COMMON INFORMATION: The Philippines has 7, 107 islands. This stretches from the south of China to the Northern suggestion of Borneo. The unique Filipino culture was molded through several mixtures of foreign influences like Spanish, People in america and Japanese. The country has over a hundred ethnic organizations.

In the Philippines, a tourist can find a lot of international golfing courses, luxury beach resorts, 5 star hotels, numerous large and modern shopping malls especially in Manila, Casinos, disco's and bars with live bands and karaoke.

Filipinos are fun loving people. Fun and laughter come naturally regardless of what there station in life. Music and dancing are section of the Filipino culture.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Passport/Visa Information

A passport is required for some nationals except by transit passengers. With regard to stays of less than 21 days, no visas are needed, provided travelers have a valid passport, good for at least one yr and onward tickets departing the Philippines.

For questions, contact the Visa Division, Department of Foreign Matters (Telephone numbers 834-4854 to 53, 834-4961).

Currency:

Sobrecarga (Php); Exchange: Large commercial and central bank sellers in Manila. Always use authorized money changers or banking institutions in Manila Metro area. Credit cards are accepted within larger cities. US dollar checks are the preferred foreign currency at over 800 ATM locations.

Language:

The Thailand is considered the third largest ENGLISH SPEAKING country in the world. Philippine and English are the two official languages. Close to one hundred other languages, not just dialects are spoken. Indeed, the majority of the major languages like Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano, Ilongo, Bicolano and Waray have their own dialects. Still, travelers will never find it difficult as many Filipinos still retain a handy understanding of English.

Transportation:

Manila is connected to the rest of the nation by regular flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific cycles, Air Philippines and Asian Spirit and Southeast Oriental Airlines (SEAIR).

Public transportation like buses, taxis, jeepneys as well as tricycle are available throughout the country. Car rentals are also available and it is cheaper to rent it with a driver than without having.

Communication:

Mobile phones are widely used throughout the country. Filipinos really like text messaging. Pay phones are available especially in the malls and general public places. Internet café can be found throughout the country.

Food and Beverages:

Fast foods are found along most major road intersection.

Weather conditions:

Tropical climate. Jun-Sept is the rainy season, Oct-Feb may be the cool dry season. Mar-May is usually hot and dried out. Some typhoons between June and Sept.