To make sure you get the best from your stay in Manila, we’ve put together some important information for you.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours
Please note that Daylight Savings Time is not acknowledged.
Language
While there are fifty different languages spoken, Filipino/Tagalog is the most predominant. English is also an official language of the Philippines and it is spoken widely in shops, hotels and the service industries.
Currency
Philippine Peso is the predominant currency and is found in the following denominations: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000. Other currencies are generally accepted and these include: US Dollars, Euro, Japanese Yen, Singapore Dollar and HK Dollar. You can exchange currency at either a bank or private currency exchange. Exchange rates are subject to daily fluctuations and additional charges may apply.
Electrical Standard
Local voltage is 220 volts AC. USA electrical plug adaptors can be used.
Shopping Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Friday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 3pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Local Facilities – City Centre
The distance from Mandarin Oriental, Manila to the nearby Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Power Plant malls, also based in Makati City, is about half a mile or 1 km, which takes 5 minutes by taxi and approximately 10 minutes on foot.
To Manila City it is 14 km or 8.5 Miles, which takes 30-45 minutes by car/taxi in normal traffic conditions.
To Quezon City is 14 km or 8.5 Miles, which takes around 30-45 minutes by car/taxi in normal traffic conditions.
To Muntinlupa City (Alabang) is 16 km or 10 Miles, which takes about 30-45 minutes by car/taxi in normal traffic conditions.
Shopping
Visit the main shopping areas of Makati, including Greenbelt, Glorietta and Power Plant, by taxi. The journey will take between 5 and 10 minutes by taxi.
Medical
The closest is Makati Medical Centre, which is on Amorsolo Street in the financial district, 2.5 km or 1.5 Miles and takes about 5 to 10 minutes by taxi or car.
Banking
There are many facilities within a 5-minute walk from the hotel offering 24-hour ATM machines, as well as standard banking facilities between 9am and 3pm. These include Bank of the Philippine Islands, Atrium Building, Makati Avenue; Citibank or HSBC, both on Paseo de Roxas.
Tips on Tipping
This is very much down to the individual and staff in restaurants and other service industries can be tipped for excellent service.
