Harbred6051
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
81
About me
American
Speaks English
Registration: 29 July 2020
Leaving apartment before end of period by pva74
hi dear friends.i need to leave my apartment before my end of contract (February 2025).i want to leave end of October 2024.my friend say, you can go in jail if you leave before !!!how can i need to find the truth?thanks for your helpPas
No one goes to jail over an apt lease, esp if theyve paid cash upfront for all the months theyre gonna be staying there.. Read More
Bank Account by ShueArie
I've been visiting the Philippines for the last 2 or so years roughly a month 2 to 3 times a year. I stay at my Fiancée home every visit. I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the Banking Rules there. Can I or we open a Bank Account ...
Yep..Its all about connections & who u know!... Read More
13 A visa - Permanent - What would happen if I separate from my wife by Geraldhere
I am a holder of 13A permanent Visa in the Philippines. My wife an I are living separately (no legal process yet) at the moment and I will file for divorce in future (outside Philippines). If this happens what would be the status of my 13A visa, 1. ...
@danfinn. My understanding is that if one is from USA (or another western country like Canada Australia or england they get 30 days "free" upon arrival (assuming coming in on a tourist visa), THEN can extend it another 29 days before having to ... Read More
Car purchases in Philippines by onefogarty
Hey!Anyone know how easy or complicated it is for a foreigner to buy a car in the Philippines? I’m thinking of buying a new SUV like a fortuner or something along those lines. Is vehicle insurance expensive? I’ve heard that if one ...
That Camaro looks almost like the General Lee, except blue! Does it hurdle creeks? Lol. Read More
Bank Account by ShueArie
I've been visiting the Philippines for the last 2 or so years roughly a month 2 to 3 times a year. I stay at my Fiancée home every visit. I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the Banking Rules there. Can I or we open a Bank Account ...
@tphgawn Yes...at some banks they will open a bank acct for an expat provided they are already married to a PH citizen... Read More
Bank Account by ShueArie
I've been visiting the Philippines for the last 2 or so years roughly a month 2 to 3 times a year. I stay at my Fiancée home every visit. I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the Banking Rules there. Can I or we open a Bank Account ...
@ShueArie. If your fiancee is a PH citizen she can obviously open a bank acct in her name. I dont believe expats / foreigners can open one unless theyve been here min of 6 months, AND have at least an ACR card, OR either an SRRV OR a 13A perm ... Read More
(Spousal) 13A Expiration Date by Enzyte Bob
My 13A doesn't expire until February 2026, I was wondering the process when the time comes to renew. What paperwork is involved?I've done a Google search and their is so much incorrect information. Even some have posted on their website that the 13A ...
I always thought the 13A permanent resident visa was in a wallet size card form that was stamped to a page in ones passport, not a stamp in the passport...or am i mistaken? Anyway i am aware it never expires until or unless one gets separated, ... Read More
BACK TO THE BASICS : A WEBSITE FOR EXPATS, BY EXPATS by Julien
Hi, Expat.com defines itself as "The living abroad website, by expats, for expats" We received too many complains these last days about locals systematically hijacking treads, posting ads (when they should be posted in dedicated ...
What is the website address? Read More
Foreigners registering as aliens by Col Rootentoot
Perhaps of interest:Bureau of Immigration: 153,651 foreigners registered as aliens in 2024By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated News, Published March 10, ...
@Enzyte Bob. Dont forget those canned Hormel tamales! Cant beat em! Read More
Direct deposit to the Philippines from US by whackerdog123
I know that this is possible now, but I have a few questions. My wife went to her bank here in Cebu and asked about this. The bank (metro bank) told her that she wouldn't be allowed on my bank account since it's a pension account, WTF!. How is ...
@danfinnThe SSA MAY allow SS $ to be deposited into joint accts IN THE USA banks, but NOT in PH banks. Any SS $ direct deposited in a PH bank acct, the acct can only be in the expat/retirees name, even if married to a filipina citizen. This is to ... Read More
Direct deposit to the Philippines from US by whackerdog123
I know that this is possible now, but I have a few questions. My wife went to her bank here in Cebu and asked about this. The bank (metro bank) told her that she wouldn't be allowed on my bank account since it's a pension account, WTF!. How is ...
