Philippines🇵🇭
The Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia, is located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by neighboring countries such as Taiwan to the north, Vietnam to the west, and Indonesia to the south. Despite territorial disputes and political tensions over the years, the Philippines maintains diplomatic and economic ties with its neighbors. This tropical country, home to over a hundred ethnic groups, is well-known for its picturesque landscapes - from white sandy beaches like Boracay and Palawan to the majestic rice terraces of Ifugao. One can also delight in its vibrant festivals such as the Sinulog and Panagbenga. The country's mix of cultural influences from Spain, America, and Asia endows it with unique traditions, cuisines, and arts. The warmth and hospitality of Filipinos also make this nation truly special.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid travelling to conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao due to risk of terrorism and violence.
- Avoid disrespecting local customs and cultural traditions especially during religious festivals or rituals.
- Avoid illegal drugs at all cost due to severe punishments and the ongoing war on drugs.
- Avoid swimming in unsafe waters, especially during storm weather.
- Avoid disrespecting marine life when snorkeling or diving.
- Avoid consuming tap water from rural or remote regions due to potential health hazards.
- Avoid showing undue attention to your valuables in crowded areas to prevent theft.
- Avoid indulging in any form of wildlife trade or eating bushmeat to protect biodiversity.
- Avoid wandering alone late at night in areas with high crime rate.
- Avoid participating in political discussions or criticizing the government in public.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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The crime rate in the Philippines varies across regions. Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao are some of the cities most affected by crime often linked to drug trafficking, theft, and pickpocketing. The government's aggressive 'War on Drugs' has impacted the crime situation considerably with a reported decrease in crime rates, but this campaign has been criticized internationally for extrajudicial killings.
Terrorism 💣
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The southern Philippines, particularly the Mindanao region, has a history of terrorist incidents largely attributed to Islamist extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group. One of the most damaging attacks took place in Marawi City in 2017, resulting in a five-month-long conflict that devastated the city. The government has strengthened its counter-terrorism measures, but threats remain albeit localised.
War ⚔️
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While the Philippines is not engaged in any international war, internal conflict due to political, cultural, and religious differences does occur, particularly in the southern island of Mindanao. For decades, peace in Mindanao has been disrupted by armed conflicts involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and communist insurgent groups.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its geographical location. It sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2013, the country was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded on landfall, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake with more than 6,000 dead.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical services in Metro Manila and other major cities are on par with western standards. However, outside these areas, medical facilities may not be as advanced or well-equipped. The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on the country's health system and highlighted its need for improvement.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The quality of tap water varies throughout the country. Although it is generally considered safe to drink in Metro Manila and other urbanized areas, travelers are advised to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid health risks, especially in remote or rural areas.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The Philippines faces challenges in terms of communicable diseases such as dengue fever, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Typhoid fever and Hepatitis A, water and foodborne diseases, are also prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic has added another burden on the health situation since 2020.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption manifests in various sectors like politics, law enforcement, and even education. It is considered a significant obstacle to economic and social development. However, the Philippine government has been undertaking reforms and implementing stricter anti-corruption laws and regulations.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While the Philippines is generally a safe country for women, instances of sexual harassment, especially in public spaces, are a concern. The government has enacted laws to protect women's rights including the 'Safe Spaces Act' to deter street harassment.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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The LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines is generally accepted, particularly in urban areas. However, discrimination and hate crimes persist, especially in more conservative regions. While there's a growing push for greater inclusivity and rights, the country still lacks comprehensible anti-discrimination laws to protect queer individuals.
Censorship 📺
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While the constitution guarantees freedom of the press, threats and violence against journalists are an ongoing issue. Media companies critical of the government and administration have faced repression. The closure of the major broadcast network ABS-CBN in 2020 due to alleged violation of franchise terms is cited as a significant incidence of media censorship.
Public Transportation 🚌
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The Philippines has a wide variety of public transportation – jeepneys, tricycles, cabs, buses, and trains. However, traffic congestion, especially in major cities like Metro Manila, is a significant issue. Safety can also be a concern due to occasional road accidents and lax compliance with traffic rules.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While the Philippines is generally safe to visit, it's crucial to stay informed about local circumstances like crime rates, terrorism threats, natural disaster risks, and health conditions. Always exercise common sense, respect local customs, and remain cautious of your surroundings.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are many foreign embassies and consulates scattered throughout the Philippines, particularly in Manila, like the US Embassy, British Embassy, Canadian Embassy, Australian Embassy, and many others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for travelers include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and the yearly flu shot. Routine immunizations like MMR should be up to date. Dengue fever is common, so precautions against mosquito bites are also essential.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Dangerous animals in the Philippines include venomous snakes like cobras and vipers, deadly spiders, and harmful sea creatures like the lionfish, cone snails, and jellyfish. It's important to be cautious when trekking in forests or when swimming.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements differ depending on nationality. Most countries benefit from the visa-waiver agreement allowing a 30-day stay without a visa. However, an extension requires a tourist visa.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Money can be exchanged in banks, hotels, and authorized money-changing shops. ATMs are widely available.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist spots. However, small businesses, especially in rural areas, may only accept cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, it is possible for foreigners to combine work and travel in the Philippines. However, a proper work visa and permit are required. Teaching English, volunteering, and diving instruction are popular options.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The Philippines is considered one of the most affordable countries for travel. Accommodation, food, transportation, and activities are quite inexpensive compared to Western standards. However, the cost can significantly rise in popular tourist areas.