Travel
Airports
Moving around the Philippines by air, land and sea is easy with national highways connecting the major islands and an extensive public transportation system.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located to the south of the main city areas, approximately nine kilometres from Makati. It takes about 30 minutes by car to the major Makati or Roxas Boulevard hotels, except during peak hours (between 7.00am–10.00am and 4.00pm–7.00pm) where the trip may take one hour or more.
Ground transport
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, but use a reputable taxi company (ie. check that the company name is on the door and that it has a meter – although it is common for the meter to be ‘broken’). In this case, agree on the fare before departure.
Taxis from NAIA to the Makati hotels will cost around P300. Avis and R&E Taxi are among the most reputable metered taxi services. Both have stands at the airport and at hotels in Makati’s business district.
Avoid the use of public buses and jeepneys.
Hotels
Accommodation in the Philippines costs US$65-$90 in standard hotels, US$80-$128 in first class hotels, and from US$120-$220 in deluxe hotels.
Corporate room rates may be available in some hotels for guests of the Australian Embassy or the Austrade Manila office, so you may want to make your bookings and reservations through the Embassy.
Tipping
Tipping is generally expected for any services provided. The standard practice is 10 per cent of the total bill.
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.