Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, but that isn’t the only attraction calling tourists to this country. From its historic capital city of Manila to the rugged and secluded Cordillera Mountains, there are plenty of adventures to be experienced in the Philippines. While you handle the fun, Travel Guard can help you plan.

Travel insurance is not a requirement for tourists visiting the Philippines, but that shouldn’t discourage you from protecting your trip investment. While travelling within the Philippines can be budget-friendly, getting there can be another story. Flights can be on the expensive side, especially if you’re travelling within high season. Travel insurance is designed to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. What happens if you have to cancel your trip due to the death of an immediate family member? What if you suffer an accident during your trip and need emergency medical attention? Find the coverage you need to protect your trip investment with a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.

Every traveller has different needs, which is why our All-Inclusive Package may be a great option. Our All-Inclusive Package provides comprehensive coverage including coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage, including the covered risks and benefits of the All-Inclusive Packages.  We offer some packages online; however, additional Travel Guard travel insurance options may be available through our World Service Centre or through one of our travel industry partners.

Typically, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors can come into play when pricing your plan, such as the type of travel insurance benefits you need, the non-refundable trip cost you need to insure, your age and trip length. Travel Guard offers a variety of travel insurance plans and packages designed for different traveller’s needs. If you have questions about coverage options or require more information, we are here to help. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs, or contact our World Service Centre to speak to one of our licensed customer service representatives about Travel Guard travel insurance products.

The Philippines is home to beautiful natural attractions, a rich culture and delicious food. However, travellers should be aware of a number of safety and security concerns. It should be noted that certain areas in the Philippines, particularly in the southern regions such as Mindanao, experience insurgent activities, terrorism and civil unrest. Visitors should check travel advisories, as many governments warn against all travel to these areas.

Terrorism and civil unrest may also impact locations outside of the southern Philippines. Travellers should remain alert and immediately report suspicious activity to authorities. Protests and other large gatherings should also be avoided at all times.

The Philippines has a high crime rate, and petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and scams are issues in markets, public transportation hubs, popular tourist locations and other crowded areas. Thieves may also target vehicles idling in traffic.

Violent crime, including assault, armed robbery and assault, may impact travellers in the Philippines. Kidnapping for financial gain or ideological reasons can also occur throughout the country. Travellers should research areas to avoid, remain vigilant, keep belongings secure, travel in groups and avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark. If travelling in a vehicle, keep windows up and doors locked at all times, and keep valuables – including cell phones – out of sight.

Visitors to the Philippines may be targeted for credit card fraud and overcharging for goods and services. Be wary of strangers and refuse unsolicited offers for tours or other services. In some instances, victims have been drugged and robbed after travelling to a supposed tourist site. Instead, use reputable tour companies, preferably arranged in advance of travel. Do not leave food and drinks unattended, do not accept food or drinks from strangers, always check your bills and receipts carefully and use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas.

Public transportation in the Philippines includes buses, taxis, tricycles and jeepneys. Ferries and flights are also available for travel between islands. Public ground transport options and ferries pose risks to travellers due to maintenance issues, unsafe local driving practices and petty crime. Additionally, unscrupulous drivers may overcharge or rob tourists, and assailants have targeted public transport in armed robbery in the past. In general, it is best to use pre-arranged transportation booked through a reputable provider. Rideshare services are also available in the Philippines.

Travellers should research cultural norms and local laws before travelling to the Philippines to avoid causing inadvertent offense or facing legal issues. Always carry some form of identification, as police may conduct random checks. As in other countries in Southeast Asia, drug laws are strict, and penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal substances are severe. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may be illegal in the Philippines. Individuals should research the legal status of their medications before travelling to avoid serious legal issues.

Natural disasters are a significant concern in the Philippines. The country is prone to typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.

Health concerns in the Philippines include waterborne illness, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and risks from stray animals. Drink only bottled water from sealed containers, take appropriate precautions against mosquito bites and immediately seek medical treatment if bitten by a stray animal.

When visiting the Philippines, do your best to avoid wild animals since rabies is a prominent disease in the Philippines. Additionally, illnesses and disease are spread through mosquito bites, so be sure to use preventative measures like using bug spray, covering up your bare skin, using mosquito nets and avoiding prolonged time in insect-prone areas. Additionally, do not go out if you are feeling sick and keep your distance from people showing signs of sickness while you’re out. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on preventing illness while travelling to the Philippines.

