Philippines

Philippines Culture Overview^{1, 2}

• Capital: Manila
• Population: approx. 114 million
• Official Language: Filipino; English
• Currency: piso (₱)
• The Philippines is located along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanos and earthquake epicenters.
• The Philippines straddle the Pacific typhoon belt.
• The Philippines is famous for its Jeepneys, colorful buses.
• Makati City was named the Selfie Capital of the World.
• Filipinos love karaoke. 
  

Tips On Moving to Philippines 

What Do You Need to Enter Philippines?³

• Valid Passport
• Visa (required for stays of 30 days or more)
• Proof of return or onward ticket to another destination
• Philippines travel declaration
  

Customs and Declarations³

All passengers entering Philippines are required to declare their belongings. Passengers carrying cash or other means of payment exceeding US$10,000 are required to declare to Customs.

Prohibited items:

• Illegal drugs
• Certain chemicals
• Obscene materials such as explicit magazines or DVDs
• Counterfeit goods
• Certain animals, plants, and products made from them

Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in Philippines⁴

There’s one important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help:

• Police, Ambulance and Fire (911)

Passing Away in Philippines^5,6

If the death occurs in a medical facility, they will handle the necessary paperwork and arrangements. If the death occurs outside of a medical facility, you should contact the nearest local Civil Registry office (LCRO) to report the death within 30 days. The medical facility will issue a Medical Certificate of death.

The death should also be reported to the relevant embassy or consulate.

The following information is required when reporting a death:

• The deceased's full name, date and place of birth, address
• Required documentation- the deceased’s passport, residence card, death certificate
• The date and place of death
• The cause of death 

Repatriating Mortal Remains

The repatriation of a body to the home country requires the help of the relevant local embassy or consulate. Consular officials can assist in organizing repatriation and obtaining appropriate documentation.

When repatriation of the body is requested, funeral homes or crematoriums in Philippines will temporarily hold the remains while arrangements are made.

Repatriation covers transportation and essential documentation, which may include:

• A certified Copy of the Notification of Death
• An embalming certificate (if required by the destination country)
• A certificate confirming the coffin complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.