Filamretire
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
182
About me
American
Registration: 20 March 2021
We're currently looking to build a home there any ideas? by Wcj
I'm Bill moving there to surago area in December. My wife lives there now So I'm still on learning curve. Last time there was 78 to 82 at Clark AFB. We're currently looking to build a home there any ideas?
Go there first, many changes I'm sure and stay for a couple months. Building a home, well that depends on what you want, where you want, your budget. I suggest Lamudi to look at house styles and values. All are cement, but there are different ... Read More
Doctor Patient relationship by Filamretire
Is it normal for a doctor not to charge for consultation but ask for a charity donation that is paid to her and not directly to the charity? First time consulting with this doctor and I wonder how this is going to go...
Doctor is a friend of a friend. No set charge, just donate. Not a small clinic. Tax dodge didnt occur to me, but unlikely since I think doctor is part of a group that does charity work. Anyways, rubbed me the wrong way initially I'm willing to move ... Read More
Doctor Patient relationship
Is it normal for a doctor not to charge for consultation but ask for a charity donation that is paid to her and not directly to the charity? First time consulting with this doctor and I wonder how this is going to go... Read More
Why I dont like Gcash by Filamretire
My wife was asking for a gcash account. Not that I dont trust her, but Gcash is registered to a phone number ie an app with security code. You can deposit to gcash many places using cash and send money to anyone. The problem is I have no way of ...
@danfinn...and thats also why I dont like Gcash, its tied to one phone. If its my phone, fine, but family phone then no way Read More
Why I dont like Gcash by Filamretire
My wife was asking for a gcash account. Not that I dont trust her, but Gcash is registered to a phone number ie an app with security code. You can deposit to gcash many places using cash and send money to anyone. The problem is I have no way of ...
@Brojeslov...and thats why I dont like Gcash, plus they have an awful lot of your identity documents, I dont trust them one iota Read More
House design and plan in Philippines - Charges by roycherian
Hello Folks,I am curious to know what will be a reasonable charges for a good designer or architect to create a house plan / design for approx. 70 Sqm in Philippines Inclusions: I. Architectural Design (Signed and Sealed) a. Site Development Plan b. ...
Spent around 200,000 for all those items for 300 sqmt in an upscale development, gives you an idea for larger elegant design Read More
Foreign driver license conversion by Filamretire
So I'm in Philippines now and have 90 days to use my US driver license. I want to convert it but need ACR-I card. I am on balikbayan one year visa. Went to immigration and they wont give me an ACR -I card since I have one year on visa. I said I will ...
Just to cap this post, I did get my drivers license. Turns out I misunderstood what was needed. AFTER 90 days, you can apply and get a PH drivers license using your current international license, at LTO. Just needed a medical (eyesight) and fill out ... Read More
House security by tempcinamdar
I will not be living in a gated community with 24/7 guards on the premises.How do I prevent burglars from taking my "stuff" from my rental home? In Texas when a burglar enters your home you have the legal right to use your Glock. All helpful input ...
Gated and walled development with armed guards, patrolling and posted. Still had some break ins tho in this community. We have vigilant neighbors, and will be looking into neighborhood watch including monitored street cameras, and of course CCTV Read More
Cell phone use by bigstar1208
Retiring soon in the Philippines.Will have unlocked iPhone.What is the best set up for calling and texts.Would like to be able to receive 2FA for banking.
Some US banks will not allow a foreign number for 2FA, or even VOIP. I would check with your bank what forms of 2FA they allow. I have a phone in the US with family I use for 2FA. Read More
USA Taxes yr1 retired and Social Security by Larry Fisher
Biggest question: Should I file with foreign address? I'm having trouble finding guidance on this. I do have a US (Nevada) address and bank accounts. All my money is basically in the US and my Social Security goes to my US bank.Possible caveats?: I ...
@Larry FisherMedicare A is free and Medicare B you can opt out of...I did Read More
House keepers/Caretakers. by bigpearl
We have been thinking about getting a house keeper or an all around caretaker live in.What they are expected to do, conditions we supply, cooking and eating together, trust/boundaries etc.All input appreciated.Cheers, Steve.
