Philippines Customs Guide: Prohibited and Banned Items

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List of Banned Products in the Philippines

Knowing what to bring or not is always crucial for a trip to a new country. Philippines has strict rules according to these items across cutoms. To avoid high fines, please read the following guide to avoid issues.

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2026 Mandatory Regulations: eTravel Declaration

You'd better go to the official site of etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours prior to arrival in the Philippines. This digital declaration replaces the old paper customs desclaration form. After that, please save the QR code. Customs and immigration officials will request to see it upon arrival.

This is not just a requirement for American tourists, but a mandatory regulation imposed by the Philippine government on all international travelers.

List of Banned Products in the Philippines: Red Line Items

Philippines prohibited items

List of Prohibited Items

  • Illegal drugs: This is the most important warning for U.S. visitors. Even if marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol) products (such as gummies and essential oils) are legal in your state, they are strictly prohibited from entering the Philippines.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives: This includes gun parts, highly realistic toy guns, and even single bullets used as "talismans."
  • Illegal printed materials and audiovisual materials: Media containing seditious content or deemed pornographic (films, printed materials, etc.).
  • Illegal gambling equipment: Such as weighted dice, marked playing cards, or unauthorized gambling devices.
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Items That Need to Be Declared When Entering the Philippines

Items to declare to enter the Philippines

Items to declare to enter the Philippines

Prescription Drugs

If you are carrying necessary medications, please ensure they remain in their original hospital/pharmacy packaging with the name clearly visible on the label.

  • Important Note: For controlled substances (such as strong painkillers and psychotropic drugs), a notarized prescription from a doctor is required.
  • Quantity: The amount you carry should be limited to your personal use during your trip.

Currency Restrictions

  • Local Currency: Carrying more than 50,000 Philippine Pesos (approximately $850 USD) requires prior authorization from the Central Bank of the Philippines.
  • Foreign Currency: Carrying more than $10,000 USD (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared truthfully on the eTravel form. Undeclared large sums of cash may be confiscated.

E-cigarettes (Vapes)

E-cigarettes are allowed in the Philippines, but regulations are very strict.

  • Quantity: Limited to personal use only.
  • Smoking ban: Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited in public places in the Philippines (including parks and sidewalks), and violators will face on-site fines.

Philippine Customs Requirements for Animals, Plants, and Agricultural Products

The Philippines places great importance on ecological protection and takes strict measures to prevent the invasion of alien species and viruses.

Philippines Duty-Free Allowance and Shopping Guide

The following items are allowed duty-free entry for personal use:

  • Tobacco: Up to 2 cartons of cigarettes (400 sticks) or 2 cans of tobacco.
  • Alcohol: Up to 2 bottles (each not exceeding 1 liter).
  • Personal belongings: New goods purchased outside the Philippines with a total value not exceeding 10,000 Philippine pesos (approximately $170 USD).

Pro-Tips for American Travelers

  1. Declare if unsure: If you are unsure whether a certain medication or gift is prohibited, please use the "red channel" (declaration channel). Honest declaration usually only requires paying taxes, but concealment will result in fines.
  2. Keep invoices: When carrying expensive cameras, computers, or jewelry, it is best to keep copies of electronic invoices to prove that these are personal belongings and not intended for resale.
  3. Stay informed about policy changes: Customs regulations may be slightly adjusted at any time. It is recommended to check the latest details on the Philippine Bureau of Customs website before departure.
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🔥 Find Best Hotels in Manila

Manila Hotels

5 star

8.3/10Very Good507 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.14km from city center
Loved my time at New Coast Hotel Manila. The room was spacious, clean, and had a nice view of Manila Bay. Staff were super friendly and helpful, and the breakfast buffet had plenty of choices. Location is convenient—close to malls and restaurants. Lobby can get busy at times, but overall it was a smooth and comfortable stay. Definitely recommend!
FromSGD 119
9.3/10Great570 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|1.99km from city center
Good hotel. It was clean, and the breakfasts were good (staff seated guests for breakfast, so there were no issues with finding a table. We served ourselves). No elevator queues. There isn't much to see in Manila, so we were happy to just stay in our room.
FromSGD 126
9.2/10Great306 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.24km from city center
The hotel is great! Even though it's an older property, the facilities are still very good, and the breakfast spread is excellent. It's located right next to Koreatown, and you just have to cross the street to get to Manila Bay – it's the perfect spot for stunning sunset photos. The lobby staff are also incredibly welcoming.
FromSGD 110
9.1/10Great201 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.27km from city center
An older hotel in a narrow street, surrounded by many Korean restaurants in a Korean-populated area. The rooms have been renovated and are quite convenient. There's also a Taoist temple downstairs.
FromSGD 171
8.7/10Very Good78 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|4.09km from city center
Overall cleanliness was good, but some details weren't cleaned thoroughly enough. 1) Hair in the room 2) Floating debris in the kettle 3) Btw, All the staff were very patient, and the food was quite good. I'll come again next time, I really like it here.
FromSGD 140

