Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 9/5/2018

U.S. businessmen interested to visit the Asian Development Bank Headquarters (ADB HQ) in Manila, Philippines must take note of the Philippine Visa Requirements (https://www.export.gov/article?id=Philippines-Visa-Requirements). The Philippine Peso (Currency Code: PHP) is the local currency in the Philippines.

Currency exchange centers/money changers can be found in ADB HQ and in commercial centers all over the country. Major credit cards and debit cards are also widely accepted in most establishments.

English is the official language used in ADB operations, including correspondence, contracts, and other official documents.

Guests must conduct meetings and calls at ADB HQ and its resident missions and offices in business attire.

ADB is open from Mondays through Fridays, 8 AM to 5 PM. Meetings at ADB HQ are best scheduled in mid-morning or early afternoon. Do not attempt to do business on a weekend or a holiday, unless the ADB contact has specifically indicated his or her availability on such days. Visit ADB website (https://www.adb.org/contacts/adb-holidays) to see holidays at ADB HQ.

Around the third week of December through the second week of January of the following year, office-related activities tend to wind down to give way for the holidays. Meetings should be scheduled before or after those weeks.

For business travel to ADB-funded projects implemented in a specific country, read on the “Business Travel” section of each country’s Country Commercial Guide (https://www.export.gov/ccg).

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.