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Confused about Moving to the Philippines

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TonyCinFLL
  6/13/2016 11:22 EST

Hi Everyone

Im hoping by posting this it will help me make a better decision on my quest to Move to the Philippines. I have read some similar topics to this one on this Forum before but it seems people start changing the subject and the answers become diluted with off subject conversations. So here is my attempt and let's see how this one goes. I am a retired NYPD Detective so I pretty much receive a nice pension every month. Im single with no kids and have no interest in making a family. I enjoy my freedom and enjoy spending the money I receive on traveling and enjoying life. Most of all I enjoy my freedom. I have been to the Philippines a few times already and absolutely fell in love with the places that I have been to, the people I have met, and the food is amazing. Being born and raised in NYC with a Puerto Rican heritage I grew up speaking spanish at home so I was able to pick up on some Tagalog words here and there. So there is a little of my background. Now I know I would not like to live in Manila because of the crowds, pollution, crime, etc ... I have been to Cebu back in 2001 and did like it a bit. Also got a chance to do a quick visit to Bohol. I visited Bagio and to me seemed to be overcrowded and the cold weather Im not to keen about . I've been told despite what some are saying on this feed, that Davao City is a safe place to live and has been rated one of the safest places to live in the Philippines. I've never been to Davao but I am planning my first trip there in February 2017. Im hoping to stay there for a few months so I can see and get a feel for myself. Now I have noticed on YouTube of a few people vlogging from Dumaguete so now I'm a bit confused. If anyone can help me out I'd appreciate it. Thanks and please try and stay on the Topic. LOL.

BertelBertelsen
  6/13/2016 11:32 EST

@tony. The only negative thing i can say about dumaguette is that the prices have exploded the last tree years. The good thing,if you like it, is that there are lots of expats over there. Camiguin(which is close by) is also very nice.

When your in Davao give me a PM. i will gladly give you advice if you want to see something.

Maayong adlaw

Bertel

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GaryD
  6/13/2016 12:20 EST

Tony, you need to come to the Philippines and travel around. Stay long enough to get a feel for an area, you will never get this from the occasional visit. All places have their pros and cons. I have relations in Davoa but haven't visited yet. There seems to be a lot of viewing through rose tinted glasses about the place. Everywhere in the Philippines is safe until the day your number comes up. As a foreigner you are a target and must keep your head down at all times, but not get paranoid otherwise you will never leave your hotel. Places like Dumaguete are becoming a problem because of the increasing density of expats which attracts the less than nice types. This has happened in Cebu and is happening in Subic and other expat hot spots. Unfortunately consentrations of rich foreigners attract the criminal elements. You need to decide what levels of amenities you need and balance city with province accordingly.

BertelBertelsen
  6/13/2016 12:26 EST

@gary D. Maybe davao is worth a visit instead of calling the people that love it over here a bunch of hippies.(i am so rightwing my mother calls me an old collonial so being called a hippie...naaahhh) Maybe you will experience that Davao is really as good as they say. They maybe is depending on wether you PM me when you visit here.

Billsmith999
  6/13/2016 15:15 EST

Very good synopsis of how it really is here GaryD! The people who say it is safe here are putting newbies at great risk. I could relate many stories about deadly situations and being extorted by corrupt cops, etc., but I don't have the time to respond to people who will say these situations are caused by the victims, and not the perpetrators. Poverty breeds crime and greed breeds corruption, and the Philippines is one of the most corrupt Countries in the World. If you choose to live here, be VERY careful and you should be okay.

Billsmith999
  6/13/2016 15:24 EST

The only negative thing I can say about Dumaguette is that I know somebody who had a group of very heavily armed NPA try to hunt him down on Bohol, and the NPA were from Dumaguette.

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Billsmith999
  6/13/2016 15:42 EST

Just be careful wherever you go here.

GaryD
  6/14/2016 03:12 EST

Dumaguette is ok, I've been their many times as my wife is form just along the coast, so have a lot of family in the area. It's just the levels of low level crime has risen with the influx of expats, not expat crime but crime on the expats, there was a expat murdered in a bar only a few few weeks ago. In general the NPA are no problem unless you disrespect a local. Then life can become very short.

ACEPoolPlayer
  6/14/2016 07:58 EST

GaryD,
Excellent post.

lblampman
  6/14/2016 08:09 EST

TonyCinFLL,

There's really no specific answer to your question, but I suspect you already know that. The Philippines is spread out and every place seems to be just a little bit different. Then too, every ex-pat is an individual who comes to the table with their own desires, background, tolerance level, and wish list.

