Travelling to the Philippines is an adventure filled with warm hospitality, incredible scenery, and unexpected discoveries. From quirky local customs to travel challenges, there are plenty of things that catch first-time visitors off guard. Whether it’s adjusting to toilet paper rules, discovering that McDonald’s serves rice, or struggling to break a 1000-peso note, here are 20 surprising things you never expect in the Philippines.
Here are 20 things you might never expect when travelling in the Philippines.
1. Grab and Tricycles Are the Best Way to Get Around
Forget jeepneys—we never quite figure them out! Instead, Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) is the most convenient way to get around in cities. In smaller towns, tricycles—motorbikes with covered sidecars—are the go-to option. They’re cheap, fun, and can weave through traffic like nothing else.
GRAB
2. Set-Fee Taxis Exist (But Change is Still a Problem)
Some islands, like El Nido or Cebu, have set-fee taxis for routes like airport to hotel. This makes life easier, but even with fixed prices, drivers rarely have change.
3. Nobody Has Change—Always Carry Small Bills
It’s surprisingly hard to break a 1000-peso note (£14), even at supermarkets or restaurants. Drivers, shopkeepers, and street vendors struggle with change, so keeping small bills (20s, 50s, and 100s) is essential.
4. Hotels Give Free Toothbrushes and Mini Toothpaste
Most hotels—even budget ones—provide a toothbrush and mini toothpaste, something that rarely happens in Western countries. A small but helpful detail!
No Toilet Paper in the Toilet
5. Toilet Paper? Maybe, Maybe Not…
Many toilets don’t have toilet paper at all, instead offering a bottom hose or bidet sprayer. It’s common in Southeast Asia, but if you’re not used to it, it takes some getting used to. Carrying a small pack of tissues is a lifesaver!
6. Never Flush Toilet Paper (Unless You Want an Embarrassing Situation!)
Filipino plumbing can’t handle toilet paper, so it must go into a bin next to the toilet. It’s easy to forget, but flushing it can quickly cause a blockage— something we learn the hard way!
7. Air Conditioning is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
The heat and humidity are intense—stepping outside feels like walking into an oven. Thankfully, air conditioning is standard in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, making it easier to escape the tropical heat.
8. 3-in-1 Coffee is Everywhere (And Surprisingly Addictive!)
Filipinos love 3-in-1 coffee—a mix of instant coffee, sugar, and creamer. It’s incredibly sweet, but after a few days, it becomes strangely addictive. Many hotels and hostels offer hot/cold water dispensers, so we stock up on sachets and enjoy a quick coffee before heading out.
9. McDonald’s Serves Rice (And Has Incredible Recycling!)
Fast food in the Philippines comes with rice as a standard side, even at McDonald’s. But the real surprise? McDonald’s uses real metal cutlery and truly recyclable plastic plates and glasses. Other countries could learn from this!
10. Filipino Breakfast is Simple But Amazing
Our go-to Filipino breakfast is garlic rice, corned beef, and egg—simple but filling. Other classics include tapsilog (beef tapa, rice, and egg) and longsilog (sweet sausage, rice, and egg).
11. The National Language is Tagalog, But English is Everywhere
Filipinos speak over 170 languages, but the national language is Tagalog (often called Filipino). However, English is widely spoken, making it easy to communicate.
Warning Sign
12. The Philippines is a Hotspot for Natural Disasters
Sitting in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons regularly. Locals are incredibly resilient, but it’s something to be aware of when visiting.
13. Filipinos Are Incredibly Friendly
Few places in the world have people as welcoming and warm as the Philippines. Whether offering directions, chatting with us in shops, or simply smiling, locals make visitors feel at home.
14. We Feel Like Giants in the Philippines
The average height of Filipino men is 5’4” (163 cm) and for women, 4’11” (149 cm). This makes us feel huge, especially when shopping—clothing sizes run much smaller than in the UK!
15. Manila Feels Different at Night
During the day, Manila is buzzing with life, but after dark, things change. Locals warn us to avoid walking around at night, especially in certain areas. However, on the islands, the atmosphere is much safer and more relaxed.
16. Tourism Police Are Everywhere
In tourist hotspots, Tourism Police are stationed in visible areas to assist visitors and prevent crime. We never need them, but their presence is reassuring.
17. Rice is Life
Rice isn’t just a side dish—it’s an essential part of every meal. Even McDonald’s serves it! A meal without rice? Unthinkable for many Filipinos.
18. The Only Wild Animal We See (Outside a Reserve) is a Rat and be prepared for poor condition of cats and dogs
Despite the Philippines’ tropical setting, wildlife on land is surprisingly scarce. Outside of nature reserves, the only animal we see is a rat bouncing out of a rain-filled drain in Manila. Birds? Not many (egrets, sparrows, starlings and a solitary tern fishing at the sardine run in Cebu). The land has been heavily deforested, but the ocean remains rich with marine life.
Stray Dogs and Cats
Stray dogs and cats are a common sight in the Philippines, and many are in poor condition—thin, injured, or searching for food. Unlike in some countries where stray animals are rescued or cared for, many here roam the streets without much intervention. While some locals and organisations try to help, it’s not widespread, and seeing animals in distress can be upsetting, especially for animal lovers. It’s heartbreaking to witness, and if you’re sensitive to animal welfare issues, it’s something to be mentally prepared for when visiting.
Cockfighting
Cockfighting, known locally as “sabong,” is still a widespread and legal practice in the Philippines, deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. Matches take place in dedicated arenas, often attracting large crowds and heavy betting, with roosters fitted with sharp blades on their legs. While many locals see it as a traditional sport, others view it as cruel and controversial. Despite growing opposition, sabong remains popular, with some matches even being broadcast on television. Visitors may come across cockfighting arenas or see roosters being raised specifically for this purpose in rural areas.
19. Environmental Fees Are a Great Idea (But Education is Lacking)
Most destinations charge an environmental fee—usually PHP 50-200 (£1-3)—to help conservation. It’s a fantastic initiative, but more education is needed to encourage both visitors and locals to truly respect the environment.
20. Say No to Plastic (Or You Might Get Stopped at the Entrance!)
Some places, like Quezon Memorial Circle, ban plastic bottles entirely. Security confiscates plastic items at the entrance, part of a wider effort to reduce waste. While progress is slow, it’s a step in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is full of surprises—some funny, some challenging, and all part of the adventure. Whether it’s adjusting to toilet paper rules, learning to love 3-in-1 coffee, or feeling like giants among the locals, every day brings something new.
Would we come back? Absolutely. But next time, we’ll be sure to carry small bills, pack tissues, and avoid flushing toilet paper at all costs!
20 Surprising Things You Never Expect in the Philippines
