TIME ZONE GMT plus 8 hours.

GETTING THERE
Manila and Cebu are the international gateway cities and are served by major international air carriers and cruise lines. Visitors may charter flights for special trips.

Manila is served by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while Cebu is served by the Mactan International Airport (MIA).

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport services 26 major airlines. The Mactan International Airport services scheduled direct flights from Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney and also services chartered flights from Japan, Hongkong Singapore and other major countries.

Philippines Airlines, the country's flag carrier, flies to 26 points in 20 countries.

ENTRY REGULATIONS
Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors with valid passports may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for their onward journey. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special entry permits. Visas and permits may be obtained from Philippines embassies and consulates.

HEALTH REGULATIONS
A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required from all visitors coming from infected areas.

AIRPORT FACILITIES
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is 7 kms from the city center. Manila is also served by the Manila Domestic Airport which is 1 km from NAIA. The Mactan International Airport, on the other hand, is located 45 minutes from the city center.

Both international airports have adequate traveller facilities: duty-free shopping centers, souvenir shops, tourist information centers, hotel and travel agency representatives, and car rental services. The NAIA has banks, postal services, a medical clinic and a baggage deposit area.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Visitors carrying more than US$3,000.00 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank Counter at the Customs Area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. For this reason, keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Departing passengers may not bring out more than P1,000.00 in local currency.

PORTERAGE
Upon arriving at the NAIA, visitors may avail of baggage carts for US$1.00 per cart. Porterage fees at the departure area is P10.00 per baggage. Additional tipping is optional.

UNIT OF CURRENCY Peso

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
The Avis Car Company is the only accredited taxi service at the Arrival Area of the NAIA. These taxis may be hired on a coupon basis only. For visitors who prefer to use a hotel car, arrangements can be made with hotel representatives at the designated counters at the Arrival Lobby.

DOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Air: Philippine Airlines provides regular service to and from 45 towns and cities outside Manila. Aerolift's 19-seater commuter airplanes service 5 destinations and provides charter flights to main points in the country. Sea: Inter-island ships with comfortable accommodations connect to major island ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands. Land: The major means of transportation in most places are jeepneys, buses, taxicabs and tricycles (motorcycles with covered sidecars). Jeepneys and buses offer an inexpensive way to get around most places. Metered taxis generally cruise for hire. In hotel vicinities, they are on call. In Manila, the elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides fast and efficient service from Baclaran in the south to Kalookan City in the north. There are 15 stations spread at every kilometer stretch from the main terminals. Travel time from end to end is 30 minutes.
Car hires and air-conditioned tourist buses are also available from licensed tour operators in major cities. Most hotels have limousine service.

DEPARTURE TAX
Departure tax is P250.00 (payable in Philipine pesos only) for all departing passengers for international destinations.

CLIMATE
March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32-C. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool; temperatures range from 22 to 28- C. Average humidity year-round is 77%.

WHAT TO WEAR
Light casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for trips to the mountain regions.

On formal occasions, a dinner jacket and tie may be worn, or perhaps the Philippines Barong Tagalog the country's business and government.

BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS
Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies are open on Saturdays from 9;00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping centers, department stores, and supermarkets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Banks are open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
The Philippines has modern and efficient communication services such as international direct dialing, telex, facsimile, worldwide express delivery service, postal service and telegram service.