Best way to access funds.

[racinkc1]

Can you open a bank account at any of the banks here without a visa or while on an ACR card? Or are there any services like pay pal, Zelle, or G cash where I can transfer money to a friends "e-wallet" and or bank account with my Visa card, and then have them give me cash? Im just trying to avoid paying 250 pesos for every 10,000 I withdraw but its looking hopeless.

[craftbeerlover]

If your friend has Paypal, gcash or Gotyme (I am sure there are others), it is really easy.  Opening a bank account can be a pain, and many banks need things like electricity bills etc.

[BrettGC]

Paypal using Xoom is an easy way as they're the same company - transfer to yourself and go and pick it up at one of the many remittance outlets here.  Some western banks don't charge international withdrawal fees from ATMs; you'll have to shop around for that.  As time goes on it's becoming very difficult to open a bank account in PI unless you're on a marriage or retirement visa - there are some that will do it, but they're now pretty rare.  Gcash now requires a local ID to be verified - not sure if a tourist ACR-i is sufficient. 

[Mike J]

As the previous poster mentioned opening an account with an ACR card can be a challenge.  Some banks will, some won't, and some it seems to depend on who you speak with.  Zelle will only work between accounts between US banks, but the other means should work.

[Guy F.]

I am amazed by the crap banks get away with in the Philippines. The best PI bank is worse than the evillest US bank. Credit Unions in the US and probably some banks don't even require minimum balances.

[scott h]

1 hour ago, Guy F. said:

I am amazed

I hear ya, I was gob smacked when I first went into a branch of our bank and they wanted to charge me a service fee because my main account was at a different branch.

[BrettGC]

1 hour ago, scott h said:

I hear ya, I was gob smacked when I first went into a branch of our bank and they wanted to charge me a service fee because my main account was at a different branch.

One of the very many reasons I avoid PNB.. It's almost like a series of unconnected franchise outlets. 

[jimeve]

9 hours ago, BrettGC said:

One of the very many reasons I avoid PNB.. It's almost like a series of unconnected franchise outlets. 

PNB seems okay for me, It's the useless Bank in the UK who are closing my accounts down in a few weeks time. I phoned them up and asked why closing my accounts down, they said We don't know why.

So now I have to wire all my funds from the UK to Philippines PNB. I was going to use wise but they wanted an extortionate fee but their rate is very good. 75 - 1 gbp

My UK bank fee is 25 gbp but their rate is only 71-1gbp.

Can anyone give me some advise about wiring money over to the Philippines? fees etc.

[Jack Peterson]

10 hours ago, BrettGC said:

It's almost like a series of unconnected franchise outlets. 

 Brett mate, That is exactly what they are, Annoying But it it is what it is

[BrettGC]

23 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

 Brett mate, That is exactly what they are, Annoying But it it is what it is

My tongue was in my cheek