A few things to know before you trade your flat white for a fresh coconut. The Philippines runs on “Filipino time,” which is basically… whenever it happens. Wi-Fi comes and goes and ATMs take breaks. The power might duck out for a quick nap, and yep, rice really does come with everything. But that’s the beauty of it. Here’s some local know-how so you can laugh it off, stay chill, and enjoy life on island time.
Money
Cash is KING! Bring along enough Philippine Peso (PHP) for your needs. The island is mostly cash-based, and not all places accept credit cards. The fancy resorts will take card.
Carrying loose change and small bills will make your experience smoother, especially when using public transport or buying food from local vendors.
Get cash out at the ATM’s at Cebu Airport. On Siargao Island, we recommend getting cash out at the BDO ATM in town; the maximum amount is PHP10,000.
STAYING CONNECTED
You can buy mobile eSIMs when you land at Cebu/Manila Airport. As you walk out of the arrival doors, you’ll see several telecom kiosks, we recommend going with Smart or Globe for the best coverage in Siargao. They both offer data-only packages.
The kiosks can be a little slow to set up (island time!), so if you want a quicker option, you can purchase and activate an eSIM before you leave Australia using apps like Airalo, Sail, or Klook. This is especially handy if you’re arriving in Cebu outside regular business hours when the airport kiosks might be closed.
WATER & STAYING HYDRATED
Tap water in Siargao isn’t safe to drink, so we recommend using bottled water for everything, including brushing your teeth. It’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle and refill it with the filtered drinking water provided at your resort to stay hydrated throughout the day.
We also suggest packing Hydralytes or electrolyte sachets, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, they’ll help you stay balanced and avoid dehydration in the tropical heat.
If you want to stock up on supplies, there’s a general store in town called Tag Grocery where you can grab bottled water, snacks, and anything else you might need during your stay.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
While there are some souvenir and surf shops on the island, shopping options are limited. Please bring all your essential items such as toiletries, medications, make-up, hair dryers and hair straighteners.
Occasionally, there are blackouts (called brownouts by the locals) so having a battery charger can be helpful, and bring a head torch.
Philippines uses Type A,B and C sockets (Resorts have multi sockets which can take in A,B and C)
If you’ve got an overnight stay in Manila or Cebu and need transport between the airport and your accommodation, skip the taxis unless you’re keen to pay tourist prices. Instead, download the ride-share app Grab (the Philippines’ version of Uber). It’s best to install it while you’re still in Australia and link your card so you’re set up before you arrive (message verification). If you’ve got no choice but to take a taxi, make sure they turn the meter on, and if they quote a price upfront, offer about half.