Your questions about Philippines

How to stay connected by phone and internet in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, you can use your phone with international roaming or buy a local SIM card for better value (Globe or Smart). Wi-Fi is available in hotels and restaurants, with varying quality depending on the area.

How to get around in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, use jeepneys and taxis in the city, ferries between islands, and tricycles on the islands for short trips. For more comfort, opt for a car with a private driver.

Is it safe to travel to the Philippines?

The Philippines are generally safe for tourists, but require extra caution in major cities and certain southern regions like Mindanao, which should be avoided due to armed conflicts.

Tipping in the Philippines: when and how much to give?

In the Philippines, tips are not mandatory but highly appreciated. Budget 10% at restaurants, 20-50 pesos for guides, 20 pesos for hotel porters, and a few pesos for jeepney or tricycle drivers.

When should I travel to the Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to May, during the dry season. The climate is ideal for enjoying beaches, diving, and outdoor activities.

What should you pack for a trip to the Philippines?

For the Philippines, bring a passport valid for 6 months, travel insurance, high-protection sunscreen, tropical insect repellent, lightweight clothing and sun protection, swimwear, reef shoes, and cash for local payments.

What is the climate like in the Philippines?

The Philippines have a hot and humid tropical climate year-round, with a dry season from December to May (ideal for visiting) and a rainy season from June to November. Temperatures range between 25°C and 34°C with little annual variation.

What is the time difference between France and the Philippines?

The Philippines is 7 hours ahead of France in winter and 6 hours in summer. The country does not observe daylight saving time, unlike France.

What is the population of the Philippines?

The Philippines is home to approximately 117 million inhabitants as of early 2026, ranking the archipelago 13th among the world's most populous countries.

What type of government is in power in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a unitary presidential republic and representative democracy, inspired by the American system. The President, elected by universal suffrage for a single six-year term, serves as both head of state and head of government.

What is the endemic fauna and flora of the Philippines?

The Philippines boast exceptional biodiversity with remarkable endemic species: the tarsier with its large eyes, the Philippine eagle (wingspan 2m), the Mindoro tamaraw, the waling-waling orchid, and Rafflesia philippensis, one of the world's largest flowers.

What language is spoken in the Philippines?

At the Philippines, the official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. Filipino dominates administration and education, while English is widely spoken in tourism and business.

What is the currency of the Philippines and its exchange rate?

The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (₱, PHP), divided into 100 centavos. Indicative exchange rates are approximately 1 € = 68 PHP and 1 $ = 57.62 PHP, though rates vary depending on currency exchange offices.

What is the main religion practiced in the Philippines?

The Philippines are predominantly Catholic with over 85% of the population. It's Asia's only Catholic-majority country, where religion deeply shapes the culture, traditions, and daily life of its people.

What is the area of the Philippines?

The Philippines covers approximately 300,000 km², making it a country comparable in size to Italy or Poland.

What are the iconic dishes to taste in the Philippines?

The Philippines' iconic dishes include adobo (meat braised in vinegar and soy sauce), kare-kare (beef stew in peanut sauce), sisig (minced grilled pork), bicol express (spicy coconut milk dish), pancit (stir-fried noodles), sinigang (tamarind soup), and lechon (roasted pig).

What are the mandatory and recommended vaccines for the Philippines?

No vaccinations are mandatory for the Philippines. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP), and rabies for extended stays. Mosquito prevention is essential against dengue and malaria.

What types of accommodation can you find in the Philippines?

The Philippines offer a wide range of accommodations: hotels and resorts (mainly beachfront), budget hostels, family guesthouses, homestays for cultural immersion, eco-lodges in nature, Airbnb rentals, and unique options like houseboats.