Andy_1963
Austrian expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
196
Contacts
2
About me
Austrian
Speaks German and English
Registration: 22 January 2023
Rental nightmares in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in the Philippines can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected ...
Here in Boracay (Oceanway) there are many condos for rent. Some units are so bad that the tenant went out the next day, others are really nice. There are older US expats living here. Some bought a unit while others make long term rental contracts. ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hello Andy, Thank you for your answer. 10 years over there, congratulations for an europeen. I have never been to Phil, so I want to try 1 or 2 months at the end of 2026. No precise dates yet. For this short time, I expect to live in condo ( with ... Read More
Wondering - advisement regarding the area by Erwendo1
Hello anyone with an opinionI'm considering purchasing a Townhome in Courtside Village Sun Valley Parañaque City. Thoughts anyone??Townhomes are not ideal, but would work for my family situation. Still - HOA? Safety? Anyone know ...
@Erwendo1 Good morning,this is in the extension of Runway 13 of Manila airport. There are not many flights in this direction in summer but in winter you can expect the start of a plane every 5 minutes going over this area.As a foreigner I would not ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi,did you make a decision where to stay?Is it a big city like Manila or Cebu or an island like Boracay, Palawan or Bohol?Do you want to stay in a hotel, rent a condo (short time, long time) or build your own house?The immigration in the Philippines ... Read More
There is always a silver lining by Lotus Eater
Any punters thinking of visiting the Philippines for the first time but are undecided now is the time.The US $ is trading at PHP61.45. The £ at PHP83.67. These are mid market rates.Some airlines are offering tempting prices not withstanding ...
I am going to fly back to the Philippines on May 26 and Emirates confirmed the reservation. So no issue with that. In my almost 10 years in the Phils, Boracay was hit once. So the chance to experience it, is low. Read More
NBI Hit (National Bureau of Investigation) by pej1111
[b][i]I have recently had a "HIT" with NBI when applying for a NBI clearance.[/i][/b] [u]Just wondering if any one else had has this occur and how you managed it?[/u] No, I have not committed any criminal activities or broken the law in ...
Foreigners to the Philippines always get a "HIT" when they apply for the clearance. Read More
Onward Ticket by Lat61
If you're not a Filipino Citizen, you can't just fly one way into the Philippines. You need to purchase a roundtrip or onward ticket before flying or you will be left at the gate. Exception to this rule is any children 15 years or younger with their ...
There is always the option to buy a ticket online from Cebu Pacific or Air Asia to Hongkong when asked for a return flight. Some airlines also give you the option to cancel for free within 24 hours. Another option is to buy a refundable ticket with ... Read More
What do You Expats do for FUN 🤩 by KenUSA
Hi! I’m Ken from USA & I’m planning to move to and settle down in Bonifacio Global City, TAGUIG. I’d love to get in touch with many of you and get involved in meetings or activities or anything that keeps me busy! I’m 57 ...
@KenUSA Hi Ken, I am Andy from Austria and I am living in Boracay for 9 years now. I am married with a Filipina and we have a son who is 8 years old now. What keeps me busy here is my computer - I am developing commercial software (accounting, cost ... Read More
Quality of customer service in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Customer service can say a lot about everyday life in the Philippines, and for many expats, it’s something that could take time to get used to. In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats to adjust to local expectations, ...
Customer service is a foreign word for most businesses in the Philippines. I found out that when you raise your voice and shout at them then you get your right. Especially with Real Estate. I don't like to do it but the ignorance and the "Yes Sir, ... Read More
5 Year Permanent Resident 13A, ACR1 card RENEWAL by vehicross100
Has anyone RECENTLY visited the Main BI branch to renew there 13A, 5 YEAR PERMANENT ACR1 Card ?Seems to be a lot of confusion between a TOURIST ACR1, PROBATIONARY, AND PERMANENT.So I am Only asking for those who have actually RENEWED the 13A, ACR1 ...
You miss that this is the Philippines. When you get a new passport you still have the stamp in the invalid old one. Immigration wants to see an entry stamp in the new one. To make sure their computer data matches the passport. Read More
Presently living in South Florida, moving as soon as I am able by marcfladell
This is the first time I've tried researching the Philippines through an expat chat room. I don't know what I don't know but I want to learn. I would like to strike up a conversation with those similarly situated.
@marcfladell HI, my name is Andy and I am living in a condo in Boracay for 9 years now. Before I moved to the Philippines I considered to buy a condo in Miami Beach, however, Trump 1 was elected and so I dropped this plan. The price in the US was 4 ... Read More
Extending visa at terminal 1 in Manila by Joe Vanderheiden
I will be arriving in Terminal 1 next week in Manila and was wondering if anyone has extended their Visa there what I am trying to do is avoid the 2 thousand Pesos express line fee that the office up in Ilocos charges me
Hi, you have to go to an immigration office in the Philippines to extend the visa. The airport is not authorized to give you longer stays. Even if you pay for it. And there is also a time when they accept you to extend the visa. Here in Boracay it ... Read More
5 Year Permanent Resident 13A, ACR1 card RENEWAL by vehicross100
Has anyone RECENTLY visited the Main BI branch to renew there 13A, 5 YEAR PERMANENT ACR1 Card ?Seems to be a lot of confusion between a TOURIST ACR1, PROBATIONARY, AND PERMANENT.So I am Only asking for those who have actually RENEWED the 13A, ACR1 ...
