US$ Travellers cheques - US$ Travelers checks can be changed at most banks in Manila although you may have to go to their Head Office branches for even small amounts of traveler checks - say more than US$500.  There is a per traveler check charge so changing one large traveler check can be cheaper than two small ones.  Major hotels will also change US$ Travelers Checks if you are staying with them.  Major Super Store Malls will also change US$ Travelers checks. Remember, you will need to produce your passport when you change Travelers Checks.

Non-US$ Travelers Cheques.

Traveler cheques, not in US$ can be difficult to change.  Major international hotel chains may change non US$ traveler cheques if you are staying with them or the best bank for sterling pounds traveler cheques is the Standard Chartered bank in Makati. The China bank in UN Avenue, Ermita will change sterling travelers cheques up to 200 pounds per day.

US$ Cash -
is the easiest money form to change in Manila or the rest of the Philippines. US$ cash can be changed to Pesos at almost any bank, hotel, major shopping mall or money changer.  Most retailers including restaurants and taxi drivers will accept us dollars cash although this is officially not permitted.  It is always best to avoid spending US$ cash at retail places as not only is it officially not permitted but the rate you get will be poor and change might be difficult

Do not change money with a street changer.  You will be cheated at best or robbed at worst.

Cash - Other hard currencies.

Other hard currencies such as Yen, German marks and sterling pounds can also be changed at almost any bank, hotel, major shopping mall or money changer although you may experience a little more trouble that US$.

Credit Cards -

Credit cards that are permitted to be used internationally are one of the best ways to carry money and obtain money in Manila and the rest of the philippines.  There is a very extensive network of cash ATM machines in the Philippines and nearly all of these will give you a cash advance up to your personal limit. The equitable bank is the processor for Visa in the Philippines and will give over the counter cash advances up to your personal limit. Remember to take your passport with you.  If you have any problems, then the Main Branch of the Equitable Bank in UN Avenue in Ermita is probably the best place to go for help.

Check with your bank before leaving home that your credit card is encoded for international usage and also what your daily and overall credit card limits are.