Experience feedback on arriving at Manila Airport and visa extension
Hello everyone,
Here’s the follow-up to our recent experience (5/11).
Upon arrival at Manila T3, don’t look for the immigration office before passport control (this was info we’d gathered but turned out to be outdated).
Go through passport control with your eTravel, grab your luggage with a trolley because the obstacle course begins.
Head toward the exit hall, turn right, exchange a minimal amount at one of the two counters, continue toward Burger King, turn right, take the elevator at the end of the corridor to the 3rd floor (departure area), then turn right as you exit the elevator, head to the right, go around the big pillar on the left, and you’ll reach the immigration office that will process your extension quickly for the modest sum of 4070 pesos (the price increased due to a new tax as of June). This little route will save you from asking a thousand questions and getting just as many different answers.
Next, logically, buy a local SIM card. There are two small kiosks side by side on the ground floor, Smart and Globe. Prices here are triple what you’ll find in the city, but honestly, if I had to do it again, I’d get both SIMs at the airport. For one simple reason: it’s a hassle in the city—you have to find the shop in a mall, go there, wait in line, explain what you want, and it takes forever. We got a Globe SIM at the airport and a Smart SIM in Baguio, and we really struggled.
The cheapest rate offered by Globe at the airport is 1500 PHP for 1 month, with calls and 80GB of internet. It’s oversized, but be careful—they’ll try to sell you an even more expensive SIM upfront (2500 PHP). Smart offers roughly the same terms. It’s pricier, but it’s a turnkey solution—the hostess handles registration with the authorities (passport, etc.) and configures your phone.
Finally, almost at the far right, there’s a Grab kiosk (taxis, the Asian Uber, which I highly recommend—it’s so convenient!). They’ll arrange a safe taxi for you no matter your destination in Manila.
Watch your belongings during all these tasks that keep you occupied—a tourist had their bag stolen while we were there!
All this took us two hours from the moment we got off the plane, but you’ll likely save time with these tips.
There you go—you’re ready to face Manila’s traffic jams on your way to your hotel.
This is just a summary of our own experience; I hope it helps. Have a great stay! 😊