Wondering if you can explore the Philippines from India on a budget? The answer is yes! A 7-day trip from India can cost anywhere between ₹50,000 and ₹1.5 lakh per person, depending on your travel style, destinations, and activities.
Being aware of these costs will help ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to the beautiful places to visit that the Philippines has to offer.
In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of your expenses- flights, visa, accommodation, food, local transport, attractions, and even shopping. Plus, we’ll give you insider tips to save money on your Philippines itinerary.
Quick Information
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Is the Philippines Expensive for Indian Travellers?
At first glance, the Philippines may seem pricier than Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand. But if you plan smartly, it’s very affordable.
The currency exchange plays a big role here: ₹1 ≈ ₱0.70 (Philippine Peso). So, a local meal priced at ₱200 is roughly ₹285, which may feel slightly expensive, but it’s actually reasonable for a tropical island experience.
Rough Idea of Expenses
- Jeepney/Bus ride: ₱20 – ₱100 (₹30 – ₹140)
- A bowl of local noodles or rice dish: ₱150 – ₱300 (₹215 – ₹430)
- Budget hostel/guesthouse: ₱1,000 – ₱2,000 (₹1,430 – ₹2,860) per night
With budget planning, local passes, and smart dining choices, Indian tourists can enjoy the Philippines without overspending.
Flight Cost from India to the Philippines
When planning a trip, flights can indeed be one of the biggest expenses if you visit during the best time. However, taking the time to book early can lead to significant savings.
Not only do airlines often offer lower prices for tickets purchased well in advance, but early bookings can also give you access to a wider range of flight options, including direct routes or preferred travel times.
Additionally, booking early is a smart choice. It helps you find sales and special offers from airlines, so you can get the best price. Also, try to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can lead to even bigger savings.
Average Round-Trip Fare by City
| City | Average Round-Trip Ticket Price in INR |
| Delhi | 35,000 to 55,000 |
| Mumbai | 37,000 to 57,000 |
| Bengaluru | 38,000 to 60,000 |
| Chennai | 36,000 to 58,000 |
Budget Airlines
- AirAsia (via Kuala Lumpur)
- Scoot (via Singapore)
- Cebu Pacific (direct or via Manila)
Tip: January, February, and early December are usually cheaper. Avoid Christmas, Holy Week (March/April), and summer holidays (April-May) for the best deals.
Philippines Visa for Indian Citizens: Cost & Process
Indians can now enjoy a visa-free stay for up to 14 days. Fortunately, the process is straightforward.
However, please note that your 14-day stay cannot be extended or altered. This means you cannot switch your visa type or extend your stay while you are in the country.
Philippines Tourist Visa Fee (2025)
- Single Entry: ₹3,520 approx for 3 months
- Multiple Entry: ₹7,040 approx. for 6 months
Processing Time: 5-7 working days.
Requirements For Visa-Free Entry
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Hotel booking/accommodation proof
- Bank statements or proof of funds
- Return or onward flight ticket
- No adverse immigration record
Tip: Apply at least 3 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute issues. To get full information, check out our guide on the Philippines visa.
Accommodation Costs in the Philippines
Planning ahead is not just for flights. It’s a good chance to plan where you will stay and what you will do.
You may find better prices, which can improve your travel experience while keeping you within budget. Planning your travel ahead of time can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. And it can also help you avoid the high costs of last-minute bookings.
Note: Accommodation depends on your travel style and the city/island you are visiting.
Average Cost Per Night (per person)
| Type of Stay | Price Range (₹) | Notes |
| Hostels/Guesthouses | 1,500 to 3,000 | Budget travellers, dorm beds |
| Budget Hotels/Resorts | 3,500 to 6,000 | Couples, solo travellers |
| Mid-Range Hotels | 6,000 to 10,000 | Families, groups |
| Luxury Resorts | 12,000 to 25,000+ | Honeymooners, premium travel |
Popular Areas: Manila, Cebu City, Boracay, Palawan (El Nido, Coron), Siargao
Tip: Booking via Agoda or Airbnb often gives better deals than direct hotel booking.
