What can you get with $100 in Philippines Pesos
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
The following guest blog post offers some insightful tips on what you can get with $100 in Philippine pesos.
Gem Muzones is the author of Travels with a Hobo (now defunct) and comes from the Philippines.
How much is $100 in Philippine pesos?
If you come from a western country, $100 in the Philippines can go a long way. However, the Philippine Peso (PHP) is far stronger than it was 10+ years ago and is growing everyday.
That said, don't underestimate how much $100 in Philippine pesos can get you and go crazy on buying designer merchandise.
Currency rates change daily, so you should only use the following information as an approximate indicator.
- $100 (US) = PHP 5,850
- £100 (GBP) = PHP 8,000
- €100 (EURO) = PHP 7,000
- $ 100 (CAD) = PHP 4,300*
*Source: www.xe.com (2026)
Now that we've done the basic conversion, let's get back to what you can get with $100 in Philippine pesos.
When planning an overseas trip, most of us will be keeping a tight eye on our finances.
As a traveler, more so as a budget traveler, it’s normal to want to get value for your money. But, you also want to ensure that you're getting the most out of your trip without coming home completely broke.
The good news about traveling to the Philippines is that you can easily do both things.
$100 may not seem that much, but in the Philippines it can go a long way. Here are 5 suggestions on how to spend your cash and have a great travel experience at the same time.
What can you get with $100 in Philippine pesos?
Spend it on a luxury hotel
For $100 in Philippine pesos, you can book yourself into a luxury hotel in the center of Metro Manila.
Relax in some of the best swimming pools, or get pampered in a luxury spa but for a fraction of the cost. Ideal for a weekend break or a romantic honeymoon, there are plenty of top hotels to choose from.
What's more, many luxury hotels in Manila have great views overlooking the city. It gives you the chance to enjoy the scene without having to experience the traffic.
Luxury Manila hotels
Check out hotels in Alabang like Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila or The Bellevue Manila.
Alternatively, The A. Venue Hotel and Armada Hotel in Metro Manila are other great choices in the city. Shop around to explore your best options.
Have a ball at the mall
What can you buy in the Philippines with $100? Well quite a lot especially if you love to shop.
It's hard to say no to a spot of retail therapy, a pastime that many Filipinos enjoy. So much is their love of shopping, they've even coined a term for it, ‘malling’.
It reinforces how much Filipinos love to go to the mall and also of course to shop.
Don't be scared to bargain
With seemingly endless shopping malls and markets, $100 in Philippine pesos can get plenty of bags for your buck.
Bargaining is also encouraged in local markets, so don’t be shy and try your hand at getting a good discount.
Shopping centers such as Greenhills and the market in Divisoria are places where you can find cheap, yet great finds.
Don't be surprised at how much you can buy here with $100 in Philippine pesos.
Map of the Philippines
Take a day trip
Get the most out of your trip to Manila by experiencing some of the Filipino culture on offer.
Take a day trip to the historic site in Intramuros and experience a ride on a horse-driven carriage known as a kalesa.
Alternatively, take in some gorgeous scenery in the elevated city of Tagaytay. See the mesmerizing Taal Volcano and the picturesque Pagsanjan Falls. With plenty of things to do in Tagaytay, it makes an ideal day trip from Manila.
If you’re on a budget and want to explore places beyond Manila, consider commuting by bus. It works out much cheaper than renting a car.
Visit hidden gems of the Philippines
If you’re feeling more adventurous, plan to explore the beaches that are a few hours away from Manila.
Zambales, Pampanga and Batangas have some hidden gems and are accessible from the capital. If you prefer some temporary escape from the heat, Baguio or Sagada offer plenty of breezy relief.
Much further afield, but totally worthwhile is the paradise island of Boracay. With plenty of attractions and award-winning beaches Boracay won't disappoint.
Eat $100 worth of Filipino food
Filipinos, in general, love nothing more than to eat.
And with different types of dining styles to try, you'll have a delicious time spending $100 in Philippine pesos.
