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First of all, you must always carry your passports,
visas and any other traveling documents with you and
don't lose them.
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Light cotton clothing is best to wear all-year round.
Philippines is hot and dry during during summer from
March to May. The temperature is 78°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C
and mean humidity is at 77%.
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During rainy season which is from June to October,
always bring umbrella, rain gear and heavy clothes.
Especially when you are in the mountainous areas.
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The best month to visit the Philippines is January, May
and December because you can witness the colorful
festivals and fiestas in which most travelers wanted to
see it.
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People speaks and understand English and it is always
used when he/she is with a foreigner. The national
language in the Philippines is Tagalog. Philippines has
more than a hundred dialects.
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Comfortable footwear is best to use because you will
always travel by foot.
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You must always bring insect repellant, water and a map
when you touring to remote areas.
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You must know the transport schedules because
destinations are being scheduled. If by boat you must
also know the weather because weather conditions affects
these schedules.
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Most of the land transportation available that can get
you going around are jeepney, tricycle or pedicab. Some
provinces and cities has taxis but some don't have. You
must always have loose change when you take public
transportation. Taxis cost 30 Php and additional 2.50
Php will be added every 500 meters.
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In Church and business offices, you can wear semi-formal
dress or casual clothing. Restaurants and Hotels impose
no dress code but wearing shorts and slippers are not
allowed.
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Credit Cards like Visa, MasterCard, Diners, Amex and
American Express are accepted in all establishments like
hotels with
casino game, restaurants, shops, malls and tour operators.
Travelers cheques are also accepted at major
establishments.
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Tipping is expected in all services. All hotels and
restaurants already have a policy of adding 10% service
charge to your bills. But still it is to the customers
discretion that he will give a tip to show gratitude to
a person that serves him/her.
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Peso (P or Php) is the currency or monetary unit of the
Philippines. Banknotes denominations are 20, 50, 100,
200, 500 and 1,000 Pesos. Coins denominations are 5, 10
and 25 centavos as well as 1, 2, 5 and 10 Pesos.
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Communications is not a problem here in the Philippines.
Hotels already has internet and phone facilities. If
outside the hotel, you can go to cybercafes or phone
booths. If you have a Cellphone, just buy a cellphone
sim card (Globe, Smart and Sun). Any where in the
Philippines you can use it. Calling family and friend
back home is not a problem anymore.
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Look for authorized money changer or Philippine Banks to
exchange your money into Peso. You must carry sufficient
amount of Philippine money when you travel to provinces
or remote areas.
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For tourist information and assistance, look for the
Department of Tourism and any of its accredited offices
nationwide.