My understanding is that if an expat (married or not) retired & living in the PH wants their SS $ direct deposited into a PH bank, then the acct has to be in the recipients name only, they are not allowed to have a debit nor atm card tied to ... Read More
Contact advocate for a SRR visa by Michaelm54
I’ve used the balikbayan privilege visa for two years. I’m going to Vietnam for 10 days and extend it another year. For me, a SRR visa looks like a good choice because I don’t mind parking $10k USD that my wife can collect if I ...
One can keep getting a new BB stamp in their passport IF they keep leaving the country before the 12th month is up. They leave for a min of 24 hours, then reenter (WITH THEIR SPOUSE ON THE SAME INBOUND FLIGHT, THATS THE KEY...) & keep renewing ... Read More
Local ideas by PalawOne
`Four tyres and spray paint .. diy security `
His grocery bill must run you into the poor house? Lol. 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.
@Lotus Eater In the U.S., one can start getting a smaller Soc Security benefit at an earlier age (62), OR one can wait til 65 or 67 & get a larger benefit. Read More
Starlink in Philippines .. $599 unit & $99 monthly for 200 Mbps by PalawOne
Musk’s Starlink internet service to be offered in the Philippines in Q1Reuters - February 4, ...
I agree. I'm not criticizing it..just stating a fact that only the more affluent Filipinos such as those living in Cebu Manila Mikati n BGC may be able to afford it. But it is only one of many companies to get hi speed internet from...there's still ... Read More
Starlink in Philippines .. $599 unit & $99 monthly for 200 Mbps by PalawOne
Musk’s Starlink internet service to be offered in the Philippines in Q1Reuters - February 4, ...
No Filipinos would ever be able to afford the initial $600 USD deposit, not alone $100 USD a month. Most if not all new subscribers will be expats. I personally think it's all a cash grab by Elon...He never thinks he makes enough $$$$ on his ... Read More
US General warns of war by PalawOne
***US general warns of war with China 'as early as 2025'The Manila Times & Agence France-Presse, January 28, 2023https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/28/news/us-general-warns-of-warwith-china-as-early-as-2025/1876243A four-star US Air Force ...
I say Dr. Strangelove ❤️.... Read More
What is the price of land for a foreigner ? by michelsergent2008
Hello My name is Michel. I am a cook and I would like to live and work in Palawan.On internet, I found 1) the amount of rent of housing located on this island.2) the amount of real estate located on this island.But, on the internet, I was unable to ...
For any foreigner?....wwaayy tooo much! Read More
Traveling to Philippines. Where will I go through customs? by Adam478
I'm flying from the USA to Davao with a 1 hour layover in Manila. Should I be concerned that 1 hour is not enough to get to my next flight or will I not need to do customs until I reach Davao? I arrive at terminal 2 and my flight to Davao also ...
If you are flying on PAL from LA or SF or Hawaii to Manila, then NAIA is your port of entry. If you're flying on EVA from Taipei to Cebu , then Cebymu is the port of entry. Read More
Maxicare Health Insurance - anyone with Coverage Experience by talamban
Considering signing up for Maxicare Senior Benefits Card for 12,999 Pesos per year. Has anyone enrolled and had actual experience when hospitalization was needed. Not necessarily an Emergency, but just even a planned/Scheduled hospital event. I am ...
Only 20,000 pesos per calendar year for emergency room visits? That's $366.00 USD a year...like $1.00 USD a day...definitely doesn't appear to pay much at all...JMO! Read More
Started My plans For Retire to the Philippines From USA by Guest8759
Hello Everyone ..... I am in process on planning some time next year in 2024 my final retirement location to, The BEAUTIFUL Philippines !! Just a bit about myself, I am a 67 year young, currently [i]existing[/i], in the USA. I want to continue my ...
@Enzyte Bob OMG! They're selling WHITE onions in the PH again?! When i was visiting there last month all i could find was red onions the size of my b@!!s !! Lol. Talk about progress being made in the markets! Maybe at some point the stores will be ... Read More
New Mask Or Vac Cert at BDO by talamban
Went to BDO SM City Mall in Cebu yesterday. Surprised that Security Guard asked me to wear a face mask before entering. When I told him that I do not have a mask anymore; he asked to see my Covid Vaccination Certificate; which I had with me. Showed ...
