How to Create a Paypal Account?

Paypal is one of the most popular payment platforms used worldwide. It's secured, fast and convenient. It may not be the best in terms of fees and conversion rates but it gives us flexibility since most clients and business require this form of payment method. 

If you are just starting as a freelancer, business or affiliate marketer, then you may be required to have a Paypal account. Here's how you can create a Paypal account and withdraw money from it as a Philippine user. 

Step #1: Sign up at https://www.paypal.com for FREE. 

Step # 2:  Make sure to sign-up for a PERSONAL account. Select “Buy with Paypal” 
** Personal accounts are recommended since it's less complicated (no business documents required.) You may need to upgrade to a business account if you are receiving a large amount of money frequently. 

Step # 3:  Enter your information such as Name, Email address (This will be your Paypal email address) and Password. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER


Make sure that the name on your PayPal account matches your bank account name. 

Step # 4:  Verify your Paypal Account by entering your credit and debit card number. (Optional but required if you want to make withdrawals) 

Verification increases the security of our payment network for sellers and buyers. Verification gives PayPal additional evidence of a member's identity and lets others know that you have completed this process. You can use your credit card, debit card, or your bank account to verify your PayPal account. When your account is verified, the withdrawal limit on your PayPal account will be lifted. Account holders become Verified when they complete our verification process.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please keep in mind that linking your credit card or bank account has two purposes. 

• To verify your Paypal account
• For withdrawals or receiving money

In the Philippines, here are our suggested options on what to link to your Paypal account

Option # 1: Your Existing Credit Card + Savings Account. 

• Please note that credit cards cannot be used for withdrawals. This means that you also have to link your existing bank account or savings account so, you can get your money. 
• We really do not suggest this option for security reasons. 

Option # 2: BPI Prepaid Debit Card + Savings Account

• If you don't have an existing credit then you might want to consider getting a prepaid card through BPI. Click this link for more details. 
• Just like the first option, prepaid debit cards cannot be used for withdrawals thus, you still need to link your existing bank account or savings account. 
• This may entail additional expense to get a BPI Prepaid Card (approx Php 450) 

Option # 3: GCASH Mastercard

• The GCash Mastercard is a reloadable prepaid card linked to a GCash wallet that can be used to shop at stores that accept Mastercard payment. You can also use this card to withdraw money from GCash.
• We're currently using this option since you can use this card both for verification and withdrawals. 
• They also have a feature that allows you to link your Paypal account to your GCASH account and get your money real-time. 
• If you still do not have a GCASH account, you may create one here and get a Php 50 bonus as a new user. Sign up here: https://gcsh.app/r/r7p8nsm

Option # 4: Unionbank EON

• The EON VISA Debit Card is UnionBank's Internet-based deposit account that you can also use for verification and withdrawals. 
• You can get one from any Unionbank branches, Lazada and 7/11 stores. 
• For more details about the EON card, you may visit their website.

And once you have verified your Paypal account, you're good to go! 

Disclaimer: Terms and Conditions of use may be subject to change without notice. We are no way liable or responsible for any transactions that will be made using this platform. 

Road Trip: Manila to Bacolod

When Val and I relocated to Bacolod to say goodbye to the crazy pollution, endless traffic, and fast-paced Metro Manila life, I admit it was not easy. Moving away meant we are letting go of our current jobs and the many opportunities that we have in  Manila. Not to mention that we'll be missing our friends and loved ones too. 

But hey, we are so ready to take our married life to the next level and get ready for a new adventure! 

Our whole new adventure starts with our "epic" journey. It is the longest land trip I have ever taken. Normally, it should take you 18-20 hours only however, Val and I made a lot of stops thus, our trip was a bit longer than usual. 

We left around 12:30am bound for Batangas via SLEX and Star Tollways. We wanted to leave a bit late to avoid the traffic in EDSA since we're from way up North. We arrived at the Batangas port around 4:00am but we were late for the RORO trip and waited for the next one at 5am. While waiting, we just decided to have some breakfast. 

We left Batangas port around 5:30am bound for Calapan, Mindoro. It was actually the best time to travel since we are in the middle of the sea during sunrise, Watching the sunrise was a liberating experience as it marked the beginning of our new adventure. 

Even Crumpy enjoyed the trip since you can feel the wind brushing against your skin.

We arrived at Calapan Port around 8:30am and we are up for another 3-hour drive going to Roxas City port. This is our first time in this place and honestly, do not have any idea where to go. Our game plan was just to follow the signs (which was sufficient and very helpful) plus our handy google maps. The road condition is good. Kudos to the nautical highway project! 

We passed several small towns and stopped for drinks and gas along the way. 

We reached Roxas City port around 11:30am but unfortunately, the next RORO bound for Caticlan will leave by 3:30pm. I guess that means we have ample time to rest and eat before the next trip. Since we barely know the place, we opted to have lunch at Andok's (quite a popular food establishment in Metro Manila and Visayas) and we had a simple rice and bbq meal. Andok's is just very near the port. 

During our trip, the sun was scorching hot and we felt really uneasy. So, Val and I decided to use the port's shower room for Php 20.00/head and that was really helpful. 

Our trip from Roxas to Caticlan was quite long (approximately 5 hours) via Montenegro Shipping Lines. We were already tired and sleepy but had no place to really rest. It was actually very crowded, especially in the canteen area. Anyway,  Val and I decided to stay on the uppermost part of the ship.

We are were also very lucky to see the beautiful sunset in the later part of the trip.

We arrived in Caticlan around 8:30pm and we decided to stay overnight there. Unfortunately, all hotels and inns are fully booked because of the APEC Summit and we did not have any reservations. We tried to ask a few locals for suggestions and they recommended that we travel all the way to Kalibo proper to get a room.

It took us approximately 2 hours to get to Kalibo. The roads are too dark and no light posts are available. There wasn't any signage on the road (unlike the ones in Mindoro.) On the brighter side, there were checkpoints and PNP outposts every 1 km because of the APEC Summit. So, at least we were able to ask for directions every now and then.

You would know that you have reached Kalibo once you pass by the famous Kalibo bridge. Unfortunately, I was so tired and it was dark that we weren't able to take pictures. We were lucky enough to find a pet-friendly inn immediately during the night. I made a separate review of the inn, here.

Thank God we were able to rest from that super long trip! We've been awake for more than 24 hours already. :) 

Around 10pm the next day, we decided to continue the drive going to Dumangas port. It is best to travel during the day because the roads are quite confusing with all the turns and no signages. You'll be able to pass by Capiz before you reach Iloilo. We actually had lunch in Capiz since there's a Mang Inasal and Deco's in Mambusao proper.

We reached Dumangas port around 3PM and did not expect the problem getting into the RORO. Apparently, one of the ships of Montenegro broke down and Tristar would need a reservation a day before. Our only chance is cancellations of reserved slots or no-shows.

We spent the afternoon chatting with other travelers and I can say we had made friends along the way. We learned that some of them have been there for a week but can't get their trucks on board because it's fully booked. Just like us, they are on the waitlist. Being on the waitlist, not only means "first come first served" but they are also considering the size of your vehicle. We got lucky and got on board around 8:00pm and then finally, arrived in Bacolod around 11:30pm.

About the fees and expenses, here's what we actually paid (prices as of May 2015)

Toll Fee ( SLEX)  - Php 164.00 + 96.00
Toll Fee ( Star Tollways) - Php 67.00

Batangas Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
Additional Passenger (Terminal) - Php 30.00
RORO Fee via Asian Marine (Batangas - Calapan) - Php 1,440.00

Roxas Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
Toll Fee (Roxas City) - Php 50.00
Coast Guard Fee - Php 20.00
Entrance Fee - Php 30.00
RORO Fee via Montenegro (Roxas - Caticlan) - Php 3,840.00
Additional Passenger (RORO) - Php 408.00

Dumangas Port Roro Terminal Fee - Php 129.00
RORO Fee via Tristar - Php 800.00

Bacolod/BREDCO Terminal Fee - Php 375.50

Well, it was costly and tiring but the experience is all worth it. Indeed, it was "our adventure of a lifetime." 

If you would like to get a copy of the screenshots of the map we used, then send us a message. Planning your next road trip or have any questions, just leave a comment below.  

UPDATE: I lost my hard drive and no longer have access to the screenshots of the maps. However, if you have questions, just send me a message. Have a great and safe trip! :)