General Information

Climate

In May, Manila experiences temperatures ranging from 33°C (91°F) during the day to 26°C (79°F) at night, with occasional rainfall. Prepare accordingly for your trip. For more details, visit the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration at PAGASA and Weather Underground.

Language

Filipino is predominantly spoken by locals in Manila, with a majority fluent in English. A simple “Hello” can warmly initiate conversations; locals are known for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Tax, Service Fees, and Tips

Taxes and service fees are usually included in the pricing. While tipping in restaurants and taxis is appreciated, it is not obligatory.

Insurance

The conference offers group insurance for delegates. For additional coverage, attendees are advised to purchase suitable travel insurance prior to arriving in Manila.

Electricity

The Philippines uses plug types A, B, and C. Type A has two flat parallel pins, type B includes a grounding pin, and type C features two round pins. The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. For more information, visit Power Plugs and Sockets.

Currency

The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the official currency, available in coins (PHP 1, PHP 5, PHP 10) and notes (PHP 20, PHP 50, PHP 100, PHP 200, PHP 500, PHP 1000). Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted but can be exchanged at local banks.

Banking

Banks operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00. ATMs are readily available. The USD to PHP exchange rate hovers around $1 to PHP 50, subject to change. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports, authorized remittance centers, banks, hotels, and money changers. Carry your passport for verification. For current rates, visit the Central Bank of the Philippines at BSP.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB are widely accepted across hotels, restaurants, and other establishments. For general information about the Philippines, check the Philippine Department of Tourism.

Prayer Room

During the congress, the prayer room is situated on the ground floor of the Secretariat Building at PICC (Philippine International Convention Center). You can easily find the location using the floor plan board (located at the registration area) or directional boards within the venue.