Philippine Currency

Q: What is the currency in Manila?

The currency in Manila is the Philippine peso. Each peso is divided into 100 sentimos. When you’re in the Philippines you’ll see the symbol ₱ written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code PHP used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I use dollars in the Philippines?

US dollars are sometimes accepted as an alternative form of payment in the Philippines, and work well as emergency cash. Your best bet when travelling to the Philippines is paying in the official Philippine currency: the peso. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

Find out what currency is used in the Philippines, tips and tricks for Philippine currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Philippine peso card.

Learn about the Philippine peso card

What is the currency in the Philippines?

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso. Each peso is divided into 100 sentimos.

When you’re buying currency for the Philippines, look out for the currency code PHP. And once you’re in the Philippines, you’ll see the symbol ₱ used to show prices.

You’ll find Philippine banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 - although the 5 and 10 PHP notes are seldom used. There are also 1, 5 and 10 peso coins.

Sentimos come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25.

Use the Wise Philippine peso card to spend in Philippine currency.

The Wise Philippine peso travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to peso to spend when you’re in the Philippines. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Philippine peso - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Philippine peso card

Tips for exchanging currency in the Philippines.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, peso - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Philippine peso, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in the Philippines.

Paying by credit or debit card in the Philippines

Cards can be used in bigger cities and in major tourist resorts in the Philippines - but carrying cash as an alternative and for smaller purchases is a good plan.

ATMs in the Philippines

It's surprisingly tricky to find a functioning ATM outside of the major cities in the Philippines - you may even struggle on popular tourist islands. Stock up on local cash when you're in the cities to make sure you don't run out as you travel.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in the Philippines, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.