Travelling to the Philippines and want to take your Australian credit card with you?
You can use an Australian credit card in the Philippines, although there are costs to be aware of. Scroll down for more information.
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Highlights
- Enjoy 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
- Benefit from up to 55 interest-free days.
- Offer exclusively for new customers within a specified period. Additional charges, along with terms and conditions, apply.
Pros
Cons
Highlights
- Annual fee waived.
- 0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases and transferred balances (with a 3% balance transfer fee). Returns to 18.99% p.a. thereafter.
- Offer valid for new customers within a specified timeframe. Additional fees and terms and conditions apply.
Pros
Cons
Thinking of hitting the shops?
Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in the Philippines
Be aware of these fees when using your Australian credit card to buy from a store in the Philippines.
- Currency conversion fee. Your credit card may charge a fee of around 3% per transaction. If you spent $300, you would be charged around $9 in fees.
- Merchant’s currency conversion fee. This fee is charged if you opt to pay in Australian dollars. This requires a dynamic currency conversion and is usually more expensive than paying in Australian dollars.
Need to pay with cash?
Using a credit card to get cash in the Philippines
ATMs are widely available throughout the Philippines. However, using an Australian credit card to withdraw cash can be expensive. These are the fees to expect when withdrawing cash from an Australian credit card in the Philippines.
- Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge this one-off fee to withdraw cash (Philippine pesos) from an ATM using your Australian credit card.
- Cash advance fee. This is a one-off fee charged by your credit card issuer. It is typically 2-4% of the amount withdrawn.
- Cash advance rate. Your credit card issuer will charge interest at the cash advance rate from the day of the transaction. There is generally no interest-free period.
Want more help?
FAQs
Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to the Philippines?
Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.
Is it safe to use a credit card in the Philippines?
Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in the Philippines. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.
What credit cards are accepted in the Philippines?
Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa can are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.
Is it better to pay in Philippine pesos or Australian dollars in the Philippines?
It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Philippine pesos or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Philippine pesos.
Do contactless credit card payments work in the Philippines?
Yes. You can use contactless cards to pay wherever contactless payments are accepted.
Can you earn points on what you spend with a credit card in the Philippines?
Yes. Depending on your card, you may even earn reward points at a higher rate per dollar spent while in the Philippines.
What do I do if I lose my credit card in the Philippines?
If you lose your credit card, call your bank and report it as lost. They can issue a replacement card and deliver it to your address in the Philippines.
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