New Zealand nationals are considered non-restricted nationals; they can enter the Philippines as tourists and are not required to have a visa. They can stay in the country for a maximum of 21 days.

Should they wish to extend their stay in the country beyond 21 days, they can apply for a visa waiver at the Bureau of Immigration (BID) in the Philippines. The BID can then grant an extension of up to additional 38 days stay in the country. If they want to stay in the country longer than 59 days, they will need to obtain a visa.

If you are going to be a regular visitor, it will pay to have a look at getting an APEC Business Travel Card which provides accredited business people with streamlined access to participating APEC countries. Immigration New Zealand has more information.

The Philippines has a tropical climate. The hottest month is May when the daily average temperature ranges from 24-34°C. The coldest month is January (21-30°C), the wettest month is July and the rainy season normally starts in April/May and tapers off in November.

English is considered the language of commerce, but remember to speak slowly as some Filipinos may struggle with the New Zealand accent. Most Filipinos can read and write in English.

The majority (about 90 percent) of the local broadsheets are in English as well as street signs, billboards, other signs and notices, labels, menus etc.
Along with Filipino (Tagalog) and English, Spanish and many local dialects are spoken.

The Philippines is four hours behind New Zealand except during daylight savings when the difference is five hours. To find out the current time in the Philippines, go to timeanddate.com. Note that the Philippines does not have any daylight savings time.

Government, private offices and public authorities operate from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm with workers breaking for lunch from 12 noon to 1pm. Some private offices are also open on Saturdays from 8am to 12 noon.

Business hours for banks are Monday-Friday from 9am to 3 or 3.30pm. Embassies or consulates are open to the public at 9am and close at 1pm (the New Zealand Embassy is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays). In Manila, most shops are open seven days a week, from 9am or 10am to 7pm or 10pm. As for shopping centers, supermarkets and departmental stores, the operating hours are from 11am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 10pm on weekends.

Public holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Esda Revolution Day
  
• Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan)
  
• Maundy Thursday
  
• Good Friday
  
• Labour Day
• Independence Day
  
• National Heroes' Day
  
• Eid Ul Fitr
  
• All Saints' Day
• Bonifacio Day
• Christmas Day
  
• Rizal Day
• New Year's Eve

World Travel Guide has up to date list of when these days fall. 

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso (or piso), divided into 100 centavos (or sentimo). Bank notes are divided into 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.

To get up to date currency rates see xe.com. 

Appearances matter and visitors should dress well.

Business attire is conservative. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit, at least for the initial meeting. A long sleeved shirt with a tie is acceptable for a business meeting. Most Filipinos prefer to wear a long or short sleeved barong tagalong (a lightweight, embroidered formal garment) to work and business meetings. Many foreigner businessmen have adapted this attire as it is practical and light especially in the summer months.

Women should wear a conservative suit, a skirt and blouse, or a dress. Clothing may be brightly coloured as long as it is of good quality and well tailored.

If you are planning to visit the Philippines, consult the New Zealand Government’s travel advisory website for travel updates.

• Get general advice on how to start to export in the Export guide.

(Additional sources used on this page: Kwintessential, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Philippines-Business Net.)