Dann, words of wisdom. Don't want any helpers inside the house but will need a gardener at some point. I will never hire relatives. I enjoy their company but not to live with. Read More
Shipping stuff that's not boxable by Sweetbread2006
Howdy folks, I am a non Filipino that decided on moving to your country after just one visit, the major problem is some of the items I am trying to send to my fiancée simply put does not fit in those boxes , not only that they are already ...
As long as it's not Maple Syrup lol Read More
What to Bring, What to Buy by kjwilde
My wife and I are planning to move permanently to the Philippines this year. We are planning on shipping some things there and buying everything else there. Looking for some suggestions about what is easier/cheaper to send than ...
AA batteries are also junk here. don't last long. Ford here is made in China therefore likely metric. At least my Territory is. Thats why its cheap and not imported from US which would make it uncheap. If you like fish and chips like I do, then ... Read More
Dumaguete or Doomaguete by Enzyte Bob
Doomaguete (Dumaguete)The attraction of Doomaguete, is it like Ulysses and the Sirens or Flies to Flypaper? Do you move to Dumaguete and live happily ever after? It seems so? with so many bloggers, they run out of things to blog about and start to ...
Great post Bob and echoes my thoughts on Doomagete and its vloggers!! At first, I found them fascinating, but eventually got kind of disgusted and stopped watching. What is even more interesting is the younger men that want to move to Philippines ... Read More
One time Tax free shipping
I will be shipping household stuff from the US, but looks like too much for a 20ft container, but a 40ft container would leave a lot of space. Considering the import and tax break on new items, what are some good things to ship over, or have shipped ... Read More
US phone number by whackerdog123
Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get a US phone number and have my calls forwarded here in the Philippines. and if so a recommendation on a specific service. I don't care if it isn't free, I just want one that doesn't cater to business. I ...
Some banks dont accept VOIP services. I have a US cellphone with relatives for OTC then they text me. I also still have a cellphone with US account (unlocked) that I use for ATT as a backup, just switching out the SIM and taking the $10 per day hit. ... Read More
Buying a House in Baguio Tax to pay ? by dknipes
Hello all , Uk national here . Wife and child both hold PL nationality . If I send money into The Philippines for the purpose of buying a house / land will the incoming remittance be taxed . I understand if I send money to myself it wont be . But of ...
Thanks dk, no tax I think. For our land purchase, we went through the developer broker and paid to the seller via wire transfer from bank. Seller was Canadian so it was to a Canadian bank. No taxes. The taxes will be annual property tax, and if you ... Read More
Baguio City by mugteck
We decided to spend 4 months in Baguio this trip, moved in Sunday, 11/5/23. Got a two bedroom apartment for the first month, will be moving into a single bedroom place for the last three months, same apartment building. Price is 25,000 ...
@Lotus Eater I went to to Bath University BSEE, in the 70s! Great place indeed. I have the Kindle paperwhite, good as a book. I also have a large book collection being shipped. No trading because no one else reads books here. Went to Baguio a year ... Read More
Buying a House in Baguio Tax to pay ? by dknipes
Hello all , Uk national here . Wife and child both hold PL nationality . If I send money into The Philippines for the purpose of buying a house / land will the incoming remittance be taxed . I understand if I send money to myself it wont be . But of ...
Many questions about that...You are married, ok, is the child yours? Did you live in the Philippines in the past, assuming you are in UK now?Did you marry in Philippines or UK?How long together? Have you seen the house and land to be bought?Have you ... Read More
CW Home Depot by Filamretire
Hardware store that sells the COOL bath system brand plumbing fixtures. Anyone bought and installed these? If so, how were they? I can find no reviews on anything from this brand or even where it is based. If not, what are good brands for faucets ...
