Can anyone tell me which bank is compatible with Barclays Banks (uk) in the Philippines? My Fiance can't withraw money in bdo atm machine. Thanks.
Is it a visa card? Should work anywhere if it is. Although my wife has a Barclays card on her savings account and it is not visa so she has to go to a Barclays branch to use it. Maybe he has one of those.
Your bank should allow transfers to any bank wherein the swift/IBAN code is provided. If not then the bank that is available in both (Citibank, HSBC) countries would be an alternative. If not why not just use a remittance service?
@Maharg it's Barclay visa debit card. He also called to let them know he's going abroad. But still its not working. But in dubai it works.
@HaloHalo he said he will just bring cash with him and exchange in peso when he's here. Last time he can't withraw he called nan to send money and pay her back when get home.
I agree with this. I have used my Citibank Visa Debit card in the Philippines on many occasions, the last time was at a bdo ATM machine. Normally cash is the best option, as Visa normally charge about 3% commission on top of the exchange rate, plus the local Philippine bank charges for use of the ATM.
Interestingly, BDO recently took over the business of Citibank Philippines. When I was last in the Philippines I used my Citibank (UK) visa card at a bdo ATM, and was happy to find that I still got my cash commision free and with no local ATM charge.
hi there, been using barclays and dont have problem transferring and or withdrawing money to Philippines through BPI banks. Sometimes they stop you getting money its because of security reasons, when that happens just give bank a call. this is all based on my experience, hope it helps.
Hi @Roxy ok we will try that. At the same time he will bring cash to make sure because it's our wedding next month hehe.
Every time we go abroad, I notify the bank of where we will be and for how long. Never had any problems. If anybody tries to cash in something after the date of our return, the bank will contact me and ask if it is legit.... Splendid arrangement.
Yeah, that could be the case. Maybe it has been flagged up as a security issue. I had this once when my bank delayed some payments because they had been made in Philippines. I can't remember exactly what happened, but I remember having to confirm it with the bank.
I have had several refused ATM withdrawals in Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UK. Each time I used machines that I have used many times before. I never quite understand what information the banks need to know, and why they cannot just class me as an "international traveller".
Your bank is actually trying to protect your money.......... And themselves, of course... tell them where you will be and for how long. just to be on the safe side............
I do. Just last month I updated them with: Colombia, UK, Malaysia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Malaysia, UK, along with the exact dates. Pain in the ass if you ask me.
I bank with Barclays and have used Metrobank and BPI terminals in the Philippines, with no problems. I have regularly had my card stopped by Barclays "for security reasons" and this is always sorted out with a phone call. Ring 0800 389 1652
A warning, many ATM machines in Philippines seem to be more fussy than UK ones as to which cards they accept. Over there, it's often Visa or Mastercard, wheras here they always take both. Most banks in the UK now seem to have moved on to Mastercard - at one time they all seemed to use Visa, this is especially true for all the cheap come-latelys like Tesco bank. We're talking about credit cards here mind, not something I'd usually suggest you withdraw money on, but certain cards it's a very wise move. Clarity from the Halifax bank is especially set up for spending abroad, and allows you to withdraw money at the international exchange rate and no fees - they will just charge interest on the withdrawal, a couple of pound usually. This can work out the cheapest way of getting holiday money, but maybe not in the Philippines with tiny withdrawal limits and charges for using the machines
Cheaper than most UK credit/debit cards and never a problem when globetrotting is the Caxton card. Prepaid Mastercard. as an aside it always used to be Visa. As with any foreign issued ATM card there will be local hefty charges of P200 per transaction. The maximum single transaction is P10k Best option IMHO would be an iRemit Visa card or PNB Global Filipino Card (prepaid and loadable) the rate is always very close to currency mid market rate and of course there's no problems or charges as both are 'local' cards and loaded with Peso
Unless you're an HSBC customer and using one of its ATMs in Manila, Cebu or Davao where you can draw up to P40k per transaction.