Tim_L
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
239
Contacts
9
About me
American, Single
Lives in Cebu City, Central Visayas
Speaks English
Registration: 07 June 2018
anyone ever deal with squatters? eviction? by Soonretired
i own a house maybe 20 feet from the ocean at high tide, we own the lot all the way to the ocean. some guy built a "temporary house/shack" in front of my house, about half of it is on my property . it has no foundation but is built on ...
Hahaha Bob. Oh well, at least it’s somewhat entertaining. Not much else exciting happening during the quarantine here. 😂 Read More
anyone ever deal with squatters? eviction? by Soonretired
i own a house maybe 20 feet from the ocean at high tide, we own the lot all the way to the ocean. some guy built a "temporary house/shack" in front of my house, about half of it is on my property . it has no foundation but is built on ...
Is this the same house that you’ve been advertising to sell? I didn’t recall seeing any disclosure of that in the sale post. Hahaha Do what the locals do. Get in touch with a motorcycle tandem. Read More
Breakfast in The Philippines by Cherryann01
Good day to all you Ex Pats out there, hope you are all healthy and well. Just a quick question for you all living in the Philippines. What do you guys eat for breakfast. Having visited four times and considering retirement in the Philippines I am ...
Generally just eggs and toast with strawberry preserves on most days. Sometimes I’ll switch it up and have French toast or pancakes. If I’m out and someone else is cooking and it’s available, I’ll add either ham or bacon to ... Read More
New Taxes are coming to finance all that stimulus spending! by manwonder
All I have to say is that life in general will to get much tougher/more expensive! :|
If it’s a Chinese free zone, count me in. Seems that all the big gambling places in PH are China owned. I’m definitely not looking to help them further their ambitions at this point. Read More
Building on my girlfriends family land - Help please by Burt Figgis
Hi, I have been with my Phillipino girlfriend for 4 years and am planning to get married. Her family aren't wealthy however they have a bit of land which her father and mum live on and which they built a house for one of her brothers. They ...
Great price SoonRetired and I have heard similar stories. After reading your post, even I am afraid of your wife’s family. 😂 Read More
What does "expat" means to you? by Jackson4
A lot of us here refer to oneself as an expat or soon-to-be expat. The dictionary may have their definition of this word but some of us may define it a little different. Who really "owns" the meaning meaning of the word ...
Means I can bail my a$$ out at the drop of a hat if I don’t like it. Hahaha Read More
Aida Javier from Cavite looking for expat employer by Aida Javier
Hi!Have a great day Im aida from cavite looking for an expat employer..im new here.
Geeze. Thanks for bringing a 5 year old post back into the limelight. 🙄 Read More
Building on my girlfriends family land - Help please by Burt Figgis
Hi, I have been with my Phillipino girlfriend for 4 years and am planning to get married. Her family aren't wealthy however they have a bit of land which her father and mum live on and which they built a house for one of her brothers. They ...
don't put yourself into this. it's not legal to get around the anti dummy law (buy land under the name of girl then lease it...).Actually, I believe that it is legal. It is not legal if it’s a spouse though. The OP wasn’t talking ... Read More
Financial and background check questions on obtaining a retiree visa by Rdc4
Hello, Im a 54 year old single male living in the USA. I’m considering on obtaining a SSRV retiree visa. I have about $500,000 in USD in various stock retirement accounts for which I can access about half of that now ($250,000) and when I ...
Sounds to me like you have plenty of money to live here however you want provided you don’t let some Filipina and/or her family fleece you out of it. Do your homework and know what you are getting into before you get here. Then spend lots of ... Read More
Renoucing (U.S.) Citizenship: Anyone Done It? by NdzM5
Good day all. I was reading recently (can't recall where) that the number of Americans who have renounced their US citizenship is up dramatically from previous years...in fact, as best as I remember, just the first half of this calendar year ...
I don’t think that I’ll be renouncing my chance at Social Security when the time comes. I’ve got too much invested in there to simply give it all up and walk away. If SS goes away, then I might consider it but, even then I doubt ... Read More
Current Expat Situation because of lockdown in Philippines? by NomadBob123
Hello All, hope your doing well and staying safe. Have tried to find some current updates on travel to the Philippines but nothing with any detail. Is it still on lockdown, any changes to the lockdown in discussion, anything current would be ...
In other words, their losing it and are grasping at straws trying to minimize the virus. They have so many rules in place already that they don’t even bother to enforce. Even now after all of this time and the multiple lockdowns, I still ... Read More
Building on my girlfriends family land - Help please by Burt Figgis
Hi, I have been with my Phillipino girlfriend for 4 years and am planning to get married. Her family aren't wealthy however they have a bit of land which her father and mum live on and which they built a house for one of her brothers. They ...
