Travel Info
Passport, Visa and Visa Validity
All the necessary information about passport and visa requirements including visa validity can be read from the requirements page.
Customs
Arrival: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings with the following restrictions: up to two 1-liter bottles of alcohol, and up to two cartoons cigarettes. Foreign currency brought in should not be more than $2,000.
Departure: 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 $5,000 out of the country.
Important Things to Prepare and Bring
Visa - Be sure to check the passport's expiration date. In case of the passport will be lost while travelling, bring 2 extra pictures. Note that a foreigner can stay 21 days in the Philippines without visa but students usually stay for more than 8 weeks for their studies. So you have to check the visa validity.
Ticket - Upon receipt of your plane ticket, check the seat assignment if it says okay. Make a copy of the ticket just in case you will lose it.
Enough Cash - Be sure to bring enough cash (in dollars) that will suffice the duration of your stay in the Philippines. On departure day, you can exchange money in dollars at the airport.
Credit Card - You may bring credit card(s) for the trip. Credit cards (Mastercard or Visa) are handy when traveling and very convenient to use. Most establishments in the Philippines accept credit cards.
Insurance - Students must arrange insurance with a provider in the home country. Bring a copy of the insurance to the Philippines for emergency purposes.
Other Preparations
For the Class - Prepare several dictionaries and translation guides. Secure empty tapes and a walkman for your English practice. Bring some pens and notebooks with you. And don't forget to take a backpack for the fun activities. A laptop computer will come in handy if you have one.
For the Fun Activities - Alarm clock, wrist watch, swimming suits, activity gears, medicine, (headache pills, cold and flu medicine, ointment, and more) pictures of family and friends are some of the necessities. Cellular phone can be rented at the institute.
From Manila to Tagbilaran City, Bohol
An airplane ride from Manila--the Philippine's capital city, to Tagbilaran City in Bohol takes about an hour. Two trips daily from two of the Philippine's biggest airlines--Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines ply the route.
Airport Terminal Fees
For using the airport in Manila going to any domestic destination such as Tagbilaran city in Bohol, a traveller must pay approximately USD5 for terminal fees. For using the airport in Manila going to any international destination such as Korea or Japan, a traveller must pay approximately USD12 for terminal fees.
Travel Necessities
When traveling, whether going sightseeing in the city or spending a day at the beach, always wear comfortable clothing. Bring shorts, hat, sunglasses, swimsuits, insect repellant, flashlights, bottled water, sun block cream, tough shoes for walking, and rubber slippers for the beach. Pack tissue paper in your bag as public toilets almost never have any.
Do not display a large amount of money in public. 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.
Always bring enough change in small bills or coins as some stores don't' break large bills.
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge in place of the tip. Tipping 10% of the bill is appropriate if no service charge is included. A P20 tip for bellboys, porters and the like is the norm.