Travel Tax??!

[walesrob]

So when Elsa and I left the Philippines a few weeks ago through NAIA1, she had to pay a "tourism" tax of 1650Php, yet I didn't, even though we both bought the tickets from Hong Kong.

Now we checked in our baggage, but we were told BOTH our boarding cards would not be released until Elsa paid this "tax".

Can someone explain to me what on earth this stupid tax is as I nearly lost my rag with the "tax" collector. I started to question this "person", who simply ignored me. After raising my voice at this stupid woman, she said "sir only Filipinos pay this tax". I asked her why I didnt pay it, and the motorised muppet repeated what she said "sir only Filipinos pay this tax"... omg ...ha ha

He he, I managed to calm down and walk away at this point but I was mad, even more so later when we had to pay the Departure Tax of 550Php. And what is the money for? Improving the aiport? Paying the 1000 bagagge label inspectors? And what about improving the airport or even opening the new Terminal 3 in time for ooh, 2010?!!

It was such a pleasure to arrive in Hong Kong after that - de-plane, passport control, get bags, on train, into hotel. EASY!!

There rant over!

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by walesrob@Nov 30 2005, 02:41 PM
So when Elsa and I left the Philippines a few weeks ago through NAIA1, she had to pay a "tourism" tax of 1650Php, yet I didn't, even though we both bought the tickets from Hong Kong.

Now we checked in our baggage, but we were told BOTH our boarding cards would not be released until Elsa paid this "tax".

Can someone explain to me what on earth this stupid tax is as I nearly lost my rag with the "tax" collector. I started to question this "person", who simply ignored me. After raising my voice at this stupid woman, she said "sir only Filipinos pay this tax". I asked her why I didnt pay it, and the motorised muppet repeated what she said "sir only Filipinos pay this tax"... omg ...ha ha

He he, I managed to calm down and walk away at this point but I was mad, even more so later when we had to pay the Departure Tax of 550Php. And what is the money for? Improving the aiport? Paying the 1000 bagagge label inspectors? And what about improving the airport or even opening the new Terminal 3 in time for ooh, 2010?!!

It was such a pleasure to arrive in Hong Kong after that - de-plane, passport control, get bags, on train, into hotel. EASY!!

There rant over!
Quoted post

It's actually an 'exit tax' for Filipinos.

All Filipinos pay it whenever they leave the PI. My wife had to every time we went for a visit somewhere, but last time we left they told her she didn't need to as she had been living overseas for more than a year. Pretty honest of them, in a country where blatant dishonesty is considered a virtue. Though they did charge her 200 pesos 'administration fee' for telling her that she didn't have to pay.

If you go to Indonesia you'll find they pay $100 each time they leave. So do Expats if they work there. Loads of countries have them bull$hit rules to make a few extra cents at every opportunity.

Check out the airport fees from the UK if you want to see rips offs! They are usually included in the ticket price, so you don't know what you're paying.

[walesrob]

Originally posted by Pauldo@Nov 30 2005, 03:23 PM
It's actually an 'exit tax' for Filipinos.

All Filipinos pay it whenever they leave the PI. My wife had to every time we went for a visit somewhere, but last time we left they told her she didn't need to as she had been living overseas for more than a year. Pretty honest of them, in a country where blatant dishonesty is considered a virtue. Though they did charge her 200 pesos 'administration fee' for telling her that she didn't have to pay.

If you go to Indonesia you'll find they pay $100 each time they leave. So do Expats if they work there. Loads of countries have them bull$hit rules to make a few extra cents at every opportunity.

Check out the airport fees from the UK if you want to see rips offs! They are usually included in the ticket price, so you don't know what you're paying.
Quoted post


So why didnt Elsa pay it last February when she flew from Manila alone?! Thats what annoyed me most - last time she didnt, this time she did, what about next time?!! Roll the dice hehe.

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by walesrob@Nov 30 2005, 04:48 PM
So why didnt Elsa pay it last February when she flew from Manila alone?! Thats what annoyed me most - last time she didnt, this time she did, what about next time?!! Roll the dice hehe.
Quoted post


She should have done, unless it was paid in with her ticket. There is the choice when you buy the ticket, if I remember correctly.

And therein lies the reason we all love that country so much: the reliability, logical progression and development of their social, financial and political infrastructure.

:D

:blink:

And the fact that half the time they don't really know what they are doing :rolleyes:

[deepete]

Going back a few years, when my wife travelled on a P.I. passport she had to pay 1600 pesos travel/income tax on leaving the P.I. She could get a waiver from the Embassy in London as she wasnt working and this had to be stamped at some office in Manilla before coming home, but we coudnt be bothered and paid up.

All was solved when she travelled with a British passport.