Just curious but, if you rented the lot in your name for 50 years and built the house on it. Why would you need to have your GF rent it back to you? Why would she even be a part of the process at all? My understanding is that once you’ve ... Read More
myus.com Experience by moonunit0103
Hi, I had used myus.com for packages before the lockdown, but it has been bogged down by delays. I ordered items off Amazon June 18, arrived at myus.com June 23, but not catalogued until July 1. I elected to try DHL expedited shipping, supposed ...
I ordered an iMac Online from Apple and had it shipped here. It sat in customs for almost 2 weeks in Manila before actually being cleared and sent to Cebu. That was back in 2018. In 2019 I had a box shipped FedEx from MyUS. It sat in Cebu for about ... Read More
Bringing personal mobile phones and currency into PH by GuestPoster9284
Hi, I'm flying to cebu i want to know if it's ok to bring my 2 personal mobile phones and I have 2 power banks under 100watt , I can't a straight answer online and the custom decleration form online and on the customs PH website is the ...
I brought in 2 iPhones, an iPad, 3 power banks and 2 laptops. Nobody said a word to me. In fact, nobody ever checked to see what I was bringing in and I had 3 large 70 lb suitcases, one carry on bag and a loaded backpack. You are but a speed bump ... Read More
Current Expat Situation because of lockdown in Philippines? by NomadBob123
Hello All, hope your doing well and staying safe. Have tried to find some current updates on travel to the Philippines but nothing with any detail. Is it still on lockdown, any changes to the lockdown in discussion, anything current would be ...
Sounds like a good way to get them to back up off of you and create a little distance. 😂 Read More
How to obtain an ACR-1 card? by Tariq1983
Just wondering whats an ACR-1 card and how do i obtain one?
Here is a decent reference that should help you Tariq. Not sure if prices are still current. https://www.silent-gardens.com/visa.php Read More
Expat Just Bought House, Young Wife Possible Problem by moonunit0103
Hi, An 64 year old expat from Texas has bought a house down the street from me with his 28 year old wife. Since the GCQ has started, she has not allowed him to travel to the house, where things are being readied to move in. She also is not ...
Yeah, doesn’t sound like this is going to end well for the ole chap in TX. Read More
Current Expat Situation because of lockdown in Philippines? by NomadBob123
Hello All, hope your doing well and staying safe. Have tried to find some current updates on travel to the Philippines but nothing with any detail. Is it still on lockdown, any changes to the lockdown in discussion, anything current would be ...
Everything that I’ve read indicates that international tourism may not happen until again until 2021. Who knows, doesn’t look good. Read More
Will property prices go down due to COVID-19 by Lat61
Will there be house and land bargains to be had in the Philippines because of the world wide economic downturn ?
I would think that there will be property deals worldwide once payment forgiveness from banks comes to an end and those that are over leveraged can’t make their payments. Subprime auto loans in the US are already taking a big hit. Read More
Curfew in Surigao City (w.i.e) by manwonder
A Curfew in Surigao city has just been declared. Barangay captains loudhailer made the announcement w.i.e fm 10pm to 4am and to run till the end of March (t.b.c).
Good that they’ve loosened things a bit. Still on ECQ in Cebu. :( Yes, I agree. The economic fallout will be far greater. Read More
New Taxes are coming to finance all that stimulus spending! by manwonder
All I have to say is that life in general will to get much tougher/more expensive! :|
All I know is that the US dollar against the PH is falling. Hope that trend doesn’t continue much longer. Read More
Curfew in Surigao City (w.i.e) by manwonder
A Curfew in Surigao city has just been declared. Barangay captains loudhailer made the announcement w.i.e fm 10pm to 4am and to run till the end of March (t.b.c).
Is Surigao still on ECQ or did they move to a GCQ today? Read More
Exit Clearance Certificate ECC by lasvegan
Hi All I'm trying to find out if you have been here for more then a year and are going to return to the States in Early May do you need to go to BI office to get the ECC or can it be done at the airport for now! I have read the 2 advisory posts ...
Let us know how that goes LasVegan. Read More
New Here. Moving to Philippines soon by Tariq1983
[b]Hey my names Tariq im new to the forum. im 36 planning on moving to the philippines next year.i work as a truck driver and id like to save between 40 and 60K before going over. as far as making money i was thinking of starting an online business ...