If I were asked to wear a cloth mask, I would. If I were asked to wear a clear plastic face shield, I would say "But I don't ride a motorbike". I think this is what's cumin down the pike.. is the requirement once again of a full face shield...THKS ... Read More
Retirement income by lyndonjohnstone44
Hi What is a good amount of money to retire with,in the Philippines without any income. I'm planning to retire at age 62.Pension will kick in 5 years later from the UK.
Can u file for social security there in the UK at 62? If u can imo you would need the equivalent of min $1,000 a month US up to $2,000 a month esp if u live in a larger city in the PH. Read More
ACR card immigration registration by Wayne 07
Please do not forget to reregister your ACR -13A card with immigration doing January. I heard some say up to February. I don’t know about that. Failing to do some cost you to be fined.
@Wayne 07 The ACR card annual reporting is from Jan. 1 to Mar 1 of each year. Read More
Started My plans For Retire to the Philippines From USA by Guest8759
Hello Everyone ..... I am in process on planning some time next year in 2024 my final retirement location to, The BEAUTIFUL Philippines !! Just a bit about myself, I am a 67 year young, currently [i]existing[/i], in the USA. I want to continue my ...
Find out all you can about the PH BEFORE "pulling the plug" n living there permanently. Even though you say your blood is PH, IF you have never actually lived there, do a few "test runs" of 3 to 6 months each. That's my best advice. If you only have ... Read More
Philippine International Airports by PalawOne
`Congress allots P200M for Zambo international airportBy Moises Cruz, January 20th 2023https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/20/news/congress-allots-p200m-for-zambo-intl-airport/1874990HOUSE Appropriations Vice Chairman Luis Campos said on ...
Not necessarily. My dad lives in the U.S. near Corpus Christi Texas. The airport in Corpus Christi is called Corpus Christi International Airport, yet that airport only has flights operating to Houston & Dallas, no international cities served ... Read More
Philippine Estate Laws by PalawOne
Philippine Estate LawsRef: https://lawyerphilippines.org/the-philippine-estate-planning-primer-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink/What does Philippine Law mandate regarding inheritances?Philippine laws are pretty definite about inheritances.Philippine ...
And...having eaten Bulut...or not...what does that have to do with PH estate laws? Should those who have never eaten balut be banned from leasing land or buying a condo? Lol.....JMO! Read More
Entire Philippine civil-aviation control system down for five hours by PalawOne
A Glitch .. By Francisco S. Tatad January 9, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/09/opinion/columns/a-glitch-in-governance/1873344`AN unexplained power blackout shut down the nation's civil aviation system for at least five hours on New Year's ...
@TitoDan The PH govts constitution does not allow foreigners (namely americans) to buy n own land, unless it's China! But in USA they allow any Foreigner to buy as much as they want..so, as Americans were screwed either way! Read More
One month in Philippines (simcard, Grab, fees at ATM, etc ). by Laurent futur Nha Trang
Hello everyone, I will be traveling for the first time (from Vietnam) for a month in the Philippines very soon. I have a few practical questions please :-) - what is the most appropriate telephone company for a sim card valid for one month, with a ...
I think Smart is the best fir phone service/SIMs, but DONT buy the SIM card at the airport...instead get it at a mall, the stores at the airport will rip you off! For ATM use Charles Schwab as they will reimburse u fir all ATM fees incurred. As far ... 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 ...
@blacksheepjuno My wife's family lives in Northern Mindanao (Cagayan De Oro), I've been there on 4 visits now, & I feel safer there than I would anywhere else in Mindanao. The dangerous areas are Illigan City, Cotabato, Sulu, & Gen. Santos ... Read More
Absurdity of Looking for Work in the Philippines by drjs
I acquired my spousal visa in the Philippines a couple of months ago and started looking for work. Since I'm not Filipino, I knew it would be difficult.First you have to deal with the fact that several companies flat out refuse to hire anybody who ...
The problem is, in the U.S. right now, BOTH Johnson & Johnson and Amazon are laying off workers. Amazon's laying off 18,000 workers..so getting hired by either of these 2 companies will be NON EXISTENT! My advice, DONT come to the USA to ... Read More
4 month tourist visa, ACR I card renewal total 8,531.00 Php's by scott1953
Went for my 4 month tourist Visa extension and renewed my ACR I card for another year yesterday at BI office in CDO. Fees for the 4 month extension totaled 3,140.00 Php's. Renew the I card for 1 year was 2,391.00 Php's. What surprised me ...
