Andrew Boyett-Camp

A mute point. But obviously bear in mind that once you’re married you will ‘jointly & severally’ become liable for any debts/incumbrances that are subsequently incurred. I.e. she can take out loans and upon default - They can ... Read More

Yes. That’s an ‘advantage’ - I’m on about the comments saying ‘do NOT get married in Philippines’,etc... Read More

I don’t really understand the logic of “Don’t get married here in the Philippines”? What’s the difference? The Philippines accepts divorces of Filipino’s married to foreigners - so what are people implying is the ... Read More

Lasvegan is correct. Foreigner has to visit French Embassy in Philippines and swear an oath in person. Alternatively it can be done at Philippines Embassy in FRANCE. Original post did not state if married before. If divorced previously then you ... Read More

I have recently gone through the process of legal separation. My (senior Filipino family lawyer) assures me that although legally separated, this is a ‘joint legal separation’ that is signed by both parties and is therefore by mutual ... Read More

Yep. Can't argue with that. Apart from the inevitable inheritance risks of (i) young & foolish (ii) gold-digging 'extended family' coming begging at their door. But that is pure conjecture and hypothesis. Read More

And not ONE mention about retribution for the thieving brother... VERY forgiving. :unsure Read More

Hi Glen, Although I am British, I have several US friends here in Clark. I am married to a Filipino and have a family here. At your age there are a few ways you can live in the Philippines permanently, so all that can be sorted out. It is not hard ... Read More

:offtopic: I appreciate what you say, but the reason why "there are people who tell you that you cannot own land in the Philippines is because...." Legally - you CANNOT! That is a [basic] fundamental truth. Sure, you can setup a shell ... Read More

For what it's worth. A Yaya/Maid in Angeles City gets paid approx. 3500PHP per month for the first 1-2 months, rising to 4,000PHP - 5000PHP thereafter. 1 day off a week, sometimes only 2 days off a month (dependent upon generosity of ... Read More

It's all relative to age, health, lifestyle. You can't hear the waves in the Swiss Alps. You don't get a cool mountain breeze on a beach. Your house can slide down a mountain, your house can fall into the sea. Bear with me...it may get ... Read More

I agree that Samaruk needs to be more specific, as the Philippines is very large and diverse. I do not find comments like "safe? = nowhere" constructive. This applies to every country in the world. Thinking like that - you may as well go ... Read More

TeeJay has 'upped the anti' and of course is quite correct in stating the issue of earthquakes, which needs to be seriously considered. I got the impression the original post leant more towards the cost of quality materials and the ... Read More

1. Return flight 2. Itinerary (hotel reservations or letter of invitation from resident) 3. Travel insurance 4. No previous over-stay or derogatory record (including criminal) 5. Proof of income/funding for your stay. If under 21 (I am not exactly ... Read More

Very, very good advice from Peter Clark, and something you wouldn't necessarily think about. I guess you could also argue that 'open plan' designs are much harder to keep cool - as the 'volume' of space requiring cooling is that ... Read More

Yes for .PH but no other ASEAN country (like popular Thailand etc.) And it makes me laugh that no commonwealth countries are listed for the annual indexation. Hmm......! Read More

If he does not need to 'check-in' luggage for the connecting flight (same airline for connecting flight) then he does NOT need a transit visa. If he needs to collect luggage and check-in for the connecting flight (using different airline ... Read More

Logic would also dictate that the last thing you would wish to do is encumber your poor daughter with Filipino inheritance law upon your demise. I personally wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy! :dumbom: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) ... Read More

YES! Additionally, if you were going to effectively 'tie up' the capital in a house anyway - you might consider setting up a simple TRUST in Sweden, with your daughter as sole beneficiary upon your demise. If anything like UK law, a TRUST ... Read More

Coming from Canada you are likely going to fly into Manila, so whilst in this manic metropolis you may as well see a bit of it (allow 3 days) - there are some historical sights, but in the main, dependent upon your length of stay I would suggest ... Read More

Q: A: Fly into Dublin or be a "transit passenger" in the UK (say, Heathrow) and don't leave the airport/exit immigration and 'connect' to a Dublin/Southern Ireland flight. NB: UK is England, Scotland, Wales, NORTHERN Ireland. Read More

Outside of Manila/Cebu/Davao you are unlikely to encounter any type of 'formal' gathering (black tie). Leave that to the "Champagne Charlies".. If its hot & dry = Sandals, shorts, t-shirts If its hot & wet = Sandals, ... Read More

Australian Pension paid Net of Basic Rate Tax (deducted at source). No further liability to additional [Australian] tax, unless you have additional high earnings in Australia or you have a more complicated set of unique circumstances? The ... Read More

