Philippines ATM Travel Guide
ATMs in The Philippines have a reputation for being unreliable as there can be issues with the computer links, or the machines can run out of money.
If there are no ATMs close by, the ATMs in The Philippines are not working with your card, or you want to avoid paying ATM fees / make larger withdrawals, check back here for our guide below. It explains how you can send yourself money online and pick it up at an authorized local cash pick up point.
It is a very similar process to buying something online with your debit card and is probably the quickest way to send money to yourself in The Philippines.
As this method is especially useful in many locations in The Philippines, we have also provided a separate guide for each of these (click link for destination specific guide):
El Nido, Palawan |
General Luna, Siargao |
Culion, Palawan |
Coron, Palawan |
Port Barton, Palawan |
Oslob, Cebu |
Donsol, Sorsogon |
Cuyo, Palawan |
Balabac, Palawan |
Samal, Davao |
San Vicente, Palawan |
If the destination you’re looking for is not on the list above, follow The Philippines country guide below.
Philippines ATM Fees & General Information
All ATMs in The Philippines charge fees. These usually range from 200 to 300 Peso, with the standalone machines in shops and tourist areas also taking a surprisingly high commission with the currency exchange rate they offer. Be aware of Euro brand machines in particular as you may be paying up to 15% in weighted currency exchange rates and fees combined.
You will also probably get charged a fee by your own bank.
Having a Wise (formerly TransferWise) MasterCard can help reduce your home bank fees and gives a great exchange rate on purchases. With their borderless account / card you can hold your money in more than 40 currencies and use the debit card to get your cash out with low conversion fees and zero transaction fees. Click here for more info.
Withdrawal limits depend on the bank, and even vary as the cash point runs low.
They are usually between 10,000 and 20,000 Pesos, meaning fees from multiple withdrawals can really add up.
It’s also worth noting that in small villages, cash machines may have limited funds available.
With the method of sending yourself money to The Philippines outlined below, you can send much more than ATM withdrawal limits and avoid having to make multiple withdrawals and the associated fees.
Major hotels take debit/credit cards, but cheaper accommodations, tourist sites and restaurants tend to only take cash. It’s best to have small denominations as change can be a problem in smaller businesses.
You’ll find Visa and MasterCard are equally accepted by ATMs in The Philippines.
Unfortunately, ATM fraud in The Philippines is becoming more common with the introduction of more private/standalone cash points. Check out our Travel Money Tips for what to look out for and more general information covering pre-trip planning, fees, scams, and general safety.
Getting Cash Without Using The ATMs In The Philippines:
– Send Money To The Philippines & Pick Cash Up Locally
With so many overseas workers now sending money home to their families, there are lots of local cash pick up points to collect these funds.
By tapping into this network, you can use your ATM card (debit/credit) or bank details to securely send yourself funds online through a reputable International money transfer service. See below for online services that have partnerships with domestic money transfer agents in The Philippines where you can pick up your money within a few hours.
This means when there’s no ATM you can still withdraw cash within a few hours, and what’s more, it’s often more convenient, safe and cheaper than paying ATM withdrawal fees.
Option 1: World Remit
Check HERE to see if there is a local authorized cash pick-up point where you are. This list is not exhaustive, so if you can’t see one close to where you are, it’s always worth asking a friendly local if there’s a branch of any the following pick up points nearby.
Choose from the following:
- Branches of The Metrobank, LBC, Palawan Pawnshop and PS Bank network:
- MetroBank
- LBC
- Palawan Pawnshop (Except for Port Barton where the local agent only processes domestic transfers)
- PS Bank
- Branches of The Banco de Oro network:
- Banco de Oro (BDO)
- BDO Remit in SM Malls
- RD Pawnshops
- Branches of Mlhuillier:
- Cebuana Lhuillier
- Bayad Center
- Bank of Commerce
- TrueMoney (only branches authorised for international remittance)
If there’s a branch locally, then download the World Remit App HERE.
Make your transfer and use the promo code ‘FREE’ to get your first transfer FEE-FREE!
They also offer £5 cashback once you send £50 or more by signing up using refer a friend code MARKT64
Option 2: Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo
Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo all work the same way as WorldRemit.
Explore what transfer you may make and what options you have to pick up cash somewhere close by.
Follow this link for Ria Money Transfer, this link for Panda Remit, this link for Sendwave and this link for Transfergo and
This may involve making an account / downloading their app.
Option 3 :
Moneygram and Western Union also offer similar services but can be a little pricier.
Sending Money To A Bank Account Instead
Option 1: World Remit
You can also use the above method to quickly transfer money to an overseas bank account, perhaps to pay for your accommodation or an activity.
For more information visit this FAQs section.
Option 2: Wise (formerly TransferWise)
This another service that also offers bank transfers. If you are new to the service, and follow THIS LINK, you will automatically pay NO FEES on your first transfer of up to £500 (or the equivalent amount in any other currency).
Arguably the best thing about them is that they give you the mid-market rate on the currency exchange, so it’s much cheaper than a traditional bank to bank wire transfer. You won’t need any SWIFT or IBAN numbers, just the name of the account holder, their account number, the bank name and branch location.
Option 3 : Xe Money Transfer or OFX
Xe Money Transfer have a handy app for converting currencies quickly. You can also send money directly through their app. Follow this link to see options.
OFX also offer bank to bank transfer, either through their website or app. Follow this link for more info.
We update this guide every month or so, however, if you have any feedback to help keep this guide up-to-date or make it more comprehensive and easier for others to follow, please Message us on Facebook
Useful Links:
Here are two useful links to find the nearest ATMs in The Philippines : Visa / MasterCard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines