I've banked in quite a few places around the world and the Philippines has easily been the most challenging. I've used Charles Schwab all over and have only been able to use the card at a Metrobank ATM here so far. Serious question ---has anyone been able to regularly use Schwab at a particular bank's ATM? I've stuck out at the 'best' at places like Clark SM in Angeles. For a limited time the 'Cash is King', approach will probably get you through but for longer stays, you've gotta try something better over the long run right? My understanding is that you can open an account with a tourist visa. Anyone try it so you can transfer funds from a US bank to a known big bank here?

Once again, Thank you for this excellent video Paul. It's no fun being broke and a long way from home. This video has EXCELLENT ADVICE for anyone visiting the Philippines !!! 🤑🤑🤑

Paul's vlogs never get boring, alway informative, great job Paul 👏

Thanks Paul, I'm seriously planning to move. I'm the old uncle sitting in the corner at thanksgiving nobody listened to, but should have. Paul, us guys looking ahead before making a move tend to do better in life. With age comes experience knowledge and hopefully wisdom. Your channel is precious to me. Information is key guys. Please keep up your wonderful work. Us men need you my friend. Many thanks Paul. Yes, I'm a subscriber. I'm eating up your videos like a fat kid in a candy store. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross some day. Be well friend.

Great Advice Paul for all the NEW adventurous travelers/Expats, PEOPLE please you must have multiple ways to access your finances, Remitly , Wise , Pay-Pal, Western-Union, and or Xoom. Split/Separate your Credit Cards and ATM, don’t carry them all in one wallet, do not carry your electronic device with you that has your Banking Information, Lock that device up and secure elsewhere while out of your domicile dwelling. Have a wonderful time and not tragedy.

Great advice. Listen to the man. Save yourself the headache. Bring crisp new $100 bills. I would add only use ATM's inside the bank in the Philippines if possible because they are the most secure. Criminals install card strip reading machines that can steal your account info on ATM'S on the street. If going to the bank isn't possible, give the card slot where the card goes a pretty good tug to make sure its legit. My ATM got duplicated by an employee at a hotel in Cebu. I know it was at the hotel because it was the only time I had used the card due to a different emergency situation. Thank God my bank was on top of it and my bank contacted me before too much damage was done. Card chips have cut down on this, but it still exist. Also, get small bills in peso's. You will be surprised that no one has change for 500 peso bills.

Thanks Paul!...you do a great service to the "new guys" with your boots on the ground offering your lessons learned. Lots of guys just let some of the new guys stumble around and don't offer any assistance. Good on you for your great insight and sharing your experiences....thank you

The funny thing about the security questions is that people can find out your first teacher's name, mother's maiden name, etc. If you answer with "banana" instead of the real answer, that's an extra layer of security.

Not all banks & credit card companies need to be contacted prior to international travel. However, once overseas & making a purchase will cause them to reach out to you (usually through text) to confirm the purchase, hence the need for your phone with international plan.

Information very much appreciated

Very interesting, important information..thanks!😊👍

Great VID, its a good refresher course, and boy you cleared my head again. THanks

Great info. Thanks for doing the video.👍

Thank-you Paul for all your helpful information. I visited the Philippines in 2022 and followed all your advice previous to that. I had a perfect trip with no troubles at all except for a pick pocket while riding a jeepny who swiped 600 php from me. She swiped my phone too but my companion ran down the road and stopped the vehicle, boarded the jeepney and shook the woman down to retrieve my phone. I was unaware she got money too. My point is I was well prepared for mostly everything I would encounter because of your help. May God Bless you and Mae, keep you safe, and increase your wisdom and influence.

Great video, thank you for all the information.

Excellent Video Paul 😊. Good planning is a must for sure. Keep the video's comin. Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏

Good information

thanks , good advice

Thanks Paul. Great pointers I will definitely do myself

Thanks for the reminder.

Great info Paul !! Thank you for this important info, it came at the right time!!! Blessings forward to you , and Baby May!

Good advice

Thanks Paul. That's VERY helpful information.

good info Paul

I was there in December, I called Schwab, USAA and Chase for my cards. They all told me it isn't necessary these days. However I would still call them. Also you will get a way better rates at an ATM in the airport than a change kiosk.

I've been checking out videos on other channels but this is still the best, or at least my favorite, channel on all things Philippines and expats. Thanks for the continual flow of useful info Paul.

Very helpful , thank you.

Without a doubt this is one of the clearest and most concise vlogs I have seen on this subject. You made it simple enough that even a Neanderthal (like me) could follow it. Thanks!

Great video!

Sage advice as always Paul. Another thing I would add is medication. Bring scripts or better yet a letter from your treating physician on what medication and dose you are on. I arrived in Manila a week ago and opened my suitcase. For the first time in my long traveling life I discovered I had left an important medication at home. Long story short after seeing doctors, specialists with my scripts, here in the Philippines the most a hospital would provide me for was ten days. I ended up having to fly home to Melbourne Australia, drive to my house, grab the meds and race back to the airport to fly back to Manila. It cost me a lost internal flight and accommodation as well as 40 hours in the air and one tampo girlfriend here. Never happened before and won’t happen again! Thanks for sharing! 🙏

Great helpful info Paul

Paul, I always watch you on my TV, I always give a quick thumbs up and on the last three times I've had to resubscribe. The notification has been ok, just my sub has been gone. Thanks for everything Jon😄!

