Upcoming Phils trip update

[Aeson]

Gah... checks? I haven't written one in... at least 7 years. I'll have to call up my bank and get some I guess.

Would using a VISA check card (at the bank) work?

[Lancer]

Never tried it. Dolores says its very expensive. They get you on the exchange rate.

[Lancer]

If we don't hear anything by Wednesday the 5th then Thursday we're going to drive to Portland and try to get in to see if its ok to extend the oath taking six months out.

The problem with Portland USCIS (the old INS) is that you can't call them direct any more. You can call the central USCIS but they also cannot contact Portland or make an appointment. That you do by mail but its not working out too well and our time is getting short. You're not allowed to go in without an appointment, but you can't call to make one.

So we're going to bring papa and all his stuff incl his prior appointment letter and explain to them nicely that we just drove 4 hours, have to do the same going the other way, and can we please see so and so.

That will work.

[Lancer]

Aeson, you could call BPI in San Fran and ask them their policy in the Phils. Your credit card co can give the exchange rate.

[Lancer]

Well that's good to know.

Does it cost anything to use your card like that? A transaction fee, anything?

[Aeson]

Not sure. Wells Fargo Express Send has a $5 fee for up to $3k/day to BPI. Some ways to get around the fee altogether. Not sure what the fees would be to use the debit card directly.

I guess it would be best to send the money over in dollars to a dollar account at BPI, then take advantage of BPI's conversion rate or the black market rate you were talking about. I doubt Wells Fargo's conversion rate is as good as what BPI is offering. Their listed rates and exchange calculator don't include USD->PHP so not sure though.

[Lancer]

The check thing has no charge, but a wait. So whichever you prefer. I'd assume the credit card has no wait, but possibly a charge.

$5 is a days wage for a worker.

[Aeson]

I'll bring over some checks I guess. Not like I plan on being in a hurry about anything over there.

[Lancer]

Aint it the truth. All this drama about getting over there is wearing me out man. Need to chill, just go to the beach and fuzz my brain over. Feel the waves blurp against the wall and become one with them, but without actually hitting the wall myself.

Its a plan.

[Lancer]

Huh. I've had free checking at my bank for so long I forgot that some still charge.

[Aeson]

I have free checking at Wells Fargo too. Just a different type of account.

[Lancer]

For some reason my bank doesn't look at our cashing a check in the Phils as remmiting. So we get no charge at all. Its a smallish bank, maybe they're stupid. That said, they never gave money to people who couldn't pay it back. They kept their standards through all.

[Lancer]

Originally posted by Aeson
I have free checking at Wells Fargo too. Just a different type of account.

Well, you could ask them what the charge is for depositing a check at a bank in the Philippines.

[Aeson]

Probably free too. I just have to get some checks.

[Lancer]

Hopefully they don't cost $200.