Pre-Travel Checklist

Passport

A valid passport for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in the Philippines.

Visa

A valid Philippine visa. If you are a non restricted national and your country has diplomatic ties/ bilateral agreement with the Philippines, you are not required to secure an entry visa and can stay for 21 days. However, if you are classified as a restricted national you are required to secure a visa from a Philippine Embassy/ Consulate prior to your entry to the Philippines. For more information on whether you are a restricted or non restricted national, and regarding visa extensions, please see the Philippine Immigration website (http://www.immigration.gov.ph).

Medical History

Your physician will require a copy of your medical history or other comprehensive and pertinent medical information that you may have, including drug allergies and a list of your current medications and how much you are taking of each. You may Email these documents  to us preferably in advance prior to your visit here in Manila.

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Travel Tips

• Dress for the weather – hot! Light clothing is ideal year-round, and absolutely during the hot and dry months from March to May. Temperatures average from 78°F/25°C to 90°F/32°C. Mean humidity is at 77%.
• Never leave home without your rain gear, umbrella, and heavy clothing during the rainy months from June to October as well as when setting out to the mountainous areas.
• Comfortable yet sturdy footwear are best, as traveling the islands will often involve some walking.
• When headed to the remote areas, come prepared with an insect repellant and even your own water in handy containers. Always have the island map with you.
• Prepare to hop in a jeepney, tricycle, or pedicab – exotic modes of land transport that are the most commonly available for going around. Always bring loose change when taking public transport.
• Know the transport schedules. Some destinations are only being serviced intermittently, not to mention extreme weather conditions that will affect these schedules.
• Casual clothing is acceptable inside churches and business offices. Dining establishments and hotels impose no dress code but shorts and slippers are deemed improper.
• For formal occasions, the traditional Barong Tagalog, the Philippine national costume for men, is just as suitable as the suit-and-tie. Women may wear long dresses or gowns. The Philippine national costume for women is called the saya.
• When traveling by car, be mindful of the number coding ordinance for vehicles that is being implemented strictly in selected cities.
• Do not miss visiting during the summer, when there is a concentration of major festivals, celebrations, and events.
• Adapt to local customs; accept local differences. The Filipinos are divided culturally into regions a total of 16, at present, each with its own distinct traits and traditions.
• Tipping is expected for many services. The standard amount is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that include a service charge, which is often 10% as well of the total bill.
• For tourist information and assistance, get in touch with the Department of Tourism and any of its accredited offices nationwide.

Health Regulations

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from infected areas. Children less than one year old are exempted but may be subject to isolation when necessary.

Hospitals are listed in the "Yellow Pages" of the local telephone directory. Health centers provide emergency medical attention in remote towns and cities.

Accommodations

Deluxe, standard, economy, pension-type, and special interest accommodations are available.

There are many hotels to choose from that are located near the clinic.  We are not in anyway connected with these establishments.  Many of our foreign patients have chosen to stay at the Ralf Anthony Suites because of its proximity to the clinic and its reasonable rates. You can try getting in touch with this hotel at (632)521-1107 and 521-5590.  You can always make reservations with them and choose a better one when you get to Manila.  

The Department of Tourism has a Homestay Program that offers visitors the comfort of modest homes and an insight into Philippine life. For information, contact the Tourist Information Center at Room 106, Department of Tourism Building, tel. nos. 524-2384 / 524-1703.

Public Holidays

• New Year's Day 1 January
• Edsa Revolution Day 24 February
• Araw ng Kagitingan 9 April
• Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Moveable
• Labour Day 1 May
• Independence Day 12 June
• National Heroes Day Last Sunday of August
• All Saints Day 1 November
• Bonifacio Day 30 November
• Christmas Day 25 December
• Rizal Day 30 December

Credit Cards
International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, and American Express Card are accepted in major establishments.

Dining Out
Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine. Be sure to sample the endless variety of native delicacies and local cuisine, which differ in every region. The Philippines is made up of 7,107 different flavors that you will want to take home with you.

Shopping
Visitors can choose from an exciting selection of great buys at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, handwoven cloths, embroidered fineries, terra-cota, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories, among others.

Big malls are located in Manila, Makati, and EDSA, while handicraft, antique, and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila. Duty-Free Philippines near the NAIA is the country's largest duty-free outlet.

When shopping in a public market, it is perfectly acceptable to haggle for the cheapest price.