Hi,The office in Puerto Galera is permanently closed. The next ones are in Calapan and Batangas.The first 30 days are free and for the extension you need to pay. According to the Web site of the Immigration it is now 3030 PHP for the 29 days ... Read More
Should I DIY getting my parent's lost US passport? by seluzmeu
I am a US citizen living here in the US. My parent is 83 yr old also US citizen. Without laying out anything more in this forum, any can recommend an Immigration lawyer in the Philippines that can provide support or advice to help me get my ...
In case your parent needs/wants to travel back to the US she will need a passport. However, if she needs it to extend the visa, she can also overstay the visa. It is not very likely that a 83 old gets deported who stayed in the Philippines for many ... Read More
Should I DIY getting my parent's lost US passport? by seluzmeu
I am a US citizen living here in the US. My parent is 83 yr old also US citizen. Without laying out anything more in this forum, any can recommend an Immigration lawyer in the Philippines that can provide support or advice to help me get my ...
@seluzmeu Hi, how can an immigration lawyer help in this case? If you have lost your passport you need to report this to the US embassy/consulate in Manila to get a new one. To apply for a new passport you need to show up there in person. If the ... Read More
Long Term Stay in PH by RoyHolland
Hi everyone.I’m coming to Cebu from the UK and will be staying four weeks.This is not my first visit to PH as I have visited three times and travelled from Banaue to Cagayan De Oro and many places in between. But my last visit was about twelve ...
Hi,as a tourist you can stay for 30 days without paying any money and then you can extend and extend ...This you can do for 3 years. When you leave the country it restarts. Plenty of time to get the SRRV. For the SRRV you need to deposit money. If ... Read More
Mindanao independence resolution to be submitted to UN by PalawOne
Anyone wish to make comment?"“It will need only one UN member country to endorse .. "https://tribune.net.ph/2025/12/31/mindanao-independence-resolution-to-be-submitted-to-unCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A resolution adopted during a ...
The old men want to extend their playground. Putin in Ukraine, Trump in Canada and Greenland and Xi in Taiwan.It is time to stop them. Read More
What is the purpose of an ACR card? by TrevorH
According to the Guidelines for the implementation of ARC cards issued by the Bureau of Immigration in 2004, ACR cards are supposed to contain the following: 1. Personal information such as name, age, date of birth, place of birth address, etc. ...
I also have this near useless card, however, it serves as an ID with address when I go from Boracay to Panay (where the airport is). So, with this card I dont need to pay the terminal fee and environmental fee. This saves me around 1200 Pesos a ... Read More
Want Suggestions on Renewal of 13A & Annual Report. by Enzyte Bob
(1) My stepson is working to file my annual report online.(2) Also my 13A must be renewed in February.****************************When I applied for the ACR-1 & later the 13A it was such a hassle, something I don't want to go through again.Has ...
@Enzyte Bob Hi, I did the annual report in Boracay yesterday. Before I entered everything online and got an email with a registration number. Then I went there, they took my photo, checked my ACR card and passport and then I paid 310 PHP in cash. It ... Read More
Cebu quiet? Possible? by Moab762
I hope to move to Cebu Island from Panglou Island, Bohol next month. I'm hoping to find a quiet place to live. (I know that's an oxymoron in the Phillipines.) One to an hour and a half outside Cebu City is preferable. But outskirts is fine too. A ...
@Moab762 Hi, If you want to live in a quiet place come to Newcoast Boracay. There are condos for rent (USD 750+/month) for rent and for sale (110+k USD). It is an US Style Condo complex.Very few people are there.Andy Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi,The healthcare in private hospitals in the Philippines in the major cities Manila, Cebu and Davao is okay and affordable. On the islands it is underdeveloped and hard to get a treatment for a serious desease. There is no good hospital in Boracay ... Read More
TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES by Enzyte Bob
Recently I saw this Tourism chart, I don't how accurate it is. Remember when the saying was: Don't believe anything you hear and only half what you see, well with IT, Social Media & News Reporting who knows what.Well AnywaysTourism from January ...
Here in Boracay we have an airport which is only a few miles away. However, the length of the runway does not allow international flights or flights with Boeing aircraft. So you need to go thru the chaotic airport of Manila to come here. Next ... Read More
Cebu debut: locations? by It2VN
In March I'm heading to Cebu to see if it could be a place to settle. My idea is to spend a month or two initially in Cebu city or one of its divisions or adjacent cities (Mandaue etc).Staying in a hotel upon arrival then renting an apartment in a ...
@It2VNHi, you can try Newtown on Mactan island. Hotels, Condos, shops, restaurants, Cebu airport. We were there several times. It never disappointed us.Andy Read More
How to get the Philippine evisa software to work ? by stevenkirchner2
can anyone that sees this help me - when I use the philippine government software athttps://evisa.gov.ph/ I can input my passport, driver's license, utility bill, all needed information about me and proof of who i am and complete my profile but when ...
