Palawan: Travel Essentials

Entry Regulations

All visitors are required to present a valid passport upon arrival in the Philippines. Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have ticket for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits maybe obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Currency and Foreign Exchange

Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5 and P10. Foreign currency can be converted in banks (mostly located in Puerto Princesa City). Travelers checks are generally not accepted in Palawan. Visitors traveling to destinations outside of Puerto Princesa are advised to have their foreign currency exchanged to Philippine pesos in Manila or in Puerto Princesa.
Credit card payments are accepted by a number of hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Puerto Princesa City and some resorts in the other municipalities in Palawan. It is always best to check the preferred mode of payment with your hotel or resort prior to arrival.

Business Hours

Private and government offices are open Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm, with a break for lunch between 12noon to 1pm. Most restaurants and shops are open from 7am to 10pm, and bars until 1am.

Electricity

Power supply is usually 220 volts/ 250 cycles. Normal outlets are for plugs with two flat prongs. It is advisable to bring a universal adaptor. Electricity in some towns run for a limited time only, usually in the evening. Resorts in other areas generate their own electricity.

Medical Facilities and Health

The main hospitals in Palawan are located in Puerto Princesa City. Each municipality has a government-run Rural Health Unit manned by a doctor and support medical staff. Over-the-counter medicine such as paracetamol, cold and cough tablets are available in towns throughout Palawan, it is advisable to bring along an adequate supply of personal prescription medications. Malaria is endemic, especially in the hinterlands. Consult your physicians for oral prophylaxis prior to your trip. Regular application of mosquito repellant is also recommended.

Telecommunication

Telecommunication providers Smart and Globe have cell sites throughout Palawan. Non-Philippine residents are advised to check whether their provider has a roaming agreement with either Smart or Globe. An alternative is to buy a local SIM card. The high-end island resorts in Palawan provide NDD and IDD services.
Internet cafes can be found in Puerto Princesa City and in the larger towns throughout Palawan.

Accommodations

Palawan offers a wide range of accommodations from beachside cottages, island resorts, pensions and inns, and island resorts.