The Philippines is a collection of more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia, each offering a unique experience. From the vibrant streets of Manila to the untouched beaches of Palawan and Boracay, and from the breathtaking rice terraces of Banaue to the mesmerising underwater world of Tubbataha Reef, there is something for everyone to explore. Getting around this beautiful tropical destination is much easier when you have a grasp of the local cash, how to use cash and ATMs in Philippines, and the various payment methods available. Discover the financial insights that will help you navigate the Philippines’ stunning landscapes and lively culture effortlessly. With this guide, you can embark on a journey filled with unforgettable experiences and the renowned warmth of Filipino hospitality.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Philippines?
Did you know that there are over 25,000 ATMs in the Philippines.- These are operated by a variety of commercial and specialised banks, including some foreign banks as well. In cities, you’ll find plenty of ATMs, and even in smaller towns, there are usually a few options available to withdraw money in the Philippines. However, if you’re planning to visit remote islands or far-off destinations, don’t anticipate easily locating them.
You can find ATMs at:
- Popular airports,
- Market and town squares are great places to gather and socialise.,
- The bustling streets that attract tourists in every major town,
- Shopping malls,
- Food lanes,
- Branches of the bank,
- A few office buildings
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports on islands,
- Bus stops in the area,
- The villages’ interiors,
- Hidden away in small towns, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets,
- Places of worship,
- Remote resorts and retreats
Best ATMs to use in Philippines for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Philippines are those owned by popular banks such as:
BDO,
DPB,
PNB,
BPI, and
Land Bank of the Philippines
There are some foreign banks as well:
HSBC,
Bank in China.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Philippines, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in PHP).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Philippines, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in PHP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Philippines?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Philippines. Most ATMs in the Philippines accept a variety of payment cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, JCB, and UnionPay. Many ATMs not accept American Express or Diners cards.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Philippines.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Sure, ATMs are typically open 24/7. You’ll find that most of them are standalone ATMs, so you can access them at any time of the day or week without any problems.
What do they call ATMs in Philippines?
The term “ATM” is commonly used to refer to a machine with the bank’s name displayed on it.
PIN type
Most ATMs in the Philippines require a 4-digit PIN for transactions. Typically, longer PINs are not accepted.
Ensure to take cards with magnetic stripes as well as chip-and-pin cards.
Languages at ATMs in Philippines
By default, ATMs in the Philippines offer two language options: Filipino and English. You can select this option right from the beginning of the transaction.
Try out Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate the text on your phone to understand the ATM’s language! Just a quick note: These translations may not always be 100% correct, so it’s best to take your time and not rush through the transaction.
Do ATMs in Philippines work similarly as other countries?
Yes. ATMs in Philippines are pretty advanced and work just like the ones you’d find in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Don’t forget to take your card with you after using these ATMs to withdraw cash, as some of them fully insert it during the transaction.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in South East Asia.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Philippines?
ATMs in Philippines dispense only the official currency Philippine Peso (PHP).
ATM withdrawal limits in Philippines?
ATMs in Philippines have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of PHP 10,000 to PHP 20,000 (Filipino Peso). One bank, with limited number of ATMs in Philippines, allows to withdraw up to PHP 40,000 in one transaction. Most bank ATMs in Philippines have daily withdrawal limits of PHP 50,000 per day.
ATM Fees in Philippines?
There is only one fee-free ATM in Philippines. Majority of the ATMs charge between PHP 250 to PHP 300 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders, with the most common fee being PHP 250 (Filipino Pesos). So, there are limited fee-free options in Philippines for a foreign cardholder.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Philippines – something every traveller handling cash in Philippines should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Philippines?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Philippines?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Philippines. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100 + countries including Philippines.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Philippines ATMs?
There are plenty of ATMs that have cameras and security guards. The crime rates near ATMs are relatively low. It seems like pickpocketing is quite prevalent.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Philippines takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Philippines. Majority of the ATMs charge between PHP 250 to PHP 300 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders, with the most common fee being PHP 250 (Filipino Pesos). So, there are limited fee-free options in Philippines for a foreign cardholder.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Philippines?
Yes. ATMs in the Philippines generally accept cards from various countries, including the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and others.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Oh, absolutely! You’ll find a handful of Bitcoin ATMs in the Philippines.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Philippines
Bank of America: Unfortunately, Bank of America ATMs are not available in the Philippines.
Citibank: Absolutely! The Philippines has a good number of Citibank ATMs available.
Barclays: Unfortunately, there are no Barclays Bank ATMs available in the Philippines.
HSBC: Absolutely! The Philippines has a good number of HSBC ATMs available.
Standard Chartered: Unfortunately, Standard Chartered ATMs are not available in the Philippines.
