Hello, I am heading to the Philippines in a couple of weeks,

Any items (IE chapstick, bug spray etc..) you wished you had remembered or could not get on a overseas trip ???

When my wife was traveling in Asia, Sawyer brand Picaridin insect repellent was recommended to her. It is a cream that is applied similar to sunscreen. I've used it myself and find that it is effective in preventing insect bites. (Can be purchased from Amazon.)

You may also consider learning what immunizations are recommended for travelers to the Philippines.

We haven't been to the Philippines but do travel internationally regularly.

Make sure your passport is good for at least 6 months past your booked return travel. Some countries enforce this.

Make sure your passport is undamaged. Especially the stitching in the spine and the pages not torn. Some reports recently of Asian countries refusing entry if there is any damage.

Research any meds you might be bringing, both Rx and over the counter. Make sure it is legal where you are going. Bring it in original packaging. Research if an original written Rx is required where you are going.

Bring a basic first aid kit. Benadryl, band-aids, anti-biotic cream, stomach/diarrhea meds.

If you're checking luggage (or not), putting an AirTag or other tracker in your bags is a good idea.

Consider downloading the Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app on your phone. It can greatly speed your return into the USA at the airport! But you must download the app before arriving at the airport. So do it at home before you go.

Anything you buy overseas either use cash or a credit card, not a debit card. Negotiate and pay in the same currency, either in dollars or the local currency. Don't fall for the scam of negotiating in dollars then they give you a good exchange rate to charge your card in local currency!

Similarly, an ATM is usually the best exchange rate for local cash. Do the transaction in local currency and the "REFUSE EXCHANGE RATE" if that is an option. You want your bank to do the exchange. Otherwise they can hit you with a big fee and a terrible exchange rate.

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
Hello, I am heading to the Philippines in a couple of weeks,

Any items (IE chapstick, bug spray etc..) you wished you had remembered or could not get on an overseas trip ???

Plenty of deodorant and toiletries. They don’t always sell the same stuff overseas. And adapter for your chargers, though a lot of hotels and what not are geared towards American devices, not all are. So some sort of protector for expensive electronics, as the amperage can be different overseas.

THIS is great info !!!

Keep it coming fellas !

You might consider checking the currency of your MMR vaccine.

I am leaving in @ 3 weeks, if i take those shots, will they make me sick ????

Not an answer to your question per se, but keep your credit cards in an RFID shielded wallet of some type.

Your passport should be kept in a pouch or something offering the same protection.

An eSIM card for your phone
Airline boarding app, customs mobil app, Uber and lift apps, local rideshare apps, map app, compass app, etc
A travel wi-fi router and mini security camera
Power bank and USB cables
Picture on your phone of your passport and documents in case of theft or loss
Ziploc bags, great for keeping your phone waterproof or making ice cubes in the mini freezer
Bug repellent
Comfortable shoes / shoes that can dry quickly and easily
Rain poncho
Smart tags for your bags
A decent cheap watch, I like SKMEI

thank black talon, i lived off ziplocks while I was on AD in the Marines, that is a great idea

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
I am leaving in @ 3 weeks, if I take those shots, will they make me sick?

I have never had any issues with MMR vaccines, but that's just my personal experience. With people currently coming back from overseas with measles these days, especially Asia, I'm sure the vaccine side effects are far less than the actual disease. Had a number of vaccines in the Army, which usually resulted in just a sore arm for a few days.

From the CDC website: "Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most people who get MMR vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella".

Link

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
I am leaving in @ 3 weeks, if I take those shots, will they make me sick?

I have never had any issues with MMR vaccines, but that's just my personal experience. With people currently coming back from overseas with measles these days, especially Asia, I'm sure the vaccine side effects are far less than the actual disease. Had a number of vaccines in the Army, which usually resulted in just a sore arm for a few days.

From the CDC website: "Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most people who get MMR vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella".

Link

Of all mine, only two caused discomfort. Anthrax for a day, just a soreness in the local area. And Smallpox causes mild flu-like symptoms for a few days. I doubt those are required for personal travel though.

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
I am leaving in @ 3 weeks, if i take those shots, will they make me sick ????

I got a titer and found out the measles vaccine I got as a kid wore off. I had no reaction to getting a new MMR vaccination. I got two spaced out over a few weeks. You might inch need one.

I think they still require a QR code from their travel app. It’s not to hard to fill out, but best done ahead of time. You can hold off any submission until you get there.

If not done early, you’ll be trying to rush through it in the Customs arrival hall, BTDT.


https://www.traveloka.com/en-i...avel-pass-trp/402050

Take a set of plastic knife, fork and spoon.

all right guys booked my flight and its ON !

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
I think they still require a QR code from their travel app. It’s not to hard to fill out, but best done ahead of time. You can hold off any submission until you get there.

If not done early, you’ll be trying to rush through it in the Customs arrival hall, BTDT.


https://www.traveloka.com/en-i...avel-pass-trp/402050

exec link TY !

Maybe ask your family Doc if he will give you a prescription for an antibiotic…something that is broad spectrum in case you pick up some kind of a bug.

Chapsticks, if you're light skinned, bring sun screen, immodium in the likely case you get diarrhea. Do NOT drink the water unless it's from a sealed plastic bottle. do NOT drink anything with ice. Do NOT eat any salad because they're washed with the water. It's actually easy to get antibiotics in the Philippines; you just buy it from the pharmacy, no prescription needed.

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
I think they still require a QR code from their travel app. It’s not to hard to fill out, but best done ahead of time. You can hold off any submission until you get there.

If not done early, you’ll be trying to rush through it in the Customs arrival hall, BTDT.


https://www.traveloka.com/en-i...avel-pass-trp/402050

exec link TY !

Download the eGovPH app on your phone. Set up your account ahead of time. It will require a picture that you take of yourself and your passport information. Once set up then you can declare your travel plans 72 hours prior to arrival and 72 hours prior to departing.