Are you planning to travel to the Philippines? Congratulations, you are about to visit one of the most beautiful countries in Asia! If it is your first time visiting the country, you need to be familiar with a few things. The Philippines is a country with extraordinary beauty, be it its incredible islands or the lovely locals. In this article, we will discuss the things you should know before visiting the Philippines.
English is common
It is always good to know a few local words of the country you are visiting, rather than assuming that the locals understand the language you speak. Having said that, most of the Filipinos speak English impressively well. This makes it easy for you to move around while on your vacation or business trip. According to statistics, over 50 million people in the Philippines speak English, making the country the fifth largest English-speaking nation. The four countries are, the UK, Pakistan, India and the USA.
The local currency is Philippine Peso.
It is essential to note the local currency is the peso. If you are from the United States, you should look for the best dollar to peso exchange rate with CompareRemit.com. This will help you get the most out of your money as you plan to travel to the Philippines. The standard rate is 1 USD = 48 Philippine Pesos. The peso has emerged to become one of the most traded currencies in the world, making it equally important.
You can get around using tricycles.
In the Philippines, the most common way to get around is the use of local transport— buses, motor-taxis, multi-cabs, and tricycles. However, the tricycle is the most common form of local transportation. Tricycles are cheap and easy to use; all you have to do is wave down one, jump in and away you go! If you find it challenging getting one, ask your hotel to help you get one. If you are visiting the Philippines for tourism purposes, you will find tricycles very useful. They drop you off exactly where you want, and they not easily caught up in traffic.
You can buy fruits on the street.
In most cities in the Philippines, you will find vendors selling stacks of coconuts and fresh fruits. They also sell fruit shakes, fresh fruit juices and the famous ‘Buko Shake’. This is a blend of coconut milk, coconut flesh, coconut water and sugar mixed to create a very delicious shake. You should definitely try one! For your information, the Philippines is the world’s second largest producer of coconuts! Over 19.5 million tons of coconuts are produced in the Philippines annually.
Beware of money changers.
If you are visiting the Philippines for the first time, you should beware of fraudulent money changers. Some money changers in the country have a reputation of trying to con naive tourists and being unethical in their negotiation tactics. Should this make you worried? No! Just know they exist and be prepared in case you come across them. You can choose to exchange money before arriving in the country or use a reputable outlet, like your hotel.
Pasalubong is important
Pasalubong refers to the deed of gift-giving after a holiday. It is like bringing back mementoes for your loved ones. You will come across many little shops selling souvenirs, especially in tourist areas. Filipinos appreciate this act, and many of them set up small gift shops for that. It is a way of showing your friends and family that you care.
It is a very beautiful country.
The Philippines is a very beautiful country. If you fancy lakesides, Boracay will be an ideal location for you. This place is mesmerizing, from the color of the water to the temperature of the sea, you will love every bit of it! It is the kind of place you will want to keep going back to. Generally, the Philippines is a beautiful country with truly impressive people.
Things are affordable
If you are worried about the cost of staying in the Philippines, don’t be. Extremely nice hotels and high-end resorts are very affordable. The foods and drinks are also cheap; you won’t have to spend a lot of money staying in the country.
There are many islands.
There are so many islands in the Philippines; infact, it sometimes called the island country! There are over 7,100 islands in the Philippines. These only add to the beauty of the country. The country has well-developed transportation, communication, business, and economic infrastructure that keeps the economy thriving. Even though the Philippines is an archipelago (making it challenging to connect every island), the well-developed infrastructure links the three major islands that are key for economic sustainability. You can reach these islands by water, air, and road, thanks to the expansive infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Philippines is an amazing country. Knowing the few things discussed in this article will make the smooth and comfortable. Remember to prepare adequately before leaving for this amazing country.
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