Host and former volleyball star Gretchen Ho took to social media after one of her relatives was denied a foreign currency exchange in Oslo, Norway—allegedly because they came from the Philippines.
In her post, Ho said her family member was attempting to convert around 300 US dollars, or roughly ₱20,000, at the airport’s foreign exchange counter when the incident occurred.
“One of our family members traveling abroad got denied at the foreign exchange counter in Oslo, Norway,” Ho wrote.
She added that the staff explained the rejection was linked to the Philippines’ reputation for corruption and money laundering. “Lady at the counter goes—‘You came from the Philippines? We cannot exchange your dollars because of the corruption and money laundering in the Philippines,’” Ho shared. The staff then reportedly advised them to find another exchange facility outside the airport.
After posting about the incident, Ho received comments from other users confirming similar experiences. One netizen even called Loomis Valutaveksling, the currency exchange outlet at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and said the establishment confirmed the restriction applies to travelers with Philippine passports who reside in the Philippines.
“Just called Loomis valutaveksling located at the arrival terminal of Oslo Gardermoen airport and they confirm that this is true,” the commenter said.
While some explained that Norway follows strict EU and NATO anti–money laundering regulations, Ho expressed confusion, pointing out that the Philippines was removed from the European Union’s high-risk list in August. She said she intends to raise the issue with the Philippine Embassy in Norway.
As of press time, Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fo has not yet issued a statement.
