Best Money Changers in Manila: Where to Exchange Money and Compare Rates

Michelle Alyssa

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There are plenty of options for exchanging money in Manila, but not all offer the same rates. Whether you’re a traveler or expat arriving in the city, or an OFW preparing to depart, having cash on hand is still useful for taxis, meals, SIM cards, and other purchases that make travel less of a hassle.

In this guide, we’ll point you to the best areas in Manila to find trustworthy money changers and list nine popular options that are great places to start. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to help you get fair rates while avoiding common pitfalls. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Table of contents


What to look for when choosing a money changer in Manila

Exchange rates can vary from one money changer to another. To make sure you’re getting a fair deal and not being overcharged, the following tips can help:

  1. Know the mid-market rate
    The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell rates in global markets and is often considered the “true” exchange rate.
  2. Understand how exchanges make a profit
    Many money changers do not charge a separate commission. Instead, they build their fees into the exchange rate by applying a markup or spread on top of the mid-market rate.
  3. Compare the offered rate to the mid-market rate
    Checking the offered rate against the current mid-market rate helps you identify hidden fees and understand the actual cost of the transaction.
  4. Compare rates from different providers
    Always check the rates offered by at least two money changers before making a decision, especially when several are located close to one another.

Where to exchange money in Manila (best areas and hubs)

Manila has several key areas where money changers tend to cluster, making it easier to compare rates from multiple providers in a short amount of time.

These hubs can help you find a suitable option quickly, without having to visit multiple parts of the city.

Ermita/Malate

Ermita and Malate are neighboring bayside districts popular with tourists, offering hotels, historic sites, restaurants, and nightlife. Several popular money changers, including Moonlight, Naila’s, and Edzen, are located within walking distance of each other along major streets such as Mabini Street.

Because of the competition in the area, rates are often reasonably fair, and staff are accustomed to serving foreign visitors.

Makati CBD

Makati’s Central Business District (CBD) is the Philippines’ premier financial hub, known for its skyscrapers, multinational corporations, and upscale shopping centers.

Many money changers in this area are located in office buildings, shopping malls, and busy commercial zones around Ayala Center, catering to professionals, expatriates, and business travelers.

Mall-based money changers (SM, Ayala, and Robinsons malls)

Many shopping malls in Metro Manila have money changers, making them a convenient and secure option for travellers and locals.

You’ll find exchangers in major malls such as SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Glorietta, Greenbelt, One Ayala, Robinsons Magnolia, and Market! Market!, often with longer opening hours and easy access alongside shops and transport.

Rates can vary by mall and currency, so it’s worth comparing with another nearby changer or checking the mid-market rate before exchanging larger amounts.

Airport exchange

Money changers are available at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and may be useful for immediate cash needs upon arrival. However, exchange rates at the airport are often less favorable than those found in the city.

Best money changers in Manila

Below are nine well-rated money changers in Manila, known for their convenient locations, reliable service, and positive customer reviews.

While these exchanges are popular choices, exchange rates can vary day to day, so it’s worth checking and comparing rates on the day to get the best deal.

Money changerLocationOpening hoursContact
Czarina Foreign ExchangeMultiple locations across Metro Manila(10+ branches)Mon-Fri: 10 AM - 7 PM(varies by branch)+63 947 719 6174
Sanry’s Money ChangerMultiple locations across Metro Manila(5+ branches)Mon-Sun: 11 AM - 6 PM(varies by branch)+63 2 8921 501
Naila’s Money Changer1741 A. Mabini StDistrict 5, ManilaMon-Sun: 8:30 AM - 9 PM(some days close earlier)+63 917 807 1970
Edzen Money Changer1511 A. Mabini StErmita, ManilaMon-Sun: 8 AM - 11:59 PM+63 2 522 1519
Moonlight Money Changer1190 A. Mabini StErmita, ManilaMon-Sun: 9 AM - 8 PMN/A
Sheeha Money Changer1529 A. Mabini StMalate, ManilaMon-Sun: 9 AM - 11 PM+63 966 803 1305
Tivoli Money Exchange4 branches across Metro ManilaMon-Sun: 10 AM - 6 PM+63 917 896 9878
Kabayan Foreign ExchangeThe Grand Hamptons Tower 131st St, TaguigMon-Sun: 10 AM - 6 PM+63 2 804 3102
M and M Money ChangerMakati Central SquareChino Roces Ave, MakatiMon-Sun: 10 AM - 8 PM+63 915 249 1609

1. Czarina Foreign Exchange

Czarina Foreign Exchange is a well-known money changer in Metro Manila with over 10 conveniently located branches, including Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, Ayala Tower One in Makati, Uptown Mall BGC, and Unimart at Capitol Commons in Pasig.¹

Most Czarina Foreign Exchange branches operate Monday to Friday, roughly from 10 AM to 6 PM. Some branches are open later or operate on weekends, but this varies by location.

