Guide · Trip prep
Philippines packing checklist — documents, electronics, and what you cannot buy there
Packing for the Philippines (Manila and Clark) gets much lighter once you separate what you can buy there from what you cannot. This page, current as of 2026-08-25, is a checklist built around the second group. Toiletries and clothing you can pick up at any local supermarket are left out.
Updated 2026-08-25
Documents — nothing else matters if you are stopped here
- Your passport — a minimum remaining validity applies, so confirm it before you travel.
- An onward ticket — evidence of a flight home or to a third country may be required.
- Online arrival registration — the Philippines has operated a pre-arrival online registration scheme. Whether it is currently required, and when it has to be submitted, can change, so confirm against official guidance before departure.
- A copy of your passport and a spare photo — kept separately from the original. It speeds up replacement if the original is lost.
- Your accommodation booking confirmation — immigration may ask for it.
A casino may require your original passport to admit you. Whether a copy or a phone photo is accepted differs by venue, so check the venue page.
Electronics — power and connectivity
- A plug adapter — the Philippines runs 220V at 60Hz, and flat two-pin (Type A) outlets are common. That is the shape used in North America but at roughly double the voltage, so check that your devices are rated for 220V. Round-pin plugs often will not fit, and a universal adapter covers both problems.
- A power strip — many rooms have too few outlets. One adapter then charges several devices.
- A power bank — cabin baggage only; it cannot go in checked luggage.
- A SIM or eSIM — you can buy one at the airport, but preparing in advance means you are connected the moment you land. Roaming is easy and expensive.
Medicine — hard to match locally
- Basic medicines for fever, indigestion and diarrhoea — even where the active ingredient is the same, the product names differ and finding them at a pharmacy is a chore.
- Insect repellent — needed for anything outdoors, particularly golf rounds and evenings.
- Sunscreen — sold locally, but many products include whitening agents.
- Anti-itch or bite cream
- Your own prescription medication — bring a copy of the prescription with it.
Clothing — the air conditioning, not the heat
- A thin long-sleeved layer or cardigan — malls, restaurants and casinos run the air conditioning hard. Short sleeves alone leave you cold indoors.
- Something to wear to a casino — some venues turn away shorts and sandals. A pair of long trousers and closed shoes covers it.
- Golf clothing — many courses require a collared shirt and some prohibit denim.
- For the wet season — a folding umbrella or a light rain jacket. Afternoon squalls are short and heavy.
- Spare socks and underwear — humidity means things do not dry.
Money — split the forms
- Cash — with a mix of small notes. Tips and transport need it constantly.
- Two cards — from different issuers, in case one is blocked.
- Cash and cards stored separately — not all in one wallet.
Where and in what order to change money is covered separately in the peso guide.
What you do not need to bring
- Shampoo, body wash and other toiletries — the hotel has them or the local supermarket does.
- Bottled water — cheaper bought locally. Do not drink the tap water.
- Heavy clothing — one thin layer for indoor air conditioning is enough.
- Large quantities of snacks — the big supermarkets carry a wide range of imported food.
FAQ
- How much passport validity do I need?
- A minimum remaining validity applies, and airlines often stop you before immigration does. The requirement can change, so no number of months is written here. Confirm it with official guidance or your airline before you travel.
- Do I need a plug adapter?
- The Philippines runs 220V at 60Hz with flat two-pin (Type A) outlets common — the North American shape at roughly double the voltage. Check your devices are rated for 220V, and bring a universal adapter if your plugs are round-pin.
- Where do I buy a SIM?
- They are sold in the airport arrivals area and at stores in town. Setting up an eSIM in advance means you are connected as soon as you land. Roaming is easy but costs more.
- What should I wear to a casino?
- Some venues turn away shorts and sandals. A pair of long trousers and closed shoes will get you through most of them. Dress codes are listed on the casino pages only where they have been confirmed.
- Do I really need an umbrella in the wet season?
- Afternoon squalls are short and heavy in the wet season. A folding umbrella or a light rain jacket keeps the day on track. It is a different thing from all-day rain.
- Can I just buy medicine there?
- Pharmacies are plentiful, but product names differ even where the ingredient is the same, which makes finding what you want a chore. Bring your basics and your own prescription medication.
Not verified
- · The minimum remaining passport validity required
- · The current status of the online arrival registration scheme and when it must be submitted
- · Visa-free stay lengths
Not stated by the official source. We do not fill these in with estimates.
Related
Source
- · Entry requirements come from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and your own embassy