First Day Abroad

Customs and duty-free allowances in Philippines

Part of the Philippines arrival guide.

This information may change. Always check the official source.Last verified: August 2026 by

Bringing things into Philippines

Cash to declare
USD 10,000 or more

The threshold covers cash and equivalents carried by one traveller. Not declaring it is what causes the money to be seized, not the amount itself.

The Philippines' customs rules are ordinary; the thing to be careful about is what counts as ammunition or a weapon.

  • A single round of ammunition is a firearms offence. Loose bullets found in luggage have led to arrest, and a souvenir casing counts.
  • The allowance is 200 cigarettes and two bottles of spirits per adult, plus a value limit on other goods.
  • Cash is declared at two limits: the equivalent of USD 10,000 in foreign currency, and a much lower figure for Philippine pesos leaving or entering the country.
  • Drug penalties are severe and enforcement is aggressive.
  • Balikbayan boxes have their own rules and their own duty-free allowance, which does not apply to what you carry in your hand luggage.
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Sources (1)

What this guide was checked against. Rules and prices change — follow the official link before you rely on a detail.