with DEET or Icaridine (more on this below).
• Safety: Moneybelt or fanny pack for your valuables.
• Technology and equipment: plug type A, B and sometimes C, so be sure to bring that world plug.

What else can you bring:

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Bikini for all those swimming and diving days.
• A UV-protective shirt for snorkeling.
• A karaoke machine to make friends.

What knowledge is useful when you go to the Philippines?

• ‘Filipino time’ exists – a flexible approach to clock times. Leave your watch at home.
• Knowledge of religion and culture. The country is largely Catholic. Covering your shoulders in churches is not only polite, but also practical against mosquitoes.
• The lyrics of a few songs to sing!

Are there mosquitoes in the Philippines?

• Yes, and not just any mosquitoes, but the tropical varieties that love tourists with fresh blood.
• You run the risk of contracting various diseases, so it is wise to protect yourself well.

Are there sand flies in the Philippines?

• Yes, sand flies (locally called nikniks) are mainly found near mangroves, beaches and island villages.
• They are most active at sunrise and sunset.
• Small, but with a big effect: itching as if you are on fire.
• DEET and picaridin help well.

Can you buy DEET, or other anti-mosquito products, in the Philippines?

• You can buy DEET and picaridin at pharmacies, drugstores and online. There are also local, environmentally friendly products for sale.
• It also helps to protect yourself by wearing covering clothing. It may be warmer, but it is also safer and protects you from the sun.

Where can you get food and drinks in the Philippines?

• Street food is cheap and widespread: try banana cue, balut (if you dare), and sisig.
• Supermarkets: SM, Robinsons, Puregold – large chains with a surprising Western selection (chocolate, chips, deodorant).
• Sari-sari stores: small neighborhood stores, handy for snacks, water, toothpaste and gossip.

Can you buy a beer or wine in the Philippines, or take it to the Philippines?

• Beer is easy, available everywhere in all kinds, below zero, above zero.
• Wine is not easily available, sweet and local wine is easier to find than non-sparkling dry wine.
• You are also allowed to bring 2 bottles (max 1.5 liters) of alcohol with you.

Can you buy a joint or weed in the Philippines, or take it to the Philippines?

• If you want to risk a very heavy prison sentence you can try, but it is absolutely, very illegal.