MANILA INFORMATION
(Visitors' Philippine Information)
MANILA is a city
that occupies the gateway to Southeast Asia for those who come from the west.
Manila today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward
to the future. The distinguishing features of Manila are its geographic
location, natural tropical beauty, and the great historical and cultural
heritage which has come to symbolize the city which is in the middle of two
continents the Americas in the west and Asia in the east.
Facing the world
famous golden Manila Bay sunset Manila is one of the world’s truly enigmatic
cities, a crucible where east meets west, and fascinates its visitors with its
museums, old churches, schools and universities, great malls, bazaars and
natural sights of the tropics. Established at the crossroads of human history in
the Far East, Manila has for centuries attracted the interests of many nations,
armies, adventurers, merchants, philosophers, and great religious personalities.
(More in Philippine info page: entertainment,
nightlife,
gaming,
dining out, tours,
shopping)
Don’t miss to
enjoy this magnificent city full of history during our welcome to the PENSA 2007
Congress.
  
Also
click on this site for Visitors' Information on the Philippines:
http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/vinfo.asp
Customs
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into
Manila, but not more than 55,000 worth of Philippine currency may be brought
into or taken out of the country.
The Philippines uses the Red/Green Channel system, so unless you're carrying
something unusual, or get spot-checked by the customs officers, you walk right
through. The Philippine Embassy Customs Regulation page (http://www.philembassy.org)
has details on what you can bring into and take out of the Philippines. More in
Philippine info page: customs.
Climate
In Manila
March to
May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool.
Average temperatures: 78°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C; humidity: 77%.
Currency / Back to top
The local currency is Philippine Peso. Current exchange rate is 1 US$ dollar = Php 44.03
and 1 EURO = Php 62.3 (As of October 10, 2007) . Foreign currency may be exchanged at any authorized money
changers authorized by the Central Bank of the Philippines (please check the
documentation which is required to be visible in all establishments) at the
airport, any hotel, in any major mall, or banks. More in Philippine info page:
currency.
Credit cards
All major credit cards are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and
shops. More in Philippine info page: credit cards.
Electricity
The electric voltage in the Philippines is 220 V and electrical sockets have two
flat holes.
Appliances designed to operate on 110/120 V require a voltage converter and plug
adapter.
Opening hours
Banks
All banks in Manila exchange foreign currency and traveler's cheques. Banks
are open from Monday to Friday, between 09.30 and 12.00 hours; and between 13.30
and 17.00 hours. Saturday – Sunday closed. Automatic Teller Machines and
exchange offices are widely available. More in Philippine info page:
banks and banking hours
Shops
All shops are open from Monday-Sunday 9:30-13:00, 14:00-19:00 with Saturdays and
Sundays the busiest days. If you wish to have less people around while doing
shopping and getting the most help do this on week days (Monday to Friday).
Tipping
Most major establishments like hotels, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers
include a 10% service charge on top of the value added tax (VAT) thus tipping is
not expected. For those which do not, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total
is appreciated, but not required. Taxi do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
More in Philippine info page: tipping
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is
recommended. The Organizing Secretariat will not be held liable for illness,
accidents or thefts suffered by Participants or Accompanying Persons during the
Congress or their stay in Manila before or after the Congress.
Visa
A valid passport (valid at least 6 months from the date of departure to Manila)
is required. You should ask your local Philippine Embassy or Consulate whether a
visa and/or health certificate is required. Participants requiring a visa for
entry to the Philippines are strongly advised to make their application in their
home country at least three months before the intended date of travel. Should
you need a letter of invitation to obtain an entry visa, please contact our
local partner who will send it to you.
For more
information click on this site:
http://www.gov.ph/faqs/visa.asp or More in Philippine info page:
visa
Disclaimer
PHILSPEN Secretariat as the congress planner and
the PENSA 2007 committees claim no liability for the act of any supplier to this
meeting, nor liability for: personal injury, the safety of any attendee while in
transit to or from this event, for any loss or damage, for delays in transport
by air, sea, rail, road, weather, in case of strikes, sickness, war or other
causes.
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