The Peninsula Manila

Destination

Destination Facts

Life in Manila is exciting and colourful, but yet busy and bustling, so it helps if visitors familiarise themselves with local mores before arriving, especially for a first visit. From banking hours and tipping, to restaurant and bar opening hours and traditional customs, you’ll find the information you need here.

Manila - General

Language
Both English and Pilipino are widely spoken in Manila.
Public Holiday
2012
1 January New Year's Day
5  April
 Maundy Thursday
6  April
 Good Friday
8  April Easter Sunday
9 April "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor)
1 May Labour Day
12 June Independence Day
26 August National Heroes Day
1 November All Saints Day
30 November Bonifacio Day
25 December Christmas Day
30 December Rizal Year
31 December Last Day of the Year

Currency
The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the official currency.

Taxes
All food and retail goods are subject to a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10%. Government tax on hotel accommodation charges are also at 10%.

Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Staying Connected

Telephone - Country and Area Codes
The international telephone country code for the Philippines is 63 and area code for Manila 02, with land line numbers comprising seven digits. To call a Manila number from overseas drop the 0 before the 2, and so the prefix becomes 632.

Mobile / Cellular Phones
Manila is well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage, with major business and tourist attraction areas having good mobile or cellular phone coverage.

Mobile / Cellular Phones SIM Cards
There are several mobile network operators in Manila. Stored-value SIM cards are available at most convenience stores or at mobile network operators’ retail shops.

Traveller's Tips

Shopping and Paying
Philippine Peso (PHP) is the predominant currency for cash payments, although most retailers will take US Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques may be cashed at banks or at any licensed currency exchange bureaus.

Tipping
The addition of a 10% service charge to hotel and restaurant bills is customary with additional tipping being optional.

Emergency Numbers
The emergency number for Police, Ambulance and Fire Services is 168. The number can be dialled free on any land lines or mobile phones.