🏝️ Banks, ATMs, and Cash in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Tourists

🏝️ Banks, ATMs, and Cash in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Tourists

Heading to the Philippines? Discover which banks are the most cost-effective for withdrawals, which ones to avoid, and whether you should carry cash when exploring smaller islands. Practical tips for international travelers.

✈️ Introduction

With their paradise beaches, lush rice fields, and remote islands, the Philippines attract thousands of travelers every year. But one question comes up often before departure: how to manage your money while there? Can you rely on ATMs? Which banks are best to avoid hidden fees? Do you need to bring cash for remote areas?
In this guide, we take a close look at banks, ATMs, and money management to help you enjoy a stress-free stay in the Philippines.

💳 Main Points

1. 💡 What You Need to Know About ATMs in the Philippines

ATMs are widely available in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
However, on small islands or in rural areas, ATMs are rare or non-existent. Planning ahead is essential.

• Withdrawal limits: Most Filipino ATMs have a per-transaction limit of 10,000 to 20,000 PHP (~160 to 320 EUR).

• Foreign card fees: Expect to pay 250 to 300 PHP (~4 to 5 EUR) per withdrawal — not including your home bank's fees.

2. 🏦 Best Banks for Tourists

Not all banks in the Philippines are created equal when it comes to foreign card compatibility, fees, and reliability. Some are far more tourist-friendly.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is one of the oldest and most respected banks in the country. It has a good network of ATMs, especially in cities and tourist areas. Machines are usually well-maintained and accept most international cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). The withdrawal fee is around 250 PHP.

BDO (Banco de Oro) has the largest ATM network in the Philippines. You’ll find them even in smaller towns. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, making BDO very convenient. The downside is a low withdrawal limit (often 10,000–15,000 PHP), so you may need multiple transactions.

HSBC Philippines stands out because it allows withdrawals up to 40,000 PHP per transaction, which means fewer fees overall. However, HSBC ATMs are only found in large cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao — so they’re great when available, but not reliable in rural areas.

Metrobank is decent and relatively widespread, but less attractive due to lower withdrawal limits and occasional technical issues. Still, it's a good fallback if BDO or BPI are not nearby.

Summary:
To limit fees and ensure ATM reliability, BDO and BPI are your best everyday options. For larger withdrawals, go for HSBC if available. Always choose an ATM located inside or right outside a bank branch for added safety and easier troubleshooting.

3. ⚠️ Banks to Avoid or Use With Caution

Some banks in the Philippines are not well-suited for use with foreign cards. They may lack proper connectivity with international networks, cause transaction errors, or outright reject your card.

Philippine National Bank (PNB) is frequently reported as one of the least reliable for tourists. ATMs often have trouble accepting foreign cards, and transaction failures (e.g. withdrawal denied but funds still debited) are more common. PNB's ATM coverage is also weaker, and English-language interfaces are not guaranteed.

Landbank mainly serves public sector and rural areas. Its ATMs rarely accept international cards. Even when they appear to work, they may reject the transaction or display unexplained errors.

Regional or cooperative banks, which operate only in certain provinces or small towns, are best avoided unless absolutely necessary. Their ATMs are often incompatible with foreign cards and suffer from limited or unstable service.

Finally, independent ATM operators found in shops or hotels (not affiliated with a major bank) can be risky. They often charge higher fees, offer worse exchange rates, or are simply out of service.

Bottom line: Stick to the major national banks with proven reliability. When in doubt, always use an ATM that is physically connected to a bank branch — this will make it easier to solve any technical issues that may arise.

💵 4. Should You Carry Cash?

The short answer is yes — absolutely. In the Philippines, cash is king, especially once you leave the big cities or main tourist hubs. This becomes even more critical when traveling to remote islands or rural areas.

On islands like Siquijor, Camiguin, Malapascua, Bantayan, Port Barton, or certain parts of Palawan and Mindoro, ATMs are few and far between — and sometimes non-existent. In some cases, a single ATM serves the entire town. It’s not uncommon for the machine to be empty, out of service, or only accept local cards. In these situations, not having enough cash can quickly become a major issue — you may not be able to pay for accommodation, transportation, or even food.

Many small businesses — such as guesthouses, family-run hotels, local eateries, and scooter rentals — do not accept card payments. Payment terminals are rare, and even when available, poor internet connectivity can prevent the transaction from going through.

✅ Practical Tips:

• Withdraw enough cash before leaving a city or major tourist hub.

• Always carry an emergency stash, in case of ferry delays, medical costs, or ATM failure.

• Split your cash in different places: some in your main bag, some in a money belt or hidden pouch.

• Avoid exchanging money on the islands — rates are usually worse than in the cities.

