Money Remittance Tips for OFWs

Safety and security is everyone’s top priority. While most safety measures are practiced on the road and in the office, one must not forget to take the same measures in money remittance. Money transactions may look simple and totally risk-free, however, you must also be aware that there are people who do not have your best interest at heart. In this case, you must always be careful and knowledgeable when it comes to money remittances. Here are just a few factors to consider when sending money to your loved ones in the Philippines:

Consider foreign exchange rates before every transaction.

The amount you’re sending would equal to a much bigger amount when it reaches the local remittance outlets, however, you must also time your transactions, in terms of following the foreign exchange values. A dollar that amounts to 49 Pesos today may be equal to 45 Pesos tomorrow. Study the ever-changing patterns to ensure that your loved ones back in the Philippines would receive a much bigger value.

Choose a well-known remittance center.

Some remittance center offers a low service charge for the transaction, but holds the risk of a non-secured transaction. It is much better to deal with a reputable agent to avoid any hassles or possible scam in the long run. Your loved ones would be waiting for your money transfers, ensure that they would receive it and not some unknown stranger.

Make the most of technology.

Instead of visiting an agent, you may just transfer money using your smartphone. There are certain apps that allow you send money with just a few clicks. Avoid long lines and send the amount on time.

With these factors in mind, you are ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further, with Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,000 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://blog.orbitremit.com/sending-online-remittances-to-the-philippines-fast-easy/philippines-money-transfer/
https://creativemarket.com/Anutik45/752683-money-transfer-flat-design-vector
http://www.biospectrumindia.com/

How to Get the Best Appraisal in Pawnshops

You’re hoping to sell a couple of items (extra gadgets or jewelry) in order to earn a little extra cash. You decided to pawn those items, instead, so you may conserve time and energy. In such case, you would like to make sure that you would get the best value possible. This value or money return is determined by what we call the appraisal, or the amount of cash that would be given to you in exchange for the items that you would pawn. This means that if you come unprepared, you may only be given a small amount in cash return for the items that you had surrendered. Here are just a few pointers to consider in getting the best appraisals in pawnshops:

Clean your jewelry.

No pawnshop will give you a proper appraisal when they see that the item is either dirty or dismantled. You may even be accused of scamming your way to a good pay. Remember that all surrendered items should be in clean, mint, and proper condition. Shine your gems before bringing them to the pawnshop, make sure that no dirt is on the gold, and make your silver sterling. They’ll show better across the counter, and you’re likely to get more money.

Do your own research.

Learn to inquire on the offered amount. How much would the pawnshop and appraisers pay you in exchange for your gem? You may be surprised that the prices of jewelry change from time to time, even quicker than some other products, hence another reason to have it appraised as well as routinely as you can. This doesn’t mean that you should have it validated monthly, rather, whatever changes you may hear from the store you may confirm via the appraisers, only then may you know the current selling price of your jewels. Knowing the right value would save you from possibly losing something and not getting the fair amount at all. Be informed at all times and stay firm on your price range.

Visit a well-known pawnshop.

This is related to the second factor to consider. Remember that reputation is everything, which is why you should only transact with a pawnshop that already has a reputable stance and familiarity with its customers. While other pawnshops may try to convince you of great cash returns, there are cases of hidden charges per transaction, a fee that no one wants to pay for. Pawn your items only at the most trusted name, save yourself from hassle while earning a fair amount in return.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most honest and highest appraisal possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,000 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/text-reminders-for-medication.html
http://hyperacusisresearch.org/
https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/about/

How to Choose the Best Bank Account Type for You

Knowing the type of bank account that would best work for you has its advantages. Many are not aware that lifestyle is a major factor when determining the type of account. Take into consideration the features of each account and you would identify the one which you think your money will most likely be secured in. This is not to say that the other types are not secured, rather, they have different uses, and you will be most interested to learn that each functionality will bring you convenience. To help you choose, we had enumerated the main types that you may commonly come across or heard of:

Savings account

This is one of the most common types of bank account. For employees receiving their salary on a pay day, you can be sure that 95% to 100% of them at least access the savings option in an ATM. Savings account allows you to accumulate interest or incentives on the amount or funds saved within a certain period of time. These interest rates can be accumulated on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Keep in mind though that every savings account has a required deposit amount to preliminarily open, and even a maintaining balance to sustain for a long run. It is also notable to mention that this type of account is applicable for those who do not withdraw for a long time, as it accumulates interest for a certain period of time.

Checking account

Unlike the savings account, this one is applicable for those who usually withdraw money for their everyday needs; it also keeps your cash secure. You may use a debit card or check to avail of products and services, and even pay bills. Keep in mind that each checking account has an equivalent package, containing features that match your purchasing habits. There are also options to waive certain monthly service fees, as you would indeed be using this account more often and you would like to avoid accumulating service fees from numerous transactions.

