General Info

[Mogwai]

Lastly, can anybody advise which bank's ATMs are best? For me, "best" means fairly accessible (you spot them around) with a high withdrawal limit. I read that some of the banks, especially the domestic ones, have withdrawal limits as low as 10,0000 pesos at a time. That simply will not do! I know the place is relative cheap, but not that cheap! On the other hand, I also read that banks like Citibank and HSBC have limits at 50,000 pesos per withdrawal (that's more like it). I will be using a card from an American bank that will refund any and all transaction fees, so I'm not worried about incurring those.

I have never been able to withdraw more than 10,000 PhP at a time from any bank, including Citibank and HSBC. Don't know why.

There are many ATMs in Makati, Angeles, Cebu etc., especially in the malls, however it's possible that not all of them accept your debit card, even when it's stated on the ATM that it does (eg. with the Cirrus-Maestro sign). This is the Philippines, just move on to the next.

I'm also using Western Union to send money to myself, to collect bigger amounts and avoid the ATM fees. But this might be a more expensive option for you since your bank refunds the fees.

[Lefeu]

...Have you ever had your fake account pollute your real account? Friend suggestions from one appear on the other? Contact become visible in inappropriate times etc?

Yes, many times and that damn site does not seem to follow their own privacy rules. They seem to be changing them all the time, or they don't really follow their own rules. A constant struggle keeping my regular FB and mongering FB completely separate.

[The Cane]

The local ATMs do have a 10,000 PHP limit. That's not a bad thing as it also protects your exposure. You can change money at the airport or withdraw cash at the ATMs there. There is no need to bring pesos with you. All of your hotel expenses can be paid by CC or debit card. I wouldn't trust any of the smaller vendors with my CC. I always pay cash for meals, drinks, transport and girls. Cash is king in the Philippines.

Thanks once again guys. I agree with you Engine Driver that cash is king, and I will be using cash to pay for the same things that you do. If I feel like I need to withdraw more than 10,000 at a time, then as Goferring suggests, I can make multiple withdrawals until I have what I need. I've booked good hotels with safes, so I can lock everything up. OK, I'm set! And I'm stoked about experiencing another of the world's top pussy capitals!

[Goferring]

The local ATMs do have a 10,000 PHP limit. That's not a bad thing as it also protects your exposure. You can change money at the airport or withdraw cash at the ATMs there. There is no need to bring pesos with you.

I take big bundles of dollars (cash) with me and change as required at the various cambios. They are available everywhere. Stay in a hotel which has a safe, and when you are travelling between cities, use a money belt for your cash.

There are plenty of ATMs in Angeles City. While walking around Angeles, only carry a few thousand pesos in your pocket at any one time. No need to carry your wallet. There are heaps of street urchins and trike drivers who will try and pick your pockets.

All of your hotel expenses can be paid by CC or debit card. I wouldn't trust any of the smaller vendors with my CC. I always pay cash for meals, drinks, transport and girls. Cash is king in the Philippines.

Remember that if 10 k is not enough, you can do multiple transactions up to you home banks daily limit or until you have enough.

ATMs are everywhere especially in decent size towns so I prefer this to having lots of cash on hand. The only risk is that they can go off line for a couple of days at a time in smaller towns.

I arrive with 2 or more cards with banks that know I'm travelling so will not block them due to apparent fraud and just withdraw as I need. Much less to worry about than travelling with wads of cash.

I've only ever had one problem when a typhoon took out all the ATMs around Sabang and my hotel didn't have CC facilities.

[Goferring]

In terms of online tools, my fake facebook account is my primary method of meeting new (and regular) talent. Never really used Tinder and on WeChat it's just to easy to get bait and switched. My FB account is about 4 years old now, so it's built enough content that it looks legit (important note: my friends list is hidden and i have literally had to block everyone on my real FB account, which requires upkeep when new friends are added).

I'm very cautious, almost paranoid, of FBs wide ranging tentacles. I once arrived home to find auto generated FB Friend suggestions for all the girls I had contacted on FC PL etc on tour. I can only assume the I had appeared as suggestions for them too. Needless to say, I shit myself and went on a mad delete and blocking spree. Now I do not have FB on anything I might use for hobbying.

Have you ever had your fake account pollute your real account? Friend suggestions from one appear on the other? Contact become visible in inappropriate times etc?

[CallSign Papa]

I can see how it can become addictive and why CSP and Skogis went on to perfect it.

In terms of online tools, my fake facebook account is my primary method of meeting new (and regular) talent. Never really used Tinder and on WeChat it's just to easy to get bait and switched. My FB account is about 4 years old now, so it's built enough content that it looks legit (important note: my friends list is hidden and i have literally had to block everyone on my real FB account, which requires upkeep when new friends are added).

