sekmet
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
108
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Baguio City, Cordillera
Registration: 01 December 2017
I'm looking to buy a business in the Philippines. Any advice? by JustCallMeJoe
I haven't visited the Philippines ever. But I'm going to fix that. I'll make one or two exploratory trips and do some investigation before applying for an SRRV. Once all that's done, I want to buy a business. I have 40+ years of business experience ...
Brewpub or taco shop in the vicinity of expats Read More
Membership of clubs like the Rotary by JustCallMeJoe
Anybody here a member of any international clubs like the Rotary / Lions? I'm a long standing member of my local Rotary Club in the UK - I'm one of the founding members of the club - and would transfer membership to a club there when I move to the ...
@Enzyte Bob actually there are something like 375 Mason Lodges in the Philippines. Read More
Membership of clubs like the Rotary by JustCallMeJoe
Anybody here a member of any international clubs like the Rotary / Lions? I'm a long standing member of my local Rotary Club in the UK - I'm one of the founding members of the club - and would transfer membership to a club there when I move to the ...
Masons for all, they usually conduct their meetings in English. The Elks for Americans, but they are only in Manila. Read More
Teaching as a volunteer in a college / university by JustCallMeJoe
Hi guys, Let's say I retire to the Philippines, to somewhere near a big city. I'd want something to do with my time. I know English is big in the Philippines and there are a million places one can learn English. I was thinking more along the lines ...
I think it is illegal to volunteer. Read More
Single guy in the philippines where to go? by foveres
Hi ive been to the Philippines for the first time this year with the purpose of having a nice vacation and meeting girls for dating and just a night.Ive been to the island Mindoro and Manila and i got to say ive had a great time on mindoro at Puerto ...
@mahi948 this is accurate. I find it interesting that so often Filipinos rage about sex tourists, and yet have no problem getting girls pregnant and dumping them.It's almost a national past time. Read More
Safety in Philippines by ukdan
Hi everybody- new here. Dan from London. I have a question about safety in Php.I met this fantastic woman from Lucena online and want to visit her at the end of this month. I was thinking of taking a bus or Taxi to a resort close to Lucena where we ...
Okay. It just seems like a win for the guy. Read More
Safety in Philippines by ukdan
Hi everybody- new here. Dan from London. I have a question about safety in Php.I met this fantastic woman from Lucena online and want to visit her at the end of this month. I was thinking of taking a bus or Taxi to a resort close to Lucena where we ...
What's the purpose of the fake suicide? Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
Well, I suppose nothing has changed because the bill hasn't been signed into law yet, has it? If and when it does, my guess is it might take a while for full implementation. Enjoy your extensions. Read More
Safety in Philippines by ukdan
Hi everybody- new here. Dan from London. I have a question about safety in Php.I met this fantastic woman from Lucena online and want to visit her at the end of this month. I was thinking of taking a bus or Taxi to a resort close to Lucena where we ...
@ukdan ask her to meet you in Manila. Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
@bigpearl well, yes of course. The language in the current bill indicates that tourist visas will be good for 59 days, at which point the holder will have to do a visa run. Maybe a $250 RT to TPE, I don't know what is closer or cheaper. Another ... Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
@bigpearl you said the SRRV was not one of the cheapest visas available. What's the cheapest visa available? Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
@bigpearl which countries are cheaper with similar benefits? Thailand is something like US$28k. South Korea, Canada, Cayman Islands are north of $300k+. Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
@wrevans02 you've answered your own question. Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
I've read through the actual bill. I don't have a link, but others have posted it in different threads and in some of the Facebook groups. Don't take my word for it. Read it yourself. From what I can tell, the 3 year extendable will be replaced ... Read More
Is there any benefit to the quota visa as opposed to an SRRV?
It's not really an immigrant visa, is it? Like you don't get dual citizenship or a Philippines passport? Read More
Filipino attempts at American food by TitoDan
I'm a very non-picky person when it comes to food. I was raised on home cooking, meat and potatoes kinds of food, simply prepared with simple ingredients. I've given it several tries, and am giving up on local attempts at American ...
