AaronAardvark
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
289
About me
American
Lives in Angeles City, Central Luzon
Speaks English
Registration: 05 December 2019
US Gov website on services airlines provide on cancelling & delays by PalawOne
The U.S. Department of Transportation has created a dashboard to ensure easy access to information on the services that local U.S. airlines provide when the cause of a cancellation or a delay is within their control. ...
One thing to remember, airports themselves have been cancelling flights lately. Read More
American Clothing Sizes by Tariq1983
So I’m about 5’9 220 lbs. Wide frame but deff more muscle than fat. I’m having trouble finding clothes my size are there any clothing stores in the Philippines that cater to American sizes. I tried on a three XL last week and even ...
Amazon will ship many clothing sizes to the Philippines and take care of customs if any. But it will not be the same price as Filipino clothes. Read More
Best type of fish to make UK style fish- n-chips. by FindlayMacD
I know how to make the beer batter etc but can anyone suggest the best fillet fish available here in the Philippines to make UK style fish -n- chips. I know you can buy Atlantic cod fillets here in S&R but besides being very expensive, ...
MUST be cod! It can be found in the Philippines. Read More
SRRV Payments by elnidophill
did you already pay All money, who has experience???
Thanks, safe travels. Has anyone that applied for SRRV after 24 March 2022 gotten their final visa and how long did it take? JIM - @lcdrskiAssuming you have all the requirements and documents in hand, 45 days. But ... Read More
SRRV Payments by elnidophill
did you already pay All money, who has experience???
@Moon Dog Absolutely, I did it myself. You do need the minimum pension though from any source including SS. $1,000.00 Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
@stormylake Makes sense, except who have the 36 month limit at all? I can't think of another place that allows a tourist vista to last forever. I believe they know this is a money making thing for BI and they are OK with ignoring ... Read More
Vaccination verification by Fritz62
Hello, I arrived at Manila airport with my International Vaccination Certificate issued by the Australian Government. The quarantine officer said that this document could not be verified, which I could not understand why. Meant I had to spend 2 ...
yes Read More
Amazon Global Shipping by Enzyte Bob
My old TV earphones have seen better days, duct tape can't fix everything. I've searched Shopee & Lazada for what I want. My current headset has a charging station for the headset, so no batteries are needed for the charging station or ...
Be careful to read the dates. Amazon usually gives you two choices of speed with a difference in speed. I have recently had a choice of February 1 or August 14 and this has happened more than once. Read More
Dust, Dust & More Dust by Enzyte Bob
Hello this is Spence in Pasig City, We have a indoor dust problem and I would like to solve it. I've been looking at Hepa Air filters on Lazada and I don't want to waste my money on something that will not work. Have any of you purchased ...
I too have a lot of dust, or so I thought. I lived in Thailand near the mountains where it is famous for horrible air quality due to farmers burning the rice left overs. The mountains would complete disappear for about 3 months a year. So I bought ... Read More
What VPN are you using? by Enzyte Bob
A little background, I use Panda Dome Antivirus software (free). They also include a VPN, 150 Mb per day free. Until recently their free VPN showed my location in the US. Now it shows as the Philippines, for me that defeats the reasons I used ...
If you choose a vpn location in the country you want you will get an up address from that country. The address that you see like 192.168.1.x is not the address they see. However, there are other ways they can tell. I was never able to get my Roku ... Read More
What VPN are you using? by Enzyte Bob
A little background, I use Panda Dome Antivirus software (free). They also include a VPN, 150 Mb per day free. Until recently their free VPN showed my location in the US. Now it shows as the Philippines, for me that defeats the reasons I used ...
Don’t forget they have many more under “all” I’m getting angry with them anyway. I use an Asus router flashed with express vpn. I just upgraded my fiber to 300 mbps but I was getting half that even with no vpn. I reflashed ... Read More
How to call the IRS by stumpednomore
I live in Southern Mindanao 5 km from a good cell connection but there is a usable connection available here at home, and I'm able to receive calls from a friend in California on my cell phone at home. We can't get a landline here even ...