Current account

This may very well be the type of account that describes the first two, in the sense that it features similar traits with both of them. It is also an account for everyday use, rendering it flexible in functionality. Two or more people can even set up this type of account and call it a joint account. It works like a current account except each person has a check book and card.

With the proper knowledge of bank account types, you finally decide to open one; however, you still haven’t chosen which bank to apply for. Well, worry no more. If you’re a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, Batangas, then the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank is your one-stop spot for opening your own savings account. All transactions are real time, erasing all the hassles that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-4242864/Triodos-launch-ethical-UK-current-account.html
https://www.moneysupermarket.com/current-accounts/finding-the-best-uk-current-account/

Factors to Consider When Comparing International Money Transfer Providers

Sending money to your loved ones is simple. Most of the time, you would just have to go to the remittance branch, sign a few forms, give the agent your preferred amount, then let your family back at home know that the money is on the way, providing them the control number at the same time. Yes, it looks simple; however, you must also consider the type of remittance agents that you would be transacting with. More often than not, you pay more while your family gets less, sacrificing great value in the process. No need to worry, as we had enumerated a few things to look out for when comparing international money remittance providers:

Familiarity and reputation of the company.

As with other branded products like shoes and clothes, services with a formidable and well-known name are more trusted than those of unknown origins. This is not to say that familiar brands and services are a 100% perfect with their quality, however, there is a reason why such companies stood the test of time. Well-known companies are indeed “well-known” for a reason, and that is due to the fact that they lasted years, evolved with the needs of their clients and customers, and continued to present them with great deals throughout the years.

Remittance fees.

Whenever you are availing the service or product of a company or a particular brand, it is only normal to pay equivalent fees. Some prices are reasonable; however, you wouldn’t want to pay a huge amount of money for a service that seems very minimal. Money remittance involves a certain amount of transaction, but keep in mind that each service charge is determined by a formula or computation, deriving percentage from the amount that you will send to your loved ones back at home and not by the discretion of the remittance company itself.

Partners (banks and possibly other remittance centers)

It would be a hassle for your loved ones to travel far just to reach a remittance center from the same company where you had your money sent. Some remittance centers partner with banks and other transaction agents just so your loved ones may receive the amount, even from a different service area. Remittance partners should be abundant and easy to find, to ensure that your money will be received with the least amount of hassle, and in no time.

With these factors in mind, you are ready to send your hard-earned money to your family back at home; however, you are still undecided as to which remitting center you should transact with. Well no need to look any further, with Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,000 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now!

Image Source:
http://greekamericangirl.com/best-way-to-transfer-money-to-greece/
https://morgandiasblog.com/2016/01/14/new-immigration-nationality-fees-for-2016-2017/
http://www.lsainsider.com/location-is-the-future-of-digital-advertising-heres-why/archives#sthash.xHmvHquL.dpbs

Banking 101: Banking Terms You Should Know About Before Opening an Account

You’re new to banking and you would like to get the most out of your first transaction. You would like to achieve this by making the least amount of mistakes while also undergoing a smooth process. It may look easy, but banking isn’t just all about withdrawal and deposits–there are many other factors that you may encounter along the way. Here are just some of the few terms that you may come across. Knowing each may help you avoid any hassle within your transactions and enable you to have a positive experience all throughout:

Deposit

This is definitely one of the most common terms that you would get used to. This refers to the act of storing your money in the bank, classified into accounts such as a checking or savings. Depending on the type of your choice, an interest would accumulate on your account, adding a certain percentage on your savings annually, as long as you wouldn’t take the money which you had deposited for a certain period of time.

Annual Percentage Yield

This one determines how much you get paid by the bank for depositing money. This refers to the amount of interest the bank pays on your deposit account, as long as you would leave your cash within that particular account for a certain period or timeframe.

Withdrawal

This is the exact opposite of deposit, in the sense that it is the act of taking money from your account. While a savings account would motivate you not to withdraw money for a certain period due to the annual percentage yield, a checking account allows you to freely withdraw anytime you wish.

Automated Teller Machine

Commonly abbreviated as ATM, this machine handles banking transactions. These transactions include (but on some occasions are not limited to) making deposits, withdrawing money, transferring funds between accounts, and providing you with your account balance. The advent of technology also allows you to pay your bills via the ATM as well (depending on the bank or branch).

Available Balance

This refers to the amount of money in your account that can be accessed for immediate use. Take note that this is different from your current balance, in the sense that it does not have any pending debits, while the latter is the amount of money in your account at the beginning of the day excluding any pending deposits or withdrawals.

With the proper knowledge of banking terms and procedures, you finally decide to open an account; however, you still haven’t chosen which bank to apply for. Well, worry no more. If you’re a resident of Bacoor, Cavite, then the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank is your one-stop spot for opening your own savings account. All transactions are real time, erasing all the hassles that you may experience in other establishments. So what are you waiting for? Visit the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank now!

