Before you travel
The following information answers common questions for your upcoming travel experience with Pinoy Tourism — from completing your payments and preparing your documents to packing tips, luggage rules, and pre-departure reminders. For River Cruising, please see our dedicated River Cruising FAQ page.
Deposits & Payments
Your base tour deposit is non-refundable. However, with our Deposit Protection, you can use your tour-only deposit as credit toward any future Pinoy Tourism holiday within five years.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your invoice shortly after — covering both deposits and any full payments. Please check your spam or promotions folder if it doesn’t appear in your inbox. Any changes or additional payments will trigger an updated invoice automatically.
Your payment due date is listed in our Payment Terms and will appear on your invoice once you’ve booked. Please note that payment deadlines may vary for promotional offers.
If you booked directly with us, you can make secure payments through your personal My Pinoy Travel Portal, request a one-time payment link, or call us to pay over the phone. If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them directly to process payments.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Maestro, Discover, and PayPal.
My Pinoy Travel Portal
Every guest must create and complete their personal account to finalize travel arrangements. This ensures we have the necessary details for ticket confirmations, hotel check-ins, and border requirements. Completing your account takes about five minutes — just add your passport info, contact details, and emergency contact.
Visit the My Pinoy Travel Portal and follow the prompts. You’ll need your booking number and the name used for your reservation. If you booked for someone else, they’ll still need their own account. Children aged 5–17 are added under the lead traveler’s profile.
You can access your itinerary, add dietary preferences, provide travel reasons, and — if booked directly with Pinoy Tourism — manage payments, add flights, or extend hotel stays.
Once your portal account is complete, you’ll be able to access your e-documents around 21 days before departure. Travel documents cannot be issued until all details are finalized.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance that covers trip interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation — including pandemic-related events. You can add insurance at the time of booking or anytime before departure.
Yes. We offer several plans to fit different needs. Visit our Travel Insurance page to compare options
Luggage & Packing
Pack light, practical layers — weather can vary by destination. Essentials include a hat, light jacket, comfortable shoes, modest clothing for religious sites, medications, chargers, and copies of your travel documents. A reusable water bottle is highly recommended to reduce plastic use.
Each guest may bring one checked bag (max 23kg / 50lbs, not exceeding 76cm x 45cm x 25cm) and one carry-on (max 30x28x14cm). Due to limited space, wheeled hand luggage is not permitted on the coach. Porterage for your main bag is included throughout your trip.
Some local carriers and safari vehicles have smaller limits (usually 20kg). Soft-sided bags are best for East Africa and Asia itineraries.
Yes. Plug types and voltages differ across destinations. Bring a universal adapter suitable for your travel region.
PackPoint or Packr for packing help, AccuWeather for forecasts, and Google Translate or Duolingo for local communication.
Money & Gratuities
Budgets vary by traveler, but consider meals not included in your itinerary, optional excursions, shopping, laundry, and gratuities.
It’s up to you. If you do, request smaller denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but carry ID when paying by card.
You can prepay gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver when booking, through your My Pinoy Travel Portal, or in person during your tour. All hotel porterage and restaurant tips are already included in your tour price.
Passports, Visas & Travel Documents
Visa requirements vary by nationality and destination. Please check with your travel agent or the embassy of your destination country well before departure. Pinoy Tourism is not responsible for obtaining or processing visas.
Once your portal account is complete, e-documents will be available about three weeks before departure.
Mobility, Accessibility & Medical
Yes. Keep medication in original packaging, carry prescriptions, and pack enough for your full trip plus extra days. Research medication import rules for your destination before traveling.
Consult your doctor before traveling. COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Please inform us of any mobility requirements at the time of booking. Some tours and destinations have limited accessibility, so advance notice helps us prepare.
Travel Directors cannot provide personal medical or mobility assistance. Guests needing individual support must travel with a companion.
Changes & Cancellations
Contact us or your travel agent immediately. Changes and cancellations are subject to availability, airline policies, and applicable fees.
Bookings are non-transferable. Cancellations will follow our standard policy, and new guests must make separate bookings.
Airports & Transfers
Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond your return date and that you have all required documents.
Your driver’s details, meeting point, and contact information are included in your travel documents, usually sent 21 days before departure.
If you arrive or depart on your tour’s start and end dates, complimentary coach transfers may be available. For pre- or post-tour stays, private transfers can be arranged through your agent or the My Pinoy Travel Portal.
On Tour & Your Travel Director
Your welcome meeting time and location are listed in your itinerary and travel documents. Your Travel Director will also email a reminder a few days before departure.
Optional Experiences are additional activities you can join during your trip. These are booked and paid for while on tour, giving you flexibility to decide on the spot.
Group sizes vary by region: up to 53 guests in Europe, 52 in North America, 50 in Australia/New Zealand, 28 in Asia, and 20 in Africa.
Other
Check your itinerary for activities in your arrival city. If you arrive before check-in (usually 2–3 PM), the hotel can store your luggage until your room is ready. Consider booking an extra pre-night to guarantee immediate check-in.
You can reach our 24/7 support team through the Chat Now feature on our homepage or via the Contact Us page for email and phone support.
