The Philippines, although not as good value as Thailand and Indonesia, is still a cheap destination for British travellers. The Philippines is the sort of place where you want to take a mix of cash and prepaid cards. Outside of Manila and Cebu you will certainly need cash. Inside the cities you will be able to pay by card in most of the better restaurants and hotels. If you need more cash you can use ATM machines in the cities, but you will not find many in rural regions.

Do not use local money changers as this is one of the most common scams that travellers fall for either being given worthless currency or being massively short changed. If you do need extra cash, take US Dollars and change them at banks such as HSBC and Citibank. According to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) "buying foreign currency in the Philippines can be difficult" so we recommend buying all your currency before you leave the UK.

Before you travel to the Philippines you can get advice from the UK Government website

British passport holders may enter the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. You can also apply for a tourist visa from the Philippine Embassy in London before you travel which will allow you up to 59 days initial stay. Overstaying is a serious offence in the Philippines and can lead to fines, detention or deportation but visas can be extended at any time at the local Bureau of Immigration Office.

If you plan on staying for longer then 59 days or would like to work in the Philippines you will need to apply for a residence visa which requires you have certain documentation including your birth certificate to present to the local authorities. Contact the Philippine Embassy for more information.