The Philippines is a haven for shoppers. Countless bargain opportunities for the handicrafts of the different regions are found in the numerous shopping complexes, which range from sleek air-conditioned department stores and malls to open-air bazaars. Duty Free Philippines near NAIA is the largest in the country. The chain stores offer everything from the famous
barong tagalog (hand-embroidered dress shirts for men in delicate
jusi material) to Tiffany lamps made with capiz shells. For local color, there is nothing like the flea markets where visitors can buy all kinds of cloth weaves,
brassware from the south, woodcarvings and other local crafts and souvenirs, like the painted papier-maché horses of Laguna. Some particularly good buys are south-sea pearls, the silver jewelry from Baguio, coral trinket boxes, coral and pearl accessories, rattan furniture, baskets in different designs, woven grass mats (
banig), antique wooden figurines of saints, ready-to-wear clothes, garments embroidered with the traditional callado, Filipino dresses for women (usually made from banana and pineapple fibers), cigars, terracotta, porcelain and
abaca placemats. Handicraft stores are found everywhere in the country, especially in cities. Large department stores sell both local and foreign manufactured goods.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 1000-2000, but these can vary. Most department stores and supermarkets are open Sunday and there are some 24-hour convenience stores.
Currency Information:CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of PHP1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of PHP5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25 and 10 centavos.
Currency ExchangeCash in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars can be exchanged in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. Always use authorized money-changers or banks in Manila. Outside the capital there is a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency and rates may get progressively worse as you travel further away from the city. It is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of Philippine pesos when traveling to other provinces.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major establishments throughout the big cities of the Philippines. ATMs are available.
Traveller's ChequesTraveller’s cheques and major foreign currency may be cashed at most commercial banks and Central Bank dealers. They are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid difficulties, travelers are advised to carry their receipt of purchase with them. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | PHP94.44 |
| $1.00= | PHP47.85 |
| €1.00= | PHP63.89 |
Next Page »