I use Google Voice works great and is free. You need to have a US number but only for set up. I did mine with an online service. They give you a number. Just find one that has a free trial or one that you can cancel. When you call, expect to be ... Read More
Mix & Match Vaccines? by Enzyte Bob
My first vac was Sinovac. I understand the other vacs have been available by luck for some people. My son tells me I have to get the Sinovac as my second vac. I would like to have some other vac, has anyone been successful in getting a different ...
My GF in Thailand just got a second show which was a different one than the first. So it is happening. Read More
Covid Vaccine Followup by Enzyte Bob
My wife had her covid vaccine one month ago, I had my shot two weeks ago at different vaccine centers. We both are sick with the same symptoms. [b] What we have.[/b] (1) constant high fever topping out at 39.8 for almost one week. (2) constant ...
Philhealth ? Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
Convert to Jewish and get circumcised (again) Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
If the two examples are really at the end of 36 months the price is probably fair. The law had been pretty clear prior to COVID, get out or do a visa run. If they are allowing people to extend that, it is good news even if there is a high price. ... Read More
Covid Vaccine Followup by Enzyte Bob
My wife had her covid vaccine one month ago, I had my shot two weeks ago at different vaccine centers. We both are sick with the same symptoms. [b] What we have.[/b] (1) constant high fever topping out at 39.8 for almost one week. (2) constant ...
Hi FilAmMom. May I ask where you got the jabs? It appears you are all a range of ages. My GF in Cebu is telling me she cannot get it yet due to age restriction, she's 42. I have been pushing her to get the A-Z shot. Thanks.The government has now ... Read More
Credit Cards & OTP by Ryan Hull90
My Name is Ryan, and I have been living in the Philippines for sometime working with an organization that is helping with livelihood projects. It is still nice to every now an then buy stuff online from amazon or other US online stores, however I ...
Google voice works great for that purpose. However, you have to tie it initially to a US number. After that GV will give you a new number. If you don't have a US number there are places online that will give you one either with small monthly ... Read More
Covid Vaccine Followup by Enzyte Bob
My wife had her covid vaccine one month ago, I had my shot two weeks ago at different vaccine centers. We both are sick with the same symptoms. [b] What we have.[/b] (1) constant high fever topping out at 39.8 for almost one week. (2) constant ...
If you are a US military veteran of any kind you can get J&J at the VA in Manila. I think spouses also qualify. Read More
Draw your own conclusion by Enzyte Bob
In our household four of us received the Sinovac Vaccine at for different times at four different locations. [b] Three of us has contracted Covid-19[/b]
I just got my single shot Johnson and Johnson alone with hundreds of others from the VA in Manila. With zero pain and no side effects. Read More
General enquiry about PH by aklokow
Hi everyone, we are going to be living in Lopez Quezon, we just finished building a house there. Not much happening in Lopez but that s fine for us no need for the hussle and buzzle. Just wondering id anyone is also out in the provinces, perhaps in ...
It can come from satellite or from cable if you are lucky enough to have internet. Read More
Buying a Pre-owned Car by vincent salcedo
I am going to buy my first car and I am planning to get a pre-owned or second-hand unit. My budget is Php 350,000 maximum. I am considering two options: 1. HONDA CITY A/T model 2011 or 2012 if possible, or 2. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 A/T model 2018 ...
Many, but not all, Mitsubishis have a horrible noise from the rear end. My guess it is the CVT. If used, try to make sure you got ALL of the paperwork. In my case I was the 4th owner. I could not put the car in my name until someone tracked ... Read More
My 36 month tourist VISA will expire and I don't want to leave my son by James Cuervo
Hello, hope everyone is doing okay! I'm faced with a horrible situation, where I forgot that I can't stay more than 36 months on a tourist visa. I'm 24 and not married (can't get married because processing other papers, getting ...