This is always a dilemma. Maids/Yaya's come and go. Anyone educated isn't going to want to be a Yaya. Single - they probably won't be for long. Married or older - they will always have 'baggage' of some sort. There is good ... Read More

Life's not perfect. Nowhere is perfect. As the Philippines is the pourer cousin to other neighbouring countries - your average Filipino remains charmingly humble. They are also realistic, hard working and (outside of the 'jet-set') a ... Read More

Yes. Always. And on death - foreigners should appreciate that the 'owner' (typically filipino wife/partner) will continue to be the owner (and/or proportionally with any filipino children etc.) Quite straightforward really. I chuckle when ... Read More

I am not sure how possible it will be for you to open a local account before you (quote) "move here". Other's might be able to guide you on that - but I don't think it is easy (for foreigners) until they have established a ... Read More

I have found TransferWise to be great, cheap and efficient. There is no currency spread on FX and set fees are very low. As with any new Bank Account. Set it up with the minimum and never transfer significant sums until you have changed the generic ... Read More

:offtopic: My sincere wish would be for 'eligible' foreigners (married, long term expat residents and those with families here etc. etc.) to be permitted to purchase ONE plot (or plots) up to a limited size. Either anywhere or in special ... Read More

Not sure about 'prenuptial' agreements for any worldwide assets (they are only barely recognised in the UK - unlike in the USA) but certainly there are ways to implement a legal contract between all parties in some manner, for peace of mind ... Read More

:offtopic: So, a bit like the Gurkhas not receiving war pensions from the UK when they were recognised as UK Citizens when they were fighting/dying for Great Britain - but when it came to 'payback' they were forgotten about! Thanks to Joanna ... Read More

Additional note for UK Expats. Although I have not checked recently for any amendment; however small it might be, the last time I checked, the UK Widows Pension payment is not paid to UK Citizens with 'overseas' spouses i.e. spouses who do ... Read More

Hello again everyone! Makati [Manila] has pretty much everything in terms of representation from other countries. Like any capital city, there will be a Greek/Greek style eatery, bar or small community present. Crime fears are over-cooked (IMHO) ... Read More

Totally agree with the vast majority of mikenjane' post [above]. Tax, graft, red tape has crippled the Philippines - with the 1%ers raping & pillaging the country to its knees. In doing so, keeping the average citizen well and truly in ... Read More

My own research on Health Insurance scared the life out of me! (pun intended) haha... Whilst you are [relatively] young and fit I found cover/premiums OK. However, pre-existing medical issue exclusions and cover ceasing at ages when you need it ... Read More

1. As the poster is currently living in the USA, some caution should be exercised and it would be prudent to defer commitment until they return and/or have a very competent and trustworthy person to oversee any immediate project (good luck with that ... Read More

:offtopic: I was a BREXIT 'leaver' too. Short term pain - long term gain... (IMHO) I would say 'in a nutshell' but that's being very simplistic (and of course any current law(s) could be changed retrospectively)) but I guess, IF ... Read More

100% agree with you there my friend! Catch it, cook it, eat it. Red wine, olives, olive oil, vine leaves, Kleftiko , Stafado (excuse spelling) more meat and even more meat.... Did I mention the tasty meat? HEAVEN :thanks: Read More

Yes that is a very fair statement "Fred". I agree that many websites/forums can be stacked full of irrelevant 'chit-chat' and nonsense or 'entertainment' as you quite observably quoted - (that did make me chuckle) :lol: ... Read More

That doesn't surprise me Filchub. I've not met many Greeks outside of Greece! When you think about it.... Nice weather, great food, family orientated catholic society (in the main), passionate people... very easy to see why the majority of ... Read More

Right then - now we've got that cleared-up, I'm off for a drive..... http://thestagnantfilipino.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Gridlock-In-Manila.jpg Read More

Oh yes! Yummy yummy....http://www.lifetasteslikefood.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/greek-salad-topview.jpg Read More

Nope - I see my understand is wrong Jim. They are BOTH referred to as ACR-I Cards - just that the "wording" for the persons status will be different. I stand [sit] corrected. I shan't delete my post (just in case it helps others) ... Read More

YES you are indeed correct. Well I never. I've learnt something new today!! Thank you. I see Southern Ireland has "opted-out" of Schengen and operates its own immigration/visa requirements. Still worth noting the advice regarding no ... Read More

I think we'll get dizzy if we keep on going around in circles :huh: Your info on the driving licence, formalities and validity of licences is surely correct. Yep. No issues there whatsoever. And indeed any clarification of the finer points is ... Read More

I concur that the vast majority of Filipinos are extremely welcoming, tolerant and respect the values you have listed as being important to you. Well, they are basic human needs and should be important to everyone! Unfortunately racism rears its ... Read More