2. Sanry’s Money Changer

Another well-known money changer with multiple branches across Metro Manila, Sanry’s has locations conveniently situated in Market! Market! in Taguig, Glorietta 4 at Ayala Center in Makati, and Cash & Carry in Makati.

Opening times may vary by location, but branches are generally open seven days a week. Customers commonly exchange currencies such as U.S. dollars, euros, Thai baht, and Japanese yen.

3. Naila’s Money Changer

With a 4.2-star rating on Google Maps, Naila’s Money Changer is known for competitive exchange rates and fast service. It is located along Mabini Street in Ermita, Manila, near Manila Bay, making it convenient for tourists.

Naila’s trades a wide range of currencies, including U.S. dollars, Japanese yen, British pounds, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Singapore dollars, and Hong Kong dollars, and typically opens around 8:30 AM until the evening.²

4. Edzen Money Changer

Edzen Money Changer, also known as World Wide Enterprises Money Changer, has a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps based on nearly 100 reviews. Customers praise it as an honest and trustworthy exchange with a long history, though it can sometimes get crowded.

It is also located in Ermita, Manila, along Mabini Street near Manila Bay, close to hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. The branch is open from 8 AM to midnight.

5. Moonlight Money Changer

Moonlight Money Changer is another popular and highly rated exchanger, with a 4.6-star Google Maps rating based on over 125 reviews. It is open seven days a week, usually from around 9 AM to 8 PM, and is located in Ermita, Manila, near Edzen Money Changer and Naila’s Money Changer.

Customers praise Moonlight Money Changer for its fair exchange rates and quick, smooth transactions.

6. Sheeha Money Changer

This well-rated exchange is also located along A. Mabini Street in Malate/Ermita, within walking distance of Moonlight, Naila’s, and Edzen money changers. It is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM.

Sheeha is known for fast transactions, minimal paperwork, and reasonable exchange rates, earning a 4.7-star rating on Google Maps. Customers commonly exchange PHP, AUD, USD, THB, and other currencies here.

7. Tivoli Money Exchange

Tivoli Money Exchange operates four branches across Metro Manila, including one in Quezon City (TriNoma), two in Makati (Glorietta 2 and One Ayala), and one in Parañaque (Okada). Most branches are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, while the Okada branch operates 24/7.³

Tivoli buys and sells a range of foreign currencies and also offers cryptocurrency exchange services. Customers are advised to contact in advance to confirm currency availability.

8. Kabayan Foreign Exchange

Kabayan Foreign Exchange is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and is located in Taguig at The Grand Hamptons Tower II, along 31st Street near Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a well-known business and residential area.

Some customers praise Kabayan Foreign Exchange for its friendly and helpful staff, as well as its hassle-free and straightforward exchange process.

9. M and M Money Changer

M and M Money Changer is located on the ground floor of Makati Central Square along Chino Roces Avenue, a busy commercial area popular with expatriates, office workers, and shoppers in Makati.

It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and has a strong 4.2-star rating on Google Maps. Customers frequently compliment the professional, courteous, and efficient staff, noting the quick service and high level of customer care.

Tips to get the most out of your money

As you can see, Manila offers no shortage of places to exchange currency. A little preparation, however, can go a long way. Keep these tips in mind to secure better rates and avoid unwanted surprises:

  • Compare rates at more than one money changer
  • Avoid exchanges at airports unless necessary
  • Use reputable, licensed money changers
  • Exchange smaller amounts first if you’re unsure about the rates
  • Call ahead or message the money changer through their official Facebook page to confirm buying/selling rates and currency availability

Get your Wise card before travelling abroad to save when you spend in foreign currency

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including USD, SGD, GBP, and JPY so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up PHP to get started.

A physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 369.60 PHP. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend directly in PHP and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.57%.

Save while you spend, and make overseas spending seamless with a Wise card.

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Sources:
  1. Branches | Czarina Forex
  2. NAILA'S MONEY CHANGER
  3. Tivoli Money Exchange | Worry-free Money Exchange Experience

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This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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