Quick Facts

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

• Travellers carrying passports from Brazil and Israel can enjoy visa-free access to the Philippines 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 visa-free access to the Philippines for up to 7 days.

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).

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