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Air + Hotel + Car Air + Hotel Air + Car Hotel + Car Departing From Departure Date and Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM Cheapest 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Midnight Going To Return Date and Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM Cheapest 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Midnight Adults: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Seniors (65+): 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Airport Location Pick-up Date and Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Midnight Car Type: Lowest Price Economy Compact Intermediate Standard Full Size Premium Luxury Sports Convertible Station Wagon Minivan Full Size Van Sport Utility Pick-up Truck All Terrain Drop-off Date and Time: 1:00 AM 2:00 AM 3:00 AM 4:00 AM 5:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM Noon 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM Midnight Destination: Any destination Africa Alaska Australia Bahamas Baltic Sea Bermuda Canada/New England Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Southern Caribbean - Western Costa Rica Cruise To Nowhere Europe Europe - Northern Europe - Western Far East Greek Isles Hawaii Mediterranean Mexico New York New Zealand Orient Pacific Coastal Pacific Northwest Panama Canal Red Sea South America South Pacific Southeast Asia Tahiti Transatlantic Transcanal Transpacific World Cruise Sailing Date: All months January February March April May June July August September October November December 2005 2006 2007 Duration: Any cruise length 1-2 Nights 3-6 Nights 7-9 Nights 10-14 Nights Over 14 Nights Cruise Line: Any cruise line Carnival Cruise Lines Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruise Lines Cruise West Crystal Cruises Cunard Line Ltd. Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Italian Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Ocean Club Cruises Oceania Cruises Orient Cruise Lines P&O Cruises Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Royal Olympia Cruises Seabourn Cruise Line Silversea Cruises Viking River Cruises Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Windstar Cruises City or Zip or Nearest Airport Check-in Date: Check-out Date: Search Distance: 2 5 10 20 30 40 50 miles 1 2 3 4 Room(s) 1 2 3 4 Guest(s) per room -- Departing From Departure Date and Time: Going To Return Date and Time: Adults 0 1 2 3 4 Minor Age 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 4 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Going To Departure Date and Time: Return Date and Time: Adults 0 1 2 3 4 Minor Age 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Minor Age 4 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 more flight search options Cruise Deals Silversea Cruises - 10 Night San Diego to Puerto Caldera Cruise - 3/8/2006 - $3057 Norwegian Cruise Line - 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise - 1/28/2006 - $429 Holland America Line - 14 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise - 3/5/2006 - $1599 NCL America - 7 Day Hawaii Cruise - 4/1/2006 - $849 Viking River Cruises - Danube Explorer - Vienna to Nuremberg - 1/8/2006 - $1399 Travel Deals Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations - Family FREE for ALL at Orlando Area hotels - 10/26/2005 - $549 Qantas Vacations - Blue LagoonCruises&Westin Resort&Spa - From $1,689pp - 12/12/2005 - $1689 SuperClubs - Breezes Costa do Sauipe - 35% Off Sale - 1/1/2006 - $136 Auto Europe - BritRail Consecutive Pass Off Peak Special - 11/1/2005 - $237 Brendan Worldwide Vacations - Warwick Fiji - Special All Inclusive package - 11/1/2005 - $1509 Customer Service Agent Assistance: Feel free at any point during your visit to MontroseTravel.com to pick up the phone and contact us at 1-800-MONTROSE . Whether it is to find out about one of our great deals, or to find assistance and answers with booking travel, our operators are standing by to help. That's our promise to you as our valued customer. FEATURED PARTNERS Weekly Deals DESTINATION DEALS Caribbean New York Mexico Florida Hawaii Las Vegas Europe more... CUSTOMER SUPPORT New to the site? Home Page | Flights | Cars | Hotels | Cruises | Vacations | Group Travel | Corporate Travel | Honeymoon Travel | Independent Contractors | Luxury Travel | Customer Service | About Montrose Travel Affiliate Programs SARA Enterprises Inc., is not responsible for content on external Web sites. ©2005 Montrose Travel. All rights reserved. CST#1018299-10
Golf Vacation
