WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR DISCOUNT AIRLINE TICKETS
FOR TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES.

ALSO, YOUR MONEY, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND OTHER PLACES TO STAY AND EAT IN THE PHILIPPINES.

AND HOW MUCH DO I TAKE?

(ALSO MONETARY SECURITY)
 

YOUR MONEY - PREPARE FOR THE TRIP!

Of course if at all possible, we would strongly suggest that whenever possible, use your credit card, such as at hotels, restaurants, airlines, etc.  Not only will this allow you to carry less cash on your person, but will also allow you to contest any problems you may encounter while in a foreign country.

DUE TO THE PHILIPPINES BEING PLAGUED WITH COUNTERFEIT U.S. MONEY, TAKE THE FOLLOWING SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS:

1.    Before you leave your city, go to your own bank and tell them that you need crisp, new $100.00 or $50.00 bills!  In most locations and even in banks throughout the Philippines, you will not be able to use the older bills.  Also be advised that the larger the bills you take, the better the exchange rate you will receive.  For any trip less than a month, I would suggest you do not take over $2,500.00. That is plenty to support yourself and your lady in style. If you believe you will be there longer, or you wish to have a safety net, either put the money in your own bank account and use your credit card or ATM Card in the Philippines, or you may wish to send yourself a cash amount to the Philippines by Western Union.

2.    Beware of money exchange vendors offering an extremely high rate of exchange for your U.S. Dollars!  In many cases, if you don't get robbed, you may find out the next day that the pisos you have received are actually counterfeit! (Tip: Often times these unscrupulous vendors will have people on the street trying to "catch you" by offering a higher rate of exchange. Avoid them at all costs!)

3.    Upon your arrival at the International Airport, there are reputable money changers. It is wise for you to make an exchange of at least a few hundred dollars while at the airport. This will assure your receiving genuine Pisos, and will also give you local money to pay the cab drivers with, so that you are not taken advantage of when leaving the airport in having to pay U.S. Dollars to the Cab Driver.  In addition, I strogly advise that you pick a hotel that will pick you up at the airport, thus avoiding any unfortunate and upsetting TAXI Drivers upon your arrival. If you don't want to stay at one of the mega hotels, feel free to write and ask us for suggestions.

4.    It is worth your purchasing a special pen that verifies the fact that your money is legitimate. That way if you encounter a problem where they say your money is questionable (even though you got it from your own bank the day before you left), you can show them it passes the test. (Soldiers searching for possible bombs at a bus terminal in Davao City discovered over $2 million in fake bills in a passenger's luggage)

5.    In Manila, Cebu, Davao and other large cities, just as in the USA or other countries, there are pick-pockets, robbers and "snatchers" (snatch and grab criminals).  It is a good idea to take a money belt or money bag that is worn under your pants.

6.    The amount you take is up to you, however, be advised that you can now utilize your own banks ATM card at most of the major banks in Philippines, such as PNB (Philippine National Bank) and BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands).  There are also convenient ATM machines in most malls.

7.    Beware if fake ATM Machines which have been placed in locations and will "trap" your card information and PIN Number. Best to use Bank ATM's! Also, be advised that it is a good idea when you use your ATM card in Philippines to first run it and request a BALANCE. That way, if you encounter a problem you can go to the bank manager and show the first receipts.

8.    Be advised that at this time it appears that CITI Bank is the only bank with branches in Manila and Cebu. (This could be important to anyone who plans to retire in the Philippines and has direct deposit.)

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR AIRLINE TICKETS

    So, you have already read ALL the pages of this website (you HAVE, haven't you?), and now you have decided whether or not you need more assistance or a guide or consultant for your trip there (THAT'S ME), and whether you do or not wish any personal assistance from me, you have decided it's time to purchase your airline ticket/s.

    Allow me to save you time and money. Unlike the many websites who have a financial interest in travel referrals. I do not.  But after ten years of excellent service to Philippine Traveler and our clients, I am proud to recommend the Agency/Consolidator that we use.  Not only is Helen Busto the owner of NEW HORIZONS TRAVEL, Inc, but she was formerly Customer Service Representative for Philippine Airlines. Being Filipina herself, her knowledge and information regarding the Philippines is outstanding!  No matter where you are located in the USA, no matter what airlines you wish to fly, she can take care of your ticket needs!

      Remember when using the online ticket sites, that in most cases the price does not include taxes, airport terminal fees, security fees, etc.. In most cases, Helen has been able to obtain tickets that are as good or even cheaper than the online tickets after taxes, fees, etc..  Most importantly, should you have a question, or in the rare event there is a problem (such as wishing to change a date of return from manila), YOU HAVE A REAL HUMAN BEING TO CONTACT!!  I am aware of situations where there was a traveler who had a problem in the Philippines, and even though he was not a client of Helen's, she provided the solution to their problems.

    Please do us a favor and should you choose to call NEW HORIZONS TRAVEL, ask for HELEN BUSTO and tell her that you were referred by PHILIPPINE TRAVELER.

New Horizons Travel Inc.
Attn: Helen Busto
2107 Van Ness Ave Ste 201
San Francisco, CA 94109 Map
(415) 441-2463

Remember before contacting Helen that you should read this entire webpage so that you can make knowing and intelligent decisions and plans for your trip, and be sure to have your name, telephone and passport information ready.  Also the name of the airport closest to where you live and also the city and province where you will be traveling to in the Philippines.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT WHILE IN THE PHILIPPINES

   If you are going to any particular city or province and wish to know of places to stay, hotels, motels, pension houses, retreats, resorts, bed and breakfasts, just email me and ask.  I try to maintain an up to date and concise directory in an effort to provide travel tips to those who seek them.   I will do whatever I can to assist you in your travels.
   Likewise, if you wish to have the names, locations and telephone numbers of some of the restaurants, carenderia, cafeteria’s, dampa, or even the disco’s or nightlife in any particular city or province, just write me!  Philippine Traveler is here to assist you in any way I can.

     Have you had a good (or bad) experience while traveling in the Philippines?  If so, we would appreciate your telling us so we can let others know.  Especially if you have found a great and affordable hotel, restaurant, club, driver or other service provider.

Philippine_traveler@yahoo.com