City guide

Panglao

4 places we recommend in Panglao, Philippines — 4 activity.

Practical info — Philippines

Currency: The Philippine peso (₱, PHP) is the local currency. ATMs are plentiful in cities and resort towns, but on smaller islands and in rural areas they can be scarce or run out of cash, so it's worth stocking up before you head off the beaten path.
Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are both official languages, and English is spoken widely enough — from hotel staff to tricycle drivers — that you'll rarely struggle to communicate. Regionally you'll also hear languages like Cebuano or Ilocano, and locals light up if you try even a few words of the local tongue.
Visa: As Swedish/EU passport holders, you can generally enter the Philippines visa-free for tourism, typically for stays of up to 30 days, provided your passport is valid at least six months beyond your arrival date and you can show proof of onward or return travel. Longer stays require an extension arranged locally. Requirements do change, so double-check current rules on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration site or with your nearest embassy before you fly.
Power: Sockets are mostly Type A and Type B (flat pins, American-style), with Type C round-pin outlets also common. Since Swedish plugs are round two-pin (Type C/F), you'll want a travel adapter for most outlets — cheap universal ones are easy to find at airports, malls and convenience stores if you land without one. · 220V at 60Hz, a step up from Sweden's 230V/50Hz. Most modern phone, camera and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and handle this fine, but it's worth double-checking anything with a motor or heating element (hairdryers, kettles) before you plug in.
Best time: The sweet spot is December through February, when the dry season brings cooler temperatures, sunny skies and lower humidity. The wider dry season actually runs November to April, but it's worth steering clear of typhoon season, roughly June through October and peaking August to mid-October, especially if your route touches Luzon or the eastern coasts.
Safety: The Philippines is, on the whole, a friendly and manageable place to travel, including solo — but keep your usual city instincts switched on. Use Grab rather than hailing random taxis (especially around Manila's airport), keep bags zipped and close in crowded markets or tourist spots like Intramuros, and skip flashing cash or jewellery. Filipino culture values staying calm and polite even in a dispute, so a friendly, unhurried tone will get you further than raising your voice.

Cash is still king outside the big malls — plenty of tricycles, market stalls and small eateries don't take cards, so keep a stash of small bills handy. Tipping isn't obligatory but is genuinely appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave around 10% at restaurants if a service charge isn't already included, and hand porters or tour guides a small tip (₱20–100). Grab a local SIM (Globe or Smart) on arrival — data is cheap and makes island-hopping logistics, Grab rides and staying in touch with boat operators much easier.