Philippines 2019 for new expats

[seasia]

18 hours ago, Larssonn said:

Not a big writer but more of the reading type and must say .....

 

absolutely one of the best threads ive read on theese forums .

 

great job both to the op and the others informative postings .

 

For thai visa issues i think sting where it hurts , before one had quite much money here now keeping nothing and own nothing except home for personal use only not to feed rentals to richer thais , no investment nothing else .

 

declared unwanted = goes for my money too

 

one thing i feeel missing about ph is about investment ....does ph banks give anything and are there and market for condo rentals ?

 

i did read about the problems buying but are there agencys sorting all or anyway to make it abit easier and quicker buying condos ?

 

also is it a safe procedure to buy ?

 

keep up the good work will continue to follow 

Hi

 

I have no knowledge of banks or investment in PI.

 

I do follow the economies of the US, UK and some EU countries as I do some derivative/stock trading

 

This website might be of interest maybe ?

 

Seems generally well balanced.

 

https://tradingeconomics.com/philippines/forecast

 

GL

[ExpatPH]

Visa extension after the first 59 days in country, option:

1 month extension.

or

2 months extension.

or

6 months extension.

(6 months extensioncan only be applied twice, within first 16 months).

 

Image cost for 6 months extension.

 

http://immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/long-stay-visitor-visa-extension-lsvve

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

[madmen]

Hard to believe that anybody would choose a country to live in based on an easy visa. Here is a heads up, its easy for good reason and its because they are desperate to attract customers. The Philippines doesn't rate in any other way compared to Thailand except a visa. You guys are going to be sitting in your rooms clutching your shiny new visa and then in a few weeks it will dawn on you what a mistake you made and what a fantastic place Thailand was.

 

[ExpatPH]

Bank deposit.

Be aware that only 500.000 peso is insured.

 

[MeePeeMai]

ExpatPH - 

 

Thank you for the links to the Philippines Penal Code.

 

Makes for great reading and got my questions answered.  I bet that there is still a lot of corruption at the hands of the police if (you are involved in anything illegal or accused of any crime) but this can be a good thing too depending on the circumstance.

 

Having spent much time in Indonesia (and Thailand), I have a much better understanding now of how the S.E. Asian legal systems work.  

 

Knowledge is KING

[Carib]

3 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

Visa extension after the first 59 days in country, option:

1 month extension.

or

2 months extension.

or

6 months extension.

(6 months extensioncan only be applied twice, within first 16 months).

 

Image cost for 6 months extension.

 

http://immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/long-stay-visitor-visa-extension-lsvve

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

Thanks for that !

[Jingthing]

Hard to believe that anybody would choose a country to live in based on an easy visa. Here is a heads up, its easy for good reason and its because they are desperate to attract customers. The Philippines doesn't rate in any other way compared to Thailand except a visa. You guys are going to be sitting in your rooms clutching your shiny new visa and then in a few weeks it will dawn on you what a mistake you made and what a fantastic place Thailand was.
 

Funny. That's why I chose Thailand originally. Easy visa.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[ExpatPH]

Foreigners choose to live in Philippines because we enjoy to be around polite and courteous people, who treat us with respect and a real genuine smile.

 

We choose to live in Philippines, because we want to be surronded by english speaking natives.

 

We choose to live in Philippines, because we feel welcome here!

 

We choose to live in Philippines, a country that does not have highly inflated exchange rates.

 

Those who in 2019 defend los, live in the past, when it was easy visa. Keyword: Was.

 

Defenders deny the fact that tourists and expats has been forced out for years, and the trend has been intensified in 2019.

 

Thailand 2019 is less westerners, mostly left with chinese tour groups and indians.

 

2019 will be the year where tourists, longstayers and expats choose other destinations, who welcome us with less restrictions, less limitations and requirements.

 

[ExpatPH]

If you are age 60+ your possibilities are limited on the Thai online dating market (lack of response and interest). Of the few replies I received, most was high maintenance. Also approached people at work, left me with the feeling that I was 'over expiration date', even before age 50. Can't imagine today.

 

Did a comparison on two online dating websites, thaifriendly and pinalove.