When I read some posts (whether here or on another Philippine forum) I wonder if I'm living in the same country. But then, that's no different from someone (like me) living on an island in Washington State and reading what it's like to live in LA, or New York, or Chicago. Most foreign visitors to the US are warned about the violence before they leave home (nothin' but a bunch of cowboys there they're told).

I have never ever felt threatened in any way while I've been in the Philippines. If I'm in Manila I get a bit nervous at night, just like I do if I'm in Seattle at night but at home (in the province of Albay in the Bicol region) I feel very secure and comfortable. Every interaction with a police person here has been pleasant (usually just saying hello to them on the street). I have a private tricycle but no policeman or traffic enforcer has ever bothered me at all (and I'd be a prime target since it's pretty unusual and I'm easy to pick out). In fact, one of the enforcers that works in the downtown area of our small town always smiles and waves at me (and one day while I was waiting for my wife we had a nice long conversation).

In every transaction I've had here I've never been asked for anything other than the posted prices, so no extortion by any means. I've never even been approached by a fixer.

I don't feel like I'm a "target" for anything. Well, other than the street kids who want money but they ask Filipinos as well, so I'm no exception there.

We live in town, not in a subdivision, and all our neighbors are Filipino, in fact I don't know any foreigners here. My neighbors are friendly and my wife and I can take a walk any time of the day or night here without worry.

Basically, I feel just as comfortable here as I did in the US with regard to personal safety. In fact, I feel freer in the Philippines than I did in the increasingly police state I left.

Do I think I'm unique? Not at all. Do I think the situation that I feel I have here is the same everywhere in the Philippines? Not at all. Just as I don't think living in New York City is the same as living on a farm in Wyoming.

It really all comes down to what you like, what you want to do, how you interact with people, and who those people are (exactly the same as it is in the US).

That said, if you're going to travel a lot and not really settle down I'd be prompted to ask "Why the Philippines?" (to live rather than just to visit). I'd ask that because it's not really an easy place to travel to and from unless you live close to, or in, Cebu or Manila (yuck for me, I'm not a city person!). I'm an hour flight from Manila but every time I've made the trip it's been between 5.5 and 6 hours from my house to my hotel. I have a 1.25 hour ride to the airport, then I have to be there an hour or so before flight time, then the flight is usually (always) late, then I arrive in Manila and have another hour (or more) trip to the hotel (near the US Embassy since that's pretty much the only reason I go to Manila). What I'm saying is, that if I wanted to do much traveling, living where I do would be a pain-in-the-tail, and most of the Philippines is like that.

I got married here and settled into a normal (whatever that is) life with my wife, the relatives, and the slower pace of life in the "sticks" (the province). It suits me well and I'm very happy I made the decision to move to the Philippines.

Les

jcroley123
  6/21/2016 22:50 EST

understandable, its a big move. I still work in Houston but got remarried to a Filipina 6 years ago, i'm 56 and she is 46. she is from a province town in Cebu but a US citizen moving to the states when she was 12. I've traveled over 5-6 times on vacation and decided to build a home on some ocean front property the family gave us as a wedding gift. I thoroughly enjoy my time there. i'm not sure if we will move there to retire, but might. for sure we will go for extended periods. for the most part I have always felt safe. the exchange rate is quite good at 45 to 1 and cost of living really isn't bad at all. you have to adjust to a slower pace for sure and if you desiring resort living, you should plan on spending American $.

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Dutchmen2003
  7/11/2016 02:10 EST

@ TonyCinFLL @ lblampman & all readers of “Confused about Moving to the Philippines”

