Olongapo Travel Tips

Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, daily
Business Offices: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00, Saturday

Visitors should be aware that there have been incidents of tourists being kidnapped in remote areas of the Philippines in recent years. Although occurrences are rare, visitors are encouraged to heed warnings regarding potential danger areas. In addition, infrequent bombing threats have been reported in large urban areas. Visitors are encouraged to notify friends or relatives of their travel plans and intended itinerary.

The main concern for visitors to the Philippines is pick-pockets and petty thieves. Petty crime rates are no higher here than in most other tourist destinations, but visitors should still exercise caution. Petty criminals tend to frequent areas that are popular with tourists including railway and bus terminals.

It’s recommended that you make use of hotel safes to protect valuable documents, large amounts of currency and expensive jewellery. As always, it’s not a good idea to walk alone at night in areas that are off the beaten path. It’s also not a good idea to display obvious signs of wealth when you’re out sightseeing.

Electricity: 220 volts, 60Hz; electrical plugs with two flat parallel prongs are in use.

Philippine authorities do not require visitors to have vaccinations before entering the country, unless they are coming from areas that are known to be infected with yellow fever. Those visitors must be vaccinated before entry, and anyone declaring an infectious disease is subject to quarantine.

Tap water is not considered safe for consumption in Olongapo, or anywhere else in the country. Bottled water should be used, or water from the tap that has been purified by boiling before use. As milk is not pasteurised here, both milk and milk products can pose health problems. The use of powdered and tinned milk products is recommended. All fish and meat should be thoroughly cooked before eating, as should vegetables and fruit.

A number of privately-operated and well-equipped health facilities are available in Olongapo. Visitors will find that healthcare meets international standards, although the quality of service at centres outside urban areas may not. It is advisable to take out sufficient travel insurance before beginning your trip, as you will be required to pay for medical services on-the-spot. Once you’ve returned to your home country, you can then apply for reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

James L Gordon Memorial Hospital: +63 47 223 7571
Emergency services: 160

As the Subic Bay area was home to a major US military operation for many years, American English is widely understood and spoken in Olongapo. The main language is Filipino, however, and there are no particular dialects spoken.

The peso (or piso in the Filipino language) is the country’s currency unit. The US dollar is also widely accepted throughout the Philippines. Each piso comprises 100 centavos (sentimos). You’ll find banknotes in the following denominations: 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20 pisos. You may also come across notes in 10 and 5 piso denominations, but these are no longer printed. Coins that are in circulation include 10, 5 and 1 piso denominations, and 25, 10 and 5 sentimo coins.

Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport and at authorised currency exchange outlets, banks and hotels in Olongapo City. Travellers’ cheques are easily cashed and all major credit cards are accepted by the larger hotels, resorts, restaurants and retailers.

There are ATMs available throughout the city where you can withdraw funds. Some ATMs will allow you to obtain cash advances using your credit card. Carrying banknotes in small denominations will make it easier to pay taxi fares and make small purchases as taxi drivers and smaller merchants are often not able to provide change.

Visitors may bring in the following items duty-free: 400 cigarettes or two packages of loose tobacco; two litres of wine or spirits; and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.

Currency in an amount greater than US$3,000 must be declared with the Central Bank of the Philippines on arrival. When departing the country, the amount of currency being exported cannot exceed the amount that was declared on arrival. It’s a good idea to keep all currency exchange receipts. Local currency is also regulated: P5,000 in banknotes may be brought into the country; however, departing passengers may not take more than P1,000 with them when they leave.

You’ll find that most Filipinos you meet are friendly, courteous and hospitable. It’s likely that you’ll encounter some local customs that seem quite unusual to you, however. Locals may stare at you. This is not considered rude, as they probably find you interesting and want to have a better look. Other actions that you’ll see which are also not considered impolite include pointing with the lips instead of a finger and hissing to get your attention.

Before entering someone’s home, you should remove your shoes and leave them by the door. Once inside, as a guest it’s expected that you’ll be talkative; being quiet is a sign that you’re not enjoying yourself. If you find that you are in the company of elderly guests, it’s considered good manners to engage them in conversation.

As in most Asian countries, you’ll see women holding hands as they walk along the street and men touching each other during conversation. Although this would be considered intimate behaviour in many western countries, it’s simply an extension of the warmth and closeness that is felt among Filipinos. This behaviour isn’t an indication of sexual preference.

Dining Etiquette
If you’re fortunate enough to be invited to someone’s home for a meal, it would be polite to bring along a small gift to give your host. This isn’t required, but a souvenir from your home country or flowers will be appreciated. Arriving on time is not expected, and it’s actually considered polite to arrive 15 to 30 minutes late, as this is the local norm. In fact, your hosts might not be ready for you if you arrive on time.

When it is time to eat, the host will most likely indicate where guests should sit. The host will invite you to begin eating, and it is considered impolite to begin before others. The meal will be served family-style, and you will serve yourself from the various dishes that are placed on the dining table. Eating utensils are limited to spoons and forks: knives are not necessary, as ingredients are cut into bite-sized pieces when the food is prepared.

All foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport can enter the country without a visa, with the exception of those from countries that don’t have diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The duration of stay permitted is 21 days, and visitors may apply for an extension of up to 38 days at a Philippine immigration office. For visitors holding a Hong Kong or Taiwan passport, an entry permit must be obtained in advance of travel. Applications for all visas and special permits should be made in advance at a Philippine embassy or consulate.

As there is no tourist information centre in Olongapo, the information office at Manila International Airport is the best governmental source for brochures and information on tours and special activities such as aquatic sports, diving, golfing, sports fishing and trekking. Reception staff at major hotels and resorts, and tour operators, can also be good sources for local information. Manila’s main Tourist Information Centre is located in Rizal Park. Phone: +63 2 524 2384.