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TRAVEL GUIDE TO PHILIPPINES
Airport Taxes
The departure tax for international passengers is approximately P550
(approximately US $10) for international departure and P100
(approximately US $2) for local departure collected at
the airport at time of departure.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
Climate
and Clothing
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%.
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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Communications
Telephones: IDD is available to main towns. Country code: 63.
International calls to the smaller towns must be booked through the
operator. Outgoing international code: 00.
Post - Air-mail to Europe takes at least 5 days. Post office hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-1700.
Internet Services: Internet access is available at major hotels and
at Cyber Cafes located throughout the Philippines.
Currency
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. The
current exchange rate is approximate US $1 to P55.
Money changers will be able to give you the official guiding rates
and are located at the airport, local banks, and other authorized
foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments. Banks are open
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller
machines (ATM) operating 24 hours. International credit cards such as
Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express Card are accepted in
major establishments.
Customs Regulations
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before
disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying more
than US$ 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.
Electricity
The voltage in the Philippines is 220 Volts AC.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take the 220 Volt current.
Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.
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Food and
Water
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.
Heath
Matters
A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for
travelers coming from infected areas. Children less than one year old
are exempted but may be subject to isolation when necessary.
Holidays
New Year's Day - Jan 1st
Edsa Revolution Day - Feb 24th
Araw ng Kagitingan - Apr 9th
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - Apr
Labour Day - May 1st
Independence Day - Jun 12th
National Heroes Day - Last Sunday of August
All Saints Day - Nov 1st
Bonifacio Day - Nov 30th
Christmas Day - Dec 25th
Rizal Day - Dec 30th
Passports and Visas
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 Philippines embassies and consulates.
Time Difference
Standard Time in the
Philippines is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 13 hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
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Tipping
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.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person / day is customary.
Transportation
All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide.
If you wish to explore on your own, 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.
What to Pack?
Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
walking shoes.
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