Navajo52

Hi Again W9XR, No problem with a long post so far as I know. It sounds like you have a pretty good system for getting most things done here. It's just crazy how big a difference there is in most things, including banking between here and back ... Read More

Well I won't being doing ACR instead a 1 year Balikbayan Stamp on the passport. Do you know if that will affect SSi's decision to send to a foreign bank? thx - SteveHi Steve, No, your visa type should have no effect on your SS or SDI ... Read More

Howdy and welcome There are as far as I know only two ways to handle the check cashing. One would be to have the check reissued in your name only or If you know someone here with a large enough business and that knows you. Have that person cash the ... Read More

Best way is electronic deposits to an approved Philippine bank after you get here and have your required ACR card from immigration. That way your SS is automatically deposited in your required US dollar Social Security account. The bank will ... Read More

Howdy Again, Actually my wife is the one that is good with the cash and to follow a good budget. The kids are great and surprisingly for a guy that never liked kids, they are the greatest joy in my life. I am sure that where you plan to move you ... Read More

Sorry sport simply stay where you are. Oz foods are safe probably no different to most western countries, even your own. You want safe food? Go the hard yards, taste, experience then report, or die. Filipino food though at times boring offers ... Read More

Howdy Glenlita, First, If you need a bank account here you will need an ACR card issued by immigration. Same to get a drivers license so that means renewing your visitors visa every three months or so and that costs. As others have said here, ... Read More

Yep, same thing up here close to Angeles. I was at SM Clark yesterday with my wife. She went looking in stores and I took a break and sat at a restaurant in a hallway. Many other people from other countries but none making eye contact or ... Read More

As you may or may not know, the groundwater in the Philippines is not potable unless purified or boiled long enough to be pure. As a result vegetables and fruits grown at or close to ground level have to potential to make you sick as will drinking ... Read More

Hi Peter, Most open markets are pretty good but for sanitary conditions as presented in stores back home I'd suggest the grocery stores in large shopping malls. After you are here for a while you'll locate smaller stores and shops that will ... Read More

I've lived here for just over 15 years and do notice the same thing but only in the tourist areas such as Manila and Angeles City. The ""tourists" that visit the Angeles City area for the most part are not here to visit with other ... Read More

Yes, makes no difference if all pages are blank or if the passport pages are almost full. Their only interest is that you have a valid passport--period. Read More

Hi Sis, The only place I can think of would be the American VFW post. Not an expat group as such but mostly a lot of retired military spend time there. You do not have to be a member to use the restaurant etc there and might be a good idea to get ... Read More

The first time I came to the Philippines my passport was brand new and had never been used. In fact, it was my first passport. There was no problem on entry or exit. Only passport requirement is that you have at least six (6) months left on your ... Read More

You are very welcome Sis and hope it will help. I'm not sure there are many here from your country but there are many other expats from other countries that should make good friends and help you in getting settled here if you are going to ... Read More

Hi and welcome to the forum. Hope you are able to locate people here that are from your home country. Doing so helps in adjusting to life in a new country. If you have no luck here on the fourm you might try contacting the Iranian Embassy in Manila. ... Read More

Hi Navajo! No worries, I am on several other forums as well, same screen name on all of them. ;) I have spent a total of about 10 weeks there over the past 11 months. Certainly not long enough to get totally familiar but, I am a quick study and ... Read More

Yes, I’ve read that. I would much prefer to simply fly under the radar and stay out of any and all hassles. Marriage seems to definitely have it’s advantages but, I’m not even close to being to the point of marriage yet. I will ... Read More

You got that right. Here's another one for fun. Suppose I have just my US license and I get stopped six months after arrival here. So I tell them I arrived on Tuesday of last week? Police (PNP) are not immigration officers and would have no way ... Read More

You got that right. Here's another one for fun. Suppose I have just my US license and I get stopped six months after arrival here. So I tell them I arrived on Tuesday of last week? Police (PNP) are not immigration officers and would have no way ... Read More

Too bad they do things that way there. I guess it's like most everything else here. Managers either get the wrong information or they are just determined to do things their way. There is no reason for them to deny a renewal for not having the ... Read More

The ACR 1 card is needed ONLY for a new, first time drivers license. It is NOT required to renew. I grandfathered in getting my first license back in 1999. Renewed each time including when the new law went into effect so no need for the ACR. I have ... Read More

I'd suspect it depends on the landlord. We get just a hand written receipt on note paper. Nothing more. Nothing in the Philippines is considered really important. The receipt is mostly for your own comfort. Read More

