TL;DR: Most travel essentials you forget — sunscreen, dry bags, water shoes, snorkel masks, chargers, basic medicines and SIM cards — can be bought in El Nido town, but expect higher prices and limited brand choice, so bring specialist items like prescription medicine and reef-safe sunscreen from home.
Packing for a tropical island trip almost always ends with something left on the bed at home. The good news is that El Nido’s town proper has grown into a busy tourist hub with pharmacies, convenience stores, souvenir shops, dive shops and a public market. This guide focuses on replacing forgotten essentials specifically for travellers who have already arrived in El Nido and need a quick fix before their next boat tour.
The unique angle: instead of a packing list, this is a “recovery list” — what you can realistically buy on the ground, where to look, and what is better brought from home. Prices and stock change often, so treat ranges as rough guides and check a couple of shops before buying.
Where to Shop in El Nido Town
Most shopping happens within walking distance in the Poblacion area, along Rizal Street, Calle Hama, Serena Street and the streets around the public market. Broadly, you will find:
- Convenience and grocery stores for toiletries, snacks, water and basic electronics.
- Pharmacies for over-the-counter medicines and first-aid supplies; see our first aid and pharmacy guide.
- Souvenir and beachwear shops for hats, sarongs, dry bags and flip-flops.
- Dive and tour shops for masks, fins and rash guards.
- Sari-sari stores for small-pack items and mobile load; our sari-sari store guide explains how they work.
If you are staying out in Corong-Corong, Lio or Nacpan, selection is smaller, so stock up in town. Shops generally open from mid-morning until evening, while pharmacies and convenience stores keep longer hours. Early-morning boat tours often leave before many small shops open, so buy what you need the evening before rather than counting on a quick stop on the way to the pier.
Quick Reference Table: What to Buy vs Bring
| Item | Easy to find in town? | Typical quality | Better to bring from home? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular sunscreen | Yes | Good, mainstream brands | No, unless you need reef-safe or sensitive-skin formulas |
| Dry bags | Yes | Basic to fair | Optional |
| Water shoes | Yes | Basic | If you have unusual sizes |
| Snorkel mask | Yes | Basic to fair | If you need a prescription lens |
| Phone charger/cable | Yes | Variable | For laptops and specialty chargers |
| Prescription medicine | Limited | Depends | Yes, always |
The 10 Things You Can Buy in El Nido
1. Sunscreen and after-sun
Pharmacies and convenience stores stock mainstream sunscreen and aloe gels. Prices are generally higher than in Manila or at home. Reef-friendly mineral sunscreens are available in some shops but stock is inconsistent; our reef-safe sunscreen guide explains what to look for on the label.
2. Dry bags and phone pouches
Souvenir shops and tour kiosks sell dry bags in several sizes along with waterproof phone pouches. Quality varies, so check the roll-top seal and test the pouch with tissue paper in a sink before trusting it with your phone.
3. Water shoes and flip-flops
Flip-flops are everywhere, and many beachwear shops sell basic water shoes, which are useful for rocky lagoon entrances and coral rubble. Larger sizes can be harder to find. Compare options in our water shoes vs sandals guide.
4. Snorkel masks
Tour operators usually include or rent masks, but hygiene and fit vary. Dive shops and some souvenir stores sell masks and snorkels so you can have your own. If you wear glasses, a prescription mask is best sourced before your trip.
5. Rash guards and swimwear
Beachwear shops carry swimsuits, board shorts and rash guards, mostly in standard sizes and popular styles. A long-sleeve rash guard is a smart buy if you burned on your first tour. It protects your back and shoulders during long snorkelling sessions, when sunscreen tends to wash off fastest, and it doubles as a light layer against jellyfish brushes. Try items on where possible, since sizing on locally sold swimwear can run small compared with Western brands.
6. Phone chargers and power banks
Electronics stalls and convenience stores sell USB cables, wall adapters and power banks. Check the rated capacity and buy from a shop that will test it in front of you. Very cheap power banks often deliver far less than the printed capacity, and occasional brownouts mean a reliable one is worth paying a little more for. The Philippines commonly uses Type A/B/C sockets at 220V; see our power and plugs guide.