Sit down at a local Filipino restaurant to sample a regional cuisine, try some street food or pig out at a buffet.
Whatever you choose, be prepared to eat like a king, or a queen, with $100 in the Philippines.
Stop by a food cart (or two)
Snack stands selling different types of merienda are easy to find. Try some of the local delicacies like rice cakes and turon (banana in spring roll wrapper and deep fried).
Other delicious Filipino desserts include banana cue (sugar-coated bananas) or camote cue (sugar-coated sweet potatoes).
Try the local street Filipino food
If savory foods appeal more to your palate, spend some of your $100 in Philippine pesos at the local food carts. They dish up classic Filipino street foods such as fish balls and fried calamari.
The sellers frequently go around every street in Manila, so if you see one, stop one.
Try a Filipino buffet
One popular way of dining are the buffet restaurants. A place where you can eat as much as you want for a low price, the variety of dishes is impressive.
With prices so reasonable at buffet restaurants, you can probably dine at least 10 times with $100. Places like Kamayan-Saisaki Dads will give you a true taste of everything ‘Pinoy’.
Tip: order like a tourist, but eat like a local and get one of everything.
Experience the nightlife
Manila has a great nightlife, particularly when it comes to partying and clubbing. With $100 in Philippine pesos in a city that never sleeps, it’s very easy to have a good time.
Reserve a private area in one of the capital's top nightclubs. Get table service with a bottle of your choice and dance the night away to the world's hottest DJs.
Some hot-spots include The Palace Manila, The Palace Pool Club, Revel, Black Market, and House Manila.
Make every dollar count
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or not, having a great experience doesn’t require much money in the Philippines.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes, the will to explore and plenty of energy. One hundred dollars can go a long way but how you choose to spend it is totally up to you.
Every dollar counts, so make the experience worthwhile.
Are you planning to visit Manila or the Philippines soon? Let me know in the comments below.
**prices correct at time of writing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Thanks for the suggestions! I am sending my cousins money from the US and wanted to see how far the dollar goes in the PI. Thanks again!
You're welcome! Glad you found the post useful 🙂
I can't wait to go, any advice on private tour guides?
Take a look at the links in the post, they're a good place to start 🙂
That's a cute list of things to do in Manila in 100$. If I am given a choice, I would go for staying in a relaxing hotel in downtown Manila. But yes, even trying different food options is a great idea. However, I would like to stick to the posh hotel idea.
That's a good idea! There are some great choices there
haha i am with you, The relaxing hotel sounds great
Wow, I loved the list of things to do under $100. I would love to stay in a luxury hotel and that too in the center of city - Manila. Also shopping in malls and bazaars would be on my top agenda, especially at Divisora. Good to know that nightlife is also under 100$ and clubbing will also not burn a hole in our wallet. Thanks for sharing all wonderful tips for Manila under $100.
You're welcome! The blogger who wrote this deserves the credit, I just published it for her 🙂
Oh Manila! lived here for 4 years after I graduated in college! Tons of shopping mall everywhere! And yes, $100 can go a long way especially in the cheap stalls and markets like Divisoria! I still love Manila and my shopping galore here tho I just recently broke up with it lol
I never actually made it to Divisoria when I was there, but do remember Greenhills! It was a lot of fun and I bought too much stuff!
Money definitely goes a long way in the Philippines! I love eating as much Filipino food as I can while I’m there. I need to check out the party scene too!
I don't know much about the party scene there, but yes, your money goes a long way there!
I definitely reckon I could spend $100 in all the shops and food markets there! Those Turon's looks fantastic!
I think we could all spend it well there!
Seems like $100 stretches so far there. I would totally book myself into a posh hotel and treat myself to a spa haha. Either that or i would eat eat and eat more. Thanks for sharing this post.
I think you would have a lot of nice things to spend $100 on!
So in short, I need to go to Manila! Wow $100 goes a long way and it all seems to be right up my alley - shopping, food, luxury:-) Going to look into Manila more, thank you!