Sedona, Arizona, Sedona Golf Resort, Arizona Golf Courses Online Tee Times | Players Club | Short Game Clinics | About SunCor | Email Club | Employment Opportunities | Contact Us Our Properties: SunRidge Canyon Fountain Hills, AZ Sedona Golf Resort Sedona, AZ StoneRidge Prescott Valley, AZ Palm Valley Goodyear, AZ Club West Phoenix, AZ Sanctuary Scottsdale, AZ Coral Canyon Washington, UT No other Sedona golf course provides a better combination of jaw-dropping splendor and exceptional challenge than the acclaimed Sedona Golf Resort. Located in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling 6,646-yard, par - 71 course is widely considered among the world's most unforgettable golf experiences. Winding around the famed red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique adventure. No wonder this championship Sedona golf course receives a continuous four-star rating from Golf Digest. What's more, Sedona Golf Resort's 18 holes of unparalleled enjoyment are only a short drive from Phoenix or Flagstaff. Discover your personal red rock retreat at the Sedona Golf Resort community. This well planned Sedona golf course offers you many attractive accommodation choices nearby, including Golden Heritage Homes, Hilton Sedona Resort and Sunterra's Ridge Timeshares. Also nearby is The Ridge Spa & Racquet Club, which offers first-class amenities for fitness and relaxation all year round. Famous cowboys saddled up long before anyone teed up at the Sedona Golf Resort. The 18 holes of unequalled championship golf are located where many Western movies of the 1930s and 1940s were filmed. The Sedona Golf Resort is also a museum of sorts. Between the 1st and 18th hole you can still see the remains of the handmade red rock wall from Sedona's original homesteads. Make The Sedona Golf Resort the next Sedona golf course you play! Come experience the splendor of this amazing Sedona golf course for yourself. Please call for more information (928) 284-9355 or (877) 733-9885. Home | Site Map Online Tee Times | Course Up Close | Promotions & Partners | Events | Instruction | Clubs | Contact Us Links | Programs | Tournaments | Weddings & Banquets Events | StoneRidge Destination | Sedona Destination | Sanctuary Destination | PalmValley Destination | CoralCanyon Destination 2005 - SunCor Development Company All Rights Reserved. Web Site by Sitewire Marketspace Solutions, LLC --
Cruise Vacations, Small Ship
Cruise Vacations, Cruise Lines, Small Ship Cruises, Luxury Cruise Ships, Cruise Booking Cruise Vacations, Luxury Cruise Lines, Small Ship Cruises, Cruise Ships, Barge Cruises Cruise Vacations, Small Ship Cruises, Luxury Cruise Lines, Luxury Cruises Guide Cruise Vacation Specialists: Virtuoso Cruise Consultants Cruise vacations: Call 1 800 330 8820 to book now. Open every day! Cruise Destinations Cruise Specials!! World Luxury Cruises Hawaii Luxury Cruises South Pacific/Tahiti Baltic/Russia Cruises Scandinavia/North Cape Cruises Alaska Luxury Cruises Caribbean Cruises Panama Canal Cruises Mexico Luxury Cruises Mediterranean West Cruises Europe Western Cruises British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica Cruises South America Cruises Amazon River Cruises Antarctica Cruises Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Luxury Cruises Southern Africa Luxury Cruises Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Luxury Cruises Southeast Asia Luxury Cruises Trans-Atlantic Luxury Cruises Trans-Pacific Luxury Cruises Russia Europe Cruises Costa Rica Luxury Cruises East Coast Cruises India Luxury Cruises Israel/Egypt Luxury Cruises New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast Cruises Alaska Cruise Private Shore Excursions Testimonials Contact Us Luxury Cruise Vacation Guide "The sophisticated traveler's cruise vacation planners." Cruise Vacations, Luxury Cruise Lines, Small Ship Cruises, Cruise Ships, River Barge Cruises Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Luxury Vacation, Travel and Cruise Specialists ? We are Virtuoso, "Specialists in the Art of Travel". Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, Neiman Marcus Awards Program and The Wall Street Journal. Our Virtuoso Cruise Specialists offer exclusive insider connections and industry expertise on luxury vacations- along with the guidance and know-how you require to make educated travel choices. We are very innovative, add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers expectations and strive to always provide the ultimate travel experience. We are one of the most successful, and highly recommended luxury cruise companies in the world. Our phenomenal success is due to our forging personal relationships based on trust and integrity with our customers. We are Virtuoso luxury cruise planning experts that specialize in connecting you to the worlds best cruise destinations - in the best ways possible. Our luxury cruise specialists take the time to get to know you so that your personal vacation dreams become reality. Our renowned Master Cruise Consultants are extremely knowledgeable, with over fifteen to twenty years of industry experience in the luxury cruise business. They are experts in the art of cruising, will serve as your advocate and will always available to you. We readily handle luxury cruises, vacations, tours and travel requests from all parts of the globe We have Master Cruise Consultants that are specialists for Silversea Cruise Line, Crystal Cruise Line, Radisson Cruise Line, Windstar Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Princess Cruise line, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard Cruise Line, ResidenSea, SeaDream Yachts, Holland America Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orient Cruise Line, Le Levant Cruise Line, Clipper Cruise Line, Royal Olympic Cruise Line, Peter Deilman Cruise Lines, American Safari Cruises, Society Expeditions, Star Clipper Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, American West Steamboat Cruises and First European Cruises. We can get you the best luxury cruise accommodations when others fail! We will provide you with every up to the minute special. You get a lot more than you pay for with us---like free shore excursions, free upgrades, past passenger rates, even pre and post hotel packages, business or first class air discounts, including outstanding amenities such as complimentary upgrades, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic destinations. You will get unsurpassed value in the world of upscale travel. Our Virtuoso Master Cruise Consultants start with the best price on over 400 luxury cruise departures. Then we add nights in five-star resorts; dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants; private tours and great parties. All with the compliments of Voyager Club, by Virtuoso. We can also arrange private shore excursions in any port around the world, for just the two of you. Ask about our Voyager Club Sailings in our extensive inventory of luxury cruise vacations. Sophisticated cruise travelers know the extraordinary value of our custom designed luxury cruise vacations and renowned service. Our professional services suit the world's most demanding travelers. Our name opens doors and guarantees value. Our network of specialists span the world. Travelwizard.com, a Virtuoso Member, was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their " Throws a Wedding " show. We are very proud that the Today Show turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned destination specialists designed the perfect honeymoon for the NBC Today Show Ellen DeGeneres, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show uses Travelwizard.com as her number one source for luxury cruise vacations throughout the world. We are very proud to be the first choice for sophisticated travelers like Ellen DeGeneres! In an uncertain world, be certain about us About Travel Wizard & Virtuoso Travel and Cruise Consultants Virtuoso Luxury Vacations and Cruise Specials Escape to Alaska Cruise Specials! Escape to Europe Cruise Specials! Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Cruise Line of the Month --- Seabourn Cruise Line Radisson Seven Seas Silversea Cruises Windstar Cruises MSC Cruises Oceania Cruises Sea Dream Yacht Club Crystal Cruises Cunard Line Clipper Cruises Holland America Line Star Clippers Princess Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Hebridean Island Cruises Orient Lines Celebrity Cruises Peter Deilmann Cruises Viking River Cruises Le Levant Cruises Travel Dynamics Cruises American West Steamboat Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Swan Hellenic ResidenSea American Safari Cruise West Costa Cruises Globus European River Cruises Delta Queen River Cruises Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck World Discovery French Waterways The Moorings National Geographic Cruises International Expeditions Orient Express Cruises Royal Caribbean Carnival Cruise Line Alaska Cruise Private Shore Excursions Other Helpful Travel Links Testimonials Helpful cruise Info Contact Us State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We accept credit cards: Submit a Free, Full Service Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your cruise vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Cruise Travel Consultants, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Cruise Travel Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Cruise Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your Cruise vacation. For Luxury Vacations: "Submit a Luxury Vacation Planner" For Luxury Tours: "Submit a Tour Planner" After you've completed your vacation planner you may call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury vacation. Thank you very much! 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Russia Travel Resources >
