February 20, 2006
(Computerworld)
These key facts about business and culture in the Philippines will help you plan your trip and guide your dealings with residents and businesspeople while there.
Business & Travel
"The terrorist threat to American citizens in the Philippines remains high and the [U.S. Department of State] warns against all but essential travel to the Philippines."
-- U.S. Department of State travel advisory, Jan. 25, 2006
Dress for hot weather. Light clothing is ideal year-round and essential during the hot and dry months from March to May. Temperatures average from 78&186;F to 90&186;F.
-- Philippines Department of Tourism
The Philippines has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. At 92.28%, its literacy rate is the highest in Southeast Asia, and higher than Hong Kong's and Taiwan's.
-- Ernst & Young
Most hotels in and around the cities offer substantial discounts for long-staying guests. Such establishments not only provide high standards in comfort and security, as well as personalized service, but also offer the bonus of proximity to the business and entertainment districts.
-- Suite101.com
English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English. Filipinos are known for their hard work and relatively high standard of education.
-- Business-in-Asia.com
Finding a contact who can make the necessary introductions on your behalf to the key decision-makers is often the best way to initiate a relationship with a Filipino organization. Using an intermediary with the right connections can be more effective than trying to establish a business relationship by yourself.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
Without the necessary introductions, you'll find it difficult to gain access to the key decision-makers. A skilled "go-between" is often hired to ensure that you can finally have access to the decision-maker. When introducing yourself to a new customer, letters of introduction from either friends or business associates can be helpful.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
Always accept any offer of food or drink. If you turn down offers of hospitality, your colleagues lose face.
-- Kwintessential Language and Culture Experts
You will have to take several trips over a period of months before concluding your business dealings in the Philippines.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
Etiquette & Culture
Producing "instant results" is not a part of Filipino business culture. Consequently, you will have to adjust any unrealistic expectations regarding deadlines and efficiency.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
Dress code: Dressing well is often an intrinsic part of being respected and taken seriously in this culture. As a visitor, you should dress conservatively until you are certain of the degree of formality expected.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
It isn't necessary to have your business cards translated; English-only versions are perfectly acceptable. As in other Asian countries, the business card exchange is an important part of establishing working relationships. Business travelers should be the first to offer a card.
-- ExecutivePlanet.com
Stay for the period of social conversation at the end of the meeting.
-- Kwintessential Language and Culture Experts
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