Planning 2 weeks in Puerto Galera and maybe nearby locations

[bvbellomo]

Well when you get to Asia Divers give me a wave

Yes, definitely.

 

[bvbellomo]

My biggest issue is how long to book Anilao, whether to do that now or wait for my trip, and what dive op to use. I am thinking 2 dive days in Anilao at the end of the trip to avoid any possibility of getting stuck on Mindoro. It is rare, but I've heard the ferry can shut down due to weather.

10 nights in the Philippines gives me:
1 night in Manila or Batangas - or skip and go straight to PG.
5-8 nights in PG.
1-2 nights in Anilao
Final night in Manila near the airport. I could stay in Anilao and leave really early in the morning, but if I don't dive 24 hours before my flight, I'd rather drive the night before. Options for food and lodging should be better and cheaper too.

 

[bvbellomo]

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?

 

[shimmer]

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?

You may need cash for tips and small purchases. If your bank reimburses ATM fees that’s the best way to get local currency. I’ve also done currency exchange at the airport for small amounts so the exchange rate doesn’t really affect me that much.

For your phone I’d recommend an eSIM. I use Airalo app. Activate WiFi calling while using data on eSIM and you can make calls back to the US for emergencies when not on WiFi. $10 daily from Verizon is robbery.

 

[tridacna]

Make sure that you turn off cellular data roaming on your phone if you don’t get an e-sim or other plan. VZW will screw you every which way otherwise.

 

[bvbellomo]

For your phone I’d recommend an eSIM. I use Airalo app. Activate WiFi calling while using data on eSIM and you can make calls back to the US for emergencies when not on WiFi. $10 daily from Verizon is robbery.

I am not familiar with an eSim. Will this let me connect to cell networks in the Philippines as if I had a physical sim? I've had issues with Wifi calling, but I don't plan on making voice calls. The reason I want a phone is if I have to order Grab transportation, or contact the dive master or the resort, and I don't have a good WiFi connection available.

 

[tridacna]

I am not familiar with an eSim. Will this let me connect to cell networks in the Philippines as if I had a physical sim? I've had issues with Wifi calling, but I don't plan on making voice calls. The reason I want a phone is if I have to order Grab transportation, or contact the dive master or the resort, and I don't have a good WiFi connection available.

Correct. You can purchase it before you leave. Your phone is e-sim compaitible. Google “e-sim Philippines”. It’s an extremely easy process albeit confusing at first. Make sure you have Whatsapp. Tell your friends/family to get it too.

 

[bvbellomo]

Correct. You can purchase it before you leave. Your phone is e-sim compaitible. Google “e-sim Philippines”. It’s an extremely easy process albeit confusing at first. Make sure you have Whatsapp. Tell your friends/family to get it too.

Is this something I test to make sure it works before I land in Manila?

 

[Centrals]

Is this something I test to make sure it works before I land in Manila?

"Sod's Law".

 

[Centrals]

Well when you get to Asia Divers give me a wave

Any idea who will be your instructor?
Have fun.