The capital city of the Philippines with a population of 10 million, Manila is a teeming metropolis. The city still possesses the colonial architecture that survived the bombing of the city during World War II.
While many people use Manila only as a stop-over for further travel, those who explore 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 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.
View visa requirements from 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:
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
PHP 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.02
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.02
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.01
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.18
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
1.36
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
2.21
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.03
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.03
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.02
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 12.75% surcharge, including government tax, is applicable in most hotels, restaurants, salons and spas.
Tipping
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.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9am - 6pm, Monday through Friday
Banks inside shopping malls are open 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday.
Office Hours
9am - 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 are 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).
Today
Thunderstorms
Heavy thunderstorms; overcast
|
High:
|
30°C /
86°F
|
|
Low:
|
26°C /
78°F
|
Tomorrow
Rain
An a.m. t-storm or two, then heavy rain
|
High:
|
29°C /
84°F
|
|
Low:
|
26°C /
78°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Rain
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
26°C /
78°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Showers
|
High:
32°C /
89°F
|
Low:
26°C /
78°F
|