Language
Official Language: Filipino and English
Filipino is the national language. English is also widely spoken and extensively used in most business establishments
Currency
The local currency is the Philippine peso
1 Philippine peso = 100 centavos
Coins are 1, 5, 10, 25 centavos, P1, P5, P10, while banknotes are in P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000 denominations
Currency conventer site: www.xe.com/ucc/
Visa
Generally nationals, visiting for tourism or business purposes, are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of twenty-one (21) days or less
For a list of countries that do not require a visa prior to entry in the Philippines, you can visit the foreign affairs website at http://www.dfa.gov.ph/consular/visa
Business and Banking Hours
Banks are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday with automated teller machines (ATMs) available 24 hrs. Business establishments such as malls and supermarkets usually operate from 10am to 9pm daily.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in key business establishments
Local Climate
Manila’s weather is relatively moderate, with its coolest months from December to February and its hottest from March to May. Its mean annual temperature is 26.50°C (80°F), with a monthly temperature range of 20.6 to 34.8°C (69°F to 95°F)
Local Time
Local Philippine time is Greenwich median time plus 8 hrs, with no daylight saving time
Dialing Codes
International Dialing Code for the Philippines is +63 and the area code for Manila 2. To dial a Manila number using the International Dialing Code, use +632 followed by the local number.
Electricity
The standard electricity supply in Manila, Philippines is 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. Plugs are flat blade 2-pin type. Most hotels provide 110V outlets.
Liability Disclaimer
The Local Organizing Committees shall not be held liable for personal accidents and injuries nor for loss or damage to personal belongings of the delegates and/or accompanying persons
Insurance
Delegates are advised to take out their own insurance for travel, personal property and health
Other useful links / sites
Official tourist information web site of the Philippines: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/
Official Gazette of the Philippine Government: www.gov.ph/
