Morning all

[jake]

Welcome... you will get some good advice from the forum members here.
If i was you i would take a small gift (pasalubong) for your partners mum and dad and maybe something for any kids in the family. Doesn't have to be expensive

In Philippine culture you are kind of expected to bring gifts when you have traveled from somewhere else. Even though some people may disagree with this i personally think it is quite appropriate to bring a gift. If you went to your friends in the UK for dinner you would probably take a bottle of wine. Same thing.

What gifts? The first time it can be a bit tricky as you haven't met them in person. Something from the UK would go down well. Might only be a t-shirt but as long as it says Great Britain or England it would be unique.
For the kids CHOCOLATE always goes down well. You can buy them at the duty free shop in the airport when you land. Saves all the hassle of bringing them from the UK.

Credit/debit cards are a lot more widely accepted than they used to be. You can use your UK cards to withdraw money at any ATM machine. I'm not sure of the charges but if you search the forum someone will have already written about this. Have read some members have had there's blocked when trying to use them here. Make sure you inform the bank before you go!

As other members have already said dont get carried away with your spending.

[vernier caliper]

Credit/debit cards are a lot more widely accepted than they used to be. You can use your UK cards to withdraw money at any ATM machine. I'm not sure of the charges

The charge is from 150 up to 200 pesos or £4 maximum per transaction on top of any fees from your own bank. Please be reminded that some banks in the Philippines are dispensing P5,000 (£85) maximum per transaction. If you're planning to spend £500-1000 I think bringing cash is better. Exchange rate in the Philippine malls is better than the UK bank rate. Just be cautious of pickpocket gangs. Enjoy your holiday.

[Steve.r]

In Philippine culture you are kind of expected to bring gifts when you have traveled from somewhere else. Even though some people may disagree with this

Yes, I disagree with this strongly.

As I said before, don't make a rod for your own back. Arrive with an arm load of JollieBee and you will have friends forever. Enough said.

Maybe later (ie 2nd 3rd visit) you will know the lay of the land or know who is who and who is going to try to fleece you, when you know this then, if you feel it appropriate, bring them small gifts. Buying shirts for people you don't know, or buying the wrong sizes or for those who wouldn't wear them is a waste of money in my opinion.

[jake]

Yes, I disagree with this strongly.

As I said before, don't make a rod for your own back. Arrive with an arm load of JollieBee and you will have friends forever. Enough said.

Maybe later (ie 2nd 3rd visit) you will know the lay of the land or know who is who and who is going to try to fleece you, when you know this then, if you feel it appropriate, bring them small gifts. Buying shirts for people you don't know, or buying the wrong sizes or for those who wouldn't wear them is a waste of money in my opinion.

I understand your point of view but what is the problem with buying your parents in law a small gift?

There are a lot of people who live in the Philippines that are not going to try and fleece you.

[Steve.r]

I understand your point of view but what is the problem with buying your parent in laws a small gift?
There are a lot of people who live in the Philippines that are not going to try and fleece you.

I don't believe the OP is in fact married yet, but the first impression would be one of giving respect and to be humbled to be invited into another person's home. A firm hand shake to the father and mother and a kind, honest smile will go further than an ill fitting union jack tee shirt. As I remember, the first time I met my wife's mother I held her hand and gave her a kiss on both cheeks (continental style) lol, she wasn't expecting that, that was for sure, but it broke the ice and I never gave her any gifts.

[jake]

I don't believe the OP is in fact married yet, but the first impression would be one of giving respect and to be humbled to be invited into another person's home. A firm handshake to the father and mother and a kind, honest smile will go further than an ill fitting union jack tee shirt. As I remember, the first time I met my wife's mother I held her hand and gave her a kiss on both cheeks (continental style) lol, she wasn't expecting that, that was for sure, but it broke the ice and I never gave her any gifts.

I agree with you giving respect is the most important.

The OP did ask about bringing gifts and I did say it would be nice to give something to your partner's parents and some chocolate for any kids in the family.

The point I was making is that it is still traditional for people coming from overseas - or even another province - to bring some sort of gift. Doesn't have to be expensive as it's the thought that counts. Maybe I shouldn't have used t shirts as an example!

My late father in law used to feel cold if the temperature dropped below 25 degrees. If I was coming from abroad I would always bring him woolly socks or a fleece. He loved 'em!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...3185632AAP4Hg2