@tlllava Hi, as an US citizen you do NOT need a visa to go to the Philippines. What you need is a flight out of the Philppines within the initial 30 days. So you have 2 options: Book a flight to/from Hongkong, Vietnam, Malaysia with a low cost ... Read More
How to get the Philippine evisa software to work ? by stevenkirchner2
can anyone that sees this help me - when I use the philippine government software athttps://evisa.gov.ph/ I can input my passport, driver's license, utility bill, all needed information about me and proof of who i am and complete my profile but when ...
If you don't belong to the nationalities who need a visa for the initial 30 days, don't apply for the visa online. Make a reservation for a return flight within 30 days which you can cancel afteranother immigration in the Philippines. If you plan ... Read More
Cutting the cord by Enzyte Bob
Having used PLDT, Sky & Converge for internet, I've cut the cord. All three of those services were good at he beginning. But when problems happened, poor customer service, weeks without internet.I became fed up.So my son bought me a "DITO Home" ...
I use the SMART wireless Internet. Works fine and fast except when there is a longer brownout in Boracay. Read More
Making a Filipina a Beneficiary by Cyclone Ed
Hello. I am from the United States and currently living in Lapu-Lapu City. It is my desire to distribute some of my estate to a few citizens/residents of the Philippines who have been kind to me. It seems to accomplish this directly, my ...
My understanding from the law in the Philippines is that a property in the Philippines is shared in a marriage. So the title goes to the surviving partner. If not married the property title can be transferred to someone. This might be expensive. For ... Read More
WU Transfers by vehicross100
I found it interesting that through my WU app I can send $ using my debit card to Gcash, PayMaya, Shopee, Lazada, Bayad and a few more. This is all for $0 (FREE) transfer fee and at a rate of 58. My usual Bank to Bank is $2 per transaction and ...
@vehicross100 Hi, the most effective way is not to send a foreign currency to the BDO account but PHP. So, instead of 1000 USD you transfer 60000 PHP and the receiver gets exactly 60000 PHP. This avoids fees and taxes in the Philippines. The reason ... Read More
Nigi Nigi Noo Noos & Noo Noo Noo's by Lotus Eater
Just heard from our very own roving reporter in the Philippines (AKA Cherryann) who is currently on location with his new gorgeous Filipina GF in Boracay.Unfortunaley its sad news. Well kind of. The renowned beach bar Nigi Nigi Noos + Noo Noo's ...
For all of you who want to visit Nigi Nigi in Boracay the new bar is open now.Here is the location between Henann Palm and Carmela de Boracay. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xC3xJ2eP18mGoMm77 I heard that the lease contract for the old location expired and ... Read More
WU Transfers by vehicross100
I found it interesting that through my WU app I can send $ using my debit card to Gcash, PayMaya, Shopee, Lazada, Bayad and a few more. This is all for $0 (FREE) transfer fee and at a rate of 58. My usual Bank to Bank is $2 per transaction and ...
All my money stays in Austria in EUR. It would be unwise to save any money in PHP as the currency devaluates. When I came here 9 years ago the exchange rate was 1 EUR = 48 PHP. Now it is 1 EUR = 68 PHP. To pay the bills here, I use my mastercard. In ... Read More
ACR confusion by Brojeslov
Everything i've read online says I need an ACR card to stay in Philippines beyond 59 days (30 days visa free plus 29 day visa waiver) but a dude at Cebu immigration office has just told me I only need an ACR if I intend staying beyond 89 days (30 ...
@Brojeslov Hi, you need an ACR card as a temporary resident after the 59 days. This will be done when you extend before the 59 days expire. If you dont want to waste the 50 USD and the visa extension fee, fly out of the country, stay a few days and ... Read More
Managing meals in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in the ...
I am Austrian and as most people know, our kitchen is very good. However, I was in the USA for some time and got used to fast food.In the 9 years here in the Philippines I got used to rice but still refuse seafood and balut. I got used to eat rice ... Read More
Retiring in Clark SEZ/CFZ by Nazz Nazz
Hi All,Am considering retirement in Clark SEZ with my spouse. What are some things we should be aware of that we would not otherwise notice as tourists? We will be traveling there early next year for a proper look-see and recce.What are some of the ...
Hi, I am living in Boracay and the golf course is next to me. The estate is from Megaworld with security, ambulance, free bus and gardeners. A condo unit here is 7M Pesos and up. Many people who are living here play golf. International food is in ... Read More
Nigi Nigi Noo Noos & Noo Noo Noo's by Lotus Eater
Just heard from our very own roving reporter in the Philippines (AKA Cherryann) who is currently on location with his new gorgeous Filipina GF in Boracay.Unfortunaley its sad news. Well kind of. The renowned beach bar Nigi Nigi Noos + Noo Noo's ...
Hi, I have no idea why they do it but I will be on the front beach on Sunday and ask the security. They might know why.Andy Read More
Starlink in the Philippines by PalawOne
`Came across a Tesla problem today, anyone confirm?Happy trails
@Travelnman59Before you sell your house, spend 6+ months here in the Philippines. Then you know the country is for you. This is related to climate, infrastructure, food and last but not least to a possible partnership. Beware of "gold diggers".If ... Read More
Here we go again: It's the Philippines. by Enzyte Bob
I'm about to switch off my third internet provider (Converge).I've little or no internet for over three weeks now, Download .2 mbs upload 320 mbs. Customer service is non existent, just like so many of the other institutions and businesses. I've ...
