Philippines Experience: Basic Expat Training Manual
If you are planning to visit the Philippines for the first time, then you have chosen an exotic destination. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and check out information before you take the trip. You can always find out more from the Philippines Profile page for basic information. For your own safety and comfort, there are some specifications which you need to follow. Before taking the trip, ensure that you passport remains valid upon arrival for the next six months, with a proof of onward passage beyond. Here are a few pointers for first timers to the Philippines.
1. Visa is required for other countries except for the EU, Canada, Australia, USA and New Zealand. An extension visa can be obtained if you wish to stay longer. This has to be obtained from the Philippines Embassy or Consulate before your arrival. If not, it can be obtained from the Philippines Immigration Bureau. A special entry visa is also required for Hong Kong and Taiwanese visitors.
2. At the Customs, you can bring in duty free personal belongings in restricted amount but for foreign currency there is no limit restriction. If you need to take back some antiques then you need to get those certified at the National Museum. You cannot take out more than PhP 5, 000, 00 from Philippines.
- National Museum
3. If you are traveling in from known infected areas, you are asked to produce health certificates against vaccination for yellow fever, cholera and smallpox. There are adequate medical services in most major cities and towns in Philippines from where you can always take immunization for hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and malaria.
4. Safety issue is a prime factor in Philippines as there have been cases of kidnappings and thefts which can be daunting. For your own safety, always consult the list of precautions from the Bantay Turista Foundation. One must also be aware of the Drug laws and Penalties in Southeast Asia, as Philippine laws are draconian when it comes to this.
5. As far as money is concerned, there are authorized foreign exchange in most large hotels, banks and some big malls. American Express travelers checks are accepted in large stores and hotels, and all major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted.
6. As far as tipping in Philippines is concerned, it is acceptable although not mandatory.
7. Philippines have a humid and warm climate so take the right clothes with you. Otherwise you can readily purchase the light, floral printed shirts that are sold there.
8. The best time for visiting Philippines is in the middle of December till May when there are no typhoons. These are also the months for the provincial fiesta if you were planning to see. You can also see the rice fields in the Luzon area which are very rural and naturally beautiful for biking, hiking and just for the beauty.
With these few tips in mind, you can be assured of having a wonderful time and stay in the Philippines.
This post was written for philippineairlines.asia by Karien Jones
About the author: Karien is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on luxury and travel. Beside this she is fond of automobiles. These days she is busy in writing an article on pet grooming.