Can Iranian tourists open bank account in the Philippines?

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Thank you for your prompt reply.

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Hi there.
I am an Iranian and I want to travel to Manila soon with a touristic visa.
If you don't mind, I have a question.
Can Iranian tourists open bank account in the Philippines?
I appreciate your reply.
Best wishes
Iranian Traveler
-@J. M.7172

          NO

@Enzyte Bob

Just no?

I heard that it can be possible.

Although a back account with international exchange seems to be impossible.

@J. M.7172 hi!can u tell me you're Gmail account so that I'm gonna tell you all the details.
-@angelsaldivar

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Hey Angles I'll show you mine if you show me yours.

Angelsaldivar please send me your swift code so I can make a deposit.

@Enzyte Bob

What are you implying?

@Enzyte Bob
Just no?
I heard that it can be possible.
Although a back account with international exchange seems to be impossible.
-@J. M.7172

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J. M. 7172 You are in Iran, you joined the forum yesterday.

Educate yourself by researching this forum. . . . .There are hundreds of post on this subject.

@Enzyte Bob
What are you implying?
-@J. M.71728

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What I'm implying. . . . .

Would put my response under review, but to clean it up. . . .

I don't know who is more foolish you asking for a Gmail address or if J. M. 7172 gives it to you.

@J. M.7172 hi!can u tell me you're Gmail account so that I'm gonna tell you all the details.
-@angelsaldivar90907

Contact details are not allowed on the forum for safety reasons.

Doing so on a thread about money is even more dangerous as scammers trawl the internet for victims.

@Enzyte Bob
What are you implying?
-@J. M.7172

I guess he's implying giving out contacts to a new poster is a very foolish idea - Passing bank details even more so.

Iran, rightly or wrongly, is under sanctions at the moment so transferring cash from any country that upholds those sanctions is illegal.

However, not all countries follow those sanctions so there might well be legal ways to do it - maybe via a Chinese company.

The Iran/Saudi peace deal was brokered by China Both middle eastern countries look like they will follow BRICS, and ignore US led sanctions.

However, if you do it from the Philippines, you may still be breaking the law.

@Fred

Thank you for your warning.

I appreciate it.

@Fred
Thank you for your warning.
I appreciate it.
-@J. M.7172

The internet is full of scammers. We ban them in notable numbers every week.

That just means a little care is required, not that sending money is a bad idea.

To do so legally, you would have to explore the possibility of using transfers from non-US aligned countries.

China is the obvious first place to look. That doesn't mean it's possible, just that there are possibilities.

India is another, but there is such a massive scam industry out there it's difficult to tell good from bad.

I tried dealing with Indian companies once, but gave up after a tsunami of spam from scammers flooded my inbox. Not that all Indian companies are bad news, just the thieves make it close to impossible to find trading partners.

I just tried a search to see what came up.

A few seemed legit, but they all said they couldn't complete a transfer.

The others just took me to scam bitcoin sites

The original post is almost two years old.

The OP wants to send money to the husband in Iran and knows that an international transfer to Iran cannot be done.

Then the post reveres itself and starts to smell.

The OP then says they are looking here (Philippines) for anyone that needs to receive money from Iran.

Then they spell it out using this method: Your family/friend will send money to her partner in Iran, then the partner in Iran will re-transfer to the Philippines.

The OP closes with "STAY SAFE".

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(1) Then almost two years later J. M. 7172 says he will be an Iranian tourists to the Philippines and asks if he can open a bank account.

(2) Then Angelsald90907 wants J. M. 7172 email address to send details.

(3) Then J. M. 7172 gives an email address that becomes under review.

(4) Ultimately Fred gives several posts that are poignant. Please follow Fred's advice.

@Fred

Some Iranians living in the Philippines told me that a few banks, including some online ones, will open accounts for Iranians, but such accounts do not allow international transer.

As a freelance journalist, I am paid by media organizations based in Europe. So I need a bank account that allows international transfer so that I get my money and survive in the Philippines.

Some one else suggested that China-bank or BDO might open such account for me. What do you think?

A quick look says there are Chinese banks in the Philippines.

I suspect the best way is walk in and see.