On thaifriendly I received almost no messages, and replies. Sent many messages, still lack of response.

On pinalove, messages flooded in even I hadn't written them earlier, and those where I had initiated contact, replies to my messages was 80%+

Filipinocupid, pinalove, dateinasia, badoo, tinder.

For those on the temporary market, these sites are also helpful, and one can just register and sit back and wait for messages and offers of any kind.

 

In early days I went for looks and aimed at a 9 or 10. Most of these was lazy, unemployed, players and high maintenance.

Learned my lesson and aimed only at people who had a job. Even she was a single parent as most are here, a employed person have the drive to take care of herself, and her responsebilities. Mostly also low maintenance.

Seasoned expats told me to approach a person at work and ask if she's single. That worked for me. One will not be alone here, unless one want to.

 

A single westerner living in province, will be approached on a daily basis.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

[MeePeeMai]

I agree with your views on dating and finding a wife or partner.

 

I think that a large number of Asian women (Filipino and Indonesian for example), are encouraged by their family

members to find a foreign man much older than she is.  Many of these women have had a bad experience(s) with someone of their own age/race and have sworn off giving that route another try.  Many in the villages have also seen this first hand and are naturally wary about choosing the wrong partner.

 

This often comes from the fact that finding a man close to her age or of the same race can more easily end in disaster due to things like excessive drinking, drugs, laziness, unfaithfulness, abuse, lack of concern for her child or children, lack of concern for her family, inability to support her, ending up with a drunk playboy, him doing a runner etc...  it happens quite often.

 

Some feel that a much older foreign man can provide her with things like better stability in a long term relationship, better emotional support, a better economic future, a better father or stepfather figure, less drama, less chance of abuse, greater opportunity for travel and change of pace and scenery, better life experience etc... and this is often the case.

 

Some women could care less about what's inside a man and only care about what he looks like or how much money he has. 

 

On the other hand, many good Asian women care more about how they are treated and where his heart lies than his age or how big his belly is.  This does not mean that she just accepts him how he is, it means that she trusts him and loves him for what he does.

 

Anyone who says that "any beautiful young Asian woman with an old foreigner husband is just in it for his money" is misguided.  There are exceptions but having grown up and lived in Hawaii for more than 50 years, I have personally known many (too many to count) elderly Americans who married pretty young Filipino, Indonesian and Thai women who brought them back to Hawaii and were perfectly happy for decades and most are still together in a loving relationship till today.

 

It's sometimes hard to grasp for some ... but nevertheless, it is a fact.

 

 

[rhodie]

On 4/14/2019 at 7:54 PM, madmen said:

Hard to believe that anybody would choose a country to live in based on an easy visa. Here is a heads up, its easy for good reason and its because they are desperate to attract customers. The Philippines doesn't rate in any other way compared to Thailand except a visa. You guys are going to be sitting in your rooms clutching your shiny new visa and then in a few weeks it will dawn on you what a mistake you made and what a fantastic place Thailand was.

 

It just adds a dimension to the mix. Thailand used to be a great place and still is for many. But things are not getting easier. 2 years ago my OA long stay visa was AUD$225. It is now AUD$550 for my application next month. It is not 1 thing that causes someone to look around, but the small hills are growing. Good luck to those that are still riding the crest. Some of us are just looking at other places. Nothing wrong with that. ???? 

[balo]

12 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

A single westerner living in province, will be approached on a daily basis.

I don't want to be approached, I want to be able to walk around without people staring and thinking I am an easy target. 
In Thailand I can do that most places , because there are so many of us here. 

[oznomad]

On 4/11/2019 at 1:59 PM, madmen said:

Just wondering what these are about ? no pension is a bit steep and all those deposits are permanent

 

1. With Pension - 50 years old and above - the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.

2. Without Pension

• 35 to 49 years old - US$50,000.00 time deposit
• 50 years old and above - US$20,000.00 time deposit
• Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents - US$1,500.00)
• Ambassadors of Foreign Countries who served and retired in the Philippines, current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB (at least 50 years old) - US$1,500.00

That last one (Ambassadors etc) also includes ex-military, but not all countries. 