Food Costs in the Philippines for Indians
Food is incredibly affordable in the Philippines, especially if you like the local cuisine. Street vendors and small eateries known as “turo-turo” offer delicious, freshly cooked meals at prices that often won’t break the bank.
By sampling traditional dishes such as adobo, sinigang, or lechon, you not only enjoy authentic flavours but also support local businesses. Additionally, buying fresh produce from local markets can further enhance your culinary experience while keeping costs low.
Eating like a local means trying different foods from various regions. You can taste the spicy dishes from Mindanao or enjoy fresh seafood from coastal areas.
Food brings people together, helping you understand the cultural importance of different meals and allowing you to learn some cooking tips.
Many Filipinos value meals with family and friends, so dining out often offers large, shareable portions at a reasonable price.
Overall, enjoying food in the Philippines is not just about saving money; it’s also about celebrating community, culture, and the joy of sharing meals.
Average Meal Prices
| Meal Type | Price in ₹ (approx.) | Examples |
| Street Food | 70 to 215 | BBQ skewers, local snacks |
| Local Restaurant | 285 to 715 | Adobo, Sinigang, Kare-Kare |
| Fast Food/Chains | 360 to 645 | Jollibee, McDonald’s |
| Mid-Range Dining | 860 to 1,720 | Seafood, Filipino cuisine |
| Luxury Dining | 2,150+ | Beachfront restaurants, resorts |
Tips for Indians
- Vegetarian options are limited; bring snacks if needed.
- Many hostels/Airbnbs allow cooking, which saves money.
- Street food is cheap, filling, and a great way to experience local flavours.
Transportation in the Philippines
Travelling in the Philippines can be enjoyable if you choose local transport wisely. The country’s rich landscapes and culture offer a unique experience, and utilising local transportation can enhance it even further.
Start with jeepneys, the colourful and famous vehicles in the Philippines. They are affordable and let you see local life up close. Riding a jeepney allows you to interact with locals and experience the energy of daily life. Each jeepney has its own unique decorations, showcasing Filipino creativity.
Tricycles are another excellent option for short distances, particularly in rural areas or urban cities. They can go where larger vehicles cannot, allowing you to discover hidden spots. The views of the landscapes and communities you see along the way are truly special.
For a scenic ride, take a ferry. With over 7,000 islands, travelling by water gives you beautiful views of the coastline and ocean. Ferries can take you to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the country, making the journey part of the fun.
Don’t forget about the trains in urban areas like Metro Manila that let you do the best things there. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) help you move quickly through the city while avoiding heavy traffic. Plus, you’ll see the city’s landscape from a different angle.
Local Transportation Costs
| Transport Mode | Cost (₹ approx.) | Notes |
| Jeepney/Tricycle | 30 to 70 | Short city rides |
| Bus | 70 to 215 | Intercity travel |
| Taxi/Grab | 215 to 715 | Short rides |
| Domestic Flights | 4,300 to 10,000 | Manila-Cebu, Manila-Palawan |
| Ferries | 715 to 2,860 | Island hopping |
| Car Rentals | 3,575 to 7,150 | Per day |
Tip: Use the Grab app instead of hailing taxis to avoid overcharging. For island-hopping, book ferries online in advance.
In summary, using local transportation in the Philippines makes travelling cheaper and more practical. It also opens up opportunities for real experiences that you won’t get with tourist services. By choosing local transport, you can enhance your trip and create lasting memories.
