Money in the Philippines for US travelers
Every fact links to its source. Schedules, fees and prices change, so confirm with the linked operator or official site before you book. Last checked: Oct 17, 2026.
The short answer
- Bring a no-foreign-fee debit card and credit card, withdraw pesos from bank ATMs, and carry cash for small shops, taxis and islands. State Dept
Pesos and ATMs
- The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP or ₱). Wikipedia: Philippine peso · Reference rates: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
- ATMs are in most banks and most accept US debit cards. Fees can exceed $5 per transaction and limits can be low. State Dept
- Card skimmers have been found on ATMs; use machines inside banks or malls where you can. State Dept
- Your US bank may add its own foreign-transaction and ATM fees; check before you go, and tell it you are traveling.
- Withdraw enough before heading to small islands, where ATMs can be scarce or out of cash.
Cards and cash
- Many larger establishments, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards; smaller ones and taxis usually take cash only. State Dept
- If a card terminal offers to charge you in US dollars, choosing pesos usually avoids a poor conversion rate.
- Declaring cash: amounts over PHP 50,000 must be declared to the central bank, and over US$10,000 (or equivalent) to customs, when entering or leaving. State Dept
GCash for tourists (GTourist)
- GCash is the country's widely used mobile wallet. Its GTourist option lets visitors from listed countries, including the United States, sign up with a foreign mobile number. GCash: GTourist
- You must be 18+, link a Visa or Mastercard in your name (passport for full verification), and turn on location: the account only activates in the Philippines and is valid for 30 days. Use up any balance before you leave. GCash: GTourist
- Fees, limits and features can change; check the GCash Help Center before relying on it.
FAQ
- What currency does the Philippines use?
The Philippine peso (PHP). State Dept - Do ATMs in the Philippines take US debit cards?
Most do, but fees can exceed $5 per transaction and withdrawal limits can be low, so you may need several withdrawals. State Dept - Can I use credit cards?
Many larger hotels and restaurants accept them; smaller shops and taxis usually want cash. Confirm before ordering. State Dept - Can tourists use GCash?
Yes, through GCash's GTourist option for foreign numbers, including the US: sign up with your US number, link a Visa or Mastercard, and it activates only in the Philippines for 30 days. GCash Help Center