On the dark side, the US may impose sanctions on Chinese banks at some point in the future, but you have a chance at the moment

https://www.spglobal.com/marketintellig … s-70867831

As I enjoy looking at political situations and what problems they bring to ordinary people, I took a little peek into the shady world of collective punishments.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019 … s-iranians

It seems, assuming the article is factual, a foreign government was forcing Malaysian banks to close accounts held by Iranians for no reason other than their nationality. If it's happening in one country, there's a fair chance that same bullyboy tactic is happening in others.

J. M. 7172 said . . .I am an Iranian and I want to travel to Manila soon with a touristic visa. Can Iranian tourists open bank account in the Philippines?

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Before thinking about opening a bank account, lay down the paperwork to obtaining a Visa. Americans can enter the Philippines just with a valid passport without a visa, but Iranians cannot.

I presented a question to BARD, can an Iranian enter the Philippines.

(1) You must complete an application form and apply for a tourist Visa at the Philippine embassy or consulate in your own country. This can be done online or in person.

(2) You will need a letter of invitation from a Philippine resident or business.

(3) Your passport must be valid for at least six months after entry.

(4) Proof of onward travel after the Philippine visit.

(5) Proof of sufficient funds.

As I enjoy looking at political situations and what problems they bring to ordinary people, I took a little peek into the shady world of collective punishments.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019 … s-iranians

It seems, assuming the article is factual, a foreign government was forcing Malaysian banks to close accounts held by Iranians for no reason other than their nationality. If it's happening in one country, there's a fair chance that same bullyboy tactic is happening in others.
-@Fred

I need to make a slight clarification: These sanctions are UN based, not US. We are simply complying and helping implement UN security council resolutions. If people believe we should ignore such resolutions because they don't like them, fine, such people are reinforcing the point that the UN is ineffective and should be disbanded. In that regard, I will gladly join such a movement.

The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1696 in 2006, which called on Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities and to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address concerns about its nuclear program. Subsequent resolutions were passed that further increased the pressure on Iran to comply with these demands.

So Fred, you do indicate a certain country being involved in enforcing sanctions without the added context that the sanctions are international.

Well, the politics are of less importance than the upshot of collective punishments.

Still, there is hope from free world country banks that may be able to assist in overcoming the issue.

@Fred
As a freelance journalist, I am paid by media organizations based in Europe. So I need a bank account that allows international transfer so that I get my money and survive in the Philippines.
-@J. M.7172

Politics are of less importance than the upshot of collective punishments.

Still, there is hope from free world country banks that may be able to assist in overcoming the issue.

However, there are inconsistancies in your request.

You mention a tourist visa, but then talk about longer term living as a journalist.

Clarification would be handy.

Is the tourist visa a starter with the intention of applying for a more appropriate visa in the future?

Well, the politics are of less importance than the upshot of collective punishments.
Still, there is hope from free world country banks that may be able to assist in overcoming the issue.
-@Fred

If you are referring to banks dealing with BRICS accounts in the future, I too think I might have an investment plan. When the currency first comes out, the anti West enthusiasm will result in an overpriced currency (basket I guess). Demand will be high. So, borrow BRICS money as much as you can. Timing is important. Sell the BRICS for dollars, lots of dollars. Later when the world realizes that the 6 primary currencies are handling 6.6 trillion dollars per DAY on the forex markets and there is no way for BRICS to support anything near that level, demand for this basket of secondary currencies from unstable or capital controlled or 3 world countries (or all of the above) will crash. Then use your excess dollars to buy cheap BRICS and pay back the BRICS loan, keeping the difference. It's called shorting. Do you not think western governments and hedge funds particularly in the west will not short such a currency whose initial value is unreasonablely high due to emotion and politics, might not make such maneuvers to protect their currency (governments) or just make a lot of money (hedge funds)? After the massive selling, the BRICS becomes worthless on forex. These countries don't know shite about international finance except for perhaps China who is hamstrung by its own capital controls and will likely bail out being the strongest in the basket but being pulled down.

The point in question is opening an account. If it's for a tourist, it's hardly much of anything to care about for a short time, so probably pointless him asking.

If he is a journalist with the intention to stay longer, and the reports from Malaysia about forced closure of Iranians' accounts are true, his only option may be to go to a bank free from countries that operate collective punishment systems.

