money matters in remote areas

I'm planning to take cash. If credit cards and travellers checks are not an option, what else is there? If it gets stolen, well then it's gone, so don't let it get stolen.

And as far as I know, it's always better to exchange money in the country where you'll be using it. Buy Thai baht in Thailand , Australian dollars in Australia, Euros in Europe, etc.

The resorts in El Nido (Miniloc and Lagen) accept credit cards. I'm not familiar with other resorts in El Nido.

Since you will be flying out from Manila to El Nido (19-seater plane), I suggest you change your US$ in banks like Banco De Oro (which offers very good rates) or in SM Mall (Dept Store). You will need the cash for food, drinks, tips and other expenses outside the resorts. US$1000 is too much. At PhP1,000 a day budget (excluding hotel; which is too much already), that's only PhP 21,000 for 21 days or roughly US$500.

Hope this helps.

You can cash Travellers cheques in El Nido. There is a store which handles many currencies, they even changed Taiwan dollars for me.

WeiLong in El Nido

I have never used dollars in the Philippines. There is no need to bring them. In remote areas especially, pesos are the way to go. Even in Boracay where there are ATMs and money changers, many small establishments don't like being given foreign currency.

When travelling solo, I've always left money, passport etc with the hotel reception for safe keeping, they will give you a receipt after checking contents. Have never had a problem to date. I usually change money in Ermita, better rate in Manila than elsewhere, then travel with peso in the remoter areas. But always travel with a credit /debit card, for emergencies. In the unlikely event that you lost your money, you can always get to a city with ATMs.

Why are you staying in El Nido for three weeks? It's a great place, but with three weeks I'd also be visiting Sabang, Port Barton, Coron.

Resorts that take credit cards: Lagen, Miniloc, and Dolarog. Other establishments that take credit cards: The Alternative Center and El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe. The Art Cafe exchanges foreign currecies, cash traveller's cheques, and offers cash advances via credit card. You can also receive money through Western Union. About keeping large amounts of money on you, you can pay for your lodging upfront to unload the bulk of your cash.

As above mentioned, change in the country, if you fear to get ur money stolen use traveller's check's. Otherwise ask ur Hotel if they have a safebox, or if u are living in a cheap room, ask the Art Cafe where u also can get cash advance on Credit card, but it will cost u like 10 % in commision. 1000 $ is what I would say is ok for 3 weeks, consider you want to do snorkeling trip etc.
Have a nice vacation :-) ..., if El Nido get's too boring, consider going to Roxas and the Island Cocoloco for a few days. Very good snorkeling and you can pay w credit card, stay including food about 2000 pesos a day.

Have just returned from El nido, prior to going was advised the same thing - that it was best to take enough money. This proved not to be the case as mentioned above # 2 and #6 there are a number of resorts that take credit cards, and the art cafe will accept credit card for flights e.t.c. you can also get an advance on it, so i would suggest to bring a combination of cash and credit card.

enjoy your time there is fantastic

G