Tips for Foreign Travel to BGC

Travel preparation for your flight to the Philippines and to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is essential for first-time travelers. If you’re flying into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and heading to BGC, here are some top tips and recommendations to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Before Your International Flight

Passport and Visa: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. Apply for a visa if needed. Check here which countries are allowed visa-free travel to the Philippines.

Preload Your Grab App

Grab Ride-Hailing: We recommend using the Grab ride-hailing app to travel from the airport to BGC. No overcharging, no haggling with taxi drivers, and you can get a bigger car for more luggage space. Grab is a safe, hassle-free way to travel across Southeast Asia.

Registration: Install and register for a Grab account before your trip using a non-Philippines phone number.  Search for “Grab: Taxi Ride, Food Delivery” on the App Store or Play Store. Register your credit card and any e-wallets like Alipay, GCash, Kakao Pay, or Maya as payment methods.

Traveler Tips: 

• If you can’t find the Grab app, try using a VPN to mimic a Philippines location.  Just turn off the VPN after installation & registration.  
• Charges to a foreign credit card incur a 3% fee but you can avoid this by doing a cash-in transaction from the credit card into your Grab ewallet, free of charge.  Just remember to cash in only enough for your expenses as the cash wallet balance won’t always transfer when you leave the country.

Buy and Preload an eSIM

eSIMs are a much more convenient option vs physical SIMs and can be bought and installed prior to travel.  The eSIM automatically enables once you arrive in the Philippines.  This gives you data connectivity for your Grab, messenger apps and email upon arrival. We recommend Airalo eSIMs for their generous data packages and multi-country support.

You can’t make cellular calls on an eSIM but you can use it to connect to data networks, which then allows you to call using apps such as FB Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, Line, etc.  Just purchase a data package that suits your needs and length of stay.  

Click to see Airalo eSIM data packages available. Just choose your length of stay, data allocation per day and countries covered.

Traveler Tips:

• Viber and FB Messenger are very popular in the Philippines. Ask if you can reach them there instead.
• If you plan to make several cellular calls or SMS, you can buy local SIMs from convenience stores for Globe, Smart or DITO (telco providers)

Upon Arrival at NAIA

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four terminals.  Check your ticket to see which terminal you arrive at.  This is important information when you are arranging for car or hotel service pickups.

Immigration and Customs

eTravel System

The Philippines eTravel System is a digital single data collection platform for passengers arriving in and departing from the Philippines. All passengers are required to register their personal profile, trip details and health status on the app. You can read more from e-Travel FAQs.

You can install the eTravel app and register 72 hours before your trip.

Queue for Immigration: Have your passport and arrival card ready. If you’re a returning Filipino, use the designated lanes for OFWs or Balikbayans for faster processing.

Baggage Claim

Check Your Baggage Carousell: Monitors in baggage claim will show the carousel where your flight’s luggage is being unloaded at. If your baggage is missing, approach the airline’s baggage claim office for assistance.

Free Wi-Fi: NAIA offers free Wi-Fi, though it may have a limited duration. Keep an eye on your connection time if you need to use it for navigation or communication.

Getting from NAIA to BGC

BGC is approximately 10-12 km from NAIA, and travel time varies depending on traffic. Here are the best ways to get there:

Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Joyride, Angkas)

• Grab is the most convenient and reliable option for getting a car straight from the airport.
• Prices range from PHP 400 to PHP 800 ($8-$15 USD) depending on traffic, demand and vehicle type; choose a 6-seater car for more luggage space and comfort.
• Pick-up locations are designated in each terminal (look for signs leading to the Grab booths).

Airport Taxis (Yellow & White Taxis)

• Yellow Taxis are metered, official airport taxis with slightly higher fares but generally reliable.
• White Taxis are standard city taxis but notorious for overcharging; insist on using the meter (we do not recommend this option for first-time travelers)
• Approximate cost to BGC: PHP 500 to PHP 1000 ($10-$18 USD)

Car Rentals and Private Transfers

If you’re heading to a nearby hotel, ask if they have airport pickup options.  Services like Klook, Avis, and private hotel shuttles offer pre-booked rides for convenience.

Traveler Tips: 

• Watch out for “fixers” – Avoid unofficial taxi drivers or agents inside the airport offering private rides at inflated rates.
• Manila traffic is unpredictable; expect a 30-minute to 1-hour ride to BGC depending on the time of day.
• Many establishments accept credit cards, but having cash for taxis and small vendors is useful.

Currency Exchange

Money Exchange: Money exchange counters and ATMs are available in the airport outside baggage claim. It’s a good idea to exchange a small amount of Philippine pesos when you arrive.

Avoid Airport Scams: Be cautious of people offering to exchange money in unauthorized areas.

Where to Stay in BGC

BGC is home to many high-end hotels and serviced residences, see Discover BGC’s guide for hotel recommendations. Book your stay prior to travel for a worry-free arrival.

Stay Safe and Enjoy!

BGC is one of the safest areas in Metro Manila, but like any big city, it’s always good practice to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. 

Avoid walking in streets with devices in hand and be wary of groups that may suddenly crowd you (could be pickpockets).  Keep your belongings close while shopping or dining in public places.  

With these tips in mind, you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable stay!