Indigenous Communications: Philippine cell phones use the GSM system with information stored on individual SIM cards for the phones. SIM cards are available at a number of stores, the most prominant being
SMART and
GLOBE. The GSM footprint for these phones is excellent in the Metro Manila area, however the further south one travels, the footprint weakens. Best bet (currently as of Dec 05) is the
Ericsson R-190 which is a GSM / Asia Cellular Satellite (
ACeS) phone. It is also recommended to purchase the pre-paid cards versus the cards which rely on a credit card / monthly payments. Additional benefit of using the ACeS is that it is much less expensive to place international calls than using Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) calling cards.
Indigenous Living Quarters: If forced to live in bare base type structure, it is recommended that one purchase nipa from the locals. Not only does this help to put money into the local economy, but the quality fo the nipa is much superior, with some structures lasting in excess of 25 years.
Local Language: Learn a few key words of Tagalog which, along with English, is part of the school system. However be aware of two key facts. 1) There are many various local dialects to include Illocano; Visaya; Chavacano; Bahasa, etc..etc.. and 2) Most of the local will want to practice their English skills with you e.g. "Hello po...how you do po?"
Driving: Driving is on the right hand side of the road. A international drivers permit, while acceptable is not required. Traffic is very congested, and driver's are encouraged to be
moderately aggressive. Traffic is further complicated by the Tuk-Tuks (motorized tricycles, which the drivers signal lane changes by sticking out a foot and are packed well over maximum load / passenger carrying capacity) and the garishly decorated Jeepneys (a bus...of sorts...)
Internet Connections: can be horribly slow, if available at all. Remote regions will require a satellite link up to an internet connection.
Computers and other electronic devices: The high temperatures and humidity will wreck havoc with electronic equipment if proper precautions are not taken. It is recommended, that if you are not in a location where it can be temperature / humidity controlled, that you place bottle caps underneath the electrical devices to help air flow. A fan directed at the cooling mechanisms of the electrical devices is also a good idea. Plastic sheets should be suspended over the electronics (if they must be left out) or ideally stored in a waterproof container filled with desiccant (available in many dive shops - be careful when purchasing overseas that you are not purchasing small mothballs...on the plus side, your delicate electrical equipment will not be eaten by moths as was soon learned
)
Power: In remote locations power is generally from a generator. This can result in an uneven power flow (think SURGE PROTECTORS and UPS) and is usually 220 V (think POWER ADAPTORS, not just plug adaptors).
Climate: Very humid (obvious) Leather products need to be treated and inspected regularly!!! (Not so obvious)
Fauna:
Mosquitos (Malaria Vector): Take the chemoprophylaxis as directed (preferably at night when 1) mosquitos are most active and 2) lessens the effects of photosensitivity) . Apply insect repellant / Permethrin to clothing. Wear long sleeves and trousers. Standard stuff, just remember the pills.
Rodents: Standard rules apply, be aware that they will chew through 1000 denier cordura.
Snakes: Prevalent in remote reqions. Normally active at night. Will climb the walls of your nipa hut and surprise you by dropping down from the roof.
Leeches: Can be found in streams and other bodies of water.
Water: Treat ALL water as suspect unless it is a) boiled or b) bottled (bottled water, soda, beer
, juices, etc). DO NOT trust ice unless it is from a hotel that caters to tourists.
Hope this helps.
V/R,