Do You Tip in the Philippines?

Do you tip in the Philippines?

Tipping in the Philippines is common and appreciated, with around 10 percent being a typical amount for good restaurant service. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so check for it before adding more; where a service charge is included, an extra tip is optional though still welcomed by staff. Where none is added, leaving about 10 percent is customary. Small tips for hotel porters, drivers, tour guides, and helpful service staff are appreciated given local wages. Tipping in cash, in pesos, is best, especially to ensure it reaches the worker. So plan to tip around 10 percent for restaurant service and to give small tips to the various people who assist you in the Philippines.

What currency is used in the Philippines?

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso, abbreviated PHP and shown with the symbol that resembles a P with two lines. Cards are accepted at malls, hotels, and larger establishments in cities, but the Philippines is largely cash-based, especially for markets, small shops, jeepneys, tricycles, and tips, so carry pesos in small denominations. ATMs are available in towns and cities for withdrawing pesos, though they often have withdrawal limits and fees. When paying by card, choose to be charged in pesos rather than your home currency, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Keep plenty of cash for everyday purchases, as many places, especially outside cities, do not accept cards in the Philippines.

What power plugs are used in the Philippines?

The Philippines uses type A and type B plugs, the flat-pin styles used in the United States, along with type C, so US plugs typically fit the sockets; however, the supply is 220 volts at 60 hertz, which is a crucial difference. This means that although a US plug may physically fit, US visitors must not assume their single-voltage devices are safe, because plugging a 120-volt-only device into 220 volts can destroy it. Confirm your devices are dual voltage, marked around 100 to 240 volts, which most phone and laptop chargers are, or use a voltage converter for single-voltage items. So the plug shape may fit for many travelers, but the higher voltage is the key thing to check.

Can you drink the tap water in the Philippines?

The tap water in the Philippines is best avoided by tourists, so you should rely on bottled or properly treated water throughout your trip. While tap water in Metro Manila and some cities is treated, its quality is variable and can cause stomach upset for visitors, and in many areas and islands it is not safe. Drink sealed bottled water, check the seal, and use it for brushing teeth to be cautious. Avoid ice unless you are confident it is from purified water, though reputable establishments often use safe ice, and be careful with raw foods washed in tap water. Bottled and purified water is cheap and widely available. Relying on bottled water is the sensible choice in the Philippines.