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Business travel

8.8/10Very Good1480 Reviews
City of Manila|2.18km from city center
Expected for a 3 star hotel. A little dusty and bathtub not completely clean, the room is quite dark even with all lights on. Fridge can keep drinks cold. The shampoo and shower gel bottles were tiny and had to be topped up every day. Breakfast was good, we had it twice and they had different items on the menu, with eggs, sausage, bread, rice and meats. Location is also good, walk 15-20 mins to nearest mall and 30mins drive to airport. They have shuttles to the two malls but not frequent. Staff were nice and helpful with checkin and luggage.
FromSGD 50
8.7/10Very Good1912 Reviews
City of Manila|0.39km from city center
I had an absolutely excellent stay at Swiss-Belhotel Blulane. From the moment I arrived, the service was outstanding—staff were highly professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Check-in was smooth and efficient, and I immediately felt well taken care of. The room exceeded my expectations in terms of cleanliness, comfort, and overall presentation. Everything was well-maintained, organized, and thoughtfully prepared. The bed was very comfortable, ensuring a restful and relaxing stay. The hotel’s location is also very convenient, making it easy to access nearby areas in Manila. Throughout my stay, I appreciated the consistent quality of service and the staff’s willingness to assist with any request promptly and politely. Overall, this hotel delivers excellent value with high standards of hospitality. I highly recommend Swiss-Belhotel Blulane to both business and leisure travelers, and I would definitely choose to stay here again without hesitation.
FromSGD 26
8.6/10Very Good188 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.51km from city center
I recently stayed at City Garden Suites and would like to share both a commendation and some constructive feedback regarding my experience. First, I would like to highly commend Ms. Zsan for her outstanding service. After being assigned to a room that, while clean, had an unpleasant odor, I approached the front desk again for assistance. Ms. Zsan handled the situation with genuine care and professionalism. She went beyond simply checking the system—she actively coordinated with housekeeping via radio to personally verify room availability. Her initiative, attentiveness, and willingness to help truly define excellent customer service. She made us feel heard and valued, and her dedication reflects the kind of frontline service that leaves a lasting positive impression. On the other hand, I would like to offer constructive feedback regarding my experience with Ms. Acel. As a guest, first impressions matter, and my initial interaction with her during check-in was not very reassuring. When I inquired about the possibility of being assigned to a newly renovated room, I was informed that none were available, without much effort to further check or explore options. This gave me the impression that my request was not fully considered. The following day, when I needed to extend my stay, I spoke with her over the phone and requested an update regarding my concern, emphasizing the urgency as I needed to secure the current room rate online. However, after waiting for around 30 minutes without any callback, I had to follow up myself. During the follow-up, she asked for details I had already communicated earlier, which made it seem like the information was not properly noted or attended to. On the third day, I needed to extend my booking again. To avoid the same experience, I went directly to the front desk. Unfortunately, she was again the one available. Despite my previous experience, I still chose to give her another chance, hoping for a better interaction. However, the experience remained the same. Because of this, instead of extending my stay further, I decided to transfer to another hotel. I hope this feedback is received constructively. Frontline staff play a crucial role in shaping the overall guest experience. While Ms. Zsan demonstrated exceptional service and professionalism, there is an opportunity for improvement in consistency, attentiveness, and proactive assistance. With the right focus on these areas, guest satisfaction can be greatly enhanced.
FromSGD 43
8.4/10Very Good605 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.49km from city center
Overall: 4/5 Location: 4.5/5 Very convenient. I stayed here for a 2-day ISO training held in one of their convention rooms, so it was super practical. It’s also right beside Starbucks, which was my go-to for coffee. Value: 4/5 Reasonable for a short business stay, but parking has an extra fee. Room: 3/5 The hotel feels old and nostalgic — classic elevators and hallways. Bathroom was clean, but the room had a slightly musky smell. Walls seem thin since I could hear a neighboring room’s phone and music. Cleanliness: 5/5 Bathroom was neat and well-maintained. Service: 5/5 Staff were friendly and accommodating. Facilities: 5/5 Convention rooms are functional and convenient for seminars and trainings. The packaged food during the training was also good and complete, from breakfast snacks to lunch and merienda. Final Take: Good option for business stays and trainings. Not the most modern, but convenient and comfortable enough for short trips.
FromSGD 43
8.6/10Very Good666 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.16km from city center
Located on Ongpin Street, very near to all the popular Chinatown f&b oultlets and opposite to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church) so you wake up to the sounds of Church Bells. The Hotel is quite dated but clean, would have been a great hotel during those days. Staff are friendly and approachable. Just a heads up; they require a deposit per night. If you have a credit card you can pre-auth. Since I stayed for 1 night, I put 2000 piso cash for deposit. A family who checked in before me had 2 rooms for 5nights, had to put deposit of 2x5x2000piso=20,000piso (325usd).
FromSGD 60