Great advice Old Dog!!!!! Thank you so much!!! You’re the best!

Like Paul said you will need money for taxi service when you arrive. Also even if you have your hotel paid for in advance, you might have missed the security deposit they require in the fine print that is in most cases cash only.

Very helpful info Paul! Thanks for the heads up!

Great video Paul very helpful. You're a good man.

I like these kind of videos

thx Paul,

Great job Paul. Great job Mae.

THANKS PAUL GREAT INFO SO HELPFUL

Happy Birthday Paul !

Good info Paul Thank you.

GREAT advice is Always welcome Dog!

Great reminder to have multi[ple ways to get and move money and send yourself funds and another smart thing is to buy and have a portable "Safe" you can lock valuables, important papers, phone, money etc. in that has a cable or chain to secure it to fixture. So you don't depend on a secret stash or having it loose as you don't want to carry it around. And make copies of passport, license, etc and keep copies of stuff separately.

Great advice,, thank you,,!! 🙏😅👍

Great advice! Thanks Paul!

Thanks! Good advice!

One other topic to mention, especially if buying a cheap cell phone. Then proceess of "buying a load should be explained. I know that term cmpletely went over my head when I first heard it. That was an excellent topic to bring up, my friend. Thanks so much for sharing, my friend . You are always a hoot to watch. Those laughs of yours crack me up. Their timing is perfect. You are a natural. Keep on keeping on with those terrific videos, Paul. By the way Is the bird the one doing the talking and you are playing the part of the dummy? LOL 🤣

Scary stuff. Much thanks.

Thank you Paul

Thanks for the reminder! It helps 👍 yours truly ( another crazy person).

I’m planning a visit this year. It might be where I will be spending my retirement. I’m very appreciative of videos that will be helpful during my transition.

Excellent advice as usual. I’ll maintain my present company on international plan. Also linking my American account with Bank of Commerce as you previously described.

Hi Paul. Thanks for this great 👍 video with great advice for us that are planning to go to the Philippines. Thanks to keep up the great work.

Excellent advice, Paul.

Another great video Paul.

This is outstanding information for the financial part of travel to the phillipines!!!

Brother, I just want to say thank you so much for the information.

Just good to know these things. Thanks Paul.

Good points Paul .. good advice

This important information will save a lot of people a lot of headaches

Paul, thanks for the advice! The way you talk in your videos seems like you are a friend speaking to me over coffee.

The Philippines Unplugged has an excellent video on how to plan your arrival to the Philippines. If your buddy had of watched it he might have never had his problems. Of course the unplugged channel isn't very big so probably not seen by those who really need to see it.

Solid advice again from another blue-collar gentleman! Ty!

Happy birthday to you Mr hamble you your well

Good topic Paul , i have 10 years experience coming to the Philippines so i learned some of that the hard way lol 😆 still learning somethings the hard way 😅

Many guys retain their bank in the states and have a family member as a power of attorney for you and just use remittance services instead of having your social security sent to the philippines. Large transactions like your visa retainer can be electronically transferred, and large purchases like a motorcycle or car can also be handled the same way. Thank you for the information Paul.

One thing I did before moving to the Philippines is getting 2 cellphones. I use one for my T-Mobile account and the other is for my Philippine number. As far as money goes, Charles Schwab has a one year vacation period and Fidelity is less. Both have great online services, which makes it easy to extend your stay on your smartphone. And both reimburse your atm fees at the end of the month! Nice informative video Paul.

im glad to see you approaching 100k subs. it seems like only a short time ago that you were trying to get your 1000 subs. im glad for you as one gripey old man to another. oh wheres the news on John? and Monty hows he doing?

You are correct in telling banks about going overseas. Credit card usage. Also, keep a stateside telephone number, mailbox address, and U.S. driver license. Keep them active.

greetings from ny, your a great guy informative to listen to

Paul’s always entertaining and informative. I’ve lived here for over a year and use mostly cash. The only change which Paul may have missed is that ground zero and a few more pubs and restaurants have started accepting credit cards the last few months in dumaguete

Good advice Paul. I have always used WIFI Calling when calling home but I will look into that phone plan you mentioned with my phone carrier. Also, it's a good idea to carry your wallet in your front pocket. Great video 👍

It good start a network with good tubes channel but I have a expat friend and Filipina friends in Philippines now.

Thanks!

We always call the credit card company before we travel to the Philippines to let them know our card will be swiped in the Philippines. We never had any problems and yes, cash is king in the Philippines so we bring cash too. Exchange rate is low when you transact it just outside the airport where you catch you're ride so be mindful of that. Good advise Paul, thanks.

