Additional Info
Money and Exchange
There are numerous banks and ATMs throughout the Philippines. The various banks do vary on their individual maximum withdrawals. You will normally be charged 250 pesos per transaction if using an overseas card or if the card is not associated with any of the banks available, there may be internal transfer charges.
The banking system throughout the Philippines is very dated, and still mainly paper form orientated. Online banking is available, but mainly for internal transactions.
Beware and research exchange rates and bank charges since they can vary an awful lot. You can search online for some of the most popular money changers.
USD is widely received in all banks next to obviously the local Philippine Peso. But you may experience difficulty exchanging other currencies in the local bank, but places like Western Union are an alternative, but take note of variable exchange rates and charges.
Visas and Extensions
You will need to show a negative RT-PCR Swab or Saliva test when travelling (you will need to check on the government websites as the requirements vary depending on the location of travel. You may also need proof of an accredited hotel during your stay. You will need to register to get your personalized QR code which will be for the duration of your visit. You can get this by applying for an S-Pass www.s-pass.ph. If you intend to extend your stay, then you will be required to update and renew your QR code with the new dates.
Effective as of December 16, 2021, according to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), there are three Risk Classification Lists:
- The Green List. Countries under this list are deemed to be “Low Risk”.
- The Yellow List. Under this list are countries that are classified as “Moderate Risks” by the IATF.
- The Red List, or the “High Risk” countries. Only Flipino returning to the country are allowed to travel.
You may refer to this link for more details https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/12dec/20211214-IATF-RESO-154C-RRD.pdf.
Emergency Contacts
Make sure to have these numbers accessible in case of emergency. Don't forget to also check out the local contact information of your chosen destination.
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS
Hotline: 143 Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
Call Us: (02) 8426-0246 , (02) 8426-0219
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
117
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Telephone No: (632) 8651-7800 local 5003-5004
(632) 165-364
PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD
Contact No.: 8527-8482 to 89 / 8527-3880 to 85
Foreign Embassies
For foreign travelers, should you need any help, it's best to know the contact information and location of your country's embassy.
Australia
Phone: +61 2 6261 3305
SMS: +61 421 269 080
Email: consular.manila@dfat.gov.au
Canada
Tel: +632 8857 9000
Email: manila-consular@international.gc.ca
China
Tel: 0063 2844 3148 local 101 for operator
India
Tel: 63 (02) 8784 6342 / 8563 4592
For emergencies: +63 9477 836524
Email: sscons.manila@mea.gov.in
Japan
Trunk line: (02) 8551 5710
Singapore
Tel: +632 8856 9922
Emergency Tel (after hours): +63 917 860 4740
Email: singemb_mnl@mfa.sg
South Korea
Tel: +632 8856 9210 visa local no. 270, 500
Emergency Hotline(After Working hour):
+63 917 817 5703 (Not for Visa)
E-Mail: (Consular Affairs) ph04@mofa.go.kr
(Visa Affairs) ph_visa@mofa.go.kr
(Political and Economic Affairs) philippines@mofa.go.kr
Taiwan
Tel: +632 8887 6688
Email: phl@mofa.gov.tw
United Kingdom
Tel: +632 8858 2200
United States of America
Phone: +632 5301 2000
Medical
There are private and public hospitals throughout the archipelago that's ready to help whenever needed. In places like Metro Manila, Batangas, or Cebu, hospitals and health clinics are more available and accessible. On islands, however, it's best to know beforehand the different contact information and location of the nearest hospital or clinic in your destination.
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