NOTE: This is the free online version of my book Chasing Your Philippine Dream: An Expat’s Guide to the Philippines.  This voluminous tome has been (inconsistently) updated over the last 13 years and can be purchased either through the Amazon Kindle store (more expensive option) or directly from our site via Surecart.  All things considered, I’d go with buying the less expensive digital version off of Surecart.  It’s the exact same book, and I don’t think that Jeff Bezos needs any more money.

And in case you are wondering why I am publishing the chapters out of order, it’s simply because I want you to buy the actual book.    I gots a family to feed!

CHAPTER 3:  WHAT TO BRING

If you are visiting the Philippines, don’t get overly stressed over what you should or shouldn’t pack.  Just use common sense and remember that on most international flights you can carry about 120 pounds of luggage (check-ins and carry-ons).  With that noted, here’s some suggestions of what to bring (and not bring) to the Philippines.

SHORT TERM STAY (VISITING)

• Medications and prescriptions/note from doctor.
• Medical ID bracelet.
• Newer “unlocked” cell phone (or 2 – or 3)
• Small laptop or a tablet w/Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
• Cargo shorts/bathing suits w/deep front pockets and secured cargo pockets
• Lightweight T-Shirts (cheap Walmart Gildan’s are perfect)
• Lightweight socks.
• A few lightweight collared Polo or sport shirts
• Sturdy running shoes/sneakers
• Convertible lightweight pants/shorts
• Sunscreen (usually much cheaper abroad)
• Vitamins and supplements (cheaper abroad)
• Bluetooth speaker
• Phone/tablet chargers
• Earplugs (you will thank me later)
• Good quality (not local Chinese quality) collapsible umbrella
• Kindle or Kobo e-reader
• Long-sleeve t-shirt for sun protection.
• Wide-brimmed hat (or buy one here).
• Good quality headphones
• A few pairs of “real” sunglasses with actual UV protection.
• Google Chromecast, Firestick or (our favorite) Wal-Mart Onn 4K
• Shaving gear

LONG-TERM STAY – LUGGAGE OR SENT IN BALIKBAYAN BOX

All the above plus:

• Eneloop batteries –  (AA and AAA) and charger
• Bed Sheets – We love the cheap Target/Wal-Mart cotton sheets that feel like t-shirt fabric
• Computer Components – Motherboards, drives, GPUs etc. are usually cheaper in the West.  Purchase the case in in the Philippines
• Long term supply of vitamins/supplements
• Gaming Consoles – Much cheaper in the West if bought used.  I just finally got a like-new PS5 while in the US ($350 vs $500 in the Philippines)
• Good Router – PLDT/Globe routers seem to have a range of two feet
• Pasalubong (Gifts) – M&M’s or other gift items
• Clothes: If you are a big person, shopping for clothes can be challenging in the Philippines, especially when it comes to shirts
• Deodorant: A lot of stores in the Philippines only sell antiperspirant.  I don’t know about you, but I am not a fan of antiperspirant
• Extra phones/laptops: If you don’t actually use the extra phones and laptops (“gadgets”), you can usually sell them at a profit to cover the balikbayan box shipping cost. Note that bringing in items intended for commercial resale is not allowed in the Philippines.  Just make sure the items are not new or in their original packaging or customs might try to charge you fees and taxes.

• WHAT NOT TO BRING
  Towels – The thin, cheap towels sold here actually dry faster than our luxuriously thick “Western” ones
• Chinelas/Showershoes/Flip flops – These are sold everywhere in the Philippines
• Dishes – The cheap ones sold here work just fine
• Monitors/Television– As of 2025, local prices for both are reasonable
• Guitars/Musical Instruments – The Philippines has a large number of instrument shops and prices are competitive
• Kitchen Appliances (toasters, electric ovens coffee makers, etc.) – Just about every familiar brand is available in the Philippines.  Most of the appliances in your American kitchen only run on 110 volts. They won’t work here.
• Kitchen Knives – Available everywhere.  Just bring a good sharpener
• Power Tools:  Again, it’s a matter of voltage.  The majority of US power tools will not work in the Philippines without bulky and expensive step-up/down transformers.  If you have lithium powered tools, you might want them as you can purchase 220 volt aftermarket chargers for them that will work here
• Furniture – Most foreigners don’t stay in the Philippines so shipping everything that you own in a 20-foot container doesn’t make much sense to us.  Custom, handmade furniture shops that offer inexpensive, high-quality products can be found all across the Philippines.  Just be sure to avoid particleboard (“fallaparticleboard”) furniture as it is a mold and mildew magnet that has a very short life expectancy in the Philippines.

Jaded Expat:  Har, har, har!! Ned can tell you all about Fallaparticleboard!!!.   What a maroon!

++ So that’s it for this installment. If you are looking for a more concise/less fragmented version, buy the complete ebook for (a wopping) $6.95 by clicking HERE.  Note that it is in epub format, so you will need an appropriate e-reader app (or Kindle) to read it. And if you want to add your own two centavos (or noticed any errors), feel free to leave a comment! ++