Image Source:
http://echeck.org/checking-accounts-for-bad-credit/
https://arstechnica.com/security/2016/02/clever-bank-hack-allowed-crooks-to-make-unlimited-atm-withdrawals/
http://www.livechennai.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=12931

4 Most Common Items to Pawn for Quick Cash

Jewelry

So you’ve run out of money and are in need of quick cash. You peek into your bank account, only to find out that you do not have enough for your needs. You ask yourself, “What could I possibly do to get funds in no time?” The simple answer is to pawn your excess items, of course. Believe it or not, there are many treasures within your home that may prove very valuable in the long run; you just have to determine the value of each item. If you want to know the specific items to pawn for quick cash, look no further than our helpful enumerations:

The very first thing that comes into mind when thinking of the most commonly pawned items is jewelry. Gold, silver, and diamonds are your best choice. Prime examples of this are rings, golden necklaces, earrings–anything that can be weighted and appraised. The good news is pawnshops seldom turn down a precious gem; rather they just tend to provide a much lower value than expected. Nonetheless, you can never go wrong with jewelry.

Electronics and Gadgets

Your flat screen LED TV, game console, digital camera, tablet, laptop, and smartphone are very much welcome to be pawned. The amount to be provided to you would depend on the current value of the electronic items. Just make sure your item is in excellent condition to get the most value, with no missing parts whatsoever. You may also want to charge them before heading out to the pawnshop, so they can be tested and properly valued within the transaction.

Musical Instruments

Electric guitars and drum sets are a perfect example of this. Of course, they should again be in great, not to mention, “playable” condition. You may want to provide extra strings for the guitar and even drumsticks for the set itself, so as to raise the value of the items. Scratches and wear-and-tear are indications of a lowered value, so make sure that the instruments that you will pawn off are somehow in mint condition.

Designer Bags

No lady ever travels without her designer bag. While many may not afford to avail one, some are actually vivid collectors, so much that when all of the value gets added up, the cash return in pawning the whole cash collection may reach into the 5 digit mark. For ladies who are hoping to earn a few extra and eliminating unused, yet proper conditioned items at home, consider pawning in your well-loved bags. Trust us, the minter the condition, the higher its value.

Look for a pawn shop that would provide you with nothing less than the best value. No worries, Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount, as they accept jewelry and gadgets as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safe and secure transactions, and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,000 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch!

Image Source:
http://www.diamondstreetpawnshop.com/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/music-musician-color-guitar-68710/
http://www.cvlux.com/lux-daily/2016/2/5/lux-handbags-chanel

Cebuana Lhuillier joins Tokyo Summer Festival and Araw ng Mga Pinoy in Japan

Filipinos in Japan were treated to entertainment and freebies as Cebuana Lhuillier partnered with Digitel to celebrate Tokyo Summer Festival and Araw ng Mga Pinoy.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier joined the first Tokyo Summer Festival last June 3 to 11 at the Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. The nine-day affair featured trade exhibits and food fairs to celebrate the Philippine Independence and Migrant Workers’ Day. Filipino celebrities such as AiAi delas Alas, Arnel Ignacio, and Ruru Madrid also performed to the delight of their Filipino fans.

During the event, Cebuana Lhuillier also took the opportunity to promote its international remittance service in Japan with its partner remittance center, Digitel Remittance.  Participants who visited the co-branded Cebuana Lhuillier and Digitel booth received branded giveaways.

Earlier this year, Cebuana Lhuillier, also partnered with Digitel Remittance to celebrate the Araw ng Mga Pinoy event organized by ABS-CBN’s music radio station, MOR 101.9 at Ikeda Park, Nagoya, Japan, where Filipino celebrities Erik Santos and Sue Ramirez entertained the crowd. Attendees who registered in the co-branded Digitel and Cebuana Lhuillier booth received giveaways.

CLSC UAE-wide promo winners tour Armenia

Armenia – Twenty lucky Ka-Cebuanas from the United Arab Emirates won an all-expense paid trip to Armenia, through Cebuana Lhuillier’s latest promo, Da Best Ka Summer, together with Tag 91.1, the leading Filipino radio station in the UAE. Cebuana Lhuillier clients from the UAE who sent money to their loved ones in the Philippines during the summer months were qualified to join the promo.

 

During their 4 night, 3 day stay in Armenia, winners had a chance to visit tourist attractions such as the Mother Armenia Monument, Cafesjian Museum, Genocide Memorial, Republic Square, Underground Tavern, Mount Teghenis, Lake Sevan, Sevan Monastery, Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple. Cebuana Lhuillier representatives and Tag 91.1’s disc jockeys Chickay, Bob Kebab and DJ Blue Bird also joined the trip, as well as front liners from partner remittance centers like Al Falah Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Al Ghurair Exchange, and Index Exchange.

 

Through this promo, Cebuana Lhuillier aims to expand its presence and influence through its partners in the UAE, as well as to strengthen relationships with front line agents to improve the Cebuana Pera Padala transactions, in line with CLSC’s strategy and directive of its Senior Executive Vice President, Philippe Andre D. Lhuillier.

 

CORPORATE AGENT PARTNERS

  • ACTION.ABLE, INC.
  • ALL ACCESS GATEWAY INC.
  • ANTRECCO (AGUSAN DEL NORTE TEACHERS, RETIREES, EMPLOYEES & COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE)
  • ACM VIP
  • ALL CASH
  • AGRILIFE/ AGRIVET
  • ASENSO PINOY STORE, INC. (EASY DAY SHOP)
  • AVICOM ENTERPRISES
  • AYALA ALABANG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
  • BAUG CARP MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • BAGUIO BENGUET COOP
  • CARD BANK INC
  • CARD MRI RIZAL BANK INC
  • CARD SME BANK
  • CARITAS BANCO NG MASA, INC.
  • CEBU PEOPLE’S MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • CIS BAYAD CENTER, INC
  • COOPERATIVE BANK OF BOHOL, INC
  • COUNTRY BUILDERS BANK
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • AEON CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (VIA ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE INC.
  • ALPHA FUND SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMADEO WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • AMYA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC. AND FINANCING CORPORATION (LENDPINOY)
  • ANGAT WATER DISTRICT (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANGELES ELECTRIC COMPANY ANGELICUM SCHOOL , INC. ILOILO CITY (VIA ECPAY)
  • ANJELMAN REAL ESTATE LEASING
  • ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOP, INC ANTRECCO (BILLS PAYMENT)

OVER 600 BILLER PARTNERS NATIONWIDE

  • 123 FINANCE CORPORATION
  • 123 LENDING CORPORATION
  • 2C2P
  • 8AMC (VIA ECPAY)
  • ABEJO WATERS CORP.
  • ABRA
  • ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION
  • ACTIVE REALTY & DEVELOPMENT CORP.
  • ADA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (VIA ECPAY)
  • CREDIT SERVICE
  • AETERNITAS CHAPELS AND COLUMBARIUM (via ECPAY)
  • AFC SME FINANCE INC
  • AFTERWEST MICROLOANS INC
  • AGODA – DRAGONPAY
  • AGRIBANK
  • AGRO-INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION COLLEGE OF THE PHILS.
  • AGUSAN DEL NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • AIR YOU GO TRAVELS PHILIPPINES CO.
  • AKLAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
  • ALAMINOS CITY WATER DISTRICT (via ECPAY)
  • CREDENCE FINANCING, INC.
  • CURAMED PHARMACY
  • DALTON PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY INC.
  • DANIELA PAWNSHOP
  • DIRECT AGENT 5 (DA 5)
  • DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILS.
  • EXPRESSPAY INC.
  • EVRIJEM FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY REMITTANCE
  • FILHAI MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVE
  • GLOBAL PINOY REMITTANCE AND SERVICES (GPRS)
  • GEMARY PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY (CORP.)

List of Accepted Government/ Valid IDs

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
  • Police Clearance
  • Postal ID
  • Voter’s ID
  • Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
  • Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Senior Citizen’s ID
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
  • OFW ID
  • Seaman’s Book
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR)
  • Barangay Certificate or ID (with picture and signature)
  • Birth Certificate (applicable to minors only)
  • Firearm License
  • Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Marriage License
  • National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
  • New TIN ID
  • OWWA ID
  • Student ID
  • Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
  • Government Office or Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID (e.g. AFP ID, HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund) ID, etc.
  • Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID (IBP)
  • Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or IC (Insurance Commission)

IDs Accepted

As required by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), clients who engage in a financial transaction with covered institutions for the first time shall be required to present the original and submit a clear copy of at least ONE (1) valid photo-bearing identification document issued by an official authority. For our clients’ convenience, Cebuana no longer requires submission of the photocopied ID. IDs are captured using a webcam in all branches. Clients are also required to submit an updated photo and other relevant information whenever the need for it arises.

Forms of identification accepted are the following;

Pawn Accepted IDs
1. Passport
2. Driver’s License
3. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5. Police Clearance
6. Postal ID
7. Voter’s ID
8. Philippine Identification (PhilID) card
9. Social Security System (SSS) Card / Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
10. Barangay Certification
11. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
12. Senior Citizen Card
13. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
14. OFW ID
15. Seaman’s Book
16. Alien Certification of Registration/Immigrant Certificate of Registration (for foreigners)
17. Government Office and GOCC ID, e.g., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP ID)
18. Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF ID)
19. Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
20. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
21. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
22. Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission or Insurance Commission
23. ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)