Philippines
Money in Philippines: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Philippine pesos (₱) for cash; bring enough for small purchases and tips, and rely on cards for hotels, malls and Grab rides. Switch to ATMs in malls if cash runs low.
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GuidePhilippines
Key facts
- Currency
- Philippine peso (₱)
- Cash necessity
- High for jeepneys, markets, tips
- ATMs
- Common in malls and banks; avoid street ATMs
- Card acceptance
- Hotels, malls, restaurants, Grab
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % of bill or ₱20‑₱50 for service
Quick answer
The Philippines uses the Philippine peso (₱). Carry small notes for transport, street food and tips; use cards for larger purchases. ATMs in malls are reliable, but avoid dynamic currency conversion.
Currency and cash
₱1 = ≈ 0.018 USD (2026 estimate). Small denominations (₱5‑₱200) are useful for jeepney fares (₱13‑₱20) and market stalls. It is advisable to have at least ₱500‑₱1,000 per day for incidental expenses.
| Item | Typical cost (₱) |
|---|---|
| Jeepney ride | 13–20 |
| Grab 5 km ride | 180–350 |
| Carinderia meal | 80–150 |
Cards and ATMs
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, restaurants and ride‑hailing apps. Use ATMs located inside malls or bank branches; they dispense local currency and usually charge a small fee. Decline offers of dynamic currency conversion to avoid extra charges.
- Bring a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
- Notify your bank of travel to prevent blocks.
- Check ATM fees (often ₱30‑₱50).
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 5‑10 % of the bill or round up to the nearest ₱20‑₱50. For hotel staff, give ₱20‑₱50 per bag. Tour guides and drivers commonly receive ₱100‑₱200 per day.
- Restaurants: 5‑10 % or round up.
- Hotel bellhop: ₱20‑₱50 per bag.
- Tour guide/driver: ₱100‑₱200 per day.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Philippines?
The official currency is the Philippine peso (₱).
Should I use cash or a card in Philippines?
Use cash for small purchases, transport and tips; use cards for hotels, malls, restaurants and Grab rides. ATMs in malls provide reliable cash.
How much should I tip in Philippines?
Tip 5‑10 % in restaurants or round up to the nearest ₱20‑₱50; give ₱20‑₱50 to hotel staff per bag and ₱100‑₱200 per day to guides or drivers.
Are ATMs widely available in the Philippines?
ATMs are common in malls and bank branches, but avoid street ATMs. They usually charge a small fee of ₱30‑₱50. Decline dynamic currency conversion to avoid extra charges.
What denominations of Philippine peso should I carry?
Carry small denominations like ₱5‑₱200 for jeepney fares (₱13‑₱20) and market stalls. It is advisable to have at least ₱500‑₱1,000 per day for incidental expenses.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialPhilippine Tourism Authority
Ask about Philippines
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