Davao Travel Tips

Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Sunday to Thursday
Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, some open on Saturdays
Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday, some open until 22:00

The Davao region is largely free from major threats to the safety of visitors. Crime is low in comparison to cities such as Manila and a relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed on the streets and at tourist resorts. Petty criminals maintain a background presence here, but they are not rife as in some tourist destinations. Visitors who exercise caution can reduce their chances of being targeted. Attention to cash and valuables in busy places is essential and items of value should be stored in safes or locked away in suitcases if left in a hotel room.

Davao, like many of the more populated areas of the Philippines, has its share of beggars. Most prevalent are the ubiquitous street kids who often choose tourists as their marks. Giving money to these kids is a matter of personal choice, although many sources claim that doing so only encourages and perpetuates the practice.

Terrorism has been cited as a concern in the Philippines by the foreign embassies of some European and North American countries. However, currently the threat level is low. Visitors with concerns should check the embassy website of their home country for more information.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 60Hz

The Davao region poses few threats to health, and exercising common sense, care and attention can dramatically reduce your exposure to health risks. Malaria is known to be present and visitors with concerns might wish to consider taking a course of anti-malarial drugs. All visitors should apply liberal amounts of mosquito repellent when out and about, especially at night and when visiting jungle and forested areas. Watch out also for sandflies on the beach; their bites are unpleasant but can be guarded against with the application of sunscreen and/or insect repellent.

Tap water is considered potable although bottled water, which is commonly available, generally tastes better and poses lower risks. Excessive exposure to the sun and over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages are common sources of discomfort and minor sickness for many visitors, so it pays to be wary of the negative effects of both.

Visitors who take ill or sustain injuries that necessitate medical attention will find a high standard of treatment at hospitals in the region. Davao City is home to a total of six major hospitals.

Davao Medical Centre: + 63 82 2272731

Cebuano is spoken by nearly 75 per cent of the population of the region, while together the languages of Tagalog, Hiligaynon and Bagoboo are spoken by close to 10 per cent of the population. The remaining 15 per cent of the population speak a variety of tribal dialects. English is commonly spoken, especially in Davao City.

Davao and the island of Mindano use the same currency as the Philippine mainland, which is the Philippine peso. One peso is comprised of 100 centavos and the currency is issued in note denominations of Php1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in Php10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Currency can be exchanged at banks, larger hotels and at some malls and retail outlets. Cash and travellers cheques in sterling and US dollars are the most easily exchanged. Rates offered at banks are generally the most favourable. ATMs are relatively common and generally accept most foreign cards provided they are issued or endorsed by a reputable name such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Diner’s Club, Cirrus or Maestro.

Customs regulations state that visitors may bring a maximum of 2 litres of alcohol (no more than 1 litre per bottle) and up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of loose tobacco. Pornographic publications as well as firearms, illegal drugs and certain organic products are prohibited from being imported by Philippine customs.

Locals in Davao can be greeted with a ,handshake if you are being introduced to them for the first time. Maintaining eye contact and offering a smile indicates sincerity in your gesture. Be sure to greet locals in order of age (eldest first) so as to acknowledge the local social hierarchy and address individuals with formal titles unless they invite you to use their first name or nickname.

Immodest states of dress are frowned upon so avoid skimpy bikinis or swimsuits altogether and only wear bathing costumes on the beach. When dressing for dinner, long trousers are advisable and often compulsory at resort restaurants.

Dining Etiquette
If you are lucky enough to be invited to dine at the home of a Davao local, then you should arrive punctually if you are the only guest. However, if you are one of a number of guests attending, you should arrive 15 to 30 minutes late. Smart attire is favoured, bearing in mind that Filipinos put great stock in the importance of appearance.

As a gesture of appreciation for your dinner invitation, you can bring a small gift for your host or hostess. Flowers are a common offering (avoid white lilies or chrysanthemums), as are sweets and chocolates. Take the time to wrap gifts when possible and don’t be surprised if the recipient chooses not to open the gift in front of you.

Wait to be shown to your seat in the dining area and after sitting, wait patiently while all other diners take their places. The host or hostess will indicate when eating should begin, after which all diners are expected to help themselves to the selection of dishes presented before them.

Food is usually eaten with a fork and spoon, the former in the left hand and the latter in the right hand. The fork is normally used to guide food onto the spoon and is not put into the mouth. Guests should sample some of all the dishes on offer to be polite.

Stays of up to 21 days are granted automatically to those visitors holding passports from the UK, Republic of Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Passports must have a minimum validity of six month at the date of entry. Additionally, on arrival visas are granted to visitors of a number of other countries. Visitors of other nationalities should apply for a tourist visa before travel. For more information, contact a Philippine consulate in your home country.

Davao doesn’t have an official tourist information office; however, the government department responsible for promoting Davao City has an office at the Ramon Magsaysay Park Complex. Details of the office are listed below.

Davao City Investment Promotion Centre
Door 10, Ramon Magsaysay Park Complex, R Magsaysay avenue, Davao City
Phone: +63 82 227 2860
Fax: +63 82 227 2880