Useful Information

Languages

The Philippines is a country with a rich linguistic diversity, and multiple languages are spoken across its many islands. The primary languages spoken in the Philippines are Filipino (Tagalog) and English.

Visa

The Philippines grants visa-free entry to passport holders of certain countries while requiring a visa to others.

Cameroon:

You are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less provided that you meet all of the requirements below:

- If you are traveling to the Philippines for business or tourism; and
- You hold valid tickets for your return to port of origin or next port of destination; and
- Your passport is valid at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay
- You are not subject of deportation/blacklist order of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration

Check the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Website:

Currency

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso, abbreviated as PHP and symbolized as ₱. The peso is subdivided into 100 centavos.

Since banks in the Philippines don't directly trade the Central African CFA Franc (XAF), you will need to use an intermediary currency such as the US Dollar (USD) or the Euro (EUR) to facilitate the exchange.

Electricity

In the Philippines, the standard voltage for electricity is 220V and the frequency is 60Hz. This means that most electrical outlets in the Philippines provide 220 volts of alternating current (AC) at a frequency of 60 hertz.

By understanding the electrical standards in the Philippines, you can ensure that your devices operate safely and efficiently during your stay or visit.

Climate

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate, which is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. The climate can be divided into three distinct seasons:

Hot Dry Season (Tag-init/Tag-araw): March to May
Rainy Season (Tag-ulan): June to November
Cool Dry Season: December to February

Average annual temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89.6°F).

The hottest months are typically March, April, and May, where temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F).

The coolest months are December to February, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (71.6°F to 82.4°F).

The country experiences a significant amount of rainfall, especially during the rainy season.

The Philippines is located in the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific and experiences around 20 typhoons annually, with about 5 being destructive.

Typhoon season typically spans from June to November.

Metro System

The Philippine railway system is an essential mode of transportation in the country, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) and some parts of Luzon. The system is managed by several entities and comprises different types of trains and lines. Here's an overview of the key components:

Philippine National Railways (PNR)
Metro Rail Transit (MRT)
Light Rail Transit (LRT)

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system in the Philippines is a vital component of Metro Manila's public transportation network. Specifically, it refers to the MRT-3 line, which runs along one of the busiest corridors in the metropolis, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The MRT system helps alleviate traffic congestion and provides a fast and efficient mode of transportation for commuters.

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) system in the Philippines is an integral part of Metro Manila's public transportation network. It comprises two main lines, LRT-1 and LRT-2, which serve millions of commuters daily by connecting key areas across the metropolis.

The fare structure for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 in Metro Manila, Philippines, is based on distance traveled. Here's an overview of the fare intervals as of the latest updates:

Prices vary from 13₱ to 28₱.

Base Fare: The minimum fare starts at 13₱ for the first 4 kilometers.

Additional Fare: For each additional kilometer beyond the initial 4 kilometers, an extra 1₱ is added.

Payment Methods:

Single Journey Tickets: These can be purchased at ticket vending machines and ticket booths in stations.
Stored Value Cards: Known as "Beep Cards," these can be loaded with value and used across the MRT, LRT lines, and certain bus lines. Beep Cards offer convenience and sometimes slight discounts compared to single journey tickets.

For the most current and detailed fare information, visiting the official MRT-3 website or checking the latest updates from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is recommended.

MRT-3 Official Website

Department of Transportation (DOTr)

Taxi

Taxis are a common and convenient mode of transportation in Manila, offering a relatively comfortable and accessible way to navigate the city. Taxis in Manila are regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), ensuring a standardized fare system.

Taxi Types:

Regular Taxis: These are the standard white taxis you see on the streets.
Airport Taxis: Typically more expensive, but they are available at airports and cater specifically to travelers.
Ride-Hailing Service Taxis: These can be booked via apps like Grab, offering both regular and premium services.

Payment:

Metered Fare: The majority of taxis operate on a metered fare system.
Cash Payment: Taxis typically accept cash; some might accept cards, especially those booked through apps.

Base Fare(For regular taxis):

Initial Flag Down Rate: 40₱. This is the starting fare once you enter the taxi.

Tips for Taking Taxis in Manila:

Initial Flag Down Rate: 40₱. This is the starting fare once you enter the taxi.
Ensure the Meter is On: Always check that the driver starts the meter once you begin your journey to avoid overcharging.
Negotiate Only if Necessary: In rare cases, drivers might try to negotiate a fare instead of using the meter. It's generally advisable to insist on metered fare.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Grab provide a more secure and transparent fare structure, often with safer and more reliable service.
Safety: Always note the taxi's plate number and driver's details for safety purposes. Sharing this information with a friend or family member is a good practice.

For transportation, you can also use byke service, and it's higly recommended considering the high traffic precisely in Metro Manila. Example of byke service: Angkas, JoyRide, Move It

Credit/Debit Cards

Most businesses in the Philippines accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express and JCB).ATMs are available at banks, post offices, convenience stores and shopping malls.

Health

The healthcare system in the Philippines is a mix of public and private services. It has undergone significant reforms and improvements, but challenges remain in terms of accessibility, quality, and efficiency, particularly in rural areas.

The health system in the Philippines is progressing but faces several challenges. Public healthcare provides a safety net for many Filipinos, but it is often under-resourced. Private healthcare offers better services but at a higher cost, making it less accessible to the general population. Continued reforms, increased funding, and efficient implementation of health policies are crucial for improving the overall health system.