Money & Payments in Siargao (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Withdraw large amounts at once to avoid multiple ATM fees.
Exchange foreign currency before arriving in Siargao for better rates.
Withdraw enough cash in Manila or Cebu before flying to Siargao, as ATMs can run out during peak season.
Carry small bills and coins, as many small vendors and drivers may not have change for large notes.
Carry extra emergency cash, as not all businesses accept card payments, and ATMs may not always be reliable.
Avoid standalone ATMs or machines outside main commercial areas, as they may have higher fees or offer unfavorable exchange rates (often called Dynamic Currency Conversion).

Tipping Norms

General Culture: Since tipping isn't the Philippines' cultural norms, it's important that you take this into consideration when it comes to tipping etiquette. Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and generosity. Showing appreciation for good service is often expressed verbally rather than with monetary tips.
Tipping Delivery Method: The best thing to do is hand your tip directly to the service provider, doing so discreetly and verbalising your thanks at the same time.

Hotels

Guidance: You can give around ₱20 to bellhops, ₱20-50 per day to housekeepers (ensure to place it in an envelope for them), and ₱50 or more to the concierge if they provide exceptional service.

Restaurants

Guidance: If a Service Charge (usually 10%) is already included, an additional tip is optional but welcomed. If a service charge is not included, it is customary to leave a tip ranging from 5% to 10% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service.
Cash Preference: The best way of tipping in the Philippines is using cash, as this ensures it goes directly to the intended recipient.

Tours And Activities

Boat Tours: ₱100
General Guides: ₱100

Card Acceptance

Debit Cards

Details: ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard are available in General Luna and Dapa.
Acceptance Level: ATM-only for most

Credit Cards

Details: Credit card acceptance is very limited, mostly in high-end resorts and restaurants. Most restaurants and tourist spots do not accept credit cards.
Acceptance Level: Limited

Digital Wallets

Details: Some businesses accept GCash and Maya, two popular e-wallets in the Philippines. GCash and Maya are widely accepted in Siargao, but both require a Philippine mobile number and national ID to register; foreigners generally cannot open their own account due to local regulations.
Acceptance Level: Growing but patchy

ATM Fees And Logistics

Details: Most ATMs charge a withdrawal fee of ₱250 per transaction. Withdrawal limits are typically PHP 5,000–10,000 per transaction, with foreign card fees of PHP 150–250 per transaction plus any fees your home bank adds.
ATM Locations: ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard are available in General Luna and Dapa. Del Carmen has very limited ATM access; withdraw cash before arriving there.
Foreign Card Fees: ₱250
Reliability Warning: It is common for many machines to be offline or out of cash, especially during peak season.

Banking

Overview: Siargao has growing banking infrastructure with account-opening services available. BPI launched an agency banking service at Prince Hypermart Siargao (Dapa) in 2025, offering account opening and financial products. Additional banking options include BDO Network Bank branch (Del Carmen), and formerly Green Bank. Most visitors use ATMs or digital banking. Full-service bank branches are limited.
ATM Availability: Limited ATM coverage; primarily at major commercial establishments
Digital Alternatives: Digital/mobile banking available through BPI, UnionBank, and fintech providers (Narvi); many nomads use Wise or similar for multi-currency accounts

Account Opening

Process: Must open account in person. Foreigners need Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card (requires visa extension of 2+ months), valid passport, proof of local address, and initial deposit. Minimum deposit approximately ₱3,000 (₱100–₱10,000 depending on bank and account type).
Timeline: Usually same day for local/resident accounts
Requirements Summary: ACR I-Card, passport, proof of address, initial deposit, TIN or SSS number, customer information form

Banks And Services

BPI (Bank of Philippine Islands)
Location
Dapa
Services
Account opening, cash deposits/withdrawals, financial product applications, QR Ph cash-out, bank-to-bank transfers
Service Type
Agency Banking at Prince Hypermart Siargao
Accessibility
Embedded in hypermart for community accessibility
BDO Network Bank
Location
Del Carmen
Services
Standard banking services, ATM
Service Type
Branch/ATM
Green Bank (Rural Bank)
Location
Dapa (historical; check current status)
Services
Savings, mobile banking, money transfer for remittances; minimum ₱100 to open account
Service Type
Microfinance-focused branch

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Siargao

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Siargao