Travel smarter this ‘Ber’ season with Visa’s holiday spending tips

Insider Spotlight

• December remains the peak month for Filipino holiday travel
• Filipinos travel more in December than the Asia-Pacific average
• 49% prefer credit cards abroad for security, rewards, and perks
• 59% embrace QR code payments for fast, cashless convenience
• Visa highlights that smart spending leads to stress-free holidays
  

The “Ber months”—September through December—signal the Philippines’ busiest and most festive time of year. From reunions and family gatherings to long-awaited vacations, December stands out as the ultimate travel month. 

Visa’s Green Shoots Radar Survey confirms this, showing 36 percent of Filipinos plan domestic trips and 20 percent head abroad during this period—figures higher than Asia-Pacific averages.

This matters because, while travel demand surges, so does the need for smarter money management. For Filipinos, ensuring that payments are seamless and secure is no longer just a convenience—it’s an essential part of enjoying stress-free holidays.

Why it matters

Filipinos don’t just travel to see new places—they travel to reconnect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and make lasting memories. With 43 percent citing reunions as their main reason to go abroad, and nearly a third heading to theme parks (the highest in Asia-Pacific), the stakes are high. 

Add the seasonal rush, higher costs, and potential payment hassles, and the difference between a joyful holiday and a stressful one can often come down to how travelers manage their money.

Visa underscores that smart payment choices mean less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on the moments that count. This is particularly relevant in destinations like Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong—top favorites for Filipinos—where efficient, cashless options are already the norm.

Smart moves for travelers

• Swipe smart, Travel Smart:  Nearly half of Filipino travelers (49 percent) choose credit cards when abroad. Beyond global acceptance and security, credit cards offer rewards, promos, and installment plans that stretch budgets further. “Filipinos are becoming more intentional about how they travel, not only in where they go but in how they pay,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s country manager for the Philippines.
  
  
• Don’t fumble for change—just scan: With 59 percent aware they can use QR codes abroad, digital payments are reshaping how Filipinos move. From Seoul’s cafés to Singapore’s street markets, QR codes eliminate the hassle of handling small change while offering a faster, safer way to pay.
  
  
• Plan your budget and track your spending: Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong each come with unique spending habits, from transport passes to shopping splurges. Budgeting per destination and tracking through your Visa card allows travelers to stay disciplined, avoid overspending, and still enjoy must-have buys like anime collectibles, skincare, or pasalubong.
  
  
• Prioritize moments, not money worries: The holidays are about connection, not calculation. Whether it’s family reunions or theme park adventures, secure and seamless payments let travelers stay present. With Visa’s protection and perks, you can worry less about carrying cash and focus on what truly matters.

The bottom line

The Ber months highlight how Filipinos value experiences over transactions. Travel is about celebrating relationships, relaxation, and joy—and payment tools play a key role in unlocking those moments. 

Visa’s message is clear: when Filipinos spend smarter, they travel freer. This holiday season, peace of mind at the checkout counter means more time for memories that last a lifetime. – Ed. Princess Daisy C. Ominga