Departure Preparations

1) Essential

• Passport: Make sure to check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Philippines. If your passport has less than six months remaining, you will not be allowed to enter the country. Also, be sure to save a copy of your passport on your phone for easy access.

• Round-trip flight tickets: One-way flight tickets are not allowed for entry. And It must match the name on your passport exactly. Be sure to check your departure date and time!

• e-Travel Registration: You can register for e-Travel starting 72 hours before your flight departure time. Make sure to register in advance using your phone before arriving at the airport.

      → e-travel website: https://etravel.gov.ph/

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• 5X5 Size ID Photos (for SSP): You need two photos (5 cm x 5 cm) with the following requirements:

      → White background

      → Ears must be visible

      → Glasses should be removed

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• Exchange Student Insurance or Travel Insurance Certificate: It is mandatory to enroll in student insurance or travel insurance for the safety of the exchange student. Please prepare a copy of the insurance certificate.

2) Others

• International Debit Card: Obtain an international debit card from a major bank in your country, which allows you to withdraw Philippine pesos locally. Please note that local ATM fees are 250 pesos, and there may be additional bank fees ranging from $3 to $6. It is advisable to contact your bank for specific details.

• Personal Lock: Be sure to bring a key lock (do not bring combination locks).

• Personal Toiletries: Bring your personal toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a towel. (These items can also be purchased locally.)

• Stationery Items: Bring items like pens and notebooks. While these can be purchased locally, the quality of the products may be lower.

• Clothing

      → Pack 4 to 5 summer outfits, such as short-sleeve T-shirts and shorts.

      → Avoid clothing made of thin materials that are overly revealing, as well as short skirts and short shorts.

      → Due to temperature fluctuations, bring some long-sleeve shirts and long pants for summer.

      → Refrain from bringing expensive items, clothes that bleed color, or those requiring dry cleaning.

      → Don’t forget underwear, socks, handkerchiefs, and swimwear.

      → Prepare comfortable footwear, including sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops.

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• Medications: Cold medicine, Anti-diarrheal medicine, Vitamins, Digestive aids, Pain relievers, Ointments, Bandages etc. ( Make sure to bring an adequate supply of any personal medications you need. Also, bring your prescriptions and a doctor’s note if applicable.)

• Items Prohibited on Airplanes:

      → Lighters

      → Flammable substances

      → Compressed gases (e.g., butane)

      → Weapons

      → Explosives

      → Radioactive, infectious, or toxic materials (excluding bleach)

      → Dry ice

      → Bleach

      → Perm solutions

      → Insecticides

(Note that restricted items can vary by airline. If you are unsure about any item, please check with your airline.)

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• Items Prohibited in Carry-on Baggage:

    ◆ All liquids and gel-type cosmetics and toiletries (e.g., toothpaste, shampoo)

      → However, items in containers of 100ml or less can be carried in a 1-liter ziplock bag (20.5cm x 20.5cm or 15cm x 25cm) per person.

       No restrictions for domestic flights.

      → All liquids and gels must be placed in checked baggage. Aerosols are allowed within the limit of 2kg (2L) in total, with each container not exceeding 500g (500ml).

    ◆ Food items containing liquids, such as gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or kimchi

      → However, items in containers of 100ml or less can be carried in a 1-liter ziplock bag (20.5cm x 20.5cm or 15cm x 25cm) per person.

       No restrictions for domestic flights.

      → No volume restrictions for checked baggage.

    ◆ Tools, knives, razors, and alcohol (24-70% alcohol content, up to 5 liters allowed in checked baggage).

• Items That Must Be Carried in the Cabin (Prohibited in Checked Baggage):

    ◆ Laptops, mobile phones, portable batteries

      → Most batteries must be carried in the cabin, excluding manganese, alkaline, and mercury batteries.

      → Battery capacity allowed in the cabin: up to 5 batteries of 100Wh or less per person, up to 2 batteries exceeding 100Wh,

       and batteries over 160Wh are not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.

      → Battery-related restrictions may vary by airline, so be sure to check before departure to avoid confiscation.

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• Other Important Information:

    ◆ If the weight of your checked baggage exceeds the allowed limit, additional charges will apply. Ensure you check and adhere to the baggage weight limit.

    ◆ Carry an emergency fund of about $100. After arriving in Manila, exchange it for pesos at the airport (approximately 5,000 pesos).

      Exchange the remaining dollars in Bacolod.

    ◆ Be cautious with your personal bags and belongings when transferring to domestic flights and while waiting in the airport in Manila.

    ◆ Politely refuse and avoid anyone (including Koreans) who asks you to watch their bags, as it might be a setup for a crime.

    ◆ Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Manila, including inside and outside the airport.

      Do not follow anyone claiming to show you a smoking area (it might be a setup for a crime).

    ◆ If you encounter any unexpected situations after arriving in Manila, immediately contact the local training center manager via voice call for assistance.