Share
Carrying Cash in the PH
ReportQuestion
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
What is the best way to carry cash and move around in the Philippines?
pinoyrider
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
What is the best way to carry cash and move around in the Philippines?
Answers ( 2 )
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
I will assume in this scenario that you are a tourist in the country. Get a bank account. If the money is of sizable amount better open a bank account in the local banks using an ACR-I (Alien Certificate of Registration) card or simply just your passport and other valid identification. Get a passbook, checks, ATM card or debit card from that bank. Two wallets and a sling bag. Let say you want to have 20k pesos cash on hand for traveling on either sea or land. You should have two wallets with you, one as your primary and obviously the second one as secondary. Stuff your secondary wallet with say 5,000 pesos for easy access from your pocket while traveling. If you can you should break at least 2,000 to smaller bills of 100s, 50s and 20s. This the wallet you will use when purchasing something along the streets and public places. Primary wallet is where you stashed your identification, credit and other important cards plus the main bulk of your travel funds. This wallet will stay always in your front sling bag at all times. If possible do not access your sling bag in the middle of a crowded street or where there is a heavy flow of human traffic. Still its better to separate your cards and other documents from your main wallet just in case you’ll run into a hold-up situation. These lowlifes are only after for the quick cash and expensive gadgets. Sling bags like this but not too classy is a must for cautious travelers. Filipinos usually sports backpack in the front while traveling as precautionary means against pickpockets. And here’s one smart Filipino kid demonstrating the Filipino proper way of turning a backpack into a thief-proof “Frontpack.” Aside from your primary wallet, the sling bag is where you keep your PDAs, smartphones and other expensive gadgets while on the go. Secondary cheap phone is a must that you can use most often in texting or calling in the middle of a busy street or public places. Lastly, do act like a smart and cautious traveler who seems to know your way around the Philippines. If you are not sure on something do not hesitate to ask the locals, and as long as you speak English they will help you out and will not ignore you. All image from Google search.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Im a Filipino but now residing in another country so I guess I can give you some insights as a local and some point as a foreigner. It is quite safe to go around the Philippines carrying your money in any form you like. Before I went abroad, I always keep my money in my wallet inside my bag, ussualy a sling bag so I can easily put it in front of me whenever I need to get something. A backpack is ok as well but you need to be more cautious as you can’t easily see if someone at your back is trying to open your bag but in most cases, no one will specially if you are walking around. Just put it in your front whenever you are not moving. Now whenever I go back home, I dont usually bring wallet or bag anymore. I put my moneys and atm card in my side pocket. Since Im always wearing jeans that nicely fits me, its hard for a pick pocketer to put his hands inside my pants because its quite tight and I will be able to feel it instantly. The most money I put was 10k pesos each pocket, its not that bulky to be honest. If you are carrying more then this isnt applicable at all. There’s no need to overthink which is the best way to carry your money. Still, the best way for me is the ussual way you do it since you already know where and how you can keep it safe. Just be more cautious and dont act and show like you are carrying a lot of money/precious items because that will attract some attention. Be calm and just enjoy!