Taking Cash into the Philippines

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  1. #11

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    There's nothing dodgy about Western Unioning to yourself; people do it all the time. It's not that expensive - less than HK$100 in fees for that much (which is less than a bank transfer). But as you say, carrying US$1600ish isn't that big a deal. My limited experience is that the changers at the airport are pretty good - you might get an extra 0.25/$ if you shop around, but is it really worth much of your time to save 400 pesos?


  2. #12

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    According to the helpers, there are no charges, if you use money changers at Worldwide House. Plus the rate they offer is better.


  3. #13

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    Last time I tried WU charged HK$12 for every HK$10,000, and their rates were marginally less good than I could get by inter-bank wire transfer. But it was a while ago, so it could all have changed.


  4. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by PDLM:
    Last time I tried WU charged HK$12 for every HK$10,000, and their rates were marginally less good than I could get by inter-bank wire transfer. But it was a while ago, so it could all have changed.
    Minimum charge of HK$28 up to HK$10,000. Not sure above that.

  5. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by PDLM:
    but is it really worth much of your time to save 400 pesos?
    No - probably not! Thanks.

  6. #16

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    Western Union is pretty awful for their charges and expenses.

    I remember watching part of the Senate Enquiry on the ZTE scandal when a consultant was paid his very large (US$100k+) fee in Shenzhen and making the declaration had "escaped his mind".


  7. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by fth:
    Western Union is pretty awful for their charges and expenses.
    Why? I think HK$28 is reasonable.

  8. #18

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    Western Union's fees in Hong Kong are very low, not least because the market is so competitive. But it's very market specific - in other places they are indeed very expensive.


  9. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by hullexile:
    Why? I think HK$28 is reasonable.
    Also look at the exchange rates they impose. I had to send a wire to my brother in Latin America once (admittedly from the UK). All-in after fees and an exchange rate spread you could drive a US army convoy through, they scalped me for about 7.5%-10%.

  10. #20

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    Western Union is a bit expensive with their spread. Not sure which ones the helpers use, but there are dozens of local companies / banks that do money transfers / exchange out of Worldwide house.