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Money & duty free for Philippines

Currency information: 

Philippine Peso (PHP; symbol Php or P) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Php1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of Php10, 5, 2 and 1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

Credit cards: 

MasterCard and Visa (and to a lesser extent American Express and Diners Club) are accepted in major establishments throughout the larger cities of the Philippines. Elsewhere acceptance is less reliable.

In locations with no ATMs, you may be able to get a cash advance on a credit card for a hefty fee from travel agents or other establishments.

ATM: 

ATMs are widely available in cities and major tourist areas, but may not be present on smaller islands or in mountain areas. It is best to check ahead before relying on the presence of ATMs. Major banks accepting foreign cards include PNB (www.pnb.com.ph ), BPI (www.bpiexpressonline.com) and Land Bank (www.landbank.com).

Travellers cheques: 

Travellers cheques may be cashed at most banks, and are accepted by some tourist-oriented hotels, restaurants and shops. This process can, however, be long-winded and frustrating. To reduce the difficulties, visitors are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars and to carry their receipt of purchase as well as their passport when cashing them.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is limited to Php10,000; any amount above this must be authorised by the Central Bank of the Phillippines. The import and export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of US$10,000.

Currency exchange: 

Cash in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars can be exchanged in banks, hotels and some retail outlets. Always use authorised money-changers or banks in Manila. Outside the capital there is a shortage of facilities for changing foreign currency and rates may get progressively worse as you travel further away from the city. It is advisable to carry a sufficient amount of Philippine pesos when travelling to other provinces.

Philippines duty free

The following items may be imported into the Philippines without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of alcoholic beverage, in bottles of not more than 1L each.

Note: (a) Visitors carrying more than US$3,000 are to declare this at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter at customs.

Banned imports: 

Firearms, explosives, pornographic material, seditious or subversive material, narcotics and other internationally prohibited drugs (unless accompanied by a medical prescription), drugs or substances for abortion, gambling articles and machines, articles of gold, silver and precious metals without indications of actual fineness of quality, plants, planting materials, fruits and vegetables, and misbranded and adulterated foodstuffs.

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