new,,,,, but old !!!!!!!!!!!!

[nnomad]

hello ( again ) everybody,,,,,,,,,,,,,, i have not been on here for a while now, 12 hour shifts and 14 hour days does not leave much time for internetting !!!!!!!!!!
anyway,,, some of you may recognise the name or my " story ",,,,,,, last time i was looking for help/information on aquiring a visitors visa for my " friend " in philipland,,, well nothing came of the efforts so i have now taken the decision ( which many on here had given ) to take my self over there to meet in person,,,,, i am looking at early december for a period of around 10 days ,,
soooo,, what i need help with is,,,,, is Manila the only viable airport, pampanga has been mentioned due to proximity to residence,,,, which airlines etc i have been loking on internet at prices , it seems if i book now i can get around 500 qd ret,,,,,,,, how easy is it to get a visa,,, also i will be looking at hiring a car, is this easy/cheap enough,, obv i have a full licence,,,,,,, is there anything i am missing ,,,,,,,,,,,,, thanyou in advance ( i know many of you have all and more knowledge of what i need ),,,,,,,,,, Rod

[Terpe]

Sorry if this is a brief response.
You can enter Philippines for 21 days visa free so no need to make any visa.
Manila is the major airport and very usually the cheapest port of international entry. Other popular entry points are Cebu and Davao but do check prices and airlines and onward travel opportunities.

I would definitely reconsider hiring a car in Philippines if this is your first time there. Others may say different, but for me this would be a very risky activity on many aspects.
Take taxi or hire a van/minibus/car and driver.Seek recommendations

Will anyone meet you at the airport?
Do you have an idea of Hotel for overnight stay?
Have you considered how to manage your money/Exchange etc.

Please think about your visit and ask specific questions. Everyone here is friendly calm and willing to help from their own experience.

Don't be shy to ask. You need to climb a pretty steep learning curve.
Stay in touch

[imagine]

check those prices at around £500 they may not include tax, hidden costs , i would expect to pay around £800 return aberdeen to manila,
im booked to go myself december , aberdeen amsterdam manila, with klm

from what iv seen and heard of the driving there , no way i would :yikes:

[lastlid]

We rented a small minibus and driver at quite reasonable rates, through the wifes family. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[rani]

You can check if there's a flight going to Clark or Diosdado Macapagal Airport. That is approximately 30 mins away from Pampanga :smile:

[nnomad]

,Thank you all for your replys ,,,, as I had expected from this friendly and helpfull forum !!!!!!!
There are many issues I will be needing further help with ,,,,,,,, thank you terp for the information regarding the visa ,do you mean that I can just get on plane and all oK , do I need to take proof that I intend to ret to UK , or is that taken for granted !!!!!!,,, that is the first problem solved ! ,,,,,,
The 500 for the flight aparently IS tax incl.....booked now for early Dec from London , not aberdeen which will be extra !!!
I do still intend to hire a car , can you , terp, tell me what sort of problems you envisage that I may encounter ,,I am well used to driving in various foreign places ,,,,, will a full eu / uk licence be suff or wil I need an internatioal one , and what sort of prices am I looking at ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I will be getting collected at the airport and expect my " friend " will know of local hotel ,,,,,,,,,not sure about money transfer ,, any suggestions are welcome,,,,,,,thllor now ( no doubt more to follow !!! )

[Arthur Little]

hello ( again ) everybody,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,,,,,, Rod

:smile: Ah ... *"the wanderer" returns! :yeahthat:

[nnomad]

hello Arthur,,,,,,,,, it was nice to see your name come up,,, unfortunatly i was hoping you might have been willing to impart with some of your knowledge !!!!!!!,,

[Terpe]

,,,,,,, thank you terp for the information regarding the visa ,do you mean that I can just get on plane and all oK , do I need to take proof that I intend to ret to UK , or is that taken for granted !!!!!!,,,

Yes, you just turn up at the immigration desk in Philippines and receive a stamp for 21 days visa free. If you want more it's no problem but just say so here.
You MUST be in possession of either a return air ticket or an onward ticket. In fact these days you'd be lucky if the airline would allow you to fly into Philippines without that. Don't be fooled by anyone who tells you differently!!



