๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Manila ยท First days

First 48 hours in Manila

The first two days in Manila, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.

For Manila
How long you are staying

Must do

  • Globe, Smart and DITO sell SIMs at the airport. SIMs must be registered with ID under the SIM Registration Act; foreigners register with a passport and proof of address.
  • The national emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. Save your nearest private hospital's emergency line as well.
  • Visitors: extend before day 30 and get an ACR I-Card past day 59. Registered foreigners: the annual report falls in the first 60 days of each year.
  • From your shortlisted building to work or school, by Grab and by motorcycle taxi. EDSA can turn ten kilometres into ninety minutes.

Should do

  • Once you have a local number. Many small shops, condo admin offices and services take the wallets before cards.
  • Grab for cars; Angkas, JoyRide or Move It when traffic stops. Check the hour as well as the route.
  • The stored-value card for the LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 and the EDSA Busway. Buy and top up at stations.
  • PAGASA issues tropical cyclone wind signals 1 to 5; schools and offices close by announcement. Keep water, a torch and a charged power bank.
  • If you or a driver will use a car, find out which weekday the plate is barred from the roads and how your city within the metro applies it.
  • Most condos restrict move-in hours and ask for a gate pass and the owner's authorisation. Arrange it before the van is booked.

Nice to do

  • Easier with an ACR I-Card and proof of address; requirements vary between banks. Ask your employer which bank pays salaries.
  • Many embassies run registration or alert services, useful in typhoons and earthquakes or if a passport is lost.
  • The Legazpi Sunday and Salcedo Saturday markets in Makati sell food from across the islands; go early, before the heat.
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