Russia Travel Guide - Driving You are here: About > Travel > Eastern Europe for Visitors > Russia-Belarus-Ukraine > Russia Travel Resources > Travel Essentials - Russia > Russia Travel Guide - Driving Travel Go Eastern Europe Essentials Best of Eastern Europe Map of Central/Eastern Europe Photo Gallery Country Profiles Discount Travel Websites Articles & Resources Planning Your Trip Ways to Travel What to Do in East Europe Maps for Eastern Europe Czech-SlovakTravel Hungary Travel Poland Travel Russia-Belarus-Ukraine Romania-Moldova Travel Baltic Travel Balkan Travel Culture and Holidays Photo Galleries East Europe Travel and Language Books Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Eastern Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Eastern Europe for Visitors Traffic Stay up to date! Traffic Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular First Christmas Tree Europe map Best of Eastern Europe Croatia Naturism and Nudism Discount Travel Websites What's Hot Krakow Photo Gallery Profiles of Eastern Europe Moscow City Profile Czech Republic Photo Gallery - Charles Bridge and castle Sofia's Religous Buildings Related Topics Hotels / Resorts / Inns European History Architecture Air Travel Europe for Visitors Cars and Driving - Russia From Apply Now , Your Guide to Eastern Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Russia Travel Guide Driving in Russia can be a challenge, given poorly maintained roads, road hazards, corrupt traffic police, and the frequent accidents. Also, with trains and public transportation systems, there's not much reason to drive. Furthermore, according to Russia's Ministry of Transportation, only about 40 percent of Russia's 135,000 towns are connected by roads, and of those, about 40 percent are substandard. The other roads aren't much better.
However, Russia's eastern part is now connected to its western part, thanks to a newly opened section of highway linking Chita to Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East. With this highway section, is now possible to drive the 6,214 miles (10,000 km) from Moscow to Vladivostok. Of course, eager drivers should be aware that only about one-quarter of the eastern section of the highway is paved. The rest is gravel-topped, with plans to have the entire highway paved by 2080.
Russian officials expect that the transcontinental highway will help move goods as well as people, lowering costs of items intended for the burgeoning Chinese market. Prior to the highway, air travel or the famous Trans-Siberian rail routes were the only other feasible ways to cross Russia's vast geography.
Like elsewhere in Eastern Europe, car theft is common. Park in secured lots or well-lit areas.
You will not find many car rental agencies, and those that exist will usually want to give you a driver as well as the car.
Rules of the Road
So, you still want to drive? Then here are some rules of the road.
When you are stopped by the traffic police, you will be informed of the violation. Theoretically, you will issued a ticket and the officer can take your fine on the spot and give you a receipt for it. They are also known to take "payments" without receipts. Larger fines need to be paid at a Sherbank office.
You need a valid drivers license from your home country, and a certified translation of it. If you are planning to drive in Russia for more than six months, you will need to get a Russian drivers license.
Do not drink and drive.
Speeds are 60 km per hour (37 mph) in urban areas and 90 km per hour (55 mph) outside of these areas. Speeding can get you fined. Russia Travel Guide Index
Profile of Russia
City Profile: Moscow
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Asia Travel
PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the south. The three main Philippine island groups are Luzon , the Visayas and Mindanao . Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines , including the capital city of Manila , are in Luzon , but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues. Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle, the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top