To be a wise traveler means knowing how to get the most out of your trip without spending too much. And although the Philippines is a relatively affordable destination, there are still ways to make your philippine travel more budget-friendly. If you’re looking for some tips, this guide is for you!
Whether you’re planning a trip to the beautiful beaches of Boracay or the stunning rice terraces of Banaue, you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Philippines without breaking the bank. Here are just a few ideas:
Is Philippines Affordable?
Before we div
Of course, this doesn’t mean that everything in the Philippines is cheap. But with a little bit of planning, you can definitely find ways to save money and enjoy your trip without blowing your budget. And that’s what we’re here to help you with!
Cost of Living in the Philippines
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, it’s helpful to know a little bit about the cost of living in the country. This way, you can budget accordingly and have a better idea of what expenses to expect.
Here are some estimated costs for common expenses in the Philippines:
➣Food
Meal is where you can really save some money in the Philippines. Eating out at a restaurant will cost you around $3-5 per meal, but if you’re on a budget, you can easily find meals for less than $2. Street food is also very popular in the Philippines, and you’ll be able to find all kinds of cheap eats from vendors selling things like grilled meats, noodles, and rice dishes.
If you’re staying in a hotel or guesthouse, breakfast is usually included in the rate. However, if you’re staying in a hostel or dormitory-style accommodation, you’ll likely have to pay for your own meals.
In terms of groceries, you can expect to spend around $30-50 per week depending on how much you eat and what kinds of foods you purchase. And, of course, if you’re eating out all the time, your food budget will be higher.
➣Accommodation
Again, accommodation costs will vary depending on the type of place you stay and the location. Hostels and dormitories are typically the cheapest option, with prices starting at around $5 per night. Budget hotels and guesthouses are also relatively affordable, with rates starting at around $20 per night.
Of course, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can easily find accommodations that cost $100 or more per night. But unless you have a really big budget, we recommend sticking to the mid-range options to save money.
➣Transportation
Getting around the Philippines is relatively easy and affordable. The most common way to travel between islands is by ferry, and tickets usually cost less than $10. You can also take flights within the country, but these can be quite expensive – especially if you’re flying during peak travel times.
Public transportation is also an option in most cities, and rates are typically very affordable. A one-way ticket on the bus or train will usually cost less than $4. Of course, if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, you might want to consider renting a car or motorbike. This can be a great way to explore at your own pace, but taking a jeepney is definitely the more budget-friendly option.
➣Tours and Activities
There are plenty of tours and activities to enjoy in the Philippines, and many of them are very reasonably priced. For example, you can take a day tour of Boracay Island for around $30, or explore the rice terraces of Banaue for $20.
Other popular activities include hiking, snorkeling, visiting historical sites, and exploring local markets. And, of course, no philippine travel would be complete without spending some time lounging on the beach!
➣Water & Electricity
If you’re staying in a hotel or guesthouse, your accommodation will likely include water and electricity in the rate. However, if you’re renting an apartment or staying in a hostel, you may have to pay for these utilities separately.
The cost of water and electricity in the Philippines is relatively low. For example, a typical family of four can expect to pay around $10 per month for water, and around $20 per month for electricity. Of course, these costs will vary depending on how much you use and the size of your accommodation. But in general, utility bills are not a major expense in the Philippines.
How to Save Money While Traveling in the Philippines
Now that you know how much it costs to travel in the Philippines, you might be wondering how you can save money while you’re here. Here are a few tips:
✔Stay In Hostels or Dormitories
If you’re on a tight budget, staying in a hostel or dormitory is a great way to save money on accommodation. You can usually find beds starting at around $5 per night. Compared to a hotel or guesthouse, this can save you a lot of money – especially if you’re traveling for an extended period of time.
✔Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out all the time can be expensive, so cooking your own meals is a great way to save money. If you’re staying in a hostel or apartment, you’ll have access to a kitchen where you can cook your own food. Or, if you’re staying in a hotel, you can usually request a room with a kitchenette.
✔Avoid Tourist Traps
There are plenty of tourist traps in the Philippines, and they can be quite expensive. To save money, try to avoid places that are specifically geared towards tourists. Instead, explore the country like a local and you’ll be sure to find some hidden gems that are much more affordable.
✔Travel During the Low Season
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, it’s best to consider traveling during the off season season. It is typically from May to October. Prices for accommodation and transportation are usually lower during this time, so you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to travel during the off-peak season.
✔Eat Local Food
If you’re not good at cooking, or if you just don’t want to bother with it, eating local food is a great way to save money. Street food in the Philippines is very affordable, and you can usually get a hearty meal for less than $2.
Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in the Philippines
If you’re looking for some budget-friendly destinations for your philippines travle, here are a few to consider:
◼Baguio
Baguio is a popular destination for tourists, and it’s also very affordable. You can find accommodation starting at around $10 per night, and there are plenty of cheap restaurants and street food options.
◼Siargao
Siargao is an up-and-coming destination that’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists. While it’s not as cheap as some other places in the Philippines, it’s still relatively affordable. You can find accommodation starting at around $20 per night, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy – from surfing to exploring the nearby islands.
◼Bohol
Bohol is a beautiful island that’s perfect for budget travelers. You can find accommodation starting at around $15 per night. Plus, there’s plenty to do on the island – from exploring the Chocolate Hills to going on a boat tour of the nearby islands.
◼Cebu
Cebu is another popular destination for tourists, and it’s also very affordable. You can find food and accommodation for less than $20 per day. Plus, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on activities – you can simply enjoy the beautiful beaches or go hiking in one of the many national parks.
◼Davao
Davao as one of the largest cities in the Philippines, Davao is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an urban adventure. It’s also very affordable – you can find accommodation starting at around $15 per night. And unlike some of the other cities in the Philippines, Davao is relatively safe, so you can explore without worry.
