Type A: Two flat parallel pins. Common in North America, Japan, parts of Central America and Asia.
Type B: Two flat pins + grounding pin. Standard in North America for grounded appliances.
Type C: Two round pins. Used across most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia and Africa.

Mostly US-style plugs but with EU voltage — check device specs.

💵

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required; a service charge of about 10% is often added to restaurant bills, in which case extra tipping is optional. If no service charge applies, leaving around 10% is a kind gesture.

CurrencyPHP

Phrases

Tagalog you'll actually use

Hello

Kumusta

Ku-mus-ta

Thank you

Salamat

Sa-la-mat

Yes

Oh-oh

Hindi

Hin-di

Please

Pakisuyo

Pa-ki-su-yo

How much?

Magkano?

Mag-ka-no

Briefing

Etiquette and scams to know

✓ Do

Greet elders with 'po' and 'opo' added to sentences as a sign of respect, and use the 'mano' gesture (taking an elder's hand to your forehead) when appropriate
Filipinos are warm and indirect; smile often and avoid raised voices, as causing someone to lose face is deeply frowned upon
Accept food or drink when offered, even just a little, as hospitality is central to the culture
Use 'pasensya na' (excuse me/sorry) freely to maintain harmony in social situations
Pointing is done with a pursed-lip gesture or the whole hand rather than a single finger
Remove your shoes when entering many private homes

✕Don't

Do not disrespect or joke about religion; the country is largely Catholic and faith is taken seriously
Avoid public displays of anger or confrontation, which are seen as a serious loss of face for everyone involved
Do not give or receive items rudely with one hand or by tossing them; use both hands or a polite gesture
Avoid discussing or making light of poverty in a condescending way

⚠️ Common scams to know

Rigged or 'broken' taxi meters in Manila and Cebu, or drivers refusing the meter and quoting inflated flat fares to tourists
The 'ATM helper' scam where a stranger offers to assist and skims your card or memorizes your PIN
Overpriced 'tours' and porters at airports or piers who attach themselves to you and then demand large fees
Money-changer shortchanging tricks using fast counting or unfavorable hidden rates at unofficial booths

This page was last reviewed in September 2026. Apps launch, rebrand and pull out of countries all the time, so confirm anything your trip depends on. Spotted something out of date? Tell us — here's how we check.

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