The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands slightly north of the Equator on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean. It is separated from the Asian mainland by China Sea. Surrounding it are Guam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Its capital city is Manila, which was founded in 1571 and is the seat of government and business.

The country has a population of 67 million of mixed but predominantly Malay ancestry. History and tradition trace the first settlers to migrating chieftains from neighboring Indonesia who purchased the land from aboriginal tribes. Succeeding incursions of traders, predominantly Chinese, invaders, proselytizers and plain tourists left their imprints on the people. Filipinos are generally hospitable and readily welcomes visitors to the country.

Majority of the Filipinos are Catholics from more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, but there are some Muslims in the southernmost islands. A few families and the older generations still speak the Castilian language. The Americans, who won the Philippines from Spain at the end of the last century, left a legacy of an educational system that taught the Filipinos the English language and Protestanism. Although the national language is Filipino, English is widely spoken and is the language of business and government.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a contrast between old traditions and modern amenities. The centuries-old walled city of Intramuros, Spains stronghold in Asia during its Empire era, still stands not far from high-rise offices and hotels that step into the 21st century.

Fast Facts

Entry Regulations

A valid passport is required for entry to the Philippines. Generally, foreign visitors from countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines are allowed to enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided their passports are valid for at least 6 months and they hold return tickets. When staying for more than 21 days, a Tourist Visa, which is valid for 59 days, is necessary. Permits and visas can be obtained from Philippine Embassies and Consulates.

The following are allowed to enter the country without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days: holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports, holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports, holders of Portugese passports issued in Macau and holders of Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.

Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (tel.nos. (632) 834 3707/ (632) 834 4810, Department of Foreign Affairs or log on to www.dfa.gov.ph/comsular.visa.htm.

Health Regulations

The Philippines is fortunate to be free from epidemics. The country remains free from bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases.

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from an infected area.

Medical Facilities

Hospitals in the country are manned by highly skilled and competent doctors and nurses and equipped with modern facilities. The unique Filipino brand of caring and compassion makes the Philippines medical services at par with the best of the world.

The country boasts of a wide variety of medical healthcare groups to choose from. Its healthcare system is largely patterned after the American model. There are private as well as government-run medical facilities, hospitals and clinics all over the country. Hotels and resorts provide medical assistance as well. Towns and cities have health centers that provide emergency medical attention.

Custom Regulations

To facilitate custom examination, visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before disembarking. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes and jewelry; two bottles of wine and liquor of not more than one liter each; and 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco.

Foreign Exchange Regulations

Visitors carrying more than US$3,000 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter at the customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Departing passengers may not bring out more than P1,000 in local currency.

Airports and Facilities

The Philippines has four (4) international airports: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Angeles City, Pampanga, Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu and the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.

The NAIA is the main international gateway of the country. It is seven (7) kilometers south of Manila and southwest of Makati City’s Central Business District. It has three (3) terminals that serve Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area. Manila is also served by the Manila Domestic Airport which is one kilometer from the NAIA.

DMIA, also called Clark International Airport, is the main airport serving the immediate vicinity of the Clark Special Economic Zone and the general areas of Angeles City.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport serves as the southern hub of the air transportation system of the country. The airport is ideally and strategically located that travel time is only 3-4 hours to 14 cities in Asia Pacific.

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also called Davao International Airport, is the main airport serving Davao City. It is the busiest airport in the Mindanao region and is the only international airport in Mindanao serving actual international flights on a regular service.

These international airports have adequate travel facilities: duty-free shopping centers, souvenir shops, tourist information counters, hotel and travel agency representatives and car rental services. The NAIA has banks, postal service, medical clinic, pharmacy, chapels, salon, sauna, and massage services.

Airport Transport

Metered taxis and rent-a-cars are readily available at the airport (Angeles, Cebu, and Davao) to the city proper.

Hotel Transfers: Hotel transport can be arranged with hotel representatives at designated counters at the arrival lobby of the airport.

Southeast Travel offers meet-and-assist service at a very reasonable price. Contact us for rates and other information.

Terminal Fee/ Departure Tax

Airport fees of P 750 (about US$11) for international flights and P 100- 200 for domestic flights (paid in Philippine pesos only) will be charged upon departure.

Climate

The first half of the year, January to May, is the best time to visit the country. November to February is cool, while March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, with the months between July to September characterized by typhoons. Average temperature is 78 degrees f/25 degrees C to 90 degrees f/32 degrees C; average humidity is 77%. Some parts of the country, such as Cebu, are warm and comfortable in all seasons and can be visited throughout the year.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or call PAGASA 24-hour hotline (632) 433 8526.

Clothing

Light clothes, preferably cottons, are advisable. Jackets or sweaters are needed in upland areas like the mountain city of Baguio. Casual wear is the rule although formal parties may require a suit or Barong Tagalog for men and a dressy frock for ladies.

When visiting churches and mosques, it is well to remember that shorts or provocative dresses will be inappropriate.

Visitors are also advised to bring walking shoes, sunglasses, sunblock cream, insect repellant, and a wide brimmed hat.

Time

The Philippines is eight hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8).

Language

The two official languages are Filipino and English. Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education. It is also the dominant language in business, government, legal system, medicine, sciences and education. A large percentage of the media such as television, newspapers, and entertainment are also in English.

Eight (8) major dialects are spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Government

The Philippines has a democratic republic type of government.

Religion

Majority of Filipinos (approximately 83%) are Catholic; about 5% are Moslems. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations.

Currency and Credit Cards

Unit of currency is the Philippine Peso, divided into 100 centavos. Bills are in: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos. Coins come in 5, 10, 25, centavo and 1, 5, 10 peso denominations.

International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, American Express Card, and JCB are accepted in major establishments. It is advisable to use credit cards for major expenses.

Business and Banking Hours

Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Mondays to Fridays. Some private companies hold office on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12 noon. Most shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores. Banks are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

Communication Facilities

The international access code for the Philippines is +63. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. Major towns, cities, and popular tourist spots are covered by GSM 900 and 1800 mobile networks. There are also providers that offer International Roaming. Phone units are rented in malls at a reasonable price.

Internet Facilities

Internet facilities are available in most hotels and resorts and in several internet or cyber cafes all over the country.

Drinking Water

Generally, tap water is not suitable for drinking. It is advisable to either buy bottled water or boil tap water prior to drinking.

Driving License

An international driving license is valid up to three months.

Electrical Current

Electrical Current is 220 volts, 60 Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used. A transformer is necessary for appliances with electrical current of 110 volts.

Tipping

In general, tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. However, most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge, making additional tipping optional.

Tourist Information

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has a 24-hour Tourist Assistance Unit located at T.M. Kalaw Street, Rizal Park, Manila. It can be reached at 524 1728/ 524 1660.

Note: Please contact us for rates and more details

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