I use SMART unlimited Internet for 999/month. 5G brings 100 mbps download rate. Enough for the whole family. Most of the time it works here in Boracay Read More
Parenting in PH - Common Cough by Jason_Canadian near Clark
My daughter is age 5 almost 6. My boy is age 1 almost 2.Both kids were vaccinated as new borns and follow on as required. My daughter mostly vaccinated in Canada (til age 5), my boy had new born shots only in Canada before we moved to PH, where we ...
Hi, my son is 8 years old and gets a cough every 2 or 3 months. My wife (Filipina) also gets coughs frequently. We are living in Boracay. I am Austrian and I get a cough once a year. Pneumonia is also very common here and the doctors treat it with ... Read More
Moving to the Philippines by Agaride44
I live in America. My wife is from Cebu, but has a US passport. She has lived in the US for 20 plus years. What papers do we need to live n Cebu permanently?
In case she is not a citizen of the Philippines anymore, she can reapply for the citizenship of the Philippines in the immigration. Then she has the right to stay permanently in the Philippines. As you are married with her you can apply for the 13a ... Read More
Over Stay Visa - Child by Jason_Canadian near Clark
What happens if my child, under 2, with Canadian passport, he has PH Mom, and she is also a Canadian passport holder but recently traveled out so my wife is not an issue at the moment. My child does not have dual yet. If he overstays his 1 year ...
Hi, my son is a dual citizen. My wife is PH and I am Austrian.Question 1: Where was your child born. If born in the PH he is Philippine citizen.Question 2: Is the mother of the child from the PH? If yes, your child is a PH citizenIf I answer 1 with ... Read More
BOC declaration for large wire transfer by Johng8
We are buying a condo in Cebu and need to transfer our down payment (>$10,000) to the developer's bank account. I have read that we are required to declare this amount with the BOC, but I can't find out how to accomplish that. Does anyone know?
@Johng8 Hi, I bought a Condo in Boracay 9 years ago. There are a few things what you need to know and what my developer (Global Estate a daughter company of Megaworld) did not tell the unit owners:On the day I moved in, they wanted 200k PHP from us. ... Read More
Managing retirement savings in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Saving for retirement as an expat in the Philippines can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in ...
@Enzyte Bob Hi, I think it depends on the credit card you use.I have a Mastercard and the merchant has to pay the CC fee. The exchange Rate to EUR was always better than any cash transaction. There is fee, however, it is still cheaper to pay with ... Read More
BOC declaration for large wire transfer by Johng8
We are buying a condo in Cebu and need to transfer our down payment (>$10,000) to the developer's bank account. I have read that we are required to declare this amount with the BOC, but I can't find out how to accomplish that. Does anyone know?
Moving higher amounts out of your home country into a foreign country always triggers an alarm for possible money laundry. So the bank will check where the money you want to send is coming from. If your income (e.g. salary from your employer) allows ... Read More
Managing retirement savings in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Saving for retirement as an expat in the Philippines can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in ...
@bitmonet Hi, this was just a proposal from a lawmaker. The ATMs here give you PHP only. For each 10.000 Pesos they charge you 200+ Pesos for the withdrawal. So, if you want to stay here longer it makes sense to leave your money in your home ... Read More
BI E-services by vehicross100
Finally was able to figure out how to apply, pay and receive my ECC-B via email for a temporary exit without having to visit any BI. Now I only need to produce a hard copy at the immigration gate and good to go.For any 13a holders interested, on the ...
Hi, you can do it at the airport before you leave too. There is a counter where you can pay it. Andy Read More
Tax penalty for living in phillpines on americans by stevenkirchner2
i saw the following on the internet:Like many countries, the Philippines will tax you based on whether or not you are considered a resident. To be a resident in the Philippines, you will have to stay longer than 180 days in a calendar year.Do US ...
@stevenkirchner2 Hi,there is a double taxation treaty between the Philippines and the USA. You need to read it and check it. Also a tax consultant can help you with it.ByeAndy Read More
Retiring in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in the Philippines? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, ...
The SRRV is an expensive option to stay in the Philippines. You can consider the 3 years tourist visa, go for a vacation to another country and the 3 years tourist visa starts again. If you are married with a filipina you can apply for the 13a ... Read More
Retiring in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in the Philippines? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, ...
@coineken Hi,a TRV is a temporary resident visa which allows you to stay for up to 3 years. However, you need to renew the visa every 2 months at the immigration. Some immigrations (like her in Boracay) will bother you with a PRV (Marriage or Quota) ... Read More
Wise Exchange Rate by Enzyte Bob
I sent a sent a Wise transfer just now, exchange rate of USD of 57.1825.I checked the official rate, it is 57.19
When you send money to WISE it goes from your US/Europe bank account to the Wise account in the US/Europe. Then it goes from a Wise account in the Philippines to the target WISE account in the Philippines. There is no transfer bank between. This is ... Read More
How do you like living in Lapu-Lapu? by swt90alum
My wife and I are moving to Lapu-Lapu from the U.S. as soon as our house sells, and we are interested in hearing from people currently living there and how much they like it.