,,I do still intend to hire a car , can you , terp, tell me what sort of problems you envisage that I may encounter ,,I am well used to driving in various foreign places ,,,,, will a full eu / uk licence be suff or wil I need an internatioal one , and what sort of prices am I looking at ,,,
Well, I admire your sense of adventure and of course it's a personal choice. Many folks do drive there without problems, but imho many more have had problems. My own personal view is that I would rather pay someone else to drive and I'll just chill out.
For me, not knowing where I'm going to is an issue. Not having roadsigns/directions is an issue. Not feeling able to predict the behaviour of other road users is an issue. The biggest problem imho is that as a foreigner, in any kind of issue on the road YOU are going to be wrong, even if your right and it may build up into a bigger challenge.
Do a search here in the forum to reveal what others think. I'm not trying to change your mind just giving my reasons why I think it may not be the best plan for everyone to step off that plane into the Philippines for the first time and get behind the driving wheel.

You UK licence is OK for 90 days. Sorry I can't help you with prices, but do be sure you are very well covered with a good and reputable fully comprehensive insurance cover!!


,,,,,,,, I will be getting collected at the airport and expect my " friend " will know of local hotel ,,,,
Don't be hesitant to move to another one if your not totally comfortable with the hotel facilities or with the locality.


,,,,,not sure about money transfer ,, any suggestions are welcome,,,,,,,thllor now ( no doubt more to follow !!! )


You'll need to consider that carefully. Do not be tempted to take oodles of wonga in cash with you. Especially as you not that sure of where you are staying.
Looks like you'll need to rely on a combination of cash/Debit cards/Credit cards etc. I wouldn't bother with travellers Cheques.
You'll find that the local money changers offer pretty good rates. But do be sure to use only reputable ones.
Please don't roam around with significant cash in your pocket!!!

Here's something that works well for me.
I've been using the Caxton pre-paid card for quite some time now and have found it to suit me exactly. I have 3 cards. A dollar card, a Euro card and a Global Traveller Card in £'s
The dollar and Euro cards get loaded at the exchange rates on the day you load them, not on the day you 'spend' them, so you have a nice chance to play the markets. Always worked for me so far this year.

The other benefit is that the card(s) can be loaded up with cash at any time from your UK bank account online, by telephone or by text.That way your risk is contained somewhat.
BTW, you can get extra cards in the name of your nearest and dearest that also can be loaded from your UK bank in the same way.
Alternatively consider sending remittances to your Philippine bank (if you have one)

That's the way I work it anyway. I'm sure other folks have their favorite ways too.

Always consider security and minimising the risks. There's really not much you can do to control exchange rates, which actually won't change hugely during a month anyway.

Just my 2 centavos

[nnomad]

thank you again terpe for your 2 centavos,, ( sometimes the value outweighs the cost !! ),,,,,,,,,,,,,, regarding the caxton card, is that a widely acccepted card similar to our own bank cards,,,,,,,,,,,, are cash points readily available ? ( and i can asure you i will not be wandering around with large loads of wonga !!!!!!!!!)
regards the car rental,, i understand all your issues and appreciate your concern but i do still intend to explore this possability as a car for me will not be to transport me from one manila hot spot to another ( i dont expect to be visiting any !! ) but i am hoping to have a good look around the country like beaches , other sites of natural beauty or historical value etc , ( any recomendations anyone ? ) ,,,,,, and my friend does not live in a city , so the idea of having a taxi driving me around for days on end is not really viable even if it did appeal to me !! expanding on the travelling around aspect,,,, how am i likely to be treated in rural areas,, friendly, or as a "rich tourist" and fair play for a mugging ,, remembering that i am not the type who wanders around in a white hat, shorts and sandles with a Pentax draped round my neck , but i do apreciate that any tourist may be considered " wealthy " compared with many people,,,,,,,,, other things,, can i get google maps, or similar ( gps ) on my phone,, ( blackberry ) is there a fairly good road system,, petro / diesel readily available,,,,,,,,,,,,,
and there is more !!!!!!!!!!! what is the cost of living like,, eg,, hotels,, food,, clothing,, petrol etc ??
i think i will be booking my ticket this week end,,,,,,, ( stop-over midle east ),,,,,,,,, what is the climate like in early december,,,,,,,,
i think i better stop at that !!! ta Rod.

