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Travel information and tips on The Philippines including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in The Philippines, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
Angeles, Philippines
Manila, Philippines
Here is
a quick overview and some general information on Philippines
For general travel and tourism information about the Philippines,
visit the Philippines Department of
Tourism, or call 415-956-4060.
Passports and Visas
Currency Information and Money
Matters
Electricity
Language
Travel Etiquette
for The Philippines
Travel Insurance
Travel Warning
The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book
The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they
were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the
Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected
president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a
10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during
WWII, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain
control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its
independence. The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people
power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon
AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which
prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel
RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater
stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last
military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but
was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001
after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and
another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. The Philippine
Government faces threats from three terrorist groups on the US Government's
Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but in 2006 and 2007 scored some major
successes in capturing or killing key wanted terrorists. Decades of Muslim
insurgency in the southern Philippines have led to a peace accord with one group
and an ongoing cease-fire and peace talks with another.
The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades with real GDP growth exceeding 7% in 2007. Higher government spending contributed to the growth, but a resilient service sector and large remittances from the millions of Filipinos who work abroad have played an increasingly important role. Economic growth has averaged 5% since President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office in 2001. Nevertheless, the Philippines will need still higher, sustained growth to make progress in alleviating poverty, given its high population growth and unequal distribution of income. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures. Declining fiscal deficits, tapering debt and debt service ratios, as well as recent efforts to increase spending on infrastructure and social services have heightened optimism over Philippine economic prospects. Although the general macroeconomic outlook has improved significantly, the Philippines continues to face important challenges and must maintain the reform momentum in order to catch up with regional competitors, improve employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty. Longer-term fiscal stability will require more sustainable revenue sources, rather than non-recurring revenues from privatization. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/rp.html
You will need a passport to visit Andorra. You have to travel to
Andorra through either France or Spain. Andorra accepts any passport or passport
replacing document that is valid for either France or Spain.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP).
Philippine pesos per US dollar - 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006), 55.086 (2005),
56.04 (2004), 54.203 (2003).
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
The official language is Filipino and English. Additionally, there are eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan.
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Electricity
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit. Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Travel Warnings are issued to
describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or
unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to
assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or
consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. The countries listed below
meet those criteria. Additionally, the State Department issues
Country Specific Information for every
country of the world with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the
location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country. Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting
Around In Philippines
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Cities and
Towns In Philippines
If you have information you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some Things To See And Do In Philippines
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Suggestions For Accommodations In Philippines
For accommodations and reservations in the Philippines,
including the cities of Bacolod, Baguio, Bohol, Boracy, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras,
Manila, Mt. Data, Palawan, Puerto Galera, Subic, and Tacloban, click on
Hotels and other accommodations in the Philippines
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
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| Book Hostels in the Philippines Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
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Some
Suggestions For Dining In Philippines
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites
In Philippines
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Interesting Links For Philippines
| Book Hostels in the Philippines Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
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Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