40-60K is fine to live here for 6 months. I seriously doubt that you’ll burn through the equivalent of $6,600.00 a month here unless you’re making some really foolish moves. Everyone’s budget is different and of course depends upon ... Read More
Traveling to the Philippines after COVID by Ken808
Hello, Does anybody have any reliable information as to when the Philippines will allow foreigners to once again arrive into the Philippines? Has DFA given any clue? My wife and i are wanting to move back to the PH. Thanks!!
No. At least not on a tourist visa. Read More
PhilHealth sets new rates for virus cases starting April 15 by Tim_L
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Tuesday released a new case rate package for patients afflicted with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who will be hospitalized starting April 15. PhilHealth ...
I got a message from CignaGlobal the other day which is my private health insurance company, stating that they are waving deductibles and co-pays for Covid related claims through May 26th. Pretty awesome but, I pray that I won’t ever need it. Read More
PhilHealth sets new rates for virus cases starting April 15
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Tuesday released a new case rate package for patients afflicted with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who will be hospitalized starting April 15. PhilHealth ... Read More
Curfew in Surigao City (w.i.e) by manwonder
A Curfew in Surigao city has just been declared. Barangay captains loudhailer made the announcement w.i.e fm 10pm to 4am and to run till the end of March (t.b.c).
So, the thinking there is that everything will be okay in another week? Read More
Philippines stops visa issuance as COVID-19 cases rise by Tim_L
The Philippines will suspend the issuance of visas, a move that will prohibit the entry of foreigners to the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its top diplomat said Thursday. "Starting today, all our ...
I’ve read several other things that I failed to get links for that that states if you’re here already, you’re good. If your visa expires during the shutdown, you will have 30 days to renew w/o penalties once the shutdown has been ... Read More
Philippines stops visa issuance as COVID-19 cases rise
The Philippines will suspend the issuance of visas, a move that will prohibit the entry of foreigners to the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its top diplomat said Thursday. "Starting today, all our ... Read More
Does anyone knows what stream services are available here? by ethankw
I'm using Spotify and Netflix. I heard DisneyLife is gonna shut down their business here. Anything else? Like HBO Go, Hulu or Showtime?
With a VPN most streams are possible. Amazon Prime has been throwing up roadblocks by blocking VPN’s. Sometimes I can get it to work, other times it won’t. Mostly, it won’t. Haha I have 3 different VPN’s and none will work ... Read More
Travel restrictions from Manila to other destinations in Philippines. by FindlayMacD
From what I have read all travel within the Philippines by land sea and air is banned from March 15. I have a friend who lives in the Philippines who has been visiting Australia and is due to return to Philippines on April 7th and although his ...
Cebu is now doing 14 day mandatory quarantines for all inbound passengers to Mactan Intl. CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government’s 14-day mandatory quarantine now excuses no one. Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all ... Read More
International Flights & costs by David4Jesus
CDO (Cagayan de Oro City) used to have several international aircarriers who flew into it's airport. That was in 2017 and 2018 when I was there. That has 'dramatically been reduced' in 2019 ! Let's compare 2 cities from nearby ...
I haven’t heard anything about having to leave after 59 days. Like Pwncyclist said above, just renew in Country and unless it’s changed, one can do that for a total of 36 months before having to physically leave. After your first ... Read More
Filipina traveling to Costa Rica or Panama by LovingPI
Hi, I am an American citizen living in California. I met this Filipina woman online in 2019 and after chatting online for six months, I traveled to Manila In Nov 2019 to meet her. We have established great chemistry and I am going to try to get her ...
They are quite strict about Filipina’s traveling on a tourist visa having a return ticket so make sure that she has one. My GF and I, just went on a 3 week journey outside of the Country several weeks ago and they wanted to see a return ... Read More
Coronavirus - forced fever check by condo admin by Jurassic
Hello, all, Sorry to make my first post an unpleasant one. I received this email today from the apartment property management company (HCMC D2) and I am shocked and more than a little worried about potential for Kafkaesque insanity. Has anyone ...
I def. don’t see that as being a bad thing checking people’s temps so long as they are practicing safe methods when doing so. Would you likewise bitch and complain at the airport because they are checking people’s temps? Read More
Anyone have any further info on this upcoming tourist visa change? by qnbui
From what I've read and heard, it affects tourist visas over 30 days and you have to get re-stamped every 30 days. Could drive away expats from VN like the Thai laws that are driving away expats in Thailand. Hopefully it doesn't affect most ...