[imagine]

caxton pre pay card is a visa card, use exactly the same as a visa card, atm and to buy ect,

only thing not to do is use it as security booking into a hotel or it will get blocked, you can use your normal bank card for that, then when you finaly pay bill you can then pay with the caxton card, check out this link for info and which card you need,

http://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-cards/

[Arthur Little]

hello Arthur,,,,,,,,, it was nice to see your name come up,,, unfortunately i was hoping you might have been willing to impart with some of your knowledge !!!!!!!,,

:welcomex: back ... and many thanks for your confidence in me, Rod. But here on the forum, Terpe & Joe Bloggs are the Mods with the MOST [specialist] immigration knowledge. :smile:

[nnomad]

Ha ha ,,, thank you Arthur , but I am not planing on emigrating , just a short visit this time mate ,,,,,I apreciate that only people who have spent considerabe amounts of time or who actually live there will have the type of specific information that I need cheers , rod.

[nnomad]

thank you again terpe for your 2 centavos,, ( sometimes the value outweighs the cost !! ),,,,,,,,,,,,,, regarding the caxton card, is that a widely acccepted card similar to our own bank cards,,,,,,,,,,,, are cash points readily available ? ( and i can asure you i will not be wandering around with large loads of wonga !!!!!!!!!)
regards the car rental,, i understand all your issues and appreciate your concern but i do still intend to explore this possability as a car for me will not be to transport me from one manila hot spot to another ( i dont expect to be visiting any !! ) but i am hoping to have a good look around the country like beaches , other sites of natural beauty or historical value etc , ( any recomendations anyone ? ) ,,,,,, and my friend does not live in a city , so the idea of having a taxi driving me around for days on end is not really viable even if it did appeal to me !! expanding on the travelling around aspect,,,, how am i likely to be treated in rural areas,, friendly, or as a "rich tourist" and fair play for a mugging ,, remembering that i am not the type who wanders around in a white hat, shorts and sandles with a Pentax draped round my neck , but i do apreciate that any tourist may be considered " wealthy " compared with many people,,,,,,,,, other things,, can i get google maps, or similar ( gps ) on my phone,, ( blackberry ) is there a fairly good road system,, petro / diesel readily available,,,,,,,,,,,,,
and there is more !!!!!!!!!!! what is the cost of living like,, eg,, hotels,, food,, clothing,, petrol etc ??
i think i will be booking my ticket this week end,,,,,,, ( stop-over midle east ),,,,,,,,, what is the climate like in early december,,,,,,,,
i think i better stop at that !!! ta Rod.

anybody ??????????

[Terpe]

I think you'd be better placed for ideas/comments/experience etc if you posted just 1 or 2 questions at a time.
No offence intended.

[stevewool]

wow so many questions, all i can add to this is treat it like any holiday abroad, you have to have your wits about you and if you feel unsafe about doing something, well dont do it, just enjoy yourself some fantastic places to visit, best thing is to dont stand out from the crowd, about the pentax around your neck, dont worry, now if it was a nikon, thats differant:icon_lol:,on my samsung phone the gps and maps worked well, just make sure you dont go above your plan,make sure before you go anywhere you have enough cash to last you a few days, i hate having to look for a cash machine

[nnomad]

ok peeps,, thanks for advice,,, going away now for week end >......( only inverness,, should be safe enough there !!! )

