Manila, Philippines

Places to visit

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Country / Currency

Philippine peso (₱, PHP). Issuer: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); New Generation Currency (NGC) notes/coins are legal tender.

Airports & Transfers

Gateway: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA/MNL) — operated by MIAA (Terminals 1–4). Airport contacts include (02) 8877-1109 (T1/2/4) and (02) 8877-7888 (T3).
To Manila (Ermita/Intramuros area): UBE Express P2P buses and loops connect NAIA with city hubs; you can also take metered taxis or ride-hailing (Grab). Check current UBE routes/times before you fly.

Local Transport

Rail:
• LRT-1 (Baclaran ↔ Monumento/Balintawak) serves Taft, UN Ave, Central Terminal in Manila.
• LRT-2 (Recto ↔ Antipolo) links Recto (Manila) to the east.
• MRT-3 runs along EDSA (North Ave ↔ Taft).
Water bus: Pasig River Ferry Service (MMDA) connects Escolta/Lawton/Quinta/PUP, etc. with Pasig/Makati; check MMDA updates for stations/timetables.
Street level: Jeepneys, city buses, taxis, and Grab operate widely.

Connectivity / SIM

Major carriers: Globe / Smart / DITO. SIM registration is required under Republic Act 11934 (SIM Registration Act).

Power

Plug types: A/B/C • Voltage: 220 V • Frequency: 60 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.

Weather / Best Time

Monsoon seasons: Amihan (cooler/drier) roughly Nov–Feb; Habagat (wetter) roughly May–Sep. Always monitor PAGASA for rain/typhoon advisories.

Money / ATMs

ATMs and bank branches are plentiful across Manila (e.g., BPI units at SM City Manila, Isetann Recto, Lucky Chinatown, etc.; BDO and LANDBANK maintain extensive branch/ATM locators). Carry some cash for small fares/markets.

Local Rules to Note

Smoke-free/public transport rules: Smoking is restricted in many public places, government facilities, and public transport/terminals (national and city ordinances apply).
Light e-vehicles on major roads: The MMDA enforces a ban on e-bikes/e-trikes (and tricycles) on national/circumferential/radial roads in Metro Manila; check the latest guidelines if you plan to ride.

Manila, Philippines

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