Sending flowers internationally (to the Philippines)

[paulri]

Wifey went to the Philippines to deal with unexpected death in the family, and I'd rather not ship something big & bulky for Christmas. She does like flowers, so I want to have someone there get her a nice bouquet.

Has anyone used FTD or any other service to have flowers delivered to someone in another country?

 

[GON]

Wifey went to the Philippines to deal with unexpected death in the family, and I'd rather not ship something big & bulky for Christmas. She does like flowers, so I want to have someone there get her a nice bouquet.

Has anyone used FTD or any other service to have flowers delivered to someone in another country?

Sorry for your Wife's loss.

Where in the Philippines is the grieving family?

 

[paulri]

Cebu.

 

[GON]

Cebu.

Cebu is a large city, well over 3 million people. Flowers are a great and universally known gesture as a peaceful recognition of someone passing. Issue in the Philippines is the challenges of an order actually being fulfilled and fulfilled to expectations.

How are the grieving family's finances? Would a monetary gesture carry more significance and comfort than flowers by chance?

 

[paulri]

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my OP. We have already sent a financial gift to the grieving family; what I want to do is send something to my wife, to tide her over (so to speak) till she gets back and I can get her a more substantial Christmas present.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I’ve wired flowers to Bermuda without trouble. I’m positive it will work in Cebu. Try to use a recognizable name.

 

[paulri]

I’ve wired flowers to Bermuda without trouble. I’m positive it will work in Cebu. Try to use a recognizable name.

FTD says they can do it. They are about as recognizable as any, I suppose. Have you used any other companies?

 

[berniedd]

Why not use a Cebu based outfit that advertises on the web and accepts credit card payments?

 

[GON]

Why not use a Cebu based outfit that advertises on the web and accepts credit card payments?

It might be prudent to not provide a credit card to a Philippines based enterprise, be legitimate or fraudulent. Even bank ATMs in bank facilities are known to be regularly fitted with skim and like devices in the Philippines.

There is a reason in the Philippines that a server in a restaurant is not typically allowed to process a credit card transaction.

 

[awguy]

I've gone on-line and used flower services in another far off country. Paid with PayPal. Delivered locally.

 

[Snagglefoot]

FTD says they can do it. They are about as recognizable as any, I suppose. Have you used any other companies?

I’d vote for FTD, but we happened to know the name of the local flower shop ( not FTD) and went through their website.

 

[Nick1994]

Look on Google Maps for a nearby flower shop. Find them on Facebook and send them a message. Or on WhatsApp.

Flowers and that sort of thing are more from street vendors who don’t have websites etc.

The people in the Philippines are incredibly friendly. Feel free to chat with other nearby businesses I’m sure they can help point you in the right direction.

 

[GON]

Look on Google Maps for a nearby flower shop. Find them on Facebook and send them a message. Or on WhatsApp.

Flowers and that sort of thing are more from street vendors who don’t have websites etc.

The people in the Philippines are incredibly friendly. Feel free to chat with other nearby businesses I’m sure they can help point you in the right direction.

Lots of incredibly friendly people in Nigeria and Romania also. Don't mistake incredibly friendly with expectations to get what one thinks they are paying for, or worse in numerous parts of the world.

 

[K2K2]

It might be prudent to not provide a credit card to a Philippines based enterprise, be legitimate or fraudulent. Even bank ATMs in bank facilities are known to be regularly fitted with skim and like devices in the Philippines.

There is a reason in the Philippines that a server in a restaurant is not typically allowed to process a credit card transaction.

Agreed!


Try 1-800-flowers. I know a couple people that worked for them. US based, and they'll deliver to the Philippines.

 

[alarmguy]

Cebu.

We sent flowers many times by ordering direct from online local florists in Manilla. Actually the first one we chose we stayed with for years. Always were happy with the flowers.

One year even a small decorated table top Christmas tree when we heard the one they had was becoming to much of an effort for them to put up. That I might have choose a different place to order from. I can’t remember.

Found them by doing an online search.
Cebu, I’m sure may have many too.

Ps. It’s silly to worry about using your credit card. Gosh I hate that thinking we are so superior to other countries and cultures is why I say that.

Examples-
To search - cebu florist philippines
- cebu ph online florists
- flower shop in cebu with delivery

 

[paulri]

I'll look up local shops, but I won't use them if they don't take paypal. Anyways, I can always compare what they are promising, and for how much, to what FTD is offering. If I can get a local florist that is near the address I need them sent to, I just might pull the trigger on that.

 

[alarmguy]

I'll look up local shops, but I won't use them if they don't take paypal. Anyways, I can always compare what they are promising, and for how much, to what FTD is offering. If I can get a local florist that is near the address I need them sent to, I just might pull the trigger on that.

Why PayPal and not a credit card?

Im not sure how many realize that you are not responsible for charges on your charge card if you didnt make them. Click to dispute charge and you are done. You dont have to prove anything. Much of the public does not understand that. If you didnt charge it, you arent responsible, end of story. It's that simple, a card company would have to prove it was you that made the charge.

Not only that, but more secure using a credit card as far as I am concerned. Because credit card companies are not going to be processing payments from known criminals. It's really easy stuff, not debating or arguing just explaining for those who do not know.

But anyway... good luck. Keep in mind, it's not the dark ages in the Philippines. The malls and shopping centers there make the USA look like a third world country instead of peoples view of the Philippines.

True story, kind of funny. I remember DECADES ago 1995 ish buying computer stuff online, even those big heavy CRT monitors. Great deals... my own family members would call me crazy for giving out credit cards numbers online... and I am like, why? To this day, people still think there is a danger using their credit card and it's the safest form of payment as far as I am concerned. How you say? I no understand You dont owe money on things you dont buy, simple as that. Card gets stolen? Numbers get stolen? Who cares? that is Master Card, Visa, Amex or Discovers problem, not yours. They will send you out a new card with new numbers ASAP.

 

[Vil_Riker]

Why not use a Cebu based outfit that advertises on the web and accepts credit card payments?

The US based credit card issuer may not allow a foreign transaction. I have faced numerous issues with American banks so unless OP has WISE or REVOLUT it is going to be difficult. FTD likely contracts with a local independent shop so some of the money will likely benefit the local economy.

 

[kenny91]

Sending flowers abroad is such a headache, especially with FTD fees. Plus, they never look like the picture. So instead I’ve started gifting silk pieces from Silks Are Forever since they don't mess up. They offer international shipping, but keep in mind it’s not as straightforward as domestic, so you should probably reach out to them to see how long it takes to reach the PH.