[nnomad]

Hi all ,,,,,, the caxton card , do I get it here before I travel or do I get it over there

[imagine]

Hi all ,,,,,, the caxton card , do I get it here before I travel or do I get it over there

get it here online, global travel card

https://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-cards/for-you/which-card/

[jake]

Cash points are readily available in most cities and larger towns. Once your are out in the 'countryside' you will find it very hard to find one. The only problem you may find is they have a habit of being 'offline'.
As far as i know there are no car rental company's here. Even if you could its something i would advise a first timer here not to do. Your best bet would be to hire a van/car to run you around during your visit or use public transport.

[nnomad]

Thanks again ... So when I get the caxton card throo the post how then do I top it up and can I top it up again while in fillo,,,,,,,,,,,,, just done quich google check for car rental ,, lots of them at manila airport ,,,, not cheap tho , 220 uk for one week

[imagine]

Thanks again ... So when I get the caxton card throo the post how then do I top it up and can I top it up again while in fillo,,,,,,,,,,,,, just done quich google check for car rental ,, lots of them at manila airport ,,,, not cheap tho , 220 uk for one week

read about it on the caxton site , it explains it all very well, register your uk mobile no/ then you can top up by txt, top up online or by phone call

[jake]

Sorry i didn't realize they have car rental at manila airport, Not trying to put you off but i drive on a daily basis here and its not like anything you will have experienced before. Do admire your determination to try though. Have lived here for 14 years and it took me years to master the best routes through manila traffic! Once your out of Manila it becomes a lot easier but you will surprised how many vehicles drive at night without lights. Maps and GPS are not that good and you will find that a lot of routes dont have signposts.
Thanks again ... So when I get the caxton card throo the post how then do I top it up and can I top it up again while in fillo,,,,,,,,,,,,, just done quich google check for car rental ,, lots of them at manila airport ,,,, not cheap tho , 220 uk for one week

[imagine]

Thanks again ... So when I get the caxton card throo the post how then do I top it up and can I top it up again while in fillo,,,,,,,,,,,,, just done quich google check for car rental ,, lots of them at manila airport ,,,, not cheap tho , 220 uk for one week

the caxton site explains everything very well, i believe 1st you apply for card when you recieve it you must top it up online to activate it, with your uk mobile no/ registered with them, recomend having it for roaming while away,, you can top up just by txting top up to them while your in phil, but read the caxton site it will explain it all to you , anything your not sure about just email them, they are very helpfull,
ps/ you can change the pin number they give you to your own choice number,in most atm s, but that must be done in uk.

i suggest you take your normal bank cards with you as back up, and tell your bank you wish to use them in phil on those dates, so you dont find they are blocked, you been away before abroad so i guess you already know

[nnomad]

Great , thanks for help ,,,,,, caxton , I will check out their web page ,,,,, thanks for your input ,,,,,,,,, driving,,,,I don't intend toi stay in manila more than day or so ,,,,,, can you tell me what petrol costs there just now ,,,,, and thank you for your input also ,,, I have done a wee search on here reg driving and I am prepared for a challenge !!!!!!!!!
Also , on a different point ,,, do I need any jags inocs or anything like that ,,,,,, rod

[imagine]

Great , thanks for help ,,,,,, caxton , I will check out their web page ,,,,, thanks for your input ,,,,,,,,, driving,,,,I don't intend toi stay in manila more than day or so ,,,,,, can you tell me what petrol costs there just now ,,,,, and thank you for your input also ,,, I have done a wee search on here reg driving and I am prepared for a challenge !!!!!!!!!
Also , on a different point ,,, do I need any jags inocs or anything like that ,,,,,, rod

take some repel mosquieto repellant, depending where you will be,suggest buy Malaria Tablets here in uk, its best to see your doctor or gp practice nurse for advice this and for jabs required, usualy hepititus A(i think its A)but nurse or doc will advise typhoid and that you are up to date with tetinus, wether you have rabies vaccination is down to choice and consideration of where you will be going, cost around £150 i think, consists 3 injections over 4 weeks, so do in advance

check out nhs fitfortravel link,

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/philippines.aspx

[nnomad]