Communication Facilities
Most national dailies are in English. There are 7 national television stations. which broadcast mainly in Filipino. Cable TV is available as well.

Convention Facilities
Manila, the pioneer convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of prestigious international events. The Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center are some of the biggest venues. Out-of-town hotels and resorts are alternative sites.

Entry Regulations
Valid passport. Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Currency
The Philippine monetary unit, the peso, is generally preferred for financial transactions. Money-changing shops are available in key cities and towns.

Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.

Money changers will be able to give you the official guiding rates and are located at the airport, local banks, and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments.

Climate
March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78oF/25oC to 90oF/32oC; humidity: 77%.

Language
Filipino is the national language. English is the business language and spoken widely. Learning the basic local phrases may come in handy. Over 111 local dialects are spoken in the country.

Timezone
GMT plus 8 hours

Electricity
220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.

Water
Water in Metro Manila and in key cities and towns is potable and safe for drinking. Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Airport Facilities
The international airports have adequate traveler facilities: tourist information & assistance counters, hotel & travel agency representatives, banks & ATMs, postal service, telephone booths, and medical clinics, among others. Baggage carts and porter services are available for free.

The airports are handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff.

Airport Fees
P750 for international departure and P200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. (+632) 524-1703; (+632) 832-2964) the departure fees which may change without notice.

Customs
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. Visitors carrying more than US$ 3,000 are to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated at the Customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Departing passengers are not allowed to bring out more than PhP 1,000 in local currency.

Local Transport
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places.
In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. LRT connects Monumento on the north to Baclaran on the south. MRT traverses the length of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.

Business and Banking Hours
Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most commercial establishments are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.

Entertainment and Culture
Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the performing arts is the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate, Ayala Center and The Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City, and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City.

For visitors who want to try their luck at the gaming tables, there are casinos in Metro Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Laoag.

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Airport Information
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines

Arriving

After stepping off the plane:

1. For transit passengers, proceed to the Transit/Transfer Desk in front of the entrance to the arrival immigration area. Present your passport, check-in stub and onward flight ticket.
2. If you’re not a transit passenger, go to the Immigration Officer to get your passport validated.
3. After having your passport validated, proceed to the Baggage Claim Area. There are baggage trolleys dispensers located near both sides of the immigration exit gates.
4. Each conveyer belt has a flight information board over it that tells you which flight the luggages are from. Claim your baggage and move on to Customs.
5. Surrender your baggage declaration form to the Customs examiner.
6. If you have any dutiable items, tell the examiner about them. Otherwise they may be seized. At any rate, be sure your bags are ready for inspection. If you have sealed your boxes in duct tape, remove it or cut the tape before you get to the examiner.
7. If you have any taxes or duties to pay, proceed to the Customs cashier located near exit gates 1 and 2. You’ll get a receipt for your payment
8. Before finally leaving the Customs area, a Customs Officer stationed at the exit gates will collect your declaration form, and/or gate pass.
9. Next you’ll enter the arrival lobby. Some guards will probably collect your baggage tags here. There’s also a moneychanger here, if you’d like to cash in a hundred dollars or so for pesos. If you’re not expecting anyone to meet you at the airport, and you’re staying in Manila, you can also arrange for an airport taxi in this section. If you do this, get a receipt for your taxi and take it to the desk outside. Ignore anyone who tries to usher you into their taxi. There will be a desk with an attendant who will take your receipt and arrange for your taxi.
10. If you’re meeting someone, however, before you go to a hotel or elsewhere, you’ll head outside to the “greeter’s area”. The trick here is to find the person who’s supposed to meet you, since there are quite a number of people anxiously awaiting friends and family. Make sure the person has a good photo of you, and you a good photo of them. If possible, wear something distinctive that will make it easier for them to identify you. A distinctive hat of some kind is one idea.

