What to Take to the Philippines
A very popular question is, "I'm about to make my first trip to the Philippines, can you give me some idea what I should take?" Here I've compiled a list of some of the items I usually suggest to first-time visitors to the islands, along with some ideas by ASAWA visitors. You other folks out there who have traveled to the Philippines, please contact me if you have any additions to this list. The more complete this is, the more useful it will be for others. As always, you can email me at bobukhan@yahoo.com. Thanks!
The List:
Pepto-Bismol or your favorite antacid (some adjustment to local cuisine is often necessary) or even a strong anti-diarrhea medicine (Imodium A-D, etc.)
Toilet Paper (sometimes not there when you need it, if you know what I mean)
Hat or ball cap (the Philippines is a sunny place)
Money belt (you can never be too safe)
Suntan lotion (did I mention it was sunny?)
Sunglasses (yes, sunny!)
Handkerchiefs (you'll sweat like a pig)
Camera and film (no kidding)
Dictionary-Translator for area you're going to (I know where you can get a decent pocket Tagalog dictionary...)
Books to read during dead time (it's a LOOONG flight)
Shorts, shirts, skivvies, socks, shoes, slacks (slacks perhaps for embassy interviews)
Boots (for jungle hikes or walking around Manila's potholes...)
Brush/comb (fellow former jarheads excused)
Deodorant (not that easy to find over there)
Razors and shaving cream (ditto)
Soap (if you're picky)
Saline and contact cleaner solution (if needed)
Prescription medications (don't expect your prescriptions to be filled at a nearby pharmacy!)
Anything you might normally need on a honeymoon night (if there is to be one, of course! Use your imagination...)
Passport and/or Visa (duh)
Letters or email printouts of letters between you and your loved one (if there is to be an embassy interview of some kind that requires you to submit evidence of your relationship)
A calling card or dial-back plan that allows you to call the U.S. w/o having to place a collect call (international collect calls are very expensive. Consider the card listed here: http://www.longdistancephilippines.com/worldwidecard.htm
Photos of your family and hometown (to show your girlfriend and her family)
Phone number and address to U.S. Embassy (in case you get in trouble - it would be better if you didn't)
Small calculator (you'll be on a budget, after all)
Cigarettes if you smoke (American cigarettes are widely believed to be of higher quality than their Asian counterparts)
Hand wipes (for quick sanitation on the go)
Tourist books (Lonely Planet or Insight Guides are best, IMHO)
Tylenol or aspirin
Malaria pills, especially if you will be residing in remote areas or the outer provinces
Insect repellent (OFF, Cutter's, etc.)
For men, a crem or ointment (Tinactin) to help fight heat rash or "jock itch" due to the high heat and humidity
Scented foot powder for those with the potential for very sweaty feet in hot, humid weather
Inoculations or booster shots for hepatitis A prior to the trip (might be considered overkill, but still a good idea for some travelers)
Salt tablets, if you are really getting into the physical tourist thing with walking, hiking, kayaking, sports, etc. (again, the heat, humidity, and sweat)
One of those thin little blankets the airlines give you to use during your flight, which happen to be just about perfect for a cool Philippine night. How you get one, of course, is completely up to you...
Third party illness, travel, emergency injury & death evacuation, emergency dental, and accidental death or dismemberment travel insurance. There are specialized, reputable companies out there that will sell you a full travel policy with a certified insurance coverage certificate for $5 to $15 per day, depending on how extensive the coverage. Once again, this might be consider "overkill". But Americans should be made aware that their employer health and dental insurance plans may not cover them on non-business related international travel if they require hospitalization for sudden acute illnesses, emergency trauma treatment, or severe dental injuries.
Any immigration forms, divorce papers, etc., you need to do whatever it is you plan to do, if anything.
