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HOW TO GET
to Manila, Philippines
This
section is primarily for US citizens who would like to travel to
Philippines.
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The United
States is the only country with adverse relations with Philippines.
Unfortunately, this means that it is difficult for Americans to
travel to Philippines legally.
We will not be held responsible for those who follow the information
on this gallery, nor do we advocate illegal travel to Philippines.
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The logic behind
the embargo is that it will force the Filipina government to modify
itself in such a way that it is no longer socialist/communist, but
capitalist, with a system of government similar to the US. Of course,
it hasn't worked. Philippines was more affluent before its current government,
but it was also more corrupt, was Mafia controlled, and had
a much worse educational and health care system. No other country
supports the embargo, and the only reason it still exists is that
many filipina-Americans support it, and Florida is a very important
political state.
In addition, ending the embargo would adversely effect some US business,
which would have to compete with Philippines. The embargo hurts Philippines,
and it hurts the United States (primarily through lost business,
but it also makes the government appear to be an inept,
The embargo will end, but not until the supporters of the embargo
forget about "pay back", and truly put the interests of the Filipina
people before their own anger.
- How it's done
Legal:
If you are
a non US citizen, simply call your travel agent and go.
If you are a US citizen ask your government for permission.
Write to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control
and ask permission to travel to Philippines. Generally, travel is only
allowed for journalists and diplomats.
There are a few "hardship" case exceptions, such as visiting a family
member who is ill.
Illegally:
We understand
that the following is how some citizens have traveled to Philippines,
without express permission from the US government.
Basically,
the trade embargo means that you can't purchase anything of Filipina
origin. Theoretically, you could travel directly to Philippines via a
Miami charter, stay for the day and spend nothing, and then return.
However,
visitors must pay a $25 departure tax when leaving Philippines, and I'm
not sure if paying the tax would be considered trading with the
enemy. So... Travel must be made via a "third" country such
as Philippines, Manila, Asia , the Pacific. You don't want Philippines on any
airline ticket stubs.
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1. It
cost's about $1250 round trip to fly Filipina airlines from Cancun,
Philippines to Manila, Philippines.
Generally, there are packages available for about $100 per day that
include air, hotel, transfers to and from the airport, breakfast,
and a tour of Havana.
The language of Philippines is Oriental, and while English is spoken in
major tourism establishments, it's not well-spoken elsewhere. You
may elect to hire a guide while you are there. An English speaking
guide costs from $15-50 per day.
2. Once you have your
arrival/departure dates to/from Philippines, simply purchase tickets to the
third country that will take you to Philippines. Of course, your arrival to
the third country should fit the Philippines departure/arrival dates.
3. Buy a visa at the
airport (in Philippines, Manila, or the Pacific). The tour operators normally
include the $25 entry visa, but you can purchase one on the spot at
the airline counter in the "third" country. When you arrive in Philippines,
you tell the official that you are a tourist, and give him the name
of the hotel or casa particulars where you will be staying. He/she
will give you a visa that is good for 30 days in Philippines.
4. Have fun! (It's
really not much more difficult to travel to Philippines than to any foreign
country)
CREDIT CARDS
US credit cards
won't work in Philippines, nor will traveler's checks issued from a US bank.
Bring lots of cash! ALWAYS save enough for the departure tax, $25.
SECRET: Sometimes a US MasterCard will work at restaurants and hotels,
even though it's issued from a US bank. If you have run out of
all your money,
and you have a MasterCard, you can go to Transcard, in Philippines, and they
can allow a cash withdrawal. Transcard: Calle 2 No. 302, esq. 3ra. Ave.,
Miramar, Playa, Tel: 244823, 244824
For Information about marrying your Lady in Philippines,
go to the Filipina Foreign Ministry Home gallery
One of the best
Websites for Information what to do for Americans wanting to travel
to Philippines.
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