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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