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Family friendly

8.2/10Very Good316 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.35km from city center
Stayed at Hotel H2O with a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old. Its main advantage is the location inside the park, providing direct access to attractions and making it easy to return to the room for naps and breaks. Pros * Excellent location inside the park with easy access to attractions. * Convenient for families with young children who need rest breaks. * Staff quickly resolved a minor issue with a broken bidet upon arrival. * Bed size is king as advertised. Cons * Cleanliness was adequate but not exceptional. * No room service available. * Restaurants are available on the ground floor and via GrabFood delivery, but in-room dining would be more convenient. * The hotel’s restaurant feels disconnected from the overall hotel experience. Recommendation Hotel H2O is a good choice if your main goal is visiting the  attractions, especially with young children. If you do not plan to spend time in the area, other hotels may offer better value.
FromSGD 62
8.7/10Very Good658 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.71km from city center
The hotel is pretty good, and the location is excellent, with lots of restaurants nearby, Starbucks, and the university all within close proximity. The room facilities look a bit dated, probably because the hotel is older. The service, however, is great and very welcoming.
FromSGD 65
8.6/10Very Good238 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.47km from city center
Stayed at Rizal Park Hotel and it honestly felt like stepping into another era—very Somewhere in Time kind of vibe. The building itself has a lot of character, which makes sense since it used to be the old Army Navy Club (built in 1911), and you can feel that old-world charm throughout the property. Location is a major advantage—right beside Rizal Park, near the US Embassy, and overlooking Manila Bay. Great for staycations, especially if you want that sunset view. Convenience stores are about a 5-minute walk away, and food delivery is easily accessible. We booked a junior suite and it was spacious, clean, and comfortable. The bathroom was notably fresh-smelling, which stood out. Bed was comfortable, aircon was cold, and Wi-Fi was fast. The pool area was a highlight—relaxing with a great view of the bay, especially at sunset. The hotel also has a gym and sauna; we were able to use the sauna, which was a nice addition to the overall experience. Most of the staff were friendly, often greeting us with smiles and good mornings/evenings, which made the stay more pleasant. Special mention to Ma'am Jenna from the amenities building—very friendly and accommodating. There were a few instances where some staff didn't greet, but overall service was still warm and welcoming. That said, the building does show its age in some areas. There were occasional noises at night (likely ongoing maintenance or renovations), and some facilities feel dated—TV could definitely be upgraded to a smart TV. We also noticed some ceilings and walls with visible cracks and signs of mold, which could use better upkeep. Breakfast buffet was okay—decent, but not a standout. Overall, still good bang for buck. Best suited for staycations or travelers who appreciate historic hotels with character rather than modern luxury. Would definitely come back.
FromSGD 71
8.3/10Very Good57 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.45km from city center
We had a great stay here! The amenities are good, the staff are nice and accommodating. Will surely come back here!
FromSGD 32
9/10Great197 Reviews
City of Manila|2.26km from city center
I love the service! Hospitality is amazing I feel it's the one of the best in SEA for a 4 star hotel. Compliments to the staffs that check my room upon check out and found my glasses I forgot to pack. They returned it almost immediately upon check out. Compliments to the guards outside as well, they escorted us especially at night to the other side to get to the mall due to crazy traffic haha ! Casino can be improved with more different table games that has progressive jackpot I.e. paigow, stud poker etc. Too too many baccarat table. Location is perfect for those who wants to stay and experience the local as this hotel is buried in many local residential area unlike Newport. Overall, I will return for another short getaway 🥰
FromSGD 92