7. Basic medicines and first-aid
Pharmacies carry common pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea tablets, oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, plasters and antiseptic. Some medicines require a prescription in the Philippines, so bring your own regular medication and a copy of your prescription. Our guide to bringing medication has details.
8. Toiletries and insect repellent
Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and insect repellent are easy to find, often in sachets or small bottles that suit short stays. Repellents with DEET or picaridin are sold in some pharmacies and larger stores.
9. SIM cards and load
Local SIMs from major networks and prepaid load are sold in convenience stores and sari-sari shops. SIM registration rules in the Philippines require ID, so bring your passport. Coverage differs by area; our Globe vs Smart vs DITO comparison explains which network works where.
10. Hats, sunglasses and sarongs
Straw hats, caps, cheap sunglasses and sarongs are sold all over town. Budget sunglasses may not offer proper UV protection, so look for a UV400 label or bring a quality pair from home. Polarised lenses make a noticeable difference on boat days, cutting glare off the water so you can see reef colours from the deck. A sarong is one of the most versatile buys in town: it works as a beach towel, a cover-up for walking into restaurants, a sun shield on the boat and even a light blanket on a cold van ride.
Prices, Payment and Smart Shopping Tips
Because most goods arrive in El Nido by road from Puerto Princesa, prices for branded and imported items are usually higher than in Manila or Puerto Princesa itself. Local products, snacks and basic toiletries tend to be reasonably priced, while electronics, branded sunscreen and quality snorkel gear carry the biggest mark-ups. A few habits help you avoid overpaying:
- Compare two or three shops on the same street before buying; prices for identical items can differ.
- Buy in larger towns if possible. If you are arriving via Puerto Princesa, the city’s malls and supermarkets have wider selection and lower prices than El Nido.
- Carry small bills. Many small shops are cash-only and may struggle to break large notes. ATMs in town can run out of cash or go offline at busy times; see our ATM and cash guide.
- Use e-wallets where accepted. Larger stores and some shops accept QR payments such as GCash; our GCash guide explains how visitors can use it.
- Ask your tour operator first. Many tours include masks, life jackets and dry bags, so check before buying gear you may only use once.
What You Should Always Bring From Home
Some items are either hard to find in El Nido or too important to leave to chance. Pack these before you fly:
- Prescription medication in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription and enough for your full stay plus a few extra days in case of weather delays.
- Prescription glasses, contact lenses and solution, and a prescription snorkel mask if you need one.
- Specialist sunscreen for sensitive skin or strict reef-safe requirements.
- Laptop chargers and camera batteries, which are rarely stocked locally.
- Travel insurance documents and emergency contact details saved offline.
- Feminine hygiene products of a specific brand; basic options are available, but choice is limited.
Before you travel, check health recommendations for the Philippines on the CDC Travelers’ Health page, SIM registration requirements from the National Telecommunications Commission, and general visitor information from the Department of Tourism. If you are planning to self-cater, our grocery and self-catering guide covers where to buy food and drinks in town.
Key Takeaways
- Most everyday essentials can be bought in El Nido town, mainly around the Poblacion streets and public market.
- Expect higher prices and fewer brands than in Manila or at home.
- Always bring prescription medicines, prescription masks and specialist sunscreen from home.
- Test dry bags and phone pouches before your first boat tour.
- Stock up in town if you are staying in Corong-Corong, Lio or Nacpan, where shops are fewer.
FAQ
Can I buy sunscreen in El Nido?
Yes. Pharmacies and convenience stores sell mainstream sunscreen brands. Reef-safe mineral options are available in some shops, but stock varies, so bring your preferred formula if it matters to you.
Is there a pharmacy in El Nido town?
Yes, there are several pharmacies in El Nido town selling over-the-counter medicines and first-aid supplies. Some medicines require a local prescription.
Can I buy a dry bag in El Nido?
Yes, dry bags and waterproof phone pouches are sold at souvenir shops and tour kiosks around town. Check seams and seals before use.
Where can I buy a SIM card in El Nido?
Prepaid SIM cards and load are available at convenience stores and many small shops in town. Bring your passport for SIM registration.
Are things more expensive in El Nido?
Generally yes. Because goods are transported from Puerto Princesa or Manila, many imported or branded items cost more than in larger cities.
About the Author
This guide was compiled by the El Nido Hotels Ranking editorial team, with input from local operators and ongoing on-the-ground updates.