Very informative OceanBeach, thank you!! Read More
Best time to go to Mandaue or Mactan BI
First thing in the morning is best and pay the express fee. Always out within an hour or so. Read More
In Cebu, BI Suggestions by moonunit0103
Hi, In Cebu, due to inlaws hospitalization. I usually go to Tacloban BI, where there is no waiting, but when I went to the Mandaue BI, it was a zoo, full inside, with 50 waiting to go inside. Is there a time of the day or day of the week that is ...
I’ve never gone to the office in Lapu Lapu but, I’ve heard from others that it’s a breeze. Just takes a while to get there and back due to traffic so I just go to the one in Mandaue. Mandaue isn’t bad if you get in the early ... Read More
exit certificate time frame from Cebu
I got mine in December. Like Munchie said, get there early. I was in there at 10am and out by 2pm. Read More
Is it legit to say I'm visiting my girlfriend here to immigration? by Jhane2193
I will go in the Philippiness for meeting my gf for my 1st time, my ticket is already booked, having also the returning e-ticket to my living country, but i have a big concern and i whould like to ask.. First of all im short in money (less than ...
I’ve been in and out of the country 8 times over the past 4 years and have never been asked where I am staying or how much money I have. They do ask for the address you will be staying on the immigration form that they give you on the flight. ... Read More
What are the unacceptable behaviors of Filipinos? by Shaz@FazWaz
I hear 1 thing that's unacceptable. They always say yes to invitations :top: . Even if they never had the intention of actually going. :(
It’s simple, put a time limit on the food and alcohol. Food and free drinks served from 4 til 4:30, they’ll show up on time. Haha Read More
Police check in HCMC: Why? by Kurterino
I would love to get some opinions on this, especially from expats who have been here a while. The other day, a regular Monday morning around 10AM, I was riding in HCMC and got stopped by a couple of cops on a motorbike. It wasn’t a checkpoint, ...
Sounds like a good way to avoid the law. Put a GoPro on your helmet. Haha Read More
house rental deal??? by Wellsfry
Hello... Dean from Washington State... currently on my 4th and longest trip to see my girlfriend here in Dasmariñas, Cavite. I have fallen in love with the family culture here. The rest is a choice... bathrooms, facilities, food, services... ...
I agree with TeeJay, he gave you good advice. Why would anyone let you live rent free for a 300K upfront deposit to be returned after 2 years? Sounds pretty suspect to me. You’ll neither live there free nor be a homeowner at the end of 2 ... Read More
phillhealth insurance for an ex pat by Sunset 84
Magandan umaga, can someone tell me the price of phillhealth insurance ? I have had to see a doctor in Pagadian andn was just 100 and 200 pesos, so very reasonable compared to NZ, 1 to 35 re nzd, main ins would be vehicle accident, or activity ...
Here Eric. https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/map/regional.htm That’s their contact page, you should be able to find the office closest to you. Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
The rate changes every day just as the rates change with banks. Today’s rate as of right now, is 51.8 ph to 1 usd @ TransferWise. It’s best to check rates daily and when it’s at a place good enough for you, transfer it. ... Read More
Meeting new people and establishing friendship groups by FSELBY
Good morning I am moving to Manila at the end of October for work and would be looking for advice on groups and clubs that would allow me to meet new people. I am 28 and looking to make friends in Manila. I have made a few already but wish to ...
Welcome Fineas, Have you tried looking through the Facebook expat groups? Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
I use TransferWise also. I transfer $1,500 usd over to BDO each month. Good exchange rate, 52.0160 at last transfer on Oct 2 and the cost to do the transfer was $6.17. The cash was deposited to BDO a couple of hours later. Read More
Looking for a place to stay by Johnshep
Hello, I’m flying into Manila on the Jan 3 and looking for an reasonable priced place to rent. I also wonder would it be better to reserve now or when I get there. Also, should I only get a couple days at a time Incase I move around? Thanks, ...
I would think that a lot of what you should do really depends upon what yours goals are for coming here in the first place. I would definitely lock down in advance a place to stay for at least your first day. Then, depending upon your goals, you ... Read More
Help for my sister in Da Nang by Ionlycred
I am sorry for posting on this message board. My sister is in Da Nang as her daughter is in hospital extremely sick . We are trying to get some help support or a friendly face till we can get her husband over from Scotland My name is Chris and I am ...
I agree that one or more of the Da Nang FB groups might be the better bet. Read More
Buying AnD building by Dannysf73
Hello. I have a question for you all. Me and my wife are wanting to buy land in the PHL. She is a Filipina citizen. My question is about building. We wanted to buy land and make a house for ourselves . But also on this same lot of land (1200sqm +/-) ...