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Hot spring

8.6/10Very Good334 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.62km from city center
The hotel is in Ermita, right near the U.S. Embassy. The location is good, you can easily get access to historical places, like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park and Fort Santiago. Near the hotel are Starbucks and 7/11. The room is good. I had a beautiful view of Manila Bay. The staff was very polite, and check-in was so fast. Overall, it’s good. It’s not my first time at Red Planet Hotels. They are quite similar, and you can find them in different districts.
FromSGD 36
8.8/10Very Good478 Reviews
China Town City of Manila|0.35km from city center
I had a pleasant stay at Red Planet Binondo. One of the best things about this hotel is its very convenient location. It’s within walking distance to the Pasig River Esplanade, where you can enjoy the river view and find plenty of food choices around the area. It’s also just a short walk to Ongpin Street, which makes it perfect if you want to explore the heart of Binondo and try different Chinese restaurants and food spots. One thing to note is that the lobby is located on the 4th floor, which might be a bit unusual at first, but the check-in process was smooth. The rooms are spacious with a modern and clean design, making the stay comfortable and relaxing. It feels well-maintained and practical for travelers who want a simple but nice place to stay. However, the hotel does not provide slippers, toothbrush, or toothpaste for free. If you need them, you can buy a set from the hotel for ₱45. Overall, Red Planet Binondo is a great option if you want an affordable, modern hotel in a very strategic location, especially if your goal is to explore Binondo’s food scene on foot.
FromSGD 30
8.2/10Very Good544 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.43km from city center
We didn't expect that there were no toiletries. Just towel and the soap mounted on the wall. But overall stay was amazing.
FromSGD 27
8.1/10Very Good951 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.17km from city center
Location is very accessible. Reception is very clean and very warming. Staffs are very helpful and attentive. Try the food at their restaurants, it's delicious and the brewed coffeeis superb. Recommended hotel to stay.
FromSGD 36
8.5/10Very Good1049 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.09km from city center
Comment “I had a great experience at the hotel. The staff were friendly, the room was clean, and the service was excellent. I felt comfortable and well taken care of during my stay.” ,unstable connection in wifi is the problem.
FromSGD 25

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Gym

6.6/10106 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.97km from city center
I was so disappointed. The shower host from the bathroom was defective but in fairness it was repaired on the 2nd day midnight. And also no rubber bathroom mat (since the bathroom floor tiles is slippery) . They only produce the mat after my sister a pwd has warned them for any accident that she may incurred the front desk will be responsible. While the water heater is not 24 hours based on their post. Water heater resume on my 3rd day stay. The four treadmills at the gym are also not working it is all under maintenance. In regards i think this hotel needs already a fully renovation.
FromSGD 38
8.5/10Very Good165 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.13km from city center
I recently stayed at Tropicana Suites in Malate, Manila, and it was a pleasant and convenient experience. The rooms are spacious and well-kept. Breakfast was satisfying, with a mix of Filipino and international options. While the restaurant isn’t the largest, it provides decent meals and adds to the overall convenience of the stay.
FromSGD 43
8.4/10Very Good265 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.66km from city center
My stay at Manila Lotus Hotel was a pleasant and comfortable experience. The staff were very accommodating and welcoming, always ready to assist with any requests, which made the stay even more enjoyable. The hotel’s location is very convenient, especially for travelers who want easy access to key spots around Manila like the US Embassy - 10mins walk. It’s close to restaurants, shopping areas, and tourist attractions, making it a great base for exploring the city. The room was clean, well-maintained, and provided a relaxing atmosphere after a long day out. It felt safe and comfortable, which is something I truly value when traveling. Overall, Manila Lotus Hotel offers great value for money with its excellent service, strategic location, and cozy accommodations. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Manila and would gladly stay here again.
FromSGD 31
8.3/10Very Good168 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
It was an enjoyable Christmas get together with the family. We did not expect such a big place for the occasion in the heart of the city.  There were 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms and toilets with a big living room and dining room and with kitchen accessories, with a stove and microwave  oven. It has a view of the Manila Bay. We will consider it for other future gatherings.
FromSGD 26
8.2/10Very Good59 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.14km from city center
Location perfect. Staff especially on front desk very helpful and nice. We are use and love orthopedic hard matrasses in the beds. During or stay they were very soft, we can understand some people may prfer that. It would be perfect if there was a choice in mattress. very big plus was the breakfast. for descent price it is well worth to purchase the breakfast coupons. Overall we where very pleased. See you soon!!!
FromSGD 35