I dont suppose you can blame the country for squeezing anything they can get from people they see as easy pickings, robbing b------s

Stay cool, chill out and enjoy

[mupsuit]

Travel Tax when leaving Manila

I know this is an old topic - here is an update based on out travel in July 2005

As the wife of a foreigner, now resident abroad, a Filipina does not pay the full (Peso 1600 ?) travel tax which is a paid by Philippines residents only -

As you go into the main airport terminal (after the luggage x-ray) international departures = we travelled KLM = there is a "desk" located to your right - go there togther and show the spouse visa in her passport and you pay an admin fee (Peso 200 of was it 300) and this covers the travel tax

you need to show this to the check in staff beofre you can get a boarding card

Can any more recent travellers update / confirm this information

[walesrob]

Originally posted by mupsuit@Jan 4 2006, 10:49 AM
Travel Tax when leaving Manila

... go there togther and show the spouse visa in her passport and you pay an admin fee (Peso 200 of was it 300) and this covers the travel tax

you need to show this to the check in staff beofre you can get a boarding card

Quoted post


Elsa explained this to the retard/idiot/person at the Tax desk, and she was told that because she doesnt have a British Passport, she still has to pay the full 1650Php.

Next time we're in NAIA I will use that info if they try imposing that charge again.. thanks mupsuit (are you the same mupsuit from Asawa forum?)

[Admin]

Originally posted by walesrob@Jan 4 2006, 11:14 AM
.................... (are you the same mupsuit from Asawa forum?)
Quoted post

Are they migrating here for the Winter? :blink:

[mupsuit]

The same Mupsuit - which is the English rendition of the Arabic f=word for Happy !

You should have had the special rate as your wife has a UK resident visa in her PI passport -

This is how we got it for mine

Looks like Asawa is heading downhill - so it is good to fine a UK centred site

All the best



Originally posted by walesrob@Jan 4 2006, 12:14 PM
Elsa explained this to the retard/idiot/person at the Tax desk, and she was told that because she doesnt have a British Passport, she still has to pay the full 1650Php.

Next time we're in NAIA I will use that info if they try imposing that charge again.. thanks mupsuit (are you the same mupsuit from Asawa forum?)
Quoted post

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by mupsuit@Jan 6 2006, 02:37 PM
The same Mupsuit - which is the English rendition of the Arabic f=word for Happy !

You should have had the special rate as your wife has a UK resident visa in her PI passport -

This is how we got it for mine

Looks like Asawa is heading downhill - so it is good to fine a UK centred site

All the best
Quoted post

I paid it for the mum in law last night, and there was a list of 'reduced' charges for various situations on the wall. MIL was the full monty 1650 though :(

Two years ago the wife was let off it because she had 'lived abroad for more than a year', as the guy told us.

[mupsuit]

Update

Please see this site http://www.philtourism.com/ttax.html#t_tax_exemption


This shows that a Filipina wife who is normaly resident abroad and who has been in the Philippines for less than one year qualifies for the reduced rate

Browe the site for full information

All monies saved to be shared when we all meet in Manila !!

[A_flyer]

Elsa explained this to the retard/idiot/person at the Tax desk, and she was told that because she doesnt have a British Passport, she still has to pay the full 1650Php.

Next time we're in NAIA I will use that info if they try imposing that charge again.. thanks mupsuit (are you the same mupsuit from Asawa forum?)
Rob I know It's late, but you can ask a refund from the Philippines Embassy from your residency country (valid in all countries).
I never did it, just heard it's possible.

Anyway in your case, Elsa should pay only the P200 travel tax exemption fee at NAIA as she is a UK resident.

[mrsfrivolity]

Yes, every pinoy leaving the country has to pay "tourist tax" of P1650. Although when I left three years ago, it was only P1500 (I think, not sure). When we came back for a visit last year, I was advised to apply for an exempt on this tax on the grounds that I am a UK Permanent Resident. I didn't bother because I know what it's like in government offices. I don't fancy joining a massive queue because I thought I have better things to do with my time than wasting it in a crowded, disorganized office. I've had enough of that during the visa process.

Anyway, at the check-in counter on departure day at NAIA, I was "informed" that I didn't have to pay "tourist tax" and was directed to a small booth by the DFA within the airport. They photocopied my Residence Permit and Passport Details and much to my pleasant amazement, I was only charged a fee for administration. That could've been the P300. Goody oh!

So if (1) the wife have their your Residence Permit stamped in their passport and (2) airline personnel failed to tell you about tourist tax exemption, simply mention it to them. They should tell you where the DFA booth is located and yes, you should'nt have to pay "tourist tax".

I thought it was really good that I ended up having more money than I expected so much so that I treated the guys at the booth (there were only 3 of them) coffee and an ensaymada each.

