money, ATM and exhanging

[TropicalRose 0]

When my fiance came to visit me last December 2011, he had the same problem withdrawing money from his debit card. Some

of the atm machines in Davao and Tagum, will not let you withdraw cash of more than P4,200. That is just $100. Frustrating!

So he had to do it several times. The most he got though was only P12,000 for one day. And each time he made a withdrawal,

the bank charges him P200. That'll add up for sure if you keep doing that.

So be sure to bring crisp dollar bills with you if you prefer to go to a money changer. A little scratch, mark, tear and wear

will not be accepted.

TIP: Airport money changers have higher exchange rate than the malls and hotels.

[Piso Envy 5]

So, the big question is can I just use XOOM and send money to myself. This would allow me to not worry about carrying so much cash and since I dont have credit card I dont have to worry about losing everything with debit card?

Maybe others can share their experiences with XOOM when sending money from a USA based XOOM while out of the country. MoneyGram will recognize your IP and/or proxy if logging in from outside the USA and freeze your account on suspect of fraud. However you can initiate a Western Union transfer online from your USA account when logging in from and sending right back to yourself in Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Hong Kong, and probably elsewhere as well.

Downside of Western Mumbui is the cost, however it is one way to get some cash while abroad.

Happy Trails!

Edited January 8, 2012 by Piso Envy

[southcalhog 43]

On one of my trips to the philippines I had notified my bank that I would be using either my Credit card or ATM card so no rejection. they noted that to my account and when i arrived in the Phiippines I used it just to see if it would go through. It Did with no problems. Although when i arrived I refused to get my 100 bill exchanged at the Airport for the taxi ride fare.I had the cabbie go to a Money changer i know on the way cause you get more pesos for the Dollar. I also went to the Bank before I left to get Crisp 100 Dollar Bills, they are very concerned there about accepting bills that is not straight or have cuts ETC:. I now know all that so when i go i get crisp almost new bills from the bank. I also notify my bank of potential transactions there and I have had no problems now!

[Sayha or bust. 71]

We xoomed money to my wifes father last trip (2011). We were in N. Samar and I couldn't find an ATM that worked. I also had a terrible time finding a place to exchange my nice crisp newer $100 bills. We drove around half the day before we finally found a place. We ended up exchanging a $1000 when we finally found one. That made me nervous too, riding 30 miles back to her folks house in a tricycle at night with 43,000 pesos in my pocket. Evidently there are night time highway robberies taking place around there these days.

I walked around with 2,000,000 dong in my pocket , no worries in Vietnam. 100 dollars U.S lol.

No AtM's in my wife village, I always concealed several grand in a money pouch around my waist, then fiancee would lock it up at the house. Just thought I'd share.

[thinkerlove0212 158]

Maybe others can share their experiences with XOOM when sending money from a USA based XOOM while out of the country. MoneyGram will recognize your IP and/or proxy if logging in from outside the USA and freeze your account on suspect of fraud. However you can initiate a Western Union transfer online from your USA account when logging in from and sending right back to yourself in Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Hong Kong, and probably elsewhere as well.

Downside of Western Mumbui is the cost, however it is one way to get some cash while abroad.

Happy Trails!

thank you, I didnt think of that and I know my online banking does and did notice that when online for some other things there like my employers intranet. So, I am thinking I will send myself money before I leave and it will be avail if I need it. If not needed I can just refund it or pick it up when I get back. I am going to contact XOOM for advice