Planning 2 weeks in Puerto Galera and maybe nearby locations

[living4experiences]

I also want to ask about currency exchange and phones. I am hoping I can pay the majority by VISA card but travel without any local currency is always a bad idea. I know some countries have a fair exchange rate at the airport, and others only have absolute rip offs. Does anyone know about the Philippines? I am not changing large amounts of currency, so I don't need the absolute best rate. Am I able to get USD back at the end of my trip?

I have an S22 with Verizon. I am not sure how much I need my phone. I will have at least 1 other device that uses wifi if it is available. Verizon charges $10 per day outside the USA and their coverage in the Philippines is not great. Is it worth getting either a SIM card or entirely new phone? If so, is it best done at the airport, or PG, or an extra stop along the way?

Best to have some local pocket money for small purchases. You can exchange money in the airport. I have a Schwab bank account and the fees are reimbursed. You'll get a horrible rate to get USD back from PHP, and it's more hassle than it's worth, IMO. What I do with leftover currency at the end of a trip is give it away to a local in the airport.

I would not recommend getting a SIM card in the airport. There are a lot of scams. Get the eSim on line and activate it prior to leaving the U.S. so you can work out any issues with download and use. There are a lot of choices and what you get depends on your specific needs. You can watch some YouTube videos about the different eSims out there. Holafly and Airalo seem to be the most popular. Here's one video I watched recently,

 

[Centrals]

Buying a SIM card at Manila Airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) 2024: Travelers Guide

Guide on buying a SIM card at Manila airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport - NAIA) for travelers in 2024: where to buy, best plans, updated price.

gigago.com

Globe or Smart.
None of my buddies had never ever got into trouble with either of them. The only issue is the queue.

 

[bvbellomo]

Must see: Corregidor Island. If you're a history buff (or not), this is a fantastic day trip while in Manila. Do yourself a favor and go visit the island. Closed down during Covid, but I believe it's back open now.

I would like more information on Corregidor. It might make sense at the end of the trip, during the 24 hours between diving and flying. However, I don't see much about how to get here. Lots of tour operators shut down during Covid, if there are remaining, they are really good at hiding from Google.

 

[hdtran]

I would like more information on Corregidor. It might make sense at the end of the trip, during the 24 hours between diving and flying. However, I don't see much about how to get here. Lots of tour operators shut down during Covid, if there are remaining, they are really good at hiding from Google.

I've used getyourguide.com, gowithguide.com, and viator.com. Be aware that all these companies are portals/resellers for local companies or individuals, so do your research and read the reviews very carefully, especially the description and itinerary.

For most of these tours, I had the provider come pick me up at my preferred location. About 24 hrs before the tour, you get a direct e-mail or Whatsapp (or both) contact with the provider. For one location (a class rather than a tour), I chose to take public transit from my hotel to the provider location. You may be more comfortable having the provider pick you up at your hotel.

 

[tridacna]

I've used getyourguide.com, gowithguide.com, and viator.com. Be aware that all these companies are portals/resellers for local companies or individuals, so do your research and read the reviews very carefully, especially the description and itinerary.

For most of these tours, I had the provider come pick me up at my preferred location. About 24 hrs before the tour, you get a direct e-mail or Whatsapp (or both) contact with the provider. For one location (a class rather than a tour), I chose to take public transit from my hotel to the provider location. You may be more comfortable having the provider pick you up at your hotel.

^^^
Exactly what he said. We used Viator. Picked us up at our hotel. Etc etc.

 

[bvbellomo]

I am still deciding on how many days in Anilao, but is there a reason to prefer going there on a specific day of the week? Will it be easier to ferry over and take a Grab to Buceo on Monday vs Sunday? Or does it matter?

 

[Centrals]

I am going to Pulau Weh for the first time in June. There are more than enough accurate info on line to digest.
It is my holiday and I know how to spend the time my way. PERIOD.
Is Banda Aceh dangerous? I will find out it myself.