Any chance you could pay the overstay in advance? :dumbom: Read More
Maximum Continuous Stay using Tourist Visas? by lukestevens1233
Hi everyone, My name is Luke. I am here on a tourist visa that I have been getting extensions on for the past year and a half. Does anybody know how long you can stay in the Philippines on a tourist visa using this method of getting extensions? To ...
Except for the married part. :( Read More
If I bring a PC on an airplane, will I still be charged customs taxes? by Arcadieus
Trying to figure a way around paying 12% through customs. Anyone have any other ideas?
As was said before, carry it in a laptop case/bag and walk straight through. Just look at the thousands of business people who come through the Philippines (or any other country), they would not be paying customs. And there is always the ... Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
Currently new SRRV applications are not being accepted. Also, the term "retired military" is a bit misleading. The PRA has accepted that it actually means that you are retired from something and had some honorable military service. Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
SRRV visa holders are not required to have an ACR card. They carry an SRRV card which is also renewed yearly but it is done through the PRA and not BI. The visa itself has no expiration but the card does. I have not been to the BI in ... Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
That is not correct. I and many others are not required to have an ACR card. Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
Except for expats that don't have an ACR card. Also it defeats the purpose of having one universal ID Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
I just read somewhere that there were now 25 million who have registered. No idea if it was complete with the actual ID being given out. Read More
Finish line close in sight, then: by Enzyte Bob
Back in mid December after jumping through all the hoops and red tape finally had the paperwork completed and submitted for my permanent ACR-1 card and hopefully 13A. (Main BI office Manila). Found out after three months it was finally issued and ...
Do you really worry about the 65 thing? I am well past that and I have been out an about hundreds of times. Not one time was I even questioned about it. There were a few times when I was placed in the senior citizen ques though. Read More
Used Car Registration Questions by AaronAardvark
Can someone help me with these questions? 1. Is there any age limitations in registering a car (not driver's license)? 2. Is it difficult to register a car that is purchased and is not currently registered? 3. How to get basic car ...
Thanks, if I do decide to buy a car, it will be a used car and not sold by a dealer. It would be a private party sale. Read More
Used Car Registration Questions by AaronAardvark
Can someone help me with these questions? 1. Is there any age limitations in registering a car (not driver's license)? 2. Is it difficult to register a car that is purchased and is not currently registered? 3. How to get basic car ...
Sorry, I meant age of the owner not the car. Read More
Used Car Registration Questions
Can someone help me with these questions? 1. Is there any age limitations in registering a car (not driver's license)? 2. Is it difficult to register a car that is purchased and is not currently registered? 3. How to get basic car ... Read More
Philippines vehicle licence by Gordon H
I renewed my phil vehicle licence in Aug2016, i have lost the plastic, so.. Question...how many years are these licences good for before they expire Question...if the expiry date has passed is it still easy to renew. When I renewed I was told that ...
Is there any issue with age in registering a car? Is there a penalty when registering a used car who's registration has expired? Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
I got mine in September. The apostolate thing has always been a source of confusion. I believe that I have two documents in that status. One is my SS statement and the other is my DD214 which has an embossed stamp on it. I have heard that the ... Read More
Acceptance of new SRRV visa applications suspended. by TeeJay4103
...
Still a lot better than Thailand or Malaysia. Read More
Acceptance of new SRRV visa applications suspended. by TeeJay4103
...
