Related Iligan City Favorites Tips

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Favorite thing: There are many ATMs in Iligan City but many of them may not dispense cash if you have a credit / debit card issued in a foreign country. On my first visit to Iligan City I spent a good part of one day trying to get cash from ATMs and none of them worked for me. I also went in many of the banks to see if I could get a cash advance. I later found that the only bank in Iligan that could give me a cash advance on my USA issued ( internationally known ) card was the main Iligan branch of Banco De Oro, better known as " BDO ". This bank is across the street from one end of City Plaza. You will need a photocopy of the front of the card you are using and the identification page of your passport. There are many photocopy shops where you can do this.

On my visits of 2010 and 2011 there has been an improvement in ATM availability where my USA issued card would work in 2 ATMs. One is at the Gaisano Mall located just inside of the side entrance comming in from the parking area. There are two ATMs there and the one on the left operated by China Bank worked for me. Security Guards for the parking lot entrance are only a few feet away from this ATM making it a more secure location than a stand alone ATM on the street. Another China Bank ATM that also worked for me was found at the main entrance of Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital on Tibanga Highway. This ATM is accessable by the general public and is also within a few feet of Security Guards.

As an additional backup for ATM or Cash Advance use, I also brought with me a Western Union Pre-Paid debit card which I acquired in the USA. This card worked for me in some ATMs where my regular card was not accepted.

Many of the banks and their ATMs in Iligan may be local, regional or national banks and their ATMs may not be connected to the international verification networks which may explain why my USA issued card would not work in them although the same card would work in many of the ATMs I tried in neighboring Cagayan De Oro. I have heard of other USA visitors having similar experiences.

Fortunately, as of my visit in late 2011 I have been able to locate and verify 3 locations where USA issued credit / debit cards will get you cash. Many of the small independent shops and restaurants may not take card transactions and be cash only. Some larger stores or restaurants may take only credit but not debit cards. Some may take both. Hotel and other acomodations that are accredited with the Region 10 Board of Tourism are required to accept credit cards and I have not had any difficulty using my card in Iligan or Cagayan De Oro when using them in a hotel.