Philippines Country Dossier

Experience the rhythm of life in this colourful archipelago, rich with history and culture ranging from the dramatic landscapes to the bustling city life of Manila, a true mixture of tradition and modernisation.

Factfile

Capital: Manila
Official Language: English and Filipino (Tagalog).
Religions: 82% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist.
Voltage: 220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets. Sockets are usually two pronged flat pin.

Preparing to go

Visas

Most nationalities are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. Check the official Philippines Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.gov.ph for the latest information.

Money

Local Currency

The monetary unit in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso.
(P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.

Approximate exchange rates (as at May 2008) are as follows:

  • 1 Pound Sterling = P83
  • 1 US Dollar = P52.5
  • 1 Euro = P65.75

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.

Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours. ATMs are widely used and can be found in most areas. Money changers will be able to give you the official guiding rates and are located at the airport, local banks, and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments. Most Credit Cards are accepted in most major establishments.

It is advisable to get some local currency at the airport as it might be difficult to obtain late at night in the city, especially if you arrive in the evening.

Imtrav Travel Tip: Although bank cards are often the easiest way to go, there are times where they will not work for you even if your bank at home tells you it will. Do not rely on your card as your only source of money. Always have a few back-ups with you.

Working out your Budget

The Pre-Departure Information contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in The Philippines.

Entrance Fees

  • Adventurer trips do not generally include entrance fees.

Optional Excursions

All of our itineraries include some free time, the amount of which usually depends on the style of tour you are travelling on (Adventurer trips generally have more than Traveller). If you wish to take optional excursions your Tour Leader will be able to advise you of the possibilities in each area.

Meals

You will find the meal plan for your tour clearly indicated in the brochure and on your Trip Dossier. Breakfast is provided on most days of the tour, however, lunch and dinner are not included to give you more freedom to explore the cultural cuisine, for which you should allow approximately $15 per day.

Approximate cost for meals and snacks (not included) are shown below:

  • Simple snack: 30 pesos
  • Light meal: 100 pesos
  • Fancy restaurant: 30-100 pesos

Drinks
Tea and Coffee are always provided with breakfast. All other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense.

Approximate cost of drinks bought in a shop in the street are shown below.

  • Bottle of water: 15 pesos
  • Bottle of soft drink: 15 pesos
  • Bottle of beer: 25 pesos

Note: Prices in restaurants, hotels, and cruise boats can be as much as double those specified.

Local Transport

Taxis
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide and are the easiest way of getting from place to place. To experience the local way of travelling try the colourful jeepneys. Fares range from 10 pesos to 30 pesos depending on the distance. There are also mini buses and FX vans (shared taxis), which costs a little bit more than jeepneys but are faster and air-conditioned. In small towns, tricycles and horse-drawn carriages are chartered like taxis. The fare can be haggled with but it is usually 30 pesos for short distances.

Railway System
In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT connects Monumento on the north to Baclaran on the south. MRT traverses the length of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.

Shopping

Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys at reasonable prices, such as, South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, terra-cota, porcelain, coral / mother-of-pearl home accessories, wooden sculptures, and wicker works.

Big malls are located in Manila, Makati, and EDSA, while handicraft, antique, and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila. Duty-Free Philippines near the NAIA (International Airport) is the country's largest duty-free outlet.

Beyond the capital, Baguio City and Banawe are the best places to shop for native sculptures and handiwork. If you have an eye for antiques then there are several shops scattered around Vigan in Ilocos Province.

What to Take

The Pre-Departure Booklet that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. Please also check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.

Imtrav Travel Tip - Bring a backpack or easy to carry luggage and travel light. You will have to carry your own luggage frequently – don't let this be an ordeal.

Clothing

Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. There are bars and clubs in the Philippines that also have dress codes - smart casual is usually fine.

Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active.

Cultural & Environmental Guidelines

The Environment

Toilet Paper
Western style toilets are used in most major cities and towns (rather than squat-style ones). When using any of the facilities please place your toilet paper in the rubbish bin provided. DO NOT flush it down the toilet as this may block the sewerage system. You may also want to carry your own toilet paper as not all toilets will supply it.

Imtrav Travel Tip - You may find it useful to take along a supply of antiseptic gel (i.e. water free soap).

Litter
Garbage bins can be found in most places. Although the locals seems to ignore these bins and tend to throw things out wherever they are please refrain from doing so. Places like Baguio City impose a large fine for littering.

Haggling

Bargaining is always welcome in open markets and small shops but not for fix prized items which can be found in bigger venues.

Arrival

Immigration

On entering the Philippines all visitors must complete an entry/exit card. The exit section will be returned to you and this should be kept safe for presentation to Customs and Immigration upon departure.

Customs

Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying more than US$ 3,000 are 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 are not allowed to bring out more than 1,000 PhP (Pesos) in local currency.

Note: It is advisable to get some local currency at the airport as it might be difficult to obtain late at night in the city, especially if you arrive in the evening.

Arrival Transfers

Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), please look for our representative who will be holding an Imaginative Traveller sign. He should be waiting for you in the area immediately before you reach Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way

The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.