@Fred

I like to stay longer. But it depends in other things. First, it depends on whether or not I find a job in another country. Secon, it depends on how my life will be there. Whether I will like it there or not. This is the same for other expats too.

But it seems that the best way for me is to apply for tourist visa, and then extend it in the Philippines as many times as I like. I heard that it is possible that way, but not sure yet.

@danfinn

The question was not about politics. The fact that you feel like you need to clarify the sanctions on Iran shows that you might just like taking a side here on the political issue, which is not called for at all.

But, as long as you like clarification, the sanctions are actually sustained by US. After the deal they made during Obama time, US agreed to remove the sanctions. But then Trump came and broke the deal.

Goes without saying that US is bullying the world based on its interests. And, of course, UN is not that independent from the bully.

Hello everyone,

Please note that I have created a new topic from J.M.7172 post on the Philippines forum as he has questions of his own.

I would make a request to members to leave politics out of the forum.

Thanks in advance

Bhavna

Hello everyone, I'd like to share a personal experience that has been troubling me. As an Iranian man who has been living in the Philippines for about a year after getting married, I have encountered some challenges that have left me feeling disheartened. Recently, I've been trying to convert my tourist visa into a temporary one, but I've faced difficulties, especially when it comes to opening a bank account. It's frustrating to discover that despite my efforts, the banks here are unwilling to provide their services to me.

What adds to my disappointment is the presence of unsettling comments and attitudes towards Iranians. I can't help but feel disrespected and discriminated against solely based on my nationality. It's truly disheartening to experience such treatment, particularly in a country that has a history of Filipinos working abroad, including in Iran.

I am a Christian, and I strongly believe in love, understanding, and acceptance towards others, regardless of their background. It pains me to witness the presence of prejudice and mistreatment. It's important to recognize that such attitudes can exist anywhere, regardless of a country's economic status.

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that there are understanding individuals and institutions in the Philippines who are willing to provide fair opportunities for everyone. I am determined to explore other banking options in Manila and seek a resolution to my situation.

I truly appreciate the unique aspects and beauty of the Philippines, and I hope that through dialogue and understanding, we can address these issues and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their nationality.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.

Welcome to the forum Y Ghatavi.

I think your story will fall on deaf ears, you need to follow protocols opening bank accounts and not so easy here because of money laundering and other unscrupulous endeavors.

Several points, if you are married to a Filipina simply open a bank account in her name or joint account,

You cannot convert a visitor visa to temporary. You can apply for the 13 a visa if married or an SRRV with the PRA as another option.

As for your claiming discrimination against Iranian people? I wonder why, your leaders did this to the people and while you are probably a good man the sh@t sticks, same as Afghanistan now, blame your leaders for not coming into the 12 or 13th century recognized doctrines.

While I'm sure you can open a bank account easily here can you shift funds between the 2 countries?

Good Luck.

Cheers, Steve.

Y Ghatavi said . . . .Hello everyone, I'd like to share a personal experience that has been troubling me. As an Iranian man who has been living in the Philippines for about a year after getting married, I have encountered some challenges that have left me feeling disheartened. Recently, I've been trying to convert my tourist visa into a temporary one, but I've faced difficulties, especially when it comes to opening a bank account. It's frustrating to discover that despite my efforts, the banks here are unwilling to provide their services to me.
What adds to my disappointment is the presence of unsettling comments and attitudes towards Iranians. I can't help but feel disrespected and discriminated against solely based on my nationality. It's truly disheartening to experience such treatment, particularly in a country that has a history of Filipinos working abroad, including in Iran.

I am a Christian, and I strongly believe in love, understanding, and acceptance towards others, regardless of their background. It pains me to witness the presence of prejudice and mistreatment. It's important to recognize that such attitudes can exist anywhere, regardless of a country's economic status.

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that there are understanding individuals and institutions in the Philippines who are willing to provide fair opportunities for everyone. I am determined to explore other banking options in Manila and seek a resolution to my situation.

I truly appreciate the unique aspects and beauty of the Philippines, and I hope that through dialogue and understanding, we can address these issues and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their nationality.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.

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(1) If you are married to a Filipina you can open an account in her name.

(2) Or If you are married to your Filipina you should qualify for a Balikbayan Visa good for one year.

