Bank Accounts in Manila

[ycombinator]

What's required for a foreigner to open a bank account in Manila - can tourists do it? How about foreign companies?

[Dabs]

You will need an ACR or Alien Certificate of Registration which you can get from Immigration authorities.

[Cloud27]

Some say that if your status in ACR is a visitor or a tourist you will be denied to apply for a bank account. But I read some article that he got his bank account in BDO even though he is a tourist. He just talked to the bank manager and sign some form. He said he chooses that bank because of the slogan "We Can Make It Happen".

[Dabs]

All ACR are visitor or tourists.

[kopipe]

I've lived in Philippines going on 4 years.

When I opened my account, only ACR was needed, as stated. My visa status has since changed, however, to be easier for my long term stay and perhaps permanent stay and naturalization, but I haven't decided about that yet.

It very much depends on the bank though. One tip: don't bother with BPI. They don't want foreign account holders and have tons of requirements, including a letter of recommendation from your previous bank...when I heard this requirement I just left because it was one out of ten for foreign account holders.

Security Bank, BPO and Metrobank are much more likely to accept you, besides being better banks in general.