@TitoDan look how to cook you whinging sot.Also, most of the Mexican food, pizza and chicken has been pretty good. Read More
Retirement villages by sekmet
Wondering if there are structured retirement centers in the Philippines. Like a complex with different levels of care, everything from independent living to memory care and assisted living. Mostly for foreigners. Thanks
@Enzyte Bob P100k/month is cheap as hell compared to the States. Read More
Paul's Asian Adventure by Cherryann01
Has anybody watched any of this guys videos? One year ago he put out a video titled "Don't Get Married in The Philippines and said he was against marrying. About two months after the video he put another one out and in it he said he had split up ...
@Enzyte Bob do you have any favorites?I was watching some the other night, and most of them were terrible. I mean really amateurish like a guy with a cell phone, or video of driving around Read More
Retirement villages
Wondering if there are structured retirement centers in the Philippines. Like a complex with different levels of care, everything from independent living to memory care and assisted living. Mostly for foreigners. Thanks Read More
Thinking of moving to the philippines. by nonngratum
I have lived in thailand for nearly19 years how does it compare to the philippines.uk pension office told me my pension would be unfrozen.anyone here lived in both countries.thank you.
@Enzyte Bob Yes, but this goes away at 65, or your FRA? Read More
First trip to the Philippines by Guest7836
Going on my first trip soon. And retirering in 2 years. I do hope to find a lifetime partner and enjoy life soon..... maybe find a genuine lady there
Church is the place to look for a decent lady, and one that is not too young. Underplay your income and assets. Read More
New American Military Bases in Philippines by PalawOne
`"Philippines reveals locations of four new strategic sites for U.S. military pact"By Karen Lema, Reuters April 3 2023. Ref: ...
@rlmcar55 I don't know what you are going on about. The purpose of military is to acquire/protect resources and commerce. It's always been that way from the time of Darius to a permanent carrier group in the Strait Hormuz. America is here to protect ... Read More
Apartments, Condos, or a house by GuestPoster357
Hello Today I would like to hear about anyones experiances of buying or leasing a plave to live. Persoanlly I saw a nice Condo at a decent price, but I am sure there would be a monthly payment for up keep of the building as it is in a tower with ...
@Lotus Eater this very important. Rent.Always have an exit strategy and an emergency fund. Read More
Paul's Asian Adventure by Cherryann01
Has anybody watched any of this guys videos? One year ago he put out a video titled "Don't Get Married in The Philippines and said he was against marrying. About two months after the video he put another one out and in it he said he had split up ...
@Cherryann01 90% of these video bloggers, youtube amateurs and travel guides are pure bs trying to make a few dollars. Low quality video, unscripted monologs and might just lie for the clicks. Avoid. Read More
New American Military Bases in Philippines by PalawOne
`"Philippines reveals locations of four new strategic sites for U.S. military pact"By Karen Lema, Reuters April 3 2023. Ref: ...
@Fred I believe you are anti-american pr China sympathizer. Based on your comment history. Read More
Thinking about moving to the philippines. by nonngratum
Can anyone give me some advice on moving to the Philippines.thank you.
As others have said, employ the search function and browse this forum. Filipino Pea videos are okay.If you do go, go for about 6 months or more. Living here is much different than visiting as a tourist. Read More
How do you spend your free time?
I know many of you are married and busy raising children. Or you are out in the provinces farming or building a house. I recently retired and sometimes just get bored.Do any of you belong to clubs or social organizations in which you might spend ... Read More
USA to get more Philippine military base access. by Lat61
US Gets Access to More Philippine Bases as China Tensions LingerStory by Andreo Calonzo and Cecilia Yap • (Bloomberg) -- The US is set to expand its access to more Philippine military bases, paving the way for greater American presence in the ...
@Lat61 The US never really left the Philippines. Read More
MEETUP DUMAGUETE? by arablacq3
Hello everyone.Can anyone tell me if there are meet and greet social gatherings in DUMAGUETE?