• It’s a good idea to withdraw a larger amount in Manila, Cebu, or Davao to minimize the need for frequent withdrawals — and to reduce bank fees.

Mobile payments (like GCash or Maya) are becoming more common among younger locals, but they’re still not reliable or accessible everywhere, especially for foreign visitors.

🌴 Personal Experience

Two Months (Almost) Stranded on a Paradise Island – Budget Survival Mode Activated

My plan was simple: spend one week in Santa Fe, relaxing under coconut trees, sipping drinks by the beach.
Spoiler alert: I ended up staying two months — this was pre-COVID, a different era altogether.

Back then, the island had exactly one ATM for everyone. Yep, one. On payday, a long line would form like a music festival — only with stress instead of good vibes.
Many times, I walked away empty-handed, no pesos in my pocket, and no way to pay for anything.

Western Union saved me a couple of times… but at a price. With the high fees and not-so-friendly exchange rates, every withdrawal felt like I was donating a kidney to charity (mine, unfortunately).

To top it all off, bad weather made the ferries unreliable. When the sea decided to go wild, there was no way off the island — and no way to find another ATM elsewhere.

Lesson learned?
In the Philippines, expect to stay longer than planned… and always have a backup plan for accessing money.
Between flaky ATMs and canceled ferries, your island adventure can quickly turn into “Survivor: Budget Edition.”
It's a great story — after the fact — but at the time, you better have a sense of humor.

💱 Currency Exchange Rates (as of July 29, 2025)

• 1 PHP = 0.01745 USD

• 1 PHP = 0.01508 EUR

In reverse:

• 1 USD ≈ 57.29 PHP

• 1 EUR ≈ 66.12 PHP

These are mid-market rates and can vary depending on the exchange service used.

🏧 ATM Withdrawal Limits & Fees (Major Banks in the Philippines)

• BDO (Banco de Oro)
  Withdrawal limit: 10,000–20,000 PHP
  Foreign card fee: 250 PHP per transaction

• BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
  Standard limit: 20,000 PHP (MasterCard/Red), up to 50,000 PHP (Cirrus Gold)
  Daily limit for certain BPI EMV Gold cards: up to 100,000 PHP
  Interbank fee (for non-BPI users): 18 PHP

• HSBC
  Withdrawal limit: up to 40,000 PHP (few ATMs available)
  Foreign card fee: Often zero, but may depend on your home bank

• Chinabank
  Withdrawal limit: up to 20,000 PHP
  Foreign card fee: 16 PHP

• PNB (Philippine National Bank)
  ATM limit: up to 40,000 PHP per transaction
  Daily limit: usually 20,000 PHP (can be raised to 50,000 PHP on request)
  Foreign card fee: 15 PHP (on PNB ATMs)

• Metrobank
  Typical limit: 20,000–50,000 PHP
  Foreign card fee: 18 PHP

• UnionBank
  ATM limit: 10,000–20,000 PHP
  Up to 100,000 PHP possible depending on account type
  Foreign card fee: 18 PHP

• Landbank, PSBank, Security Bank
  Typical limits: 10,000–50,000 PHP depending on the bank
  Fees: around 10–15 PHP; Security Bank is among the cheapest

💡 Tip: Most banks allow multiple withdrawals until you hit the daily cap, but fees apply to each transaction, so plan wisely to avoid unnecessary charges.

🏧 Getting Cash in the Philippines: What No One Tells You

If you're coming to the Philippines, you'll need to get cash — a lot more often than you think. Most places don’t accept cards, especially once you're off the beaten path.

Yes, your Visa debit card or Mastercard debit will work — but expect a transaction fee of ₱250 (around 4–5 EUR) per withdrawal. Your home bank might charge you too. That's a double hit.

Pro tip: Use your ATM card for larger withdrawals, and avoid small ones. If your card doesn’t work, try a quick swipe at a store — sometimes payments go through even if withdrawals fail.

And if all else fails? Western Union. Just… prepare to cry over the fees.

💻 Online Banking & Bill Pay: Going Digital in the Philippines

If you’ve got a local account or a solid international bank, you can do almost everything from your phone. Most major banks offer mobile banking or online-banking that lets you transfer funds, pay bills, and check your account balance wherever you are.

Some even allow bill pay for utilities and rent, which is great if you’re staying long-term.

⚠️ Just keep a little cash on hand — in case the Wi-Fi dies or the app crashes mid-transaction (it happens more than you'd think).

💳 Credit or Debit: Which Card Should You Use in the Philippines?

Most merchants in cities accept both credit or debit cards, especially in malls or upscale areas. But in smaller places? It’s cash or nothing.

That’s why having a Visa debit card or a prepaid debit card as backup is smart. If you're a cardholder, know that some cards give cash-back on foreign spending — but many don’t.