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Swimming pool

8.5/10Very Good70 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|4.52km from city center
I had a great stay at Hotel Benilde. The location is very accessible, making it easy to get around the area. The staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, always ready to assist with a smile. The hotel itself was super clean, which made my stay even more comfortable. The only downside was the limited breakfast options, which is why I decided not to avail of it. Instead, I opted to eat at KFC, which is conveniently located right next to the hotel. Overall, I highly recommend Hotel Benilde for its excellent service, cleanliness, and prime location. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for a wider breakfast selection, you might want to explore nearby options.
FromSGD 49
7.1/1045 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.99km from city center
The location is absolutely unbeatable. There's a convenience store and a money exchange just a minute's walk away. While it might not be ideal for couples, it's perfect for solo travelers. You can even walk to Manila Bay, famous for one of the world's top three sunsets, in about five minutes.
FromSGD 23
8.7/10Very Good46 Reviews
City of Manila|0.41km from city center
My stay at Lido de Paris Hotel in Manila was a mix of convenience and areas that could use improvement. The location is definitely one of its strongest points — it’s close to major spots in Manila, making it easy to get around. The lobby and common areas have a classic, slightly vintage feel, which adds character. The room itself was decent, though it could benefit from some updates. The bed was comfortable enough for a short stay, but certain amenities felt a bit dated. Cleanliness was acceptable, though not exceptional. Staff were generally polite and helpful, especially at check‑in. One thing to note is that the surrounding area can be busy and noisy, especially at night, so it may not be ideal for light sleepers. Still, for travelers looking for an affordable stay in a central location, the hotel offers reasonable value.
FromSGD 54
8.2/10Very Good75 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.42km from city center
I recently stayed at the Miramar Hotel and had a wonderful experience! It is quite rare to find a hotel in this area of Manila that offers free onsite parking, which made our trip completely stress-free. The location is perfect, walking distance to the US Embassy and Manila Bay. The staff were incredibly friendly and responsive. Our room was clean, cozy, and well-maintained. If you need a reliable, budget-friendly hotel with secure parking, this is the place!”
FromSGD 26
7.3/1056 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|2.55km from city center
With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city's must-see destinations. Rizal Park, Manila Cathedral and National Museum are also within walking distance. RIZAL PARK, MANILA CHURCH, NATIONAL MUSEUM .. near at the hotel. low price and some kind ..
FromSGD 19

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Breakfast

7.7/10Good324 Reviews
Malate City of Manila|3.44km from city center
I will always keep them ahead in terms of the noise-free environment, beauty and cleanliness of the hotel, and their behavior was very friendly which impressed me, the most interesting thing is that they have a rooftop bar where you can relax and take in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the city, guests from different countries are present there with whom it is very enjoyable to spend private time.
FromSGD 6
8.5/10Very Good318 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.12km from city center
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. From check-in to check-out, the staff was welcoming, professional, and always ready to help. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with all the amenities I needed for a relaxing stay. The location was convenient, making it easy to access nearby attractions and restaurants. Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable experience, and I would gladly stay here again.
FromSGD 36
8/10Very Good120 Reviews
City of Manila|0.76km from city center
Location was super good. They have already smart tv so we were able to watch Youtube on down time but there's no Netflix account signed in, you have to have your own. The buffet on the first morning was chicken tocino and something that looked like a embutido but on the 2nd morning it was a nice glazed chicken and fish fillet in tausi sauce. Egg station is just the basic. They have some bread selection and salad/dessert. It was a good stay when going around the area and avoiding driving in traffic. 😊
FromSGD 36
8.4/10Very Good236 Reviews
Manila Bay City of Manila|3.51km from city center
We had a pleasant stay overall and truly appreciated the warm hospitality of the staff. Everyone was very nice, approachable, and accommodating. The food was good, and the facilities and amenities met our expectations. There were just a couple of minor concerns. Parking space for guests with cars is limited, and while there are parking options outside the property, these come with additional fees. We also experienced a small issue with the air conditioner one night, it was set to “cool” mode but felt like it was only blowing air, so we had to turn it off and on again to get it working properly. These were manageable concerns and did not significantly affect our experience. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, would recommend the place, and would gladly visit again.
FromSGD 28
9.3/10Great66 Reviews
City of Manila|1.26km from city center
The hotel is located in the Old Town, within the city walls, making it easy to reach all attractions with a 5-10 minute walk. It feels relatively safe. The breakfast isn't really suited for Chinese tastes. Right across the street, after passing through an underpass, there's a large shopping complex with plenty of dining and entertainment options. This is a four-star hotel, so the price isn't exactly cheap.
FromSGD 81

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FAQs about Banned Products in the Philippines

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Lily

Lily

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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