@White Asian: Tnks for your viewpoints & advice. I'd just rather to come in on a balikbayan privilege, stay the 12 mos., then leave to an adj country for a weekend with my wife, & come back into PH with my wife & restart another yr on ... Read More
RSSV - Retirement Visa for a 13A visa holder. by alwish1
Hello. This is my very first post. I am an American citizen resident in the Philippines for 8 years and holder of the 13A visa (expires 2027). SRRV seems to have certain advantages and benefits over my 13A visa and wonder if it would be possible for ...
You are correct on several points...an SRRV holder is NOT reqd to secure an ACR-I card, nor have to do an annual report. They are also granted exit privileges & do not have to secure an exit clearance. As to the health/medical requirements, I'm ... Read More
4 month tourist visa, ACR I card renewal total 8,531.00 Php's by scott1953
Went for my 4 month tourist Visa extension and renewed my ACR I card for another year yesterday at BI office in CDO. Fees for the 4 month extension totaled 3,140.00 Php's. Renew the I card for 1 year was 2,391.00 Php's. What surprised me ...
I'm not planning on retiring in PH anytime soon, but when I do, I figure I'll come in on a balikbayan privilege (I'm married to filipina), stay for the one yr visa free privilege, then take my chances & " test the system"...no obtaining an ACR ... Read More
white / yellow onions by FindlayMacD
Nothing to do with any of the threads I have read on here, but I live here in Cagayan De Oro and for some time now (at least three months or more) we have been finding it hard to buy onions, red onions not so bad still expensive, but white onions ...
No white onions for weeks?!!...Ohhh the humanity!!!! 😮 Read More
white / yellow onions by FindlayMacD
Nothing to do with any of the threads I have read on here, but I live here in Cagayan De Oro and for some time now (at least three months or more) we have been finding it hard to buy onions, red onions not so bad still expensive, but white onions ...
Maybe white onions only available in Landers or S&R perhaps? Read More
THE "END" GAME.....
We all have to keep in mind that Xi is actually a member of the WEF, along with all the US Democrats, Putin, Yong Un, the Clintons, the Obamas, & Bill Gates. This was THEIR plan all along...to decrease the world's population. Read More
Philippines Mandatory Mobile Phone SIM Card Registration By Mid 2023 by manwonder
Gd day guysWishing you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.Just a heads up....I understand that there is a NEW mandatory ruling that requires all local mobile phone SIM cards to be officially registered by mid 2023 which if left ...
Just give it time....the US govt will follow suit n do the same requiring all SIM cards (new bought in) or brought to the US to be registered! 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 ...
I would agree that $1200 or $1300 a month would be enough for the essentials (rent, food, elec, water, gas, etc), but wouldn't be enough fir a lot of entertainment, or travel from island to island, or esp travel from SE Asian country to country. I ... 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 ...
My plan currently (Im 57 now) is on retiring n moving to PH at 70 only cuz that's when I'll get the largest monthly SS check amount... but it doesn't mean I wouldn't consider modifying my plan n moving there at 67 or 68, as I will plan on having ... 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 ...
I'll be planning on retiring in PH at 70 with monthly SS check of $2,745 a month, plus approx $450 a month from my 401K/IRA RMD's. Hopefully that should be enough for food , electricity/solar, gasoline, & utilities. Read More
got offloaded by PHIL IMMIGRATION/NAIA carrying Buss, Visa by chantal_
I know the guidelines, That they have to be strict, protective, and were all subject to their Evaluation and Final Decision.. But whats the use of this "Business Visa" granted and issued to us FILIPINOS with COMPLETE, VALID and LEGAL DOCUMENTS if ...
How long does an expat have to stay in the PH BEFORE an ECC will be reqd? I've heard both 6 months and one year. (?) 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
S&R should stand for "S"tagerring and "R"ising (prices)!... Read More
Applying for Australian pension by ferrisgraham711711
Hello. I am an Australian citizen but I have been living in the Philippines for seven years now. I worked in Australia for more than 40 years. Would I be able to apply for an Australian pension?