There are a variety of preventable diseases you could get vaccinated against such as Yellow Fever, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Measles and others that can be viewed on the official Government of Canada website.   Finally, when planning a vacation, be sure to check with your primary care doctor to see if there are any vaccinations you should receive before travelling.

The quality of medical care may vary throughout the Philippines, with higher quality care being available in major cities.  Response times for emergency situations can be slow.  A travel insurance plan with 24/7 emergency medical assistance can provide you with additional assistance during an emergency. In addition, a plan with emergency medical evacuation coverage may help get you to appropriate medical care. Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage can be ideal if an emergency happens.

A hospital stay in the Philippines can range from 500 to 6,000 Philippine Pesos per day, which is roughly a range of $12 to $142 CAD per day.

No, healthcare is not free for tourists in the Philippines. It is highly recommended to have a travel insurance plan with emergency medical expense coverage for this reason.

No, a prescription from a medical professional is required when purchasing antibiotics in the Philippines.

The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines is located in Manila. Visit the Government of Canada website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

The official currency in Philippines is the Philippine Peso. Travellers will be able to exchange currency at Filipino banks, ATMs or at an exchange kiosk at the airport before or after arrival. You will be able to use your credit and debit cards as normal, but smaller vendors and markets may not accept them as a form of payment, so carry a small amount of cash.

While the exchange rate can shift on a day-to-day basis, the average conversion is approximately $1 CAD to $42 PP.

There are two official languages of the Philippines, Filipino and English. However, there are various indigenous languages still spoken around the country, such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano and Hiligaynon. Travellers will find English commonly spoken across the Philippines with more than 14 million citizens speaking the language. Still, it’s best practice to bring a digital translator you can use without Wi-Fi to ensure there are no miscommunications during your trip.

The international dial code in the Philippines is +63 for placing incoming calls and +0 for outgoing calls from the country. When placing international calls, be sure to check with your phone company to avoid unexpected fees and charges and remember connecting to a landline is often less costly than a cell phone.

Visitors travelling to Philippines will not be able to use their electronics as normal because the Philippines uses a different voltage than Canada. You will either need a 220V power adaptor or a universal adaptor to ensure you are able to charge and use your devices without interruption.

Be sure to bring any prescriptions in a labeled bottle from the pharmacy. Be sure to double check your prescriptions against banned items by visiting the official Government of Canada website.

Visas are not required for leisure trips lasting less than 30 days and business trips lasting less than 90 days. A valid Canadian passport is required with at least six months of validity for entry to the Philippines.

Weather in the Philippines tends to be very warm throughout the year with a tropical maritime climate, meaning it’s not only hot, but humid as well. Travellers will find the highest temperatures to be between March and May, which is right before the summer monsoon season. While it rains year-round in certain parts of the country, the Philippines rainy season lies between May and November. Tourists looking for lower temperatures may consider travelling in the winter, as January is the month with the lowest temperatures.

Choosing the best time of year to visit the Philippines depends on the vacation you’re planning. If you want to sightsee at your own leisure, plan your travels around the season where the temperatures appeal to you most.

However, if you plan on participating in some of the Philippines famous cultural events, you may want to consider travelling in the late fall or winter. Join the dancing celebration of Dinagyang Festival in January or visit in February to see the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which is one of the most popular events in the country. Or celebrate the holidays in the Philippines and join the Giant Lantern Festival that takes place in December. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it on your Filipino vacation.

Children may need a Waiver of Exclusion Ground for entry to the Philippines in addition to other requirements from the Canadian Government that can be viewed on their official website.

The Philippines is a great destination for seniors with many different activities at various skill levels to choose from to help you create a vacation that won’t wear you out by the end of your trip.

It is not typically recommended for pregnant travellers to visit destinations where Malaria is present, which would include the Philippines. If planning on travelling while pregnant, be sure to visit the official Government of Canada Website for useful information and considerations.

It is common for travellers to tour the Philippines by bus or ferry, though air travel may be an option depending on your travel points.

A local SIM card may be necessary for cellular use in the Philippines if you don’t have access to global roaming or do not want to pay the fees that come along with it. Travellers can purchase a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or at a local cellular shop in a major city.