When visiting Boracay, it’s essential to be prepared with the local currency, the Philippine Peso (PhP). Available denominations include 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 pesos. Due to the occasional unreliability of ATMs on the island, which may run out of funds or go offline, carrying sufficient cash is advisable. ATMs that do operate are primarily located in tourist hotspot areas like White Beach and D’Mall, and along the main road. These machines typically dispense 1,000 PHP bills and accept international debit or bank cards, although there may be a charge if they are not affiliated with your bank.

For those needing to exchange foreign currency, it is best done at banks or authorized money changing shops to ensure competitive rates and security. Credit card users should note that while larger hotels and restaurants do accept major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, there is commonly a 5% surcharge applied to transactions. Travelers relying on traveler’s checks should be aware that they are subject to a lower exchange rate and can be best exchanged at specific banks like Allied Bank. Please note, personal checks are generally not accepted on the island.