What currency is used in Manila?

Manila uses the Philippine peso (PHP).

How much does a day in Manila cost?

Roughly $30-50 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $80-150 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.

Is Waypacker free to use in Manila?

Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.

Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?

Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.

Can I meet locals in Manila without staying with anyone?

Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.

Will anyone see my exact location?

No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

Manila travel guide

Philippines

A sprawling, hectic capital where Spanish-era churches stand near glass towers and what is often called the world's oldest Chinatown. It takes patience with the traffic, but rewards it with food, history and warm hospitality.

Essentials

Language: Filipino and English, which is widely spoken
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
Plugs: Types A, B and C, 220 V
Emergency number: 911
Tipping: Many restaurants add a service charge; where they do not, around 10% is appreciated, and rounding up for drivers is common.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Backpacker: $30-50, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
Mid-range: $80-150, with a private room and restaurant meals.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Manila

Intramuros: the old walled city of churches, cobbled streets and Fort Santiago.
Poblacion, Makati: a lively area of small bars, hostels and restaurants next to the business district.
Binondo: the historic Chinatown, best explored on foot with an appetite.

Getting around Manila

Grab is the simplest way to get around, and the LRT and MRT rail lines, paid with a Beep card, avoid the worst traffic on some routes. Leave plenty of extra time for any journey at rush hour.

Best time to visit Manila

December to April, the dry season, before the rain and typhoons that run from around June to November.

Top things to do in Manila

Walk the walls of Intramuros and visit San Agustin Church, a UNESCO-listed baroque church
Eat your way through Binondo's dumpling houses and hopia bakeries
Spend an afternoon at the National Museum of the Philippines, which is free to enter
Watch the sunset over Manila Bay from the bayside promenade
Explore the galleries, malls and parks of Bonifacio Global City

What to eat in Manila

Adobo: chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and bay leaves
Sinigang: a sour tamarind soup with pork or prawns and vegetables
Sisig: chopped pork, chilli and onion served sizzling on a hot plate
Halo-halo: shaved ice layered with sweet beans, fruit, jelly, ube and evaporated milk

Day trips from Manila

Tagaytay: a cool ridge with views over Taal Lake and its volcano, about two hours by road depending on traffic
Corregidor: an island of Second World War ruins at the mouth of Manila Bay, visited on organised boat-and-tour packages; check current departures, as ferry services have changed in recent years

Local etiquette

Adding po to a sentence is a polite way to show respect to older people, and the family is central to social life. Dress modestly when visiting churches.

Staying connected

Smart and Globe SIMs are sold at the airport and convenience stores and must be registered with your passport, and eSIMs are increasingly available, though mall and café Wi-Fi can be slow.

Staying safe

Pickpocketing and bag snatching happen in crowded areas such as Quiapo and Divisoria and on packed trains, so keep valuables out of sight. Use Grab or metered taxis rather than street offers, and expect flooding during heavy rain in the wet season.

A local tip

Visit Intramuros early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and hire a bicycle or a pedicab to cover the walls in the heat.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Manila on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Manila for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Manila, you could be one of the first hosts.

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Questions about Manila

What currency is used in Manila?: Manila uses the Philippine peso (PHP).
What is the emergency number in Manila?: In Manila, call 911.
When is the best time to visit Manila?: December to April, the dry season, before the rain and typhoons that run from around June to November.
How much does a day in Manila cost?: Roughly $30-50 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $80-150 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Manila?: Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?: Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Manila without staying with anyone?: Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?: No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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