I haven’t seen this adhered to very much in my travels as people tend to build right on top of one another but, here you go. EASEMENTS, SETBACKS AND RESULTANT EASEMENTS REFER TO 3 DIFFERENT THINGS UNDER PH LAW. The 3 terms are NOT ... Read More
Rentals Cebu by Sporto
I am looking for reasonable one month rental or more with kitchen
Your idea of “reasonable” and other people’s might be totally different. Maybe be a bit more specific in what you’re looking for. Cebu is a big city, any idea where in Cebu you want to be? Most places here have a kitchen. ... Read More
Payment methods in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Once youre settled in the Philippines, you will need to make some basic purchases, like groceries or pay bills. Hence, it is essential to know the payment methods available in your host country. Which are the most common ...
It’s definitely a different animal here then what I’m used to. I try to minimize using my credit cards here as having to replace them would most likely be a nightmare. I only use them at Landers, S&R, Grab and paying my Sky Cable ... Read More
the housing rental market in Cebu by thewoodenpotter
I wonder how many of us live or have some a connection to Cebu re renting a house. I see fair amount of expats around but dont really have a handle on the rental market. The current boom has been going on in Cebu for several years and there a lot of ...
https://cebu.locanto.ph/Houses-for-Rent/307/ Read More
SALES MANAGER JOBS IN CEBU by Harris012419
Hi May i know if there is a possibility for a foreigner to have a job in Cebu? I will be there for good to be with my girlfriend. Please give me some ideas and thank you very much.
In addition to Mugtechs question, do you also have a have a work permit? Would that be a job that would be considered as a job that a Filipino could perform? I would think it would be. Read More
Why do expats continue to move, live, and retire in the Philippines? by Nielsen Flute
This country has so many strikes against it that no sane person should negotiate with. Let's begin. Low quality of life and high costs. Even in Cebu now for a small studio rent is 25k for a cramped space with no internet / cable. Value for ...
Haterz gonna hate.. Seems to me I recall you spewing the same discontent about a month or so ago. Though I don’t recall the forum, the name and content was exactly the same. Read More
Trading Stock in the Philippines? Should or should not by kindawn
Trading stock nowadays is a popular way for investment, anywhere in the world. But when it comes to the Philippines, should we? Especially for foreigners? Recently BDO has released its online trading platform, BDO Nomura, it is quite useful for ...
Zyrena, BDO= Banco De Oro Read More
Problem with developer in CEbu by Craig 1967
Hi everyone. I plan to live in Cebu from next year and bought a condo at the beginning of the year with a 5% downpayment, move in fees paid, and inhouse finance for the balance. This was the agreement to allow me to move in. I decorated the condo ...
It’s possible that the “easy move in program” form was deemed an addendum to the contract. It’s hard to say w/o actually reading everything. I would get up with an attorney to review all of the docs and go from there. As ... Read More
Looking for friends by davross
Hi Everyone, I moved from Australia to Cagayan de Oro in 2010. I live with my Filipino wife , her 2 children, and her mother in our house in Nazareth. I am a young 75 and would love to make some new friends to invite to our house or to meet ...
Hi Davross, I’m in Cebu but, welcome to the forum. Read More
phillhealth insurance for an ex pat by Sunset 84
Magandan umaga, can someone tell me the price of phillhealth insurance ? I have had to see a doctor in Pagadian andn was just 100 and 200 pesos, so very reasonable compared to NZ, 1 to 35 re nzd, main ins would be vehicle accident, or activity ...
Check out https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/ It’ll answer all your questions. Read More
trip el salvador to philipines on january 2020 - please help by mauovernet
Hi . I want to travel to the Philippines and stay there for 4 months but in my country in salvador central america, there is no embassy of the philippines, my question is how can I do to acquire a visa, a permit, there is an office in philippines, ...
Looks like your good to go. Visa on arrival. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_El_Salvador_citizens Read More
Moving to Cebu city in beginning of 2020 by MattiAce
Hi all I'm Matti! Just want to say hi as I'm planning on moving to Cebu to stay there for one year. I will be moving there with a friend who I will share an apartment with, still looking and I really, really need to live in a place that has ...
Mafkbpis, I get pretty good speeds from PLDT fiber most of the time here in Cebu and for the most part, it’s been very stable over the past 7 months that I’ve had it. I am on a 250 mbps connection. Of course speeds will depend upon where ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into the Philippines for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in the ...
I honestly don’t know how people live on $600-$1K a month. I certainly couldn’t do it, at least not comfortably. I lived comfortably in the US and had/have no plans to alter that lifestyle to live elsewhere. Honestly, the only thing that ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into the Philippines for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in the ...