Tell that couple working in the USA to not hold their breath. The US Govt is planning major proposed changes to their SS system, including raising the full retirement age from 67 up to 70, & imposing means testing as well, giving higher SS ... Read More
Applying for Australian pension by ferrisgraham711711
Hello. I am an Australian citizen but I have been living in the Philippines for seven years now. I worked in Australia for more than 40 years. Would I be able to apply for an Australian pension?
So, in other words, Aussies are screwed?... :O Read More
Buying a land / Not a dual citizen yet by jamieloyd143
Hi my name is Mareeya. I’m a filipina married to an American. I am already a US citizen. My husband and I are currently in the process of buying some land right next to my Mom’s house in the Philippines and are wondering if there is way ...
A person naturalized in the US (& thus loses PH citizenship as a result) can still buy land in the PH...just a smaller size tract. Thus you are correct. If I had made any statement to the contrary then I'm mistaken. One who reaquires their PH ... Read More
Philippine Drivers License: First hand Experience by Enzyte Bob
I decided to get a Philippine drivers license, by the time I get would get back to the States my Nevada license will have expired and I will need a valid license for a car rental at the airport. Thank goodness my stepson was on holiday from England ...
Got a ? On PH driver license conversion requirements. Let's say one was entering the country with his filipina spouse & got the balikbayan privilege upon entry. They would get a "BB" stamp in their passport (which is a one year visa free entry ... Read More
Philippine Drivers License: First hand Experience by Enzyte Bob
I decided to get a Philippine drivers license, by the time I get would get back to the States my Nevada license will have expired and I will need a valid license for a car rental at the airport. Thank goodness my stepson was on holiday from England ...
@GuestPoster204 Ones driver license from their home country is good only for the first 90 days after entering the country (regardless of if the licenses expiration date is past the 90 day mark). Thus after 90 days one must convert over to a PH ... Read More
Buying a land / Not a dual citizen yet by jamieloyd143
Hi my name is Mareeya. I’m a filipina married to an American. I am already a US citizen. My husband and I are currently in the process of buying some land right next to my Mom’s house in the Philippines and are wondering if there is way ...
@Filamretire. I hate to disagree, but.. you are not entirely correct. My wife is a naturalized US citizen, not yet a dual citizen, and she is allowed to purchase land. The main difference is that a non dual citizen can still buy land but is only ... 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 ...
@Enzyte Bob That's why I at least believe in the future expats will need at least $2,500 min...if not $3,000 per month to live comfortable in the PH. The exchange rate we had of 58 or 59 php to 1 USD will not last forever. In fact we've seen it go ... Read More
MEETUP DUMAGUETE? by arablacq3
Hello everyone.Can anyone tell me if there are meet and greet social gatherings in DUMAGUETE?
Yes. Check out Paul's channel (Old Dog New Tricks). He occasionally schedules meet n greets fir people living in Dumaguete/ Valencia areas...usually meet in a local restaurant or coffee shop. Read More
Is Retirement All It Is Cracked Up To Be by Cherryann01
Just some thoughts of mine on retirement or the thought of retirement, in the Philippines or any other country including your home country.Is it really all it is cracked up to be. We work most of our adult lives, busting are arses to make enough ...
I ditto those thoughts! Happy Retirement..... 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
EVERYONES S.S. is taxed!, regardless of where u live in the world (for US Citizens only)...& up to 85% of one's S.S. is subject to taxation...eventually it will be likely raised to 95 or even 100%...if the govt & IRS has their way! 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
@Moon Dog Yes, generally for an individual to qualify for any amt or type of their own S.S. benefit, one must work 10 years (Max of 4 credits per yr x 10 yrs = 40 credits). But the SSA takes the 35 years in which one had tge highest earnings. ... Read More
Balikbayan visa by Michaelm54
Im married to a Filipina, we’ve been here in the Philippines for 9 months and built a house on a Balikbayan visa. Does anyone know if we can get a new 1 year Balikbayan stay by leaving the country on a short trip out of the country and coming ...
