ENTRY REGULATIONS

Starting August 1, 2013, nationals from 151 countries may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a maximum of thirty (30) days, provided they are holders of a passport valid at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay in the Philippines, and present a return or outward bound ticket to their country of origin or to a next country of destination.Pursuant to the Bureau of Immigration’s Memorandum Circular No. RADJR-2013-006.

For the list of 151 countries, please click here.

Chinese Nationals, including citizens for Hong Kong and Taiwan, will need a special permit.

 

HEALTH REGULATIONS

The Philippines is fortunate to be free from epidemics. The country remains safe from bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases.

If you’re coming from an area where yellow fever has been reported, you’ll need a certificate of vaccination.

For more information, visit http://www.doh.gov.ph/

 

CUSTOMS

Before leaving the plane, you will be asked to fill out the Baggage Declaration Form.

The following items are allowed duty-free:A reasonable quantity of personal clothes, jewelry, and toiletriesTwo cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobaccoUp to two (2) liters of alcohol

The following items are prohibited: FirearmsDangerous drugsNarcoticsPornographic materials

The following items are regulated: TransceiversDVDs and VCDsControlled chemicals/substances/precursors

The following items are restricted and require prior import permits and health, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates: Foreign agricultural products, such as animals, plants, wildlifeTheir products and by-products, such as meat, eggs, fruitEndangered species

“Balikbayans” have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their current residence

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGULATIONS

It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or take out Philippine Pesos in excess of P10,000.00 without prior authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Any violation of this rule may lead to the money’s seizure and civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution. (BSP Circular 98-1995)

The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of US$10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and / or penalties.

 

CURRENCY

1 Philippine Peso (Php) = 100 centavos.

Bank notes: Php20, Php50, Php100, Php200, Php500, Php1,000.

Coins: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, Php1, Php5, Php10.

Foreign currency may be exchanged at most hotels, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced.

 

TIPPING

Feel free to tip waiters, drivers, porters, housekeepers, salon staff, barbers, and other service providers.

A tip of 10% of the total bill is the usual practice. But if the bill already includes a 10% service charge, tipping is optional.

 

AIRPORT FEES

As of writing (September 2012), the airport fee for international departures is Php 550.00, but it is scheduled to increase to Php 750 before the year ends.

NAIA has a Php200 fee for domestic flights, but it is already included in your ticket fare.

Domestic terminals around the country charge their own fee. Though preparing Php100-200 should cover it.

Children under two (2) years of age, transit passengers are exempt from airport fees.

Please note that fees may change without prior notice.