It's not everyday you get something nice from government agencies.

[walesrob]

Anyway, at the check-in counter on departure day at NAIA, I was "informed" that I didn't have to pay "tourist tax" and was directed to a small booth by the DFA within the airport. They photocopied my Residence Permit and Passport Details and much to my pleasant amazement, I was only charged a fee for administration. That could've been the P300. Goody oh!

So if (1) the wife have their your Residence Permit stamped in their passport and (2) airline personnel failed to tell you about tourist tax exemption, simply mention it to them. They should tell you where the DFA booth is located and yes, you should'nt have to pay "tourist tax".


It's not everyday you get something nice from government agencies.

Yves and Cielo, thanks for that, I'll look forward to correcting these morons if the try it on again at Manila airport :Rasp:

[tetla]

It was my experienced as well. We didnt have spare philippine money coz we didnt expect to pay that travel tax on my first year to go back to the Philippines. This year when I went back home I personally went to the Dept of Tourism personally and was told and if you purchase your tikcet from the UK then you will surely pay for that tax but it also depends with the Visa stamped on the passport. If you've LLR then you will pay the full amount which is 1650 but if you've got ILR i think you will only pay 650 and if your wife will get her british passport then she will pay nothing...all she's gotta do is go to the Dept of Tourism before you will leave the Phils. give them the copy of her new passport. That's what I'm gonna next time, hopefully.

[Win2Win]

Ping only paid p200 last time, and with her anger in situations like that, they were lucky to get anything :icon_lol:

[A_flyer]

Travel tax exemption fee is P200:

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03-2003


TO: ALL CONCERNED
RE: PROCESSING FEES



Effective January 1, 2004, the processing fee collected for every travel tax certificate issued, whether exemption, reduced rate or refund, is hereby increased to Two Hundred Pesos (P200 .00).

This accordingly amends Memorandum Circular No. 001-2000 that took effect on January 1, 2001.

Please be guided accordingly.



(original signed)
ROBERT DEAN S. BARBERS
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer



03 November 2003

If you ask for a refund of the P1620 you will be deducted of P200 (same as if you do it in NAIA at the Travel Tax desk).
Here is the "Travel Tax Refund Application Form. (PDF 6K)": http://www.philtourism.com/refund.pdf

And the circular for travel tax on Foreign issued tickets:

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02-2003


TO: ALL CONCERNED
RE: TRAVEL TAX ON FOREIGN ISSUED TICKETS

To prevent collection of travel taxes on foreign issued tickets by unauthorized person, we are reminding all concerned to comply with Rule X of the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Travel Tax which provides that in the case holders of tickets issued and/or purchased abroad the same are taxable under Presidential Decree No. 1183, as amended, the travel tax shall be paid directly to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and shall not be collected abroad by the carriers or their agents.

The rule further requires that carriers or their duly authorized representatives shall not validate the bookings or reservation of holders of these tickets unless a Certificate of Travel Tax Payment (PTA Form No.357), Travel Tax Exemption Certification (PTA Form No. 354), or Reduced Rate Certificate (PTA Form No. 355), as the case may be, from the PTA, is submitted. In lieu of the Certificate of Travel Tax Payment, a PTA Official Receipt will suffice for validation purposes.

The following penalties shall be imposed on any person convicted of violating or causing another to violate any provision of said Decree or of the Rules and Regulations issued pursuant thereto, or makes any material misrepresentation in connection therewith, viz:

Imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years, or a fine of not less than TWO THOUSAND (Php2,000) PESOS, but not more than TEN THOUSAND (Php10,000) PESOS, or both at the discretion of the Court.
In addition, such violation shall ipso facto constitute a valid ground for the revocation of all privileges, permit and authorization granted to such person or entity by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade, the Board of Investments or other government agencies.
If the offender is a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the penalty shall be imposed upon the principal officer or officers, as the case may be, and if such officer or officers are aliens, in addition to the penalties prescribed, he or they shall be deported without further proceedings on the part of the Commission on Immigration and Deportation.
If the offender is a public official of employee, he shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed, be dismissed from the service and suffer perpetual disqualification to hold public office.


7 May 2003, Manila, Philippines



In service to God, country and the Filipino people.

(original signed)
ROBERT DEAN S. BARBERS
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer

[Win2Win]

In service to God, country and the Filipino people.

...and his bank account :rolleyes:

[francesca]

France airports are worse. We pay 184 euros(12,000 pesos) for airport, travel tax, fuel tax, whatever tax (tax for the Aids victims, so they say...) .

And to go back to France, this August 13,I will ready my 200 pesos for travel tax or else the lady will not give me my boarding pass.