Attractions & Experiences Costs
The Philippines is famous for beaches, islands, and natural beauty. Costs vary based on activities.
| Activity | Cost (₱) | Cost (₹ approx.) | Notes |
| Beach Access | Free | Free | Most public beaches |
| Island Hopping Tours | 1,500 to 5,000 | 2,150 to 7,150 | Palawan, Cebu, Boracay |
| Scuba Diving/Snorkelling | 2,500 to 6,000 | 3,575 to 8,600 | PADI-certified dives |
| Cultural Sites/Entry Fees | 50 to 300 | 70 to430 | Fort Santiago, Intramuros |
| Adventure Activities | 1,000 to 5,000 | 1,430 to 7,150 | Canyoneering, ziplining |
Tip: Many natural attractions, such as scenic waterfalls (Kawasan Falls, Cambugahay) and viewpoints (Tops Lookout, Cebu), are free or have minimal costs.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Shopping in the Philippines is a varied experience for visitors, with options for all budgets and preferences.
For budget-friendly shopping, local markets offer handicrafts, T-shirts, and souvenirs for prices between ₱100 and ₱500 (₹140-₹715). You can find authentic handicrafts, such as shell jewellery, capiz lamps, and local fabrics, priced from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 (₹1,430-₹7,150), which make great keepsakes.
For those who want luxury items, branded goods and electronics in resorts and malls can be quite pricey. Remember to haggle at local markets, but note that prices in high-end malls are fixed for a hassle-free shopping experience.
- Budget Shopping: Local markets, handicrafts, T-shirts, souvenirs: ₱100-₱500 (₹140-₹715)
- Authentic Handicrafts: Shell jewellery, capiz lamps, local fabrics: ₱1,000-₱5,000 (₹1,430-₹7,150)
- Luxury Shopping: Resorts, branded items, or electronics can be very pricey.
Tip: Bargain in local markets, but prices in malls are fixed.
Sample 7-Day Philippines Budget Table for Indians
| Category | Estimated Cost (₹) |
| Flights (round trip) | 35,000 to 55,000 |
| Accommodation | 10,500 to 42,000 |
| Food & Drinks | 7,500 to 15,000 |
| Local Transportation | 3,500 to 8,000 |
| Attractions & Tours | 4,000 to 12,000 |
| Shopping & Souvenirs | 2,000 to 7,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Total | 64,500 to 1,44,000 |
Smart Budgeting Tips for Indians
- Book flights and domestic travel early.
- Travel off-peak (November-April is dry season; avoid Christmas & Holy Week).
- Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb to save on accommodation.
- Eat at local eateries, street food stalls, or cook in your accommodation.
- Use the Grab app for taxis, Jeepneys for short rides.
- Limit inter-island flights; consider ferries for cheaper options.
- Carry a forex card or a UPI-linked card to avoid high currency exchange fees.
- Take advantage of free attractions like beaches, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
- Shop in local markets for souvenirs instead of malls.
- Keep a small fund for emergencies or spontaneous activities.
Conclusion
A Philippines trip from India doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning, budget-friendly accommodation, local transport, and smart dining choices, you can explore beautiful islands, dive into marine adventures, and enjoy Filipino culture without overspending.
Starting from enjoying the nightlife in Boracay to trying out the best things to do in El Nido, you can enjoy your Philippines trip within budget. So, pack wisely, get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Philippines! And leave all responsibilities on us from planning your trip, stay, itinerary, to transportation, we will take care of everything.
Frequently Asked Questions on Philippines Trip Cost from India
How much does a 7-day Philippines trip from India cost?
On average, ₹65,000 to ₹1.4 lakh per person, depending on flights, stay, and activities.
Are flights from India to the Philippines expensive?
Round-trip economy tickets usually range from ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 if booked early.
What is the average meal cost in the Philippines?
A basic local meal costs around ₱150 to ₱300 (₹215 to ₹430).
Is the Philippines affordable for Indian travellers?
Yes! With budget hotels, street food, and smart transport choices, costs can be kept reasonable.
Can I travel between islands cheaply?
Ferries are affordable; booking early online can save money compared to last-minute island-hopping tours.
