The Ultimate Philippines Packing List for 2024

The Philippines is a beautiful country with lots of activities to do, which is why it is important to know what things to pack to add to your Philippines packing list for your trip. I have traveled to the Philippines 9 times and I feel like I have the packing down and have created the ultimate Philippines packing list. Whether you are one month in the Philippines or just a few days, this Philippines packing list has you covered. There are a lot of things to keep in consideration when packing for the Philippines. I have listed my favorites and some of my necessities for this ultimate Philippines packing list.

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The Ultimate Philippines Packing List – Planning a trip to the Philippines

If you are still planning your trip be sure to read about some of my favorite spots in the Philippines. Planning a road trip? Check out my favorite road trip essentials.

• Travel Tips for the Philippines
• Philippines Tourist Spots
• Top 10 Places to Visit in the Southern Philippines
• Cebu Tourist Spots
• Bohol Tourist Spots
• Cebu Itinerary
• Philippines Itinerary – The Perfect Philippines Backpacking Itinerary from 2 weeks to 1 month itinerary for the Philippines
• Bohol Man Made Forest

Travel Essentials for the Philippines – what to pack for a trip to the philippines

Philippines Packing List | Documents and Money

Furthermore, be sure to check out your local government for information about visas or medical documents needed for your Philippines packing list. These are your Philippines travel essentials and must-haves.

• Passport Valid for at least 6 months
• Visa – If your country requires a visa, be sure to check with your local Philippines embassy
• Cash, cards are not available to use unless you happen to be in a mall or Hotel. Be sure you have at least 2,000 Pesos at the end of your trip since it is required for the airport tax
• Travel Insurance
• Printed Travel Itinerary – Include Hotels, Flights, Rentals, etc. The Internet is not as easily accessible in the Philippines so it’s important to keep hard copies or screenshots/photos of your important documents.

Philippines Packing List | Activities to Pack for the Philippines

You can’t go to the Philippines without doing some sort of water activities. These are some necessities for your Philippines packing list when it comes to outdoor and water adventures in the Philippines.

• Snorkel
• Dry Bag or Waterproof Case
• Water Bottle
• Reef Friendly Sunblock
• Backpack or Day Pack – Keep a lock on your back to prevent theft.

RELATED: Best Snorkel Fins for 2018

Philippines Packing List | What to bring to the Philppines Accessories to Pack for the Philippines

These are some of my favorite accessories to add to my Philippines packing list.

• Sunglasses
• Hat – Optional, I prefer not to carry one.
• Ear Plugs
• Sarong or Scarf
• A folding fan to fan yourself or block the sun in your face
• Crossbody Bag – These are best to avoid pickpocketing since they are close to your body and hard to rip off.

Philippines Packing List | Electronics

Obviously, you want to pack your favorite electronics on the trip including in my Philippines Packing List. Keep in mind the humidity will fog up your camera lens so be sure to have a weatherproof or waterproof camera.

• Powerbank
• Voltage Converter or Transformer (Step down fransformers are for items that are 110V only)
• Type C Adapter – For items that read 110-220V
• Chargers, Cords, and Cables
• GoPro or an Action Camera that is waterproof
• Travel Camera of Choice
• Unlocked Phone – You can get a sim in the Philippines

Philippines Packing List | Medication and First Aid Kid

In general, food poisoning is a very common thing to have in the Philippines. One of the reasons is the water is not drinkable unless you are a local who is used to it. Moreover, cleanliness in the kitchen is not as strict as other countries. Additionally, I suggest you check in with your doctor or travel nurse about what medications or vaccinations you may need before traveling to the Philippines.

• Travel Pill Container – Consolidate all your travel medication into one easy to go travel pill container
• Dramamine or some form of Anti-Motion Sickness, it’s quite easy to get sick on the buses and the boats
• Imodium or some form of Anti-Diarrheal – If you don’t get these, just look for loperamide at the local pharmacy
• Antacids
• Pepto Bismol
• Excedrin or Headache Medication
• Bandaids
• Aloe Gel
• Insect Spray
• Allergy Medication
• Travel Scissors
• Any other personal medication you need to bring

You may also be interested in: Must Eat Foods in the Philippines

Personal Necessities to Pack for the Philippines

Ultimately, these are items I suggest you keep on you at all times for your Philippines packing list. Additionally, keep in mind that a lot of bathrooms in the Philippines may not have everything you need to feel clean and fresh.

