Philippines Expat Forum

jgarrison
Joined 2015
Posts: 15

9 years ago

"Show Money"

9 years ago

I hope someone can assist me with this situation. I have been conversing online with a nurse in the Philippines. We have traded hundreds of emails.

She told me she had a valid passport and a B-2 visa. I know that to be true. I wanted to meet her in person so I offered to buy her a round-trip ticket which I did.

Now she is leaving tomorrow and says she is afraid she won't be allowed to board the plane without 'show money' of $2,500. I trust her but am unhappy about not being told this until the last minute. That raises red flags for me so I haven't sent it. Instead I sent her an invitation letter stating I would be completely responsible for all her travel expenses: food, transportations, lodging, medical expenses, etc.

She says it isn't good enough and she is afraid she'll travel to Manila to fly and won't be allowed on the plane with the cash.

Does this sound legit? Is that the way it works? I told her I think they are more worried about her returning then how much cash she is traveling on - she has a job and family there, and a ticket back already.

Does she really need the 'show money'? And if so, how would you sent that much? Western Union, Zoom, etc now look very closely at all transfers and I don't think it would get there in a day.

Thanks for your help.

BTW: I plan on retiring to Cebu City in a few years.

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Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.