Well people probably can live in Angeles City and not indulge in its murky night life. The comparison was more about the quantity and quality of expats.Personally, I like living near airports because you never know when you have to go. "Near" ... Read More
MEETUP DUMAGUETE? by arablacq3
Hello everyone.Can anyone tell me if there are meet and greet social gatherings in DUMAGUETE?
Ate there too many expats in Valencia/Dumaguete? That enough are there appeals to me in the sense that more expat products may be available in stores. And yet, it can also drive up prices.Is it a better place to visit than live? Or is it a cleaner ... Read More
Interesting medical research findings by PalawOne
B57 CUTTING EDGE COVID RESEARCH“Marijuana Consumption Is Associated with Lower COVID-19 Severity Among Hospitalized Patients”https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2022.205.1_MeetingAbstracts.A3174By P. Yan1, C. ...
It's legal in many countries. Why not the Philippines? Read More
Corn Tortillas by easyrider
I recently moved to Nuvali, Sta Rosa, Laguna area. I want to purchase fresh CORN tortillas. I've shopped for them whenever I go to a market with no luck. I searched the Internet and I've written to a few manufacturers - no replies. Do you know ...
@ramin.mehdi You need lard to make them taste good Read More
Help desperately needed by Guest8754
Our three month vacation has turned into hell, on earth. The misery of our current situation is, quite literally, unparalleled, in my 73 years, of living. And we have two months to go.We could simply go home. But Eva air demands ...
@The Cold War Kid Could easily and cheaply fly somewhere else in the Philippines. Other countries are cheap as well. Read More
Philippines Cross-Dressing Capital by PalawOne
`"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"(https://i.imgur.com/BNCHqtQ.png)"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"By: Tonette Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 03, ...
@Fred so, your whole narrative is based on countries other than the Philippines? Isn't this a Philippines forum? Read More
Philippines Cross-Dressing Capital by PalawOne
`"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"(https://i.imgur.com/BNCHqtQ.png)"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"By: Tonette Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 03, ...
@danfinn That's a strawman whipped up by conservatives. If you want to do a whataboutism, I would say taking kids to church when they can't fully conceptualize God is akin to brainwashing. Read More
Philippines Cross-Dressing Capital by PalawOne
`"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"(https://i.imgur.com/BNCHqtQ.png)"Pampanga town revives all-men cross-dressing pageant"By: Tonette Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 03, ...
Ironically there are tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of Filipino cross dressers who face crushing discrimination on a daily basis. Read More
Another One Bites The Dust by Cherryann01
I have been pondering whether to put this out there for sometime but I think now, being the end of the year and with the New year just round the corner, this is the appropriate time to do it.Firstly I would like to thank one member of this forum who ...
I might have lingered with an "ex" when I was younger - no more. Get a new phone number, block the emails and for the love of Pete, move on Read More
Travelling To The Philippines by Cherryann01
Last time I flew to the Philippines I came back to the UK via HCMC, where I spent a few days. The flights were a combination of airlines including KLM, Air France and Philippine Airlines and booked through Sky Scanner or Kayak which then took me to ...
I used to use discounters until I needed help, and customer service was non existent. Mostly book direct with airlines Read More
"Philippines to reach upper middle class status in 2025" by PalawOne
Philippines to reach upper middle class status in 2025, NEDA chief saysManila Standard December 18, 2022 https://manilastandard.net/news/314288587/ph-to-reach-upper-middle-class-status-in-2025-neda-chief-says.htmlThe Philippines is likely to achieve ...
@Calif-Native yes, this Economies of scale. If a person has monthly income (pension, SS, annuity, dividends, etc.) of US2k+, they should be fine in LCOL countries. G-8 countries, not so much. Read More
Inflation. . . . What Inflation? by Enzyte Bob
I went shopping at Landers yesterday because S&R was out of a few things on our last trip.Want to enjoy a cup of coffee?Yesterdays prices:3 lbs of Kirkland Dark Roast Coffee. . . . . P1299.951,000 Splenda Packets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Isn't half the point of living in the Philippines is its low cost of living? Sure, prices are going to go up, but think of all the money you have saved.On an unrelated note, I'm a little surprised that Philippines is not a major coffee grower. They ... Read More
Your best culinary memory in the Philippines by Mickael
Hello everyone, As you know, every country has its own flavours and tasting the local cuisine is a great way to discover the culture of a destination. Whether it's a small typical restaurant to taste local dishes, a traditional meal in a local's ...
