Philippines Trip 2025: Costs, Budget Tips & Visa-Free Entry for Indians

 

Philippines Travel Update for Indian Tourists

Effective June 8, 2025, Indian nationals can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism. Stays beyond 14 days require a formal visa or residency from eligible countries like the USA, Schengen Zone, UK, Australia, Japan, or Singapore.

This new visa-free policy has sparked a 28% surge in travel interest from India, according to recent reports.

Cost Breakdown for Indian Travelers

Accommodation

• Hostels/Dorm Beds: $7–15/night (~₹400–₹900)

• Mid-Range Hotels: $40–80/night (~₹2,500–₹4,500)

Food

• Street Food/Local Meals: $1–3 (~₹80–₹250)

• Restaurants: $4–8 or higher in tourist zones

Transport

• Local Jeepneys: ₱0.25–₱0.50

• Intercity Buses: $2–10 (~₹150–₹600)

• Domestic Flights: $25–70 per leg (~₹2,500–₹7,000)

Activities

• Island tours, diving, volcano hikes: $15–30 per day (~₹500–₹2,500)

SIM/Data

• 5–10 GB prepaid data: ~$6–10 (~₹300–₹500)

Budget travelers can manage a trip for as low as ₹40,000–₹50,000 using hostels and public transport. Luxury trips can easily exceed ₹1.2 lakh.

Potentially Expensive Costs

• Flights: ₹28,000–₹42,000 round-trip (no direct low-cost flights)

• Luxury Resorts: ₹6,000–₹15,000+ per night (Boracay, El Nido)

• ATM Fees: ₹300–₹500 per transaction

• Tourist Surcharges: Higher charges in premium spots

• Island Hopping & Domestic Flights: Extra time and cost

Tips to Keep Your Philippines Trip Affordable

• Travel Off-Season: May–September to save on flights, hotels, and tours

• Use Public Transport: Jeepneys, buses, ferries are cheaper than taxis

• Stay Local & DIY: Guesthouses, hostels, self-booked tours, and carinderias (street food)

• ATM Withdrawals: Take larger amounts to reduce transaction fees

• Focus on Fewer Islands: Reduces travel costs and avoids extra domestic flights

  https://www.tourism.gov.ph/ 

  Read Here:  Dubai Visa New Update

Pros & Cons for Indian Travelers

Pros ✅

• 14-day visa-free entry saves money and time

• English widely spoken in tourist areas

• Vegetarian options available

• Natural beauty: beaches, islands, volcanoes

• Less crowded than Thailand or Bali

Cons ❌

• No direct low-cost flights from India

• Island hopping adds cost and time

• Remote infrastructure can be poor

• High ATM fees & limited Indian card acceptance

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