Philippines

Philippines, which is officially known as the Republicof the Philippines, is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean.  Taiwan lies to its north across the Luzon Strait and Vietnam lies to its west across the South China Sea.  The country is an archipelago comprising 7, 107 islands and has the 5^th longest coastline in the world.  The islands are categorized mainly into three geographical divisions:  Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  Manila is its capital city. 

With an estimated number of 92 Million people, the Philippines is the world’s 12^th most populated country in the world.  The country boasts of its diversity in terms of ethnicities and cultures owing to the presence of the numerous tribes in the country.  All year round, the country mostly enjoys a tropical climate which is one of its pride as a beautiful country. 

There are a lot of tourist attractions and destinations scattered around the country, Philippines.  Tourists from all over the world flock to this amazing country to enjoy the sun, the fun, the sights and sounds, the foods and the white sand beaches yet to be discovered.  Vacationers will have the glee of swimming with “butanding” or whale sharks, explore tropical islands, admire mountains, volcanoes and the ancient Banaue Rice Terraces, enjoy world-class beaches and dive sites and venture into rainforests to visit native tribes. 

Filipino People

Filipinos are widely known as being hospitable.  Tourists to the country are greeted with warm smiles and sincere hospitality that is distinct to the Filipinos.  Upon visiting their towns or provinces, vacationers will enjoy the bountiful food and be amazed as they witness elaborate festivities in the country.  Gregarious locals everywhere dispense smiles everywhere they go, a picture of a happy people. 

Transportation

Transportation in the Philippines consists mainly of buses, taxis and jeepneys, which are unique to the Filipinos.  In the provinces, there are also “tricycles,” a motorized ride with a side car wherein only accommodate about 4 to 6 people at the most.  In very remote places or inside the villages, there are means of transportation called “tricicad,” which is a bicycle with a side car which can seat only two people and is driven as though the driver is biking. 

Currency

The unit of currency is the peso, divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 pesos. The most common coins are one, five and 10 pesos.

Cash

Emergency cash in US dollars is very helpful in case you get stuck in an area with no working ATM. Other currencies, such as the euro or UK pound, are more difficult in this country.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted by many hotels, restaurants and businesses. Outside of Manila, businesses tend to charge from 5% to 12% extra for credit card transactions. Most Philippine banks will let you take a cash advance on your card.

Exchanging Money

Moneychangers are much faster than the banks and give a better rate for cash. They prefer US dollars. Ask your hotel front desk to recommend a local moneychanger. In the provinces, hotels will often change money for you.

Come, enjoy and witness the beauty of the country blessed with spectacular mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs and cold springs and white sand beaches – The Philippines.  Do not forget that to top this all are the warm and friendly smiles of the Filipino people.  

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