@gregparker6201 Thanks yes I saw Kohler there, small stock and high prices tho Read More
CW Home Depot
Hardware store that sells the COOL bath system brand plumbing fixtures. Anyone bought and installed these? If so, how were they? I can find no reviews on anything from this brand or even where it is based. If not, what are good brands for faucets ... Read More
Nice bread? by C D87
14 months now since I came from the UK to live here and I have adapted well to the local foods BUT the one thing I cannot find is any delicious bread. Everything here seems tasteless and pappy. Anybody got any recommendations?
Fuwa Fuwa everyday bread is good, in most stores here Read More
Going to the Philippines by kennedyjm982
My gf and I are trying to find out if I can go to the Philippines and retire with her. I am a 290, and I read about getting married and being able to enter the country. Can I find out more if this is legit, how would I know 100% can I research it ...
290 is a sex offender, if so you would not be welcome Read More
Brit with Chinese wife to settle somewhere safe and secure in Luzon ? by petercc028
First post and hello to all members, perhaps you could point me in the right direction to settle somewhere in a quiet area at not an exorbitant cost.I am an old Brit pensioner married to my Chinese wife of 14 years and have been living in China for ...
Probably ok for most Filipino as long as culture is respected but of course there is the South China Sea issue, and also unfavorable view of the Chinese abusing immigration laws in a land grab, that caused the laws to change, to prevent China owning ... Read More
Cebu specific: Meat smokers! by Larry Fisher
Just a random post about smoking meat and looking for others that like to do so. I bought a offset smoker from BarrelPro in Manila and had it shipped over. Nice unit, works fine. In the last month I've smoked two briskets (at different times), one ...
im in Luzon. Yes it's hard to find the best meat, I'll settle for decent. I'm wondering if the US importer sells just to high end restaurants Read More
Cebu specific: Meat smokers! by Larry Fisher
Just a random post about smoking meat and looking for others that like to do so. I bought a offset smoker from BarrelPro in Manila and had it shipped over. Nice unit, works fine. In the last month I've smoked two briskets (at different times), one ...
Larry, I could have written your post! Well I have been looking for a smoker, hard to find. I wanted a pellet one but they dont exist here. I'm now looking for a charcoal one I guess the only kind available, offset smoker. Note that I have never ... Read More
Spanish American War (diary) by MinnGuy
Are there any history buffs on here? Is it appropriate to share some of the family history I have with the islands?Here are some excerpts from my great grandfathers diary from around this time in 1898. This was typed up by my ...
Im English but thanks for giving me a very interesting insight and I will do some study on this war. Fascinating!! Read More
Tax on selling a house by Filamretire
Confused. Google states Capital Gains Tax is the income tax levied on the profit gained from selling a house. It then states the tax is 6% of the gross selling price or market value. That isnt capital gains! It should be the difference between what ...
@danfinn Good point that, would have to check Read More
Minnesota man by MinnGuy
update: I thought I was posting in new member introductions but I guess I created and entirely new thread. ll'll just leave it here. ======================I'm aware that I could be being scammed, but maybe not, so I am exploring what's true.I ...
She is much younger than I am...and there's the rub. Why do you think young ladies "fall" for old white guys? Is it because they speak so nicely over the internet? Is it because they are as handsome and fit as a 25 yr old? Yes you might have a ... Read More
Tax on selling a house by Filamretire
Confused. Google states Capital Gains Tax is the income tax levied on the profit gained from selling a house. It then states the tax is 6% of the gross selling price or market value. That isnt capital gains! It should be the difference between what ...
Thanks, yes, my wife would be the seller of primary residence in Philippines in a whatif scenario. Dan, I have heard that you can lower taxes by having this extra document and is common, so that helps. My wife is a dual citizen. Something I hadnt ... Read More
house timber by baxi2775
hi , is there any problems with termites attacking the house timbers ?
Yes timber might stand to earthquakes but not typhoons... Read More
Tax on selling a house
Confused. Google states Capital Gains Tax is the income tax levied on the profit gained from selling a house. It then states the tax is 6% of the gross selling price or market value. That isnt capital gains! It should be the difference between what ... Read More
Retirement - Hobbies / Work by aklokow
Hi All, again another topic just for interest's sake, as I guess most of us are retired here in PH, some rent, some own houses etc. What will be nice is to hear what people do every day with their free time.In my case we are the only house at the ...
