Packing, Travel and Diving Tips for the Invasion to the Philippines
Well we are getting closer to the ScubaBoard Invasion 2016 to the Philippines!!!!!
I thought we could touch base on some of the information we will all need and the great ideas that everyone has on preparing, packing, travel, and dive related tips.
For some this is old hat, so share your knowledge.
As additions are made to this list, I will highlight them in red
along with important new posts so you know there is new info.
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips.
Well we are getting closer to the ScubaBoard Invasion 2016 to the Philippines!!!!!
I thought we could touch base on some of the information we will all need and the great ideas that everyone has on preparing, packing, travel, and dive related tips.
For some this is old hat, so share your knowledge.
As additions are made to this list, I will highlight them in red
along with important new posts so you know there is new info.
I’ll get things started… Here are some of my tips.
PACKING AND TRAVEL TIPS
DON'T FORGET These Items when Packing!
DOCUMENTS AND ID
-Airline tickets/info for going and return flights.
-Maduro invoice for the resorts and diving.
Cardzard and I will provide the actual vouchers for the group to give to Atlantis at check in.
-Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
-Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
-Diving Certification Cards (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry on)
-Here's a link to the Waiver for Diving > ONLINE FORMS - Atlantis Dive Resorts & Liveaboard.
This waiver needs to be completed a minimum of 14 days before arrival.
-Also your ScubaBoard Waiver will be emailed to you by Cardzard. Please print, fill out and bring with you to give to either Cardzard or myself at the welcome party. All Crew members must sign and turn in the ScubaBoard Waiver.
-DAN and Health Insurance Cards
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND CASH
-Credit/Debit Cards or ATM Cards (call your card company, let them know when and where you’ll be traveling)
(Some CC company charge an extra fee for transactions when out of the country)
-Money to Bring: The local currency is the Philippines Peso (Php). Atlantis will bill in either pesos or USD. All credit card transactions appear in pesos. Atlantis can also exchange AUD, EUR, HKD, JPY, GBP and SGD at the resort front desk. (USD cash may be accepted at some local establishments and at the airport for terminal fees, Small Bills (1’s, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s can be useful and go a long way) There are no charges for using credit cards for services and/or purchases and Atlantis accepts VISA, MASTERCARD or AMERICAN EXPRESS. Atlantis offers a 5% discount if you pay by cash for your resort charges. Please note: They cannot provide cash advances on credit cards and cannot process tips/gratuities by credit card. There is an ATM in Sabang, Puerto Galera and in Dumaguete City. However, we suggest you do not rely on ATM machines outside of Manila as the machines are prone to technical failure, may be out of cash or may not support your card.
PRESCRIPTION & OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS
Anytime you travel outside of your normal area, you may want to make an appointment at a travel clinic or with your doctor - they will research (usually the CDC website) for where you are going and recommend any shots or prescriptions. You want to do this a least a month before you leave for your trip as some prescriptions may require you to start taking 7-10 days before leaving.
-Prescription Medication (Carry in your carry on, keep it in the prescription bottle with your name on it)
(Always bring a few days extra in case you have travel delays along the way)
-Over the counter medications and first aid items that you may need. Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anything.
-I have a med pack for traveling with items such as band aides, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream etc. (You may find some of the same products in the Philippines, but the packaging may look different and the instruction might not necessarily be in English)
-Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs health)
I found this wonderful line of reef safe products Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CARRY ON ANY ITEMS THAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE
ID’s, Credit Cards, Cash etc.
Any Cameras/Electronics/Batteries and accessories
Computers/Tablets/Phones/Dive Computers
Prescription Medication
Glasses/Contacts/Prescription Masks
Jewelry/watches
Note: Carry-On Luggage Restriction: Effective July 1, 2015 Philippines Office for Transportation Security has issued new rules that include ‘Scuba Diving Equipment’ (including regulators) on the list of blunt instruments that are not to be in carry--- on/cabin baggage on flights originating within the Philippines. Please ensure that all scuba equipment is secured within checked---in baggage on all domestic flights and on all departing international flights.
For anything in question or liquid form, check with your Airline for specific rules as to what's accepted and procedure for checking in, as these seem to be changing constantly. If it’s not permitted, TSA will take it and throw it away!
We personally had a problem with our rechargeable batteries in our carry-ons one time. They weren't allowed in the checked and they weren't allowed in the carry-ons. Making up the rules as they go, Go figure??? I would suggest not putting them all in one place in your carry-on. Dennis had quite a few, all in one spot and I think they stood out like a sore thumb.
Don't let your common sense go on vacation too. Be aware of your surroundings when travelling and watch out for each other. Lock up your cash, jewelry, passports and credit cards in your room safe. Don't leave your phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and dive computers sitting out in plain view when you're not in the room.
PACKING TIPS AND ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO BRING FOR YOUR COMFORT
Good thing to started packing early, in case anything needs to be repaired before you go.
I like to be organized (can’t you tell) so I have a travel checklist on file that I printout. Here's my list if you like or use this as a jumping off point for making your own list. View attachment 124688
This way, I don’t have to think too much about remembering what I need. The list includes everything that might be needed and I can add to it. If something's on the list that doesn't apply to this trip, I just cross it off. I also include things to do like stopping the mail, newspaper, contacting your cell provider if you want service there, and calling the credit card companies to inform them that I will be going out of the country so they don't cut me off in mid-trip.
Some links on surviving long flights
26 tips to help you survive a long haul flight
Experts Reveal 23 Tips to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
The best way to survive a long-haul flight
-Sunglasses and an extra cheap pair for the boat (polarized are better for gazing into the water)
-Hats
- Bug spray Bugs are normally not an issue at the resorts, but occasionally can appear, so best to be prepared. Here are a few products Cactus Juice , www.reefsafesuncare.com.
- Water: bottled water can be purchased and you can refill the bottle at the resorts with their filtered water. Tap water at the resorts is not potable. Please only use filtered water when brushing your teeth and for drinking.
- Tea bags, flavor packets or liquids to flavor your water for variety. I do strongly suggest drinking only bottled or can drinks when outside the resort and wiping any moisture from the tops to avoid having any health issues. I also avoid ice.
- You should always be conscience of what you are eating and drinking when you are outside of your normal routine and country. Some even recommend avoiding the ice cubes on the planes.
- Personal flashlight for your comfort.
- The guest rooms are equipped with a safe and a mini bar stocked with water, a small selection of beverages, snacks and emergency toiletries for purchase.
- Ladies - Feminine Hygiene pads can be purchased locally, but tampons can be very difficult to find.
- Electricity in all rooms is 220V - (most guests will need a converter, not an adapter)
Here's a link as an example of what you need. Samsonite - Converter/Adapter Kit - Red/Black
-For those of you planning on participating in the Photo Contests or planning on sharing photos with other, DON’T FORGET A THUMBDRIVE! They come in real handy! IJS
-The van ride from Manila to Batangas where you take the boat to Puerto Galera is about 3 hours. The van or bus will stop at a service plaza that has a Mc Donald’s, a convenience store, a Starbucks and restrooms. Starbucks took Visa or M/C . McD and convenience store took Philippine pesos only. It would be a good idea to usually exchange about $20 USD into PHP at the Midas in case you need it. There is no need for PHP other than this stop at this time. Leftovers can be used to pay the departure tax leaving the country, about $18 USD.
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and that was the end of my blisters and cold feet.