Hi, I got a friend on Mactan Island where Lapu-Lapu is. He has a condo in "The Reef". The condo is beautiful but very expensive.A cheaper version is Newport. Nice infrastructure, nice surroudings. Hotels, Condos, Beach.There is also a nice part ... Read More
Looking for advise for most effective remote internet device? by seluzmeu
Hello all,I've been a lurker here and I'm shy about posting anything. Here we go, Can call me Lhanie. I recently retired and planning on staying in the Philippines. My past visits there when in Pangasinan, traveling around.. I have issues getting ...
Hi, we use the Smart Unlimited internet 5G from Smart in my cellphone. This is 999 PHP per month now. It works fine here in Boracay.Greetings from BoracayAndy Read More
Good places to take kids in PH? by Eccles Bluebottle
Hi there, just wondering if anyone has first-hand experience of great places for kids to go to/see/experience in the Philippines? Happy to hear about places in Manila, or anywhere across the archipelago. Will be heading back in July for a ...
@Eccles Bluebottle Hi, my son is 7.5 years old and hw loves to play on the front beach of Boracay.If you like more indoor, go to Mall of Asia in Manila. On the top floor they have lots of kids attractions.Better kids attractions are in Hong Kong and ... Read More
Taxes for expats in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When settling in and living in the Philippines, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your ...
I am afraid that it is not the case. It starts with 0% and depending how much you get it increases. So, no flat tax of 0% for pensions. Read More
Taxes for expats in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When settling in and living in the Philippines, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your ...
If you have an income in your home country (e.g. a pension) you need to pay the income tax in the Philippines if you stay in the Philippines for more than 180 days as a permanent resident. To avoid the double taxation (as you have to pay the income ... Read More
Remitly, Wise or? by bigpearl
Thinking of setting up an account with one of the above companies, any thoughts or recommendations?Cheers, Steve.
I am using Wise for all the money transfers from Austria to the Philippines. Within 2 minutes it is from my bank account on the Wise bank account in Belgium and from there it is another 2 minutes to the BDO account of my wife.So everything is done ... Read More
Where do I go to extend my stay as a tourist ? by stevenkirchner2
I know this is commonly done. I need a governemment office in Dumaguete, Dipolog. I can go to Cebu City if I have to. Do not want to have to go to manila for this.Any assitance would be appreciated.steven
Hi, there is no need to go to Manila or Cebu to extend a tourist visa. You can get this in in your local immigration office. They are located in every city.https://maps.app.goo.gl/RMVrHJcxtYWPGpYE7Your first extension will be for 29 days.Andy Read More
Latest updates in labor regulations in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Labor laws and regulations are constantly evolving. Staying informed of these updates as an expat in the Philippines helps you in navigating your professional experience and expat career. We would like to invite you to share ...
Hi,be carful with the mail. Overseas mail does not always arrive in the Philippines and especially not outside of Manila. I am waiting for some documents here in Boracay but they did not arrive. If it is important mail, then consider to send it with ... Read More
Anyone using Starlink? by Enzyte Bob
This is the third day of outage from Sky. I would like to pull the plug on them.Is anyone using Starlink or some other satellite system? Years ago I switch from PDLT to Sky for being unresponsive.Year by year Sky service has fallen off. Converge is ...
I use SmartBro unlimited Internet for 999 PHP per month in Boracay. Is 5G and the download rate is 178 Mbps / upload 27 Mbps.No need to feed Elon. Read More
Financial Infedelity by mrlugubrious
Thought I had a reasonably happy home and now I am very confused on how to handle my wife raiding our finances and sending them to her family in the PI. No matter what I agree to she finds it necessary to secretly send thousands of dollars extra, ...
Never ever give your wife control over your money. Keep it save under your name and give her only what you have agreed before. In my case 17k PHP. The foreigner is seen as the cash cow, ATM, saviour in her eyes and the eyes of her family (which can ... Read More
Buying condos as investments? by Zodel
Not sure if anyone is successful in doing this here. In the United States real estate investor’s is very competitive. All though I haven’t had to evict anyone in a while I was wondering what the process is in makati? Also I was ...
Most investors here in Boracay made the painful experience that their condo lost value and they sold it below the money they have bought it from Megaworld / Global Estate. Those who think to make money with renting it out via Airbnb / Agoda were ... Read More
Credit Cards for senior citizens by FindlayMacD
I'd like to hear ex-pat members knowledge and advice on this subject. When I lived in the UK I had several credit cards, but then, for some reason, probably because they became aware that I now lived in the Philippines, my UK bank (Santander UK) ...
Depending on the credit card you want, you will need an annual income. At least the BPI has that rule. I use the bank account/debit card (BDO) of my wife to pay and withdraw money. Refill with WISE money transfer from my bank account in Austria. No ... Read More
HOA Billing CondoCorp Horrors😱🥵 by KenUSA
Does anyone have experience dealing with Condo CORP HOA Billing for condos in Bonifacio Global City, TAGUIG ❓ I have two condos there and even after paying 12 months in advance all my dues they keep sending me bills and penalties and ...
@Morgacj200424Here in our Condo Corp in Boracay are 339 units in 4 clusters. These were built 10 years ago. Up to now the developer could not sell 60 units. One quarter of the unit owner does not pay anything as they have abandoned their unit. Those ... Read More
Aquino airport connecting flight by mati_steve
Hi folks. I'll be headed back to Mati next month and my flight this time has me coming into Aquino Airport (Manila) and then a connecting flight to Davao. This will be my first time flying into the Aquino airport and just looking to get ...