I'm from the States also but if someone here requested that or any other personal info like that I'd tell them to stick it. I've lived here 15 years and have never heard of anyone being expected to provide any info to rent or lease.How ... Read More

I'm from the States also but if someone here requested that or any other personal info like that I'd tell them to stick it. I've lived here 15 years and have never heard of anyone being expected to provide any info to rent or lease. Read More

Mike, I read on one post here that someone needed their passport to rent an apartment. I suppose it's possible to run into a landlord that might make an odd request like that. We've been here for 15 years and have never had give ID of any ... Read More

Howdy Raggz, Yes, born and raised in the States. Childhood in Calif and most of my life in Southern Utah. Yes, I have my US Social Security direct deposited to Metrobank, a local Philippine bank. Note-there are only selected banks here that are ... Read More

Howdy Wayne, It's just about the same everywhere in country. Different culture without a doubt. Only solutions would be to buy some wire cutters (not suggested) or move to a high rise condo or high end subdivision somewhere really. One solution ... Read More

Good morning. It's a female 22 month old Shih Tzu. We decided to not breed her and just have her as a member of the family. My wife has had a lot of fun turning her into a "Mall Rat." She doesn't even know she's a dog ... Read More

My wife is 5 years younger than me.That's not a bad age difference at all. I'm 66 and my wife is almost 50 so no age related differences that we have found. I do think that in most cases unless the age difference is very large, most people, ... Read More

Christian ways? I want what you are smoking. BTW I thought you were married for 2 years or was it 3? honeymoon still. Cheers, Steve.Howdy Again Steve, Ya know what? Viol and I have been married for 15 years and STILL on our honeymoon. Will get ... Read More

My wife and I have been married a long time (15 years) and still live here in the islands. After that long, she can call me anything she wants to.. Makes no difference at all to me. Just be glad we don't live in the States anymore where everyone ... Read More

I would agree, especially if that mall was outside of the Philippines LOL! Strange the cultural differences between countries. My two daughters I call Angel and Babygirl just as nicknames. We take our Shih Tzu dog with us to the mall. Guess we will ... Read More

Exactly right Steve. Gay or otherwise it is simply a loving term of endearment. My wife does the same thing and I have several pet names for her as well. PS. Was gonna meet Ron the other day at SM while he was down this way. Ended up with pretty ... Read More

Morning Steve, I don't know how you get outa the sack so early. I hardly had my eyes open when I made that last post. I think it's hard to explain what it's like living here to people from other countries. It is so vastly different that ... Read More

Mr. Norway, It sounds as though you have had an incredibly bad experience in the Philippines or it was just the way you perceived it for some reason. To be honest, there are some people that move here and later decide that life in a 3rd world ... Read More

That is a normal part of marriage isn't it? Actually after a wedding and a bit of time for life to settle down to normal, with most couples sex is only about 10% of most marriages and certainly is not the center of importance or life. If it is, ... Read More

Amen Bro. It's all in how we deal with things and react to things in life. Having a good wife and family can make up for a lot of what we "think" we need or want. In our 15 years of being married and living here I can't think of ... Read More

Very true all the way around for sure. Takes a lot of time and adjusting to life here married or not. Many come with good intentions but after a year or two find it too much and go home. Guess it just depends on the person and attitude. Most ... Read More

I didn't see the posts you're talking about but that's okay. Be sure to send the PM from the other site ok? Sorry all for the off-topic few posts here.. Read More

Some good sound advice/ideas can be found with research both here and other sites which I'm sure you have done but what sam said has some merit, I will add though, be certain you know where that train is headed before you make the journey. Be ... Read More

Howdy Willcel, Noticed your post and thought I'd add to whatever other replies there have been. I too came here to marry. That was 15 years ago and am still married and still here. Meeting someone online in our own home countries is risky at ... Read More

Evening Sam, I've been off the forum for a few days. Yea, this stuff dealing with immigration can take some time. I've noticed though that over the last year or so they seem to be getting better. Hope all will work out so the it's done ... Read More

Howdy, Looks like you've been on the forum a lot longer than I have. That must have been a lousy deal having to go back to the States for so long--especially for medical reasons. Seems as time goes by and the world is on the internet 24/7, ... Read More

Rice,,, I still hate rice! Back home I'd eat rice maybe one a year when ordering Chinese food out somewhere. I did eat a lot of it though over those lean years but very little now. Yea I'll bet there are a lot of us that up and quit our jobs ... Read More

I got lucky meeting, getting to know my now wife and marrying here about 15 years ago. We didn't rush into marriage but rather knew each other over a seven year period before taking the leap. One of the other posters is right though. It is best ... Read More