Thanks again "imagine" ,,,,,,,, now you are begining to scare me ,,,,,,,,,,,I will certainly take some anti malaris tabs with me , and I would have thot that mosky repelant would be better sourced over there ,,,,,, are any of these / others mandatory,,,,,,,, rod

[hawk]

my wife lives in guagua pampanga am going over end nov flying into clark as she works nearby at call center i went to cathey pacific and got a good deal but am staying till feb

[nnomad]

Hi and thanks , I will check cathy pac web page,,,,,,

[imagine]

Thanks again "imagine" ,,,,,,,, now you are begining to scare me ,,,,,,,,,,,I will certainly take some anti malaris tabs with me , and I would have thot that mosky repelant would be better sourced over there ,,,,,, are any of these / others mandatory,,,,,,,, rod

maybe better sourced , but can you be sure its genuine repellant? personally i would rather buy here, none of the jabs are mandatory, but do you want to risk your health for a few quid. its only the rabies one thats expensive, if you dont take adequate precautions and you get ill your insurance wont pay out, just leave out the rabies thats one i will be leaving out myself, and hope i dont regret it

[jake]

A good driving challenge its going to be!
Petrol (gasoline) prices go up and down. Today Unleaded is 53 pesos per liter and Diesel 43. How much you get per mile depends on traffic conditions air con etc. In Manila they have a coding system based on the last digit on your plate but it doesn't apply once your in the provinces. If your plate ends in 1 or 2 you cant drive on Mondays, 3 or 4 Tuesdays and so on.
Best check with your doc on jabs. Tetanus i would say is the most important.

[nnomad]

Thanks jake , more useful information ,,,,,,,, re flights , I checked cathy pac ,,,, on my dates over 900 UAE 500 so that's an easy one !!!!!!!! Thanks everyone an I am now getting most information I need , rod.

[nnomad]

Is ,ninoi aquino what is generarlly refered to as manila airport ,,,,,, I see that is about 20 miles from manila cemtre ,,,,, anybody ,,, rod

[Terpe]

Is ,ninoi aquino what is generarlly refered to as manila airport ,,,,,, I see that is about 20 miles from manila cemtre ,,,,, anybody ,,, rod

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA, also known as Manila International Airport, is the airport serving the general area of Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area.
There are also plenty of hotels within a few minutes walk.

Or if you're looking for a cheap taxi take a short walk to the departures area and get one that just dropped-off :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[nnomad]

thanks terpe, good practicle tips there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
next ,,,,,,,,,,,,, is it better to exchange money here or over there,, are pesos readily available here, and are exchange places plentiful over there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, are there banks there which i can use which may be compatible with " bank of scotland ",,,,,,,,, thanks again all,, very much appreciated.. rod

[jake]

Exchange place are everywhere here.
You can use your Bank Of Scotland card here. Not sure if still applies but my mum visited us a few years back and she had some Scottish notes and English notes. The rate they wanted to give her for the Scottish was much lower than the English! Discrimination!

[nnomad]

Again jake ,,,, very useful information ,,, thank you ,,,,,,,,,( oh and I am well used to the descrimination regarding the notes ,,,,,, some taxi drivers in London still won't take them !!!!!!! It will all be different when we get independence !!!!!!!)

[fred]

nnomad (http://filipinaroses.com/member.php/9324-nnomad)..:Wave::Wave:


I dont drive in Manila...Its not worth the aggro for me. Its too easy to be targeted for a quick police scam which can be expensive.. Up to you though.. Best way to learn to swim is straight in the deep end!:icon_lol: Its not the roads you need to worry about and they are bad enough..Its the crazy @##%@ that drive them you need to watch out for.
If you change your mind and need a van and driver my brother in law has a vehicle..He speaks good English 2 !!
Send me a message if you are interested.
Diesel costs about 48PHP a liter.. Unleaded 51.00 (ish)..
Driving without a licence aint a huge issue here..Driving without cash is especially when you get pulled over by the PULIS!!..
Make sure you have enough in readies to do what you need to do... ATM`s charge foreign cards 250.00PHP per withdrawal. Good luck..Hope you dont need it but probably will.

