3 Best Travel Cards for Philippines (2024)

Getting an international travel card before you travel to Philippines can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in Philippine Peso. You'll be able to easily top up your card in SGD before you leave Singapore, to convert seamlessly to PHP for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of 3 of the best travel cards available for anyone from Singapore heading to Philippines, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in Philippines. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in SGD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to Philippines or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in PHP, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash. You can’t make local Singapore ATM withdrawals with a Wise card, although you can use your card to spend locally.

Go to WiseRead a full Wise review

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
• Spend seamlessly in PHP when you travel
• Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
• Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
• Manage your account and card from your phone

• 8.5 SGD delivery fee for your first card
• ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
• Physical cards may take 3 days to arrive (you can use your virtual card right away)

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in Philippines, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

You can’t make local Singapore ATM withdrawals with a Revolut card, although you can use your card to spend locally.

Go to Revolut

• Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
• Hold and exchange 30+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
• Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
• All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
• Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access

• You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
• Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
• Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
• Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

BigPay is a super popular app and card in Singapore, which you can use for spending in Philippines and globally.

You’ll be able to hold a balance in SGD and spend or make withdrawals in PHP, keeping track of everything in your app for convenience. There’s a low foreign transaction fee of 1% or less when you spend internationally, which can mean you save compared to using a bank card. Plus as your BigPay card isn’t connected to your bank account, it’s secure, no matter where in the world you are.

Bear in mind that you can’t make ATM withdrawals in Singapore with a Singapore issued BigPay card.

Go to BigPay

• Very popular local app and card, with a large user base
• Earn AirAsia points as you spend
• Get extras like ways to pay bills and send money to others
• Ways to budget and plan your money conveniently
• Manage your account from the app wherever you are

• No foreign currency balance option
• 10 SGD card order fee
• Up to 2% ATM fee
• Up to 1% foreign transaction fee

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your Singapore dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to Philippines or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to Philippines. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

• Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
• Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
• You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
• Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday SGD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for Philippines

We've picked out 3 great travel cards available in Singapore - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for Philippines include:

• What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
• What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
• Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in PHP can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
• Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for Philippines

The best travel debit card for Philippines really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in PHP.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for Philippines. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

When you’re planning your trip to Philippines, bear in mind that cash is still a primary payment method, and many merchants and public service providers won’t accept a card. You’ll want a travel card which allows low cost cash withdrawals so you’ve always got some PHP in your pocket - and you can also keep hold of your card as a convenient back up in case of emergency too. Choose a card with no ongoing fees and no inactivity costs, so you can use it for your next trip abroad to get the most possible use out of it.

Ways to pay in Philippines

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In Philippines cash is a very popular payment method. While you may find cards are accepted in major hotels and chain stores or very busy tourist areas, many merchants prefer cash. Make sure you’ve always got some PHP in cash in your wallet by making ATM withdrawals with your travel card whenever you need to.

Which countries use PHP?

You’ll find that PHP can only be used in Philippines. If you don’t travel to Philippines frequently it’s worth thinking carefully about how much to exchange so you’re not left with extra foreign currency after your trip. Or pick a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut which lets you leave your money in SGD and convert at the point of payment with no penalty.

What should you be aware of when travelling to Philippines

You’re sure to have a great time in Philippines - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to Philippines before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Cash is a widespread payment method - so you’ll need some PHP in your pocket when you travel to Philippines. You can sort out your travel money by visiting an exchange office here in Singapore, or you can wait until you arrive and make an ATM withdrawal in PHP at the airport when you land. Bear in mind that currency exchange at exchange offices at the airport, either in Singapore or in Philippines can be expensive - so if you’re carrying SGD in cash and need to exchange it, head into a town centre to do so.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave Singapore so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for Philippines

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to Philippines will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

How does a Philippine Peso card work?

Getting a Philippine Peso card can make managing your money easier when you travel to Philippines.

Your Philippine Peso card will be linked to a digital account you can manage from your phone, so you'll always be able to see your balance, get transaction notifications and manage your card no matter where you are. Just add money to your account in pounds, and - depending on your preferences and the specific card you pick - you can either convert your balance to Philippine Peso instantly, or just let the card do the conversion when you spend or make a withdrawal.

If your card gives you the option to hold a Philippine Peso balance, there's not normally any extra fee to spend the Philippine Peso you have in your account when you're in Philippines.

Can I withdraw Philippine Peso currency with my card in Philippines?

With some cards, you'll be able to add money to your card in Singapore dollar, and then convert to Philippine Peso instantly online or in your card's app.

Once you have a balance in Philippine Peso you can spend with your card with no extra fees - just tap and pay as you would at home. You'll also be able to make cash withdrawals whenever you need to, with no extra conversion fee to pay. Your card - or the ATM operator - may charge a withdrawal fee, but this can still be a cheap, secure and convenient option for getting cash when you need it.

With other cards, you can't hold a balance in Philippine Peso on your card - but you can leave your money in Singapore dollar and let the card convert your money for you when you spend and withdraw.

Some fees may apply here - including currency conversion or foreign transaction charges - so do compare a few different cards before you sign up, to make sure you're picking the one which best suits your specific spending needs.

Bear in mind though, that not all cards support all currencies - and the range of currencies available with any given card can change from time to time. If your card doesn't let you hold a balance in Philippine Peso you might find that fees apply when you spend in Philippines, so it's well worth double checking your card's terms and conditions - and comparing the options available from other providers - before you travel, just in case.

Why should I get a Philippine Peso card?

Getting a Philippine Peso card means you can spend like a local when you're in Philippines. You'll be able to check your Philippine Peso balance at a glance, add and convert money on the move, and use your card for secure spending and withdrawals whenever you need to. Best of all, Philippine Peso cards from popular providers often offer good exchange rates and low, transparent fees, which can mean your money goes further when you're on a trip abroad.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their SGD / PHP rate to calculate how much Philippine Peso you would receive when exchanging / spending S$5,000 SGD. The card provider offering the most PHP is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 09:36:26 GMT on 25 May 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

Send SGD/AED

Send SGD/EUR

Send SGD/EUR

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