Do you have a Filipina family which is about the only way to get a 13a. If you are a veteran, you should be able to apply for a cheap SRRV except they have not been accepting new applications since October having to do with some perceived Chinese ... Read More
Air Purifiers, How Effective are they? by hellorosie
How much is HEPA filter replacement? Is filter replacement for Table Top Air Purifier available? How much is air filter replacement? Do we need to change the filter or is it for lifetime? Does your table top air purifier have aromatherapy feature?
a lot of it depends on how much space you have filter. I had a 50 sqm Mi Airpurifier which costs about P5500 and replacement filters every 3 to 6 months. The replacements were about P1500. I really liked that model except the directions were in ... Read More
extension in the philippines by ceesy
1. Can i get permission for extense without leaving the country with all the covid problems? i live already 3 years end march 2021
Other people have reported that BI was giving them an additional extension beyond the 36 months. at the usual price. Read More
renew visa behind 3 years by mikebrant1973
is anyone renew is tourist visa behind 3 years , as its hard to go out of the country and come back (visa run)
The OP didn't indicate that he was past 3 years of extensions. I think he just wants to know what to do since border runs would be pretty difficult. Others have reported that they were giving extensions past the 36 month limit. Read More
Info regarding international tourism. by Arcadieus
My girlfriend follows some Filipino reporter back home *apparently this guy is in the know and the government is afraid of him?* International tourism will resume in May 2021 and a vaccine will also be available by the end of April. Clearly this is ...
Unless you have family here, you probably won't be getting in any time soon. Read More
visa extension behind 3 years by italypolo
any one know/get/apply for tourist visa extension behind 3 years?my visa is 3 years on feb 2021,,,cant make visa run as corona still here
Go to immigration. There have been several reports that people have been able to get 3 - 6 month extensions on top of the 36 months. Do not wait to get the extension. If you are past the 36 months you will have to pay for the extension plus the ... Read More
Leaving phillipines, returning to Singapore by Richard Yan
What are the requirements/ procedures? 1) leaving phillipines, exit permit, etc. 2) returning to Singapore 3) which Airline is good? Thanks bros for input.
Can we assume that you are a citizen of Singapore and there are no restrictions for you entering? Read More
Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. by ARnewExpat
How long it takes for the Philippine Embassy to issue the Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.?
Apparently I didn't make myself clear. You got a 6 month extension./ What was the status of yo9ur previous visa at that time? I ask because people had been reporting they got a 4 or 5 or 6 month visa but what they actually got was a visa from ... Read More
Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. by ARnewExpat
How long it takes for the Philippine Embassy to issue the Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.?
just to be clear, you got 6 months for the time you applied or from the time of expiration? Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
So problem remains. Assuming the expat is not married, and is at 35.5 months into their visa, what can be done? If the BI will continue to give 2 month extension until the travel situation returns to near normal, the problem is mute but if they ... Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
So what do you do if you wish to stay/return to the Philippines when your 36 months are up? You can leave to avoid the overstay. Otherwise, how does anyone at 36 months "not overstay"? Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
Visa about to expire, no way to currently do boarder run, someone willing to take P28000 to fix the problem for two months. Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
I disagree. Find one "official" place where it is documented that this is allowed and I will believe it. Yes, I am well aware that a zillion people have done it without a problem. What is the purpose of a 36 month limit if people can ... 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 ...
I moved from Thailand to the Philippines. Everything in the Philippines is cheaper EXCEPT for rentals. I found that the rentals for 50 sqm condo in the Philippines is approximately 40% more expensive and with much less quality. Townhouses and ... Read More
Info regarding international tourism. by Arcadieus
My girlfriend follows some Filipino reporter back home *apparently this guy is in the know and the government is afraid of him?* International tourism will resume in May 2021 and a vaccine will also be available by the end of April. Clearly this is ...
I think there is zero chance that anyone, in the government or outside of the government, knows the answers to those questions. Read More
visa run after 3 years of tourist by mikebrant1973
any one know what to do for visa run....almost 3 years with tourist visa,,,have someone extent over 3 years?
There is danger here. Using a visa run to restart after 36 months of stay was never really an approved method. Yes, a zillion people did it but if Immigration really wanted to allow for more than 36 months they would have just removed the 36 month ... Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
I tried it when it first came out and I ran into some sort of problem with it but it was clearly not ready for prime time. There have been changes since then. Since I didn't even get the notification of the form (item 34), I called the PRA and ... Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
And then there is the confusing scrolling bar at the top for the SRRV Monitoring System which requests the same information. Read More
QR Code in Davao by Okieboy
All residents in Davao will have to carry the QR Code starting 23 Nov if you are caught without it you can be jailed, the website you down load it from has big problems with over a million trying to get their code, I tried but no luck, I got a ...