Things to Avoid When Traveling on a Budget
Now that you know a few tips for traveling on a budget in the Philippines, here are a few things to avoid during your philippines travel:
❌Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport
The airport is one of the worst places to exchange money. The exchange rates are usually very unfavorable, so you’ll lose out on a lot of money if you exchange your currency at the airport.
❌Don’t Stay in Big Cities
While big cities like Manila and Cebu are great places to visit, they can be quite expensive. If you’re looking to save money, consider staying in smaller cities or towns where the cost of living is lower.
❌Don’t Take Taxis Everywhere
Taxis are a convenient way to get around, but they can be quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, try to take public transportation instead. It’s much cheaper and it’s a great way to see the country.
❌Don’t Buy Too Much Souvenirs
While it’s always nice to bring home souvenirs from your travels, buying too many can quickly add up. If you’re on a budget, try to limit yourself to a few small souvenirs that won’t break the bank. You can always buy more when you have more money.
❌Don’t Spend Too Much on Activities
There are plenty of free or cheap activities to do in the Philippines. Don’t waste your money on expensive tours or activities that you can easily do on your own. For example, instead of paying for a boat tour, go snorkeling or swimming at one of the many beautiful beaches.
Pro Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel in the Philippines
Here are a few pro tips to help you save even more money on your philippines travel:
👍Try to find accommodation that includes breakfast.
One way to save money on food is to find accommodation that includes breakfast. This way, you’ll have one less meal to pay for each day. Some hotels even offer free breakfast, so it’s definitely worth checking. You can save a lot of money by doing this, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
👍Look for guesthouses or hostels instead of hotels.
Guesthouses and hostels are usually much cheaper than hotels, so they’re a great option for budget travelers. They also offer a more unique experience, as you’ll be able to meet other travelers from all over the world.
👍Cook your own meals.
Another great way to save money on food is to cook your own meals. It is especially easy if you’re staying in a guesthouse or hostel that has a kitchen. You can usually find cheap groceries at the local markets, so it’s very easy to cook your own meals. This is also a great way to try new foods and learn about the local cuisine.
👍Travel during the off-season.
If you’re willing to travel during the offseason, you can usually find cheaper flights and accommodation. Plus, there will be fewer tourists, so you’ll have a more authentic experience. Just be sure to check the weather in advance, as the off-season can also be the rainy season in some parts of the country.
👍Create a budget and stick to it.
One of the best ways to save money on philippines travel is to create a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation, food, activities, etc., and then make sure you don’t exceed that amount. It will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
What to Pack for a Budget Trip to the Philippines
To save as much money as possible on philippines travel, you’ll need to pack wisely. Here are a few things to pack that will help you save money:
●A reusable water bottle.
One of the easiest ways to save money is to bring a reusable water bottle with you. This way, you won’t have to buy bottled water every time you’re thirsty. You can fill up your water bottle for free at your accommodation or at one of the many public water fountains.
●A reusable shopping bag.
Another way to save money is to bring a reusable shopping bag with you. This way, you won’t have to pay for plastic bags every time you go to the store. You can find reusable bags at most stores or online.
●A travel towel.
A travel towel is a must-have for any trip, but it’s especially helpful if you’re on a budget. This way, you won’t have to pay for towels at your accommodation or at the beach. And you can use your towel to dry off after a swim or shower, which will save you money on your water bill.
●A power strip.
If you’re traveling with electronics, be sure to bring a power strip with you. This way, you won’t have to pay for multiple adapters or plugs. It’s also helpful if you’re traveling with a group, as you can share one power strip between all of your devices.
●A first-aid kit.
A first-aid kit is always a good idea, but it’s especially helpful if you’re on a budget. This way, you won’t have to pay for medical supplies or prescriptions if you get sick or injured while on your trip. Some essential items to include in your first-aid kit are bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and antihistamines.
Different Ways to Get Around the Philippines on a Budget
Given the large size of the pPhilippines, getting around can be quite expensive. However, there are a few ways to save money on transportation:
◼Rent a bicycle.
One of the cheapest and most eco-friendly ways to get around the philippines is by bicycle. You can usually find cheap bicycles for rent at your accommodation or at a local shop.
◼Take the bus.
Another great way to save money on transportation is to take the bus. The bus system in the philippines is very efficient and can get you to most places you want to go. Just be sure to check the schedule in advance, as some buses only run once a day.
◼Take the jeepney.
The jeepney is the most popular form of public transportation in the philippines. It’s a great way to save money on transportation and to see the country like a local. The average jeepney ride costs about 10 pesos (20 cents).
◼Hitchhike.
Hitchhiking is a great way to save money on transportation, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re hitchhiking, be sure to travel with someone else and let someone know where you’re going. Hitchhiking is not recommended for solo female travelers.
How to Find Affordable Accomodation in the Philippines
As mentioned above, booking accommodation in advance is one of the best ways to save money on philippines travel. However, there are a few other ways to find affordable accommodation:
✔Look up online.
There are a few websites that specialize in finding cheap accommodation, such as Hostelworld and Couchsurfing. Be sure to read the reviews before booking, as this will give you an idea of what to expect.
✔Ask around.
Another great way to find affordable accommodation is to ask around. If you’re traveling with a group, ask if anyone knows of any cheap places to stay. If you’re traveling solo, you can ask the staff at your accommodation or at a local shop.
✔Look for discounts.
Some accommodation options offer discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel. Be sure to ask if there are any discounts available before you book. And, if you’re traveling during the off-season, you may be able to find some great deals.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to travel to the philippines on a budget, it’s time to start planning your trip. Remember to book your accommodation in advance, pack light, and take advantage of discounts. And, most importantly, have fun! For more Philippine getaway tips, check out this site.
