VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS REGULATIONS in Philippines
On September 19, 2007, an agreement on visa-free entry of Russian citizens into the Philippines for up to 21 days came into force. At the same time, the validity of the passport must be at least 6 months from the end of the trip. When crossing the border, you will also need to present a return ticket and be ready to prove the availability of funds for the entire period of stay in the country.
You can import duty-free to the Philippines:
– 2 liters of alcoholic beverages;
– either 400 pcs. cigarettes, or 50 pcs. cigars, or 250 g of tobacco;
– food and household items within the limits of personal needs.
It is forbidden to import:
– firearms and objects that imitate them, explosives, ammunition;
– written or printed materials of an anti-state or inhuman nature;
– materials, photographs, prints and other images of a pornographic nature;
– any drugs and their components.
The export of antiques, paintings, products made of gold, wood, ivory is prohibited.
The export of cigarettes is allowed – 200 pcs, or cigars – 50 pcs, or tobacco – 500 g; alcoholic beverages – 0.95 l.
Embassy in Philippines
Philippines, Embassy in Moscow
121099, Russia, Moscow, Karmanitsky per., 6/8
Philippines, Russian Embassy in the country:
Manila, 1245 Acacia Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati
Phone: (8-10-632) 810-96-14, 817-54-06;
Fax: (8-10-632) 810-96-14.
Communication in Philippines
If you call to Russia from a hotel, you must press the IDD button, and then 007 – the area code – the subscriber’s number. Some hotels do not have the IDD button and instead press 9.
Emergency Phones in Philippines
Police and rescue service – 166.
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 9 – Day of Courage (commemorates the steadfastness of the US-Filipino troops in World War II)
May 1 – Labor Day
June 12 – Independence Day
last Sunday of August – National Hero’s Day
November 30 – Bonifacio Day
25 December – Catholic Christmas
December 30 – Rizal Day
People like to relax in the Philippines – a large number of various festivals are held here throughout the year. Of interest are the Cebu City Festival in January, the Baguio Flower Festival in February-March, the Pachias Festival in Quezon during Holy Week, the Mango Festival in May-June and the Piñan-sa-Daet Pineapple Festival in June. The festivals held on the island of Mindanao are very colorful – Kalilangan and Kadayawan. The Kalilangan festival is held in the city of General Santos in the last week of February. Its name is translated as “anniversary” or “celebration”. People pay tribute to the hard work of those who built the city by 1939, for a whole week they hold colorful ceremonies, sing national songs and dance. The Kadayawan festival takes place at the end of August in Davao. It is a kind of gratitude of the local people to God for a bountiful harvest. Numerous flower and fruit exhibitions, fairs and street processions are organized throughout the week. The culmination of the celebrations is the flower parade, where you can see the bright tropical flowers grown this season.
USEFUL THINGS
In some resorts, such as Davao, smoking is prohibited in public places, violators will have to pay a fine. In the Philippines, there are increased security measures, so be prepared for the fact that before entering every large store, subway, restaurant, you will be asked to open your bags for inspection.
SHOPS
According to medicinelearners, shops are open from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and Saturdays.
TIPS
In restaurants, tips are 10% of the bill, in hotels – up to 15% of the amount paid. It is also customary to give small amounts to taxi drivers.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Despite the loyalty and friendliness of the local population towards tourists, respect local traditions and religious beliefs: when visiting religious and religious monuments, you should wear modest clothes, do not talk loudly, do not chew gum, do not eat or drink, do not litter.
One of the noticeable national traits of the local population is slowness. One of the favorite entertainments of local residents is cockfighting.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 60Hz;
HEALTH
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Philippines, but it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