Cheers,
Fred.

[nnomad]

Hi again all ,,,,,, regards the driving , I have done a search on here and it seems that opinions differ considerably , from the likes of fred ( thanks mate for your advice ) to some who say it is no problem !!!!! ,,,, but I think I will be renting !!!!!!
Manila airport ,,,, how large is it ,, is it huge like schipol ( amsterdam ) heathrow or more like glasgow or even aberdeen ,,,,, I just trying to gauge how easy it is to meet / be met when I arrive ,,,,, rod

[stevewool]

so easy to be meet, you walk through the airport and everyone is outside waiting for you, try to get someone whos very tall so they stand out a little, you come down a ramp and everyone is to your left waving, the best way is to take your time getting through the airport, that way everyone else has been meet or gone so there is less people to look for, enjoy everything, its eye opening,

[nnomad]

So I understand then that it is a small (ish) place with just the one exit point ,,,,, good , that makes things easier ,,,,,, regarding the hight of my " friend " I don't think there is much that I can do about that !!!!!!!
On a seperate note ,,,, it would seem there are quite a few peeps on here who have a scottish connection ,,,,,, is it that the warm friendly generous and helpfull attitudes of both countries compliment each other !!!!!!

[Terpe]

So I understand then that it is a small (ish) place with just the one exit point ,,,,, good , that makes things easier ,,,,,, regarding the hight of my " friend " I don't think there is much that I can do about that !!!!!!!
On a seperate note ,,,, it would seem there are quite a few peeps on here who have a scottish connection ,,,,,, is it that the warm friendly generous and helpfull attitudes of both countries compliment each other !!!!!!

:icon_lol::icon_lol:

NAIA saw 27 million passengers in 2010.
In 2011, NAIA handled 29 million passengers. That's way up there as one of the busiest in Asia.

My best guess would be that you will arrive into terminal 1, but check your arrive details to be 100% sure.

Here's a map of the Terminal 1

http://www.silent-gardens.com/img/MNL-NAIA/Manila-NAIA-T1-arrival.jpg





This site also has good airport information (http://www.silent-gardens.com/index.php) in addition to loads of other helpful stuff. Well worth taking a look at the links and the useful tips of almost all aspects of visiting Philippines.

To discover about NAIA Manila follow the link to 'Transportation', then 'Air', then 'Manila Airport Guides'.

Enjoy!!

[jake]

Glad to hear you a renting:smile: Trying to get out of manila when you have never driven here could have taken you a whole day! Don't agree that you would be targeted for a polis scam as i have only ever been stopped once in 14 years and cover a minimum of 50,000km a year.
Airport is small and looks like its from the 70's. As somebody mentioned once you exit go down the ramp and then there are letters you should go too. If your surname starts with a,b,c go to that, d,e,f go to that and so on.
Cheers

[fred]

Glad to hear you a renting:smile: Trying to get out of manila when you have never driven here could have taken you a whole day! Don't agree that you would be targeted for a polis scam as i have only ever been stopped once in 14 years and cover a minimum of 50,000km a year.
Airport is small and looks like its from the 70's. As somebody mentioned once you exit go down the ramp and then there are letters you should go too. If your surname starts with a,b,c go to that, d,e,f go to that and so on.
Cheers

Jake..Sorry you disagree.. I have an apartment building full of expats that have complained to me personally about being hassled whilst driving in Manila.
The last guy to moan was a Canadian that hired a car but had no idea about his licence plate not being allowed to drive on that day of the week.
He had to pay 6 Policemen a 1,000 PHP bung on Roxas boulevard to avoid a ticket..They were calling their police mates further up the road for the inevitable bung .. The last copper to stop him offered him a police escort out of Manila for 10K..
Ive been scammed loads of times by the PNP here since the early 80`s..Learned my lesson after a while and finally gave up.
I drive in the province every day and if the PULIS on foot try to pull me over I just put my foot down.. Never been chased yet!! The soppy ..... probably don't have enough petrol to bother..:cwm24:

[jake]

Fred,
I guess i must be lucky!! People say i drive like a Filipino so maybe i go unnoticed?!