With Facebook I get to see their photos and videos first, I get to chat to them, sound them out, get a feel for how frisky they're likely to get. Generally that takes time, unless I happen upon a pocket rocket (which is not unlikely in Manila). Rarely will they come straight to my condo, generally it would be lunch, dinner or drinks outside first. And that's for both our protection, but I'm not keen on having people over unless I know it's worth my time.

This MO works for me, because I live in Asia and get to Makati regularly. I don't imagine it would work so well for those jetting in from the States or Europe.

I'm also a big fan of the clubs in BGC (Xylo, Revel etc), where it's pretty easy to scoop up a fine young thing around 2 am when they've had their fill of agave. The plus side to the effort this takes is no bar fines, and if a girl wants money she's generally pretty forward about it once we begin the discuss the bumping of uglies.

With regards to girls constantly asking for help, I tell them the same thing everytime "you can ask me for help when we're in the same room", generally that pacifies them, incentivizes them and more importantly, shuts that shit down.

[Engine Driver]

I previously wrote that it was incredibly easy to sit in my hotel room and compile a big list of girls wanting to come and meet me to fuck. I was just using WeChat and Tinder in Makati and AC.

Due to time constraints and my love of going to bars to pick up, I didn't get to take up most of the offers presented on social media. I was astounded as to how easy it was. I suppose the lazy monger could just stay in his air-conditioned room and send up a never ending supply of talent. It's cheap too at around 1500 - 2000 for ST. I can see how it can become addictive and why CSP and Skogis went on to perfect it

I haven't deleted these contacts yet as I might want to fuck them next year. Quite a few of the girls I didn't meet are now sending me requests for money. When I refuse, I quickly find out that they don't love me any more. The conversations from three different girls are below.

[Engine Driver]

Gents,

I am planning my very first trip to The Philippines, and I have a few basic newbie questions regarding that all important resource. Money! I've RTFF. In fact, I've read many FFs for many months now and believe that I am well-prepared for the journey overall, but I have not found consistent and satisfactory information regarding the use of debit cards and ATM machines in The PI.

Under the circumstances, I will be restricted to using a debit card to pay for many goods and services (can't get any pesos prior to departure), as well as to withdraw cash from ATMs as needed for "other services" rendered. I will need to get some pesos upon arrival and know that there will be ATMs located at the airport. Also, I assume that ATMs will abound in the Makati area where I will spend a portion of my trip. But what about walking around in Angeles City? How available and accessible are ATMs in Angeles? I should confirm for Makati and Cebu too I guess.

Lastly, can anybody advise which bank's ATMs are best? For me, "best" means fairly accessible (you spot them around) with a high withdrawal limit. I read that some of the banks, especially the domestic ones, have withdrawal limits as low as 10,0000 pesos at a time. That simply will not do! I know the place is relative cheap, but not that cheap! On the other hand, I also read that banks like Citibank and HSBC have limits at 50,000 pesos per withdrawal (that's more like it). I will be using a card from an American bank that will refund any and all transaction fees, so I'm not worried about incurring those.

I am worried about accessibility (I need to be able to find one when I need one), withdrawal limits (high), and security (skim scams and such) though. So, if any of you seasoned Phils vets have any thoughts and / or suggestions around this that will help ensure a nice, worry-free trip, I would appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by PM too if you don't want to clog up the board with this inquiry, but all of us newbies reading could benefit from the most recent, updated information regarding this subject.

And that's it! You see you old, seasoned, grumpy geezers! I have done my research! I've RTFF! I've read many FFs! I know where to go and how to get there and how much it should cost, etc. But, I'm still not 100% straight on this one particular thing. Help a fellow monger out will you? And pinays here I cum!

The local ATMs do have a 10,000 PHP limit. That's not a bad thing as it also protects your exposure. You can change money at the airport or withdraw cash at the ATMs there. There is no need to bring pesos with you.

I take big bundles of dollars (cash) with me and change as required at the various cambios. They are available everywhere. Stay in a hotel which has a safe, and when you are travelling between cities, use a money belt for your cash.

There are plenty of ATMs in Angeles City. While walking around Angeles, only carry a few thousand pesos in your pocket at any one time. No need to carry your wallet. There are heaps of street urchins and trike drivers who will try and pick your pockets.

All of your hotel expenses can be paid by CC or debit card. I wouldn't trust any of the smaller vendors with my CC. I always pay cash for meals, drinks, transport and girls. Cash is king in the Philippines.

[The Cane]

Gents,

I am planning my very first trip to The Philippines, and I have a few basic newbie questions regarding that all important resource. Money! I've RTFF. In fact, I've read many FFs for many months now and believe that I am well-prepared for the journey overall, but I have not found consistent and satisfactory information regarding the use of debit cards and ATM machines in The PI.

