I will be travelling in Philippines soon (Manila & Cebu), and was wondering if it's better to use the ATM's to get cash or bring Travellers checks? Please advise.
2006-11-20 12:20:14 · 12 answers · asked by sire30061 1 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
it's more convenient to just bring your ATM card since most of the time you're in the city, but if ever you plan to visit some of the islands, don't forget to withdraw first, before u travel as some of the islands don't have ATMs.
Enjoy and have fun in the sun ;-)
2006-11-20 12:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by bluecross0924 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people prefere ATM cards but I can tell you from experience that you dont want to depend on an ATM card while in the Philippines. Dont get me wrong, it would be ok to take an ATM card as a back up in case you had an emergancy but I always carry cash money and the prefered money is the USDollar. Take one hundred dollar bills and ask that your bank give you new bills because if they are not new you some times have a hard time exchanging them. Dont take anything smaller than a one hundred dollar bill because you will be unable to exchange it. You are only allowed to take $3,000.00usd into the Philippines, I always exchange $100.00 at the airport in Manila and then after i get to where i am going i exchange a little at a time as i need it. Never keep all of your money in one place. Put 1500 - 2000 peso in your wallet or front pocket and put the rest in a small bag or pouch that you can tie to your belt and stick down in front of your pants. Never let anyone know or see how much money you have,
Good luck and have fun
2006-11-21 01:34:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best option is to take cash.. crisp new $100 bills without
any markings on them. Don't put your money in your back
pocket and make sure not to have it all together. ATM cards
are okay as a back-up, but if you go into the provinces, then
you'll definately need to have some cash. If you don't have
crisp new $100 bills, some of the money exchangers will
make up excuses to give you a lower rate. Better to have
the newer bills.. just to avoid the extra hassle there.
Make sure when you get money changed, that you don't get
all 500 or 1,000 peso bills. Your going to need some 100s
because many street vendors and taxis won't have change.
Also, make sure to keep some peso coins on you, because
every foreigner will get approached by a begger or a child for
some extra peso. Better to give them some, then have them
follow you, or poke you for a long while. :) Just some advice.
2006-11-21 04:23:01 · answer #3 · answered by jj192328 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just use your ATM card. Most of the malls have banks so you can withraw some money there. Never bring travelers check. Youll have hard time changing them. You dont have to worry anyways because both places your going to are cities. Just be careful of the pick pockets. You should go with someone you know that can guide you while you are in the Philippines.
2006-11-23 00:32:02 · answer #4 · answered by dWade03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bring traveller's check because most of the establishment here dont accept it. some money changer do accept but on lower rate and it depends on the location. We have a lot of ATMs here that you can withdraw anytime. Other banks has maximum withdrawable amount per day. Some are P20,000 per day and the maximum is P50,000 per day depends on the bank. If you have credit card its better also. Most establishment like hotels and resorts are accepting credit cards. If you need assistance on the reservation or for your tour, please send me email at lindaltan@yahoo.com - im a travel agent in Manila Philippines
2006-11-21 00:41:19 · answer #5 · answered by Linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I went to the philippines I found that there were lots of places to exchange money. Even right in the mall... so I think you can bring some cash (just don't carry it all in one place). And you can still use the ATMs (I didn't see many places that would accept travellers cheques).
2006-11-20 20:48:25 · answer #6 · answered by ♥☆ Star ☆♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest both. Some ATMs can be problematic (off-line) and might not accept your card. Please check with your bank which Philippine ATMs accepts your card. Make sure you bring US Dollar travelers cheque as it is more accepted than other currencies. Do not forget to bring along your travelers cheque receipt. Some banks would ask for it.
Check my website for more info about Money Concerns
http://www.freewebs.com/cdoguide
2006-11-20 22:02:06 · answer #7 · answered by CDOguide 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use your ATM card in the cities , you may want to bring some cash though , just in case .
2006-11-22 12:04:12 · answer #8 · answered by Ray H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atm is better... youll be in cities anyway so theres always an atm machine around..just dont loose your card...
travel to any of these places... nice places...
http://malapascua.blogspot.com/
http://philippine-destinations.blogspot.com/
2006-11-20 20:31:54 · answer #9 · answered by andrew007 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ATM's. The exchange rate is better.
2006-11-20 21:52:55 · answer #10 · answered by Sanmigsean 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