Telecommunications

All telecommunication companies operating in Manila and across the country are under the supervision of a government agency called National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). NTC is in charge in supervising the installation, operation and maintenance of both the public and private providers. The National Capital Region where Manila is situated has the highest number of fixed line telephones in the country. The two major fixed line providers in Manila are:

• Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel)
  
  GF, G Espana Tower, 2203 Espana Boulevard
  
  Brgy.530, Sampaloc West, Manila City
  
  Tel.No.: (02) 874-7474

• Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT)
  
  Recto Ave, Quiapo, Manila
  
  Tel.No.: (02) 888 8171

According to the Business Monitor International, the number of mobile subscribers in Manila and the whole country is expected to rise to 117 million by the end of 2016. Smartphones are the trend for many Filipinos. The Philippines is also referred to as the ‘Social Media Capital’ of the world because of the long hours they spend in online streaming.

In Manila, cellular companies offer broadband packages as well; which make them a one-stop shop for expats looking for mobile and internet service. Here are the leading providers in the city:

• Globe Telecom
  
  Tel. No: (02) 730-1000

• Smart Communications
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 888-1111

• Sun Cellular
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 395- 8776

Currently, telecommunication companies are not offering unlimited internet plan in Manila. Customers can choose between different data plans wherein they will only be billed based on their consumption. Broadband connections can also be bundled with fixed telephone lines and cable TV, upon the customer’s request. The range and average monthly bills of the different data plans are as follows: 

Utilities

Regardless if you are renting or living in a purchased house, the cost of utilities is for you to shoulder. Monthly bills usually arrive every 15th or 16th of the month, and you can pay your bills directly to their respective offices or through ‘Bayad Centres’ or the provider’s accredited payment centres. Payments can also be made online thru bank transfer which is a more convenient way of settling your monthly bills.

Manila Electric Company is the largest and only provider of electricity in Manila. It holds a massive amount of power distribution franchise for 22 cities and 89 municipalities including Metro Manila and other cities in Luzon. It is also a privately owned corporation headed by the business magnate Manny V. Pangilinan.

• Meralco Electric Company (MERALCO)
  
  2200 España corner Josefina 3 St., Sampaloc, Manila
  
  Tel. No.: 1622-3776

There is no alarming shortage of water supply in Manila unless there is a scheduled maintenance or natural calamity. Currently, the two leading water suppliers in the city are:

• Manila Water
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 917-5900 local 1520

• Maynilad
  
  Hotline: 1626

Emergencies

• Police, Fire and Ambulance: 117
• National Emergency Hotline: 911
• National Public Complaint Hotline: 8888

Embassies/Consulates

• Embassy of the United States of America
  
  Chancery: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 301-2000

• Embassy of the Republic of Palau
  
  Chancery: Unit 101 Ground Floor, Marbella Condo II
  
  2071 Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 522-2849

• Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  
  Chancery: 670 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila
  
  Tel. No.: (02) 521-6843

Banking

Just a precaution, expats who are on short-term assignments in Manila are advised to keep a substantial amount of their money in their home country. However, when it comes to your routine banking activities and for emergency situations, it is best that you open a local bank account. Some of the basic documents that you need to present when opening an account in Manila are:

• Valid ID with Photo, preferably your Passport
• Proof of Residency (tenancy agreement or utility bill)
• Immigrant Certificate Registration (ICR)
• Your personal appearance

You also need to deposit a minimum amount in able to open a bank account. Deposit price varies depending on which bank and the type of account that you need. Two largest banks in Manila are:

• Bank of the Philippine Islands
• Banco de Oro

Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands

This organisation embarks on trade missions and form international partnerships to boost business in the Philippines. Additionally, it offers several support services and spearheads industry events for members.

Contact No: +632 5275610 to 11
Fax: +632 527-5609
Address: Chamber Building, No. 3 Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
Email: chamber@chamberphilislands.ph, chamberphilislands@gmail.com

Know more about Manila, Philippines with our relocation guide for expatriates:

• Introduction to Manila
• Moving in Manila
• Living in Manila
• Working in Manila

This relocation guide is provided by http://www.expatfinder.com, copyright © 2016 Interexpat Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Neither Interexpat nor S.A.S. ACS can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage that may occur as a result of this information. This information does not constitute advice.