There are many good choices when it comes to sending money from abroad to Philippines. The best to use is Wise, because it has the lowest fees.

You can open a wise account and send directly to their Philippines bank account, it is very fast and fees are very small, exchange rate will be in your advantage.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Wise money transfers in the Philippines, including fees, and how to send money.

What is Wise?

Wise launched in the Philippines in May 2024. It offers a Wise account and a prepaid debit card, as well as easy ways of receiving money in PHP and other currencies from others.

Wise is a financial technology company and licensed in the Philippines by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Wise is also overseen by a range of other global bodies, making it a safe place to keep and send your money.

How to open a Wise account

There’s no fee to open a Wise personal account.

Signing up is fast and easy. You initially just need to input your personal details and email and your account will be created in minutes.

Here’s how to open a Wise Account:

1. Download the Wise app or open the Wise desktop site
2. Tap register
3. Create an account using your email, Apple ID, Google ID or Facebook details
4. Add your personal information, following the onscreen prompts
5. Get verified
6. Top up your account, order an international debit card or set up your first transfer
7. You’re ready to go

To get verified you need to upload photos of your ID and a selfie. If your nationality is Filipino, you might choose to use:

• Philippines National ID (PhilID)
• Passport
• Driving licence
• UMID

How to send money to Philippines

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for sending money and combines that with a low, upfront fee, and you get international transfers that are cheap, fair and transparent.

For example, you want to send money from abroad in USD to Philippine Peso:

1. Enter amount to send in USD. Pay in USD with your debit card or credit card, or send the money from your online banking into Wise’s local bank account.
2. Choose recipient in Philippines. Select who you want to send money to and which pay-out method to use.
3. Send USD, receive PHP. The recipient gets money in PHP directly from Wise’s local bank account. Your money never crosses borders.

How much does it cost

How much a transfer costs depends on three things — the amount you’re sending, how you pay, and the exchange rate.

Just send it directly from your USD account to your local PHP bank acocunt, Wise will then convert it to PHP, around 1% charge for everything.

Summary

Wise is an established financial technology company that offers secure international transfers and multi-currency prepaid cards at competitive rates. Customers can send money to over 160 countries in more than 40 currencies.

Although exchange rates and transaction charges are transparent, it may be possible to find cheaper deals elsewhere, depending on your specific transfer.

When you think about what makes a standout manager, technical expertise might be the first thing to come to mind. Of course it’s important for most managers to be masters of their respective fields, but in truth, it’s actually the soft skills—i.e. the interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities—that often set great managers apart.

Soft skills refer to the intangible, non-technical abilities that help someone interact effectively with others and lead them through the various complexities of the workplace. If you’re eyeing management jobs in the market, for example in a web design or SEO agency, having soft skills will not only help you get the position you want but also allow you to lead, motivate, and connect with your team on a deeper level.

Developing the following skills can make the difference between being just a manager and being a leader who inspires positive change:

1. Communication

Communication is at the heart of effective management. As a manager, you’re the bridge between your team and higher management, so you need to be able to communicate clearly to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is a critical soft skill to have no matter if you’re explaining a new project, giving feedback to a subordinate, or resolving a misunderstanding.

To handle these situations successfully, it’s a must to practice active listening and seek feedback from others on how well you convey your ideas. It would also be good to engage in regular conversations with your team and try different methods of communication, such as written reports or verbal presentations, to see what works best.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Being able to understand and manage your emotions is another important skill when you’re handling your own team. You need to have a high emotional intelligence (EQ) to be able to build strong relationships with the people you work with.

A manager with high EQ would recognize the signs of a team member who is struggling with a personal issue, for instance. They are also more likely to approach the situation with empathy and offer support—two things that can help the team member feel valued and strengthen their trust, both between you two and within the team.

Though some managers may be gifted with naturally high EQs, remember that it’s possible to enhance your emotional intelligence through practice. In that sense, you should think of your EQ as something to develop just like you would any other skill.

Start by reflecting on your own emotions and how they affect your interactions. Then, try to practice empathy by putting yourself in others’ shoes and actively considering their feelings and perspectives during conversations. It may take you some time to improve upon this soft skill, but the payoff will benefit both you and everyone you’ll work with in the long run.

