Newbie/Kumusta

[Ako Si Jamie]

Only PHP10,000!!! That's not a lot, what happens if you take more?

Unknowingly I took 32K on my first trip and it was only when I was speaking to a fellow Brit on my stopover in Riyadh did I realise. I spent the second leg of journey deliberating whether to declare it or not and in the end I decided to be honest about it. The customs official at the NAIA didn't bat an eyelid and was more interested in the couple of watches I brought over as presents.

[Daryl.T]

Hi Daryl
The P10k peso is solely a limit on the amount of pesos you can bring into the Philippines.

The limit on how much cash you can bring into the Philippines in other currencies is the equivalent of USD10,000.

Taking money with you. Yeah, take an amount you are comfortable with, but it's easy to get money from ATMs or Money Changers.

Unknowingly I took 32K on my first trip and it was only when I was speaking to a fellow Brit on my stopover in Riyadh did I realise. I spent the second leg of journey deliberating whether to declare it or not and in the end I decided to be honest about it. The customs official at the NAIA didn't bat an eyelid and was more interested in the couple of watches I brought over as presents.

Glad I found that out now, I was going to bring over 32K PHP cash, what would be the best to use then?

I will take 10k PHP cash and should I just use my Visa Debit Card [Barclays], or get a travel cash card???

Would like to hear peoples experiences as I don't want to be worried about not having enough money whilst I am there.

[Terpe]

Glad I found that out now, I was going to bring over 32K PHP cash, what would be the best to use then?

I will take 10k PHP cash and should I just use my Visa Debit Card [Barclays], or get a travel cash card???

Yes Daryl, take the P10k with you as cash.
You can also take GBP cash. The money changer desk at the airport has pretty good rates usually ( be sure you know the rates before you go and check from time to time.
Yes use your Visa Debit card at ATM's also hotels, travel and shops.
If you want to get a pre-paid travel card then do so. I'd recommend Caxton although there are others.

If you have the time and the inclination you could also try and secure a Peso Cash Card such as the iRemit Visa Card. It's been some time since I did that so I'm not sure of the current regulations. But worth a review.

As most folks have said, it's not wise to carry large amounts of cash anywhere in the world.
If you're planning on leaving the cities you'll want to stock up a bit just in case. Find different places on yourself and gf to secrete some notes just in case. Not trying to worry you, I've not had any scary moments or been in the wrong place at the wrong time but it can happen.