QUOTE(sbragg @ May 11 2008, 07:55 PM) 
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Money- They have currency booths. I do not recomend the airport as your exchange rate may not be as good. You will need to exchange a little just to get to and from once in Davao. I had no issues using my ATM card there. I was never ripped off or anything. Once again, you may not get the best rate as you usually lose 1 peso plus a $2 service fee.....
I was planning on buying a prepaid visa/master card but i could only find a prepaid American express which cannot be used in ATM's, so I will bring a visa credit card with me instead. I don't feel comfortable bringing my visa debit card since it is directly connected to my checking account. How much cash in American money and pesos do you think I should have on me as I fly into Manila and then into Davao?
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Make an extra copy or two of your passport. If you are staying in a hotel use your in room safe for your passport
. So you trust the hotel room safes? The new hotel I'm staying in has the electronic key entry and in room safe
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As for ice and drinking water. NO to tap water unless you are in an expensive restaraunt. I mean so expensive you will say "this is USA prices". Then the water is safe due to foreigners and wealthy filipinos eating there. Ice too. If you are at other places, be cautious and use bottled. Depending on your hotel I would use bottled water to rinse and for your toothbrush. If you are staying at a 4 or 5 star you are good to go. Just don't swallow the tap water.
I will be staying in the Microtel Hotel in Davao which is less than a year old. My g/f went and looked at the rooms and said they are very clean and nice. I was told that the water in Davao is treated and the 5th safest in the United Nations. Anyway, I was planning on taking a shower daily in the hotel and it seems you don't recommend that? Also where can i get my clothes washed. The hotel I believe offers cleaning services but I wonder where they get them cleaned?
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Tell your doctor where you are going. He can prescribe you meds that will clear you up in 24 hours just in case you eat or drink something bad.
I purchased a diarrhea kit from the place that gave me my vaccines. I was given a typhoid, hepatitis A and B shots plus I have to take Doxycycline just in case a Malaria infected mosquito bites me.
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Be patient as the Philippines takes the long way to do everything. God forbide your fiancee want to take you shopping. Mark one day off your calendar if she does.
Yes I have noticed that especially getting a package delivered that I have sent to her. Letters get there in about 9 days but the box I sent at hasn't arrived yet even though I sent it the same time as the letter.
