Dos and Don'ts When Traveling in the Philippines

When arriving at Manila International Airport if you're planning on continuing on to another city in the Philippines there is an arrival desk just before you come to immigration. If your flight leaves somewhat soon and you've arrived on Philippine Airlines, there is a shuttle service available to take you to the domestic airport. This is a much better alternative than trying to make your way on your own.

If you're like me and have chosen a cheaper airlines, there are some basic do's and dont's that you need to be aware of.

1. The first thing you'll need to do, even before you get off the plane, is to have filled out your customs and immigration paperwork. It will expedite your trip through customs and immigration.

2. The next milestone is probably the most interesting, and yet can be very frustrating. GETTING YOUR BAGGAGE. You'll probably at first notice that it seems like everything that's coming up on the moving belt are giant boxes. Don't be alarmed. Those are what are commonly referred to as Balikbayan boxes. Your bags will be coming some day. If you are with another person and together you are carrying more than 3 bags, you definitely want to rent a cart. The cost, last time I was there in April, was 25 pesos or $1.00.

3. After retrieving your baggage you'll need to be inspected by customs. Chances are they won't even look in your bag but maybe just open it and pat. They mostly are looking for those big Balikbayan boxes.

4. Directly behind customs is a money changer. I recommend that you cash about $100 worth at this time. Their rates aren't the best, nor the worst, but they are fair. You'll need exact change for the taxi, so make sure you have 50 peso bills and 20s also.

5. Now that you've cleared through customs and immigrations, have retrieved your luggage and are loaded with pesos.

As you glare around the exit doors you'll notice a scene. Those are taxi cab drivers scrambling to get your business. Inside the door before you exit is where you'll need to catch a cab. If you're going to the Sundowner Hotel or the Swagman Hotel to catch a bus, it will cost you approximately P200 or P300. If you're an experienced traveler and have been to the Philippines many times you can go upstairs and find a cheaper cab, but you will need to find the right deal.

Here are some basic survival rules for taxi cabs in general.

a. Never, ever get in a cab that has anyone in it besides the driver.

b. If a cab driver tells you he's going to stop somewhere, besides to get gas, tell him to stop the cab and get out.

c. Never, ever argue with a cab driver once you're traveling along to your destination. Oftentimes they'll try to up the fare on you while engaging you in casual conversation. It's best not to chat with drivers.

d. After you're arrived at your destination you may want to check your wallet to make sure it's still there. Hopefully you weren't foolish enough to let it hang out of your back pocket.

e.You can let down your guard and relax now. You've done it, you've survived the Manila Airport. Congratulations. With your knowledge in hand of some of the basic do's and dont's you'll probably have the time of your life. Happy trip.