The Philippine islands lie slightly north of the equator and travelers are advised to bring light clothing, sunblock and hats. Frequently drink water.
The months February to May are hot and dry. July to October brings typhoons and rains. November to January months are pleasantly cool and dry.
Local currency is the Philippine peso.
Travelers cheques and credit cards are honored, and there are automated
machines and foreign exchange outlets all over the country; you can usually find most services you need at the bigger malls nationwide. However, if you have
island or remote provinces on your travel schedule, be sure to bring Philippine pesos.
If traveling to areas near swamps, jungles or in mountains a malaria booster shot should be considered.
Accommodations serve a wide range of travelers, from backpackers to those who prefer the five-star hotel treatment.
English and Filipino are the official languages and other dialects are spoken.
More than 90% of the population is Christians and 10% are Muslim.
The cellular phone industry in the Philippines is sophisticated and very affordable
and you may want to rent from us a local SIM and Phone during your stay for
ease in keeping in touch locally and internationally with very affordable cost.
Philippine cuisine is a mixed cuisine with Hispanic, Chinese, American and other Asian influences. Rice is a staple, though pasta and bread is often on the menu.
Travelers carrying international drivers' licenses, please note that left hand driving
is the standard.
For charging your electronic device, note that normal input is usually 220v.
Time Zone
There is only one time zone for the entire country, which is 120° East Meridian
Time and eight hours in advance of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Getting There Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway.
It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly to different cities around the world.
Entry Regulations 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 or 59 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 Philippine embassies and consulates.
Health Regulations A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming
from infected areas.
Airport Information Facilities for the Physically-Handicapped: The airports are handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff.
Customs: Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking
to facilitate Customs examination. The following are allowed duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry, and toiletries; 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco; two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each. Porterage: Baggage carts are available for free. Porter services are also free. Tipping is traditional. Airport Fees
P750 for international departure or its US dollar equivalent as of March 10, 2007,
$15.50 US dollars; and P200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only).
What to wear
It is recommended to wear thin clothes, Thicker clothes recommended while traveling
to the mountains.
Advisable, during visits in temples or churches, to wear decent clothes.
Tips The suggested tip stands on 10% of the total bill, in case the bill includes the tip, it is a recommendation. Local transportation
Flights
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are the main airlines for international flights and domestic, but you can find smaller airlines as well like Sea-Air, Zest-Air and Air Philippine which are mostly cheaper and you can fly with them to most of the domestic flights.
Here you can see Airline list who are flying to these destinations Link
Sea
Ferry services connecting Luzon Island with the other islands here, you can reach any of the islands by sea but this type of transportation is longer and tiring and mostly not safe as the flights. Soon Ferry services will be published,
Land
There is a number of bus companies that reach to different destinations in the Philippines, with them you can reach to main destination in Luzon area. Soon Land services will be published,
Customs
It is recommended to fill up the luggage declaration prior the custom check in order for you to have fast and easy check.
Medical Services
In most of the destinations Hospitals and Doctors can be found, but it is highly recommended to reach to main cities for complicated treatments. Please see the complete list of Hospitals Here.
Water Bottled water available in Hotels, Resorts, Supermarkets and stores like 7/11, etc…, There are two types of Bottled water, Purified water and Mineral water.
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