@Lotus Eater Terminal 3 will be the international Terminal for all non-PAL airlines in the future. T1 will be for PAL only. Read More
MUM OF A 1/4 Filipino by mhiranojoy
Need some help please as I'm finding it hard to understand what the Philippine Embassy website is telling me. I have dual citizenship (Fil/Brit) but I have been using my Brit passport since I turned 18. Still have my Fil passport and Fil birth ...
It worked for me and my son in the other way in the Philippines. I went to the Austrian embassy in Manila with my Austrian citizen ship document, my passport and with the apostilled birth certificate of my son and a few weeks later he got an ... Read More
HOA Billing CondoCorp Horrors😱🥵 by KenUSA
Does anyone have experience dealing with Condo CORP HOA Billing for condos in Bonifacio Global City, TAGUIG ❓ I have two condos there and even after paying 12 months in advance all my dues they keep sending me bills and penalties and ...
What happend here in Boracay was that some unit owners (including me) made a money transfer to the account of the condo corp which is at the Union Bank. However, the money never arrived at that account and was posted within the Union bank to a ... Read More
HOA Billing CondoCorp Horrors😱🥵 by KenUSA
Does anyone have experience dealing with Condo CORP HOA Billing for condos in Bonifacio Global City, TAGUIG ❓ I have two condos there and even after paying 12 months in advance all my dues they keep sending me bills and penalties and ...
Hi,the problem is in the way they do the accounting. When you make a money transfer from abroad, all they see is that an amount of x PHP was received. They have no idea who is sending the money. This has to do with bank account they are using. It is ... Read More
Questions about marriage process Philippines by SavannahRE
Hey everyone,I’m a foreign Muslim planning to marry my Filipina fiancée, who is a convert (born Christian Catholic). I’ve been researching the marriage process in the Philippines and have come across Imams and some law firms ...
Hi,as far as I know, the process to get the marriage licence is the same for all.Birth certificate from the girlPassport for the foreign husbandCENOMAR from the girlCENOMAR from the foreignerCertificate that the foreign husband is not married ... Read More
SRRV deposit by teesquared
First posting here.I am hoping to land sometime within the next 15 months or so.If I apply successfully for the SRRV and pay my $20,000 how difficult is it to get that back when purchasing a property or a land lease?Does anyone have any experiences ...
@teesquared Hi,I want to make sure that you know other options on how to stay in the Philippines:With a tourist visa - this will cost you about 60 USD for an extension of 2 months. The first month is free. Each time you go out of the Philippines ... Read More
Problem getting my acknowledge of paternity accepted by locals by General Q
Hi, new hereI am an EU-citizen and my PH GF recently gave birth to a daughter in the Philippines.I signed an affidivit and acknowledment of paternity and sent to their embassy in my country. For unclear reasons (it has not been accepted). It was ...
When my son was born it worked like this. 1. The hospital had a blank BC form which was filled in with a typewriter. I signed the form after a copy of my passport was made.2. With that form we went to the notary who stamped and signed the BC.3. Then ... Read More
Switzerland Spouse Visa by amercado19ln0453
Hello, My husband is a Dual citizen (Filipino/Swiss) and we got married here in PH in December 2023. After I got our PSA marriage certificate I submitted documents to the Embassy for our marriage recognition in Switzerland since September 2024 but ...
We registered our marriage at the Austrian embassy. There was also no reaction from their side. However, it was possible to get the document on request in Austria at the registration office. They told me that you can also get it at the embassy. Read More
Spouse visa by amercado19ln0453
Is it possible to apply for Switzerland Spouse visa while our marriage registration is still in process? Thank you
How can you give them the marriage contract as the basis for the visa if you don't have it?To get the Schengen spouse visa, the consulate or VFS wants from you the marriage contract printed on PSA paper and the registration paper of your marriage ... Read More
Aquino airport connecting flight by mati_steve
Hi folks. I'll be headed back to Mati next month and my flight this time has me coming into Aquino Airport (Manila) and then a connecting flight to Davao. This will be my first time flying into the Aquino airport and just looking to get ...
Hi,there is an airside shuttle bus going from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The entry into the Philippines can take everything between 10 minutes and 2 hours. If you are over 60 years old, you can use the lane for senior citizens. This is than less than ... Read More
Checking paper work for Property in Cebu by Ganz303
Hi all , I’m buying a property in Cebu I just received all the paperwork for the property.I need to check everything is in order,any one recommend a property lawyer or is there other services I can find to walk me through the ...
I don't know who the US embassy has on their list, however, I made a good experience with the lawyer the Austrian embassy recommended. I wanted to make sure that there are no issues in the contracts with the developer of my condo. Read More
New Member by vcounsel777
Hello everyone!My name is Vin and I am seriously considering relocating to the Philippines in the new year. I have never been there and want to learn as much as I can regarding which provinces would be agreabale to me and which areas I should avoid. ...
@bobgrob1 Hi, I am living in Boracay. Please check on google maps Oceanway. These are condos and the monthly rate is between 25k to 35k /month. If you like the location, I can help you. I would need the exact time-frame. If you prefer the action, ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
What most people forget, is to make a calculation (a business plan) for the investment. The basis is:what productin which quantityat what priceSo, in your case: cottages for rent, how many days of the year you can rent them out * Number of cottages, ... Read More
Checking paper work for Property in Cebu by Ganz303
Hi all , I’m buying a property in Cebu I just received all the paperwork for the property.I need to check everything is in order,any one recommend a property lawyer or is there other services I can find to walk me through the ...
