Is cash still widely used?
Yes. Cash is the primary payment method for most Filipinos. Tricycles, jeepneys, street food, wet markets, and local stores all run on peso notes and coins. Outside Metro Manila and Cebu City, card payments are rare.
GCash has grown significantly as a mobile wallet, but primarily among locals with Philippine SIM cards.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
BDO, BPI, and Metrobank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. In tourist destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, ATMs are available but can run out of cash on busy weekends.
- Foreign card fees are typically around 250 PHP per withdrawal
- Withdraw extra cash before heading to island destinations
- Some malls have Bancnet ATMs that work well with foreign cards
Card acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at upscale hotels, tourist restaurants, and larger malls in Manila and Cebu. Outside major cities, almost all transactions require cash.
Tips for travelers
- Always carry enough peso for at least a few days when island hopping
- Small coins are useful for jeepney rides and local markets
- Money changers in cities often give better rates than airport counters
- Keep cards and cash secure — pickpocketing can be an issue in busy areas