Under the circumstances, I will be restricted to using a debit card to pay for many goods and services (can't get any pesos prior to departure), as well as to withdraw cash from ATMs as needed for "other services" rendered. I will need to get some pesos upon arrival and know that there will be ATMs located at the airport. Also, I assume that ATMs will abound in the Makati area where I will spend a portion of my trip. But what about walking around in Angeles City? How available and accessible are ATMs in Angeles? I should confirm for Makati and Cebu too I guess.

Lastly, can anybody advise which bank's ATMs are best? For me, "best" means fairly accessible (you spot them around) with a high withdrawal limit. I read that some of the banks, especially the domestic ones, have withdrawal limits as low as 10,0000 pesos at a time. That simply will not do! I know the place is relative cheap, but not that cheap! On the other hand, I also read that banks like Citibank and HSBC have limits at 50,000 pesos per withdrawal (that's more like it). I will be using a card from an American bank that will refund any and all transaction fees, so I'm not worried about incurring those.

I am worried about accessibility (I need to be able to find one when I need one), withdrawal limits (high), and security (skim scams and such) though. So, if any of you seasoned Phils vets have any thoughts and / or suggestions around this that will help ensure a nice, worry-free trip, I would appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by PM too if you don't want to clog up the board with this inquiry, but all of us newbies reading could benefit from the most recent, updated information regarding this subject.

And that's it! You see you old, seasoned, grumpy geezers! I have done my research! I've RTFF! I've read many FFs! I know where to go and how to get there and how much it should cost, etc. But, I'm still not 100% straight on this one particular thing. Help a fellow monger out will you? And pinays here I cum!

[Blanquiceleste]

Yep, just like that in America. Most credit cards allow you to dispute charges within a certain amount of days upon receipt of the monthly statement. Upon filing a disputed charge the merchant has a certain amount of time to respond, if they don't respond then the charge is deleted. If they respond then the CC company will decided to drop it or not. Most charges due to fraud or extortion will be removed.

These are called charge backs to the merchant.

BTW, there are American CC that will give you a refund if the product is defective, stolen or lost within a certain time frame.

Not just America. That is the way credit cards work all over. At least to the best of my knowledge.

These bars / clubs extort money all the time this way, from several unassuming customers. Most schmucks will not contest the charge, as they fear exposure or social shame. But when a case is reported to the Bank, they do exactly as DG mentions above. And then they evaluate the response from the merchant. Banks also have a way of telling which merchant claim is a reliable one and which isn't.

[Dg8787]

Just like that? Sounds like an easy way to have fun in these clubs. Pay by CC and then later let the CC company remove the charge.

Yep, just like that in America. Most credit cards allow you to dispute charges within a certain amount of days upon receipt of the monthly statement. Upon filing a disputed charge the merchant has a certain amount of time to respond, if they don't respond then the charge is deleted. If they respond then the CC company will decided to drop it or not. Most charges due to fraud or extortion will be removed.

These are called charge backs to the merchant.

BTW, there are American CC that will give you a refund if the product is defective, stolen or lost within a certain time frame.

[Oopsboy]

Has anyone been to Air Force 1 lately? Or the big clubs like Pegasus and Classmate in QC? I understand you can easily drop 30 K in those places and not necessarily get a girl.

Went their about a year back. Best is to skip the lounge and to go to the MP in the basement. That way you only pay for what you're looking for.

[Mogwai]

After he told me the story I told him to object to the charge on his credit card bill. Which he did and the CC company removed the charge.

Just like that? Sounds like an easy way to have fun in these clubs. Pay by CC and then later let the CC company remove the charge.

[Dg8787]

Has anyone been to Air Force 1 lately? Or the big clubs like Pegasus and Classmate in QC? I understand you can easily drop 30 K in those places and not necessarily get a girl.

I have not. Be careful of the clubs where the girls swarm you for drinks. Not only are the drinks way over priced but outrageous. A friend of mine went to one by chance and after 10 minutes decided to get out. They hit him with a 20 k bill for all the drinks for 5 girls! When he protested a couple intimidating gangsters came out and asked him if he had a problem? They then took his cell phone away from him. Lucky for him he didn't have much cash on him but he had his credit card. For fear of bodily harm he put the 20 k on his card.

After he told me the story I told him to object to the charge on his credit card bill. Which he did and the CC company removed the charge.

[Engine Driver]

Has anyone been to Air Force 1 lately? Or the big clubs like Pegasus and Classmate in QC? I understand you can easily drop 30 K in those places and not necessarily get a girl.