Skip to main content
Greenhills Shopping Center pearl market

Philippines Shopping & Markets Guide

Where to buy pearls, dried mangoes, barong, and unique Filipino souvenirs.

Written by Nisha Chaudhary — Asia Travel Specialist
Reviewed by Namrata Sethi · Asia Travel Reviewer
Last updated after reviewing:
  • South Sea pearl quality and pricing (Palawan)
  • SM Supermall operating hours and VAT refund rules
  • Greenhills bargaining norms (2026)
Fact-checked April 2026

Last updated: April 2026

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Philippines
Authentic, high-quality, and affordable – perfect for family and friends back in India.

South Sea Pearls (Palawan)

World‑renowned gold and white pearls from Palawan. Best bought at Greenhills Shopping Center (Manila) or in Puerto Princesa. Look for luster, surface smoothness. A 9‑10mm pearl strand costs PHP 3,000–15,000 depending on grade.

Dried Mangoes (Cebu, Davao)

Sweet, chewy, addictive. Brands: 7D, Philippine Brand, Profood. Available in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and airport. A 200g pack costs PHP 150–250.

Barong Tagalog

Traditional embroidered formal shirt made from piña (pineapple fiber), jusi, or cotton. Kultura Filipino (SM Malls) has affordable options (PHP 800–3,000). Hand‑woven ones cost more.

Jeepney Replicas & Magnets

Colourful mini jeepney toys, keychains, and magnets. Fun, cheap, and uniquely Filipino. PHP 50–200.

Polvoron & Otap

Polvoron: crumbly milk powder candy (Goldilocks, 7D). Otap: flaky Cebu cookie. Lightweight, perfect for office gifts. PHP 100–300 per box.

Abaca & Rattan Products

Bags, mats, hats, home decor – sustainable and durable. Best from Bicol or Catanduanes, but available in Kultura Filipino and souvenir shops.

Top Shopping Destinations: Markets & Malls

Greenhills Shopping Center (San Juan, Manila)

Best for: Pearls, electronics, clothes, souvenirs. Famous for South Sea pearls. Bargain hard – start at 50% of asking price. Open daily 10 AM – 9 PM.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA, Pasay)

One of Asia’s largest malls. Kultura Filipino section for quality souvenirs. Department store for clothes. Hypermarket for dried mangoes and snacks.

Quiapo Market (Manila)

Bustling street market – religious items, fabrics, local finds. Caution: pickpockets common. Bargain aggressively. Best for authentic local experience.

Salcedo Saturday Market (Makati)

Upscale weekend market – organic produce, artisan crafts, gourmet food. When: Saturdays 7 AM – 2 PM. Less bargaining, higher quality.

Night Markets (BGC, Pasay, Cebu)

Food, clothes, accessories. BGC Weekend Market (Fridays–Sundays). Cebu IT Park Night Market. Great for cheap eats and casual shopping.

Bargaining & Payment Tips

Where to Bargain

  • Yes (bargain): Greenhills, Quiapo, street markets, souvenir stalls, tiangge.
  • No (fixed price): SM Malls, Ayala Malls, Robinsons, Kultura Filipino, supermarkets, airports.
  • Rule of thumb: Start at 50–60% of asking price. Be polite and walk away if too high – often they call you back.

Payment Methods

  • Cash (PHP): Preferred at markets, smaller shops.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Accepted in malls and larger stores. Visa/Mastercard.
  • GCash/Maya: Local e‑wallets – not practical for tourists without local SIM registration.
  • UPI not available.

Currency tip: Withdraw PHP from ATMs (BPI, BDO, Metrobank) or exchange USD at moneychangers.

VAT Refund for Tourists
  • Philippines has a VAT refund program for tourists.
  • Minimum purchase per receipt: PHP 3,000 (approx. ₹4,500) from accredited stores.
  • Look for “VAT Refund” stickers or ask the cashier.
  • Keep receipts and goods in original packaging.
  • Claim at the airport (NAIA Terminal 1, 2, or 3) before check‑in – present goods, receipts, passport, and boarding pass.
  • Refund is usually 8–10% of the purchase value (VAT is 12%, fees deducted).
  • Note: Not all stores participate. Kultura Filipino, SM Department Store, and some luxury boutiques do.
Frequently Asked Questions – Philippines Shopping
1Are pearls from Greenhills real?
Yes, many stalls sell genuine South Sea pearls. However, some sell simulated or lower‑grade pearls. Ask for a certificate of authenticity for expensive pieces. Learn to distinguish by rubbing two pearls together – real pearls feel gritty.
2What is the best mall for souvenirs in Manila?
SM Mall of Asia (Kultura Filipino) and SM Megamall (Kultura) have the widest selection of quality souvenirs – dried mangoes, barong, abaca products, home decor.
3Can I use Indian debit cards for shopping?
Yes, but inform your bank before travel. International transaction fees apply (typically 3–5%). Use credit cards with zero forex markup if possible.
4Where can I buy genuine abaca products?
Kultura Filipino (SM Malls) and Balai Kamay (online or physical store in Quezon City). For authentic Bicol products, buy direct from Bicol but limited to Manila shops.
5Is there a duty-free shopping option in Manila?
Yes – Duty Free Philippines (NAIA Terminal 3 and Fiestamall, Parañaque). Good for liquor, perfumes, chocolates, and some local goods. Prices are tax‑free for international departing passengers.
6What is the price of a good barong tagalog?
Cotton barong: PHP 500–1,500. Jusi (synthetic): PHP 1,500–3,000. Piña (hand‑woven pineapple fiber): PHP 5,000–20,000. Kultura Filipino has mid‑range options.

Plan your Philippines trip with confidence: Read the Complete Philippines Travel Guide for visa, costs, and itineraries.

Also check: Trip Cost | 7-Day Itinerary | Food Guide

Get a Philippines Shopping Tour Package →

Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and subject to change. Always check VAT refund eligibility and bargaining norms at the time of visit. Authenticity of pearls is not guaranteed unless purchased from reputable stores with certificates.

More Travel Guides

Explore Other Destinations

View All Guides →

Plan Your Shopping-Focused Philippines Trip

Tell us what you want to buy – we’ll take you to the best markets and malls.

Pearls, barong, dried mangoes – with baggage allowance advice.

Enquire About This Package