Just remember that the Balikbayan is a privilege, not an actual visa. Also remember that it is the filipina who is the Balikbayan, not the foreigner. The one year visa free privilege is extended to the both the spouse & kids of the bailibayan, ... Read More
WISE Transfer Fees Increasing to Philippines by talamban
Just received an email advising WISE Transfer Fees to Philippines are increasing - look like about 20% more than before. Y'all let me know if there is a better Money Send Service out there. Thx
I think all transfer fees for all money remit n transfer companies are gonna be jacked up BIGGLY!....Sign of inflation.... Read More
Regarding work in Philippines by Padma Bajracharya
Hi to all, I'm Nepalese citizen married to filipina and will be applying for TRV visa so that i can work here in philippines. As far my knowleged i don't need to secure any work permit once i get TRV visa but i want to make sure if i missed ...
@Padma Bajracharya Sorry, but from what I know Philippines reserves its jobs for citizens ONLY! It's next to impossible for foreigners to work there, it's possible, but odds are low. But you may luck out. Good luck! Read More
PCR test no longer required for entry by pnwcyclist
Effective May 30, the Covid test will no longer be required for fully vaxxed (with booster) passengers to enter.And apparently the Covid medical coverage requirement is also being dropped. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175295
@talamban I don't see the USA dropping the pcr test for entry, not as long as Bidens in office, that's just my opinion. They should, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it continued. I think the US is now the only country in world requiring its ... Read More
SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa by DukeStamina
I have a question. I served in the U.S. military for 6 years. I have an honorable discharge and a DD-214; but I am not considered retired military. However, I am now retired from working and I am collecting Social Security. The amount far exceeds ...
Mary Rose is mentioned by Steve Johnson on his YT channel "Philippine Info Channel". He holds her in high regard, as she had helped many of his subscribers navigate thru the SRRV process. Read More
Hospital Costs by michaelwackers50
A recent non-surgical (pneumonia) stay of eight-days in a local hospital (Muntinlupa 'Westlake') put me back 200,000 Pesos for accomodation, doctors' fees, examinations & scans plus intravenous infusions.
Suffice to say, as an expat in PH, having $$$$ (or not) will determine whether one lives or dies, as there is no financial safety net in PH, unlike in the US, one can get taken care of now, & pay later (or, much later, or, ...never). Read More
Where to deposit US treasury cheque in PH by ririd9705
Hi! I just received my 2nd stimulus cheque this april and i was wondering if there’s anybody who has been deposited theirs here in the Philippines. What banks can you suggest to deposit mine, i got my $600 and also i tried in eastwest bank and ...
If this cheque is a US Social Security check, & if you're living/retiring in the Philippines, you can have it direct deposited in a number of banks, including BDO, BPI, PNB, etc. You would just need to go to each bank to find out their rules, ... Read More
Leaving Tomorrow by eptowing
So I am leaving tomorrow night from San Francisco Ca to Manila then on to Cagayan de Oro. 20 plus hours. . My first trip and staying 64 days. I will be going to 6 islands and staying at 12 different hotels, condo's and resorts Any ...
So if my understanding is correct, for first time extensions one gets 30 days free, then can extend a maximum of 29 days? That would make sense, cuz that would add to a max of 59 days, then an ACR card is reqd for stays beyond 59? Read More
Converting foreign DL to Philippines DL by onefogarty
Hello! 😊Do foreigners need to go to a specific LTO office, for example, the main LTO branch in Manila, or can they simply visit an LTO that is close to where they live to apply for their Philippines DL?
@onefogarty I would think one can go to their nearest or local LTO office to apply. However, the number of "hoops" one has to go thru to get it depends on the rules of the specific branch. Also depends on who is behind the counter that specific ... Read More
cost of penalties for being late to pay immigration. by kenw8213
Hello everyone, my question pertains to the current penalties that would be incured as late fees for paying for an extension of a tourist visa.. i know, at this point, theres a suspension of "order to leave", which means deportation might be a ...
Personally, if the people at the BI gave me a hard time, or, if they copped an attitude, I wouldn't give them a penny of my $, I would just "take" the deportation! They likely have never "messed" with a Texan before. Regardless of how tough they ... Read More
Overstaying Visa by talamban
I have been living in the Philippines (Cebu City) for about three years. I took a 1 week Vacation trip to Vietnam and returned to Manila on October 25, 2019. My 3 year stay period will expire October 24, 2022. I have a trip planned and already ...
