Well, Christmas is just around the corner. Just got done helping Bob with his gig as the Santa for one of the companies here in the Philippines. Now, we are getting so busy with our other on-line businesses, which means we are needing cash for every time we go to buy what we need for the orders. So it means to say also that I had to go make a trip to the bank or ATM (automated teller machine) here. We do have local and international cards.
I just saw someone posting something on Facebook about the banking days here in the Philippines during the holidays. Looking at it, it didn’t look good though. For us anyway who depend on our income through the ATM. From December 23 to January 4, theirs just 1 day that the banks will be open. The rest of the days were weekends and paid holidays that were declared by the government. My gosh for us people that live through ATM it will be a problem. They might not (likely they won’t) put enough money in the ATM machine, or keep it refilled during the holidays. I’ve seen too many people in line for it. During the holidays I’m pretty sure nobody will fill the machine again.
Just last week the ATM machine that I go to most of the time didn’t refill the machine over the weekend when they were out of money. I went Monday early morning. When I got there, the guard said that they might fill the machine at 9 am that day. So I went again at 9 am, as soon as I got there the guard informed me again that they’re still working in the machine and they also had the thorough check of the machine and it might be ready that afternoon. So instead of going back that afternoon, I went the following day instead, the machine was working but the guard informed me that all through the week the bank will continue on on checking thoroughly with the machine (maintenance time). So they said they might have the machine be out of service anytime too. Which means it’s a bit hassle going through and looking for another ATM. I just can’t believe that they are thoroughly checking and repairing the machine this time of the year and it’s busy time for their machine. Too many people withdrawing money. I’ve seen other foreign nationals withdrawing money there and they will be in the machine for awhile stocking up. 
Just in my opinion they should do the maintenance around October or early November. Just a thought anyway.
With in this week expect long lines on the atm or the bank. Have you seen the off days of the bank after the 23rd of December?
Here’s what I know so far:
December 24, 2014, Wednesday – Additional Special Non-Working Holiday, bank closed
December 25, 2014, Thursday – Christmas Day – Regular Holiday, bank closed
December 26, 2014, Friday – Additional Special Non-working Holiday, bank closed
December 27, 2014 – Weekend, bank closed
December 28, 2014 – Weekend, bank closed
December 29, 2014 – Only day banks open
December 30, 2014 – Rizal Day – Regular Holiday, bank closed
December 31, 2014, Wednesday – New Year’s Eve (Special Non-Working Day), bank closed
January 1, 2015, Thursday – New Year’s Day, bank closed
January 2, 2015, Friday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
January 3, 2015 – Weekend, Bank closed
January 4, 2015, Weekend, bank closed
January 5, 2015, Bank and school resumes for the year 2015
What does this mean?
For a period just one day shy of 2 weeks, the banks will be opened only 1 day, all of the other days the banks will be closed.
So for all of you that live through ATM, better stock up on cash before the bank and ATM close down and run out of money. The machine might not be filled up until next year. I might see you guys at one of the machine. LOL
Keep in mind also that while this article focuses on ATM and Bank closures, it is likely that many other types of businesses will be closed many (or all) of the days listed as well. Malls will be open most of those days (many malls in the Philippines are even open on Christmas day, starting at Noon), but smaller businesses are likely to be closed. Be prepared!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everyone!