There was a thread about this recently on r/Philippines, and even Filipinos mostly said their food sucked.Lechon and halo halo can be good. That's about it. Read More
Great University towns?
The university system may be a bit different than what some expect in their home country. I am wondering about university towns or districts and whether or to what extent they affect the surrounding areas.For example, Silliman is fairly ... Read More
Taiwan and Consequences
It's always a good idea to keep your contact information up-to-date with the embassy. That being said, the US has the most formidable navy in the world-nobody even comes close. There is a permanent carrier group in Yokohama. Chinhae is an ... Read More
Relationships with Filipinas - Looking for opinions from other expats by Guest6851
Here is some background on me. I'm 64 years old and recently retired from my job here in the US. Over the past 15 years I have vacationed in the Philippines for two or three weeks at a time, once or twice annually, except during COVID. In the US ...
Many of the people on this forum are married successfully to Filipinas. I would say at your age you should absolutely secure your financial assets and have a backup plan in case things go poorly. Most relationships with Filipinas require some ... Read More
Philippine places expats might avoid by PalawOne
`Places expats might currently avoid (besides Juicy-Lucys) and why?(Tourists & expats now seem safe but 'incidents' are still happening)"Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Updates"November 13, 2022 | ...
Besides these southern areas, anywhere else to avoid? Read More
As an Expat what would you change about your home country. by Lat61
What do you admire about the Philippines and wish you could "export" back to you home country. With your observation, please list home country.
@Lat61 USA Alternative forms of transportation. Although cleaner versions. With few exceptions, you need a car to get around in America. Read More
Philippine Update Visit by Lotus Eater
Arrived back in Manila from Dumaguete last night. Currently staying at the Belmont hotel which is in Pasay City. Convenient for Terminal 3 where I shall fly out of later today to Jakarta. So have to kick my heels for a whole day. Dum d dum.Well ...
@duonguhm you bought a Cadillac and sent it to Indonesia? Read More
Land ownership changes? by wrevans02
It appears Thailand is changing their laws to allow qualified foreign expats to own land without a spouse. Anyone know if Philippines will follow? I am tempted to relocate but I am waiting to learn more on inheritance laws there.
@wrevans02 what does qualified mean? Read More
Filipinas and Rice by PalawOne
`Sigh, my wife has the normal Phils love affair with rice.She has breakfast, merienda, lunch, merienda, dinner ... rice.And being loving expats, we also explore traditional food cultures.Quote: ...
@PalawOne I had heard/read that at one Philippines had among the best rice in the world. But F. Marcos exported it all for personal gain and gave the people shitty rice.Compared to other countries, it's shitty rice. Read More
Marcos pledges to reboot tourism by PalawOne
Department of Tourism redefines key strategiesBy Moises Cruz October 2022https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/tmt-anniversary/dot-redefines-key-strategies/1861588THE tourism industry has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Border, ...
Wasn't there supposed to have been a train from NAIA to Clark? Read More
Marcos pledges to reboot tourism by PalawOne
Department of Tourism redefines key strategiesBy Moises Cruz October 2022https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/tmt-anniversary/dot-redefines-key-strategies/1861588THE tourism industry has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Border, ...
So much potential. Fix transportation. Establish building codes. Regular flight schedules in regional airports. Read More
How strict are COVID protocols now?
Is masking strictly enforced, or do people need a Vax card to get in some places?It's not a good comparison, but in the US it seems like everyone who wants to get vaccinated has done it, and there are no restrictions at all. I'm fully ... Read More
Buying a Condo by Tariq1983
So I have been living in the Philippines roughly 3 months and I have to say I have found the place I want to settle. I love the hot weather friendly people beautiful women beaches mountains etc. my next step is to start looking into buying a ...