• Baby Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper – You can steal a roll from your hotel, but toilet paper is not common in public bathrooms all over the Philippines unless you are at the mall. Toilet seats are not common as well, so be prepared to hover squat.
• Purchased Water – Water is not safe to drink in the Philippines so be prepared to buy bottled water. Make sure the caps are sealed because sometimes people will refill used bottles. If you have a life-straw, it might be helpful to use.
• Deodorant Wipes
• Your favorite cosmetics – For makeup, I would stay minimal since the humidity will sweat it right off of you.
• Tampons or Menstrual Cup – Tampons are hard to find especially in rural areas.
• Shampoo Bar – Consider a Shampoo bar for travel to reduce your liquid amount to bring on your carry-on that will also last you quite a long time.

Clothes to Pack for the Philippines

Firstly, you should pack things that dry quickly and are light and breathable.

• Swimsuit
• Cover up or wrap dress
• Cotton Dresses
• Chiffon Tops
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Ziplocks or Wet Bags for packing Wet or Damp Swim Suits

Shoes to Pack for the Philippines

• Sandals or Water Shoes – Preferably a sandal with an ankle strap that you can jump into the water without losing them and avoid walking on sharp rocks. I prefer Saltwater Sandals.
• Light Sneakers – Something breathable, light, and less likely to smell.
• Fancier Sandal
• Flipflops – To fit in the Philippines, you have to have a pair of flipflops or thong sandals

Finally, there you have it, the Ultimate Philippines Packing List.  Additionally, I am sure I will continue to add to this Philippines packing list as I remember or add more things necessary.

Travel to Philippines Checklist

If you are looking for a downloadable travel checklist, grab my free travel checklist below.

Philippines Packing List FAQ

What do I need to go to the Philippines?

You might be asking yourself what do I need to visit the Philippines, well this information varies from country to country, however the packing list I’ve provided above gives you a pretty great breakdown of some things you might need for your next trip to the Philippines.

Whether you are spending 1 month in the Philippines or longer, this list has everything you need to consider before your trip or move to the Philippines.

How to plan a trip to the Philippines?

This can vary, I do have to say if this is your first time visiting the Philippines, then I highly suggest that you check out my Philippines Itinerary post. It will give you a basic idea of how to plan your travels to the Philippines and get your started.

How much money to bring to the Philippines?

On average, I would say be prepared to have about $50 per day. You could definitely live on less than that, however, finding a place to exchange money or ATMs can be difficult especially if you are not in the big cities. I suggest always carrying more on hand but make sure to keep them all hidden in different locations. You will never know when you will need money.

Things to Buy from the Philippines

This depends on the type of traveler you are. I would always suggest buying dried mangoes, pearls, and just overall enjoy yourself with food and drinks.

Philippines Bucket List

In short, I would say include Palawan, Manila, Cebu, and Bohol. These will be the bucket list locations for any first timer in the Philippines.

Is there Pepto Bismol in the Philippines? where can I buy Pepto bismol in the Philippines?

No, at least I haven’t seen it. I would suggest instead purchasing Loperamide at the local pharmacy in the Philippines if you happen to have any stomach issues. This is similar to Imodium.

What not to bring to the Philippines

Obviously do not bring any drugs or weapons into the country. I would suggest not bringing in any fruits, vegetables, or meat as this leads to many insects and diseases that are commonly not allowed in entering any new country. To see a more detailed list, visit the Philippines Embassy website.

What to bring in the Philippines from USA

If you happen to be traveling from the US to the Philippines and you want to know what to bring in the Philippines or what items to get for family and friends in the Philippines, I highly suggest getting some American chocolate, coffee, lotions like Cerave or Nivea (these are popular in the Philippines), clothes, shoes, bags, and so much more. These are all depend on the people you are bringing them for. My dad sometimes asks me to bring some clothing items and American spices.

What do you think about this Philippines Packing List? Leave your answer in the comments below.