[nnomad]

Thanks again " jake " ( and all others ) for your info reg airport etc . Good solid info that will help me plan my trip ...... Btw , when I say I am renting , I mean a car , not a taxi ,,,,,, I will be spending most of my time in the " prov ince " ( as you all call it ) and without our own transport I /we will be very restricted ....
My next enquiry will be my mobile phone ,,, currently on orange with a blackberry ,I would like to use this there but not have to pay a fortune ,, maybe buy a local sim card for use there , but my main concern is if I cannot see the person who is waiting for me then it would be handy to call them , any ideas,,,,, will my uk orange sim card work in manila ,,,,,, anybody any ideas ,,,,,,,,,,, I really do apreciate all the help given to me so far ,,,,,,,

[lastlid]

Thanks again " jake " ( and all others ) for your info reg airport etc . Good solid info that will help me plan my trip ...... Btw , when I say I am renting , I mean a car , not a taxi ,,,,,, I will be spending most of my time in the " prov ince " ( as you all call it ) and without our own transport I /we will be very restricted ....


My next enquiry will be my mobile phone ,,, currently on orange with a blackberry ,I would like to use this there but not have to pay a fortune ,, maybe buy a local sim card for use there , but my main concern is if I cannot see the person who is waiting for me then it would be handy to call them , any ideas,,,,, will my uk orange sim card work in manila ,,,,,, anybody any ideas ,,,,,,,,,,, I really do apreciate all the help given to me so far ,,,,,,,

You can buy a local sim at the airport, before you leave the airport building.

[fred]

but my main concern is if I cannot see the person who is waiting for me then it would be handy to call them , any ideas,,,,

Tell them to take a set of aluminium step ladders or stand on a large box?
Send them a text and wait for reply?
Give them a call?
As you say though...Get a local smart or Globe sim when you can.

[nnomad]

Ha ha , maybe easier toi get then to wear a big red hat with my name on it !!!!!!!!!!! Good to know that I can buy a sim in the airport ,,,,, hope I don't arfrive in middle of the night !!!!!!!!!!

[nnomad]

Good morning happy helpful forum members ,,,,,,, only 59 days to go now !!!!!!!!!!!

[hawk]

morning nnomad am the same as you waiting to go se my wife in guagua pampanga i leave on 30 nov i went to phil manila in may this year i had to fill a arrival card in before i got to passport desk thats the easy bit the hard bit was the min you get outside i get asked are you meeting someone then they ask me do you want to call them on there mobile then want money for the call then you get the others want money to get a taxi 4 you you could just say hindi ka ilang an / its not necessary or hindi salamat no thanks

[Graham2263]

Hi, You don't need a visa for 10 days on a European passport and is valid for 28 days
(might be longer now for tourists)
Xmas is a busy time for travel to the Philippines as many families go home so air fares are expensive, try lastminutte or other flight comparison sites.
If your friend is a single lady and has no employment or income in the Philippines it will be difficult even if you are funding.
They need to convince them she will be returning home.

[grahamw48]

Currently the visa waiver is 21 days for UK passport holders.

[nnomad]

Since I am only going for 10 days the visa thing is not going to be a problem either way ,,,,, but getting a visa for her into UK is a different matter alltogether ,, I know the proof of intension to return is a BIG problem , ( and that is not just fron filli it the same anywhere !!!! Depending on how things go maybe try for fiance one next time !!!!!!!! I am hoping to book a flight this week to avoid xmas hikes , I did find one but it was. Phone booking , not sure about that

[nnomad]

" Hawk " , how much are you paying for your ticket ,,, I presume it is return ,, frm heathrow ?