Like most I went from 24/7 work to nothing at retirement, then moved to PH. Now I have social events, swimming every day (mostly), badminton, long walks, books, online gaming, and soon will have gardening, playing music, and probably relearning ... Read More
Retirement - Hobbies / Work by aklokow
Hi All, again another topic just for interest's sake, as I guess most of us are retired here in PH, some rent, some own houses etc. What will be nice is to hear what people do every day with their free time.In my case we are the only house at the ...
@coach53 Kindle is my saviour. Many books at low price too eg Sherlock Holmes entire collection for cheap Read More
Monthly budget / expenses by aklokow
Hi AllJust a for a refence check, if some of you can share what you are paying monthly for living expenses, not to pry on the people financial situations, I will try and make it more simplified.We do not have access to the famous stores like ...
Electric and water 4500pInternet 3200pCellphones 999pHOA 3000pGrocery, restaurants and everything else 55,000p Read More
Married to a Filipina 12 years she appears not to like me anymore. by mrlugubrious
I am no angel by any means, but I am a good guy. I worked my entire life away and am now 71 years of age. I have been divorced decades ago, with two grown children that are not a factor. I met my wife working at a department store here in the USA. ...
You got the obnoxious part right. Refused vaccine to keep medical job? That her idea or yours? Sounds like you got deceived. You have a right to express your opinion, but I'm not hearing it Read More
WIRE transfers from US to Philippines by chughes6302
I'm sure this is a popular topic... I'm buying a car and need to pay cash. I do not have a local bank account yet, because I've only been here for a month.I've tried everything to move $ from Bank of America via, Western Union (only a 5k daily ...
@danfinn Good point, I dont recall hitting a limit so I checked wise limits. For a wire transfer from wise licensed state ie in the US its 1m. If you hold a USD balance in your Wise Account, you can use it to send payments worth up to 6 million USD. ... Read More
WIRE transfers from US to Philippines by chughes6302
I'm sure this is a popular topic... I'm buying a car and need to pay cash. I do not have a local bank account yet, because I've only been here for a month.I've tried everything to move $ from Bank of America via, Western Union (only a 5k daily ...
BofA to Wise to Dealers bank, I have done this. Need more info on the crash. Read More
Outdoor AC Compressors and Lizards by aklokow
Hi AllHave anyone firstly experienced lizards crawling into the compressors and find a way to the pc board because its hot and they crawl in there and cause a short circuit, pc board gone. Today is my 3rd pc board lost, getting annoyed and ...
on a related note, I am getting ready to buy my split unit AC units. Contractor recommends AUX or Haier, but I have seen some good Samsung units too. I am interested in reliability and features such as remote operation, filtration etcThey stopped ... Read More
Outdoor AC Compressors and Lizards by aklokow
Hi AllHave anyone firstly experienced lizards crawling into the compressors and find a way to the pc board because its hot and they crawl in there and cause a short circuit, pc board gone. Today is my 3rd pc board lost, getting annoyed and ...
I have heard its common, I know of two instances of this exact thing. Proposal would be to add a screen to prevent them getting in Read More
Dog lovers by aklokow
Just for interest's sake, I shudder to see how dogs are treated here in our province which I think it's pretty much across the Philippines. Keeping dogs in cages outside in the heat and rain just for the sake of having a dog is so cruel. We have a ...
@Enzyte Bob ZING!!!! Read More
Dog lovers by aklokow
Just for interest's sake, I shudder to see how dogs are treated here in our province which I think it's pretty much across the Philippines. Keeping dogs in cages outside in the heat and rain just for the sake of having a dog is so cruel. We have a ...
Yep, either neglected or pampered. Seen both. Also mutts roaming around. Dogs are supposed to be protected under law:The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 is the primary law in the Philippines that governs the treatment of animals. It is illegal to torture ... Read More
Medicare in the Philippines by Tsmslf
To those of you who may know this, my apologies but, for those expat seniors who didn't know it, St. Luke's Hospital in Manila TAKES MEDICARE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE!! I just discovered this on St. Luke's site. You need an ...
