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Entry regulations |
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Valid passport. Except for stateless
persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no
diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without
visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward
journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan Passports must have special
permits. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine
Embassies and Consulates. |
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Currency
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Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100
centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000.
Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10. Money changers will be able to
give you the official guiding rates and are located at the airport,
local banks, and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in
commercial establishments. |
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Climate |
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March to May is hot and dry. June to
October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures:
78oF/25oC to 90oF/32oC; humidity: 77%. |
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Language |
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| Tagalog is the
national language. English is the business language and spoken
widely. Approximately 111 languages and dialects are spoken in the
country. |
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Timezone |
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| GMT + 8 hours. |
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Eletricity |
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| 220 volts, A.C. 60
cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets. |
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Water |
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| Water in Metro Manila
and in key cities and towns is potable and safe for drinking.
Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts,
supermarkets, and convenience stores. |
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Airport facilities |
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| The international
airports have adequate traveler facilities: tourist information &
assistance counters, hotel & travel agency representatives, banks &
ATMs, postal service, telephone booths, and medical clinics, among
others. Baggage carts and porter services are available for free. |
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| The airports are
handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the
airline ground staff. |
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Airport fees |
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| P750 for
international departure and P100 for local departure (paid in
Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for international
destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist
information counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) the departure
fees which may change without notice. |
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Customs |
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| Visitors are advised
to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking to
facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying more than US$
3,000 are to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the
Philippines counter situated at the Customs area. Foreign currency
taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in.
Departing passengers are not allowed to bring out more than PhP
1,000 in local currency. |
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Local transport |
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Metered and fixed
rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys
and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places.
In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway
system. LRT connects Monumento on the north to Baclaran on the south.
MRT traverses the length of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue. |
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Accomodations |
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| De luxe, standard,
economy, pension-type, and special interest accommodations are
available. |
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| The Department of
Tourism has a Homestay Program that offers visitors the comfort of
modest homes and an insight into Philippine life. For information,
contact the Tourist Information Center at Room 106, Department of
Tourism Building, tel. nos. 524-2384 / 524-1703. |
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Credit cards |
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| International credit
cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American Express
Card are accepted in major establishments. |
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Dining out |
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| Filipino food is an
exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary
influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable
fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as
Filipino cuisine. |
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| Unterhaltung und
Kultur |
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| Metro Manila is the
center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue
for the performing arts is the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate,
Ayala Center and The Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog
and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis,
Quezon City. |
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| For visitors who want
to try their luck at the gaming tables, there are casinos in Metro
Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao,
Bacolod, and Laoag. |
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What to wear |
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| Light, casual clothes
are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions.
When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts
and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner
jackets and ties (or the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and
cocktail dresses or long gowns for women. |
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| Shopping |
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| Visitors can choose
from an exciting selection of great buys at reasonable prices: South
Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, terra-cota,
porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories, among others. |
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| Big malls are located
in Manila, Makati, and EDSA, while handicraft, antique, and curio
shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila. Duty-Free Philippines
near the NAIA is the country's largest duty-free outlet. |
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Tipping |
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| Tipping is expected
for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill.
Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service
charge. |
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Radio & television |
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| Most national dailies
are in English. There are 7 national television stations. which
broadcast mainly in Filipino. Cable TV is available as well. |
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Convention facilities |
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| Manila, the pioneer
convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of prestigious
international events. The Philippine International Convention Center
and World Trade Center are some of the biggest venues. Out-of-town
hotels and resorts are alternative sites. |
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Tours and other special interest activites |
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| Tour packages, from
day trips to five-day programs, are special ways of discovering the
Philippines and its wealth of culture. |
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| Tour information may
be obtained from the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa),
tel. no. (632) 893-0284, or from the Tourist Information Center
located at the ground floor of the DOT Bldg. on T.M. Kalaw Street,
Manila, tel. no. (632) 524-2384/524-1703. |