@Ganz303 Hi,If the property is a Condo, you can buy it on your name. If it is something else you need a different construction. If you buy it from a developer and it is new, make sure that there is some warrenty on the object. The quality of the ... Read More
Time For Annual Report by Enzyte Bob
Annual report fee P310.Failure to file P200 per month.
A law from 1950s. And those who have the SRRV do not have to report. What sense does this make. They should add the fee to the ACR card. A win-win situation for the permanent residents and the immigration. Read More
RESTAMPING by vehicross100
Has anyone recently needed to have their 13a Visa Restamped in new passport for annual reporting ?
@eddieclmax But a lot more expensive Read More
Small Apartment Construction by dhmacmu
In preparation for my permanent move to the Philippines (Binongtoan/Culaba, Biliran Leyte), I had my fiancé (my long-term girlfriend and my best friend's niece) rent a small apartment for 17000 peso/month which includes utilities. I have not ...
Here in Boracay the locals pay 3.5K for a boarding house and 7k for an apartment. For 20k you can stay in a condomenium unit.And Boracay is one of the main tourist destinations of the Philippines. Utilities are 5 to 10k PHP per month and it depends ... Read More
Moving to Philippines by anderslinde
Hi AllAnders Linde here, originally from Sweden but currently living in Greece.Me and my Julie are planing to move to Philippines in April 2025. She is originally from Philippines and wants to go back.As an Senior Sales manager om looking for jobb ...
Hi, this might be occidental Mindoro. To go there you need to go to Manila, take a bus to Batangas, take the ferry to Mindoro and from there by van. Mindoro is a big island but there are not many people living there. Brownouts are frequent and you ... Read More
Salary for a maid by gihcare
I will be visiting the Phil next yr. A friend has a place in Angono,Rizal. Could someone please give me an idea how much is the average hourly pay for a maid in that area? Thank you for your help. Grace
As a guideline:The minimum salary is about 480 PHP for 8 hours of work. So this is 60 PHP (around 1 USD per hour). As you are from a rich country you should give a bit more. So when you give her 150 to 200 PHP per hour she will be very happy. all ... Read More
Registration of SIM cards. by FindlayMacD
I have just acquired a UK SIM card which bought because there are certain phone apps I want to use that require a UK cellphone number and I'd like to know if I have to register that SIM card here in Philippines.
The UK sim card is very expensive to use here in the Philippines as the roaming fees are high. There is no need to register a foreign sim card. What you can do is to use a phone which has 2 sim card slots. So you can use a local sim card (Globe, ... Read More
New passport and need entry stamped transferred by Mepp7777
I recently had to get a new passport and after getting it , I used it to get my visa extension. While processing my new visa extension I was told to have my entry stamp transferred to my new passport. I was instructed to go across the hall and ...
Hi, there are several BI offices around which can do it. It depends on the authorization given to the BI office.For example the BI office in Cebu or IloIlo can do that. Smaller offices like my office here in Boracay is not authorized to do it. Just ... Read More
High-rise apartments in the Philippines by airforvet
hello I’m looking at high-rise apartments in the Philippines, Manila. There was a town called Mikalti which I am looking into. Please excuse the spelling if I’m incorrect
@airforvet Hi,There are many high rise condos for sale now. The correct spelling is Makati. Not a bad place but not the best. I prefer the region with the Mall of Asia. There are also high rise buildings and there is walkway with many ... Read More
New Member by vcounsel777
Hello everyone!My name is Vin and I am seriously considering relocating to the Philippines in the new year. I have never been there and want to learn as much as I can regarding which provinces would be agreabale to me and which areas I should avoid. ...
Hi, Before you make any commitments to anyone make sure that this is the country where you want to live.If you can live with the poor infrastructure and the climate then you might consider where you want to stay.You cannot buy any land here but you ... Read More
Budget for move to Palawan by Carl75
Hello!I am about to acquire a plot near El Nido on 50 years lease basis fully paid in advance (foreigner) and would really appreciate any comments or suggestions on the budget I have made, most likely I have left some items out. Plot (250 sqm) close ...
Hi, we (2 adults, 1 child [7 years old]) are living in a condo in Boracay and the monthly budget without association dues and vacation is 126K PHP. (utilities, internet, food, restaurants, school, cleaning material, clothes, vitamins, ....)Others ... Read More
Bacolad Visit by avedisiandavid
Arrival back to Philippines next month. Want one week in Bacolad. Best reasonable rate hotels near coffee shops, shopping etc. in Bacolad? Thanks!
Bacolod has an active vulcano in the vicinity. I saw it smoking from the plane from Cebu to Manila.You can book your hotel on agoda but I would use an option where you can cancel for free.Greetings to the city of smilesAndy from Boracay Read More
Etravel: Vietnam by Dale Gill
Can anyone please tell me, if I need a VPN (virtual private network) in in order to fill out the Etravel app , on my return to the Philippines/. I have no idea,, about the degree of censorship , that exists there. Thank you, in advance, for ...
