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Travel Information

Information about the Meeting
Attire There is no prescribed attire for the Meeting, though in the Philippines, like most Southeast Asian countries, it is common to be in Smart Casual when attending meetings. During Cocktails and the Gala Dinner, wearing something more formal Business Casual is expected. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and other casual looks are considered inappropriate.
Language The Meeting proceedings will be in English. For participants requiring Sign Language interpreters, please do not forget to indicate your preference when you register so an Interpreter can be made available.
Meals Morning / afternoon snacks and lunch, are included in the Registration and will be provided at the Venue. For Meeting Participants with health, religious, or cultural meal restrictions, please do advise us ahead of time to help us prepare alternatives.
Communication Unfortunately, there will be limited Wi-Fi connection while at the meeting area. In cases of emergency, you may always seek help from the Secretariat for access to telephone / mobile phone.


Additional Information
Visa and Customs Regulations Effective 01 August 2013, the Philippine Government has extended entry for 30 days without VISA for 151 countries. For more information about immigration and customs regulations, you may check the Department of Tourism website by checking the link itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/philippines-visa-and-entry-information/.
Dining Options While at the University, the normal variety would be canteen food, many Filipino dishes, and fast food (KFC, Subway, Starbuck's, Seattle's Best, McDonald's, Sbarro's, and Krispy Kreme among others). Near the recommended accommodation, Winford Hotel and Casino – Manila, is the SM San Lazaro Shopping Mall which has numerous restaurants of varying cuisine. For security reasons, we do not recommend walking from the Hotel to the University due to some reports of petty crimes in the area. For other dining recommendations, do see us at the Local Secretariat for more information.
Transportation The historic City of Manila was not planned and designed for the current number of cars plying its roads hence traffic can be a nuisance. As public transportation is not well organized, visitors are advised to take Coupon Taxi or Transport Network Vehicle Services (eg Uber, Grab). Coming from the airport, we recommend that you book Airport Transfer through Nissan Car Lease, Inc. via www.nissanrentacar.com or telephone +63 2 879 5317. From any of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals, charges to Winford Hotel and Casino range between US$ 17.00 - 22.00. When using Uber or Grab Apps to book a ride, please note of the proper loading area assigned for them at the Airport Terminal. Price vary because of distance and traffic situation. It may range between Us$ 5.00 - 11.00 to Winford Hotel. Within Metro Manila, tourists are advised to take taxis which charge a flagdown rate of PhP 40.00 (US$ 1.00) and meters charging PhP 2.50 / 200 meters. Most taxi drivers would charge you the meter rate with some erring drivers requesting for a contracted price. Beware of taxi drivers charging exorbitant prices. Recently, Uber and Grab are gaining popularity over taxi as it is safer and faster to monitor. When taking either Uber or Grab, please feel free to share your itinerary to us via mobile number +63 917 501 0987 so we can easily dispatch help in emergencies. On your way home, please note that it is recommended that you arrive at the airport terminal at least three (3) hours before departure time for both domestic and international flights hence plan ahead.
Local Tours The Philippines has 7,107 islands to offer first time and returning visitors. Whether an underwater snorkeling or high altitude mountain climbing adventure is your preference, the country has it all. You may chat with our Audiology Student Volunteers on some interesting places to visit near Manila or its adjacent provinces or better yet plan ahead and inquire for some Day Tours through the Local Secretariat or via itsmorefuninthephilippines.com or through a local travel and tour agency www.wayfairtours.com.ph/wti.
Internet and Mobile Communication Roaming is widely available across the country but beware of very high data charges for smartphones. For internet access, check with Winford Hotel upon booking for availability.
Voltage 220 volts, 60 Hz, US type plugs, no ground.
220V plug and outlet.
Photo taken www.whatplug.net
Money Most automated teller machines accept international credit cards with Maestro and Cirrus logos. When changing currencies, it would be best to buy it directly with banks or at exchange centers in malls. Unit of currency is Philippine Peso (PhP). Banknote denominations are PhP 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and coins at 10, 5, 1, and 25 centavos. Current exchange rate is US$ 1.00 = PhP 46.00.
Business Hours Government and private office hours are usually from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Most stores are open every day from 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM, including Sundays.
Time Zone Philippine Standard Time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+08:00 GMT).
Climate / Weather The Philippines has two weather systems – dry (February to April) and wet (June to January). With monsoon weather system during the time of your visit, heavy downpours are common. Temperature ranges between 26 °C - 34 °C. Humidity is around 80% to 95%. Bring your umbrella to be prepared for some surprise rain showers.
Tipping Tipping for good service is common in the Philippines. A 10% service charge will be added to your bill at most restaurants and hotels. It is also not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service.
The Conference Venue 4th Floor, Buenaventura G. Paredes, OP (BGPOP) Building
University of Santo Tomas, Espana Boulevard, Sampaloc
Manila, 1008, Philippines
Contact Information Local Secretariat Master of Clinical Audiology Program, UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Telephone Number: +63 2 861 2955
Mobile Number: +63 917 501 0987
E-mail: ustaudiology@gmail.com