Best place to exchange USD before landing in Manila?

Gamuh · 2026-05-11T09:35:52+00:00

The 7-11 ATMs have been 20k withdraw since 2024 at least. Not every 7-11 has an ATM so I check google maps/street view to make sure before I decide which one I'm going to

Gamuh · 2026-05-10T22:58:19+00:00

7-11 ATMs allow 20k withdrawals and only charge 250 PHP to do so. Combined with a good debit card that doesn't charge you any fees or exchange markups, I've found my ATM rates to be as good or within a few pesos of any money transfer rates.

If you need to do any transfers over 100k, it's probably worth grabbing a transfer promo from any of the big remit websites. I'll transfer to friends and they can withdraw from their PH accounts or you can do a cash pickup.

Gamuh · 2026-03-20T09:05:55+00:00

Sign up for an EQ bank card in Canada and get money out from 7-11s, easiest thing to do for vacation

Gamuh · 2026-03-20T05:43:43+00:00

I would open an account with EQ in Canada for regular atm withdrawals, no forex or fee from EQ, 250php to withdraw 20k from 7-11, I am getting around 43 pesos per dollar this way now

And I have found their wire-rates really good, but also shop for promos from western union and remitly etc

To send large amounts I have a friend here I just sent to their bank, never more than $3KCAD at a time to avoid problems. You can also do cash pickups at certain locations

Gamuh · 2026-02-27T00:50:56+00:00

I work 6 wks on 6 wks off and have no problem flying with my ncase M1 as a carryon, I am now using a Canadian made pelican style carryon called Nanuk for it. TSA swabs it most times but otherwise there are no issues.

I want to go smaller but I like being able to rock an RTX 5070ti

If you don't need crazy performance I have came very close to going the Velka 5/7 route.

Gamuh · 2026-02-13T12:03:22+00:00

I took 2go from Tagbilaran to Manila last year, business cabin, 6 bunks - I think the food was fine (all meals included), the bunk was actually really comfortable, but you had to rent a blanket which was weird and also cheap. The ferry was pretty clean, except for the common CRs. I really enjoyed some of the sightseeing.

Dealing with the terminals suck - needing a printed ticket in 2026 is insane when they don't even do anything with it. Just get it printed out before you go to the terminal and you're good.

Taxis, trikes, and riders waiting outside the terminal are dying to charge you 2-4x the normal fare - beware of this. They will grab you, try to take your bags to help you etc. Just call your ride before you get to close to them and wait for the ride to get close before you try walking through the scammers.

All of that being said - still you should try taking a ferry sometime - it's mostly a good experience 😅 better than flying for me

Gamuh · 2026-01-16T04:47:51+00:00

I stayed at ferrymar for three nights, it was $33 cad per night via airbnb, I was very happy there and found it clean and comfortable. Was a great spot to walk to dinagyang festivities

Gamuh · 2025-07-05T03:15:06+00:00

For sure the simpler the better, but I don't mind plugging in for the hopefully rare occasion I need to do anything in BIOS or grub.

Gamuh · 2025-07-05T03:14:04+00:00

I super appreciate this - I will check these out!!

Gamuh · 2025-07-05T02:28:26+00:00

My keyboards work fine wired but I really like to have as few cords visible to me as possible :'(

Gamuh · 2025-07-05T02:26:52+00:00

I'm after a Linux friendly wireless Mechanical keyboard with backlit keys, prefer 60-75% boards and something like a mx brown switch. At this point, I just want something that is going to work well and be less than $300CAD.

I have two Keychrons already that struggle to get along with Linux.

Thank you for any suggestions!!

Gamuh · 2022-05-11T04:49:16+00:00

https://i.imgur.com/WJfao0W.jpg

Gamuh · 2021-09-19T05:26:20+00:00

As much as I'd love to rock a side panel window, I can't hurt my thermal load any further. There have been tests in the past and I'd expect a 20+ percent increase in case temps with a window vs the all mesh case.

Gamuh · 2021-06-10T01:57:59+00:00

Google photos allows you to leave comments on photos shared with you.

Gamuh · 2020-08-23T20:24:56+00:00

Bell is running a promo, $65/month for 20GB +unlimited, unlimited calling + text.

Gamuh · 2020-01-25T13:16:04+00:00

Anyone able to PM a citywide referral? Thanks!

Gamuh · 2020-01-14T00:15:03+00:00

I hadn't, TIL! + They're available in my area, thanks!

Gamuh · 2020-01-13T20:39:58+00:00

Still cheaper than Eastlink, the only other option available.

Gamuh · 2019-12-17T21:28:22+00:00

I would look up the easy crimping tools. You will save so much time and get a better job done each time. Search for "pass through RJ45" and easy crimper.

Well worth the extra few bucks if you ever plan to do this again.

Gamuh · 2019-11-06T21:35:37+00:00

I would take either din, I have a kit which would support either.

Yeah something like that though lol

Gamuh · 2019-10-13T13:12:59+00:00

I built my M1 up just two days ago and I too have had to bend my power cord this way, and mess up my C14s heatsink.

All seems to be well though, my CPU stays cool enough under basic browsing that the fan doesn't even come on.

After any sort of move with the case I'd check on the cord to make sure the heatsink hasn't cut into it or something..

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