Traveling to Manila doesn't have to be expensive if you know how. Here are the 10 most practical money-saving tips from Vietnamese travelers who've been before:
1. Compare flight prices on Pingsme: Instead of searching each airline, use Pingsme to scan prices from 80+ airlines — typically finding tickets 15-30% cheaper. Tip: mid-week flights (Tuesday-Wednesday) are 20-40% cheaper than weekends.
2. Eat at local spots: Avoid tourist restaurants (prices 2-3x higher). Ask locals "what's good?" — you'll eat better food at 50-70% less.
3. Use public transport: Metro, bus, tram are usually 5-10x cheaper than taxi/Grab. Download local transit apps for routes.
4. Buy eSIM before departure: Order 4G eSIM via Airalo (link on Pingsme) — 40-60% cheaper than buying SIM at the airport and activates instantly upon landing.
5-10: Exchange money at banks (not airports), bring a water bottle, book tours directly (skip middlemen), buy souvenirs at traditional markets (not tourist zones), join free walking tours, and book "free cancellation" hotels for flexibility when you find better prices.
## Practical Facts to Know Before You Go to Manila| Country | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Airport (IATA) | MNL |
| Flight time from Vietnam | 3 hours from HCM |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Language | Filipino, English |
| Time zone | UTC+8 |
When to go:
Local tips:
Full guide: Manila destination guide on Pingsme.
## How to Avoid Tourist Traps & Common ScamsEvery tourist destination has "traps" that inexperienced travelers easily fall for. In Manila, here are the most common schemes and how to avoid them:
Taxi/tuk-tuk overcharging: Always use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt, or local apps). If you must take a street taxi, agree on the price first or demand the meter. Take a photo of the license plate for safety.
"Lure" restaurants: Avoid restaurants with people standing outside inviting you in — prices are typically 2-3x normal. Golden rule: the spot with the most locals is the best value.
"Suspiciously cheap" tours: Unusually cheap tours often include shopping stops (you're taken to stores and pressured to buy). Book tours directly from reputable operators via Pingsme or your hotel.
Black market money exchange: Always exchange at banks or official ATMs. Never exchange money with strangers on the street — high risk of receiving counterfeit bills.
Public WiFi: Avoid banking or entering passwords on free WiFi. Use your own 4G eSIM (pre-order via Pingsme/Airalo) to keep your data secure.
## Smart Transportation — Which Mode Is Best?Getting around Manila offers many options, each suitable for different situations:
Airport to city center: Prioritize shuttle buses or metro (if available) — cheapest and most reliable. Grab/taxi is more convenient, costing about $6-16 depending on distance. Never take unlicensed taxis at the airport.
Getting around the city: Walking + metro + Grab is the optimal combo. Walk for distances under 2km, metro for 2-10km, Grab for longer distances or night travel. Download local transit apps for schedules.
Suburban day trips: Rent a motorbike (if you're confident) or book a day tour via Pingsme. Some places are only accessible by private vehicle — contact your hotel for car + driver rental, often cheaper than group tours for 3-4 people.
Important tips: Download offline maps before departure, fully charge your phone, and always carry small cash (for places that don't accept cards). Keep a passport photo copy on your phone so you don't need to carry the original when out.
## FAQ **Q: Where should I stay in Manila?** Makati is the standard mid-range base in Manila, at roughly $25–60 a night. Because traffic in Manila is famously bad, where you sleep matters more than usual: staying in one central district and planning your days around it will save you far more time than chasing a slightly cheaper room further out. **Q: What should I do in Manila and how do I get around?** Intramuros, the historic walled quarter, is the one sight to prioritise in Manila and easily fills half a day. For getting there and everywhere else, use Grab — it is essential in Manila, where traffic is legendary and hailing rides on the street is far less predictable. Build extra travel time into every plan you make. **Q: Where should I exchange money when visiting Manila?** Exchange at banks or withdraw from ATMs at your destination for the best rates. Avoid airport exchanges (5-10% worse rates) and never exchange with strangers on the street. Bring a Visa/Mastercard for card payments at many establishments. **Q: Do I need travel insurance?** Highly recommended! Travel insurance costs only $2-8/day but covers medical expenses (potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars), lost luggage, and flight cancellations. Compare packages on Pingsme for the best deals. **Q: What apps should I download before visiting Manila?** Essential apps: Google Maps (download offline maps), Google Translate (download offline languages), Grab (ride-hailing), XE Currency (currency conversion), and Pingsme (compare flights, hotels, experiences). All are free and should be installed before flying. --- Source: https://pingsme.com/en/blog/manila-travel-guide-1791270968722