Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water. Guides with first-aid training are usually provided in a tour package. The plains, covered with gray ash that reflects sunlight, can make a warm day hotter. Bring plenty of bottled water. Since fine dust can seep in and cause discomfort, some tour agencies provide heavy-duty masking tape to wrap around the ends of socks or shoes.
Some trekkers prefer strap sandals due to the brook crossings.
The peso, currently around 49-50 to the dollar. Most foreign currencies are easily exchanged at banks, hotels and the authorized foreign exchange dealers that abound in Manila tourist areas and Angeles. Elsewhere, the peso is preferred, especially by small businesses. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants.