Sending money to the Philippines through OrbitRemit

If you want to send money to the Philippines, I highly recommend OrbitRemit. It's money remittance made better. I like it because I can make the transaction on a computer, in lieu of bringing cash to a shop. Also, I can choose to deposit directly to a bank account back home instead of having someone pick it up at a remittance center. OrbitRemit offers excellent exchange rates and charges low fees.

Setting up an account is easy. Just fill up the application page. But here in New Zealand (I don't know the requirements for other countries), the government requires OrbitRemit to verify the identity and address of an applicant. You pass this process by uploading a proof of identity (digital copy of your passport, driver's license, etc.) and a proof of address (billing statement). 

You don't have a bill with your address? Don't worry. You can request for an address verification code. You just give them your address and OrbitRemit will send a letter to you containing a code. Once received, you just email them the code, and that's it.

After your account is verified, you can start sending to the Philippines. And you know what, the first remittance is free of charge!

Anyway, after you initiate a payment--meaning, identify the recipient, give his/her details, and specify the amount to be remitted, OrbitRemit will email you a payment number. You then have to deposit the said amount to OrbitRemit's local bank account (WestPac) and then it'll send that amount to the Philippines (person, credit card or bank account).

It's cheap, easy, and reliable. 

Devonport

First time there, on my folding bike.

It's funny I haven't written about the posh and affluent seaside community of Devonport on this blog, having been there several times already. I guess it's because I wrote about my bike tour there last year on my other page already. But that was for a different audience, so I'll write about Devonport again here.

Second time, with fellow NZAS scholars.

If you want a harbor view of Auckland CBD, Devonport is the place to go. It's because it's situated directly across the city. And Devonport has Mount Victoria. The top of this hill offers a fantastic view of the CBD and Auckland harbor.

Third time, with my family.

It's easy to go to Devonport. You can take the Fullers ferry at the ferry terminal near Britomart. Round-trip cash is NZ$11. But if you have an AT Hop Card with tertiary concession, it'll only come out NZ$7. The ferry ride is short--between 10-15 minutes. 

Fourth time, with 2014 scholars.

Once there, you walk to Queens parade, pass the shops, walk up Victoria Road. When you reach Kerr street, you just follow the path to the top of Mount Victoria. It's not that far from the pier, but the climb up the hill can leave you out of breath.

But it's worth the trip. Especially on a clear day when the sun is out and with blue skies. Beautiful view of the city.