Great posts Bruce and Steve!!! Cebu it is for me, at least for now. Has everything close by even though it may take a while depending upon the time of day to get there due to traffic. I’m never in too much of a hurry anyway so, it’s ... Read More
Short Term Rentals in Cebu City by Johnny5
Hello! Just getting settled here in Cebu and wanted to offer my thoughts to those planning on coming here on a 1-2 month stay... I looked around for months online before coming to Cebu for a short term rental and ended up at the Tune Hotel next to ...
Google Santonis Place. It’s convenient to Ayala, SM etc. I think that they still do 1 month rentals and have 1, 2 and 3 bdrm units. And no, I have no stake in this. Just trying to help. Read More
Returning to Philippines to Get Married by moonunit0103
Hi, After 58 days with my GF island hopping in Visayas, I am looking to return to Ormoc to get married, and want to know the process for getting married in the Philippines, going from a Tourist Visa to a 13A Visa, and whether the Balikbayan Stamp ...
The only downside that comes to mind is that it takes longer to get a relative into the US then it does to obtain a fiancé Visa. Read More
Returning to Ormoc, Gift Suggestions for GF and her Family by moonunit0103
Hi, I have packed my bags to leave Sunday, but am about 8KG light. I have bought niece and nephews some toys, but have not gotten GF or her other family members gifts. Not sure what the custom is here, but do not want to be a Cheap Charlie. I ...
I said semi-cheap Charlie. Not give away used stuff.. 😂😂😂 Just teasing Bro. No, there will always be a reason to fill your suitcases when coming here. I bring lots of stuff from home when I come that I either can’t ... Read More
Franchise as Foreigner by ralf1970
Hello, someone here have own as Foreigner a Franchise in the Philippines?? Possible to do it ?? Greetings Ralf
Hi Ralf, As Bob said, come here and enjoy the people, the culture and the Country. Don’t come here if you’re looking for safe investment opportunities or looking to make money. The odds are stacked against you. Even bank accounts here ... Read More
Franchise as Foreigner by ralf1970
Hello, someone here have own as Foreigner a Franchise in the Philippines?? Possible to do it ?? Greetings Ralf
I think that a franchise or any other kind of business for that matter, is fine. Keeping in mind of course, the 60/40 ownership rule. If you don’t mind a minority ownership thus giving ultimate control of your business and also your money to ... Read More
Returning to Ormoc, Gift Suggestions for GF and her Family by moonunit0103
Hi, I have packed my bags to leave Sunday, but am about 8KG light. I have bought niece and nephews some toys, but have not gotten GF or her other family members gifts. Not sure what the custom is here, but do not want to be a Cheap Charlie. I ...
Chocolates and other candies would be a good choice. Tee-shirts as Cherry said above is also cool. It’s stuff that they cannot get here. Personally, I would be a semi-cheap Charlie. The bigger you spend now, the more they may expect in the ... Read More
Retiring on 1400 per month can it be done? by Romeow22
Easy to retire on 1400 a month in cebu?
Exactly Hobbit, it says it’s beef. I call bs.... hahaha.. it’s not like the beef that I’m used to anyway. Even beef claiming to be US beef I find doesn’t taste like US beef which is my all time favorite meat. I find myself ... Read More
Knowing where I should go for what I want. by Flash1991
Hi I'm Fletcher, This is my first post so I will try to explain what im looking for and i hope so very much that i can get some help or information. It has always been a dream of mine to go to a different country to fully give myself to a ...
You should be able to live anywhere here for $3500 per month. And live quite well in most places for that amount. Read More
Flights by Dwsses12
Im moving to Philippines in August. I am going to buy a 1 way ticket from north Carolina to manila. And then buy a separate 1 way ticket. From Manila To Singapore set for 3 weeks after i come there. I believe this will be ok. Since i am showing ...
I have found that one way tickets to the Philippines from the US tend to be as much if not more then a round trip. A round trip ticket would fulfill the onward requirement as well. You can always make the return date far in advance. Read More
Psychiatric meds by Aussiedave
Hello all. I'm looking to find out how difficult it is to secure psyche meds in the Philippines. Here in Cambodia I just ask for them from a large pharmacy . So these are my questions. 1) do I have to get a prescription ? 2) how expensive are ...
Good luck with that one. I don’t know about $300 a month. That pretty much poverty level here. I sure as heck couldn’t do it. Hahaha Read More
Cebu has gotten worse. by Nielsen Flute
Contemplating a short vacation to Cebu after summer perhaps and I think it's gotten worse. I'm browsing the dating sites and apps and it's just hookers or ladyboys peppered with ugly single moms or province girls. Not only that but ...