We're raising for girls here in the islands. The oldest is almost 18 and the youngest just turned 14. Compared to Southern California where I grew up the Philippines is more laid back and easy going for kids. Less stress for them as far as ... Read More

Hi Jenny, A thought just came to mind. You might want to contact your Embassy In Manila and ask questions on housing. After all, the embassy workers live somewhere and they just might have some ideas. Here's a link to Your Embassy. Best of luck Read More

Hi Sam, Good to know you, I'm Gene. Yea close in general but I/we don't spend much time at the malls. Guess we get too wrapped up in work, school with the kids, and church service. There's not much in Angeles other than the red light ... Read More

If it's only P700 or so it's not a big deal. On another forum, many of the guys say they are pretty good. Prices can be a bit high but from what I read they have good stuff and lots of hard to find items from home. We drove past the new one ... Read More

My information may be wrong but I had been curious about it and found what I thought was a credable article saying it was. Whatever it is, I'm gonna have to get a membership and give them a try. Read More

We spend much time in and around Concepcion as my wife is from and still has a family farm in Castillo. The only problems I've noticed most stores there and most places is the lack of enough parking. Puregold is pretty good, especially the one ... Read More

We spend much time in and around Concepcion as my wife is from and still has a family farm in Castillo. The only problems I've noticed most stores there and most places is the lack of enough parking. Puregold is pretty good, especially the one ... Read More

Sorry, no idea of places to rent there. Best to get a hotel for a few days and just hit the streets in a cab and ask around. For working online you will need to get connections with two different providers as internet is not reliable here in any ... Read More

If you are still living in Concepcion there is that brand new Waltermart and several new stores further in town. RCS is right next to the public market and KFC is just about done being built. Then there is the Angeles jeepney that takes ya just ... Read More

I'll be more generous with an opinion that the member in Concepcion, Tarlac. The expat site he quoted is a good one but at the same time one needs to give the Philippines a fair chance. I've been living here now for over 14 years and in no ... Read More

For sure there are many-many great places to live here. We are about a two hour drive North of Manila and living a very rural area about 10km from Angeles City. Far enough to be out of the traffic and rush but still close enough to go the the malls ... Read More

I've lived here for many years but am not familiar with your currency vs the US dollar. Thing is that the area(s) you mention as possible places to live here are or can be expensive. There are many other locations in country that would probably ... Read More

We use self-pay and PhilHealth. I am told that major international insurers are okay for use here. In smaller towns and hospitals it may require payment by you and then be reimbursed by your provider. I've been here almost 15 years now and long ... Read More

Good advice. Many if not most of us come here with a very open mind and far too trusting. Many gold diggers around but there also are many good gals. Just takes time and perhaps learning the hard way once. Before making a move it is most advisable ... Read More

Mike, you hit the nail right on the head on all counts. There are many, many places to live here that are safe and without problems (so far). There is simply no point in sticking your neck out or worse yet, for our or anybody's military to try ... Read More

New warning posted by the US Dept of State - US Embassy, Manila Philippines- Sun May 28, 2017 US Embassy Warning: ACSManilaMascot@state.gov Today at 12:37 PM United States Embassy Manila, Philippines Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Possible ... Read More

Very-very true. even if you are here in country during construction you need to be onsite all day every day. If not, items and tools will go missing as well as they will revert back to the way they know how to build. Anything not locked up will go ... Read More

Rock on, dude. So few people have the guts to take a chance, all planning things down to the last penny or knowing they're going onto a job with with megacash. I did something similar but I had enough cash for a few years so I wasn't quite ... Read More

I was in the same boat as you are now. Tied down to the rat race in the US and sick to death of it. Finally at 51 years old back in 2003 I said to heck with it and moved here to the Philippines to marry my sweetheart. I arrived here with only $750us ... Read More

I agree; it's all in learning how to slow down in doing things or even going places. I can't imagine now what it would be like to live back in the rat race of Southern Calif. In Banking I/we, my wife and I use Metro bank here in the ... Read More

Howdy and welcome to paradise. I agree totally on all counts. Many good places here to drop anchor and call home. Cost of living can't be beat and at least there is never any snow and ice to worry about. We've been here a lot of years and ... Read More

At this time, on average with the exchange rate P1,000 = about $20usd. P500 = aprox $10usd etc. With the exchange rate at just about P50 to the dollar, just take your dollar amount and times it by 50 to get an aprox peso value. In many areas it is ... Read More

