The capital city of the Philippines, Manila is a busy metropolis with colonial architecture complemented with high-rise skyscrapers, blending the old and new.
While many people use Manila only as a stopover for further travel, explorers of the city will discover its friendliness and charm.
Visas are required for all international travellers entering the Philippines except the following:
The official website of Bureau of Immigration, Philippines
The Philippine currency is known as Philippine Peso (PHP). The basic unit of money itself is called the peso (for bills) or centavos (for coins).
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
PHP 1.00 equals:
12.75% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels, restaurants, salons and spas.
Many mid-range and top-end hotels, restaurants, salons and spas include a 10% service charge.
If there is no service charge reflected on the bill, a tip of 10-20% is accepted.
Bank Hours 9am - 6pm, Monday through Friday (Banks inside shopping malls are open 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday)
Office Hours 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday
Shop Hours 10am - 9pm or later throughout the week
Visitors entering the Philippines are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.
Dress is generally informal in the Philippines except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie / long gown or Barong Tagalog / Filipiniana is appropriate. Light clothing is appropriate for the tropical humid weather.
Manila has a temperate climate ranging from very warm during April to June (28 C to 39 C) to cool during December to February (20 C to 25 C).
Population20 million (Source: UNDP)
LanguageEnglish, Filipino
Time ZoneGMT + 8 hours
MeasuresMetric System
Voltage220 volts
Plug Type
Mobile PhonesGSM 900 / 1800 / 1900