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Language: The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, but English is widely spoken. Tagalog is the most predominant of the many dialects or local languages spoken throughout the islands.
Currency: The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist destinations. Banks do not always accept travelers cheques, but a receipt of purchase is useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the easiest
currency to exchange; otherwise Euros and Pounds Sterling can also be exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry pesos when traveling outside of major centers.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used.
Communications: The international access code for the Philippines is +63. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Manila. The major towns, cities and popular tourist spots are covered by GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in Manila and the tourist resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to the Philippines over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; and 2 liters of alcoholic beverages. Prohibited items include firearms or parts thereof, explosives and ammunition; printed material that contains subversive, obscene or pornographic content; drugs, gambling machines, lottery sweepstake tickets, or coin-operated video machines; gold, silver and other precious metals that do not have authentication of quality; non-identifiable brands of medicines or foodstuffs; coca leaves and any prohibited drugs; plants or parts thereof, fruits and vegetables.
Tourist OfficePhilippine Convention and Visitors Corp, Manila: +63 (0)2 525 9318 or www.tourism.gov.ph
EmergencyEmergencies: 166/117
Embassies
Philippines Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 9300.
Philippines Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 1600.
Philippines Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 1121.
Philippines Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 2535/6.
Philippines Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 0451/2.
Philippines Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 9848.
United States Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 528 6300.
British Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 580 8338.
Canadian Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 857 9000.
Australian Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 757 8100.
South African Embassy, Manila: + 63 (0)2 889 9383.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Manila: +63 (0)2 896 4668.
New Zealand Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 891 5358.
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