Philippines: 10 things your travel guide won't say

Surreal, breathtaking and picturesque –  the three most apt words to describe the Philippines, a cluster of over 7,000 islands. A two week vacay in this water paradise – that also covers a vast terrain of mountains and plateaus – is not enough. However, planning a solo, budget trip comes with its own caveats that may not be solved by travel agents and guides immediately or at all. Here are a few things first timers should keep in mind before embarking on their journey.

1. Recharge: The nifty WiFi spots aren't as common or without interruptions here. Calling cards aren't as economical as investing in a new SIM, which needs to be loaded at a retailer or via the call cards that will cost you an additional Philippine pesos (PHP) 100-300 (approx. ₹140-400). Do ensure phone compatiblity with the SIM cards before purchasing data plans.

2. Booking deals: With the many islands comes a plethora of water sports to choose from. And though each hotel may have their own list of deals, the best ones are found through booking apps like Klook or going local.

3. Agent frauds: Being a tourist destination, almost all good island hoping tours or whale shark diving institutes will have an environmental tax levied. But be wary of some who are not above double charging for this tax –which could be over PHP200 (₹260) per head – in order to make a fast buck.

4. Go low: Bargains are a given and almost synonymous with some South Asian countries, though the motorized tricycle rides (tuktuks or rickshaws used for short-distance rides) here will not bargain willy-nilly. In fact, some detest the practice on account of numerous tourist passengers a day that they will accept the first price you quote.

5. Keep the change: Jeepnis are the bus equivalent of the Philippines. These elongated jeeps are the cheap modes of transport that operate on specific routes. Be sure to double check before getting on.

However, getting lost in the bylanes of the city would leave patronizing the ever-expensive cabs as the only option. Though they won't hesitate to "keep the change" without prompt so always keep small bills handy.

6. Air travel: Domestic flights to different islands can be booked on arrival. But more often than never, the seemingly cheap airfare will not include check-in bags that will incur additional charges.

7. The cuisine: The most common Filipino staple is rice, which is served with stew, gravy or even a bucket of fried chicken and for dessert as well! 

But for when the hunger pangs call there are tons of street food including: Chicken adobo (marinade) to crispy lechon (roasted or fried suckling pig), soupy bulalo (buffalo stew) or balut (semi-formed duck embryo). However, this island collective is not a place for vegetarians. Saturated with the meat dishes, if you ask for vegetarian soup, don't be surprised if the resultant is just leaves in water.

8. Drink up: Prices for water fluctuate in different areas of the Philippines almost as equity on the stock market. The safest bet is to buy water by the gallon instead of one litre bottles.

9. Don't go cashless: ATM transactions may only be a distant memory during your stay although every hotel/ retailer and street vendor have card machines for net transactions. Though inputting pin numbers and one time passwords (OTPs) are unheard of here. Whatever be the amount swiped will directly be charged, sans a reconfirmation step, making cash transactions much more appealing. Also be wary of card thefts.

10. Airport tax: Another tax levied, after checking-in luggage at the international airport, is the airport tax. This could amount to PHP 1,600 (₹2,000+). So don't be in a rush to exchange those leftover currency or fritter away your money by the end of your trip.