(Last updated: 30 Jun 2011)

Visas

The Philippines visa requirements for foreigners include the following types:

• Treaty trader visas are granted to foreigners (as a non-immigrant) entering the country under the provisions of a treaty of amity, commerce and navigation.
• Employment visas are given to foreign technicians (whose skills are not locally available) wishing to undertake employment in the Philippines.
• Temporary visitor’s visas are granted to persons visiting the Philippines for business, pleasure or medical purposes for a period of 59 days, with the possibility of extension to a year.
• Special investor’s resident visas are issued to foreigners investing at least US$75,000 in the Philippines, thereby allowing them to reside in the Philippines as long as their investment is maintained.

Foreign personnel of regional or area headquarters, respective spouses and unmarried children below 21 years of age may be issued multiple entry visas.

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.

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.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to the Philippines. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

The most common problems are gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and in Manila some slight respiratory problems caused by pollution. Other illnesses include typhoid, malaria and dengue fever, TB and hepatitis B. Vaccination certificates are not normally required.

Doctors and hospitals will often expect immediate cash payment for their services.

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs are readily available in many drug stores – the largest drug store chain is Mercury Drug.

Tipping

Tipping is generally expected for any services provided. The standard practice is 10 per cent of the total bill.

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.

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

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the peso.

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.