Philippines
No WHV with Australia. The Philippines is best known to Aussies for diving (Coron, El Nido, Apo Reef), surfing (Siargao) and the easy 30-day visa-free entry.
Currency
PHP
1 AUD = 38.5 PHP (mid-market, 2026-05-21)
Cost of living
40% of Sydney
Working Holiday Visa for Australians
No WHV with Australia
Tourist or short-stay entry
Visa-free entry
Up to 1 months. Work rights: none.
Australians can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days (extendable in-country).
Source: philembassy.org.au
Highlights
- English is widely spoken; one of Asia's most English-fluent populations.
- Diving is world-class and cheap (open-water cert from AUD 350).
- Siargao is the Bali alternative for surfers without the crowds.
- Cebu Pacific and AirAsia run cheap inter-island flights.
Watch outs
- Typhoon season June-November; check Smartraveller and PAGASA forecasts.
- Some areas (Mindanao, parts of Sulu) carry Do Not Travel advice.
- Healthcare in remote islands is limited; travel insurance and decompression-chamber proximity matter for divers.
- Earthquakes and active volcanoes (Taal, Mayon); have an evacuation plan if staying near.
Money tips
- BPI and BDO ATMs are reliable; many provincial ATMs cap withdrawals at PHP 10,000.
- Cash is essential outside Metro Manila and Cebu.
- Tipping 10% is common in tourist restaurants; not expected in carinderias.
- GCash digital wallet is dominant; needs a local SIM and PhilID, not realistic for short trips.
Typical costs (AUD)
- Hostel bed per night
- $18
- Budget meal
- $5
- Mid-range meal
- $15
- Beer (bar)
- $3
- Public transport day pass
- $4
Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.
Practical basics
- Power plug
- Type A / B / C
- Drives on
- Right
- Emergency number
- 911
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-21.