Would encourage renting. Read More
Philippine values by PalawOne
Perhaps of interest, regarding normal Philippine cultural values ..Quote: latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-03-17/how-hiya-kapwa-and-other-cultural-values-play-a-role-in-filipino-american-mental-health"Kevin Nadal, a professor of psychology at the ...
I have a question. Filipinos tend toward collectivism, and the belief that all foreigners are wealthy. I'm generalizing here. Likely your "loan" to family will never be repaid.Would it be unrealistic to expect family members to "repay" you in other ... Read More
CDC: Philippines 'high' travel-risk for COVID-19 by PalawOne
US CDC adds Philippines to 'high' travel risk for COVID-19By Davinci Maru, ABS-CBN News Aug 16 2022 02:14 PMRef: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/16/22/us-cdc-adds-ph-to-high-travel-risk-for-covid-19News: MANILA (UPDATE) — Three ...
@mahi948 : that post is gone. Do you have a link to it from somewhere else? Read More
Pros and Cons of Retiring/Living in the Philippines by Cherryann01
The more I think about this subject the more I seem to be persuading myself that the Philippines is not a great place to retire, contrary to what others think and every body is entitled to their opinion.So after reading some of the recent posts, I ...
@Cherryann01 the Philippines are still relatively cheap compared to more "civilized" countries. Chances are you won't run into a lot of corruption as an expat. These things are relative.I like Uruguay, too. But definitely more ... Read More
Pros and Cons of Retiring/Living in the Philippines by Cherryann01
The more I think about this subject the more I seem to be persuading myself that the Philippines is not a great place to retire, contrary to what others think and every body is entitled to their opinion.So after reading some of the recent posts, I ...
@whackerdog123 where are you getting an apartment for $180/month? Read More
Old Dog New Tricks - Update on John (& his Mrs) by Lotus Eater
Latest flash update (on the previous update ) Ok we finally get to see and hear John's other half Diana.. youtube.com/watch?v=zCgSmcEo38w
Was this the guy who had a stroke and ran out of money? Read More
Moving to PH in the next 18-24 mo. by sfowler2760
Hello everyone, I'm Scott and I have been toying with expating to say...Cebu in the not to distant future. Like most of you I'm guessing, I want to live better with less. I also love scuba diving and don't get the chance much in the states. That ...
@Enzyte Bob absolutely better take. There ought to be a sticky on this topic. Read More
Wise Exchange Rate Today June 16, 2022 by Enzyte Bob
Today I transferred money from the US. Wise's exchange rate was P53.36 per US dollar. (June 16, 2022)coach with that exchange rate (P317) you can buy 1lb of Swedish Meatballs at Ikea. in fact ...
@Enzyte Bob I think it will compound. The point is if you have a low appetite for risk, the I-bond is a pretty good bet. You won't get that interest rate from a CD or bank account and they are guaranteed not to lose ... Read More
Wise Exchange Rate Today June 16, 2022 by Enzyte Bob
Today I transferred money from the US. Wise's exchange rate was P53.36 per US dollar. (June 16, 2022)coach with that exchange rate (P317) you can buy 1lb of Swedish Meatballs at Ikea. in fact ...
@mugteck I-bonds are paying 9% Read More
Where is the best place to live in the Philippines by bmasters150665
I have been living in Thailand for the past 17 years and getting really sick of it so I'm thinking of moving over there any help places that have a great vibe and plenty to do without the poverty
@bmasters150665 LA Union Read More
Where is the best place to live in the Philippines by bmasters150665
I have been living in Thailand for the past 17 years and getting really sick of it so I'm thinking of moving over there any help places that have a great vibe and plenty to do without the poverty
@Cherryann01 I think you need to determine your must haves and your budget. Higher elevations are going to be cooler, but a beach town will have a nice breeze.The more expats the more foreign goods in local stores, if that's important to you.You can ... Read More
Analysts predict peso to be one of the worst-performing. by manwonder
This will be good news to some foreign expats residing here...."the local peso is predicted to continue its decline"Certain currencies (USD/SGD/other) exchange rates have been steadily on the rise over the last few weeks & it is predicted that ...