My, my. Someones' done their research haven't they! :one Yes of course if you are a budding James Cameron you will require expansive memory to document your exploits [chuckle chuckle] :heart: GPS meta data footprint... I can hear the ... Read More

I think that some of the problem is now down to dilution? In that I mean there are so many expat forums online - which one to use? Years ago you only had a handful of websites for expats. The trend nowadays seems to lean towards bespoke/specific ... Read More

That's all well and good... But WHO with any reasonable amount of education is going to be happy as a maid? Really? I think not..... GOOD TIP (Above): Everyone needs to ensure their maid/yaya is registered and you pay SSS - or you'll have ... Read More

Please don't accuse me of being 'petty' as that's not my intention.... Obviously ensure: Schengen Visa for SOUTHERN Ireland. UK Visa for NORTHERN Ireland And fly directly to Southern Ireland as you cannot travel ... Read More

Yes. But surely everyone has to get ACR first, irrespective of whether you 'upgrade' to ACR-I afterwards as a longer-stay non-immigrant? In your post you said the guy applied for ACR-I [from tourist status], but surely he applied for ACR ... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Good idea, We will be looking for one next trip around the electronics store and the largest capacity SD memory card the unit will handle. JimGood. Very wise. ... Read More

*** GOLDEN RULE *** Irrespective of which country you are researching; by the time you've figured out pension legislation - it will change (expert one minute - novice the next!) :o I was to receive my State Pension at 65. Now it's 68.5. ... Read More

...And there was me thinking 'balikbayan' was a term used for dismantling Harley Davidson's, sending the parts to the Philippines, reassembling the bike and driving it around on "for registration" plates for the rest of its ... Read More

Yes, Cignal is definitely very good/sharp and the 'go to' satellite TV provider. Of course the laws of physics will dictate how it works (or not) in a storm - but Cignal does a pretty good job coping for sure :) When we lived on the beach ... Read More

That is really draconian! It's like the Australian government is actively discouraging marriage AND discriminating against it. How on earth did they get that law through parliament without a revolt? And there was me [as a Brit/Pom] thinking ... Read More

I wish there were MORE Greek's in the Philippines - especially ones that can cook!!! Greek food is delicious and oh, soooo nice :) Now I am feeling really hungry :( Read More

PLEASE NOTE: Your UK Basic State Pension(BSP) can be paid anywhere in the world - that's not a problem. Likewise the Philippines has a reciprocal tax treaty with the UK, so your pension will not incur 'double taxation'. HOWEVER: For ... Read More

______________________________________________________________________________________ Regarding the ACR-I identification card. 7 days prior to the expiration of his 59 day tourist Visa. My friend went to a BI satellite office in a Robinsons mall ... Read More

I certainly applaud Peter [Clark] for organising a regular expat meet up. And it's nice to learn that it's successful. I think my view is somewhat tainted being based in Angeles City. Lots of expats of course - but many are transient, ... Read More

datjo - Who is wrong and about which part in particular? I have ascertained [from others here and elsewhere] that a foreigner can inherit land from a deceased spouse (filipino spouse that is, which applies in my case) and as I have a 50/50 ... Read More

If you are here purely on a tourist visa then the international driving licence is OK - until you are here for any extended period and need to register under ACR. Then [I believe] you also need to get a .PH driving license too (which would concur ... Read More

Yes, I know of one classic example here where I live. Although the foreigner was the wife of a filipino husband. No will, one dead son, living daughter and grandson living from the deceased son... Its an absolute nightmare (no Will). Widow lives in ... Read More

Indeed - "The Laws of Succession" apply (dependent upon any living/surviving parents, children, grandchildren of the deceased wife) Husband would inherit 100% (or 50% if other heirs) - unless a Will wrote-out specific heirs for whatever ... Read More

This statement is technically incorrect. A foreigner can indeed own 100% of a business - but only if it is in an Enterprise/Freeport Zone. BE CAREFUL Your work permit is not "generic". It is specific to your [current] job. It is NOT ... Read More

Nowadays - a better question is "Best Internet Service". It is easy to live-stream UK TV (an other English speaking networks) just as long as your internet connect is at least 1.5Mbps. When living in Negros I achieved this 80% of the time ... Read More

CORRECT! All this crap about a foreigner being able to inherit land from a deceased spouse is also rubbish. Law specifically states that a foreigner must sell the inherited property within 6 months (to fully benefit from the proceeds - and only if ... Read More

This is an interesting thread. Although I am from the UK, I thought I would join-in for clarification on the Australian rules (as much of the system is very similar to the UK - obviously!) In the UK a 'spouse's pension' is a lot less ... Read More