@Dale Gill no VPN needed. You will be able to fill in the etravel from Vietnam. I did it myself a few weeks ago.all the bestAndy 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 ...
Do you register as a tourist or as a resident? Read More
SRRV Expanded Courtesy and Tourist Visa questions by mati_steve
Howdy folks! New user here from Texas, USA. I retired early this year and recently took a 10-day trip to the Philippines (first time) Davao City and Mati City to visit a Filipina I’ve been web conferencing and texting with for a little over ...
If you are going to merry your gf, you can apply for the 13a (marriage visa). This would allow you to work here and you have to renew it after 1 year initially and then every 5 years for 50 USD.As a non-citizen you are not allowed to buy any land ... Read More
need help about invitation letter for visa in philippiness by ndoshani
hello friends, i m from india going philippines next month on tour visa. i need invitation letter from my friend. can anybody tell me about that which points should be mention in invitation letter?
@renegadesric529 on the day your srrv you make a trip to Hong Kong or Singapore. A few days later you return as tourist and you will get stamped a 30 days visa free entry. If you cannot travel, you can get a visitor visa for 59 days from ... Read More
Overseas Americans Voting by PalawOne
Newspaper item today, perhaps of interest .."Overseas Americans Could Swing the Election"By Farah Stockman, NYT Editorial Board Member, Oct. 16, 2024Sharon Manitta, a 76-year-old retired textile conservator in Wiltshire, England, has been doing her ...
Hi, what is written here it is not entirely true. The double taxation is a matter for the whole world. There are double taxation treaties between the countries which usually specify where to pay the income tax. The basic rule is: More than 6 months ... Read More
Getting Married in the Philippines as a UK National - December 2024 by Marco Grima
Hello everyone,I'm a UK national planning to get married in the Philippines this December, and I'm trying to make sure I have all the necessary documents and procedures sorted out. So far, I've gathered i need the following docs:Certificate of No ...
If you are getting married here in the Philippines the requirement can vary from one civil registrar to another. My friend gets married in Cebu and there they want the divorce paper with an Apostille. For my marriage it was enough to give them a ... Read More
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
If you break the contract the landlord can file a case at the small claims court (if the rental contract is clean on his side (e.g. he has a business permit and the DOT approved the aparment for rent)). If you leave the Philippines for good it might ... Read More
lawyer hired and paid 50,000 pesos upfront by emushu12
it has been 1 yr has passed and the lawyer we hired to represent us in court has not done anything? He was specifically given an instruction to file a criminal case against illegal trespassing in our property but has done nothing unless we remind ...
Hi, we got these cases here in Boracay. This is not handled by a lawyer but the local police. Those who got removed stayed on the street in front of their former lot, the owner made a fence and a security company guarded the lot until all the people ... Read More
Mobile phone plans in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Staying connected while living in the Philippines remains a priority for expats, especially when choosing a mobile operator or to understand the local specificities of mobile plans. Here some elements to consider: How to ...
From SMART prepaid I got 999 PHP/month for unlimited data with automatic extension every month. Here in Boracay we got 5G from Smart and I use my phone as a router. This is fast enough to play 3 videos on 3 different screens at the same time. I have ... Read More
Hot Water Shower by Bannor
Hello, everyone! What has been your experience with hot water in the shower? I notice many places do not have this amenity. Have you found it necessary for your quality of life, or something you have happily dispensed with?
Hi, the water which comes out of the pipe has 30 degrees here in Boracay. We have a water heater and I am happy to get a hot shower in morning. If there is a brownout (every 2 to 3 days) I use the cold water only.Andy from Boracay Read More
Planning/Thinking Ahead by Cherryann01
Are Filipinas good planners, do they look at the big picture?My g/f is currently on a 6 month contract working at a restaurant in Singapore. She had to pay for her own flights to get there to start with and I don't think she took the higher cost of ...
The people of the Philippines are not good planners. This is escpecially true for the money. If you give them 1.000 to spend for their needs, they will use it to buy the things they need. If you give them 10.000, they will not put 9.000 on a bank ... Read More
El Nido, Bohol or Borocay (retirement) by Carl75
Hello everybodyI have already read a couple of threads on this or similar topic however would really appreciate some advice considering my personal requirements. This would help me to plan my upcoming recon trip/s. Of course I know there are also ...
@Carl75Hi, my name is Andy and I am retired here in Boracay. As others told you, you cannot buy a lot on your name anywhere in the Philippines. So I bought a condo here. There are not many places left in Boracay where you can get a lot with sea view ... Read More
Retirement area by piattepye
I am trying to move to Anda beach, Bohol or close to area and finding it hard to find long term rentals or leases House or Bongalo for 3-6 months.Ken
@VadimDiverI think the Philippines are politically stable. This should be no reason not to visit the Philippines. You can blame them that they are unorganized, corrupt and that the infrastructure is poor but I consider the Philippines as stable. Read More
Filipino attempts at American food by TitoDan
I'm a very non-picky person when it comes to food. I was raised on home cooking, meat and potatoes kinds of food, simply prepared with simple ingredients. I've given it several tries, and am giving up on local attempts at American ...
@kristopherryanwatsonHi. I love the food at McDonalds and we go to the McDonalds in Boracay once a week. It tastes better in Europe but it is quite okay. Read More