[nnomad]

Now I cannot find the webpage with the 500 pound tickets ,,,, moat around 700 ,,,,, can anyone recomend any web pages worth a look ,,,, I have been looking at crystal,, I want to get a ticket booked as soon as possible ,,,, ta rod

[stevewool]

skyscanner first then look at differant dates, once you have that price look direct with the airlines

[nnomad]

Great , thanlk you . I just looked ,, 700 qd, 17 hours which apeals to me , 2 @ 8 hour flights with short stop over in dubai , leaves here 14.00 arrives 15.30 ,, very convenoent civilised times ,,,,,,,,thanks

[nnomad]

Hi again ,,,,,,,, OK that's me sorted ,,,,, fly out 9 dec. ( For 7 days ) frm HTW arrive manila 15.00 ( term 1 ) that should give me / us ( ! ) Plenty of time to hire a car and find a hotel before it gets dark and the demons of manila can consume us !!!!!!!! 720 all inc ,,,,, eeeh ha !!!!!!!!

[nnomad]

Hello , hotel Cubano has been recomended to me , I have checked their web pages and they look ok , prices are very reasonable compared to uk prices ,,,,, so , does anybody know of them and have any opinions on them and also are there any near to the airport ,,,,,,, also , does anyone know the airport well enough to know where the car hire agents are, ( there are numerous listed on google ),,,, thanks, Rod

[stevewool]

why dont you leave the car hire till the next day after such a long flight and getting through the airport you will be stressed , i would get a cab and sort the car the next day, plus you are saving a days hire too

[nnomad]

Thanks for your reply,,,,,,,,,,,Yes , good thinking batman, I was going that way myself , especially as there is a hotel ,,, "manila airport hotel " beside the airport and quite reasonable rates , maybe just go that for first night ,,,prob just play that by ear , see how I am feeling , tho it is not worth travelling across town to save ten quid !!!!!how big is manila across , I begining to think it not so big ,,,,,,,ta rod

[nnomad]

Hotel " Cubano " , does anyone know them ?????

[nnomad]

Only 50 days now !!!!!

[Michael Parnham]

Hi nnomad, Sincerly hope you have a good trip. My advice is to keep it simple and take each day as it comes, Enjoy!

[lastlid]

Thanks for your reply,,,,,,,,,,,Yes , good thinking batman, I was going that way myself , especially as there is a hotel ,,, "manila airport hotel " beside the airport and quite reasonable rates , maybe just go that for first night ,,,prob just play that by ear , see how I am feeling , tho it is not worth travelling across town to save ten quid !!!!!how big is manila across , I begining to think it not so big ,,,,,,,ta rod

I stayed there a couple of times. With a late flight arrival on each occasion it was handily placed. Then I stayed elsewhere after that. Not the best of hotels but conveniently placed next to the airport.

[nnomad]

thank you,, what i was hoping, it does not have to be great, just convenient

[Terpe]

thank you,, what i was hoping, it does not have to be great, just convenient

You might consider a quick review of The Mabuhay Manor Hotel :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[nnomad]

Thank you ,,, checked it ,,, prices comparable , convenient also ,,,,, have you stayed there ,,,, thanks again to all replies / offers of advice ,,,,, R

[ArtAngel]

Hi,
Maybe, if you are staying in Manila, you may want to check Corregidor Island which is 45 minutes by cruise and you can opt to stay in the island for a night. Fare is around 2000 if you will choose a to come back in the afternoon.(lunch included)

December, it will be a combination of warm and cold weather here in manila.

Hope you enjoy your stay.

ArtAngel

[grahamw48]

'cold' weather in Manila ? :Erm:

Go and sit in your refrigerator for a few hours. That's cold...to us here in the UK. :icon_lol: