Philippines: no VISA required? And best SIM option after landing...

• 

  ChocDooder on 16/01/2016 - 00:30

  +2

  http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/philippines#entry_and_…

  Government site agrees with the 30 day visa-free travel.

• 

  iratepirate on 16/01/2016 - 01:01

  +1

  You get a 30 day visa free entry upon arrival with an Australian passport (that is valid for at least six months) and you have a valid ticket onward (i.e. a ticket out of the country dated before the 30 days is up). You can get an extended visa whilst you are still in the country at an immigration office, an extra 29 days costs about AUD $85.

  Get a "globe" or "smart" or "sun" sim card - they all suck, it just depends on where you are how bad they suck - i found smart worked the best for me and was active within about 15 minutes.

• 

  rickxs on 16/01/2016 - 09:28

  +1

  Hi Gnarly,yep,no visa required
  get a Smart or Globe sim at the airport from vending machine's , we found them outside the terminal
  maybe ask inside also ,as the heat & humidity outside & then fiddling with nano sims & luggage isn't the best
  shops outside don't like to give change so have some money ready
  BUT id do this
  if your getting picked up or going by taxi ,i'd get the driver to call at a 7-11 or sari sari stalls ,then sit back in the aircon taxi & change it, cause you wont be going far in a hurry ,[manila grid lock]
  any Dental work to do ? this is the place, especially Angeles City
  http://www.smilemakeoverdental.net/

  • 

    toristo on 16/01/2016 - 09:48

    +1

    Read up on the taxi situation at the airport before you arrive. It's a pain to leave as the cartels basically run the show and only a handful of legit taxis get through. They'll try to charge you $25-50 for a ride into Makati which would cost you $5 in a metered cab.

• 

  rickxs on 16/01/2016 - 11:58

  +1

  https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g298573-i3261-k6151…
  newest 1st
  it ain't no Tullamarine

• 

  pao2x on 16/01/2016 - 14:40

  +1

  Sims are free at the airport. Get globe and smart

• 

  GnarlyKnuckles on 17/01/2016 - 00:42

  Thank you all very much for your sage advice! I knew I could count on the OzB community for some rapid, straight-up answers :)

• 

  singlemalt72 on 19/01/2016 - 10:17

  +1

  Like has been said, grab a Globe sim from one of the vending machines and a recharge card - I usually get 300 peso recharge and then code in for the P299 1 week surf deal. Some data is essential so you can get your Uber from the airport (ignore the taxi mafia).

  You will read everywhere that Uber cannot pick up at the airport, but I used them a number of times over christmas from NAIA - always good drivers, clean cars and good service.

  Before you leave check out the Globe and Smart prepaid plans so you know what you need when you arrive.

  BTW there is free wifi at the airport I have used to get my Uber once, but once you wander more than 20m from the front door it is pretty sketchy.