Money Exchange and ATM Issue’s and Cash Issues on Arrival !!! Bring New Money Only !!! Warning !!

[@justininarkansas7792]

I get new 100s from bank and then put in a small tupperware container in the bottom of my Loctote backpack . Carrying them in flat envelope on body caused a few corners to bend, making them hard to exchange

[@Montjo02]

You can actually iron bills. It works pretty well.

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

Yeah I didn’t bring any cash. I have two different bank accounts back in the US and I can only take out 20k php with one but the other one I can take out 30k php per day. I can send up to $2999 usd through Remitly to my wife’s account in one go but I rarely do that. I really like to use my credit cards as much as I can and then I just pay that off immediately and you lose less on the exchange rate. I also use my phone from the US and I’ll get notifications when I’m using my cards. I use T-Mobile here in the Philippines and it works pretty good where I’m at.

[@keith4826]

Backups to your backups !!! Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and then Keep enough cash for a month or 2. Or enough cash to get home.

[@hanshansen5789]

Great advice. It will take Americans a visit or two to get in their money strategy groove. Yes, back-up plan for your back-up plan (wallet / phone stolen, what next?), never get caught with zero money and no plan. Assume changers only accept pristine money. In Manila, use ATMs in highly visible areas, beware of card readers. Keep wallet in your front pocket, always.

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

Great info as always. Hope to see you next year God bless and be safe.

[@glennandthefilamfam]

I had issues with Western Union accepting my U.S dollars. But they told me a place that would accept my damaged cash. But they didn't give me quite as much. That was in Himamaylan City

[@jamesmcrory3419]

I got myself a WISE card and I already automatically changed it from pounds to peso, so I should be able to just use it at an ATM to withdraw pesos

[@tobywebb6452]

Just make sure you have at least $1000 peso equivalent in cash as an emergency fund, brown outs, tropical storms etc can mean that accessing cash can be a problem

[@RunsWithKnives]

I just opened a Charles Scwab account, when I received my atm card it says you can withdraw $1000 per day and charge up to $10,000 per day on it.

[@jonb3189]

Have you used in in Philippines yet?

[@JOKER-ge2uy]

Why would I put myself at all these risks? They flag you for having a lot of money. Man, I would not trust these people with my money anyway. That's why keeping your money as cash will make you king.

[@jameslonergan5840]

Before coming, go to your bank or CU and open a second checking account without checks but has an ATM card as a backup card. Remitly offers an ATM card with your account. You can set up Remitly to draw money from your Bank/CU ATM card and load Gcash if you have it here in the PH. Just make sure you set a travel notification with your Bank/CU.

[@tomper2204]

Can you do like I do here in the states and go to wal mart or a store like that and have them do the money transfer through western union? Then you have a paper confirmation to back you up in case of problems.

[@docmiles7]

YES!!!..Crisp $$$!!! I went to BDO in Tarlac for all new $3K exchange, then pulled out another new $100 out of my pocket, it was rejected, in return the teller gave me all kinds of old wrinkled and new crisp Peso. What I do now is send money to me(I use Xoom) and send money to a "trusted" relative or send money. What your opinions about pre-paid cards?, or has anyone used pre-paid card in PHL, and what are your thoughts???

[@tomgerryinphilippines8817]

Great video. From my own personal experience Steven is telling everyone very important. I have found that once your account has been locked by these money changers and pick up locations that there is a network so blocked by one will result in being blocked in several other locations. Good job getting this information out there steve and thanks for all you do my friend 👍 👏

[@scratch99992001]

I ran into the problem 2 weeks ago when i arrived. Bills we're in good shape but still older bills. Money exchange will not accept them, had to go to the bank.

[@gregorywiley9772]

HSBC in Cebu will let you take out 40k in one transaction. I use Bank of America and they allow me to withdraw 1,500 USD per day, but I set that up with them in the US before I came to the Philippines. I also us online banking with them

[@danielwykowski6069]

Wow, how many times a month do you have to go to the bank to get subsistence money ?

[@Synfulz]

If your bringing a lot of cash I suggest $100 bills. I bought bill sleeves like if your a money collector. I bought them on Amazon. When I turned in my bills I had zero issues with all my bills. I brought 65 bills. The sleeves were only like $20 for enough of them. Chinabank let's you take 20k php per transaction. I did 3 withdrawals at a time each time. If you want to send a very large amount do a bank wire transfer, it only costs about $25 and takes about 2 days.

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Or you can take it from an ATM Schwab account and it costs you nothing and takes less than a minute.

[@Synfulz]

@@michaelbyrne5469 yes for regular transactions I have Schwabb and USAA. But I meant for very large amount on the wire transfer.