And if my card gets declined? I always keep a second card, preferably from a different network, and a small emergency stash of pesos.

🏦 Thinking of Opening a Bank Account in the Philippines? Here's What You Need

Planning to stay more than a few months? You might want to open a checking-account or savings-account with a financial institution like BPI, BDO, or Metrobank.

You’ll need a passport, visa, and proof of local address. Once open, you can deposit funds, check your deposit account, transfer money, or even get a cash advance.

It’s not FDIC-insured like in the U.S., but there’s a local protection system for your saving account.

🚨 When Things Go Wrong: Fraud, Blocks & WTF Moments

Let’s be real. Traveling means surprises. Like your card being unauthorized, blocked mid-trip, or worse — fraudulent charges showing up on your statement.

It happened to me once: my card got cloned after using a sketchy ATM. Always watch for tampered keypads, cover your PIN, and never swipe in weird little shops unless you trust the merchant.

And always bring two cards, store them separately, and activate travel notifications with your bank before flying out.

Securing Your Money and Exploring the Philippines: The Essential Guide

In the Philippines, the sun shines bright… but not always on banking! Here’s a practical article that covers all the essentials, bringing together your key terms to help you prepare for a financially smooth trip in this archipelago.

Cards Are (Almost) Life Itself

In Manila or Cebu, paying by card (Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, Maestro, Electron…) is easy in malls, hotels, and trendy restaurants.

But beware: as soon as you leave the beaten path or visit smaller islands, cash rules! So don’t rely solely on your French Carte Bleue, even though some banks (BNP, ING, BforBank) offer options with no or reduced fees and automatic authorization.

Limits, ATMs and Cash Management

Each ATM (DAB) from BDO, BPI, Metrobank, or PNB has its own withdrawal limits: from 10,000 to 50,000 PHP depending on the bank… but often much lower on some remote islands! Even if you have a Visa Infinite or Gold Mastercard, your bank’s withdrawal limit doesn’t increase the ATM limit.

Daily withdrawal limits range from 20,000 to 100,000 PHP, but the ATM might restrict you to 10,000–20,000 PHP per transaction. And beware of bank fees: usually 200–250 PHP “per card used,” so it’s best to make fewer, larger withdrawals to keep costs down.

Opening a Bank Account: How To

Planning a longer stay? Opening a local current account (BPI, BDO, Metrobank…) requires a passport, valid visa, and proof of residence.

There are accounts tailored for foreigners, sometimes all-in-one expat packages. Bank transfers (SWIFT, SEPA) are the most cost-effective way to fund a Philippine account.

Payments, Immediate/Differed Debit, and Prepaid Cards

Whether you prefer immediate debit (like ING), deferred debit cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold) or prepaid cards (Maestro, Wise, Revolut), all work—provided they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. Prepaid cards are a great budget-friendly tool, though some payment terminals might reject certain card types.

Special Case: Alternative Payment Methods

Western Union, international transfers, mobile apps, and carrying USD/EUR cash are invaluable backups—especially when ferries don’t run due to weather or ATMs run dry on paydays. The best bet: carry two different international cards, at least one Visa or Mastercard.

Tips to Cut Fees and Simplify Your Life

• Favor no-fee or low-fee cards (BNP, ING, Wise…) for international withdrawals.

• Always activate international usage, monitor your withdrawal limits, and have a backup plan (cash or local bank account if staying long).

• Visa Electron, Maestro, and some prepaid cards offer automatic authorization: great for finicky ATMs, but be aware they may be rejected for scooter rentals or some hotels.

• Double-check withdrawal limits imposed by certain local banks and review your card’s terms (Visa Infinite, Gold Mastercard, etc.) with your home bank before traveling.

The Philippines are unique for diving, beaches… and banking surprises! To really enjoy your trip, manage your payment methods carefully and be prepared.

💳 Top 10 International Cards That Work Well in the Philippines

• Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Low fees and real exchange rate.

• Revolut – Great for travel; free withdrawals up to a limit, then small commissions.

• N26 – Excellent in Europe, low fees for international usage.

• Charles Schwab (USA) – Reimburses ATM fees worldwide.

• Monzo – Limited withdrawals abroad but no hidden exchange rate fees.

• HSBC Global Account – Direct access, minimal fees when using HSBC’s local network.

• Travelex Travel Card – No ATM fees abroad, but be wary of exchange rates.

• AtlysX Global Forex Card – Reduced withdrawal fees, supports multiple currencies.

• HDFC Multicurrency Forex Card – Popular among Indian travelers in Asia.

• Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card – Known for long-term travelers across Asia.

Cards like Wise, Revolut, and Charles Schwab are highly rated by travelers for their transparent fees and flexibility. For travelers from South Asia, cards like HDFC or AtlysX offer excellent regional performance.

