Philippine Survival Guide: These Actions Can Really Bankrupt You

Fined 30,000 Pesos for Half a Bottle of Sunscreen in Boracay?
Even Filipinos fear their own country's hefty fines! Littering cigarette butts hurts your wallet, while touching coral reefs can ruin you financially...
If you're reading this, bookmark it now—let's skip the "customs detention room" experience card!

【Taboo 1: 🚫 E-Cigarettes = High-Risk Minefield】
Action: Buying/selling e-cigarettes in the Philippines
Risk: Confiscation + Up to 50,000 PHP fine (≈¥6,200) ❗ (No detention clause, but police may interrogate)
Advice: Don’t take chances!

【Taboo 2: ⚠️ Excess Cash = Declaration Disaster】
Action: Entering with over $10,000 (≈56,000 PHP) undeclared cash
Penalty: Funds frozen + Criminal investigation (not 100% confiscation)
Advice: Declare excess amounts! Use Visa/Mastercard (UnionPay only accepted in major malls).

【Taboo 3: 🐢 Touching Marine Life = Sky-High Fines】
Action: Stepping on coral/chasing turtles/collecting live shells (Boracay & Bohol are strict!)
Penalty: Up to 100,000 PHP (≈¥13,000) + 1-year jail
Advice: Wear life jackets when snorkeling; keep >1m distance for photos!

【Taboo 4: 🍺 Public Drinking = Curfew Fines】
Action: Drinking on beaches/streets after 21:00 (strict in Boracay etc.)
Penalty: 2,000-5,000 PHP fine + poured-out drinks + police record (not a total ban)
Advice: Look for "Licensed Bar" signs; buy from supermarkets and drink in hotels!

【Taboo 5: ✈️ Forgetting Departure Tax = Missed Flight Drama】
Action: Not reserving 850 PHP/person cash (Clark etc. accept cash only!)
Update: Manila/Cebu airports take cards! Small airports = cash only
Advice: Pack return ticket money + departure tax in an envelope; carry change to avoid ATM lines!

Bookmark this guide to avoid fines—while others pay, you snap pretty pics!

Search 🔍 Philippines for more local tips in our [Destination Guide]!