If you are making your own way to the meeting point from the airport there are numerous metered taxis just outside the arrival hall. It would however be recommended that you take an official airport taxi. From the main international terminal these booths are located in the arrivals hall. If exiting from terminal II the booths are outside the arrivals hall. The fare to Makati City is 400 pesos.

Meeting Point and Tour Start Location
Prince Plaza Hotel
101 de la Rosa St.
Legaspi Village
Makati City

On Tour

Safety

There is the occasional report of street crime, normally pickpocketing or on some occassions, bag snatching, most of which are likely to happen in Manila. It is advisable not to wear expensive-looking watches or jewelery and don’t leave a wallet in your back pocket or carry loose hanging bags. Keep your camera concealed when not in use. Keep money hidden in a money belt, and a separate amount to pay for things so you do not have to keep opening the money belt.

Remember that most thieves don't use violence but rely on diversionary tactics that can take place at anytime of the day or night. Do not be paranoid, but just be aware of what could happen at all times. Always be vigilant and chances are nothing will happen to you. It’s generally safer in cities to take a taxi rather than to walk, and at night try to stick to busy, well-lit streets. The safety of our passengers is our tour leaders’ number one concern and they will provide all necessary local information during the pre-departure meeting.

Tour Leaders & Guides

Your Tour Leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right. Tour Leaders are supported by our regionally based office staff and, in most cases, a locally based manager. The Philippines trip also includes the services of specialist guides in some locations such as in the jungle.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

Accommodation

Our main criterion for choosing hotels is cleanliness. On Adventurer tours hotels are simple, but comfortable. Bathroom facilities may sometimes be shared and rooms may sometimes be multi share rather than twin. Hotels on Traveller tours almost always have private bathrooms, air conditioning and bar / restaurant facilities. Please bear in mind that hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties.

At each hotel your Tour Leader will try to organise the rooming arrangements to suit everyone's requirements. If you are travelling alone you will be allocated a room with another group member of the same sex (unless you have paid a single supplement). If you are travelling as a couple please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of double beds.

Note: Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room. Single supplements are also only available on Traveller tours and are not applicable on overnight boats, trains and while camping.

Laundry

Laundry services are available in most of the hotels we use.

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarians
Although meat is often not the main feature of a meal, it can be found in many dishes, even if only as a stock. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available at meal times. Your Tour Leader will do their best to offer a vegetarian alternative, but your patience and understanding is requested.

Due to the fact that Filipino food is mostly a mixture of meat and vegetables, vegetarians (especially strict ones) are going to experience difficulty in choosing meals. Vegetarian food can be arranged in places like canteens or restaurants but usually there is a limited choice.

Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.

Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.

Communications

Email
As with most places, the easiest and cheapest form of communication is via the Internet. You will find Internet cafés in every major town. The average cost is approximately 30 to 60 pesos per hour. Connection is generally slower in the smaller, more remote places. In bigger towns some internet cafés are now starting to offer internet phone calls.

Phone
There are many public phones in the Philippines which take phone cards sold in minimarts and convenient stores; PLDT Fonkard is the most convenient phonecard to use as it dominates more than half of the public phones in the country (available in Php 100, 200, 300, and 500). Roaming mobile phones usually work in the country; SIM cards can be bought cheaply in convenient stores nationwide and can be more convenient than public phones (Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular SIM cards cost 150-170 pesos; top up cards costs 300-500 pesos).

Note: Before purchasing a SIM card, make sure that your phone is not locked and is GSM/Triband ready.

Post
The postal service is generally reliable and stamps are available everywhere, but post office queues can be lengthy.

Cameras

Availability of Film
Most towns have convenient stores where you can easily buy films and batteries. Memory cards for digital cameras are available in most places but please be aware that if your camera requires a less common kind or specialised add-ons they may not be easy to find, as most camera accessories that are sold are ones that are in the common market. There are several internet cafes that can transfer files from digital cameras to CD if required.

General Information

Weather

  • March to May is hot and dry.
  • June to October is rainy.
  • November to February is cool.
  • Average temperatures: 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C; humidity is 77%.steamy.

Meteorological Authority

Holidays

Public holidays

  • 1 Jan - New Year’s Day.
  • 9 Apr - Bataan Day.
  • 5 Apr - Maundy Thursday.
  • 6 Apr - Good Friday.
  • 1 May - Labour Day.
  • 12 Jun - Independence Day.
  • 31 Aug - National Heroes’ Day.
  • 13 Oct - Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies).
  • 1 Nov - All Saints’ Day.
  • 30 Nov - Bonifacio Day.
  • 25 Dec - Christmas Day.
  • 30 Dec - Rizal Day.
  • 31 Dec - New Year’s Eve.

Contact Details

Local Office
The Imaginative Traveller
Apartment 202
MN Residence
Samsen Soi 5
Banglamphu 10200
Thailand
Tel / Fax: +66 (0) 2628 5212

24hr Emergency Contact
MOB: +66 (0) 8980 32811 (THAILAND)
MOB: +66 (0) 8981 66013 (THAILAND)

UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566