I agree. Eventually it'll cost as much for the 13A Visa as it does for the SRRV....meaning a $20,000 bank deposit, just to become a perm resident on the 13A....that's what it'll come to , meaning it'll be a cash grab by the BI.. Read More
I want to move to the philippines by zilehjnecake05
Good morning everyone,My name is Zile and i am a new member in the last 30 seconds, i am from Canada and my dream destination is to live in the Philippines. i wish to be friends with all and hopefully get some insights on my plan to shift to the ...
@zilehjnecake05 This is Brent from Texas. I myself plan to retire in the PH, specifically Cagayan de Oro City...uptown area.. that's the area my wife's from. Ive been on 3 trips there now.. If there's anything you'd like to know, let me know. Read More
Tax Time For U.S. Expats in the Philippines by DukeStamina
Many questions on this for me. My big question is how do you file your tax returns? Do you claim a state as a U.S. residence? Or is the address you use a Philippine address? Keeping a U.S. address will subject you to taxes at the state level also. ...
This is true. Even if u work n live in another country (especially if u do work overseas for an American co.),, if you are a US citizen u fall under US tax laws...a is citizen cannot escape it! One may also have to pay taxes in the foreign country ... Read More
SS direct deposit. by Sumomaster2004
The direct deposit is released at midnight in the US? Is it posted in real time here in P.I.?
Even if it's husband n wife, they can't jointly have their names both on the savings acct.? Read More
Requirements for Philippines by marcovalacchi1994
Hello I would like to travel to Philippines. I need the 35k Usd insurance, do you have an advice? Is it mandatory to have a ticket for the return journey to the port of origin not later than thirty (30) days from date of arrival? Is there a way to ...
You might try either SafetyWing (safetywing.com) or visitorscoverage (www.visitorscoverage.com). Both offer reasonably priced COVID19 health coverage for the $35,000 min coverage that PH requires. Good Luck! Read More
SRRV Feb 19 2022 by lcdrski
Hi who has just done the SRRV tango with the PRA? How long did you have to stay in Makati to set up Bank Account, Applications, Pay the fee and the yearly fee before you could move out and finish up somewhere else. I fly out of LAX on the 22 of ...
For the 13A Visa, one does that thru the BI (Bureau of Immigration), NOT the PRA, BUT...I'm not sure exactly how long it takes. I do know there's a lot of paperwork involved, including a joint letter u have to do with your Filipina wife, ... Read More
"Philippines to re-open to vaccinated foreign tourists"
They have the $.. after all, China owns the US, 90% of US debt is owed to them. Read More
25 years Long lease of a lot by dodi1000
I am a British citizen who leased a lot for 25 years and I built a house.. I enter philippines as a tourist..I get one month visa as a tourist...I pay building tax, Meralco and Maynilad bills under my name. As the owner of a lease for a lot and a ...
I'm thinking that in order to be able to open a bank acct, that one would have to have a long term visa, such as a 9a, 13a marriage visa, or the SRRV. I don't believe tourists without a long term visa can open a bank acct in PH. Read More
Fully vaccinated foreigners allowed 16 February by Okieboy
It has been Reported that Fully vaccinated foreigners will be allowed starting 16 February to enter the Philippines you can Google the article
Then tell PH govt officials to lift the f'n restrictions! Omicron has less severe effects than Delta ever did. Unless govt officials n politicians want the country to stay bankrupt indefinitely! 😞 Read More
Old Dog New Tricks by Enzyte Bob
I came across an interesting video which mentioned an on line marriage from Utah for $1600, this was part of a topic recently. The video is by: "Paul in the Philippines old dog new tricks" on You Tube, he is from Valencia. The video was a ...
I think his girlfriends name is Mae. I like the way Paul starts his videos with.. "Hey there all you youtubers n tubettes, and various crazy people!". Read More
Anyone know what will happen? by blacksheepjuno
I was scheduled to leave the Philippines on January 3rd. However, my rt-pcr test came back positive and I had to cancel. I’ve rescheduled for the 14th of January. Problem is, my exit visa and my 36 month stay expired on the 4th. What happens ...
This is all a f'n $$$$ grab by the PH govt! Anyway they can squeeze "blood out of a turnip" from a foreigner, they will do it, cuz they know they're hurting for $$$$ (or in their case, php). They likely WILL try to charge you for ... Read More