It's a pretty good plan B, or A. Ongoing costs for this group is just $10 USD per year.

[cerox]

Many thanks for this topic. Super comprehensive and I learned a lot; I plan my first trip to the Philippines in February; I have been to Vietnam too and I liked it. I love Thailand, do speak Thai, but I agree, a plan B is mandatory these days, for those not willing to buy a 20year visa (Elite card).

 

My concern is the pollution and the Internet. I need fast Internet, so I would opt for a condo e.g. in city centre Cebu, but the air pollution as many mentioned might be an issue. I will have to go myself and see. I am talking about a year-round thing, not seasonal pollution as Northern Thailand, although the latter has become much more prolonged and worrisome.

 

I have a few questions.

 

1. What happens with the ACR card when you leave? Do you have to start all over again like with your visa every time you leave? Or do you keep the card until a defined expiry date?

 

2. I read before that an English driving license is ok, the Thai license is in English too and it is part of the ASEAN agreement, where the countries agreed to accept each others licenses. I already suspected the police will not care. Would you suggest using taxis until we have an ACR card and convert to a Filipino driving license? I have no motorbike license from my home country (only car) so IDP is not an option.

 

3. A few months ago I found out what you wrote in this topic too. Motorbikes are cheaper than in Thailand. But I am more interested in renting first - websites like book2wheel.com quote a 30day rental price of 9500 PHP which is almost 5800 THB and twice as expensive as Thailand. Can you shed some light on this? I just do not understand why motorbikes (buying) are so much cheaper but renting at the same time is super-expensive. Maybe I use the wrong websites; I am happy for advice.

 

4. Carry passport when driving was mentioned here. Photocopy ok? (Scan on smartphone etc.)

 

It seems to me driving is complicated - I mean renting is expensive and I need a local license first, so it might be better to just use Taxis/Grab. Also keeps me more flexible.

 

 

[BritManToo]

On 4/12/2019 at 3:08 AM, swissie said:

But I know for sure: The day a armed guard would want to check my bags at the nearest 7/11 in Thailand, I would find myself at the Airport the very next day.

Been in the PI loads, never had any security guard ask to look in my bag or say anything other than 'Good morning Sir' as I walk past.

[BritManToo]

On 4/12/2019 at 1:11 AM, Destiny1990 said:

2.Shop owners probably think that guards are cheaper then alarm systems and CCTV like we have in our countries.

CCTV is required by law at all business premises, and they mean it, there are frequent checks and you get shut down if it doesn't work.

[BritManToo]

On 4/10/2019 at 10:35 PM, reenatinnakor said:

There are absolutely no tourists on the public transport in philippines, that immediately tells you something about the safety and quality

I use the bus and Jeepney every time I'm there.

Never any problems.

[mike787]

11 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Been in the PI loads, never had any security guard ask to look in my bag or say anything other than 'Good morning Sir' as I walk past.

Philippines is an excellent alternative (Plan B) to Thailand.  However, both countries DO NOT get an "A" grade on all points.  It's a give and take that is subjectively determined by personal preferences.   In the Philippines, no need for a sexy ankle bracelet or 800/400K in the bank and 90 day pedophile reporting, just go live your life.  Plus cars do not try to hit you.

[Isaanbiker]

On 4/4/2019 at 6:04 PM, ExpatPH said:

 

Hi dddave.

Personal safety is a issue here, but I dare to say, with ahead planning and common sense, 99% of the danger can be avoided.

 

I dont show a 1000$ mobile phone in public.

Only use it inside a mall.

I use a cheap 15$ phone if I expect a long night out, with drinking.

I wear reversible shorts (Jag brand) with inner pockets where I can hide money.

I have inner pockets made on my jeans too.

 

Yes, pick pocketing and hold ups with knife and gun, do happen. Some was killed because they didnt give up their belongings.

Foreigners mostly get pick pocketed for wallets and phones, when they don't pay attention, are drunk, have female company.

The small young beggars are the worst, they distract you, and one of them manage their small hands in your side or rear pockets, and snatch your wallet, then run like hell. Don't allow them near you, just shout out loud.

