Basic Travel Information

Airport Meeting Service

Airport reception will be provided to all participants upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).  In this regard, participants are requested to inform the WTO and DOT of their flight details not later than 30 May 2003 using the Participation Form attached.

Airport - hotel transfer will also be provided to arriving participants upon submission of flight details to the WTO and DOT.  Participating not availing of free shuttle may take taxis and limousine service at the airport or hotel counter at the airport for minimal fee.

Visa Requirement

Subject to existing laws, all visitors who hold a valid passport, except for stateless persons and those with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, may enter the country without visa and may stay up to 21 days provided they have tickets for their onward journey.

Nationals from Cambodia, Korea, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam can stay in the Philippines up to 21 days without visa.

However, nationals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are requested to secure visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy or consulate prior to visit to the Philippines.

Currency/ Credit Cards

The unit of currency is the Peso.  The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP (Central Bank of the Philippines) supervises authorized foreign exchange dealers located at the airport, hotels, major commercial establishments and all bank branches.  The BSP posts official exchange rates of most international currencies daily, which are carried by most newspapers.

International credit cards are accepted in major establishments.

Customs Regulations

Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking.  Visitors are allowed to bring in the following articles duty free:  reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry and toiletries, 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco and two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each.

Health

Immunization certificates are not normally required for entry to the Philippines, except for visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas.

Clothing

Light clothing is recommended.  Business attire is appropriate for meetings and conferences.

Language

The national language is Pilipino.  However, English is widely spoken and used, particularly in government, business and in schools.

Business Hours

Shops are open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Mondays to Saturdays.  Large department stores and shopping malls are also open on Sunday.

Business hours are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturdays.  Government offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Communication/Electric Current

Manila is linked to the major cities of the world via radio, telephone, mobile cellular phone, facsimile, cable and the internet.  Public pay phones are found in most public places and commercial establishments.

Broadsheets in English and Pilipino are available in major cities.  The International Herald  Tribune and Asia Wall Street Journal are also available in major hotels.

Power supply in the country is 220V AC.  Most hotels have 110V AC capacity.

Tipping

A 10% service charge is added to the bill in most hotels, restaurants and other major establishments.  Any additional gratuity is at the customer’s discretion.

Departure

Passengers departing the Philippines are subject to an airport terminal fee of P 550.00 or US$ 11.00