Yes you do Shannon! It's a lot cheaper than Bangkok too and with just as many shops 😀
Can't wait to visit Manila and the Philippines and I very much like the sounds of $100 luxury hotels! 🙂
Great to read Mike! Hope you have a luxury experience there.
That's a pretty nice hotel! I love it when they have couches! But, I'd probably spend my $100 shopping!
It's one city where $100 will go far!
Love places where the spending money goes a long way and it sounds like Manila fits the bill. We don't do the luxury thing to often, so going to a place like Manila allows us to spoil ourselves. And that food, it looks so delicious. Adding Manila higher on the bucket list.
Cool! That's nice to read, and yes, the food looks pretty good!
Oh absolutely, $100 in the Philippines can go such a long way. I love the idea of splurging in a luxury hotel room in a place where the $$$ has a lot of buying power. Thanks for the hotel recommendations – I’m thinking of The Bellevue Manila 🙂
It's a great choice, and I think you'll enjoy your stay at the Bellevue!
Manila is one of my favorite Asian cities. It helps that it is a very affordable city for a budget conscious brown traveler like me. The street food of Manila is something I always crave for - especially the street side barbecues offering delights like the lechon and the sisig. Thanks for reminding me of those good times.
You're welcome! I can imagine the street food is very good there, will have to try some if I ever go back!
Wow I would love to visit Manila, it sounds like such an incredible town! And food must be delicious over there! I would be probably spending the 100$ on food... I heard the food is amazing over there.
I think you could eat a lot for $100! And plenty of activities there to work it off too 🙂
A lot of my friends have been traveling to the Philippines and I have heard about how our dollar goes a loooonnnggg way over there ahahaha! That alone itself has made this trip there come sooner than I thought! I will be getting a luxury hotel and eating the entire time!
That sounds like an excellent plan! I hope you get to fulfill it one day 😀 x
Yes! I will be spending my $100 on FOOD in the Philippines! It all sounds so delicious. Thank you for the specific ideas and the range of options for activities as well. Now I have to add to my bucket list. haha
Haha, good to read! I think you'll get a lot of food for $100, so enjoy it!
As a low-budget traveller 100$ in Manila would last three days for me but why go crazy and live in the luxury for a day with that 100$! Checking in a luxury hotel for a night doesnt sound that bad at all particular if you back pack and live most of the time in a stinking dorm in a hostel!
You need a little luxury every now and then! And the money will go far here I'm sure 🙂
Money goes much further in most Southeast Asian countries as compared to Europe and I love that! Also, they haggle 🙂 I am travelling to the Philippines in 2 weeks and although I won't be spending much time in Manila, I can't wait to get there and shop! I did, however, find the hotels slightly more expensive in the Philippines as compared to some other countries such as Indonesia. But it's good to know that you CAN get a luxurious hotel stay in just $100, that too in the capital.
Cool, have a wonderful time! I'm sure you'll find some luxury places in the country. Manila is good for shopping, so hopefully you'll get some bargains while there!
I guess I will stay in a nice place, like the place you showed in your blog. Would be interesting! Metro Manila seems interesting to me, I won't mind staying in a luxury hotel there.
You won't be disappointed, they hotels are very nice!
If I visit here and I've got this $100 to spend... I'll prefer going on a day trip than just shopping. I would make more memories from the day trip that'll last me a lifetime. Thank you for the cost breakdown / suggestions.
You're welcome! I think your money will go a long way here on making lasting memories too.
Manila is super cheap, even with the weak pound today! I don't remember one expensive thing about the city, hotels, food, taxis, nightlife etc.. I've never been to the markets, so must check those out next time. When you move out of the city it gets even cheaper too, I've had lots of fun in the Philippines!
That's great to hear! I've been before and remember thinking how cheap everything was. From the food to accommodation and nightlife, everything! I wonder if it's still the same now!
It's good to know that you can find a luxury hotel in Manila for only $100. I am used to the prices in London, and $100 here don't go that much when it comes to accommodation. If I'd have 100$ spare to spend in Manila I would probably use it to try as many different culinary delights as possible.