 

Im of average height and weight, in my 50s, often walk alone. Not difficult to attempt to rob me, but I hide any sign of wealth.

 

Been to 'dangerous area' of town named 'Colon' day and evenings.

Take jeepneys in daylight.

Been to former nightlife area until 4am.

Never been in a situation in almost 10 years here.

 

Yes, I'm not trying to sell this place as a dream. I try to be balanced, and tell it how it really is.

Will share more of my cons and frustrations soon. Hospitals griefs already mentioned.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

Really great posts and information on the Philippines in general. My biggest concern would be the food and very expensive private hospitals.

 

    I've seen plenty of photos of Filipino food and to be honest, I couldn't live on that.

 

    Do you cook your own food from time to time? Is, meat, veggies, etc expensive? 

 

    

[rhodie]

On 4/16/2019 at 12:58 AM, rhodie said:

It just adds a dimension to the mix. Thailand used to be a great place and still is for many. But things are not getting easier. 2 years ago my OA long stay visa was AUD$225. It is now AUD$550 for my application next month. It is not 1 thing that causes someone to look around, but the small hills are growing. Good luck to those that are still riding the crest. Some of us are just looking at other places. Nothing wrong with that. ???? 

Just a correction to my post. My OA visa was $275. $550 is for the new 5/10 year visa announced in 2016. But everything is still very confusing on the web site. 

[rodentwarrior]

On 4/7/2019 at 11:31 AM, Destiny1990 said:

Try buy a condo in Phillipines i dare u.

I bought my condo in 2011.  No problems with purchase (Ayala Land), got the title before the building was ready for handover, no hassle at all.  The title for my car parking space had a spelling error in my name, they rectified this.

[ExpatPH]

18 hours ago, cerox said:

I have a few questions.

 

1. What happens with the ACR card when you leave? Do you have to start all over again like with your visa every time you leave? Or do you keep the card until a defined expiry date?

 

2. I read before that an English driving license is ok, the Thai license is in English too and it is part of the ASEAN agreement, where the countries agreed to accept each others licenses. I already suspected the police will not care. Would you suggest using taxis until we have an ACR card and convert to a Filipino driving license? I have no motorbike license from my home country (only car) so IDP is not an option.

 

3. A few months ago I found out what you wrote in this topic too. Motorbikes are cheaper than in Thailand. But I am more interested in renting first - websites like book2wheel.com quote a 30day rental price of 9500 PHP which is almost 5800 THB and twice as expensive as Thailand. Can you shed some light on this? I just do not understand why motorbikes (buying) are so much cheaper but renting at the same time is super-expensive. Maybe I use the wrong websites; I am happy for advice.

 

4. Carry passport when driving was mentioned here. Photocopy ok? (Scan on smartphone etc.)

 

It seems to me driving is complicated - I mean renting is expensive and I need a local license first, so it might be better to just use Taxis/Grab. Also keeps me more flexible.

 

 

 

1.  You keep your ACR-I card to expire date, valid 1 year. When you return to PH, Immigration ask for it.  If its expired already, they tell you to apply for a new one, something thats done automatically when one apply for extension at office (not at airport).

 

2. If IDL is not a option, use taxi, or motorcycle taxi called habal habal. 

Can't and shouldn't attempt to bribe a police officer.  I would not drive without IDL + DL from country of origin.

 

3. Renting motorbike is indeed expensive here, 9000 peso or more is normal for a 125cc bike here.  All places I visited quoted 9k up for a month. Why it's so expensive here? Good question. Not many motorbike for rent here, not same as in Thailand. Less availability = higher demand mostly from richer tourists, higher prices.

Buying a 300-600cc here is often 1000US$ cheaper than in Thailand. 

 

4. Carry real passport when driving with IDL + DL from home country. No photo copy.

 

As always in Asia, depends of the officer who stop you. To be safe, carry real Passport as required, when driving. They love to impound motorbikes here.

 

While traffic culture here is slower than in Thailand, without IDL one should await ACR-I card, before driving.

