Philippine Peso (PHP) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of PHP1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of PHP5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25 and 10 centavos.

Cash in pounds sterling or US dollars can be exchanged in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. Always use authorised money-changers or banks in Manila. Outside the capital there is a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency and rates may get progressively worse as you travel further away from the city. It is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of Philippine pesos when travelling to other provinces.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major establishments throughout the big cities of the Philippines. 24-hour ATMs are available.

Traveller's cheques and major foreign currency may be cashed at most commercial banks and Central Bank dealers. They are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid difficulties, travellers are advised to carry their receipt of purchase with them. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

The import and export of local currency is limited to PHP10,000; any amount above this must be authorised by the Central Bank of the Philippines. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared over PHP10,000.

Date	Jul 06
£1.00=	PHP95.87
$1.00=	PHP52.70

Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

The following items may be imported into The Philippines without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic beverage of not more than 1l each.
Note: (a) Visitors carrying more than US$3000 are to declare this at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter at customs. (b) Departing passengers cannot take out more than PHP1000 out of the country.

Firearms, explosives, pornographic material, seditious or subversive material, narcotics and other internationally prohibited drugs (unless accompanied by a medical prescription), gambling articles and machines and misbranded and adulterated foodstuffs.