Theres one bank there your atm card will work at. Its affiliated with the Philippine government. It was 100% for me. Also, i used my debit card and credit cards at every hotel i went to. Ramada Makati in Manila. CLN in Tacloban on Leyte( good food there!) Were two. I booked those 2 online. I thought the bank in the US froze my account although I had called and traveled before. Its a bad feeling. I didn't realize i had about $500 still in my suitcase from previous traveling. Good thing bc I needed it when i got home. Go to the Philippines and get a wife. Best thing i ever did. This channel inspired me. Thx Paul

Your local bank can provide most countries currency before you leave for a small fee as well I brought 15,000 Philippine pesos in different denominations before I left the USA

Great information you gave us about traveling from the states to the Philippines. I’m planning on coming there this year to visit and see if I want to retire there. The info you provided us is real treasure and it will make my experience better. Thank you for your knowledge. I hope I get to pump into you and personally thank you when I’m there. BTW, thanks for all of your videos. They are very educational, informative and entertaining.

Morning Paul☕

Good advice Paul. I recently travelled to Philippines xmas/new year. I had cash$, and notified my bank the exact dates I'll be away. I had no problems using Remitly to transfer fund$.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL… I haven’t watched lately because I’ve been so involved in my own problems here in LA… but I sure as hell hope you and Mae are doing great lately! Have another great year, and many more to follow!

Paul when I came over to the Philippines for a 30 day vacation. I used RIA and sent myself 4 separate 500 dollar payments. I just went to a local Palawan location and picked up my money.

This information is correct. One of the many reasons to visit a few times first, to work out the bugs. There is so much information online, like Paul's channel. If you don't do your own due diligence first then you get what you get. Sadly some don't research and prepare before travel. Brain damage 😂. As Paul knows I had one of my bank accounts frozen for three months while in the Philippines in 2020 but I had a couple of backups and continued on with no brain damage. 😂

great advice about the 100 dollar bills with no imperfections ... it's happened to me in other countries

Yes a cheap cell phone number that allows wifi calling is a must. I carry 4 debit cards, never had a problem until last week in Malaysia and they had changed atm system only 1 of those debit cards worked until I found out I needed to go to different banks. I would have been in serious trouble without backup. And some spare money to change.

Contact your financial institution prior to departure to obtain Philippine Pesos before you depart and skip the airport currency conversion.

U don't need to call capital one if u r going overseas. I use my card at a restaurant in Manila without calling me credit card company. Otherwise good info old dog.

You made the case for Thailand over the Philippines in one simple statement. You’d never worry about getting robbed in Thailand. One of the safest places I’ve ever been and I’ve been to over 60 countries.

Very good video. I notice many many financial institutions now require a valid mobile phone number for authentication.

Paul, I'm so glad that you mentioned the international calls thing with the phone, and alerting your banks about where you are traveling to. These points are so important to everyone traveling abroad. When I visited the Philippines once, I was so glad to have met a woman who was working at The Philippine Island National Bank. She was my savior with money exchanging, and the way I/we communicated. I would've been running around blind, losing money and with no way to communicate properly. So, thank you for the valuable information Paul. Hoping I will find my dream lady there as well. I will be coming to Dumeguete hopefully before June, and staying 28 days.😊

If you staying here and have a dollar account you can write a check to bank for only a 5 dollar charge if you have about 20 days to clear. You can get enough for several months at a time without mutiple fees.

This video is good for any country

As someone who has vacationed in PH a few times, this is great advice. Most notably contacting your bank prior to leaving letting them know where you're going and for how long. Ditto for exchanging some currency at the airport prior to setting off on your adventure. Be sure to have enough to cover things, but mind your surroundings when flashing those Pesos.

Great video Paul. Travelling from Australia, my first trip, I just used my card at the ATM, no issues, minimal fees. My second trip however, I decided to exchange some cash at the airport before leaving to PHP, terrible idea, the rate they offered was shocking. But as I had AUD cash already in my hand, did it anyway. Changing to USD not as good for us here in AUS either. So in short, I found the best way, just make sure I had international access with my card, and all was sweet, easy cash out at almost all ATM's. Keeping in mind, this is for Australians travelling to Philippines. It may vary for other countries though. As always, thanks for the vid. Been subscribed for a couple of years now, and have enjoyed the content. Good job.

I didn't know any of this, so thank you!

Paul if I ever get the courage to fly I would truly want to meet you. This was an excellent video right to the point.

Paul, good info about setting up your 'good' phone for international service and also letting your Banks and Credit Cards Company's know where you are traveling and for how long you intend to be on'-ah'-move': Tks., much appreciative.

Believe it or not there is no way now with some CC companies to notify or submit an international travel plan for your card. They will just tell you "it should be all set to use, we'll notify you if we suspect suspicious charges". That works real well for a first time traveler huh? The first charge will be suspicious to them, then they shut your card down.

Good info for newbies,I'm sure you saved someone's behind thanks Old 🐶 lol 😂