EXACTLY! Photoshop & Illustrator 'paints' a picture of paradise that simply does not exist (IMHO). Although property developers will insist otherwise :) haha... I nearly spent $600,000 (USD) on a huge condo in Cebu 6 years ago. I ... Read More

I've just posted a new Topic about Cebu (Cebu - What's all the fuss about?") and you seem to reiterate my thoughts. I just don't get it? Feel free to comment on the topic and/or message me privately with your thoughts/experience(s) ... Read More

I have sent you a Private Message. Andrew Read More

Unlike many other successful networking expat communities around the globe (InterNations is an example) even they are constantly on the lookout for new 'organisers' in the Philippines. I think much has to do with the spread-out nature of ... Read More

It is VERY difficult to remain impartial about this topic as there are so many pitfalls. 1. When you say 'boyfriend' have you ever met him or is it an online only relationship? 2. If he is working in Kuwait, will he need to work in the ... Read More

I agree with most of the comments here, they are sensible precautions.... When you move house/live in a new area, whilst it is wise to be 'selective' when making new friends, you should be careful to not appear elitist. We moved to Amlan ... Read More

Oh, and if you drive for any prolonged period of time definitely invest in a forward-facing HD Vehicle camera (about $100 for a quality one) that can record everything that goes on in front of you. As a general rule of thumb, as a ... Read More

Jim raises a very valid point. I would go as far as saying that if the owner/vehicle is NOT covered by fully comprehensive insurance (any driver) - DON'T drive it. The basic insurance is NOT GOOD ENOUGH, and accidents are very ... Read More

Sanjayh is correct. All this mumbo jumbo 'chatter' (see above) is legally bypassed by ensuring the 60% do not hold any titles and sign-over voting rights to you (the minority 40%). This way, legally they OWN 60% but YOU control the company ... Read More

No problem Rod. I do have some experience as I have done it myself (from US and UK) and I have lived in the Philippines for some time. Although it is merely a 'general rule of thumb' LBC attracts FAR LESS attention from .PH customs than most ... Read More

Hi Jim, I concur. Especially with the "if you want it quick - you're going to have to pay" part :) When using US Post much will depend on the invoice/shipping data provided. If that is kept to a 'minimum value' (hint hint) ... Read More

Forget most of the rubbish posted here on this thread. It is ill-informed and useless claptrap. 1. Amazon (and/or associated companies/affiliates) are NOT liable to ensure safe delivery in the Philippines [FACT] 2. Import TAX is due and is ... Read More

Good luck! Have you factored-in Capital Gains Tax? Sales Tax? Outstanding Subd. fees? And remember - you need to be IN THE PHILIPPINES to oversea any property build/referb. Attempting to do it from abroad is fraught with danger. WAKE UP! If it was ... Read More

This question has already been asked elsewhere. Please check the forum before posting duplicate questions! There is a lot of feedback from users on the other thread... Good luck! Read More

I agree with @gonta - sensible advice. 100K PHP is not much to start a business and in general - the best advice - do NOTHING until you have (1) decided where to live and (2) you have done lots and lots of business research and a feasibility study - ... Read More

IMHO it is NOT realistic to retire anywhere in Asia with savings of only £35K. Living off of the Basic State Pension is 'doable' but remember - if you become an expat you will in all likelihood relinquish your rights to FREE NHS Care ... Read More

You can set up a company and retain power of attorney to cease others having a controlling interest. This is common. More paperwork, and you should include a 'lifetime trust' but it is possible to protect your interests. You can lease-back ... Read More

Well THAT'S one of the most ambiguous replies I've read in a long time! (And from a "Professor" too :) ) If buying, building, owning or conducting property transactions were indeed easy for expats in the Philippines - then there ... Read More

Dear wjwoodward. It takes a strong person to put his/her hands up and admit they did something wrong or acted improperly, so I take my hat off to you my friend! None of us are perfect and I for one have made plenty of mistakes as well as good ... Read More

No easy. Customs clearance documentation and import/export licensing is tricky. Perhaps contact some companies in the Clark/Subic Freeport Zones that may have established Ph./Vietnam relationships? Read More

Yes Whitty being able to change your IPN via a proxy server is the way to cheat the system etc. It is also very easy to do using Firefox for those who don't have (or have issues with) the privacy of Google Chrome. Works well for BBC iPlayer for ... Read More

Difficult to "island hop & move around" if you've committed to buying a house and end up with the neighbors from hell.! If you're asking what properties you need to build - you dont really know your market do you Mr hobby ... Read More

Yes declare everything on the inventory to avoid custom declaration issues. "Intermovers" is a great company in Kuala Lumpur who ship many things to the Philippines and also helped out when the last big Typhoon hit Phils. Run by an English ... Read More