Technology has certainly made every aspect of our lives more convenient, whether we live abroad or even back home in the Philippines. Thanks to greater coverage and accessibility of mobile internet in the Philippines, smartphones have become the best traveling gadget anyone could bring because of the many apps that have become part of daily life.
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, here’s a list of apps you may want to check out and ideally download ahead of your arrival, if they’re accessible where you’re based. These cut the hassle of traveling, allowing you more time to focus on important matters while in PH: family and friends!
Do note these apps need internet connection to work. Check out the KUBO guide to internet connectivity options for balikbayans to get you started.
Digital Wallet Apps
Don’t be surprised when you see a QR code ready to be scanned for payment at your nearest sari-sari store! Check out KUBO’s guide to e-wallets and mobile payment options in PH here.
1. GCash
The pandemic has made a lot of Pinoys embrace the benefits of digital wallet apps, and Globe’s GCash leads the pack for the most number of users and the most accessible kind of digital payment option. Retailers, restaurants, malls, and even online shopping sites all accept GCash as a valid form of payment. For your security, you will need to register on the app with your valid and active mobile phone number. Keep your personal identification on-hand for submission (via photo) if you want to be a verified GCash user.
2. Maya
Maya is one of the most-used digital wallet apps in the Philippines. Both GCash and Maya can be topped up from any 7-Eleven branch, making it easy to load up on digital cash before you head out with friends and family for the day. Like GCash, the app is free to use, but you will need to register your valid mobile phone number and become a verified user to unlock more features.
Getting Around
If you don’t want to take your chance with public transport, just book a ride with ease!
3. Grab
As the leading ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, Grab has built a reputation for good service and is perfect for getting around major cities in the Philippines. Easily connect your digital wallet app of choice and book a secure and comfortable ride from a private car or taxi with minimum fuss. You can even book at odd hours or early morning and still get a ride, though we at KUBO recommend that you keep personal safety in mind when traveling.
4. Joyride
If booking through Grab is difficult (during peak hours), Joyride likewise offers a variety of transportation modes. While Joyride has less coverage due to having just started operations, they do offer their service not just in Manila, but in cities like Cebu and Baguio. Like other ride-hailing apps, Joyride has cashless transactions and real-time tracking and sharing of rides for convenience and security.
5. Avis
While primarily known as a car rental service, Avis has since branched out to ride-hailing! This premium service is slightly more expensive than other ride-hailing services, but that’s because Avis maintains and services their fleet in-house.
6. SakayPH
Public transportation in Metro Manila can be tricky, and it’s certainly harder for the balikbayan traveler. Worry not, because SakayPH offers a comprehensive guide to routes and schedules for major public transportation options like buses and trains. We at KUBO recommend that you give yourself a very healthy amount of lead time when traveling via public transport, especially if you plan to move during the early mornings or early evenings.
General Navigation
Going to specific locations—whether in major cities or remote areas—is easier with technology.
7. Google Maps
A true staple in any traveler’s app suite, Google Maps has the latest and most detailed maps out of any app. It even has the street view option when you zoom in, allowing you to get a 360-degree look around the area you’re supposed to go. It even has travel time estimates depending on which mode of transportation you will be using (even walking!).
8. Waze
This offers a map of the city with someone telling you when to make a turn and how far so you can prepare for it! Waze is a community-driven app, updated in real time. This comes in handy when there’s an accident causing traffic on your route: Waze can suggest an alternate route for you should you need it.
Booking Flights
We know balikbayans love to travel around the Philippines and even to nearby Asian countries during their visit. Apart from websites, these apps let you search, book, and manage flights with ease—all free to download and use.
9. PAL
The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines now has an app for Android and iOS phones that allows you to check flights and rates, book, and even do online check-in. You can also easily check for updates and include add-ons to your flight, like extra luggage and choice seating for an extra fee.
10. Cebu Pacific
One of the popular low-cost carriers in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific now has an app that will allow you to search for budget-friendly flights to local and international destinations, compare fares, and book, all in one app. It will even alert you of seat sales, and can be used to online check-in and monitor flights in real time.
11. AirAsia Superapp
If your airline of choice is AirAsia, they also have Superapp. Similar to Cebu Pacific’s app, the AirAsia Superapp allows travelers to search for flights, book and pay for them online (via credit card), online check-in, and access promotions and discounts.
12. Skyscanner
When searching for flights, we always want the best possible deal. Enter Skyscanner, an app that allows you to search and compare flights in your country, manually set alerts for specific prices for your budget, and find out what days are the cheapest to fly. The information it provides is presented neatly, allowing you to better organize your itinerary easier and faster.
Accommodation Apps
There are plenty of stays available around the Philippines, and you can find and book them on these apps.