I suppose. I do remember he had said when living there that it had become boring in Davao. I would assume that would be in part that Davao is not as big or as busy as places here on Luzon. That plus his younger age. Not much to do I suppose when in ... Read More

There is a way to transfer money that is faster than electronic banking---it's called Marriage! While funny, it has worked to my/our advantage. My wife and I have been married for over 14 years and have lived here in the Philippines the entire ... Read More

I'll bet that over all it's safer than parts of Los Angeles too. Problem is that in the States you know areas to stay away from and as a rule you would not have organized groups after you. There was a guy several years ago that had a ... Read More

Yea, He might get it if he had spent a good amount time here in the islands or knows people that live here. It can be a tough adjustment for the first year or so of living here. Read More

That's for sure! $5k per month is far more than would be needed to live a very comfortable lifestyle. This is especially true once out of Manila and surrounding towns. Many people live and even raise a family on $1,000us dollars or less per ... Read More

Hi Jastine, I'll add just one thing here. If you are planning to move to France you might want to first see if that country has or offers a fiancee visa. If you marry here in the Philippines and then try to move, a married immigrant visa (if ... Read More

I too have COPD and have to deal with it on a daily basis. So far I've found that the flair-ups are about the same in the Tagaytay area, Manila, or where I live in Central Luzon. Biggest problem is or likely will be is the changing temperature, ... Read More

That's a good area for sure. Like the other poster said, it is hard to get to at times--mainly due to traffic South of Manila. If I may suggest, before you actually decide and settle on a spot, Check out Subic Bay. It's as close as you can ... Read More

Hi EasyRider, Philippine National Bank has branches in the US. We use Metrobank for all our banking needs here in the islands including my US Social Security direct deposits. Metrobank has a large branch in NY City. What I did when almost ready to ... Read More

Hi Jone, Given that the government, any government can be slow to get things done I would say probably not. To insure you are able to travel on the desired date you should give them at least 14 working days just to be sure. Would be a terrible ... Read More

Howdy Jack, There are many places in Asia to choose from. We are in the Philippines and have lived here for 14+ years. Lots of downsides to living in a 3rd world country but good stuff here as well. Retirement dollars go a long way and right now ... Read More

While the entire island of Mindanao is under a travel warning/advisory, both Zamboanga and Davao are located in the Southern portion where most of the danger is or can be. It should be noted here that Mindanao has a danger level high enough that ANY ... Read More

In PAC college there is a cold water pool that's pretty good. Don't remember the cost but the water although cold is actually drinkable. From Magalang you would go East on the road past the municipal hospital maybe 7km. The best local pool ... Read More

On the subject of employment in or near Angeles City. There is a new (appears to be large) call center being built next door to Hypermart on Mc Arthur Hwy in Dau, Mabalacat.. Yea we've Been to Abe's farm to attend a wedding. Nice area ... Read More

Yea we are closer to Magalang and less traffic going thru there on the way to Marquee. They finally finished the rebuilding of the Magalang-Angeles Road so if not rush hour it's a good ride. Correct; there is a Puregold in Magalang but is ... Read More

I don't get there as often as I'd like but sure enjoy their potato salad. Takes time to get there from over by Magalang and I refuse to drive anywhere near there or that area due to police set-ups. All it would take is just one minor fender ... Read More

Sounds like a plan. Takes time as the government never seems to be in a hurry. Could be that with world events you may decide to stay right here. I miss the fishing and deer hunting and the like but not enough to go back--especially to live there. I ... Read More

In the years that I've lived here I've seen several places made from container vans. All were in Subic Bay and were quite nice, including a restaurant close to the yacht club. The container shipping companies there would likely be good ... Read More

I have kept busy with church leadership responsibilities, home and family life - raising our four daughters, and local travel. Basically just enjoying retirement. Read More

Working in a call center is a possibility given your location. Most likely though, you would be limited to working as a manager. From what I've heard, they will continually work you on all three shifts. Pay is low compared to what you would be ... Read More

Glad you were able to visit the embassy for information. Manila has many things to do and it's easy to meet people. Just have to use caution and use "street smarts" the same as in any other big city. Better than Manila though is to go ... Read More

Hi Shane, Anywhere on Mindanao can be dangerous including Zamboanga. I was unable to access your embassy in Manila for current travel warnings for that region of the country. At the same time I'll include a link to the travel warnings listed ... Read More

Hi Martin, Looks like you're in for an adventure. The best and most low cost way is after you are married, your wife sponsors you for a permanent resident visa. I don't remember the initial cost but after it is granted your yearly cost is ... Read More