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04-10-22 01:19 #15047
Posts: 1562Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
I always carry a product called pac-safe. It's like a canvas ditty bag, about 10 inches by six inches, and the canvas is reinforced with a wire mesh in between two layers of canvas. Virtually impossible to cut through with a knife or scissors. It comes with a length of plastic-covered aviation cable that can be looped around plumbing pipes and locked. Neither hotel staff nor a misguided p4 p is likely to get at the cash or other valuables inside. It can also be used to keep condoms and other paraphernalia away from prying eyes. I paid about $40 for mine a dozen years ago, and it has long since paid for itself.
I carry only enough cash with me for the immediate needs of each foray away from the hotel or condo -- in a money "belt" worn over the shoulder under my shirt. I leave the balance of my cash, dollars or pesos, my passport, and other valuables in the pac-safe in my room, including the money I anticipate needing for a p4 p picked up in a bar or the mall.
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04-09-22 08:52 #15046
Posts: 462Originally Posted by DashingDon [View Original Post]
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04-09-22 02:59 #15045
Posts: 360On Wednesday night, 4/6, the IATF officially allowed rapid antigen tests for entry to the Phils per Malacanang. Reported in Philippine Lifestyle News on April 8. The IATF also recommended that Alert Level One continue until June 30.
The article contained some good news for mongers from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Mexico. Covid certificates from those countries will now be recognized for entry to the Phils.
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04-08-22 23:44 #15044
Posts: 462Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
I do retain the WISE card for foreign purchases. Being able to obtain multiple card numbers and freeze cards online makes it great for online subscriptions.
For cash use though there are better options like ING.
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04-08-22 22:15 #15043
Posts: 3418Originally Posted by WestCoast1 [View Original Post]
They do have a Debit card that offers very good fees and features. The only thing that stopped me was a daily max withdrawl of $200. However that was a while ago and it may have changed. Let me know if it has as their platform is very user friendly and keeps getting better.
Cheers. G.
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04-08-22 21:59 #15042
Posts: 6849Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
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04-08-22 21:14 #15041
Posts: 990Originally Posted by WestCoast1 [View Original Post]
If I loose say 4000 Peso and my credit card -- its pain but not not the world. I use the second card to get new cash and inform my bank about the card-loss.
If I loose 4000 $, my trip is fucked up.
And to your digits: mine are lower as my card not charges for cash advance and get a slightly better rate than the moneychanger offers. But yes, I need to pay the local fee at the ATM.
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04-08-22 20:30 #15040
Posts: 3418Originally Posted by WestCoast1 [View Original Post]
For me, I have a bank issued 'Travel Debit Card' it has low / no fees and (importantly) wholesale FX rates.
I have no 1st hand knowledge but many Americans report their banks refund all international fees.
Web based peer to peer banks like Wise offer very good FX rates and fee structure.
I can remember in the early days, on my first couple of trips, when I used a standard MasterCard credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, the highest cost line item over the length of my holiday was bank fees. Now that was crazy.
Neither of us has priced in the risk of holding large sums of cash to be converted. Perhaps not a big deal for a 3 day business trip but certainly a consideration for a month or two of fun. Let's face it, some of the people we have in our rooms could be very tempted by several '000 dollars held in a hotel safe.
Enjoy, G.
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04-08-22 20:19 #15039
Posts: 695Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
See BSP Circular No. 922.
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04-08-22 19:55 #15038
Posts: 1562Originally Posted by Goferring [View Original Post]
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04-08-22 19:44 #15037
Posts: 6849Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
An example. Say today's exchange rate is p50 to 1 US dollar. The money changer is offering p49 per dollar. I hand the money changer $200 US dollars, and he hands me p9800 (200 x 49). I give up $200 and get p9800 (a p200 or $4 loss for using the money changer).
I go to a BDO ATM machine in NAIA. The machine demands a p250 fee ($5). I tell the machine I want p10000. The machine gives me p10000, but takes $208.33 from my US bank account (an exchange rate of p48 per $1 US dollar). In addition, my bank charges me a $5 US dollar fee for an overseas ATM use. I get p10000, and I give up $208.33 + $5 + $5 = $218.33. That's an $18 kick in the wallet.
Anyone correct my digits.
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04-08-22 19:44 #15036
Posts: 1562Originally Posted by AsianPursuits [View Original Post]
Second, your "Do Not exchange" statement is unclear. Do you mean don't exchange currency in your home country or from your home country? I have done both of these and nobody reported me. And what's the point of using a currency exchange at NAIA if you get reported for exchanging currency from your home country? In my experience the exchanges at the airport give a slightly better rate than from ATMs and with no transaction charge. Currency exchanges in the city give rates as good or better than exchanges at the airport.
Granted, I have not been in country in nearly three years, but I can't imagine these things have changed that dramatically. Have I missed something?
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04-08-22 15:28 #15035
Posts: 219Originally Posted by RandMcNasty [View Original Post]
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04-08-22 15:14 #15034
Posts: 540Originally Posted by RandMcNasty [View Original Post]
I doubt you will have this problem but the groups of Koreans in expensive SUVs had problems. Trike drivers would cut in front of the Korean SUV when slowing at an intersection or stop light. Of course the sidecar would be facing the SUV thus limiting the trike driver getting hurt. This way the Filipino gets a new trike.
The mass traffic and horrible roads will not make for an enjoyable drive.
Finding a parking spot is an act of God in so many places.
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04-08-22 04:02 #15033
Posts: 462Originally Posted by MontanaMonger [View Original Post]
All travelers should keep the following in mind regarding Philippine customs regulations:
Firearms and pornography are forbidden
Certain items like alcohol and tobacco can be imported duty-free in small amounts only
Foreign currency of more than US$10,000 and local currency of more than P10,000 must be declared upon entry or exit
DO NOT exchange any currency and your home country. You will be repoorted.
I will swing by the ATM at NAIA arrivals and make a local currency withdrawal which gives a competitive rate. Failing that there are currency exchanges at NAIA.