Home › Countries

🇵🇭 Philippines: plugs, time difference, currency & tipping

The practical stuff UK travellers need to know before going to the Philippines, including Manila, Boracay, Palawan.

Plug adapter from the UK?YesType A, B, C
Voltage220VSame as UK (230V)
Local time now–+8h / +7h vs UK
CurrencyPHPPhilippine peso
Drive on theRightOpposite to UK
Tipping5–10%Restaurants

🔌 Plugs & adapters

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter.

The voltage (220V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

  • Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
  • Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin
  • Type C: Two round pins (the "Europlug")

Check another destination →

🕒 Time difference

The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Convert a time to the Philippines →

💶 Money & tipping

The Philippines uses the Philippine peso (PHP).

Check for a service charge. If there isn't one, 5–10% is appreciated.

Work out a tip →

🚗 Driving

Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →

🗣️ Language & phone

Main language: Filipino and English. Dialling code: +63.

Quick answers for the Philippines

Plug adapterTime differenceTippingCurrencyDriving sideCan I use my hair straighteners?Can I use my hairdryer?Can I use my phone charger?Can I use my laptop charger?Can I use my electric toothbrush?Can I use my electric shaver?

Places in the Philippines

ManilaBoracayPalawan

Common questions

Do I need a plug adapter for the Philippines?

Yes. You'll need a universal travel adapter. The voltage (220V) is close to the UK's 230V, so UK appliances work with just a plug adapter.

What plug type does the Philippines use?

The Philippines uses type A, B, C: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type B – Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin; type C – Two round pins (the "Europlug"). The voltage is 220V at 60Hz.

What is the time difference between the UK and the Philippines?

The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours ahead of the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).

Which side of the road do they drive on in the Philippines?

On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.

What currency is used in the Philippines?

The Philippine peso (PHP).

Do you tip in the Philippines?

Check for a service charge. If there isn't one, 5–10% is appreciated.

What is the dialling code for the Philippines?

+63. From a UK phone, dial +63 and drop the first 0 of the local number.

For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.