Nielson, It could quite possibly be as you said, they sense that you want nothing to do with them and thus give you attitude. In light of that, most people would. I interact a lot with people here and to be honest, I’ve never run into one that ... Read More
Psychiatric meds by Aussiedave
Hello all. I'm looking to find out how difficult it is to secure psyche meds in the Philippines. Here in Cambodia I just ask for them from a large pharmacy . So these are my questions. 1) do I have to get a prescription ? 2) how expensive are ...
I would think by the way it’s written, that it’s 209 for 30 - 4mg pills totaling 1 - 30 day supply. Or around 7 ph per pill. I could be wrong though, as I’ve noticed that pharmacies here have a strange way of doing things. Who ... Read More
SRRV VS 36 Month Tourist Visa Extension by scott1953
Can any expat explain to me what are the advantages of getting an SRRV verses just extending my tourist visa up to 36 months and leaving the country only to return the next day if i choose? I just returned to the Phil. from an 11 day vacation in ...
Much like everything here. Hahaha Read More
Knowing where I should go for what I want. by Flash1991
Hi I'm Fletcher, This is my first post so I will try to explain what im looking for and i hope so very much that i can get some help or information. It has always been a dream of mine to go to a different country to fully give myself to a ...
Foreigners can get Philhealth. It’s quite cheap but doesn’t cover Z Benefits for foreigners. https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/benefits/ Read More
SRRV VS 36 Month Tourist Visa Extension by scott1953
Can any expat explain to me what are the advantages of getting an SRRV verses just extending my tourist visa up to 36 months and leaving the country only to return the next day if i choose? I just returned to the Phil. from an 11 day vacation in ...
Interesting because it clearly states officer. Read More
SRRV VS 36 Month Tourist Visa Extension by scott1953
Can any expat explain to me what are the advantages of getting an SRRV verses just extending my tourist visa up to 36 months and leaving the country only to return the next day if i choose? I just returned to the Phil. from an 11 day vacation in ...
I recall reading that the rules for the ex-military only applies to officers and requires a pension. Did that change? Read More
Retiring on 1400 per month can it be done? by Romeow22
Easy to retire on 1400 a month in cebu?
Quite surprising based on your comment yesterday https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=762120#4588458 Read More
Retiring on 1400 per month can it be done? by Romeow22
Easy to retire on 1400 a month in cebu?
I have to agree with W9XR on literally everything that he said. It takes a lot of patience to live here and if you want a western lifestyle, you’ll pay much more for it then you did in the West. Read More
lifting of BLACKLIST....does it lift after 5years or never...? by dreamstolive
hello there and thanks for looking and replying if you know of ANY information that will help... i have been to the phils many times and last time i went to enter,found i was on the blacklist. it was for swearing in front of an immigration officer ...
Damn Nielson, why don’t you tell us how you really feel. 😂😂😂 Read More
Forming a Company that then Leases from me..I need to know by murihikukid
Hi...I intend to travel to and live in the Philippines...With some filippino friends I want to form a company for a small business ..They will have 60% and myself 40% as per the law....However the companies success depends on the company being able ...
Buying a scooter and island hopping sounds like a better bet. Haha Are you aware that you can stay here on a tourist visa for up to 36 months at a time? You can then leave the country on a cheap flight elsewhere, turn around and come back and start ... Read More
First Time Visitor
I agree with pwncyclist and would add that you should not expect anything different here as far as the rules, red tape and bias go. That stuff is alive, well and thriving here. I would highly recommend reading this as well as other forums so that ... Read More
Accommodation in the Philippines: scams you should look out for by Bhavna
Hi, Committing to renting or buying accommodation when youre new to or have not moved to the Philippines just yet is always a stressful endeavour. Would you like to help us in putting together a handbook of what to look out for when house ...
Personally, I would look at literally everything here as a “potential” scam. Use your head and think long and hard about any and every transaction here. It seems that everything from trikes, to taxi’s, to food, to housing, to ... Read More
Forming a Company that then Leases from me..I need to know by murihikukid
Hi...I intend to travel to and live in the Philippines...With some filippino friends I want to form a company for a small business ..They will have 60% and myself 40% as per the law....However the companies success depends on the company being able ...
Seems to me that you should lease to it at a higher rate if you intend to actually make any money. Otherwise, a company in which you own a minority in, gets 60% of your vehicle revenue. I won’t even delve into the 60/40 mess of Corp. ... Read More
Foreign document authentication by TeeJay4103
Beginning Tuesday the 14th of May, the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines will no longer be authenticating foreign documents with a stamp and a red ribbon. These include documents such as proof of income, divorce papers, military ...
