quiltman

Just out of interest ramboyd. How long does it take from UK payment date to arriving in your account here? I ask because others on BE have complained that Citibank - who handle the international pensions- can take a while. The longest I saw was some one whose December pension did not arrive until 12th January!

Again, out of interest, what exchange rate did you get last time? Would like to compare as if it is much better then I would seriously consider changing my payment methods!

mikemike

I prefer the UK BPI method, at least I know that in the event of my death that probate will be far faster and cheaper in the UK, so having deposits made there and transferred on line in seconds is for me a better option than sending direct.

quiltman

BPI for me has always been the best and easiest mikemike.
I have seen many posters say they have direct deposit from UK pensions but none have said what rate they get. ramboyd just said "you get a better exchange rate' - against what? Maybe if you look at the tourist rate, yes, but BPI already give better than that for my transfers.
According to a banker friend of mine, the rates BPI give us are very good, certainly for the amount I usually transfer each month. If you want to transfer a large amount, say 10k upwards then you may get a slightly better rate by using a forex company.

Just thought I'd put a stick in and wiggle it about a bit!

tropicofcancer

Yes in the past for travellers cheques and the like, BPI were certainly tops.
In having your pension paid to an overseas bank. There are always delays, for many reasons. Mainly a clearing bank, has to be involved, somewhere in the process.
Fees and deductions need to be taken into account as well.

BPI have ATM's outside, in SM NRA and Consolacion Cebu.

mikemike

Good news is that there no fees if you use some other banks ATM machines with your BPI ATM card, except BDO of course who happen to be the king of cheap shots when it comes to bank charges