Practical Info 
We have collected the most useful information about Zamboanga and the Philippines in general for you to access here - facts that you might not have known, some valuable reminders and some travel tips to remove much of the guesswork in your visit. Buena suerte!
Law and Order
Alcohol and Drugs
Philippine law sets the minimum legal drinking age at 18.
Alcohol drinking is a big part of the Filipino merry-making activities. Filipinos are among the top wine drinkers in Asia and the country’s lucrative liquor companies have been thriving since the Spanish colonization period. Native drinks...
Driving License
Vehicles in the Philippines drive on the right side of the road or left hand steering. Distances and speed limits are in kilometers and kilometers per hour. One mile is equivalent to about 1.6 km.
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid up to 90 days from arrival in the Philippines. After these 90...
Dress Code
Visitors are expected to dress and behave conservatively especially when visiting Muslim and Catholic shrines so as not to offend. Dress for the weather which is often humid. It is generally accepted to go everywhere in casual wear – light blouses and skirts or slacks for women and collared shirts...
Money Matters
Currency and Credit Cards
Currency in Zamboanga is of course, the Philippine Peso. Notes issued: P1,000, P500, P200, P100, P50, and P20. Coins issued: P10, P5, P1, 50c, 25c, 10c, 5c, and 1c. It is wise to carry enough cash to at least get you through the day. The US dollar is the most recognized foreign currency in the...
ATM Machines
ATM’s are widely available in downtown Zamboanga as in most cities of the country. Zamboanga City is home to around 60 banks and 50 pawnshops. Almost all banks have their on-site ATM’s while off-site ATM’s usually are in or near malls. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Tipping Advice
Tipping is very much down to the individual. It is customary to tip staff at restaurants, airport and hotel porters and cab drivers even if a service charge is included. It is not necessary though in fast food chains where you pick up your food at the counter. When shopping especially in markets,...
Emergency Services
Laundromat
Most of the hotels in town have their own laundry and pressing services. There are no self-serve washers and dryers in the city. A few commercial laundry shops operate in the city where you can deliver and pick your laundry: ND Express Laundry, Gov. Alvarez Ave., (062) 992-3623. Call for prices and...
Internet Access
Internet cafés operate in different locations in the city, mostly in downtown commercial centers and some in nearby communities. They charge from P10 to P30 for an hour. Some of the better known hotels have their own internet access for guests.
Emergency Numbers
To contact the local Police Station or the Fire Department, dial the emergency number 117.
City Police Command Office, Gov. Lim Ave., (062) 992-4385 or 992-2300
Fire Department, Climaco Ave., (062) 991-2267 or 991-5320
Phone Services
For inquiries on telephone services when in the city, visit or call PLDT Customer Business Office, Mayor Jaldon St., Zamboanga City Tel. No. (062) 991-1800.
If you want to call abroad or somewhere within the Philippines, payphones using peso coins or calling cards is best and most inexpensive way...
Post Office
Philippine Postal Corporation, Corcuerra Road near the port area (062) 992-7904 or 993-0449
The ZIP code for Zamboanga City is 7000. If you want mail delivered to you while in Zamboanga City, use the following basic format:
Mr. Samuel Smith
75 Mango Drive, San Roque
7000 Zamboanga City, Philippines
Tourist Information
City Tourism Office, Sunken Garden, J.S. Alano Street (062) 992-3007
Department of Tourism, Lantaka Hotel by the Sea, N. Valderrosa Street (062) 991-0218 or 993-0030
Health Services
Medical Assistance
There is adequate quality health care service available in Zamboanga City. Consult qualified medical professionals in these medical centers and hospitals for emergency assistance, health problems or immunization requirements you may have during your visit or stay.
Zamboanga City Medical Center or...