Philippines Travel Guide

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The Philippines archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, flanked by the South China Sea. All her neighbours have magical tourist appeal to various degrees, but the Philippines, even though the sea is just as blue and clear and the myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems to have missed the boat when it comes to marketing its attractions.

Name Philippines Time GMT +8
Capital City Malé (76,000 Currency Philipino Peso (PESO)
Languages English, Tgalog and more National Day July 26
Weather Warm, Rain Rate 1 USD= P48.00

Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used.
Language: The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, but English is widely spoken. Tagalog is the most predominant of the many dialects or local languages spoken throughout the islands.
Health: No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling. Urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Rabies is endemic. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: Tipping is expected for most services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.
Safety: Safety and security should be of paramount concern to any visitor to the Philippines. It is vital to be fully informed of threats and developments regarding crime, terrorism and kidnapping before and during a visit to the islands. Vigilance is vital throughout the islands, particularly in Manila, as opportunistic crimes are motivated by circumstances of poverty. Extremist groups have a history of kidnapping foreign tourists, and terrorist bombings occur frequently in Manila and Mindanao, targeting transport and public places. Three explosions in Mindanao in October 2006 killed six people and injured many more. Security has been increased across southern Philippines, with roadblocks across the city, and many foreign governments have issued warnings against travelling to Mindanao. Terrorist groups have also threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. The threat of terrorism and kidnapping is greatest in central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo and the Sulu archipelago; the FCO, US Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to these areas, and care should also be taken in Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout. There is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters, and a risk of kidnappings at sea. It is believed that terrorists are continuing with plans to kidnap foreigners from the islands and coastal areas in southern Philippines, putting all boats travelling to and from offshore islands in the Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, as well as at dive sites at great risk. Safety standards on ferries are low, and rescue services are not very comprehensive. It is advisable to avoid travel off the beaten track, and to leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. An increase in volcanic activity at the Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon Province and the Kanlaon volcano in Negros Oriental Province indicates that eruptions could be imminent. Permanent Danger Zones have been established around the summits in case of sudden explosions, and travellers should avoid the areas. People have also been advised to stay away from Mayon volcano in Albay Province for the time being. The area is prone to typhoons between July and November, when flooding and landslides can occur.
Business: Third party introductions are useful when conducting business in the Philippines and face-to-face communication is key. Emphasis is placed on building good working relations and getting to know each other. Business is conducted formally, and although punctuality is important, meetings may not begin on time. Dress should be conservative; suits and ties are the norm. Many Filipino men wear a shirt known as a barong tagalong, which is a far cooler option in the humid environment. It is very important for Filipinos not to lose face and so one should be mindful of not embarrassing or offending anyone. Any food or drink offered should be accepted, as this is a sign of hospitality. English is widely spoken in business circles. Business hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for the Philippines is +63. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Manila. The major towns, cities and popular tourist spots are covered by GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in Manila and the tourist resorts.
Duty Free: Travellers to the Philippines over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages. Prohibited items include firearms or parts thereof, explosives and ammunition; printed material that contains subversive, obscene or pornographic content; drugs, gambling machines, lottery sweepstake tickets, or coin-operated video machines; gold, silver and other precious metals that do not have authentication of quality; non-identifiable brands of medicines or foodstuffs; coca leaves and any prohibited drugs; plants or parts thereof, fruits and vegetables.

The Philippines has a tropical marine climate dominated by a rainy season and a dry season. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of the country from May to October, and the winter monsoon brings cooler and drier air from December to February. Manila and most of the lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May, when temperatures can rise to around 99°F (37°C). Average sea-level temperatures rarely drop below 80°F (27°C). Monsoons are possible between July and October.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days; extensions are possible.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. A tourist visa from the Philippine embassy is valid for 59 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
Passport/Visa Note: Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. If there is an embassy of country of nationality in the Philippines, then the passport can be valid for less than six months. All visitors must have return or onward tickets and documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate

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Money: The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist destinations. Banks do not always accept travellers cheques, but a receipt of purchase is useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the easiest currency to exchange; otherwise Pounds Sterling can also be exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry pesos when travelling outside of major centres.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Location: The airport is situated four miles (7km) south of the centre of Manila. Time: GMT +8. Contacts: Tel: +63 (0)2 877 1109. Transfer between terminals: A Jeepney operates between the terminals for PhP2. Transfer to the city: There are numerous taxis awaiting customers outside the airport, but it is best to book one before leaving the airport at one of the Taxi Offices. On presentation of a receipt at the desk outside the airport, an attendant will organise an official metered taxi. There is an airport bus service to the city centre, and regular buses that leave from outside the airport every 15 minutes to traverse destinations along Manila's ring road. Colourful 'Jeepneys' offer services between the airport and a metrorail terminal, which connects to the city centre. Car rental: Avis and Hertz have desks at the airport for car hire services. Facilities: Passenger services at Manila airport include shops, restaurants and bars; ATMs, currency exchange, left-luggage and postal services. The airport is hot and uncomfortable, however there is an excellent lounge, the Manila Lounge, which offers showers, clean toilets, drinks, magazines and newspapers for only US$11, or free for Diners Club members. Departure tax: For international flights, PhP750. Fees must be paid in cash.