This is just plain stupid. Why not just build a wall around the city? There is supposed to be one national organization that coordinates this kind of stuff. Of course not everyone has a smart phone. You need an ID to get the QR code. What ... Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
There also appears to be something else that is new, at least for me. SRRAV ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURE MONITORING SYSTEM. SRRV Monitor It looks exactly the same but different. Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
Yes I do that at least twice a day to make sure that I have not missed something to download. :D I am not sure what the usefulness of sending out emails to have people correct their email address since it is obvious they won't get the ... Read More
Acceptance of new SRRV visa applications suspended. by TeeJay4103
...
Safest thing to do is to phone or go to the BI to get the correct answer. A couple of considerations would be, do you have an ACR-I card and have you already been in the Philippines for 6 months. If the total time has been more than 6 months an ... Read More
SRRV holders required PRA registry update. by TeeJay4103
[b]Current SRRV holders[/b] should have received this notice via email today. You have until October 29th to complete and return the form. [b]From the PRA: [/b] [b]Notice to All SRRV Holders [/b] (from PRA MANAGEMENT): "The Philippine Retirement ...
Seems as though many people never got an email and it seems odd that there was never any follow up. I wonder if this was intended for only some people or certain groups of people. Read More
SRRV Visa. by Dennis uk
hi ,is it possible to arrive on a 30 day visa from uk and possibly apply for SRRV Visa in manila while in country?
Not sure what that has to do with an SRRV visa. Read More
Acceptance of new SRRV visa applications suspended. by TeeJay4103
...
In normal times it would depend on which type of SRRV you apply for. It could be a deposit of $1,500 up to $50,000. But that deposit is not really frozen it can be used for some investments such as buying a condo. The yearly renewal fees can be ... Read More
Advantage / disadvantage between a 13A and a Balikbayan visa by pej1111
Just wondering what is the advantage / disadvantage between a 13A and a Balikbayan visa (on arrival in PHP with wife)? Pro's & Con's etc * Cost? * Benefits? * Administration? * Etc? Would be most appreciative of any input. Just ...
To me, if I had a Filipina wife, I would go with the balakbayan for the first year. It is easy to get if you have the wife and the marriage certificate. Within that first year I would then think it over, do I want to stay, then I would balance the ... Read More
Does Anyone Have Experience With AliExpress? by Enzyte Bob
AliExpress is owned by Alibaba. I tried to order today and had no luck. Credit cards were declined and they needed proof on who I was. They requested and I complied by uploading two Photo I.D.'s, a copy of my Credit Card and a copy of the ...
I have had a few orders that just never arrived. Also, they are terrible on giving tracking once the order leaves China. Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
I said foreigners were included. I did not say all. I see no reason that tourists, for example 59 day visa, would be required to get a national id card. Perhaps it would be the same rules as those who are required to have an ACR-I card. If they ... Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
The initial reports were very clear. Foreigners were included. A blood type and an iris scan would be done. And, the ID card would be required for visas (at some point). Someone from the barangay would be going house to house and this is not ... Read More
Makati immigration office by Richard Yan
Anyone extended 6 months tourist Visa recently at makati immigration office? Thanks.
Can you not just a different visa like SRRV? Read More
National ID registration by Okieboy
Had an official bring me the registration for national ID , I thought the BOI was going to handle national ID for foreigners, but I guess it is the Barangy, that is where they got my name and address
Did they do the iris scan? Read More
SRRV Visa. by Dennis uk
hi ,is it possible to arrive on a 30 day visa from uk and possibly apply for SRRV Visa in manila while in country?
