Travel essentials for the Philippines

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type A, B, C adapter required

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.

220V, 60Hz

Tap water

Not safe to drink

Don't drink the tap water. Purified water is sold cheaply everywhere and most accommodation provides it.

Staying connected

Good in cities and main tourist islands, patchy in remote areas and on inter-island ferries.

Globe and Smart both support eSIM. Island coverage is better on Smart in many remote areas.

Compare Philippines eSIMs

Health risks

Dengue fever
Typhoons and flooding
Food and water-borne illness
Volcanic activity (Taal, Mayon)
Diving accidents - check your policy covers your certification depth

Emergency numbers in Philippines

All emergencies	911
Police	911
Ambulance	911
Fire	911
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Manila - +63 2 7757 8100

Tipping and everyday costs

Appreciated and increasingly expected in tourism. 10% at restaurants if no service charge; ₱50-₱100 for porters and drivers.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

Plan a trip to Philippines Pick recharge, scenic, food or balanced and get a day-by-day itinerary, with Philippines's entry rules and your checklist on the same page.

More Philippines essentials

Philippines visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to Philippines Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. Philippines eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. Philippines travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. Philippines money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Philippines airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in Philippines International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in Philippines Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

Philippines travel essentials FAQs

What adapter do I need for the Philippines?

A Type A adapter - flat American-style pins. The unusual part is the voltage: 220V with American-style plugs, so your Australian chargers work electrically but the plug won't fit.

We will send you the Philippines guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.