@Enzyte Bob are there Costco in the Philippines? Read More
Where is the best place to live in the Philippines by bmasters150665
I have been living in Thailand for the past 17 years and getting really sick of it so I'm thinking of moving over there any help places that have a great vibe and plenty to do without the poverty
What's an example of an off topic post? Read More
Expats in Pampanga ? by kristopherryanwatson
I Moved to Pampanga from Makati last month. Staying here for a few months before returning to Metro Manila probably by February. Its nice to get out of the city for a while, i appreciate the fresh air and the peace of mine of province life. Any ...
San Fernando, Tarlac or New Mexico seems like the way to go, or something in Clark Freeport. I don't know if the "green" New Clark City will ever get off the ground.I want to be within an hour of an international airport and also have options for ... Read More
Property for Sale or Rent by Cherryann01
Why is it that every company in the Philippines I find advertising property for rent or sale cannot seem to post decent pictures of the property. Many properties advertised seem to only show a few pictures and most of these do not seem to show ...
That properties are posted multiple times and never updated is frustrating. I'd never lease without seeing it in person. Or there might be a price point that says this is a decent place. Read More
The US dollar is strengthening by sekmet
The US dollar is strengthening among all major currencies, and looks to get stronger in the short term. Will this have any affect your cost of living?
52.5/$1 Read More
The US dollar is strengthening
The US dollar is strengthening among all major currencies, and looks to get stronger in the short term. Will this have any affect your cost of living? Read More
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2022 by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in the Philippines or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their ...
US dollar has strengthened against the piso by 5%. My pension got a 6% COLA this year. Investments running 10%. I have yet to collect SS. So everything is pretty good. Read More
Filipina Online Dating - Questions for those experienced by briggss3
Hi, I'm new to the website. I have a question around meeting Filipina girls on Filipino Cupid. I spent about a week on the website, and had many girls connecting many of which I believe were not real. However, one particular girl contacted me ...
Better off renting. Read More
Here We Go Again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is on a level three alert again. All people who are not vaccinated must remain in their homes except for essential trips. Visitors below 18 and above 65 are not allowed in Ayala Malls except for essentials, also restrictions for ...
If you are vaccinated you might still get sick but probably won't die. At some point we (the whole world) needs to get back to life. No sympathy for the unvaxxed Read More
Here We Go Again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is on a level three alert again. All people who are not vaccinated must remain in their homes except for essential trips. Visitors below 18 and above 65 are not allowed in Ayala Malls except for essentials, also restrictions for ...
How are things in Pampanga? Read More
Expats in Pampanga ? by kristopherryanwatson
I Moved to Pampanga from Makati last month. Staying here for a few months before returning to Metro Manila probably by February. Its nice to get out of the city for a while, i appreciate the fresh air and the peace of mine of province life. Any ...
Where are you living in Pampanga? Read More
Expats in Pampanga ? by kristopherryanwatson
I Moved to Pampanga from Makati last month. Staying here for a few months before returning to Metro Manila probably by February. Its nice to get out of the city for a while, i appreciate the fresh air and the peace of mine of province life. Any ...
Angeles has a reputation for girly bars, but if you get away from walking street, it's a pretty normal Filipino town. The plus side is an abundance of Western food choices, lots of expats from every country and a major airport nearby. The down ... Read More
HI, I am a retired US from Texas by juanjrodriguezsensei
My wife and I got married last year, we are now living here in the Philippines, does anyone knows who can help us for my wife to get her US ITIN?
Might be worth the flight to Guam to take care of some paperwork. Also if you are ex military you can use their post office which is safe and cheap? Read More
Moving to the Philippines solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to the Philippines is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing ...
Fair enough. Should read, I always want to be close to a decent sized airport. You never know when you might need to leave. Read More
Moving to the Philippines solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to the Philippines is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing ...
