Basic Information on the Philippines

General Matter
a. TIME ZONE - local time is GMT plus 8 hours (-1 hour from Japan)

b. LANGUAGE - English is the business in Manila. Filipino is the national language.

c. CLIMATE - generally hot and humid with June marking the onset of rainy season, characterized by abrupt weather changes

d. DRESS CODE - Monday to Thursday - business attire (suits not required); Friday - business casual

e. CURRENCY - The unit of currency is the Philippine Peso (PhP). The exchange rate of the Peso is typically about PhP47.00 to P50.00 = $1.00. Foreign exchange centers are conveniently located in banks, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and money changing shops. However, banks offer the most favorable rate of exchange.

Outside Metro Manila, the use of Philippine peso for payments is preferred.

Notes are in denomination of P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000; coins for 10P, 5P, 1P, 25c (centavos), and 10c.

f. FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGULATIONS - There is no limit in the amount of foreign currency that can be brought by travelers into the country. However, amounts in excess of US$10,000 must be declared at the customs desk. We recommend the use of credit cards and/or traveler's checks to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Travelers leaving the Philippines can change their pesos in the amount not exceeding US$2,000 - or any other equivalent foreign currency at all authorized banks.

g. CREDIT CARDS - International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Master Card and American Express are widely accepted in major establishments.

h. BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS - Private and Government offices (Monday to Friday) 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Department stores and boutiques (Monday to Sunday) 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Banks (Monday to Friday) 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

i. ELECTRICITY - Electricity is 220 volts AC, 60 cycles. Most hotels in Metro Manila and serviced apartments have 110 and 220 voltage outlets.

j. FOOD - Philippine cuisine draws from Asian and Western influences. Take your pick from European, American, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino food in a variety of settings; from first-class restaurants to bustling fast food centers at the shopping malls.

k. SHOPPING - There are various major malls/shopping centers in Metro Manila.

Fort Bonifacio
- Market Market
- High Street

Makati
- Glorietta
- Greenbelt
- PowerPlant

Pasay
- Mall of Asia

Ortigas
- EDSA Shangri-La Plaza
- Robinson's Galleria
- SM Megamall

Quezon City
- Gateway Mall
- Eastwood City
- TriNoma

Prices are fixed at the upscale shops and department stores; but you can try out your bargaining skills at Greenhills shopping center (San Juan) or smaller specialty shops.

l. TIPPING - The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. However, most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge and 12% VAT, making additional tipping optional.

m. TRANSPORTATION - You will not need a car nor take a cab going to the office everyday because the hotel/serviced apartment is well within walking distance to and from the office. Driving in Manila is quite different as you will discover throughout the course of your stay.

EDSA is the main circumferential road and highway of Metro Manila. Traffic is especially heavy in the Makati City area during rush hour.

There are several modes of commuter transportation available in Metro Manila namely:

Taxis - the fastest and most convenient way to move around Metro Manila. Big hotels, tourist spots, airports, etc. often have taxi ranks, just take the first taxi in the queue. Taxis charge P30.00 upon flagdown. It is usual to tip the driver 10% of the meter charge.

Car Rentals - both with and without a driver, are readily available at the airport, hotels and from local independent services. You may contact the Logistics group to arrange for a car rental for your use.

Buses - Buses travel the main routes throughout Metro Manila. Each bus displays the route, its final destination and some principal stops. You must signal the driver to stop just as you would hail a taxi. Buses typically have a conductor who collects the fare and issues a ticket after you are seated and can help you with your route. On some buses, the driver collects the fare as you enter. Some buses have a button you can push to request a stop. In most cases, you have to move toward the exit near the driver or inform the conductor that you want to get off. Metro Manila buses operate 24/7, otherwise from about 5:30 AM until midnight.

Jeepneys - Jeepneys originated from U.S. army jeeps and can sit 14 to 18 people. Each jeepney displays the final destination and the route, and is hailed like a bus or a taxi. You pay the driver by stating your final destination and the number of passengers. Say "para" (meaning STOP), when you want to get off.

Tricycles/Pedicabs - These are common in small roads and streets (usually residential areas) and cover a shorter route than jeepneys and buses. Tricycles are motorcycles, while pedicabs are bicycles with an attachment supported by a third wheel and can sit two or more passengers.

FX - The locally-assembled Tamaraw (FX) offers an excellent means of low cost transportation. They're comfortable, air-conditioned and carry up to 10 passengers. Tamaraw (FX) normally travels a specific terminal-to-terminal route, but will stop on the way to drop you off upon request or saying "para". It's important to know that Tamaraws sometimes function exactly like taxis and are equipped with time/distance meters. If you find one without other passengers, don't hesitate to flag it down.

LRT1 (Light Rail Transit), LRT2, and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) - The rail transit is the fastest, but sometimes not the most comfortable way to go around Metro Manila. The MRT can take you north or south of EDSA (from Makati to Quezon City for instance). The LRT1 and LRT2 intersect the MRT at main urban centers Cubao and Taft.

Kalesa or Karitelas - These picturesque horse-drawn carriages reflect the colonial Spanish influence on the country. They are often found in the areas of Binondo, Ongpin (Chinatown) and the Divisoria markets. Although not a really practical option for shopping, they offer another unusual experience in motion.

Medical Services - Private and government hospitals, clinics and health centers are easily accessible in Metro Manila. Most hotels/serviced apartments have a doctor on-call at anytime and there are drugstores everywhere such as Mercury Drugstore open 24 hours.

Water - Tap water is potable, however is not considered safe for drinking. Many visitors feel more comfortable with bottled drinking water or mineral water, available in hotels, resorts, supermarkets, groceries and 24-hour convenience stores.

Making Phone Calls - Your hotel room/serviced apartment unit phone provides the most convenient telephone access and Internet access.

Public pay phones are located in all the shopping malls and many other places of high traffic.