To Get There

International airports are in Manila and Cebu. Manila is served by more than 30 airlines.

Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, links the principal cities and towns all over the country.

Aerolift has scheduled flights to Boracay in Aklan, Bagabag Airport in Banaue, and Busuanga in Palawan.

Manila's sea ports bustle with the comings and goings of cruise liners.

Cebu City handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, the United States and other major travel markets.

Entry Regulations

All visitors with valid passports from countries which the Philippines has diplomatic relations may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey.

Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits.

Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Weather

Average humidity year-round is 77%.

March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 23-32 degrees C.

June to October is rainy.

November to February is cool; temperatures range from 21-27 degrees C.

Attire

Light casual clothes, and comfortable sandals are all that you need, warmer clothes may be required in the mountain regions.

For Men Only: If you have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie there is a wonderful native substitute to beat the heat. Purchase a barong tagalog, an embroidered shirt that is considered formal.

Language

Pilipino which is based on Tagalog is the national language, local dialects are common in each region. English is widely spoken and is extensively used in business and government.

More about Tagalog

 

Currency & Regulations

The unit of currency is the Peso (P) which is divided into 100 centavos. Depending on the market conditions $1.00 U.S. will buy more than 50 Pesos.

Visitors entering with more than US $3,000 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated at the customs area.

Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in.

Departing passengers may not bring out more than P1,000 in local currency.

International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, BankAmericard, MasterCharge and American Express are accepted in major establishments.

Customs Regulations

Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before disembarking.

Visitors are allowed to bring in 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco and two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each.

Canadian Embassy Manila

U.S. Embassy Manila