[@johnpaulwebb3440]

The more I watch you, the more I think my choice of the Philippines is not a good choice for me. Unlike many, I will say thank you. I will keep watching😀, thank you very much.

[@truthhurtsalways4u]

This is not new and not just in the Philippines.I travelled to numerous countries already.forex outlets want crisp and without blemish dollar. Otherwise,they will not accept them.i have a one hundred dollar that even the bank wouldnt accept.there is just a miniscule tear on it that doesnt even affect any feature of it.will just spend it back home in the US ,when i return next month. furthermore,if your $$ is less than a hundred denomination the rate will be lower.unfortunately ,this is universal.google where to find the best rate in town for your money.

[@stephengallagher6299]

Thanks bro gotta tell you last visit there lost my debit card oops. I had enough to get by on and luckily nothing attempted on the card but I had to have a good friend here in USA send cash for the remainder of my visit. Used to be my bank gave me a backup card I will check that out right now . Thanks take care God BLESS

[@JimboandGhen]

Recently subscribed and catching up on all these great sharing videos. Thank you for this info as money and banking is so important especially when we will be visiting alot in the next few years before relocate to the Philippines.🤑

[@RichTravel1010]

Welcome aboard!

[@fishonaquabid]

I wanted to exchange $50 bills (for a total of $1,000 = 50,000 pesos) in Duma, one place refused because they "only took large" bills. They only took $100 bills. Thankfully a place by McDonalds took the 50's and I had cash to walk around for the month.

[@stephendunn2860]

Good to have a local account too if you live in PI

[@Sal_Joy]

Awesome video, lessons learned thanks for sharing.

[@frankschrock4484]

I would suggest using the same money changer all the time, they will tend to overlook the little stuff, once they get to know you. I had a guy in Cebu that was a saint. I used to bring him a coffee, that kind of stuff works over there too.

[@robocop581]

One extra note - the best exchange rate a Foreigner can get from a money changer in the Philippines is USD. Don't bring Roubles, Ringgit or Lira and expect a fair exchange rate. So if you're from Canada, exchange in your home country your Canadian currency into USD in 100 bills before you fly to the Philippines.

[@derekbassett9083]

It's easier to do a bank transfer if you have a bank in each country

[@daviddodge9607]

When i went i took new banknotes from my local bank . I also took out two lots of 10k pesos from bpi machine per day when needed

[@comm2531]

Yup been there lived that!!!

[@alcoury332]

Most ATMs here are P10,000 limit, but BPI is P 20,000 and HSBC is P40,000

[@jonb3189]

How safe and accepted are US credit cards there? I've got Chase Visa and Amex. My worry is that someone will take my card, record the numbers and use it. Of course, paying using credit card is easiest. Easy to pay back online.

[@marcrichard7251]

Western Union blocked me and my buddy after about 6 months of sending money to the Philippines. They don’t explain anything they just drop you. But Remitly has been great I’ve used them for about 4 years and I have never had a problem.

[@keith4826]

Western Union sent me a promotional code for a free transfer. I had downloaded the app while still in the states. Got here and thought I’d give them a try. They declined me and would not say why. It is really a pain to try and talk to financial institutions in the west…. While in PH. Have more than one way to get money. Western union is useless…. YMMV

[@waterheaterservices]

Western Union has a great business plan, they refuse service to their best customers. Genius 😅

[@bigjohn5590]

Same happened to me.

[@bri.g.5105]

I exchange in Korea airport. Had no problems

[@michaelbyrne5469]

I am willing to bet you also got 10 to 15 pesos less than street value , worst place to get money is in an airport.

[@julianarodriguez3635]

Thanks for the information Steve

[@connieshea7700]

Your from mass me too thinking about moving there

[@vincepetree]

Wise is best for me.. no problem

[@keithmelton4795]

That's good Information , thanks. You take care over there

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks, you too!

[@jonross8925]

My bank won't let me use HSBC because it's Chinese bank and I don't trust them either.

[@keithmelton4795]

Cool. Good information, take care

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks, you too!

[@larrye2679]

This is a great informative video, especially for first time travelers. Two things: If I am sending myself money on one of the money transfer sites, where am I able to pick it up at and what ID will I need? Also, beware if some people who provide a side hustle service of exchanging money when the banks are not open. Sometimes these guys give you counterfeit pesos. Do the transaction at a large hotel where they have machines that check for counterfeit currency. Great video. 😀👍

[@Sarge57]

My experience is the same as Steve's. BDO wants 100 dollar bills and they must be like new.

[@vincepetree]

I've been using Wise for a year or more now

[@keith4826]

Highly recommend Wise.

[@fredachenbach4192]

Do they have safety deposit boxes where I could keep my passport and money in there?