(3) After 59 days you then could apply for a ACR-1 Probationary Visa good for one year.

(4) With the ACR-1 card you should be able to open a bank account.

(A) Non Professional OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) (women) should be aware of not accepting jobs in Iran.

(B) Prejudice & discrimination does exist worldwide unfortunately you being an Iranian Christian you will be discriminated against because of the deeds of others.

Whoops Steve. . . I was writing my post as you were writing yours, if I known I could have save some time.

All good Bob, you mirrored my thoughts and while Y G may well be a good and decent man the discrimination and prejudices as he calls it is simply what the western world and Asian countries see coming from many middle eastern countries and seems all are tarred with the same brush. In many cases rightly so.

I will query though that if Y G has been in country for 12 months why ask questions here? Go speak to your bank with your wife. What have you been doing for the last year?

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl Hello Steve,

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and share your insights. I appreciate your suggestions and feedback. You have given me some useful information and advice that I will look into.

I was informed that the 13a visa is only for the visa-free countries, not Iran. That's unfortunate, but I will try to find other ways to obtain a temporary visa. I already have all my income in my wife's account, but I feel that having my own bank account would make things easier and more convenient for me, especially since I plan to stay here permanently.

Regarding the leader of Iran, I wish there was a way to detach myself from him and the government. They have caused so much trouble and suffering for the Iranian people and the world. I have personally experienced persecution and discrimination from them because of my faith. I am a Christian, even though I was born a Muslim. That was the very reason why I chose to marry a foreigner, since I wanted to marry a Christian and leave the country. Or maybe you know some way to change my nationality, I would be glad to explore that too. If you ask my feeling towards the leader and the government, I have nothing but contempt and anger for them.

I hope you understand that I am not responsible for their actions and that I am a peaceful and respectful person who just wants to live a normal life with my wife. I love her very much and she is the reason why I came to the Philippines. I also love this country and its culture, and I hope to contribute positively to it.

Thank you again for your response and your good wishes. You have been very kind and helpful.

Cheers,

@Enzyte Bob Hello, Bob

Thank you for your reply and your suggestions. I appreciate your help and your sympathy.

I already have my money in my wife's account, but I would like to have my own account as well. I hope one of the visas you mentioned will make me able to open a bank account here. I will investigate them when I go to Manila, but I was informed that none of them is working for banks, as they simply refuse to open an account for Iranian citizens.

My wife was not a worker in Iran, I met her online. My mentioning of Filipino workers is related to decades ago, when many Filipinos worked in Iran and were treated well by the Iranian people.

I agree that prejudice and discrimination does exist worldwide, and it's unfortunate that I have to face it because of the deeds of others. I hope that people will judge me by my character and actions, not by my nationality.

Thank you again for your response and your kindness.

Cheers,

@bigpearl

Thank you for your reply and your honesty.

Regarding discrimination, I have to say that it's ironic that they never discriminate the people who deserve it. These people are the government supporters who openly support terrorist organizations. These corrupt people from Iran can easily travel and get a USA green card, and they are very welcome there. They can even lobby for Iran's government, because they have money, the money that they stole from our pockets as Iranian citizens. The USA government is reluctant to bother them in any shape or form.

I have been in the country for 12 months, but I have not been able to open a bank account here. I have tried to speak to the banks here with my wife, but they refused to serve me. We are living in a province where she is a teacher, and there are only a couple of banks here. We have planned to go to Manila this week, since she can take a one month leave. We hope to find more options and solutions there.

By the way, I have my ACR-1 card, but it didn't work for opening a bank account. Neither did my marriage documentation. We tried our best here, but they simply said no.

I will update you here on how things go in Manila. Thank you for listening to my story and sharing your thoughts.

Cheers,

Only an observation but who put those fools in power? Like other countries the people suffer while the foolishly elected get rich and that is why you don't have the same rights as aligned democratic demography's.

It's simple why you can't open a bank account, PH. want's nothing to do with many middle eastern countries with good reason. Ph is aligned with the west.

Simply keep your income/savings going to your wife's account and no problems.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve

Y G, what does that tell you if you can't open a bank account? Coming from Iran did you think it would be easy? I went to 4 banks as an Aussie citizen before success.

Cheers, Steve.