smithmm

_{An older thread with many helpful suggestions: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422989-western-union-money-transfer/page-5. I've been using remitly recently until I'm able to get Western Union satisfied to restart our service. I've also used remithome for many years for faster door-to-door service.}

I think it was mid August that the fees went back to $2.99 for online transfers. I've been having trouble with them getting cancelled with no explanation, so will be looking at services others have recommended. It was good while it lasted.

WU online transfers are still free. We're approaching the second anniversary of this ongoing promotion, well into the third quarter of the year.

^{WU online transfers are still free going into the second quarter, subject to the conditions described previously. It's been a tremendous savings so far!}

WU online transfers are still free (conditions as listed above). Wonder if they will last another quarter (18 months running)?

You can try again with the online western union as described in a previous post: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422989-western-union-money-transfer

What's worked for me (using public transport: jeepney, tricycle, bus, LRT) getting to the airport for a 6AM departure at NAIA, I leave about 7-8PM the evening beforehand (LRT closes at 10PM) & stay in the terminal (limited seating). My last departure, the evening of 1/21/14, the fellow left the CFO desk for the night ~11:15PM, so you had to be there by 11PM realistically. Hank accurately described the location of the CFO desk, fairly close to the seating area & the departure entrance wall, near the incoming bag X-ray lines. Good luck with your flight, especially if you weren't able to rebook!

WU online transfers are still free (US$, minor DST applies, based on amount), so not only all of 2013, but into the new year!

I have never had a problem changing money at a reputable place such as in malls, but if you attempt to use the street changers, they can be very picky not to mention will try to cheat you on exchange rate. Another way that I use is to do EFT (electronic fund transfer) Either open an account yourself, which can be done but you may have to go to some different banks before you find one that will open one for you,I use BDO, or transfer it to your wife or girlfriends account. Then transfer from US bank to PI bank. My bank charges a flat $15.00 fee in the US regardless of the amount transferred, and the Philippine bank has no charges at all. You can either transfer from US dollars to pesos, or set it up for US dollar to US dollar. Xoom charges the $4.99 rate plus they also get a small percentage of whatever you send bu not paying the full rate of exchange. I usually send larger amounts because we are building a house there, but it all depends on how much you send vs what your bank charges to send it, so for small amounts xoom may be cheaper, so you might want to look into it.

Bill & Ivy,

Another possibility is to try a service like Western Union. I first heard about the good service over 2 years ago & have saved a fortune in bank fees. Even if your US bank doesn't charge an outgoing wire fee, oftentimes the PI bank will assess an incoming one. We've been working on houses here too, so whatever you save in fees goes to cement, rebar, labor, etc. Today I did 2 transfers using WUpay & bank account to agent in US$ with no fees for either. So it's just a few weeks away to being an entire year without WU fees! Details about past users in link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/422989-western-union-money-transfer/page-4

I brought some of the fresh $100s for my visit & there was no trouble with my wife changing them last week. She had no comments, so I presume that they're widely accepted here.

WU online bank transfers are still free (US$ transfer to agent, minor documentary stamp tax required based on amount). Wonder if it lasts until year end?

Western Union is still free for 3 day transfer from bank (or 1-3 day using WUpay). I also did 2 transfers today. This seems to be the longest stretch they've had this free offer so far.

Western Union still has free bank transfers. Yes, I note that transfers >= $1000 require an ID reference. RemitHome has one free remittance until the end of August to celebrate their 10th anniversary in business.

WU bank transfers are still free. The following are upcoming holidays: Eid-ul-Fitr 8/9; Ninoy Aquino Day 8/21 & National Heroes Day 8/26.

WU bank transfers are still free. Please note that 6/24 is non working holiday (Foundation).

Another possibility is obtaining the visitor visa extension before departure from the nearest Philippine Consulate General office. More details & links are given http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/406716-visa-to-enter-philippians/ in post #13 & following. This is likely the more convenient & thrifty alternative worth doing, if time permits. A copy of the e-ticket/itinerary is needed when you send in the application. The return date (if R/T) is not important, as others have alluded to.

Bank transfers are still free for WU. If my records are right, the special last year ran until August, so this could go a while longer?

WU 3 day bank to agent (& a few other options) are still free. Banks closed for election 5/13.

Western Union's online bank transfers (3 day or bill pay) are still free. Last year they ran the special for several months. More details: Western Union free deals now Enjoy it while it lasts!

Yes, US$ can be sent (up to $2999.99 per day), as long as an agent can handle it (for pickup), or it's to a dollar account. The offer is for any number of transfers (already on my second this time around). There's lots more info at the previous thread Mr. Smiley began (formerly Kennard) that was valid 3/15, but has since vaporized: Money transfer experiences

Useful discussion about dual citizens, children & BI exit clearances: CRBA daughter flight prep.

If you have at least 2 weeks before departure, it can be done here. Details in post #5 of this topic: Extend stay in PI

It saves waiting in line & is likely cheaper, as long as you have the requirements. I've done it twice & it's far less time & hassle than taking precious time away from your visit. Good luck!

It's an old thread, but it worked for me. Let us know if it still works for you, please?

Track DHL embassy packages

You just need to know the approximate date NVC sent it (usually near case complete, or on the AVR).

To answer Juliet & Steve's question: You need to mail your US passport for the Consulate General to attach the visa on one of the pages. Please remember to point out the visa page to the immigration officer when you arrive at NAIA & upon departure so the correct page is stamped. Yes, the CG returns the visa in a timely manner (about a week in my 2 cases). My latest paystub was all I used. I've never been asked by BI officials to present an onward ticket. The notary just stamps the bottom of the visa extension application form, signs it & writes the date. You'll need ID, unless you personally know the notary. If you do stay for an extended period in the RP, remember to get an exit clearance from the BI a few weeks before departure (not necessary for short stays, but applicable for several months). I third G&V, it's hard to beat taking care of everything by mail (first class worked for me).

Last year my wife applied for a Canadian tourist visa ($75) as I'm 3 hours from the border. Had money in the bank, deeds to property, owned business, no college, 2 kids, offer from a friends's family for housing in Canada. The suspected reason for denial was she'd never traveled on her passport. So it's not easy even getting close to the US!

I don't mean to hijack, but CONGRATULATIONS HANK! on your approval at the interview today (didn't see another thread with this news).