To make your Philippines vacation a top-notch experience, you need to keep in mind certain tourist guidelines and tips:
1. World studies show that the Philippines is the most disaster-prone country on Earth. Volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, typhoons and other natural disasters occur here almost every year. To avoid them, you should visit the Philippines during the dry season.
2. When visiting the Philippines, avoid regions such as Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Religious and ethnic conflicts occur regularly in their territories.
3. Begging is a problem in big cities in the Philippines. Begging a foreigner for a souvenir is very common here.
4. Native Filipinos are shy and slow by nature. Keep this in mind when taking public transportation or entering a café.
5. English is spoken not only in the popular resorts but also in the provinces.
6. All aspects of public life are discreetly but persistently controlled by the police. Tourists are treated with care rather than intrusiveness.
7. In such popular Philippine resorts as Davao, there is a strict ban on smoking in public places. If you violate this rule, you will not only have to pay a fine, but also go to jail if you repeat it.
8. Service personnel are tipped 5-10% of the bill.
