10 Funny Signs You Are a Filipino Traveller

Travelling is one of the best ways to experience the world, meet new people, and discover different cultures. Yet no matter where we go, there are habits that make us instantly recognisable as Filipino travellers. From bringing home pasalubong to overpacking our suitcases, these quirks are part of what makes us unique.

Also read: Say What?! 15 Unpopular Opinions About Travelling

If you have ever caught yourself doing any of these things on your trips, then you are definitely a certified Pinoy traveller.

1. You can always recognise another Filipino

Image credit: SAnja 85 | Canva Pro

It does not matter if you are in a busy airport in Singapore or a café in Europe, Filipinos can spot each other quickly. Sometimes it is in the accent, sometimes in the way we smile. A simple “Kabayan!” often turns into a friendly chat, and yes, many of us have tried to score extra perks by connecting with a fellow Filipino abroad.

2. Prices are always converted to pesos

Image credit:Angie Reyes | Pexels

One of the most common Filipino traveller habits is converting everything into Philippine pesos. A shirt that costs 25 US dollars? That is around 1,400 pesos. A bowl of ramen in Japan for 1,200 yen? That is about 450 pesos. It is like having a calculator in our heads, making sure we know whether something is sulit or not.

3. Pasalubong shopping is non-negotiable

Image credit:Pattanaphong Khuankaew | Canva Pro

No trip is complete without pasalubong. From keychains and magnets to chocolates and local delicacies, half of our luggage is often filled with gifts for family, friends, or even neighbours. Sometimes it feels like the real purpose of travelling is to shop for everyone else back home.

4. Every moment deserves a selfie or a groufie

Image credit:Jovanmandic | Canva Pro

Filipinos love taking photos, and that is an understatement. Whether it is a famous landmark, a meal in a trendy restaurant, or even the airport departure gate, everything is worth a selfie. When travelling with friends or family, it quickly turns into a groufie. For Pinoys, no experience is complete without photos to share online.

5. Hotel freebies never go to waste

Image credit: NeonJellyfish | Canva Pro

From slippers and toothbrushes to shampoo bottles and stationery, if it is free in the hotel room, you can be sure a Filipino will take it home. We may not always use them, but it is too tempting to leave anything behind. After all, they are part of the travel experience.

6. Rice is always part of the meal

Image credit: Jobrestful | Canva Pro

Filipinos can enjoy pasta in Italy or croissants in Paris, but deep down, many will still look for rice. Rice is life, and a meal without it feels incomplete. At international buffets, it is common to see Pinoys heading straight for the rice station before checking out anything else.

7. Buffets are always maximised

Image credit: The Peninsula Manila Official Facebook Page

Filipinos have a soft spot for buffets. It is not only about variety, but also about making sure we get the full value of what we paid for. If the hotel includes a buffet breakfast, you can bet we will be there early, filling our plates again and again so nothing goes to waste.

8. Overpacking is the standard

Image credit: Boyko Blagoev | Flickr

Three-day trip? Clothes for a week. Weekend getaway? Two full suitcases. Filipino travellers are famous for overpacking, often bringing items that never get used. From extra shoes to outfits for every occasion, we like to be ready for anything. And of course, we need extra space for all the pasalubong we plan to buy.

9. Tagalog slips into conversations

Even when speaking English abroad, many Filipinos cannot help but add Tagalog expressions. Words like “grabe,” “di ba,” or “ano kasi” sneak into conversations naturally. It is one of those small quirks that makes us recognisably Filipino no matter how fluent our English may be.

10. Seat sale hunting is a way of life

Image credit: Canva Pro

When airlines announce seat sales, Filipinos are always the first to jump online. Piso fares and promo flights make travelling affordable, and it is why many Filipinos have been able to explore both local and international destinations. We are always ready to plan our next adventure the moment a deal appears.

Also read: 10 Funny Habits Pinoy Travellers Can’t Let Go Of

Final thoughts

Image credit: guvendemir | Canva Pro

Being a Filipino traveller is more than just going on holiday. It is about carrying a piece of home wherever we go. From our love of pasalubong to our obsession with rice, these habits may be funny, but they show our values too. We are thoughtful, resourceful, and always ready to share experiences with the people we love.

So if you find yourself abroad doing any of these things, do not worry. It simply means you are a true Filipino traveller, and that is something to be proud of.