Reduced Travel Tax

Filipino children (aged 2-11, I think) are entitled to reduced travel tax when they travel. The regular travel tax is P1,620 but if you get a certification from the Department of Tourism (DOT), each child will just pay P810 which is a 50% discount.

Some domestic travel agencies will do this for you for a fee while others will just charge you the P200 processing fee per head that the DOT charges. Depending on how much the travel agency you are dealing with charges, you can decide whether it is more cost-efficient for you to do this yourself.

The DOT is located on Kalaw Avenue in Metro Manila. They are open from 7am to 6pm. You can reach the Revenue or Travel Tax Department at 525-3029 or at 524-7734.

I called them up yesterday to ask about the requirements for getting a certification for reduced travel tax. They just asked me to bring the children's passports and P200 per head.

I arrived at Room 117 (where you apply for the reduced travel tax) at the DOT at 8:20 am. You just show your documents to the DOT staff and pay the fees at the cashier. After 15 minutes, they will give you back the passports, together with the receipt for the fees and the individual certifications. Your travel agent will need the numbers on those certifications.

What did they ask? The man at the counter just asked if I already had the tickets and if the 2 kids were siblings. He also asked where the kids would be traveling to. That was it.

The whole thing was quick and I managed to save a total about P1,000 too. The staff were also helpful and respectful. One of them even called me after I had left the room as I dropped and left my shawl. All's well that ends well.