You may not read about it in your travel book guide, but there is something you definitely need to know before coming to El Nido: there is no ATM machine in town! If you’re already here and you didn’t know it, the surprise might have a bitter taste…

Knowing that you’re not alone may not confort you, but it’s the sad truth. Everyday, tourists arrive in town not knowing that it’s impossible to withdraw money in El Nido. Even tough the place is very touristic, and even tough it has been evoked many times in past few years, as of now, there is no easy way to get cash in town.

No easy way, yes. But it doesn’t mean it’s totally impossible. This article is there to give you tips, whether you’re planning your trip to El Nido or if you already arrived. You will not be forced to pay everything with your credit card. Sure, it can be a solution, but it gives you very little choice of where to stay or where to eat, because very few places in town accept credit cards.

So, where can you withdraw money in El Nido? Or, should I say, how can you get cash, since withdrawing from an ATM is not an option?

Be far-sighted and withdraw in Puerto Princesa

Ok, this one will apply to those who are not yet in El Nido… Or if you’re willing to take a 5 to 7 hours ride to Puerto Princesa, depending if you choose the van or a bus. The fact is, Puerto Princesa is the nearest place where you’ll be able to withdraw money (forget about Tay Tay and Roxas).

Bay walk, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Below, I will give you a few tips about withdrawing money in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (and withdrawing money in Philippines in general).

Exchange rate and ATM fees

As in other countries, when you withdraw from a filipino ATM with a foreign credit or debit card, you’ll have a fixed fee of 200 pesos, which is about 4-5$. Add to this the possible fees of your bank, and the exchange rate it will apply. Most of the time, it is not in your favor and a bit under the official exchange rate.

All ATM are not equals

A lot of ATMs in the Philippines only accept national credit or debit cards. There is even one of them in El Nido, next to the First Consolidated Bank. Basically, these kind of ATM will be useless for you.

What you need to look for is an ATM displaying the logo of your card: Visa, MasterCard, etc. Don’t worry, you will find them easily. Here are a few examples of filipino banks accepting foreign cards: DBO, Philippines National Bank (PNB), Philippines Business Bank.

The P10 000 limit and the one exception to the rule

In the Philippines, most ATMs will limit the amount you can withdraw to 10 000 filipino pesos. So if you want to withdraw, let’s say, P30 000, you’ll have to pay three times the P200 fee.

Nonetheless, there is ONE bank in Puerto Princesa (to my knowledge at least) which will allow to withdraw up to 30 000 pesos: the Philippines Business Bank. It is located on Rizal Avenue, next to the Chowking restaurant facing Jolibee.

You bank limitations on the withdrawals made abroad

Another thing you need to know, is of the potential limitations your bank may put on your withdrawal when you’re abroad. This is another bad surprise for some travelers who can only withdraw 250€ per week.

It may or may not concern you. But the safest way to know is before you start traveling in the Philippines. Especially if you’re traveling alone and that nobody’s there to lend you some money. Trust me, this is not an experience you want to live while traveling in Asia (or anywhere else for instance)!

Where to withdraw money in El Nido town?

So, if you’re already in El Nido, you don’t care about being far-sighted because this is already too late. Calm down, take a deep breath and try to relax. There is a few solutions you can try.

El Nido Petro Gas Station, next to the Pier

The first place where you might be able to make a “sort of” withdrawal, is the Petron Gas Station, which is located next to the port. The people there will allow you to “withdraw” a maximum of 5000 pesos per week per person.

Basically, they will charge you 5000 pesos + a fixed pourcentage of 8%, run your bank card in their payment terminal for that amount, and then give you the 5000 pesos in cash.

The problem is that you’re not alone to have this problem in El Nido and that the gas station has a daily quota. So you’d better arrive early if you want to have a chance to get some money there. If you come at the end of the day, they will tell you they don’t have cash anymore and that you can try coming back the next day.

The second place where you might have a chance to get some cash in the same way is El Nido Sand Inn which is located in front of the Art Cafe. They may or may not allow that when you’ll be reading this article, but it’s worth taking your chance.

Finally, note that the Art Cafe used to allow such withdrawal but it’s not the case anymore. In the end, you can also try to get some cash in that manner in your hotel. At least, you can ask them if they’re willing to.

The best solution: Western Union

In the end, the best solution in El Nido to withdraw some cash is to use Western Union. Fees related to the service are pretty low and you can do all the transfer online, thanks to their website.

Only things you will need to withdraw money in El Nido with Western Union is your valid ID (passport, etc.), your credit or debit card and an Internet connexion. If you’re having trouble finding good wifi in El Nido, you can read this article:  Where to find good wifi in El Nido?

Once on the Western Union website, send money to the Philippines, in your name. You don’t have to give a town or an exact address.

First Consolidated Bank in El Nido town

Then, head to the First Consolidated Bank of El Nido. If you don’t know where it is, just ask to the locals or take a tricycle. While entering the bank, tell to the guard that you’re here for a Western Union withdrawal and he’ll point you the appropriate counter.

Don’t use the other Western Union office located in front of the church, unless the transfer you made is of 5000P maximum. They won’t proceed higher sums.

Booking your activities online thanks to Paypal and El Nido Paradise

Last, there is another solution that may interest you if you’re low on cash and want to book all the nice and fun activities you can find in El Nido. You will find on this website an online booking for island hopping tours, inland cultural tours, etc.

We use only Paypal, that is the safest way to pay online, to proceed our online bookings. We’ll be happy to count you as a guest and make everything to give you the best experience while touring in El Nido:

=> Click here to book your El Nido activities online

We also have a booking office located just in front of Altrove pizzeria. Don’t hesitate to just come bye and say hello if this article has been of some help to you. 🙂

Conclusion

Withdrawing cash in El Nido is difficult, because of the absence of international ATM. But I hope that with my advices, you’ll get through this difficulty and, upon all, that you’ll have the best stay in El Nido!