WCO PICARD Conference
Currency

The monetary unit of the Philippines is the Philippine peso. For updated currency exchange information please visit the website of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. National currency can be obtained from numerous money exchange offices.

Climate

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate that is usually hot and humid. The PICARD Conference will take place during the rainy season, known as tag-ulan in Tagalog, the second official language of the Philippines. The average temperature in September ranges from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Airport

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport serves as the main international gateway to the Philippines. It is situated approximately 7 km outside of Manila.

Electricity

Electric power in the Philippines is 220 Volts with a frequency of 60 Hertz. Sockets conform to type A and B (used mainly in Japan and North and Central America) with two and three-pin plugs.

Taxes

There is a government sales tax of 12% added to most goods and services in the Philippines, but this is typically factored into listed prices, as is a small (.6%) hotel tax.

Tipping

The Philippines is a non-tipping culture. Upmarket hotels and restaurants may add a service charge to bills (usually 10%). This is usually made clear on restaurant menus or incorporated into quoted hotel room rates. In mid- to low-range restaurants and hotels, tipping is not expected, though reward for good service is always appreciated. Tricycle taxi drivers do not expect a tip.