General Information

Entry Regulations
Visitors for certain countries may enter the country without visas and may stay for not more than 21 days provided they have valid passports and tickets for onward journey. Visitors from other countries are requested to obtain visas and special permits from Philippine embassies and consulates and to coordinate with their embassies in Manila.

Currency
Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5 and 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.

Climate
June to October is rainy. Average temperatures: 78oF/25oC to 90oF/32oC; humidity: 77%. For up-to-the-minute weather updates visitors are encouraged to visit the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website.

Time Zone
GMT plus 8 hours.

Electricity
220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.

Water
Bottled water is available in hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Airport Facilities
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. Outgoing passengers have to pay a terminal fee. The airports are handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff.

Language
Filipino is the national language, English is the business language and spoken widely.

What to Wear
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions.

Local Transport
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available on 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.

Customs
Visitors are advised to fill out the Baggage Declaration form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying more than US$ 10,000 or PhP10,000 are to declare the amount at the Central Bank of Philippines counter situated in the Customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not allowed to bring out more than PhP 10,000 in local currency.

Health Regulations
A certification 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.

Business and Banking Hours
Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most commercial establishments are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

Credit Cards
International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American Express Card are generally accepted in major establishments.

Shopping
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.

Big malls are located in Metro Manila including SM Megamall along EDSA and the Mall of Asia near Sofitel Philippine Plaza, while handicraft, antique, and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila. Duty-Free Philippines near NAIA is the country’s largest duty-free outlet. Shops usually open from 10:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m.

Tips on 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 service charge.

Internet Access
Major hotels and cafes in and around Metro Manila offer internet access for a fee.

Mobile Phones
Delegates are requested to use mobile phones with consideration for others, and to ensure that these are switched off during all sessions/social events.