Oh Geeze... that’s going to cause some major hassles for folks. Especially for those that are already here. Read More
Returning to Philippines to Get Married by moonunit0103
Hi, After 58 days with my GF island hopping in Visayas, I am looking to return to Ormoc to get married, and want to know the process for getting married in the Philippines, going from a Tourist Visa to a 13A Visa, and whether the Balikbayan Stamp ...
So , you’ve known her in person for a total of 58 days. ;) Read More
Streaming services by ElGatoNegron
My Amazon prime streaming service is not available to my location (Davao) it says. Anyone using this streaming service successfully. Or any other, like Hulu, HBO, Spectrum cable, etc?
Yes, Netflix does work here but you get the PH version. To access the US or any other version, you need a VPN. And yes Zincity, Amazon Prime worked a couple of months ago but, not anymore. I have tested using ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, ... Read More
Streaming services by ElGatoNegron
My Amazon prime streaming service is not available to my location (Davao) it says. Anyone using this streaming service successfully. Or any other, like Hulu, HBO, Spectrum cable, etc?
Nope from Cebu and it seems that they are no longer allowing VPN's and Proxy servers either. This kind of makes my Amazon Prime membership pretty useless. amazon.com/vpn Read More
Is My Plan Realistic? by glenlita
Hello everyone. My name is Glenn and my Wife is Lolita and we have been married for 28 years. We are seriously considering moving to her province in the Alaminos Pangasinan to retire. Our plan is to save up at least $15,000 US before we leave. My ...
Just an FYI: https://philippineslifestyle.com/canadian-gernment-mindanao-travel/ Read More
Scam in Dating sites by Xse
Hello, I would like to know why there is so much scam or cheating on dating sites, because there are many Filipino women (and other Asian countries on a smaller scale) willing to move or at least meet foreigners and we are many foreigners willing to ...
Wow Bro, really? I never found this to be the case at all. Sorry to hear that you had such a rough childhood where girls are concerned. Read More
Returning to Philippines to Get Married by moonunit0103
Hi, After 58 days with my GF island hopping in Visayas, I am looking to return to Ormoc to get married, and want to know the process for getting married in the Philippines, going from a Tourist Visa to a 13A Visa, and whether the Balikbayan Stamp ...
Damn, somebody got hooked quick. Hehehe... Why the rush Unit?? Would you marry someone within 58 days of hanging out in your own Country? I’m not trying to disrespect you here Bro, just a bit concerned at the speed of this. Why not slow down ... Read More
Scam in Dating sites by Xse
Hello, I would like to know why there is so much scam or cheating on dating sites, because there are many Filipino women (and other Asian countries on a smaller scale) willing to move or at least meet foreigners and we are many foreigners willing to ...
For a lot of people on dating sites and I use the word people instead of girls because they are not always girls behind those profiles, dating sites are big business and a big source of revenue. For a population where a lot of them live on less then ... Read More
Moving to Cebu City
Solinea is really nice. They just finished tower 2 not long ago. It’s across from Ayala mall. Tower 3 is also on the rise. http://www.ayalalandcebu.com/ Lots of new condo’s going up in the city. Read More
sensitve issues by Zyrena
Sirs whats on my mind is medical issues as living in Pagadian city I am woried what will happen god fobid i need hospital treatment wherf can i go and get this and whatg type of Health insurance i must have: to keep me healthy for eternal health ...
Oh, okay French. Thank you for the clarification. I thought it was limited to public. So people with little means, can clog up private hospitals and the private hospitals would be cool with getting 20-30% of the payment. Interesting. Hahaha Read More
English Tutor
I have seen a few programs where foreigners can teach English to Chinese students so long as they have a good internet connection. You’ll have to search them out as I don’t really recall the names but, from what I understand and have ... Read More
sensitve issues by Zyrena
Sirs whats on my mind is medical issues as living in Pagadian city I am woried what will happen god fobid i need hospital treatment wherf can i go and get this and whatg type of Health insurance i must have: to keep me healthy for eternal health ...
I wouldn’t be in a country that required a large amount of cash up front to even treat you in the event of an emergency unless I was able to keep a large amount of cash on hand for such emergencies. Only you can answer that one. Philhealth I ... Read More
Emergency Help
Well, for better or more likely worse, you can now transport your pet on jeepneys and busses. https://philippineslifestyle.com/pets-allowed-travel-jeepneys-buses/ Read More