© 2006 Australasian Training Academy Pty Ltd
ATA Work Guide
66
Money
The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100
centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist
destinations. Banks do not always accept travellers cheques, but a
receipt of purchase is useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US
dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the
easiest currency to exchange; otherwise Pounds Sterling can also be
exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday
to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry pesos when
travelling outside of major centres.
Cultural Etiquette
Meeting and Greeting
Men and women shake hands with everyone present at a business
meeting or social occasion and when saying "goodbye." Handshakes
should be friendly and informal, but limp. Men should wait for women to
extend their hand.
Body Language
·
If Filipinos don't understand a question, they open their mouths.
Raised eyebrows signify recognition and agreement.
·
Laughter may convey pleasure or embarrassment; it is commonly
used to relieve tension.
·
"Yes" is signified by a jerk of the head upward. "No" is signified by a
jerk of the head down. Since the Filipinos rarely say no, the non-
verbal sign for "no" is sometimes accompanied by a verbal yes, which
would still indicate "no."
·
Staring is considered rude and could be misinterpreted as a
challenge, but Filipinos may stare or even touch foreigners, especially
in areas where foreigners are rarely seen.
·
To Filipinos, standing with your hands on your hips means you are
angry.
·
Never curl your index finger back and forth (to beckon). This is an
insult.
·
To indicate two of something, raise your ring and pinkie fingers.
·
To beckon, extend arm, palm down, moving fingers in scratching
motion. Touch someone's elbow lightly to attract attention. Do not
tap on the shoulder.
·
"Eyebrow flash" -- a quick lifting of eyebrows -- is a Filipino greeting.