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Essential apps for

Philippines

Pilipinas

Filipino & EnglishPHP4 apps

Grab and Foodpanda handle the basics. English is widely spoken, so you can lean on standard Western apps for most things.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeA / B / C
Voltage220V
Freq60Hz

Mostly US-style plugs but with EU voltage — check device specs.

💬

Basic phrases

Tagalog

  • Hello
    Kumusta
    Ku-mus-ta
  • Thank you
    Salamat
    Sa-la-mat
  • Yes
    Oo
    Oh-oh
  • No
    Hindi
    Hin-di
  • Please
    Pakisuyo
    Pa-ki-su-yo

+1 more below

🎎

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required; a service charge of about 10% is often added to restaurant bills, in which case extra tipping is optional. If no service charge applies, leaving around 10% is a kind gesture.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

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G

Grab

Southeast Asia super-app: rides, food, payments, banking.

Main rideshare and food delivery.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🗺️Navigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Works well.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🍱Food Delivery

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F

Foodpanda

Dominant food delivery in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh.

Foodpanda is the other major delivery option.
iOSAndroidWebsite

✈️Travel Planning

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K

Klook

Activities, attractions, and SIM cards across Asia. Better than GetYourGuide in Asia.

Island-hopping tours, ferry bookings, and dive trips.
iOSAndroidWebsite
Phrases

All Tagalog phrases

Hello
Kumusta
Ku-mus-ta
Thank you
Salamat
Sa-la-mat
Yes
Oo
Oh-oh
No
Hindi
Hin-di
Please
Pakisuyo
Pa-ki-su-yo
How much?
Magkano?
Mag-ka-no
Briefing

What to know before you go

✓ Do

  • Greet elders with 'po' and 'opo' added to sentences as a sign of respect, and use the 'mano' gesture (taking an elder's hand to your forehead) when appropriate
  • Filipinos are warm and indirect; smile often and avoid raised voices, as causing someone to lose face is deeply frowned upon
  • Accept food or drink when offered, even just a little, as hospitality is central to the culture
  • Use 'pasensya na' (excuse me/sorry) freely to maintain harmony in social situations
  • Pointing is done with a pursed-lip gesture or the whole hand rather than a single finger
  • Remove your shoes when entering many private homes

✕Don't

  • Do not disrespect or joke about religion; the country is largely Catholic and faith is taken seriously
  • Avoid public displays of anger or confrontation, which are seen as a serious loss of face for everyone involved
  • Do not give or receive items rudely with one hand or by tossing them; use both hands or a polite gesture
  • Avoid discussing or making light of poverty in a condescending way

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • Rigged or 'broken' taxi meters in Manila and Cebu, or drivers refusing the meter and quoting inflated flat fares to tourists
  • The 'ATM helper' scam where a stranger offers to assist and skims your card or memorizes your PIN
  • Overpriced 'tours' and porters at airports or piers who attach themselves to you and then demand large fees
  • Money-changer shortchanging tricks using fast counting or unfavorable hidden rates at unofficial booths
Going elsewhere?

More destination guides

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