Advantage isnt really Medicare tho. It is the supplemental insurance by private medical insurance companies that they so desperately try to sell you. I do not and will not get any advantage plan, since they are notorious for declining coverage and ... Read More
Using your own US Phone number? by chughes6302
Before arriving in Davao two weeks ago, I researched using my existing (at the time) US AT&T phone number. I believed all I needed to do was to "Port" the number to my new Philippine carrier (Smart) and I would be OK. Nothing but OK... Because I ...
Same issue I was having. My bank only accepts US cell OTC, no VOIP and USB dongle. I couldn't get the dongle to work and also read that is not good for all transactions anyway. Currently I have a phone in the US on a family members plan and notify ... Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
Filamretire said. . . What I do is to send (adding) Wise money from my account in US (account is not changed). Once received I then send it from Wise to my BDO account. Since I am adding, there is no change. If I ws receiving (ie other people) then ... Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
Filamretire said. . . . I use my smart phone to log in on my laptop. When I log in, my smart phone pops up with accept and the laptop login proceeds. Unless that changed... ************************************* Why do you use your smartphone to log ... Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
What I do is to send (adding) Wise money from my account in US (account is not changed). Once received I then send it from Wise to my BDO account. Since I am adding, there is no change. If I ws receiving (ie other people) then there is a change. Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
The account details that have changed are for receiving money into your Wise account from other people, not for adding or sending money Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
Sounds good! I show the same bank as well, good deal! Simple change then Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
My new account details show a routing number that is a US bank Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
Wise changed their bank? My account still shows a US bank and I have received no notification from them that it is changing Read More
Housing prices and ownership in Muntinlupa by kornpop1981
I am seeking info on housing prices and ownership in muntilipa.also anyone know the LGBTQ community.also DIDI I can't send you a message,says box full
Back on topic, look at Lamudi for house prices, the more realistic one I have used. Read More
"Wise" problem today by Enzyte Bob
I have been using "Wise" for three years and have close to 100 transfers. For those transfers I just login with my computer and they send a sms to my Philippine phone (dumb phone) with the login code. Then today's login I got the message that the ...
I use my smart phone to log in on my laptop. When I log in, my smart phone pops up with accept and the laptop login proceeds. Unless that changed... Read More
Philippine electronics and power converters for USA expats by Robertee
I am looking for idea to protect my electronics (transformers) while in the Philippines. (USA expat.
@Enzyte Bob Thanks Bob, I find that Meralco has two 110V sides and a ground, so you probably use one live side and ground for return. It would have to have a separate ground from your 220V outlets I would think because any short would not trip the ... Read More
Philippine electronics and power converters for USA expats by Robertee
I am looking for idea to protect my electronics (transformers) while in the Philippines. (USA expat.
@Enzyte Bob I'm curious how you did this without voltage divider or transformer. Is the 220V 3 phase? Read More
Online payments by Filamretire
Ran into an unsurprising issue today. One thing that American companies are extremely good at is taking your money, you can pay online easily. One might say that for any business, taking your money is the most important thing to be able to do. Enter ...
@Lotus Eater In the US, I like Indian call centers, they speak better English than Americans with a heavy accent, and seem educated as to how to resolve a problem, and not just use cue cards. Also liked Philippine call centers as well, they are the ... Read More
Online payments by Filamretire
Ran into an unsurprising issue today. One thing that American companies are extremely good at is taking your money, you can pay online easily. One might say that for any business, taking your money is the most important thing to be able to do. Enter ...
@Lotus Eater Good idea, as long as they have a php account Read More
Online payments
Ran into an unsurprising issue today. One thing that American companies are extremely good at is taking your money, you can pay online easily. One might say that for any business, taking your money is the most important thing to be able to do. Enter ... Read More
Where to stay to avoid any kind of Vermin etc by Louiis88@
Where in Phil to stay If you hate any kind of vermin?