It's definitely that kind of place where $100 goes a long way, and yes, you'll more than likely get a luxury room too 😀
Reading this gives me the perfect bucket list for a trip to Manila. I can have a dose of every activities listed here from the hotel to the market, I'm that greedy. If I'm to spend $100 in Manila, it would be on Manila's beaches! They are too beautiful to pass by. And I like the way Gem writes, I'd head over to her blog to get more of Manila.
That's great to read Kathy! I think $100 would go a long way in Manila. Gem will be happy to know that you're checking out her blog!
I'm in America and my sister is in the Philippines and she's turning 21 in December is $100 enough for her and her friends to enjoy her special day?
Hi John, I think that's a good amount to spend there. From the looks of Manila, $100 can get you a long way!
I clearly need to go back to The Philippines! I only did a layover in Manilla, but def want to see more of it! Hmmm....i'm a bit torn between spending it at the shopping malls and markets or doing the luxury hotel with spa! Great post, I really like how you can get your value for money!
Oh yes, it's really that kind of destination where you'll have no problem filling up your pockets! Also, the luxury hotels there are really luxury, and you won't leave penniless 😀
Haha that is one hell of a lot of food for $100! Can't wait to visit Manila and this guide is a great insight for those planning a trip. Thanks for the advise and sharing this!
You're welcome Katie! I can't imagine spending that much money on food, but I guess everything's possible 😀
It seems like $100 can go a long way in Manila! I would love to see a post about spending only $100 a day, just to see how far you can stretch it. I haven't visited the Philippines yet, but it's definitely on the list! Will be sure to make a stop in the capital when I go. Also the photo of the turon looks sooo good!
Thanks Kim, I think you're right! $100 can go a long way in Manila, as long as you know where, and how to spend it!
Interesting things you can do for a $100 in Manila. On my last visit I did spend it at bars and restaurants, the fancy ones are quite expensive. Finally someone that enjoys the local food of The Philippines!
I think the cuisine there is an acquired taste given the Spanish and Asian fusion of flavours! Yes, you're right about the cost, I too was surprised, but happy that their economy is getting better 🙂
Wow, you can definitely get a lot for your money there! I can't believe that gorgeous hotel room is $100! It looks so luxurious!
I've never been there, but you're right, it looks pretty lush! Thanks for commenting.
This is fabulous! It's a toss-up for me between the luxury hotel or shopping! I LOVE shopping at markets because it's an adventure in itself and I love scoring good deals on fun items to bring home. We did a few markets in Hong Kong several years ago that were a blast. I'm curious how the ones in Manila compare.
I totally agree with you, markets are more my cup of tea than large shopping malls. I too went shopping in Hong Kong years ago, and came home with so many bargains!
Although I have been to some countries in Asia, the Philippines is not one I have visited yet but have always wanted to. This post just shows yet another reason why I will travel there soon. Aside from the beauty that I have seen in photos of the Philippines, who doesn't love a bargain. Enjoying value for money while exploring a city like Manila before heading out to see the rest of the country sounds like a great idea to me!
Thanks Nicole, Manila is certainly one place where you can get a bargain, but the islands are way better for first-time explorers. You'll have (hopefully) a beautiful time 🙂
This is really interesting and helpful as I will be going to and staying in Manila for a while so thanks for a very interesting and helpful article. I cannot wait as it looks amazing!
Ah wow, this will be very useful for you then, enjoy it there!
$100 can definitely go a long way in Manila! I love to shop in markets where bargaining is allowed. It's so vibrant! I also enjoy street food and I think you can definitely get your money's worth (with change) with one hundred bucks.
Thanks Suzanne, I'm sure you're right. I wouldn't mind having $100 bucks to freely spend there right now!
I would love to spend dollar 100 on nightclubs. Especially in Manilla. I won't mind spoiling myself with a bit luxury too. Thank you for this blog
Thanks Swati, enjoy yourself while you're out there!