If you're planning aholiday in the Philippines,this is what you need to know about currency, cash and credit cards.
Currency
The unit of currency in the Philippines is the Peso (P) which is divided into 100 centavos (c). Bank notes come in: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1000. Coins come in: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, and P10.
Credit Cards & Travellers’ Chequesin the Philippines
Most major credit cards are accepted with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely so. AmEx is also accepted in a few places in the major tourist areas, but will not be quite as useful. Credit cards are only really accepted in expensive hotels, shops or restaurants or for large purchases. Cash advances can be obtained at most ATM's but these tend to incur a relatively large fee. Check with your card issuer before travelling. Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas, but can be expensive to change. If using travellers’ cheques US Dollars are the best type to take, but make sure you have local currency when leaving tourist areas as you will not be able to exchange them in rural areas.
ATMs
ATM's are widespread throughout major cities in the Philippines such as Manila & Cebu but will not be available in remote parts of the country. Cirrus / Plus seems to be the most prevalent card accepted. You may want to notify your bank before leaving home, as some will automatically refuse withdrawals from exotic destinations as a fraud prevention method. Some of the more remote areas of the archipelago have few or no ATM's so it is worth planning your expenditure to ensure you have enough money to survive in these areas.
Currency Exchange in the Philippines
You will find money changers all over the Philippines – US dollars are the most useful foreign currency to bring as they are the most widely accepted currency (especially in non-touristy areas). It is essential to ask for advice from your guide when changing money at local exchange booths, and be sure to count the money given to you carefully before leaving.
Money changers will be able to give you the official exchange rates and are located at the airport, local banks, and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments. If do wish to change money before you arrive be aware that the rates will not be as good as those you will get in the Philippines so it is probably worth changing as little as possible.
Find out more about ourholidays in the Philippines. To discuss your travel needs, you can complete anenquiry formor call our Asia experts on 020 7720 9285.
FAQs
Credit cards are accepted in most tourist destinations in the Philippines. Cards that are part of the Visa® or Mastercard® payment network are the most widely accepted. Some card issuers add a foreign transaction fee for every purchase made abroad. It's typically 1%-3% of the total purchase amount.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in Philippines? ›
There are plenty of situations where you'll be needing cash, such as tipping, visiting local markets and buying street food. Depending on your vacation style, you might be able to use only cards during your trip. However, having some cash is still the best option.
Should I exchange money before I travel to the Philippines? ›
Wait until you arrive in the Philippines to exchange your money. It's worth doing your research before buying your pesos, as the exchange rates offered in Europe and North America are often not as good as those you'll get on arrival.
Can I use my credit card to send money in the Philippines? ›
When using our digital services, you can send money transfers by credit/debit card and send wire transfers to a bank account, mobile wallet, or for cash pickup at a MoneyGram agent in the Philippines.
Can I withdraw from my US debit card in the Philippines? ›
Can I use my American Visa credit or debit card abroad? You can use your U.S. Visa card abroad to make purchases or withdraw cash. To withdraw cash from an ATM, you'll need to know your four digit PIN number.
What is the best currency to bring to the Philippines? ›
Currency Exchange in the Philippines
You will find money changers all over the Philippines – US dollars are the most useful foreign currency to bring as they are the most widely accepted currency (especially in non-touristy areas).
Which ATM is best for foreigners in the Philippines? ›
Which ATM is best for foreigners in the Philippines? HSBC ATMs are among the best options for foreigners, as they don't charge fees for withdrawals using foreign-issued cards.
Where to change money in the Philippines? ›
Currency exchanges in Manila
Money Changer | Address |
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Moonlight Money Changer | 1190 A. Mabini St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines |
SHEEHA Money Changer | 1529 A. Mabini St, Malate, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines |
Nailas Money Changer | 1741 A. Mabini St, District 5, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines |
7 more rows
Where is the best place to convert dollars to dollars in the Philippines? ›
Exchange at a bank or credit union before your trip: Exchanging money at your local banking center before your trip is likely the most cost-effective way to get the money you need. Since you have an existing relationship with the bank, it's more likely to give you the best exchange rates.
Can I buy Philippine pesos in the US? ›
You may be able to buy your travel money from a bank, or from a currency exchange office or at the airport. For convenient travel without needing to carry a lot of cash with you, you could also get your PHP travel card before you leave, to spend and withdraw when you're away.
- Step 1: Application. Check if your passport is valid for travel (valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry) ...
- Step 2: Pre-departure. Check for passport validity. ...
- Step 3: On Arrival. Present the following documents at check-in: ...
- Step 4: Stay in the Philippines. Comply with health protocols set by the Government.
Can I use my US bank credit card in the Philippines? ›
Yes, cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries. If you're planning to travel and want to use your card, let us know. This will help reduce declined transactions on your trip.
Can I get cash from credit card in Philippines? ›
Yes. A fee amounting to Php 200 will be charged for every Cash Advance transaction. Note: Additional charges may be applied by other banks' ATM per transaction.
Can I pay pesos with my credit card? ›
In Mexican cities and tourist areas, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. If you want to pay with American Express, you should ask first.
Can you use Visa credit card in the Philippines? ›
The unit of currency in the Philippines is the Peso (P) which is divided into 100 centavos (c). Bank notes come in: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1000. Coins come in: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, and P10. Most major credit cards are accepted with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely so.
Can I use my US credit card internationally? ›
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted throughout the world. If a business accepts credit cards, your Visa or Mastercard will likely work fine. The other two — American Express and Discover — do have a global footprint, but they are accepted at fewer merchants.
How to pay for things in the Philippines? ›
Popular payment methods
- Convenience stores Philippines. Cash. Enable people to walk-in to a branch of our partners to make a payment over-the-counter.
- Over the counter / ATM Philippines. Cash. ...
- Visa. Cards. ...
- Mastercard. Cards. ...
- Gcash. E-wallet. ...
- PayPal. E-wallet. ...
- GrabPay. Buy now pay later, E-wallet.