[@richieredw9218]

Well, it all depends on where you change your cash. I changed a slightly torn $100 at the money changer in Savemore in the town of Cabuyao, Laguna three days ago I was concerned it would be rejected but the cashier scrutinised it and it was accepted, but ok you're right the money changers always prefer newer notes. I use World Remit to transfer money from Europe to Ph. but ok I kept my BDO account from the time I used to live here and kept it open just in case, the remaining balance should always be no less than Php 2000. to avoid penalty.

[@RichardGordey]

If there is a $10,000 limit for bringing in money into the country then where are you going to be able to bring in emergency funds past the limit amount???

[@KC-in9px]

The $10k usd in cash is the maximum amount that you can physically carry into a foreign country on the plane. You can use your debt cards at local ATM machines to bring additional funds into whatever foreign country that you're in. I suggest that you use ATM's associated with well known banks and choose the DO NOT do conversion option (you will get the fair exchange rate from your home country's bank). Always use the ATM at your destination airports to obtain the local currency when you arrive. Do not ever use the money exchange kiosks found in airports anywhere in the world (they give terrible exchange rates and gouge you with service fees).

[@DrDlane]

Have you tried the pomelo card? It's a charge card so it works like a credit card, but the balance must be paid in full every month. You set the limit so there isn't any overspending. It is backed by MasterCard so you can use it anywhere MasterCard is accepted. There are NO transfer fees. They have a very high exchange rate also. The only downside is no cash withdrawal yet. But it's just one more tool to keep in your arsenal. You can provide a card for up to three family members in the Philippines and set the limit for each card. I think the minimum limit is $50. I think the max is $1000, but don't quote me on that one. As you said, it's good to have multiple options available.

[@RichTravel1010]

The problem is the Philippines is still mostly a cash society.

[@BB-dp4kh]

Many does and don't as it pertains to U.S dollar...what are your views about the new polymer bank notes that under presidential decree 247 misuse or abuse of the money is punishable by a fine and imprisonment...

[@GB-AK]

A month or so before going to the Philippines I go to my bank and order new bills. It may take them a week or two to get them but I get new bills that have sequential serial numbers. I'll be there in March for two months.

[@Mark-ul1hz]

Most money changers will take ugly money for a smaller exchange rate it works in most countries including the philippines

[@darlayjones669]

What's so ironic is that they don't care about their currency looks like shit in their hands but not the American $

[@makin-it]

Its funny they want crisp new bills but give you old crumbled up peso bills

[@TheDadFaxs]

Great info and she's like ok papa time to play and get me a cookie.. lol

[@tomgerryinphilippines8817]

One of the money changers told me I had "old money" it used to mean "being born into rich family" in Philippines it means that you just carry it around in your wallet until you go back to USA. Ugh. It is so frustrating to get them to understand that the money is perfectly fine. I'm trying to have patience in these kind of things but soon my patience may be OUT OF STOCK. it's more fun in the Philippines 😆 🤣 😂

[@johnpaul2034]

you can withdraw 20K from BPI ATM

[@codybrucewilliams]

never had this "new" cash money issue.

[@pfdanz]

Hello Steve, Great channel just subscribe, straight forward with concise content. You could be my best source to understanding this CV jab fiasco. I'm good with all you talk about and ready to travel with one exception, I'm planning for a January departure to the Philippines. I'm sure it's been covered many times, I was wondering about visiting the Philippines without the jab. Can I enter without it and quarantine once there or should I wait to see if they relax their requirements? Thanks in advance

[@mikesimpson9997]

Good advice

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

Keep everyone involved informed and that limits problems. Before I relocated permanently I was remitting monthly payments of around USD 15000 for about a year. I told my bank in HK it was legitimate and my wife told our bank in the Philippines it was legitimate. I did the same thing when I knew I would be making cc payments or ATM withdrawals while on trips to the Philippines. I had one problem on one occasion - new staff - but that was sorted in a day.

[@julianarodriguez3635]

Hey Steve is there a Charles Schwab bank in the Philippines let me know thanks

[@RichTravel1010]

I believe there is

[@alcoury332]

But note, ATM fees can be about $20. with bank fee, ATM fee, conversion fee and some other fees. And any of the so called free ATMs that my bank said I should use I can't locate in Cebu.

[@alcoury332]

So always take out the max your allowed because it doesn't matter if you take out $50 or the max allowed your going to get hit with all those fees

[@justininarkansas7792]

can only bring in $1000 usd worth of Pesos, and that and all other currency count toward your $10,000 limit .

[@user-bh1pg3ey5k]

How do you get your ATM card back if the atm machine swallows it??

[@RichTravel1010]

Ask the bank

[@user-bh1pg3ey5k]

Not all atms are in banks tho!!!

