Money & Currency
El Nido has limited ATMs that frequently run out of cash — bring extra PHP from Puerto Princesa. Here's the full guide to money in Palawan.
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
Palawan uses the Philippine Peso (PHP), approximately 56–58 PHP per USD in 2026. El Nido has very few ATMs that regularly run dry during peak season — withdraw sufficient cash in Puerto Princesa before heading north. Coron also has limited ATMs. Island hopping tours (PHP 1,200–2,000/day) are predominantly cash transactions. Credit cards work at larger El Nido resorts only.
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Transport & Payment
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
~56–58 PHP per USD
ATM warning
El Nido ATMs frequently empty
Island hopping
PHP 1,200–2,000 per tour/day
El Nido's ATM situation is one of the most important practical considerations for Palawan travel. There are only a handful of ATMs in town and they frequently run out of cash, especially during December–February peak season and on weekends. Plan to arrive with enough Philippine Peso to last your entire El Nido stay.
The closest reliable ATM supply is in Puerto Princesa. Withdraw generously there before taking the van north to El Nido (5–6 hours overland). ATMs in El Nido accept foreign cards but dispense limited amounts per transaction (typically PHP 10,000 maximum) and run dry fast.
Some El Nido accommodations accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) but add a 3–5% surcharge. Tour operators are largely cash-only. Always assume you need more cash than you think.
Palawan is one of the pricier Philippine destinations due to its remoteness and tourism demand. Budget travellers in basic guesthouses eating Filipino food can manage PHP 2,000–3,500 (USD 35–60) per day in El Nido — higher than Boracay due to tour costs.
Island hopping tours are the core activity: Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) costs PHP 1,200–1,600 per person including lunch and guide. Tours B, C, and D cover different areas at similar prices. Add boat hire if you want a private charter (PHP 3,500–6,000 per boat per day).
Mid-range travellers at boutique resorts dining at clifftop restaurants typically spend PHP 5,000–10,000 (USD 87–175) per day. Luxury El Nido — Miniloc Island Resort, Six Senses Laamu-equivalent resorts — starts at USD 400–800 per night all-inclusive.
Coron has slightly better ATM infrastructure than El Nido but still limited — bring extra cash. Coron's diving costs (PHP 800–2,000 per dive including gear) and boat tours should be budgeted in cash.
Puerto Princesa is the best place to get Philippine Pesos in Palawan. BDO, BPI, and Metrobank branches with international ATM capability are available in the city center. Exchange USD here if needed — rates are better than El Nido or Coron.
Tipping island hopping guides: PHP 100–200 per person per day is appreciated and makes a meaningful difference to local boat operators. For dive guides, PHP 200–300 per person per dive day is appropriate.
At restaurants, 10% is standard where no service charge is applied. In El Nido's upscale restaurants (charging USD 15–30 per person), 10% is expected. At basic local eateries, rounding up is sufficient.
questions & answers
Is there ATMs in El Nido, Palawan?
There are a few ATMs in El Nido town, but they frequently run out of cash during peak season and often accept foreign cards only intermittently. Withdraw PHP in Puerto Princesa before travelling to El Nido.
How much should I budget for island hopping in Palawan?
PHP 1,200–2,000 per person per day for shared group tours (Tours A, B, C, D). Private boat charters cost PHP 3,500–6,000 per boat per day. Most tours include lunch, guide, and snorkel gear.
Can I use credit cards in El Nido?
Some larger resorts and restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard but add a 3–5% surcharge. Tour operators, local eateries, transport, and most small guesthouses are cash-only. Cash is king in El Nido.
How much does it cost to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River?
The permit is PHP 150 per person. Most visitors book as part of a tour (PHP 900–1,500 including transport, permit, guide, and boat) or arrange private transport from Puerto Princesa independently.
Is Palawan expensive compared to other Philippine islands?
Yes — Palawan is one of the more expensive Philippine destinations due to its remoteness, high-demand tours, and limited competition. Expect to spend 20–40% more than a comparable Cebu or Boracay trip.
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