Originally Posted by
PeterB
You don't actually have to open a PNB (Europe) account, or hold any minimum balance (in the UK) to do this - just register for Remittances (including 'online remittances').
You can also obtain a GFMC (Global Filipino Money Card) for yourself, and ask your loved ones in Phils to obtain their own cards from their local PNB.
There is a charge if you use your credit card, because it counts as a cash withdrawal, but if you use your debit card it is treated just like any other purchase, and there is no charge. I've transferred sums of up to £35k at a time to Phils in this way, using a debit card. The PNB charge for this was £25, but still cheaper and more convenient than any other method I've found.
Funds transferred in this way become available almost immediately in Phils but, because of the time difference, I treat it as a 'next day' service. However, for instance, if I wanted to visit an ATM here at 11PM, I could initiate the remittance with PNB (Europe), and retrieve the funds within minutes.
I know that Les_Lady works for another bank, but I have no personal experience of their services.
