The Philippines is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top e-commerce hubs. With a booming online shopper base and a tech-savvy culture, shopping online has become part of daily life.
Whether you’re living here or just passing through, knowing where and how to shop online can save you time, money, and stress. This guide breaks down the top platforms, what they offer, and how to shop smart.
The Big 3: Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon
These are the leading online shopping platforms in the Philippines — each with its own perks:
Lazada: Reliable and Easy to Use
Lazada is a go-to for many Filipinos. It offers a massive range of products — from gadgets and fashion to groceries and home goods. What makes it stand out:
Secure payment options
Dependable delivery
Responsive customer support
Frequent flash sales and promos
It’s great if you want a smooth, all-in-one shopping experience.
Shopee: Budget-Friendly and Fun
Shopee is known for low prices and a mobile-first shopping experience. It adds a playful twist with:
Daily flash deals
Games and vouchers
Live streams from sellers
Flexible payment methods (including cash on delivery)
If you love hunting for deals or browsing on your phone, Shopee is a solid choice.
Amazon: For Hard-to-Find International Items
Amazon isn’t as popular locally but is available to Philippine shoppers. It’s best for:
Imported or rare products
Fast international shipping (especially with Prime)
A clean, familiar interface for global users
While it may not have as many local items, it’s perfect if you’re after global brands or niche products.
How to Choose the Best Platform
When deciding where to shop, consider:
Product availability: Do they have what you’re looking for?
Deals and discounts: Which platform offers the best value?
Payment options: Do they support GCash, cards, or cash on delivery?
Ease of use: Is the app or website easy to navigate?
Delivery: Can they ship quickly to your area?
Most shoppers use more than one site depending on what they need — and that’s totally fine.
Craving Convenience? Food Delivery in the Philippines Has You Covered
In the Philippines, food delivery has become just as common as online shopping. Whether you’re avoiding traffic, staying dry during the rainy season, or just feeling too cozy to cook, food delivery apps bring your favorite meals right to your doorstep.
Foodpanda: Fast, Simple, and Always Satisfying
Foodpanda is one of the country’s top food delivery apps — and for good reason. With just a few taps, you can:
Browse menus from both local favorites and big-name chains
Check real-time prices and estimated delivery times
Track your order from kitchen to doorstep
Enjoy regular promos and discount codes
It’s a great go-to for everyday cravings or trying something new in your neighborhood.
Other Food Delivery Options to Explore
While Foodpanda is popular, there are other strong contenders worth checking out:
GrabFood – Built into the Grab app, it’s fast, reliable, and often features exclusive deals.
Restaurant Apps – Chains like Jollibee, Shakey’s, and Mang Inasal have their own apps with direct delivery services.
Aggregators – Some apps combine menus from multiple restaurants, letting you compare options in one place.
What to Know Before You Order
Before tapping that “order now” button, consider:
Restaurant availability: Can the app deliver from your favorite spots nearby?
Delivery fees & minimum orders: These vary by platform — watch out for extra charges.
Payment options: Most apps accept GCash, credit/debit cards, or cash on delivery.
Promos & discounts: Look for flash deals or vouchers before checking out.
Service areas: Especially outside the city, always double-check if delivery is available in your exact location.
Enjoy Filipino Flavors — Without Leaving Home
From crispy lechon to sizzling sisig and savory pancit, food delivery makes it easy to enjoy classic Filipino dishes and new favorites alike. It’s comfort food and convenience wrapped in one.
Facebook Marketplace: Where Deals Meet Discovery
When it comes to secondhand treasures or budget finds, Facebook Marketplace is a local favorite. Built right into the Facebook app, it’s simple to use and familiar for most Filipinos.
Why People Love It
No separate app needed — browse right from Facebook
Easy messaging with sellers via Messenger
Great for budget-friendly, pre-loved items
Most listings are local — meaning no long shipping waits
Perfect for one-of-a-kind or vintage finds
Supports small local sellers and side hustles
Smart Tips for Buyers
To get the most out of Marketplace:
Use filters to sort by area, price, and category
Negotiate politely — it’s part of the culture for used items
Read descriptions carefully and ask for extra photos if needed
Meet in public places for safety, and bring a friend if possible
Check seller profiles to gauge trustworthiness and responsiveness
Buy Local, Buy Smart
Whether you’re furnishing a rental, hunting for unique décor, or just browsing for fun, Facebook Marketplace is full of hidden gems. It’s a practical and engaging way to explore what your community has to offer.