I asked about that year 2005, the lady said, if tickets were bought in Philippines, 1620 pesos is already included to the price of the ticket.
If ticket bought abroad, they take 200 pesos only if the traveller is a filipino but resides abroad.

And of course, there's a terminal fee of 550 pesos on top. One has to be ready these days.

To call your airline before departure is always handy...They advice what to expect at airports.

[ginapeterb]

Francesca is right on this, spouses of foreign citizens residing in their own countries should not have to pay the tax, normally the 1620 or 1650 or 1500 whatever it is now, should be included in the cost of the ticket when purchased, the departure fee at the terminal is as always 550 or 10 USD.
Has anyone noticed the taxes on leaving UK, its about £100.00 or near abouts, around P9500 so lets not fret about P550.00. Anyway P550.00 is about all the terminal at NAIA is worth.

[walesrob]

Francesca is right on this, spouses of foreign citizens residing in their own countries should not have to pay the tax, normally the 1620 or 1650 or 1500 whatever it is now, should be included in the cost of the ticket when purchased, the departure fee at the terminal is as always 550 or 10 USD.
Has anyone noticed the taxes on leaving UK, its about £100.00 or near abouts, around P9500 so lets not fret about P550.00. Anyway P550.00 is about all the terminal at NAIA is worth.

As Pauldo said, the taxes for UK are included in ticket price, which I think is a good idea, rather than spring surprise charges on you as you are about to leave the country - aka Philippines. Having said that, I've noticed the price of air tickets to Far East - be it Hong Kong or Manila have more or less remained static in 3 years - I'm still finding returns Manila-London-Manila for less than £400, and London-Hong Kong-London for £298, so maybe most airlines have managed to absord any new taxes (i.e. aviation fuel tax, etc) to stay competitive.

[Win2Win]

Ryan Air - Heathrow - Manilla - £29 return*

*Does not include seat/food/baggage space or compressed air.
*Additional Charges: Tax, insurance, fuel, airport, uncle Tom's holiday charge, rebuilding of Lebanon fund & £199 for a wheelchair, use or not - Total Approx £1,999

[A_flyer]

You are all mixing cats and dogs about taxes...

Here is an explanation about tickets and taxes. It's based on the IATA tickets. On the left bottom corner of the ticket you have several lines which give the full price of the ticket and the currency used.

Here is a European example (6 lines) in Euros currency:
FARE
EUR xxxx ----> ticket fare including VAT
TAX/FEE/CHARGE
EUR xxx QW ----> Airport fee (for the use of both dep/arr airports by your flight)
TAX/FEE/CHARGE
EUR xxx YQ ----> Airline fee (usually the fuel surcharge, now more than 100€ for overseas flights, and airline specific fee)
TAX/FEE/CHARGE
EUR xxx XX ----> government fee (XX are the initial of the country, the Philippines travel tax is here if the ticket is bought within the Philippines), or like in France the new tax for the Aids victims (40€/flight for overseas flights).
TAX/FEE/CHARGE
EUR xxx XT ----> Security/safety/environment tax
TOTAL
EUR xxx ----> ticket full price taxes included (the one you pay).

On a domestic flight Toulouse -> Paris, I pay 60€ in fees on the same distance in the Philippines, it's less than P1500.

What is not included is the tax you have to pay to board the plane, some countries have one like Japan (I paid 2714yens in Osaka/Kensai) or Philippines (P550), some not (I.E. Europe or US).

Filipinos will have to pay the travel tax if the tickets they are using are not bought within the Philippines (by Law, this tax can be paid only in the Philippines*), or the exemption fee (P200) if you're a Filipino settle abroad (bring proofs!).
You can also ask a refund thru the Philippines Embassy of your residence country, here is the form to fill: http://www.philtourism.com/refund.pdf

*: To prevent collection of travel taxes on foreign issued tickets by unauthorized person, we are reminding all concerned to comply with Rule X of the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Travel Tax which provides that in the case holders of tickets issued and/or purchased abroad the same are taxable under Presidential Decree No. 1183, as amended, the travel tax shall be paid directly to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and shall not be collected abroad by the carriers or their agents. (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02-2003, extract)

[A_flyer]

Ryan Air - Heathrow - Manilla - £29 return*

*Does not include seat/food/baggage space or compressed air.
*Additional Charges: Tax, insurance, fuel, airport, uncle Tom's holiday charge, rebuilding of Lebanon fund & £199 for a wheelchair, use or not - Total Approx £1,999
I suppose it do not include the 2 refuels by air tanker too...

[Win2Win]

I suppose it do not include the 2 refuels by air tanker too...

T&C.

24.1.7 In the event of the aeroplane running out of fuel inflight, the windows will be opened. You then need to extend your arm out, and flap.