LOL Wagyu rats!! I guess if you pamper them enough before eating...Just watch out for those drive-by rats, they are gangsta! Read More
Where to stay to avoid any kind of Vermin etc by Louiis88@
Where in Phil to stay If you hate any kind of vermin?
@Enzyte BobIndeed! A friend said they had rats, so I said why don't they get cats? They replied that their dogs would, unfortunately, eat them. I doubt that a dog would be able to catch a rat unless it was one of those trained rat catchers like a ... Read More
Where to stay to avoid any kind of Vermin etc by Louiis88@
Where in Phil to stay If you hate any kind of vermin?
lol good topic and in fact it is in the list of reasons to not come to the Philippines! The good news however is you do get used to them. There are many different kinds of ants from tiny to big, biting and nonbiting. Lizards of different types, ... Read More
Building Cost in Philippines by aklokow
Hi AllJust more of a reference check, background here, when we started building our house back in 2019 i negotiated a pricen of PHP 21K / sqm, at that time I thought that was a pretty good deal. However due to Covid we could not be onsite to ...
For mine, I got an itemized cost ie line items for every material and cost. Labor should not change for higher cost materials such as tiles, but there should be a budget on tiles that is built in to the quoted price. Then if you want more expensive ... Read More
Why I dont like Gcash
My wife was asking for a gcash account. Not that I dont trust her, but Gcash is registered to a phone number ie an app with security code. You can deposit to gcash many places using cash and send money to anyone. The problem is I have no way of ... Read More
Foreign driver license conversion by Filamretire
So I'm in Philippines now and have 90 days to use my US driver license. I want to convert it but need ACR-I card. I am on balikbayan one year visa. Went to immigration and they wont give me an ACR -I card since I have one year on visa. I said I will ...
awesome, thanks. I just saw the other post about this! Google told me I need ACR card, but yep, I don't think so now. I will just go to LTO in my wifes place. Couldnt find the one where we live, they moved apparently! Read More
Foreign driver license conversion
So I'm in Philippines now and have 90 days to use my US driver license. I want to convert it but need ACR-I card. I am on balikbayan one year visa. Went to immigration and they wont give me an ACR -I card since I have one year on visa. I said I will ... Read More
WISE transfer service by Filamretire
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ...
haha yeah I'm sure they will ask those questions, I will just say living expenses. Read More
How and where to meet expats in the Philippines? by JustCallMeJoe
New user here.I'm planning on coming to the Philippines (from Essex in the UK) to check it out as a retirement destination. (Incidentally, during the registration process on this site I couldn't choose my nationality as British or UK. The only ...
@JustCallMeJoe There is a rotary club in the city I will be in, and I know there is at least one expat member there, in Batangas Read More
Driving in The Philippines by Dude55
Does anyone know how to extend the 3 month limit driving on a foreign license in the Philippines? I looked into getting a Philippine driver's licence but I have to be here 6 months before I can apply.Thanks in advance for any replies.
Near miss today with a motorcycle that had no license and probably no brakes.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc-4WD5kOXM-@Moon DogGreat video! Nice house and fence :) I suggest getting a power gate so your wife doesn't have to open the gate every ... Read More
How and where to meet expats in the Philippines? by JustCallMeJoe
New user here.I'm planning on coming to the Philippines (from Essex in the UK) to check it out as a retirement destination. (Incidentally, during the registration process on this site I couldn't choose my nationality as British or UK. The only ...
New user here.I'm planning on coming to the Philippines (from Essex in the UK)My family is from Essex also! Maldon, and worked in Chelmsford...until I emigrated to the US. I know you asked about expats, but I would ask do you know anyone from ... Read More
WISE transfer service by Filamretire
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ...
@bigpearl Wait, they really call you and ask what the money is for? Thats insane! Read More
Tropical clothing by Brian2023
I am coming to live in the Philippines again after many years. The last time I really struggled with the sweltering heart and humidity, not least because I think I had the wrong clothing. I have read that linen and poplin T shirts help to keep one ...