Yes that is the most confusing part. I used the PRA and not an agent. They take care of the bank. PRA will give you a letter and tell you what bank to go to. You take the letter and US dollars to that bank. That bank will deposit that money into ... Read More
SRRV Visa. by Dennis uk
hi ,is it possible to arrive on a 30 day visa from uk and possibly apply for SRRV Visa in manila while in country?
I just received mine in the last couple of weeks. With the current COVID issues, mine took 6 months and I am not the only one. The problem is all the agencies involved. 1st is either the PRA or marketer. If you have all the ... Read More
Went out after six months by Enzyte Bob
This was the first time for me leaving the house since March 19, last time out went to S&R, first time out this time back to S&R. It's like sex, you remember the first time & the last time and nothing in between. We've been ...
GRAB car now requires you to put funds into GRAB Wallet or link it to a bank account. I use GRAB all the time so I have mine linked so it auto fills the wallet when I have a low balance. This is done so they can be "cashless" due to ... Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
You are correct that no one checks, however, there is definitely an address on the back of my just issued SRRV card. The PRA told me to change it during the next card renewal. Read More
When will US Embassy Resume Visa Interviews? by moonunit0103
Hi, My wife has an interview pending with US Embassy for her CR-1 Visa/Green Card. Interviews have been suspended since March due to CV19. I am supposed to have cochlear implant surgery upon return to US, and am waiting for the green light from ...
Email the embassy, they will normally respond within a few hours. However, you may get a less than satisfactory response. ACSInfoManila@state.gov Read More
Immigration asking letter guarantee by Safferman
Hi, I have recently received this message: Hi, I have received message, is this from Immigration office? Goodmorning, this is from the Bureau of Immigration regarding the 13a marriage visa application of ________. Upon careful evaluation of the ...
Unfortunately, the US Embassy and Consulates are not currently doing any notary services. I just emailed the Embassy this week and the answer was "not now". There was no estimated time for them to resume the services. I think you have to ... Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
Thanks, that is exactly what I was thinking. After waiting more than 6 months, I don,t want to add any complications. I guess I will just wait until my card renewal which will be two address changes by then. Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
I will be getting mine next week. Can someone tell me if there is an address on the card and if so is there a requirement to change it if I move? When I turned in my passport and final documents, I told PRA that my address was no longer in a ... Read More
Philippine Postal System by Enzyte Bob
Today, Sept 4, 2020 I received two premium notices from United of Omaha, one post marked March 19 and the other July 10. I'm sure Covid had something to do with this late delivery. Now United of Omaha mails out the notices a month before the ...
Things aren't exactly great with USPS either. I just had a 2 lb package go from Queens to Virginia and it took a month. Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
Thanks, at least I know now that they are alive. Of course with me being in A/C it will add who knows how much time. Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
My passport has already been with PRA for 2 months. I didn't know that you could do 5 years PRA told me the 1st one could only be for one year and after that could only be 3 years. Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
I don't know what you mean by appointing an agent. Here in A/C, PRA has its own office which took care of me. They did the bank, medical and NBI for me. There are agents here but in normal times they don't do anything that PRA ... Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
That is incorrect. The BI office in Manila that approves SRRVs has been closed multiple times since June. Their own website ,the PRA and the agent has verified this. The PRA processor told me exactly when my approved application was sent to BI. ... Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
I applied directly with PRA in Clark. They were very helpful and there appeared to be no reason to use an agent. Later on, when things came to a halt, I contacted a recommended agent in Manila who was going to try and help (for a fee). However, ... Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences by AaronAardvark
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ...
Visa renewals are not on topic. It is about initial SRRV applications. Read More
Recent SRRV Experiences
Has anyone gotten a new SRRV in the last couple of months? I am entering my 6th month after initially applying. There were no issues with my application it was just the COVID thing. BI would close then PRA would close then open then close the ... 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 ...
Someone who lives in a foreign country long term with no immediate plan to return home. 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 ...
