Visiting
Business hours
Business hours are Monday to Friday between 8.00am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 6.00pm, and some private companies are open on Saturday between 9.00am to noon.
Banks are open Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 3.00pm.
Shopping centres, department stores and supermarkets are open Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 7.30pm.
Shopping malls are open daily between 10.00am to 9.00pm. Some movie theatres run a main feature beginning as late as midnight.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
February 24 – EDSA Revolution Day
April 1 – Maundy Thursday
April 2 – Good Friday
April 9 –Day of Valor
May 3 – Labour Day
June 14 – Independence Day
August 29 – National Heroes Day
November 30 – Bonifacio Day
December 30 – Rizal Day
Climate
The Philippines is a tropical country with the average humidity being 77 per cent. March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22°C–32°C. June to October is rainy and November to February is cool with temperatures ranging from 22°C–28°C.
For weather details in the Philippines, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is the peso.
Time zones and time differences
The Philippines is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Manila, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
The Philippines's country code is 63.
For calls to the Philippines from Australia dial: 0011 + 63 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from the Philippines to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
The Philippines’s power supply is 220 volts, 60Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The European two-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Philippine Department of Tourism – www.tourism.gov.ph
Philippine Tourism Authority – www.philtourism.gov.ph
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a voluntary mechanism which promotes and supports improved governance in resource-rich countries through the full publication and verification of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining.
The EITI is supported by governments, industry, and non-government organisations around the world. The Australian Government supports the EITI and encourages Australian companies operating internationally to comply with its recommendations.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.