[@johnbergeron9997]

HSBC 800 a swipe in one trip to ATM 1600

[@wickman.r4662]

I have enough for 3 weeks from past visits to / from Medellín. I use Xoom for transfers

[@vwbustube]

There’s a dollar shortage the world around as other economies, currencies, markets (stock), fail.

[@phil-be-health]

Never burn any bridges back home with others.

[@kingdavid1614]

How much in cash should you bring with you when you arrive?

[@jeffbrandenburg8672]

Western Union is horrible.

[@marcrichard7251]

Your Godchild is so cute….

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@jimbohi3648]

With the exchange rate so favorable right now would it be worth it to get Philippine pesos in the US and bring them with you?

[@alcourtines4707]

Steve, I load up my Mastercard with several thousand before I go. Then I go to BDO every 7-10 days for a cash advance. I think my Mastercard charges me $20.00 for each advance. Any thing wrong with this?

[@RichTravel1010]

No

[@robertwanless4709]

Well there are good reasons why Western Union has made things more difficult as they got hit with some massive fines by t US and canadian regulators back in 2017 they got fine and made this $586 million Western Union settlement: then was another $186 million.

[@banjammy7367]

I called one time for something on my tv ,l heard roosters, l asked if he was in the Philippines l am starting to feel like a secret agent

[@julianarodriguez3635]

What's the difference Steve is still money

[@jamesgilbert2181]

ijust do bank transfer from us to filipiens

[@michaelbyrne5469]

$25 down the drain. Charles Schwab get it for free.

[@ShadowMebs]

I rarely have cash on me even here in Norway, everything is card, must be 4-5 years since I had any cash in my wallet. I will probably just exchange to pesos in the bank here before going, enough for the first few days. Also a good idea I hadn't thought about to have a 2nd card for the account incase something was to happen to the main card, will definitely get one of those for when I travel there. Are there any recommended places to use ATM's and places to avoid them? Like do the withdraw on ATM located at a bank, and stay away from ATM in shopping malls? As it is in some countries, to not get screwed on exchange rates and other fee.

[@keith4826]

I have been using the Bank of Commerce. Some atm’s would kick my card back but once I found one that worked I stuck with it (Except when they are “offline “ ) Also the one I go to has two security guards with shotguns. After the 2nd time there… they treat me like family 👍🏻. 2nd thing….. I got a card from Wise… formerly Transfer Wise. It’s an online account for multi currencies. Move some money from your bank to it and convert to Pesos in the app. It’s a very, very,very good idea to have a card from a different bank. If a bank thinks there is problem… they turn off the money. Have multiple atm cards and have cash to exchange. Anything less than 10k USD does not need to be declared

[@foeland27]

This is mind blowing, what is the purpose of calling yourself a retiree if the only income you get is SS benefits. Retirement is supposed to be the best time of your life and have a peace of mind, not going in a foreign land to struggle financially. Those people over there in the Philippines already have their own problems, no need to add to their burden.

[@anavellabick1434]

I AM PILIPINA WE WENT W/ MY HUSBAND 2013, ALL I DID WENT TO WESTERN UNION SEND MONEY 900.00 DOLLARS MY NAME SENDER / MY NAME RECEIVER BACK HOME IS FINE,,,, WE HAVE POCKET MONEY LOSE CHANGE. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍 🇺🇸

[@phaedrus2633]

Since you seem to have very current information I hope you don't mind me asking a question off topic. I'll be visiting the Philippines in November. I plan on staying for three months. As far as you know, is the Balikbayan visa still being offered?

[@RichTravel1010]

Yes

[@peteryoung3122]

with my td card i can take out 40 thousand pesos per day

[@RichTravel1010]

Depends on the bank here.

[@graemewalk7779]

I always get my money changed at home before I leave and bring about 35 thousand with me

[@leonardmarlin4330]

I had to send emails at 3 different times to up grade my account with Remitly over a 6 month time frame to get them to allowing me to send up to $6,000.00 a month I send $2,500.00 ever 2 weeks. I've been with them for 7 years because western union kept questioning why I was sending 5 to 6 thousand every month to mine and my girlfriends checking account in the Philippines. I told western union I didn't need their service anymore. Remitly charges me $3.99 where western union was charging me $10.00 per transaction. And at different times when the Philippines had gone through a bad typhoon or earthquake Remitly doesn't charge me a transaction fee at all.

[@johnkeogh42]

One problem i ran into was Western Union wire transfer over 100k. Suspended until I get load on flippino phone number to call customer service for 30 minute call for interview. Learned to make wire transfers under 100k.

[@undercover1968ru]

When I first arrived in ph I was able to contact wellsfargo and Bank of America and had both my debt cards raised to 1000 usd withdrawal a day which I used until I opened my ph bank account