In the Philippines, tourists will soon be able to use their international bank cards to withdraw cash from special mobile ATMs created by Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). These mobile ATMs are called “ATM Go,” and they’re perfect for people who travel to areas where regular ATMs aren’t easy to find.
ATM Go is a clever idea because it allows people to get cash, make deposits, and transfer money at places like sari-sari stores (small retail shops) or other local merchants. These stores act as agents for the mobile ATMs. However, the amount of money that can be withdrawn depends on how much the store can handle, so it might vary from place to place.
To make this possible, RCBC teamed up with the Department of Tourism (DOT). They signed a special agreement (called a Memorandum of Understanding) to bring banking services to more tourist spots, so visitors can easily access their money even in remote areas.
Currently, ATM Go is available for people with debit or prepaid cards from Philippine banks. But starting in July, tourists will be able to use their international MasterCard and Visa cards too. This is great news for foreign visitors who need cash while traveling around the country.
RCBC has big plans for ATM Go. By the end of the year, they want to add 3,000 new terminals in popular tourist areas, especially in places where there aren’t any banks or ATMs. For example, in island villages or small towns, people will now have easy access to cash through these mobile ATMs.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared that this partnership is great for both tourists and small local businesses. She mentioned that many tourism workers, like drivers, souvenir makers, and local performers, live in areas where it’s hard to find regular banking services. With ATM Go, these workers will be able to offer easier financial transactions to tourists, helping them grow their businesses.
Some of the areas RCBC is focusing on for the new terminals include beautiful destinations like Palawan, Siargao, and Cebu, as well as the DOT’s Tourist Rest Areas, which are spots where tourists can take a break and find useful services.
This project helps everyone—from tourists to local businesses—by bringing easy and accessible banking right where it’s needed most.
