Wondering about the common phrases used for exchanging money in Tagalog? The moment you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), your next task is to convert your money into local currency. There are two ways of getting Philippine Peso: ATM withdrawal or airport moneychangers. If you decide on using the services of the latter, then knowing some Filipino language can be very helpful for you. Let’s see more about it in this article!
The Philippine Peso (PHP), denoted by the symbol ‘₱,’ serves as the official currency in the Philippines. This currency features both coins and paper banknotes, each tailored for different types of transactions.
The coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 centavos (“cents,” as the natives call them). These smaller coins are not widely used like paper money but are needed for minor purchases. They are useful when you have to pay for something exactly only in cases of using public transport, buying from street vendors, or purchasing street food. In rural areas or for negligible amounts transacted by other people, it is common to use coins in centavos.
In the Philippines, paper money can be found in denominations of ₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500 and ₱1000. More expensive purchases, like those in huge shopping malls or high fees, are mostly made using larger notes such as five hundred peso bills and one thousand peso bills. Basically, they are not commonly used for small items bought daily, though they are essential when making significant purchases.
Intrigued? Let’s learn more below!
Easy Phrases For Exchanging Money In Tagalog
To have a stress-free money exchange experience in the Philippines, learning even a few basic Tagalog terms is priceless. These expressions give convenience and reveal respect to the Filipinos. The ones we’ll cover below can also be beneficial in different places, such as busy towns or remote country areas of residents, and can make your financial transactions easier.
Greetings And Basic Courtesies
In the Philippines, it would be appropriate for one to make greetings and courtesies when starting any conversation in Tagalog. Should you need some quick help, we have compiled a few words in the Tagalog language useful for your first encounters with the locals.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| Good day! | Magandang araw! |
| Thank you | Salamat po |
| Please | Pakiusap |
Inquiring About Exchange Rates
These phrases help you inquire about the current exchange rates, which is crucial for getting the best value.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| What is the exchange rate today? | Ano ang palitan ngayon? |
| How much is the exchange for [currency]? | Magkano ang palit para sa [currency]? |
| Can I know the exchange rate for [currency]? | Pwede ko bang malaman ang exchange rate ng [currency]? |
Making Transactions
Use these phrases when you’re ready to exchange money or need directions to a currency exchange.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| I would like to exchange some money. | Gusto ko sanang magpalit ng pera. |
| Where can I exchange money? | Saan ako pwedeng magpalit ng pera? |
| Is there a fee for exchanging money? | May bayad ba ang pagpapalit ng pera? |
Clarifying Amounts
Not sure about the rate? The phrases below will help ensure that the transaction amounts are correct and precise.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| Can you count it again, please? | Pwedeng pakibilang ulit? |
| Is this count correct? | Tama ba itong bilang? |
| How much [currency] is equivalent to one thousand? | Ilang [currency] ang katumbas ng isang libo? |
Negotiating
In some moneychangers in the Philippines, it’s acceptable to negotiate for a better exchange rate. The phrases we have below can be used for that purpose.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| Can I get a better rate? | Pwede bang makahingi ng mas magandang rate? |
| Is there a discount? | Mayroon bang discount? |
Confirming The Transaction
Use these phrases after being satisfied with the exchange to lock in the given rate.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| This is good, thank you. | Tama na po ito, salamat. |
| Here is the payment. | Ito na po ang bayad. |
Asking For Help Or Clarification
In case you are confused or need more explanation, feel free to use any of these phrases.
| English Phrase | Tagalog Phrase |
|---|---|
| I don’t understand. | Hindi ko po naiintindihan. |
| Can you explain? | Pwedeng pakipaliwanag? |
Exchanging Currency In The Philippines
There are several options in the Philippines where you can safely and conveniently change your money. In this guide, we will look at some of the most trusted places to exchange your cash for Peso WHILE guaranteeing you get value for your money.
Banks
- Banco de Oro (BDO): A major bank in the Philippines known for competitive exchange rates.
- Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI): Renowned for efficient services and favorable exchange rates.
- Metrobank: A top choice for currency exchange with excellent rates and reliable service.
Authorized Money Changers
- Czarina Foreign Exchange: This place offers competitive rates and has several branches in Metro Manila.
- Sanry’s Money Changer: This is the go-to place for locals and foreigners because of its high exchange rates.
- Tivoli Money Changer: Offers nice rates and is known as a dependable place, with many branches located at strategic points.
Malls
- SM Malls and Ayala Malls, among others, are also authorized money changers. You are able to do your shopping or even eat while doing other things as they provide facilities for changing currencies.
Airports
- Some of the best airports where one can find currency exchange counters immediately on arrival or just before departure are Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Remittance Centers
- Some remittance centers also offer currency exchange services. Centers like Western Union, Cebuana Lhuillier, Villarica Pawnshop, Palawan Pawnshop, and LBC can be found in many cities and towns.
Learn Tagalog With Ling
As we learned in this post, there are many reliable and accessible places where one can change money. So be vigilant, use your Tagalog, compare prices, and carry out safe transactions.
To make your experience even better, especially when it comes to languages and cultural aspects, you can download the Ling app. It is an interesting way of learning Tagalog and other languages through which you can enrich your travels in the Philippines, among other things. Give it a try right now!
