Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+8
Capital City: Manila
Population: 94.01 million
Area: 298,170357,021 square km, 115,124 square miles.
Language(s): Filipino (Tagalog), English
Dialling Code: 63
Emergency: Police: 166. Fire: 5273609 (Manila)
TV Standard: NTSC
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence (may be used for 30 days) or International Driving Permit (until validity date)
Electricity: 110V/220V AC 60Hz
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP 1 = 100 Centavos)
Notes: PHP: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000
Coins: PHP: 1, 5, 10. Centavos: 5, 10, 25
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: International credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments throughout big cities. It is adviseable to carry a sufficient amount of local currency when travelling to provinces
Travellers cheques and major foreign currency may be cashed in large commercial banks and Central Bank dealers in Metro Manila. Also accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Always use authorised money changers or banks. Outside the capital, there is a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1500 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1200 & 1300-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 1000-2000
Public Holidays
2012
Business/Social Hints: Business is usually conducted in English. Some executives speak Spanish and Chinese. On social occasions punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: A service charge is normally added to bills, therefore tips are not necessary, but it is customary to leave small change