3. Problem-Solving

People in management positions are often faced with challenges that require quick and effective solutions. Let’s say that a project is running behind schedule due to unforeseen issues. In these situations, managers are expected to be able to analyze the situation, consider sound alternatives, and implement a solution that can quickly prevent a minor setback from becoming a major problem.

Strong problem-solving skills will enable you to weather through such hurdles with confidence. You can develop this skill by, first and foremost, approaching challenges with an open mind and breaking down complex issues into more manageable parts. It would also be a good idea to regularly engage in exercises that require creative thinking and brainstorming, such as completing puzzles or scenario planning, so that you can constantly level up your problem-solving skills.

4. Time Management

Managers are also expected to balance multiple responsibilities while ensuring that their deadlines are met. To successfully meet this expectation, you need to have excellent time management skills. This means being able to set priorities, delegate tasks appropriately, and maintain a balance between achieving your short-term goals versus your long-term goals. In addition to developing your discipline and speed, you can improve this soft skill by learning how to use planning tools like calendars and task management apps to your advantage.

Once you’re tasked with overseeing a project with a tight deadline, you must allocate time for planning, execution, and review, all while managing your regular duties. But if you can truly become a master of time management, you’ll be considered an invaluable asset to your company for your ability to engineer a less stressful work environment for both yourself and your team.

5. Adaptability

In today’s hypercompetitive business landscape, adaptability is more important than ever. As a manager, you need to be flexible and open to change, be it adjusting to new technologies or to shifting priorities in your workplace. Building up the soft skill of adaptability will enable you to smoothly and effectively lead your team through transitions and maintain productivity and morale, even in the face of (often frightening) change.

Develop adaptability by actively seeking out new experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. It’s also a must to stay informed about new trends and evolving best practices in your industry so that you can adjust your strategies or approaches as needed.

6. Decision-Making

Effective decision-making involves critical thinking, the ability to properly assess risks, and the ability to make necessary calls even in the face of high pressure. All good managers need this soft skill, as they are often required to make tough decisions that can impact both their immediate team and the organization as a whole.

To perform well in this position, you’ll need to make a habit of gathering relevant information before making choices and considering the potential outcomes. Practice making decisions under pressure as well through role-playing scenarios or by reflecting on past decisions to identify areas for improvement. Doing so will eventually make it easier for you to choose according to what aligns with your organization’s goals and the well-being of your team.

7. Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, even a healthy one. As a manager, your ability to resolve them will be key to your professional development. Conflict resolution skills involve mediation, active listening, and finding common ground. It can be especially tough to build these skills in stressful situations, but a manager who can remember that conflict isn’t the end of the world will be a long-term asset to any company.

Whenever a disagreement arises, help resolve it by facilitating a conversation that can help opposing parties understand each other’s perspectives and reach a compromise. Managing conflicts in this manner will help you maintain a positive work environment and prevent small issues from escalating into larger, more complex problems.

Again, soft skills can be natural talents to some, but to every professional who wants to reach a managerial level in their job, they must be thought of as things to be learned, practiced, and continually developed. As you grow in your career, make a conscious effort to strengthen these skills, and you’ll be well-equipped to make a significant impact on any organization you work for.

Grabbing your customers’ attention online requires tried-and-true strategies, and nothing quite captures an impulsive buyer’s eyes and wallets than putting up a “Flash Sale” or “For a Limited Time Only!” sign on your website or product page.

Flash sales and limited-time offers have emerged as potent tools for businesses online, whether you’re located in the United States or the Philippines. Amazon, for instance, has their Lightning Deals, which typically lasts for 2 to 6 hours. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ largest online ecommerce platforms, Lazada and Shopee, have their monthly Payday and Flash sales. These promotions are designed to create a sense of urgency and encourage swift decision-making. If done properly, they prompt buyers to add items to their cart without previously intending to do so, boosting your sales in record time.

This article sheds some light on why your business should provide flash sales and limited-time offers for your customers. It also covers key strategies and best practices to maximize your success.