"Dr. Fauci has not seen a patient in over 25 years, so he has no practical experience or knowledge. If under normal circumstances I had to go to the emergency room, I certainly wouldn't want Dr. Fauci to be my Emergency Room ... 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 ...
The first part of that has been clarified in the last couple of days. Foreign spouses who already have a non-expired visa and ARC card are allowed back in without a new one from an Embassy. That includes SRRV and 13A holders. If the visa is ... Read More
Duterte and Russian Vaccine by Enzyte Bob
President Duterte offered to be the first person to try the Covid 19 vaccine from Russia when available. He said: I am overjoyed because Russia is our friend, they will give us vaccines and did not say anything about payment." Me: This ...
And mentioning the Philippines President's name could leave to repercussions. 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 ...
I would suppose this could only apply while inside the Philippines airspace. How could anyone wear these for a trans ocean flight of like 10-20 hours? Read More
Moving to Cavite in January as a retired 34 year old. by Arcadieus
Hi, I'm planning on moving to Cavite in January with my girlfriend. She is originally from Cavite and we have been living in Romania the last year. I'm just trying to figure out how to keep myself busy there and have my girlfriend*soon to be ...
Might be a good fit but getting a job in Cyber Security at the Embassy would be difficult. It would depend if the the position was a local hire or Foreign Service and if they actually had a position. Also, although he probably had a security ... Read More
Medication in the Philippines by Loïc
Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like the ...
Interesting how different people react to addictive substances. I used to drink a lot for years but when I decided to stop, I did so without any issues. I hurt my back a few years back and was given oxy. I took it for almost a month and stopped, ... Read More
Medication in the Philippines by Loïc
Good morning everyone, Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture. When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like the ...
I believe that they will only see patients that have a service related disability. I am not sure about retirees. I am a vet and have a VA card but they will not see me. Read More
Bank account opening by Sumomaster2004
Can anyone suggest a bank in Bulacan that doesnt have a lot of red tape to go thru to open a dollar account.
Since you need a government ID card, an ACR card or SRRV would probably be one of the IDs. Almost anyone who meets the 180 day requirement should have one of them. I have always found that published requirements are added or removed when speaking ... Read More
Bank account opening by Sumomaster2004
Can anyone suggest a bank in Bulacan that doesnt have a lot of red tape to go thru to open a dollar account.
BDO is one of the easiest. Two forms of ID and 180 days in country. Read More
Metro Manila in lock down again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is in MECQ lock down again (next two weeks) for the following: Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal & Bulacan. Now over 100,000 cases with 5032 just on this last Sunday. Again you will need quarantine passes. There will be no public ...
I might have ventured out if Grab was available. Before the Corona Virus we were out and about always using Grab. I had a chance with private car (1,000 peso) but declined because my son had to wait about an hour to be allowed into S&R when he ... Read More
Metro Manila in lock down again by Enzyte Bob
Metro Manila is in MECQ lock down again (next two weeks) for the following: Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal & Bulacan. Now over 100,000 cases with 5032 just on this last Sunday. Again you will need quarantine passes. There will be no public ...
I am also a senior but in the appropriately 120 days of xCQ I have been out all but about 5 days. I have never been asked my age except to use the senior priority lines. 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 ...
huh What has 10 years got to do with anything and why would you think that everyone has come in contact with it? The number of people who have become infected is the number who have come in contact with it. That number would be 74,400 plus ... 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 ...
Two power banks will probably not be an issue with customs. However, you may have an issue with the airlines. Lithium ion batteries are restricted to carry on. 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 ...
The guy who did the video assumes that SRRVs are included. They may be but there is no new information from the PRA. If you read the 2nd paragraph in the document that he shows, it does not mention SRRVs. PRA 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 ...
I may have missed it but I do not see any mention of SRRV. The article does not define "long term" visas. PRA still says they are working on it. It could mean 13a only. And of course 1August is an eternity. Read More