exchange before you go?

[Philip]

Would it be a good idea to exchange my money to peso's/dollars before I leave? I've been told that I can have any amount I want within two working days.

Peso's for the small stuff, food, travel within the PI and dollars for the hotel.

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by manila bound@Sep 9 2005, 09:21 PM
Would it be a good idea to exchange my money to peso's/dollars before I leave? I've been told that I can have any amount I want within two working days.

Peso's for the small stuff, food, travel within the PI and dollars for the hotel.
Quoted post

I'd imagine buying Pesos in the UK would be a better rate than in the PI, but I'm not sure. Maybe you can check in the papers for the exchange rates. Don't go carrying great pocketfuls of cash over there though, as you'd lose the lot if you were robbed. A couple of debit cards, credit cards etc is the safest way, with a few pounds or dollars stashed away somewhere just in case. There's plenty of ATMs around Manila. Most hotels will take visa to pay the bill too. I used to take travellers cheques long ago, but they seem to be frowned on in the PI for some reason.

A word of warning; don't ever get down to the 'no cash' stage just before heading off on an adventure, as it is guaranteed that all ATMS will be closed at the very time you need them most <_<

[Philip]

Problem is, I dont have a credit card/debit card etc, so atm's are no use to me anyway. It's a cash only situation.

:unsure:

[andypaul]

Originally posted by manila bound@Sep 10 2005, 11:57 AM
Problem is, I dont have a credit card/debit card etc, so atm's are no use to me anyway. It's a cash only situation.

:unsure:
Quoted post


If you have just a bank withdrawal card, i think Cirrus is used in many ATM's in phill.

You could send yourself a Western union/xoom transfer, you could send some to your Girl Friend. Then like you say bring the rest with you.

If your in manila can you bring travellers cheques? You would need to research how easy it is to change them where you are staying. But im sure the major banks etc would be able to handle them.

If you have no other banking option, its probably a good idea to have some money that you can pick up via a western union. Just so not all your money is physically on you.

[Philip]

Originally posted by andypaul@Sep 10 2005, 11:38 AM
If you have just a bank withdrawal card, i think Cirrus is used in many ATM's in phill.

You could send yourself a Western union/xoom transfer, you could send some to your Girl Friend. Then like you say bring the rest with you.

If your in manila can you bring travellers cheques? You would need to research how easy it is to change them where you are staying. But im sure the major banks etc would be able to handle them.

If you have no other banking option, its probably a good idea to have some money that you can pick up via a western union. Just so not all your money is physically on you.
Quoted post


All I have is a Lloyds/TSB card that I can withdraw up to £200 per day. I doubt that will work in the phils. However, the Western Union idea is genius! Thanks! B)

[peterdavid]

Originally posted by manila bound@Sep 10 2005, 12:26 PM
All I have is a Lloyds/TSB card that I can withdraw up to £200 per day. I doubt that will work in the phils. However, the Western Union idea is genius! Thanks! B)
Quoted post


It will if the card has a visa symbol on it.

[Pauldo]

Originally posted by manila bound@Sep 10 2005, 01:26 PM
All I have is a Lloyds/TSB card that I can withdraw up to £200 per day. I doubt that will work in the phils. However, the Western Union idea is genius! Thanks! B)
Quoted post


That's all I've had for years, a TSB debit card, and I can guarantee it works in the Philippines, as long as you find a 'Cirrus' ATM, of which there are many. I'd advise you to take some sort of backup, like a credit card from the same bank maybe.

It also works in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, or anywhere else you might stop over on the way there and back.