Departing

1. The Departure Area is located on the third level of the International Passenger Terminal. Most folks just take a taxi directly to it, but if you somehow find yourself driving to the airport, go straight to Ninoy Aquino Avenue and turn left at the intersection leading to the NAIA access road. You’ll go up a ramp and voila, there you are.
2. There are two gates, one on each side of the terminal, for departing passengers. Guards are posted there. Show them your passport and ticket when you’re ready to pass through one of the gates. Once inside, you’ll undergo a security check.
3. Now it’s on to the Customs Area. Your bags may or may not be inspected again.
4. If your ticket was purchased abroad and you are not tax exempt (you’re probably not), you’ll have to pay a travel tax at the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) Counter prior to check-in. The price keeps going up, but figure on 2,000 pesos if you’re a coach passenger and 3,000 pesos if you’re a first class type.
5. Proceed to the check-in counter where your flight is assigned and show the airline worker your passport and ticket. You’ll get a boarding pass with your seating assignment on it.
6. If you don’t already have one, get a departure card from the person who checks you in and fill it out.
7. Proceed to the Terminal Fee/Airport Tax Counter. Show your boarding pass and prepare 750 pesos. This is known as a terminal fee. A ticket will be attached to your boarding pass (actually there will be two copies, one for you and one for the inspector, but the inspector will take his copy at the departure gate).
8. Go to the Immigration counter and when your turn arrives, present your departure card to the Immigration Officer.
9. Your luggage may be checked yet again before you step aboard the plane, and you may undergo a body search.
10. Wait for your plane to begin boarding.

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How to Get Here
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Note: Patients and their family members taking Philippine Airlines will be arriving and departing via the Centennial Terminal 2. All other international flights are in Terminal 1 (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)

Getting a Taxi from the Airport
Taxis are conveniently stationed at the arrival section of airports and major hotels with fixed rates depending on your destination. Most of the malls also have an area where the taxi cabs are waiting for passengers. Here are a few things you might want to know about taxis in the Philippines:

Metered Taxis

1. The current flag-down charge is PhP30 and an additional PhP2.50 for every succeeding kilometer.
2. Upon boarding the cab, make sure that the driver turns the meter on. Take another cab if the driver claims that his meter is broken. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the government agency that polices public transportation, has mandated all taxis to be equipped with electronic meters before they are allowed to operate. So don’t fall prey to drivers who make such flimsy excuses and offer a fixed rate. Insist on the meter or get another cab.
3. Always pay the amount on the meter only. Some drivers may negotiate fares for longer distances – this is not permitted. Should you find yourself in this kind of situation, make sure you agree on a rate before boarding.
4. Prepare to pay the driver the exact amount. Drivers often give the excuse of not having change.
5. Be wary of taxis whose meters are not properly calibrated. LTFRB inspects all metered taxis for signs of tampering. A well-calibrated meter with an unbroken LTFRB sticker is the mark of an honest cab driver.
6. It is usually cheaper to take passing taxis. If you want to be picked up at a particular area, however, you can call a cab company to send a car for you at your preferred location and time. The pick-up rate of most companies starts at PhP50. Most cab companies, however, can only fetch passengers within Metro Manila. For reservations, you can call Avis Taxi (8312701) and Dollar Taxi (9212383), two of the most trustworthy companies. Their cabs are equipped with two-way radios so you can be reached right away by the nearest available vehicle.

Coupon Taxis

The counters of these coupon taxis are strategically located at the lobbies of airports and hotels. The rates of these taxis are more expensive than that of a metered taxi, and are not paid to the driver but to the agent on duty at the office or counter. The coupon for these taxis are also called a trip-ticket. It is bought for a fixed price for travel. For example, from the airport to a certain point, or from the hotel to the airport. Counters are open from 5:30 AM till the last flight. Located just outside the arrival lobby of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Airport Coupon Taxicabs can bring passengers from NAIA to any destination in Luzon and back. The fee for these coupon taxis usually starts at PhP115, inclusive of fuel, passenger insurance and common carrier’s tax.
You can also have an airport taxi pick you up from your house and bring you to the airport just in time for your flight. To avoid any problems or delays, make your reservations in advance.

Other Tips for a Smooth Ride

1. Always allow enough time to reach your destination. Inquire with the cab company about the estimated travel time from the origin to your destination. Schedule a pick-up time that is reasonable to both parties.
2. Upon boarding the cab, take note of the driver’s name, cab name and body number, plate number, color of vehicle, date and time of ride, and trip origin and destination. Details like the cab name and plate number are usually painted on the doors of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it would be best to text that information to a family member. You will also need them when you send your comments, compliments, and/or complaints to the cab company.

REMINDERS:

1. Always report problems immediately to the company or to LTFRB, whose number is in the cab as well.
2. Always request for a receipt for services, particularly when you take coupon taxis. The receipt is usually where you can find the number of the company, which you can use for future trips.
3. Lastly, upon disembarking, make sure you have all your personal belongings with you.

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