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Quick Facts

Get up to speed about the region

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

Visas are required for all international travellers entering the Philippines except the following:

  • Travellers carrying passports from Brazil and Israel can enjoy access to the Philippines without visa for up to 59 days.
  • Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macao SAR can enjoy access to the Philippines without visa for up to 7 days.

The official website of Bureau of Immigration, Philippines

Currency

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:

Exchange Rates Currency
0.032 Australian Dollar (AUD)
0.016 British Pound (GBP)
0.15 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
1.48 Indian Rupee (INR)
2.12 Japanese Yen (JPY)
0.033 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
0.028 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
0.02 US Dollar (USD)
Taxes

12.75% surcharge including government tax is applicable in many hotels, restaurants, salons and spas.

Tipping

Many mid-range and high-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.

Business Hours

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

Public Health

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

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.

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).

Local Climate
Month High Low
Jan 30ºC 24ºC
Feb 30ºC 24ºC
Mar 32ºC 25ºC
Apr 33ºC 27ºC
May 33ºC 27ºC
Jun 32ºC 26ºC
Jul 31ºC 26ºC
Aug 31ºC 26ºC
Sep 31ºC 26ºC
Oct 31ºC 26ºC
Nov 31ºC 25ºC
Dec 30ºC 24ºC
Facts

Population
20 million (Source: UNDP)

Language
English, Filipino

Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours

Measures
Metric System

Voltage
220 volts

Plug Type
 

Mobile Phones
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900