13. Traveloka
Traveloka is an all-in-one app for the techie traveler. It can bring up information on flights as well as accommodation options at your destination. Rates, fees, and secure payment options are presented through a user-friendly interface, making it easy to manage your itinerary.
14. Agoda
One of the more popular accommodation apps in the Philippines, Agoda has a proven track record of providing the best possible options for hotels, hostels, rental houses, and more. Their database has grown over the years, and the app provides detailed information on the property, guest reviews, and lots of photos to help you make an informed choice when you’re ready to book on the app.
15. Airbnb
Sometimes, we know balikbayans prefer to stay in an actual home, not a hotel. Thanks to the massive growth in number of condos in major cities, there are more condo owners, and some (balikbayans included) even turn their property into an Airbnb business. Their app/website can give you countless options for stays in a certain area, allowing you to book just within the period you need it (whether days, weeks, or months) and directly communicate with the property owner for specifics and payment (through the app). Whether it’s a condo in the city or a beachfront villa in Boracay, Airbnb has a wide range of spaces to suit your needs.
Apps for Activities and Exploring
Before you get to your destination, check out all the new things to experience!
16. TripAdvisor
From restaurants to activities, attractions, and hidden gem recommendations, TripAdvisor offers a comprehensive guide to traveling in the Philippines. User reviews provide helpful tips and hacks you can use to make the most out of your trip.
17. Klook
Klook has been a worldwide mainstay when it comes to travel. You can browse their extensive recommendations of activities to experience, not just in the Philippines but also in surrounding Asian countries, depending on your interests. It even has alerts on offers and discounts!
18. KKday
Whether you’re planning a week-long itinerary or just a day-trip to sample the local sights and sounds, KKday presents your options and helps you organize your adventure. It even has reviews and online booking options (when available) to make planning easier and convenient.
Messaging Apps
The messaging apps where you’re based may be different from what’s commonly used in PH, listed below—all free and come with a range of features.
By far the most popular messaging app in the Philippines is the one that’s tied to the most popular social media platform in the country. FB Messenger lets your exchange DMs; do voice and video calls; send voice chats, images, and video; and can even create group chats (and secret chats) for select family members and friends.
20. Viber
One of the first dedicated chat apps in the country, Viber enjoyed a recent surge of popularity during the pandemic when brands would often make group chats to advertise their products directly to its members. It has a paid version that has access to premium chat stickers, no ads in between your active chats, and a privacy + invisibility mode.
21. Telegram
Very similar to other chat apps, Telegram also has secret chats and disappearing messages baked into it. It also comes with a voice pause feature, so you can pause in between recording voice messages without having to start over. It also synchronizes in real-time with the desktop and tablet versions, allowing you to keep up with conversations once you switch devices with no problem. One of the things that draw users to it is how it allows you to send larger files (even whole movies) that you can’t in other messaging apps.
Shopping Apps
Rather than get stuck in traffic or suffer in an overcrowded mall, just do online shopping for great deals!
22. Lazada
One of the two biggest shopping apps in the country, Lazada has a LazMall for verified products from big-name brands, credit card and digital wallet integration for ease of check out, and tons of vouchers that you can stack for bigger discounts and free shipping.
23. Shopee
The preferred platform of small businesses, Shopee nevertheless has a lot of security and insurance options to protect the shopper from unfortunate incidents. Like Lazada, it has digital wallet integration, and even a deferred payment option called SPayLater that allows you to break down big costs into more budget-friendly monthly payments.
Shipping and Delivery Apps
While transport apps like Grab have their own parcel/food delivery service, we felt like they deserved their own category.
24. Lalamove
Do you have an enormous padala to the province (like a couch or TV, perhaps)? Lalamove specializes in delivering larger items to and from your doorstep. They have options for cash payment on pickup/delivery, but you can load up their in-app wallet with pre-set denominations for convenience. You can also schedule multiple pickups or deliveries for bulk items.
25. Pickaroo
An app that gained popularity during the pandemic, Pickaroo is primarily an online grocery app that takes the hassle out of shopping for food essentials by letting them do it for you. The app partnered with a lot of supermarkets and shops, allowing you to browse their current inventory and drop it in your virtual shopping cart. Pickaroo is active in 22 cities, most in Metro Manila.
26. FoodPanda
The cute pink panda app has a lot of discount deals on single and bulk orders from supermarkets, groceries, drugstores, restaurants, and cafes big and small, as well as small and independent kitchens. You can easily link your credit card or digital wallet to FoodPanda, pick your restaurant, and start ordering food. You can even schedule orders and deliveries in advance to make sure your food comes hot and fresh for your upcoming potluck!