Useful information for business and leisure travellers in the Philippines

Society & Etiquette 

Business customs are similar to those of many North Atlantic countries, where handshakes and the exchange of business cards are considered courteous in professional environments. While government agencies maintain a degree of protocol, personal business relations are usually relaxed, especially in the private sector. In order to build confidence and strengthen personal and professional ties, visitors may be invited to a range of social events to interact with local businesspeople. Visitors should be cognisant of academic, professional and honorary titles, since these are frequently used in conjunction with surnames. With higher officials, it is recommended that visitors present and receive business cards face-up and with both hands as a sign of respect.

Language

Filipino, the national language, is the standardised form of the Tagalog language spoken in Central Luzon. The 1987 constitution also recognises English as an official language, and the nation has a high level of English proficiency. A further 168 languages are spoken throughout the archipelago, often by small communities. Despite nearly four centuries of Spanish colonial rule, very few people speak Spanish, though Chavacano, the only Spanish creole in Asia, is spoken in Mindanao’s Zamboanga City.

Religion

The Philippines is one of two majority-Christian countries in South-east Asia. Approximately 86% of the population is Roman Catholic, and Christian holidays like Christmas and Holy Week are widely celebrated and may alter the business calendar. Muslims make up a majority in the Mindanao island group and voted in January 2019 to create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Overall, visitors may find Catholic symbols in both business and government, but Filipinos are generally open-minded and are likely to feel comfortable working with people of a range of backgrounds.

Electricity

The country uses a 220-V, AC system with both flat-pin (Type A) and round-pin (Type C) outlets, and it is recommended that visitors carry adaptors DRESS: The barong tagalog, a lightweight, embroidered shirt usually made from indigenous fruit fibres, remains popular among local businesspeople. Although Western-style suits are also widely worn, dress codes are generally casual, especially in the private sector.

Business Hours

Shops tend to open six days a week between 9.00am and 11.00am, and close between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Public and private offices are typically open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm. Banks and embassies are usually open on weekdays from 9.00am to 3.00pm and 9.00am to 1.00pm, respectively.

Transport

Metro Manila is one of the most congested capitals in the world, and moving around the city during peak hours can be time-consuming. The local bus and jeepney networks can be challenging to navigate: some routes are unnumbered, signs can be handwritten and passengers ask to get on and off at informal stops. Motorcycle taxis are also available in specific areas of Manila but operate without fixed fares. The principal ride-hailing app is Grab, though the service did not include motorcycles as of August 2019. When travelling by taxi, it is recommended that visitors request the use of an electronic meter. Additionally, three mass rapid transit lines are in place in Metro Manila, and several more projects are under way, including the Manila Subway, though the system is not expected to launch for several years.

Visas

No visa is required for tourist stays shorter than 30 days, and obtaining extensions of one to six months is easy, requiring a $30-68 payment to the Bureau of Immigration. Foreigners must present an outbound ticket upon arrival at ports of entry. Those who wish to obtain a visa while abroad may do so for $35, though the length of stay is usually restricted to two months.

Health

The precautions taken before travelling in many tropical climates should be followed by visitors to the Philippines. Although incidence is rare, vaccinations for yellow fever, dengue, typhoid fever and hepatitis are also recommended for stays in particular regions.