Defining Flash Sales and Limited-Time Offers

Flash sales are time-bound promotional events during which products or services are offered at significantly discounted prices. They typically last for a few hours or even an entire day in some cases, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among customers. On the other hand, limited-time offers are short-term promotions that run for a specific duration, often a few days to a week, with special pricing or added value benefits.

Whether it’s a flash sale or a limited-time offer, these kinds of deals are the best opportunities to promote your products and services locally and abroad. With low-cost and convenient logistics providers, shipping from US to the Philippines is hassle-free. 

Benefits of Flash Sales and Limited-Time Offers for Online Businesses

1. Boosting Sales and Revenue. One of the primary benefits of flash sales and limited-time offers is their ability to drive immediate sales. And due to the time-sensitive nature of these promotions, your customers are compelled to act quickly, resulting in a surge in transactions and revenue.

2. Creating a Sense of Urgency and FOMO. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a powerful psychological trigger. You can capitalize on this by creating a sense of urgency with limited-time offers, prompting your customers to make purchasing decisions swiftly before the opportunity disappears.

3. Clearing Excess Inventory. If your business has surplus inventory, discounted sales offer an effective way to clear stock quickly. By providing attractive discounts, your business can move products that might otherwise stagnate.

4. Attracting New Customers and Expanding the Customer Base. The excitement and buzz generated by time-limited promotions can attract new customers to your online store. Once acquired, these customers can become repeat buyers with the right marketing strategies.

5. Building Customer Loyalty and Engagement. Offering exclusive access to loyal customers during flash sales fosters a sense of appreciation and loyalty. Engage with your customers through personalized offers to enhance the overall shopping experience and to strengthen your customer-business relationship.

Key Strategies for Successful Flash Sales and Limited-Time Offers

1. Define Clear Objectives and KPIs. Begin by setting clear goals for your flash sale or limited-time offer. Are you aiming to increase sales, clear inventory, or attract new customers? Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your promotion.

2. Segment Target Audience for Personalization. Tailor your offers to specific customer segments based on their preferences and buying behavior. Personalized promotions resonate better with customers and increase the likelihood of conversion.

3. Create Genuine Scarcity and Urgency. Emphasize the limited availability of the products or services on offer. You can use countdown timers, compelling headlines, and persuasive calls-to-action to instill a genuine sense of scarcity and urgency.

4. Utilize Multiple Marketing Channels. Promote your flash sale or limited-time offer across various marketing channels. To reach a broader audience and increase visibility, employ email marketing, social media, paid advertising, and website banners.

5. Optimize Website Performance for Increased Traffic. Ensure your website can handle the surge in traffic during the promotion. Perform stress tests and optimize your website to prevent crashes and slow loading times that can frustrate potential customers.

6. Leverage Mobile Optimization for Mobile Users. With the increasing number of mobile shoppers, optimize your website and promotions for mobile devices to capture mobile users’ attention effectively.

7. Offer Exclusive Access to Loyal Customers. Reward loyal customers with early access to the sale or special offers. This exclusivity enhances customer loyalty and encourages repeat business.

8. Highlight Social Proof for Credibility. Showcase positive customer reviews and testimonials to build trust and credibility. Social proof reassures potential customers about the value of the offer and encourages them to make a purchase.

9. Upsell and Cross-sell to Maximize Sales Potential. Use sales and limited-time offers as an opportunity to upsell customers with relevant add-ons or cross-sell complementary products or services.

10. Monitor and Analyze Performance for Continuous Improvement. Track and analyze key metrics such as conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and overall revenue generated. Use these insights to refine your future flash sales and limited-time offers for even better results.

Flash sales and limited-time offers are effective sales and marketing tactics that can significantly impact the success of your online business locally and abroad. This has been proven many times over with famous sales events such as the Black Friday Sale after Thanksgiving in the US and the Philippine’s monthly online flash deals.

When planned and implemented thoughtfully, these time-limited promotions can boost sales and attract new customers. Aside from that, your company is more likely to retain loyal customers who are appreciative of the discounts afforded to them. And with multiple successful promotions, your business can steadily gain ground against the competition and be the brand leader it deserves to be.