 

[BritManToo]

18 hours ago, Isaanbiker said:

I've seen plenty of photos of Filipino food and to be honest, I couldn't live on that.

I've only ever eaten Filipino food a couple of times, pork adobo wasn't bad.

I mainly eat western food when I'm there, plenty of places serving fish and chips, Aussie meat pies, Mexican food, English breakfasts.

Edited May 10, 2019 by BritManToo

[ExpatPH]

18 hours ago, Isaanbiker said:

Really great posts and information on the Philippines in general. My biggest concern would be the food and very expensive private hospitals.

 

    I've seen plenty of photos of Filipino food and to be honest, I couldn't live on that.

 

    Do you cook your own food from time to time? Is, meat, veggies, etc expensive? 

 

    

Hi Isaanbiker.

I don't eat local food either, so eat out often, and also cook at home.

Vegetables are of less quality than in Thailand.

Posted photos of food and prices before.

No doubt that food in Thailand is much much better.

 

Overall, Philippines is 7-8% cheaper than Thailand, according to survey posted earlier, and that is my personal experience as well.

[cerox]

Thank you for answering my questions.

 

Really sad that driving yourself is such a hassle in the Philippines; the high rental prices for motorbikes and the need to carry my passport just put me off. Very risky to carry a passport - so expensive to get a new one. It is good to know. I will just use taxis, habal habal / grab etc. and not rent myself. Buying a motorbike seems the only sensible option, but if I need to carry my passport everywhere - this is a really big deal.

 

I can cook at home like I do in my home country.

 

How is the Cebu air pollution compared to Chiang Mai? Is it CM burning all year because of the different pollution from the jeepneys etc. or better?

[Destiny1990]

4 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

Hi Isaanbiker.

I don't eat local food either, so eat out often, and also cook at home.

Vegetables are of less quality than in Thailand.

Posted photos of food and prices before.

No doubt that food in Thailand is much much better.

 

Overall, Philippines is 7-8% cheaper than Thailand, according to survey posted earlier, and that is my personal experience as well.

About the vegetables somehow i more confident that in Phillipines vegetables are getting sprayed with only approved international chemicals in comparison with what they use in Thailand.

Veggies fine for me there and supermarkets have local and international food choices just as the restaurants.

[ExpatPH]

1 minute ago, cerox said:

Thank you for answering my questions.

 

How is the Cebu air pollution compared to Chiang Mai? Is it CM burning all year because of the different pollution from the jeepneys etc. or better?

 

Air quality and pollution are a big problem here in Central Visayas, Cebu. 

Not much burning here compared to Thailand, but trucks and jeepney are to blame. When these vehicles don't pass the emission test, a small bribe fix that, and the pollution continue.

Many get breathing problems, bronchitis, sinus.

Dumaguete and Bohol have better air quality imo.

[cerox]

In terms of fruit how do you guys buy your fruit in the Philippines?

In Thailand I have some street vendors / small markets I buy my fruit from, which they say they do not spray and the fact you have to eat it quickly confirms that this might be true. Supermarket fruit in Thailand I find it too expensive - because I eat a lot, really a lot of fruit ????

[cerox]

Is Dumaguete still safe to go with what happened in this small city Marawi?

I like smaller cities like Chiang Mai in terms of size. Cebu might be too big and polluted. How is the Internet in Bohol? I need to be able to do some work online. The small islands unfortunately are too slow with Internet - maybe the new Borocay is nice - you mentioned there is good Internet.

 

[Destiny1990]

11 minutes ago, cerox said:

In terms of fruit how do you guys buy your fruit in the Philippines?

In Thailand I have some street vendors / small markets I buy my fruit from, which they say they do not spray and the fact you have to eat it quickly confirms that this might be true. Supermarket fruit in Thailand I find it too expensive - because I eat a lot, really a lot of fruit ????

If u find supermarket fruits already  too expensive then try to grow it yourself. It be cheapest for u and really 100% not sprayed with poisonous chemicals. Not sure why u believe a street fruit seller his words.. They even put sugar water over their stuff to make it taste sweeter.

Edited May 10, 2019 by Destiny1990