@Lotus Eater How much is a good scrubber? I can't seem to find them online. I don't like the cheap ones they fall apart... Read More
WISE transfer service by Filamretire
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ...
@Dude55 Yes thats how I did it for a short stay, however I'm planning to live there and all US carriers will cancel service if phone isnt connected to their carrier after x number of months. Why they do this is crazy, its free money for them via the ... Read More
WISE transfer service by Filamretire
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ...
@windsurfer51 I think my bank requires authentication with an SMS code that I cannot get on my phone when in Philippines Read More
WISE transfer service
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ... Read More
Police Clearance from home country by Guzik
I will be moving to the Philippines with my wife in October. At that time, I will be applying for a 13A visa. My question is, if I get the police clearance before I arrive, do I need to get it notarized or authenticated before I arrive in the ...
@pilotdrh Exactly why I'm doing it in PH, medical is cheaper and easier to get appointment Read More
Police Clearance from home country by Guzik
I will be moving to the Philippines with my wife in October. At that time, I will be applying for a 13A visa. My question is, if I get the police clearance before I arrive, do I need to get it notarized or authenticated before I arrive in the ...
I believe if you are getting the 13a visa in Philippines, then after you are there 6 months, get your local police clearance there and then apply for it. It will be a one year temporary after which you will redo it to get the permanent visa. That's ... Read More
Becoming the local loan 🦈 by Larry Fisher
I recently found out that one of my fiance cousins was buying a used motorcycle. Turns out the deal was basically going to cost about 80% in total interest over 3yrs on a 45k piso loan. As is the fault of many purchaser's they are only interested ...
I dont do loans. I do give money to family as needed, but I don't want to put people in a position of not being able to pay it back, when I know they can't Read More
What's it like Living in the Philippines May to October by kilgore99
Hi, only visited the Philippines in the cooler less humid months, wandering how do your retirees (65+) cope in the 'low lands' (excepting Tagaytay , Bagio, etc) during May-October
Spent a lot of time in Tagaytay, weather is good there, pool is too cold to swim! Nice breeze to keep you cool so air con not needed too much. It is expensive land however, I think over 15k/sqm currently. Was looking for some larger lots. I found ... Read More
tourist visa by pierredesmarais6
may be a bad news for tourists visa to come in june... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSYKlHoIFqk
Just the tourist visa, and rightly so imo Read More
Health Insurance and your SS Medicare... to drop or not to drop? by tpiro
This may be an old subject.. but I couldn't find the right answer and perhaps someone has experience in this. The question is .. to drop my medicare deduction from SS or not to drop it. Ok.. so here it goes.. I am planning on retiring in ...
15K USD Read More
Health Insurance and your SS Medicare... to drop or not to drop? by tpiro
This may be an old subject.. but I couldn't find the right answer and perhaps someone has experience in this. The question is .. to drop my medicare deduction from SS or not to drop it. Ok.. so here it goes.. I am planning on retiring in ...
Hip Surgery in the US, one day in surgery and one day in hospital then some physical therapy 2 weeks, covered by my insurance but total cost was $70k. High end cost in the Philippines would be 15k Read More
Selling Property in the Philippines. Need some advice by Bella79
Hi All,Hope i can get some help here. I have a buyer of my parents property in the Philippines. I am in Canada. The buyer has asked if he can put a deposit down of 10%, and pay the rest within a years time, once his other property sells. ...
Not expert but we did buy some property from a Canadian. The whole thing was done with a broker. Money was wired to broker in PH for his commission and fees and money was wired to Canada for the seller. Personally, I wouldn't take a deposit for that ... Read More
Garage roll up door in Philippines by Filamretire
Where can I even get one. Someone told me to import it because they are expensive. Well, I can't even find anyplace here that I can buy from. Also the garage door opener would need to be 220V. In the US, they will not be metric measurements, so ...
