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check out more places in the philippines...
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philippines:
general info
· travel advisories
· getting there
· getting around
when to go
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Here's some basic information for you when it comes to travel to the Philippines...
OFFICIAL NAME
CAPITAL
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Pilipino (with many various dialects) is the national language, while English is spoken widely also.
FLAG
MONEY
The official unit of currency in the Philippines is the Peso (P) which is divided into 100 centavos (c). Notes come in denominations of P5, P10, P20, P50, P100, P500 and P1000. Coins in circulation are 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, P1, P2 and P5.
TIME
The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 13 ahead of EST.
TAX
The rate of value added tax is 10.75%.
BUSINESS HOURS
In the major towns and cities most shops and shopping centres/malls open from 10am-8pm daily. Government offices/business open from 8am-5pm of 9am-6pm. Banks open from 8am-3pm.
ELECTRICITY
The most frequently used voltage is 220V/60Hz but this can sometimes be 110V in some hotels.
TIPPING
A 10% service charge is added to the bill in restaurants. Whether you add an extra tip on top of this is at your own discretion. On the other hand, it is expected to tip bellboys and porters usually expect to be tipped.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Years Day (1st January), Bataan Day (9th April), Easter (March/April), Labour Day (1st May), Independence Day (12th January), National Heroes Day (last Sunday in August), All Saints Day (1st November), Bonifacio Day (30th November), Christmas Day (25th December) and Rizal Day (30th December).
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Before you travel to the Philippines, first you need to make sure you passport is valid for 6 months before entering. And once you don’t come from one of the countries that the Philippines have restrictions on, you can stay for up to 21 days on your passport as long as you have a valid onward/return ticket. Those wishing to stay longer than 21 days must apply for a tourist visa which will permit the holder to stay in the country for up to 59 days.
To ensure you are aware of the full entry requirements for entering the Philippines contact your nearest embassy before travelling.
MEDICAL CARE
While no vaccinations are mandatory, the risk of malaria in rural areas can be evident and strongly advised that you take the necessary precautions. Make sure to have insect repellent and avoid mosquito bites at all costs. Always drink bottled water and not tap water.
It is advised that you take out travel insurance before going. Click here for further details.
TELEPHONES
Outside Manila and other major towns and cities it can sometimes be a chore finding public telephones. Hotels and tourist offices are the best places to look.
When calling other countries from within the Philippines dial the international access code (00) plus the country code, the local area code (dropping the 0) and then the local number. When calling the country from overseas, its country code is +63.
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