The other good thing about Pampanga is proximity to a decent airport. I'm Read More
Move money from US bank to the Phils... by tpiro
Hey y'all... Planning on my retirement in the Philippines 2022 and if by chance I get the opportunity to purchase a place say for $65k US.. how would one get that $$ over from my US bank to the Phils? Because it will be a while before I can ...
It gives you more mobility. It might take awhile for you to find the perfect place, and even that can change. Roosters, barking dogs, various things can all affect quality of life. Additionally, the build quality of most structures are far below ... Read More
Move money from US bank to the Phils... by tpiro
Hey y'all... Planning on my retirement in the Philippines 2022 and if by chance I get the opportunity to purchase a place say for $65k US.. how would one get that $$ over from my US bank to the Phils? Because it will be a while before I can ...
I would encourage renting. Read More
Changes to Immigration coming soon. by wrevans02
It is my understanding that they will phase out visa upon arrival and you must get a visa at the local Philippines Embassy or consulate. That is going to have a very long queue. Hundreds of visa applications a day. That is alot of paper ...
Thailand is doing this as well. Too many freeloaders and hobo backpackers. Read More
SRRV post COVID by sekmet
Nobody knows when this will end, maybe 2023, maybe longer. I'm not married to a filipina, and don't think I will be. [i]For active/healthy retirees, who opt to use their SRR Visa deposit into active investment such as the purchase of ...
Thanks, Steve. I think maybe I'll just sue the tourist visa extensions and see how that goes. Does the $20000 without a pension go in a bank and you can get it out later, or is it just buying a permanent visa? Read More
SRRV post COVID
Nobody knows when this will end, maybe 2023, maybe longer. I'm not married to a filipina, and don't think I will be. For active/healthy retirees, who opt to use their SRR Visa deposit into active investment such as the purchase of ... Read More
Can anyone name some reliable/quality developers?. by sekmet
So, lots of condo developments go up. Is there any way to know the build quality? Are some more legitimate than others?
Yes, but even in renting I would like to know whether it is a quality building. Read More
to U.S.A. expats.. choosing a state of residency by meeyatch69
Hello all! First I'd like to thank the members of this forum. I've been reading posts and learning a lot from everyone for several years now. Having visited the Philippines (Cebu/Palawan, pre-pandemic), I am now moving forward with my ...
Washington state, no income tax; close to PDX so lots of flight options. Read More
Can anyone name some reliable/quality developers?.
So, lots of condo developments go up. Is there any way to know the build quality? Are some more legitimate than others? Read More
Why are Rentals so expensive in Manila? by Baleze
Hi, I would like to know why the accommodation is so expensive in Manila - NCR. compare to other Asian countries with a high standard level, I noticed that the rent of a rooms, apartment is very high. What's the reason? Also, a lot of workers ...
If you are a foreigner, almost always dual pricing in a developing country. Developed Asian countries like ROK and Singapore don't do that, but they are expensive as hell. Yet Manila compared to HCM or vientiane or Bangkok is overpriced. ... Read More
Sell or Hold USD by Munchie
The Peso is gaining ground. Would you sell USD now or hold on for the dollar to bounce back.
1100 pesos is what $22? Isn't PI an incredibly cheap place to live anyway? Read More
Best big little city near a beach?
Big cities don't work well with beaches. So, maybe within an hour or less by car-distance not drive time. Big little city I would define as 300 - 500k. In Luzon or Viasayans Read More
Traveling about
Well yes of course. Baguio is about an hour from the west coast. Read More
Traveling about
Greetings, What are your impressions of Baguio and Dumaguete for expats? Also, are there any good beach towns along the coast of Luzon? Read More
Bank loans in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Finances and banking can sometimes be a headache for many expats, especially when it comes to taking out bank loans. Is it difficult for an expat to get approved for a bank loan in the Philippines? What are the types of bank loans ...
Maybe admin should separate topics from expats to expats with Filipina wives. Read More
Cost of living 2018 in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
I am interested in knowing the cost of living in LA Union, Baguio, and Dumaguete for expats who are not married to a filipina? Read More