There are some things we compiled while travelling...some tips if you are going to the Philippines especially if you are Filipino American like us. Or in Michael's case, a white guy. No matter what, they can spot an American, asian or not.
1. Dress for the weather. It is really hot and humid. Maybe even bring a hanky or small towel if you sweat a lot. You will see a lot of people wearing towels around their necks.
2. Tsinelas (flip flops, slippers, etc) are acceptable pretty much anywhere. Construction workers, road crews, etc. wear them on duty too. Oh, and perfect for playing basketball, and even riding horses up a mountain.
3. Be prepared to take cold showers. Hot water is a commodity. Good point though, supposedly cold water is good for your hair.
4. Bring immodium and other things to help your tummy. Remember, their food is different even if you eat filipino food often here in the states. Their health regulations are different too. Joyce thinks "do they have any actual regs?"
5. Only drink bottled water. Sometimes you can get nicer restaurants to serve purified water from their "fountain" but you have to be very careful. It is advised even if you are brushing your teeth. Also, make sure the ice is purified or from a legitimate vendor. It can get tricky.
6. Wear a money belt, sling bag that is not easy to get into or a neck pouch to keep your passport and money on you when going out.
7. when you get your money exchanged try to get small bills like 20's and 50's. Cashiers like smaller bills and exact change.
8. If you take a taxi, make sure he will use the meter before riding with him. Sometimes they will have a flat fee to rip you off especially if you are a tourist. You could be paying 500 pesos for a ride that is really 120 pesos. Be careful. Locals are even skeptical of taxis in the Philppines especially in Manila.
9. With any public transportation know how much they are going to charge you before you hop in. (Tricycle, jeepney, taxi, etc.) Hire a driver during your stay if you can. It is so much more convenient and a lot safer.
10. Most restaurants already charge a 10% service charge to your total bill.
11. Bring toilet paper/tissues and hand sanitizer into any public restroom. You cannot guarantee that there is any supplies in there for you to use. Sometimes there is a toilet paper roll outside of the bathroom for everyone to share.
12. Restrooms are called Comfort Rooms or CR's. "Where is the CR?"
13. Mangoes are delicious, but they can cause severe tummy aches if you eat too many.
14. Prepare yourself for a mysterious smell that lingers from sewage
15. A small child asking for money, a little old lady guiding her blind husband while holding a cup asking for money... beware. it's a scam. and lock your doors. that's when they come out of the woodworks - at red lights!
16. The way they drive in traffic is completely normal and honking the horn and flashing your high beams at people is a source of communication, not road rage.
