The Ber months have arrived, bringing with them the excitement of reunions, festive celebrations, and long-awaited getaways. It’s the time of year when families come together, friends reconnect, and many Filipinos look forward to a well-deserved break after a busy year. According to Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar Survey[1], December is the busiest month for both domestic and overseas leisure travel for Filipinos, accounting for 36% and 20% respectively of trips as people take the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with loved ones.
In fact, more Filipinos travel during December than the regional Asia Pacific average, with only 22% across Asia Pacific traveling domestically and only 20% traveling internationally during December.
As travel picks up, the survey also showed
that more Filipinos are paying closer attention to how they manage their
journeys. Beyond choosing destinations, they are looking at how they spend—from
using cards to making the most out of digital options like QR codes. The goal is
simple: to travel with ease, enjoy more, and worry less.
To get the best out of the season, here are
Visa’s smart spending moves for a worry-free Ber month getaway:
Swipe
Smart, Travel Smart
According to Visa’s survey, nearly half of
Filipino travelers (49%) prefer credit cards when abroad, thanks to their wide
acceptance and security. Beyond peace of mind, you can also enjoy rewards,
promos, and installment offers, stretching your holiday budget further.
Use your Visa card for big-ticket expenses
like flights, hotels, and shopping. This holiday season, putting your purchases
on your Visa card also means less time worrying about carrying large amounts of
cash and more time enjoying the moments that matter. From exclusive perks to
purchase protection, your card acts as both a payment tool and a travel
companion.
Don’t
Fumble for Change—Just Scan
More than half of Filipinos, or 59%, know they
can now use QR code payments abroad. With Visa-enabled e-wallets and banking
apps, paying for travel purchases becomes faster, safer, and more convenient.
From grabbing coffee in Seoul to buying pasalubong
in Singapore, a quick scan saves you from handling loose change.
Beyond convenience, it’s also a way to keep up
with how payments are evolving globally. More destinations are embracing QR
payments for their speed and simplicity, allowing travelers to move with
confidence through crowded shops, bustling markets, and festive holiday events.
Plan
Your Budget and Track Your Spending
The top overseas destinations for Filipinos
are Japan (37%), followed by Singapore (20%), and South Korea and Hong Kong
(19% each). Each of these hotspots has its own spending patterns – from
essentials like transport passes and convenience stores, to shopping and dining
experiences.
A simple way to stay on track is to plan your
budget per destination before flying out. Allocate a portion of your holiday
funds for each stop, and use your Visa card to cover the essentials like
transport, meals, and must-have purchases. This helps you track your spending
through your card’s purchase records and see if you still have extra funds for
other finds, whether that’s anime collectibles in Tokyo, skincare in Seoul, or pasalubong from Hong Kong.
Prioritize
Moments, Not Money Worries
For many Filipinos, traveling during the Ber
months is more than just sightseeing, but a chance to reunite with family and
friends, take a well-deserved break, and seek thrill and enjoyment. In fact,
43% of Filipinos say visiting loved ones is their top reason for traveling
overseas, while 29% say they travel for relaxation. Close to a third, or 28%,
of Filipinos travel to visit a theme park – the highest in the region. With
Visa’s secure and widely accepted payment options, you can focus on the joy of
these reunions and festivities without the added stress of managing how to pay.
When you no longer have to think about
juggling cash or complicated payments, you can be more present in the moments
that truly matter. That’s what the Ber months are all about – spending less
energy on logistics and more on the connections that make the season special.
“Filipinos are becoming more intentional about
how they travel, not only in where they go but in how they pay,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for
Visa in the Philippines. “This holiday season, Visa is here to make every
trip simpler and more secure, so travelers can spend with confidence and focus
on making memories that matter most.”
The Ber months are a reminder that travel and
spending are not just about transactions, but about the experiences they
enable. From long-awaited reunions to simple moments of joy, this season is a
chance to pause and celebrate what matters most. With Visa, Filipinos can step
into these occasions with confidence, knowing their payments are secure and
seamless—leaving them free to enjoy the season’s celebrations with ease.
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