Sending money to the Philippines: a quick guide
Cash pickup in minutes or bank deposit within a day. What to bring, what it costs, and how to get the most pesos for your dollar.
Transfers to the Philippines are among the most common things we do at the counter, so here's the full version of how to do it well, written down the way we'd explain it in person.
Before you come in
- Bring a valid government photo ID (passport, driver's licence, or PR card).
- Know your recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their ID. A middle-name mismatch is the number one reason pickups get delayed.
- Decide on the payout: cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet. GCash and Maya are both supported through Ria.
Your payout options, honestly compared
- Cash pickup. Usually ready in minutes. Your recipient collects at any major network branch (Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, Palawan, and bank branches on the Ria network) with the reference number and their ID. Fastest, and the default for most families.
- Bank deposit. Typically lands within 24 hours, direct to BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank, and most major banks. Best for larger amounts, or when nobody can make the trip to a branch.
- Mobile wallet. Straight to GCash or Maya, usually within minutes. Good for smaller, frequent sends.
We'll compare the options with you at the counter. It's a two-minute conversation, and it usually means more pesos arrive on the other side.
What it costs
Two numbers matter, and we show you both before anything is sent:
- The transfer fee, which is flat and set by the destination and payout method.
- The exchange rate, which is this hour's board rate with no second margin hidden inside it.
That second point is where most services make their real money. When you compare providers, ask for the total pesos received, not just the fee. That's the only honest comparison.
Timing and limits
Cash pickups are usually collectable within minutes of you leaving the counter. Bank deposits typically land within one business day. Minimums vary by destination city, so call (613) 900-7191 with the destination and we'll confirm before you make the trip.
Ready to send? How transfers work at Pennii. Or just walk up to 1445 Woodroffe Ave with cash or debit.
