The Philippines is a tropical paradise with diverse landscapes, friendly people, and delicious food. But the cost of visiting this tropical island country — known as the 9th most expensive country to live in globally — can be very high for backpackers on a budget. If you plan to visit the Philippines soon, here are some tips and tricks to help you save money while traveling there. The Philippines is an expensive place to visit but with a little planning and research, you can definitely find affordable ways to see this beautiful country.
Research your travel routes and accommodation options
The Philippines is a huge country and each region will have its own unique costs. It is important to do your research to find out exactly where you want to visit, how much it will cost, and what expenses you can expect. The best way to research your options is to read online reviews of places to stay, transportation, and activities in each region. You can also ask other travelers on travel forums. Another way to help you plan your trip is to use a country budget calculator. There are many online budget calculators that can give you an estimate of the costs in the Philippines.
Book your accommodation early
Accommodation will most likely be one of your biggest expenses while traveling in the Philippines. Hotels in big cities, such as Manila and Cebu, are often very expensive. You can save a lot of money if you are willing to stay in a smaller city. The cost of living in these cities is much lower, and as a result, accommodation is much cheaper. In some places, you can find great accommodation for as little as $5 a night. If you visit during the off-season, you can also get reduced rates. Many hotel owners will reduce their prices during off-peak times. So if you can visit during the "low season," the costs of your accommodation will be even lower.
Visit during the off-season
The Philippines is a tropical country, and it is suitable for year-round travel. However, some seasons are more popular than others. During the summer months, the Philippines is packed with tourists. While this is great for the tourism industry, it also drives up the cost of travel. During the winter months, the weather is cooler, and the beaches are less crowded. The cost of traveling in the Philippines is also lower during this time.
Know the price of food beforehand
When traveling in Southeast Asia, you will find the local cuisine is extremely affordable. Unfortunately, the Philippines has a reputation for having some of the most expensive food in the region. If you are on a budget, avoid restaurants in tourist areas. You can also buy street food for as little as $1–2 per meal. If you want to eat like a local, avoid Western-style foods. Western food is very expensive in the Philippines. The average meal at a fast-food chain costs $7–10.
Avoid eating at restaurants in tourist areas
Tourist areas are often filled with overpriced restaurants. To save money, eat outside of these areas. If you stay in a hotel near a tourist area, you will have no choice but to eat at expensive restaurants. Instead, stay in a hotel outside of the tourist area. If you are on a budget, avoid eating in restaurants at all costs. You can find plenty of affordable food at local markets or food carts.
Go for a digital detox
The cost of data in the Philippines is very expensive. To save money, you can avoid using your data or internet connection while you are in the country. Instead of staying plugged in all the time, unplug and disconnect from your devices. You can also buy a SIM card with unlimited data for less than $10. If you want to stay connected, try to limit your data usage. Avoid watching videos and using social media. If you have to use your internet connection, use apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to reduce your data usage.
Conclusion
The Philippines is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and friendly people. But the cost of visiting this tropical island country — known as the 9th most expensive country to live in globally — can be very high for backpackers on a budget. If you plan to visit the Philippines soon, here are some tips and tricks to help you save money while traveling there. The best way to research your options is to read online reviews of places to stay, transportation, and activities in each region. You can also ask other travelers on travel forums. Another way to help you plan your trip is to use a country budget calculator. There are many online budget calculators that can give you an estimate of the costs in the Philippines. If you visit during the off-season, you can also get reduced rates. And if you can avoid eating in expensive restaurants and go for a digital detox, you will save even more money.