💡 Bonus Tip: Use HSBC ATMs (if you can find one) or withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize fixed transaction fees. And don’t forget to activate the travel option on your card before leaving your home country.

Always have a backup plan: Western Union, emergency cash, or two separate cards — especially on islands or in small towns where ATMs can be unreliable.

✅ Conclusion

Managing money in the Philippines takes a bit of planning. In major cities, ATMs are accessible, but fees add up quickly and withdrawal limits can be frustrating. On the islands, cash is essential — always carry enough to cover several days in case of technical issues, outages, or delays.

Stick to trusted banks like BDO, BPI, or HSBC, and avoid overly local or unstable institutions. With the right prep, your trip will be smoother and stress-free financially.

❓ FAQ – Money and ATMs in the Philippines

1. Can I use my Visa or MasterCard everywhere?
Yes, but mostly in tourist zones. In rural areas or small islands, card payments are rare — cash is king.

2. When is the best time to withdraw money?
In the morning on weekdays. ATMs often run out of cash on weekends, especially in remote areas.

3. Do I need to declare cash when entering the country?
Yes, if you bring in more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent), you must declare it to customs.

4. Are ATM exchange rates good?
Not always. Compared to a reliable money changer, ATM exchange rates can be slightly worse — especially once fees are included.

5. Are ATM scams common?
Rare, but as always: avoid isolated machines, especially at night. Stick to ATMs attached to banks whenever possible.

❓ Bank Cards, Withdrawals & Payment – Detailed FAQ

1. What types of bank cards work in the Philippines?
Visa and MasterCard (including Premier, Gold, Infinite, Maestro, Electron, and CB co-branded cards) are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. Some French CB cards work if they’re co-branded with Visa or MasterCard.

2. What’s a DAB (ATM) and where can I find one?
DAB stands for “Distributeur Automatique de Billets” (French for ATM). They’re available in all major cities and airports. On islands and in rural areas, ATMs are scarce and often empty during pay periods or offline due to connectivity issues.

3. Are there ATM withdrawal limits?
Yes! Most ATMs limit withdrawals to 10,000–20,000 PHP per transaction, though some allow 40,000–50,000 PHP (e.g. HSBC, Metrobank). Each withdrawal comes with a fixed fee (typically 200–250 PHP, or ~3–4 EUR). You can often make multiple withdrawals until you reach your daily card limit.

4. What are the main banks and their characteristics? Are there hidden fees?

• BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, Unionbank: large ATM networks, limits between 10,000–50,000 PHP, fees from 15–250 PHP.

• HSBC: high withdrawal limits, minimal fees.

• PNB, Chinabank: decent coverage, average fees.

⚠️ Watch for foreign exchange fees (1–3%) from your home bank. Some banks like BNP or ING offer better international options.

5. Do ATMs in the Philippines require real-time authorization?
Yes. Most ATMs in the Philippines use systematic authorization — each transaction queries the card issuer. Debit cards with real-time authorization (like Visa Electron, Maestro, or prepaid cards) work well.

6. Can a foreigner open a bank account in the Philippines?
Yes. Requirements typically include:

• Valid passport and visa

• Proof of local residence (e.g., lease, utility bill)

• Possibly a TIN (Tax ID) or FIN (Foreign Identification Number)
  Initial deposit varies (500 to 3,000 PHP). BDO, BPI, and Metrobank are the most foreigner-friendly. Account opening is in-branch only — not online.

7. What are the best cards to avoid international fees?
Cards like Wise, Revolut, N26, Charles Schwab, Visa Premier, MasterCard Gold, Visa Infinite, or Crédit Agricole Globe Trotter are top options for low fees and great international support. Premier and Infinite cards often include travel insurance too.

8. Can I pay by card everywhere?
In cities and tourist hotspots, yes — Visa, MasterCard, and even AmEx are commonly accepted. On islands or in rural areas, cash is the only option. Always carry a backup card and cash reserve.

9. What about bank accounts and wire transfers for expats or long stays?
You can open a current account with the documents listed above. Local wire transfers are usually same-day. International transfers take 2–5 business days.

10. Do immediate debit, delayed debit, and prepaid cards all work?
Yes — as long as your card is Visa, MasterCard, or Maestro/Electron, it should work. Real-time debit cards (like Visa Electron or prepaid cards) are reliable for ATM withdrawals.

💡 No-Fee Travel Tips

• Space out withdrawals to reduce fixed ATM fees.

• Use fee-free cards like Wise or Revolut, or check international packages from banks like BNP or ING.

• Activate international access on your card before departure, or consider opening a local account for extended stays.

• Keep cards in separate locations, and take photos of all documents/cards in case of loss or theft