How much pocket money did you bring?

[timcass_12 5]

Hello -

We know that our spouses/fiances will take care of us as soon as we get to the US... However, I think it's best for us to bring some money for emergency purposes e.g delayed flights, need to make phone call, or any other unforseen circumstances, etc. and having said this I just want to ask you guys, how much pocket money do you think we should bring?

My husband told me that 30 - 50 usd is enough but I told him that I would want to bring with me at least 100 - 200 usd just to be on the safe side. I also checked with Jazz (docjazzie) and she told me that she brought 500 usd with her. One good tip I got from her is that we should bring USD in smaller denominations

Your inputs on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

timcass_12

[amerasianlove 0]

30 usd is enough, u will not really spend at all, even your food is provided by the airlines,

Well it wont hurt if you will bring some extra bucks.

[Mike_Zandy 0]

30 usd is enough, u will not really spend at all, even your food is provided by the airlines,

Well it wont hurt if you will bring some extra bucks.

on my way back home from the Phils.. the only thing I purchased was a bottle of tea at the airport in Manila.. that was just a few pesos.. Food on the plane all the way to the US.. so I doubt you will need to buy any.. but it's good to have spending money just in case

[Passing.star 0]

During my flight I had 70 US dollar just in case the plane will be delayed or I need to call him because of some problems. You don't really need to spend something during your flight because all the food is provided on board. So don't really worry about pocket money its not a big problem.

[jom 4]

My Mom and sister gave me "pabaon" and my savings converted to dollars and I brought with me everything.I knew Joe would support me but I guess having worked since I graduated college until I arrived here, Ive always wanted to have my own money. The cash is still with me hidden, hehehe,Joe found the perfect hiding place in the house and I didn't spend one one single dollar during my flight coming here. I believe 50 to 100 is enough for emergencies like phone calls.

[RonMay 1]

my husband sent me $200... i wanted to keep it as much as possible but i forgot to bring more pesos to pay my tax at the airport and i asked if they accept dollars and the kind lady say they would... so i paid extra $15 to them, got connecting flight in HK and i didnt buy any thing there (was too busy catching my next flight) and by the time i arrived in my POE i got a 2 hrs at least lay over so i bought 2 $5 phone cards from a filipina in the coffee shop to call my aunt in chicago and my husband that i have landed already and that the flight going to denver is on time lol... oh, plus i bought a coffee from her too which cost $3 at least, more or less... so from my $200 i spent all in all $28 or lets say $30... i gave whats left in my pocket but he said to keep it and spend it for my clothes when we go shopping. lol

so at least keeping a 50-100 on the safe side is enough. just for emergency... good luck!!!

to edit: yep bring smaller bills coz its easier to make a change that way... ive got a bunch of 10's and 5's with me...

Edited April 2, 2008 by RonMay

[ilovecookies 0]

i had some money with me but didn't spend any of it!

[Saffyre 0]

I think it depends what you think you will need.

I am currently saving every penny I have to make sure I can afford things such as a car etc when I arrive., I know my SO would buy it for me but I hate being dependant. My aim is to have as close to $10,000 as possible when I finally enter on my visa. I figure this will be enough to put aside for excesses on medical isurances, buying a car, insuring a car, and contributing to the household until I have a job.

Again, my SO would happily support me, but I do not like being dependant.

I think a lot of this comes down to personal choice, and what you are able to do.

[RonMay 1]

I think it depends what you think you will need.

I am currently saving every penny I have to make sure I can afford things such as a car etc when I arrive., I know my SO would buy it for me but I hate being dependant. My aim is to have as close to $10,000 as possible when I finally enter on my visa. I figure this will be enough to put aside for excesses on medical isurances, buying a car, insuring a car, and contributing to the household until I have a job.

Again, my SO would happily support me, but I do not like being dependant.

I think a lot of this comes down to personal choice, and what you are able to do.

although she's referring about the expenses in the airport... true you can bring all your savings (good idea)

but as for the airport alone, it wouldnt be that much.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Not really my area to know the stops but for me last trip i thought i didnt need much either, first delayed flight for connection, choices spend the night in NYC or hurry to go to another airport to make another connection. OK first trip i had spend an unexpected night, new to NYC cab fare, hotel overrrrrr way over 100. something to stay close to area, food etc. Second trip with this delay now extra 30 for taxi, 50 for overweight bag now. So have some money or a money bank card or a credit card for the just (in cases)

[RonMay 1]

Not really my area to know the stops but for me last trip i thought i didnt need much either, first delayed flight for connection, choices spend the night in NYC or hurry to go to another airport to make another connection. OK first trip i had spend an unexpected night, new to NYC cab fare, hotel overrrrrr way over 100. something to stay close to area, food etc. Second trip with this delay now extra 30 for taxi, 50 for overweight bag now. So have some money or a money bank card or a credit card for the just (in cases)

true... you may have a smaller amount yet a debit/credit card will help also... i did have a debit card before...

nevertheless you should be fine (i really hope so). it's gona be a smooth ride on ya

Edited April 2, 2008 by RonMay

[mikeandlani 0]

i had 200 plus some loose change in my wallet for the trip. bought some Royce chocolates at the Nagoya airport to bring home to my in laws as well as for my and hubby's consumption on the plane ride. those chocolate potato chips are great! YUM! anyone flying in to DCA on board NW? you think you can buy some royce chocs for me? LOL

brought all my dollar currencies with me too, no sense in leaving them in the PI.

[ChrisB0707 4]

500.00 US dollars is way to much. I would bring 100.00 orless. You will have lots of food to eat on the plane and can ask for drinks anytime you want. Everytime I have been to the Philippines the most I have spent is maybe 20.00 or less each way. Just need money for drink and food if you have a long wait between flights. You have to think if you have 500.00 US dollars then that something you have to think about when you are trying to sleep or maybe lose it someplace. I will agree to make sure you have smaller bills and not 50 or 100 bills. try to have 5 or 10 or even 20 dollar bills. No need to bring Philippine pesos because most other countries take US dollars and give US dollars back.

Edited April 3, 2008 by ChrisB0707

[warwick8 0]

i know $500 was way too much but my parents handed the money to me when I was in the car headed for the airport it's a little money to help us start our new life together...and I think they just wanna make sure i have enough cash in case I got stranded or something. Which I actually did cuz my connecting flight got canceled due to bad weather but i didnt spend any of the money cuz Northwest gave out vouchers for food and drinks

[timcass_12 5]

Thanks all for the replies I'll bring at most 50 bucks with me then and of course I'll break them into smaller bills

It's good to know that I'll be well fed... not that I eat that much but I probably won't be able to eat at all because of the excitement to see my husband again