Lesson 1: Exchange money at your local bank
The exchange rate is much lower when I tried to exchange my dollars at the Philippine airport. What I also noticed was that the exchange rate varies by company and location. Money exchange companies make their money by taking a percentage off of the money being exchanged so you really want to maximize your dollar. Do it at your bank and keep more of your hard earned money.
Lesson 2: Travel light
I thought I travelled light but my back disagrees. One luggage maximum would be my recommendation that’s small enough to fit overhead. It was just too much hassle lugging around a bunch of stuff. I was charged 20 bucks on my way to Siargao and when we left Siargao to Manila. That’s 40 bucks! Travel light and bring only essential items.
Lesson 3: Keep money belt handy
I didn’t think that a money belt was going to work for me because I thought it was real feminine and I may accidentally bring back the “fanny pack.” Who cares! The money belt is awesome! Its slick, hack proof, and also pickpocket proof. I dare someone to try to steal my stuff when the zippers in front of me. That’s going to be a bad day for thieves for sure.
Lesson 4: Always carry cash
Visa is not everywhere you want to be when you are in an underdeveloped paradise like Siargao. Always carry some cash. Cash will keep you from getting hungry and if you need something, you can just take it out of your money belt and you are good to go.
Lesson 5: Scooter/Taxi are life savers
In the province of Siargao, I highly recommend just renting out a scooter for the duration of your stay. For 6 bucks a day, I was able to just jump on my little scooter, and go anywhere I want on the island. Did I mention that it is so much fun! I felt like a little kid when I was riding this underpowered scooter with my wife and going off the beaten path to find surf spots and secluded beaches. I wish everyone in Hawaii rode scooters instead of SUV. The environment would be better off and there would be less traffic. Manila, on the other hand, required a taxi service, jeepney, or at last resort tricycle (expensive). There was not even a place to rent scooter in Makati District and the drivers are a bit too crazy for me to take that risk.
Lesson 6: Bring a smog mask in the city
Manila is very smoggy. The smoggiest city I have ever experienced and I used to live there. Please bring a mask. Your lungs will thank you for it.
Lesson 7: Hydrate frequently
So my wife and I was having our last get together with my cousin and while sitting at the table drinking beer, my left hamstring just seized up on me. During that day we did a lot of activities and water was not really on my mind. Beer and juice was my only hydration that hot day and I suffered in the end. Don’t be like me and experience a major leg cramp in a public restaurant. Drink water frequently. Unless you want to embarrass yourself.
Lesson 8: Appreciate the people
If there was one thing about the Pilipino people is that they are the friendliest, happiest, and hardest working people in the world. It took a long time for me to come back home, but wow I just loved interacting with the taxi drivers, surf instructors, waiters, and local kids. I really sharpened my tagalog and the stories I’ve heard has been great and something I will cherish forever.
Lesson 9: Be humbled
Philippines as a whole is a very poor country. I remember 15 years ago visiting the province to see my family and visiting now to see family and nothing has changed. Houses are worn down from all the typhoons, kids barely have functioning clothes, and dogs are on the side of the streets sleeping from hunger. I hugged my dog a little tighter when I went home. I was humbled. Pilipino people struggle mightily and still manage to have a smile on their face. Appreciate everything you have and when you feel like life’s too hard, know that there are people in the world that have it much harder.
Leave a Reply