Philippines travel checklist (2026)

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What to sort before you fly to Philippines

Documents

Passport valid - at least 6 months from your date of arrival Essential Check the expiry date now, not the week you fly. Australian passport renewals take about 6 weeks.
Confirm you're still visa-free for Philippines Currently visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable in-country. Compare options →
Complete the eTravel Essential Free - Within 72 hours before arrival. Use the official site only. Compare options →
Book proof of onward travel Checked by airlines at Australian check-in, not just on arrival.
Save digital copies of your passport and tickets Email them to yourself and save them offline in case your phone is lost.

Money

Sort a travel money card for PHP Malls, hotels and chains take cards. Islands, markets, tricycles and small resorts are cash. Avoid the 3% fee most Australian banks charge. Compare options →
Plan your PHP cash Take plenty of cash before heading to islands like Siargao or El Nido.
Check your bank app for a travel flag Reduces the chance of a fraud block on your first overseas purchase.
Remember: always pay in the local currency Declining dynamic currency conversion saves 3-7% on every card transaction.

Connectivity

Buy an eSIM for Philippines Globe and Smart both support eSIM. Island coverage is better on Smart in many remote areas. Compare options →
Check what your Australian plan charges to roam Under about four days, a roaming day pass often beats an eSIM.
Download offline maps and a translation pack English is very widely spoken here.

Health & cover

Take out travel insurance Essential No reciprocal health care agreement - Medicare covers nothing here. Compare options →
Check vaccinations with your GP Hepatitis A and typhoid commonly recommended. Rabies and Japanese encephalitis for longer or rural stays.
Check your medications are legal Bring a full supply with prescriptions.
Subscribe to Smartraveller for this destination Current advice: Exercise a high degree of caution - higher levels apply in parts of Mindanao. Official site →

Getting around

Plan your arrival transfer From Ninoy Aquino International Airport, about 7 km from the centre. Compare options →

Before you go

Pack a Type A/B/C power adapter The Philippines uses flat American-style pins at 220V - an unusual combination. Australian Type I plugs don't fit, so bring a Type A adapter. The voltage is close to Australia's so no converter is needed.
Plan for bottled or filtered water only Don't drink the tap water. Purified water is sold cheaply everywhere and most accommodation provides it.
Save the local emergency number and the Australian consulate 911 - Australian Embassy Manila - +63 2 7757 8100
Book anything that sells out Timed-entry attractions and popular tours often need booking weeks ahead. Compare options →

All set - you're ready to fly.

Have a great trip to Philippines.

Your the Philippines trip checklist

What to sort before you fly to Philippines

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More Philippines essentials

How these comparisons are made

Save your trip

What to sort before you fly to Philippines

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More Philippines essentials

How these comparisons are made

Planning Philippines?