Time Zone GMT plus 8 hours			Climate Average temperatures range from 25 degrees to 32 degrees Centigrade, with a humidity of approximately 77% most of the year. The dry, hot months are from March to May. Rainy season is from June to October, while the coolest months are from November to February.
	Passport & Visas
	Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of travel. With the exeption of travellers coming from countries which the Philippines do not have diplomatic relations with, visas are usually not required if the duration of stay is not more than 21 days. However, airfare ticke must show an onward confirmed reservation.			What to Wear
				Due to the warm, humid climate, light weight, natural fabrics are best recommended. During the rainy season, it is advisable to carry an umbrella. When travelling to to the cooler mountain regions, warmer clothes e.g. light weight jacket or jumper is advicable.
	Airport Information			Dining
	Manila - Ninoy Aquino Airport has both domestic and international terminal with all major facilities available. The airport is only 7 kilometres from the city but travel times of at least one hour are common.			Almost any type of food is readily available within the Philippines and potable water is readily available. However, when travelling, drinking bottled water is always a sensible precaution and is sold everywhere.
	Cebu – Mactan International Airport is newer than Manila and is constantly being improved. Most facilities are available			Getting Around
	Customs – Duty free allowances are 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco. Two bottles of either wine or spirits of not more than 1 litre each. A reasonable quantity of clothes, jewellery and toiletries. Baggage carts and porters are available for a small fee of US$1.00 for carts and P10.00 for porters. Airport Tax International – P550.00 (Pesos) Domestic – P100.00			Both Manila and Cebu are international airports serviced by major international air carriers and cruise ships. Philippine Airlines and several other domestic operators provide services to 17 domestic destinations.
				Many of the smaller islands within the Philippines are serviced by ferries and light aircraft. The ferries range in size from small boats to large vessels with on-board accommodation.
	Accommodation			In the major cities, taxis or the famous Manila jeepneys are plentiful and cheap. Tour operators and air conditioned buses run between provincial towns. There is a light rail system operating in the central area of Manila.
	Metro Manila and most large provinces have a selection of hotels ranging from inexpensive to five star international ratings.
	Transfers			Currency
	Taxis – Visitors are advised to use only accredited taxi services available on a pre-paid coupon basis from airport authorities within the arrival hall at Manila. In Cebu metered taxis operate and charge a minimum of P150.00 from the airport to the city.			The Peso is the monetary unit of the Philippines and one Peso=100 Centavos. (The value of the Peso tends to fluctuate but averages between 30 to 40 Pesos to one US dollar.)
	Limousine service from reputable companies, expect to pay a minimum of P165.00 to the driver or representative at the airport.			Business Hours
	Hotel counters – Some of the major hotels operate transfer services from Manila and Cebu airports to city hotels. Check with your travel agent for more specific information.			Private and government offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm. Most major hotels have business centres.
	Duty Free			Language
	.Duty Free Philippines is located near to Manila airport and has a very large range of items for the tourist. There are individual stores within both Manila and Cebu airport. Some limited banking, such as American Express Auto-teller and currency exchange is available at Manila airport. Most major hotels and large stores will change currency or accept credit cards but it is wise to make prior arrangements if you wish to use cheques.			Filipino, (Tagalog) is the national language. English is widely spoken as a second language by the majority of Filipinos and many local newspapers are written predominantly in English.
	Health & Vaccinations			Shopping
	Before travelling, it is important that you seek medical advice from your doctor regarding information on protection you may require depending on your itinerary. If you have been travelling through an area where Yellow Fever is prevalent you will need a vaccination certificate. It is always wise to check with your travel agent or the Philippine embassy prior to travelling			Shopping in the Philippines is a delight! The country is famous for export-qualitty items at very reasonable prices. Anything from crafts, clothes, shoes or fine jewellery, to antiques (including furniture), native products, as well as fresh and processed fruits is almost always guranteed to be a good buy.
	Electricity			You can also get clothes tailor made and designer style shoes to suit your every preference in style. Here is a haven for your shopping whims.
	220 Volt, 60 cycle AC is standard. Most hotels have dual 220/110 Volt outlets.
*	Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, it is provided for your guidance only and Asian Holidays cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.*