Quezon CityLungsod Quezon

The questions people ask first about Quezon City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
• SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
• TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
• SafetyQuezon City is a working metropolis, not a resort: petty crime, snatching and street harassment are real, and some barangays (Commonwealth, Payatas…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee at a mall café₱120–220 (≈ US$3–4)
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a convenience store₱120–250 (≈ US$3–5)₱60–120 (≈ US$2–3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Grab across Quezon CitySurge pricing in rain and rush hour.₱250–500 (≈ US$5–9)
• Metro or bus rideMRT-3 or LRT-2 single ride₱15–35 (≈ under US$1) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₱400–800 (≈ US$8–15)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₱600 (≈ US$11)
• Mid-range bedBudget-hotel double room, a night, per room₱2,800 (≈ US$50)
• High-end bedBudget-hotel double room, a night, per room₱5,500 (≈ US$100)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱1,800 (≈ US$35) · Mid ₱3,500 (≈ US$65) · High ₱7,000 (≈ US$130)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport (In Pasay/Parañaque, south of the metro; taxi or Grab to Quezon City is 45–90 min depending on traffic. UBE Express point-to-point buses run to Cubao.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

₱1,500–2,800 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed

Mid

₱2,800–5,500 (≈ US$50–100) excl. bed

High

₱5,500 (≈ US$100)+ excl. bed

• Traffic on EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue is heavy most of the day; allow 45–90 min for cross-city trips.
• Snatching, pickpocketing and robbery are common in crowded areas — keep phones and bags close.
• 'Budol-budol' and 'dugo-dugo' scams target locals more than foreigners; never hand over valuables or leave with a stranger who claims to know you.
• Street harassment (cat-calling) is reported; women should travel in groups at night.
• Avoid Commonwealth and Payatas slum areas and parts of the Scout Area after dark.
• Metered taxis may refuse crowded destinations at rush hour; Grab avoids the argument.
• Number coding (road space rationing) applies on weekdays if you drive.