Thanks M8! I will check on Facebook, I'm in Lipa CityEdit: You are not wrong, found a bunch on Facebook marketplace! Read More
Garage roll up door in Philippines
Where can I even get one. Someone told me to import it because they are expensive. Well, I can't even find anyplace here that I can buy from. Also the garage door opener would need to be 220V. In the US, they will not be metric measurements, so ... Read More
Keeping your old phone? by Filamretire
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ...
Yep I can get a google voice number but it is VOIP and they dont allow SMS to be sent. Read More
Keeping your old phone? by Filamretire
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ...
Update: T mobile doesnt allow unlimited roaming, apparently they will block or cancel if roaming is used for too long. Back to the drawing board! I must keep a cellphone with relatives in the US so as to receive bank SMS then they can text my ... Read More
Lizards in the house by Filamretire
If you have one in your house, how do you catch it? I'm from a place with no lizards so I am not sure what to do
Great, now we've got cane toads to worry about! Ima have to get me a mongoose to eat all the critters! Read More
Lizards in the house by Filamretire
If you have one in your house, how do you catch it? I'm from a place with no lizards so I am not sure what to do
@Moon Dog Woww, awesome stuff, thanks for the tips! Yeah red ants are a thing, good to see a solution. Snakes I have no worries, plenty snakes where I'm from, albeit wife will scream the walls down LOL but lizards, traps are the thing until we are ... Read More
Lizards in the house
If you have one in your house, how do you catch it? I'm from a place with no lizards so I am not sure what to do Read More
Keeping your old phone? by Filamretire
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ...
@pnwcyclist Yes that 55+ MAX plan looks great for me and I can transfer my ATT number to it. Wife will use Smart SIM for PH number on her phone, so I should be fully covered Read More
Keeping your old phone? by Filamretire
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ...
@vehicross100 Yes thats what I did on trips, but I cant do 2FA to a virtual number. I think T Mobile will work for me Read More
Keeping your old phone? by Filamretire
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ...
@jackson4 @casasint T mobile comes up often when I look for solutions, I will research that and switch from ATT if I can keep a US number so I can 2FA my bank@Cherryann01 yes was thinking to do that, keep two phones, but I think US carrier will ... Read More
Keeping your old phone?
I know its been asked before but I dont want a landline or use Google Voice (too scammy). Ideally want to keep my US phone and just swap out SIM with a local one. Google keeps me going in circles. I have my phone tied to 2FA for many sites (I know ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
@Moon Dog Thanks! Yes I saw some on Lazada and Shopee, mostly they dont even show the pressure rating but correlates with wattage so, all are lower output but i'm sure still ok for my use. trying to tell here, first time I used Facebook Marketplace, ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
@danfinn Yeah, I just know thats gonna happen to me LOL Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
@LoneWolfNY Nice!! Might do that Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
@LoneWolfNY Thanks, I bought a 3kw one in the US before I leave, might get another one. $140 3000W ST-Pro Auto Step Up & Step Down Voltage Transformer Converter, Heavy-Duty AC 110/220V Converter with US Standard, Universal, Schuko AC Outlets ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
I'm going through this exact same thing. I have so many appliances that are 110V only and I know replacements in PH are either more expensive or lower quality. Kitchen has the most so will wire in a 3KW power converter. All my garden tools are ... Read More
my personal motorcycle shipped from USA, Los Angeles area to Manila by lookingglas2
heard bad stories about trying to ship a bike from USA to Philippines. Who as info for me. just want the most important, how much does it cost, how long does it take, and how long to get here.
Auto dealers have a complete lock on new car sales, probably motorcycles the same way. Seen it in Africa also, they don't like it when you circumvent the auto dealerships and import cars. Also, pay cash, the loans here are different than ... Read More
Post-Covid-19 situation in the Philippines by Mickael
Hello everyone, [b]The COVID-19 pandemic[/b] had a huge impact on the world, including on expats' lives. Travel restrictions, business closures, budget cuts, and health measures have created unprecedented challenges for those who have chosen to ...
Just came back from a trip to Batangas, asawa bought some land and will be building soon. Worked from home during pandemic, then back to work, and shortly after retired, all in the US. Had all the boosters and vaccines but caught COVID later on, ... Read More