If your planning to travel to the Philippines for three weeks or less, you won’t need to apply for a visa. If you are interested in a longer stay you can apply for a three month visa for $35. If you need a visa extension they are usually easy to get in regional areas.

It is possible to contract malaria, typhus, cholera, hepatitis and rabies in the Philippines.

Most people choose to travel between September and May to avoid the typhoon season. The airlines are most crowded during the Christmas and Easter breaks, so if you want to travel during those weeks, you’ll need to book ahead.

At customs, visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form beforehand. For those with no currency or article to declare, BC Form 117, signed by the custom officer serves as a gate pass. Foreign currency more than US$3,000 must be declared. Departing passengers are not allowed to take out foreign currency more than the amount that was brought in and declared. Imported items brought in, and not to be taken out again upon leaving, are taxable.

The Philippines currency is the Philippines pesos. Generally speaking, you will end up spending more money than you would at other similar Asian destinations. It is easier to exchange British pounds or Euros, since only clean American dollars will be accepted. You can also use checks, and your MasterCard or Visa in many ATMs throughout the country, but most plentiful in the big cities.