First visit to Phils coming up (late Jan '17) - currency advice please

Hi - first visit to Philippines coming up in late-January. Two weeks with my intended ( @inaroiles ) before we submit Fiancé (settlement) visa application.

Anyway - I would appreciate advice from seasoned travellers to Phils on what I should do re currency. I will be using one (or both) of my two credit cards whilst there but I also wish to arrive at Manila airport with some "folding" in my pocketbook! Is it better for me to travel with Sterling and change when there (I'm sure Kris knows where the best rates are to be had!) or order myself some pesos before leaving UK? Any advantage in using US dollars (although I accept that this would involve 2 transactions (Sterling to USD / USD to pesos)?

I'm not a currency speculator (nor have any interest so to be!) and the sums involved for a fortnight's trip will not be excessive but nevertheless I would welcome any guidance from those of you who are longer in the tooth than me in this regard.

Cheers!

Gerry

I take a few hundred quid sterling (well-concealed in money belts), credit cards, plus my UK cashpoint card. Been going several times a year for 26 years now.

Make sure the sterling (20s or 50s) is crisp, clean, and without ballpoint notes written on it etc, or money-changers will reject those notes.

Most important, a few days before you go out, there contact your bank and credit card companies to notify them that you may be using your cards in the Phils. They will then flag that up. Otherwise (more often with credit cards), your card may be refused, because the Phils is considered a'dodgy' place.

First of all I would advise you to tell your bank you are going to the Philippines so that your credit/debit cards are not declined, I'm with NatWest and can do this online. I usually just use a credit card there for larger purchases for example hotels, lessens the chance then of getting ripped off

I would take sterling with you (notes in good condition) and change £100 at the airport then change the rest at a money changer where your missus will direct you, Filipinos always know where to get the best deal Don't change sterling to USD before you go as you will then incur two exchange fees then, sterling is excepted at all the money changers there.

Regarding how much cash to take with you, well that's up to you but I always take more than I think I will need.

I added this ...

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Make sure the sterling (20s or 50s) is crisp, clean, and without ballpoint notes written on it etc, or money-changers will reject those notes. Best to get them from your bank, so you can ask them for clean ones.

Hi there! Philippine peso is the main currency in the country. Not much establishments will accept USD. However, you can still bring your own currency (GBP) and have it changed to a money changer -- there are quite a lot, you just have to choose which one offers a great deal. Or you can also have it changed at the airport if you urgently need some pesos.

My fiance used to call his bank prior his trip informing them that he will use his card in the Philippines. Have a great trip!

Hi Gerry

I am here in Philippines, Davao in fact, at the moment. My take on what works for me:-

1 Yes take a small amount of pesos with you to cover your immediate needs on arrival, taxi from airport to hotel etc.
2 My currency is UAE Dirham which is linked to the $, so I took $ with me and exchanged them as needed at Western Union here for a rate of 49.22, which is pretty good, as good a rate as Xe currency converter app shows
3 I am also using credit card for large purchases, e.g. I spent PHP152,000 on AC units for my house and here's the thing....there is no credit card fee and I am getting a really good exchange rate. I know this, as immediately I make a payment with my card, I get a text message from my credit card bank, advising me what I have spent in local currency and showing me new balance in my own currency. Note I advised my bank that I was going to be using my card in Philippines and so far no issues at all.

Have a great visit.
David

Thanks @Timmers , @tipipay and @graham59 - sage advice I'm sure!

I'll certainly contact the card issuers (although they do advertise no need) ahead of travel. I better also ensure I get Bank of England notes as I don't want any problems if I rock-up with Scottish bills!

I terms of local currency Kris advises I should ask for a mixture of 100, 50 & 20 peso bills.

I'm also advised that having a local with one can help with any "confusion" over the price of certain things (e.g. toktok / taxi rides etc)

Thanks once again.

G

Very helpful @DavidAlma - and thanks for your good wishes!

G

You will have an extremely fat wallet if you opt for just those low value notes. Have a few for taxi fares etc., but bear in mind that 20 pesos is about 33p...!! I take a mix of 1000's, 500's, 200's and 100's. Every taxi ride that I have ever taken here is on the meter and I have never faced any issues with the fare. Most taxi rides I take around town are less than P100, so I just hand over a P100 note and consider the change as a tip. No idea about jeepneys.

Thanks again @DavidAlma - I take your point entirely and shall also acquire some larger denomination bills!

[QUOTE

I'll certainly contact the card issuers (although they do advertise no need) ahead of travel. I better also ensure I get Bank of England notes as I don't want any problems if I rock-up with Scottish bills!

Thanks once again.

G[/QUOTE]

Please make sure you bring bank of england note. I brought along scottish notes in ph and they are only willing to exchange it to 1:44php while bank of england note is 1:60 php which doesnt make sense when its both a valid currency here and have the same value.

If you were to spend a bit less time on forums playing God, you might have a bit more time to spend with your family, you stuttering oaf.

I worry a little about him, this seems to have gone a lot further than a disgruntled ex forum member, its almost like he has a vendetta.

He must still like me though as he sent me a personal abusive message

If you're reading this John.................. Merry Christmas

Wow that was a new experience on this forum.

I hope the best for him on the new year and I hope he moves on and direct the energy on positive endevor.

...

sadly--no--not new. he used to be a very prolific poster on here--till he started making offensive posts about admin members. he regularly signs up as a new member till he gets caught.

either way--his offensive postings have no place on what is a very helpful and friendly resource--the last thing we want is to put any new members off---or drive existing members away.