Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

The most common way to get to the Philippines is by plane; Manila and Cebu City are the only major entry points. There are flights between the Philippines and many Asian cities, Australia, Canada, continental Europe, UK, New Zealand and the USA. Departure tax for all flights leaving the Philippines is 550, payable in cash only (US dollars or Philippine pesos).

It's possible to travel by sea between the Phillipines and nearby parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Schedules and rates are prone to change, however, so it's best to be flexible in your plans.

Getting around

There are several airlines offering domestic flights between Philippine cities. There is only one operating railway line, on the route from Manila to Naga in southern Luzon, so long-distance buses or jeepneys are the main overland alternative. There are plenty of ferries and boats operating between islands, though the safety and quality of services vary. Car rental is also available and international agencies have offices in most major cities. Local transport includes jeepneys (originally reconstructed jeeps), metered taxis, small taxis without meters, vans (minibuses, or FX vans) and tricycles (motorbikes with sidecars).

Visa information

For most foreign visitors visas are not needed for stays of less than 21 days. Three-month visas can be obtained in advance and cost 60.00. Multiple-entry visas (lasting six and 12 months) are also available but are expensive and only allow for stays of 59 days at a time. Visa extensions are possible and generally faster to obtain in regional areas.