Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines Travel Guide
Globe Telecom and Intelligent Communications are the leading mobile operators. Purchase local SIM cards at NAIA or major malls in Makati. Registering your passport is required. Pre-paid SIMs are affordable, with various data packages available to continue being connected. Consider an ESIM from Airalo to get connected right away upon arrival.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free for customers. Public Wi-Fi's reliability and security can vary, making a local SIM card more consistent. Philippine Post Office services for mail to other countries can be slow. To be faster shipping, use international courier services.
Filipino, based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas like Makati. Language barriers are not common in central Makati. The Google Translate app (with Tagalog pack downloaded) is a precious resource.
Use local insight and politeness in every interaction for pleasant encounters.
Information on typical operating hours in Makati.
Offices generally operate 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Banks are typically open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM/4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, with some mall branches open on Saturdays.
Main shopping malls usually open 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM/10:00 PM daily. Restaurants have lunch service 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and dinner 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; many cafes open earlier and close later.
Grocery stores are accessible 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM/10:00 PM daily. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Ministop) are often 24/7, providing round-the-clock service.
ATMs are widely available in banks, shopping malls, and convenience stores across Makati. Most take credit cards from other countries. Watch out for possible transaction fees.
The Philippines observes numerous public holidays. It's possible that services are reduced or closed on these particular days. Check a local listings for specific dates.
Find out when it's open for specific places you plan to visit, especially smaller businesses or during national holidays.
Cultural insights for respectful interactions.
"Mano po" is a traditional gesture of respect towards elders. "Po" and "Opo" are polite particles used when addressing elders or superiors. SHAKING hands is typical for formal introductions. A genuine smile from you is always appreciated.
Casual attire is usually acceptable. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious sites. Smart casual wear might suit upscale dining or business meetings. When dining with Filipinos, wait for elders to be seated and served first.
Photographing public spaces and significant locations is generally acceptable. Always seek permission to photograph individuals, especially children, to honor their privacy. Observe "No Pictures" signs in museums or religious sites.
Avoid public displays of anger or excessive frustration; this is impolite. Do not openly criticize the government, religion, or family values, as these are sensitive topics. The family unit is central to Filipino culture.
Always bring small bills and coins for jeepney fares, street food, and small purchases. Smaller vendors rarely have change for large denominations.
Managing your budget in Makati.
The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, authorized money changers in malls, and at the airport. Exchange rates at the airport may be less favorable than in the heart of the city.
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and large shopping malls. For smaller establishments and local markets, cash is king. ATMs are prevalent in Makati.
Tipping is not mandatory but is customary for good service. Many establishments (especially upscale ones) include a 10% service charge. If a service charge is included, additional tipping is optional.
Makati has options for all budgets. Street food and local eateries offer inexpensive meals. Malls and high-end restaurants suit mid-range to luxury budgets. Public transport (jeepneys, MRT/LRT) is very cheap.
Keep a mix of small bills and coins for common purchases. Use secure methods for larger transactions.