Dutch expat in the Philippines. Landing in the Philippines in 2003. Please consider my writing in English is not perfect. Still I like to give you a glimpse of my life in the Ph.
• Visa: Living in Manila for some month it was not a real problem to get visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros. Two times my wallet and passport wore stolen. Police was very helpful. With my new passports Intramuros had some more problems until I asked to see the manager and explained him the situation. With a smile he pulled my passport from the bottom of a pile and handed it over.
• Please read carefully. This site is very helpful!! http://www.silent-gardens.com/visa.php
• By the end of 2003 I moved to Daet (Camarines Norte) Rented a 4 room house for Pesos 5000 per month. Electricity, water, cooking gas not included. The house was great to live. Kitchen, bathroom and living room all well tiled and easy to clean.
• March 2004 I moved to Los Banos (Laguna) The University compound is beautiful. Biking all around Los Banos is a must. March 2006 I moved back to Daet (Camarines Norte)
• Property: With the help of a Filipino friend we bought 5 hectare old coco-nut land. Price per m2 was o.k. but not the title. We could solve the title problem with the help of CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program),Republican Act 6657 or RA 6657
• House construction: with Broderbund Home Design I designed the house. With some mistakes because i am not an architect. There was no building permit. No electricity, we used a generator. No running water. We drilled a 30 feet well. No contractor but a qualified local carpenter with construction experience. Hardware is expensive. Total cost at that time was about one million pesos. Labour costs were high.
• Climate: Camarines Norte is part of South Luzon. Situated around the east coast and around San Miguel Bay. Weather has a hot dry season and a rainy season. Even during the dry season there is enough rainfall. I prefer the east coast because of its east winds. The west coast of Luzon is very dry and hot with shortness of rain.
• Safety and crime: I feel safe going around. At the palengke (market) people call me with “hello Peter, how are you.” Of course there is crime and shooting and killing. But not towards foreigners. For protection around the house and farm there are eight guard dogs. The Philippines is my homeland now.
• PRA: Philippine Retirement Authorities. I am a member of the PRA. Please read the website http://www.pra.gov.ph/main/contactus
• Healthcare: At my age of 75 private health care insurance is not in the picture. But I do have Philippine Health membership. http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/ “Self-employed member”

CAteacher
  7/11/2016 09:53 EST

Thank you for your contribution, Peter. It was well worth the struggle you went through to compose it for us. Feel free to post again. I have read grammar that is more problematic (with worse spelling) from a few native speakers.
The Moderator

mootpoint20
  7/11/2016 10:24 EST

There is nothing magical in a specific territory. It depends on who governs. Once that person leaves, it will change for good or worse. Someone may 'whistle in the dark' and hope, but it most definitely will change.

CAspacecowboy
  7/11/2016 22:20 EST

So as a member of PRA, did you use the SRRV? If so, has the process been easy and what do you think of the SRRV? Still trying to make up my mind as to how I will approach getting setup to stay long-tem in PH, starting in 2019. Thanks.

Dutchmen2003
  7/12/2016 00:03 EST

@CAspacecowboy. Sir, please read this website http://myphilippinelife.com/philippines-retirement-visa-srrv/
Personally I think my 10K deposit is in the drain. It is very difficult to get a refund. greetings, Peter.

stocksniffer007
  7/12/2016 07:22 EST

Since you do not like the cold of Baguio the No, 2 place Filipinos love to visit on their vacation most is the city of Iligan, Mindanao right on the north central shore of the island where there are 23 waterfalls in the nearby mountains enough to keep you quite busy hiking too has a major techincal university being also a provincial captial with brand new airport nearby. Lots of extinct volcanoes on the island, No problem with Muslims there as is quite safe with a population not much larger than Baguio. If you want scenic this is one of the best places in the Philippines to visit and live.

CAspacecowboy
  7/12/2016 14:22 EST

Dutch - Thanks a bunch. Great information on what is happening behind the scenes. Tells me and anyone who reads it a lot of great information. Perfect for helping to make a decision on SRRV versus just extending the tourist visas.... Cheers!

lblampman
  7/12/2016 20:57 EST

CAspacecowboy,

Just an observational thing; I am not pushing any agenda but rather just pondering out loud.

In thinking about it I don't see much to compare between an SSRV and extending tourist visas. Fundamentally they're just so completely different since the SSRV is for permanent residence and the tourist visa not.

Cost wise, the tourist visa is going to run about P2,300 per month (averaged over a year), or P27,600 for a whole year (about $585 USD).

The application fee for the SSRV is $1,400 plus the $360 annual fee brings the total for three years (to equal the length of time you can stay on a tourist visa) to $2,480, which is $725 more than three years worth of tourist visa extensions.

In addition, with the SSRV, you have some amount of money (varies with program and age) tied up in a deposit account (although sometimes it can be in an investment), so there may be some cost of lost opportunity in that (depending on the program).

This is not to indicate that I'm negative about the SSRV because that's not the case. However, the SSRV would seem to work best if your move to the Philippines is at least three years or longer just based on monetary considerations.

Also, if you happen to meet a Filipino citizen and marry (assuming you're not already married to a non-Filipino when you move here) then you have the option of applying for a 13A marriage visa, which is far less expensive than any of the SSRV programs (total cost of the 13A is about P22,000) and doesn't tie up any money in a bank account deposit.

The best fit for the SSRV would seem to be a single expat that isn't interested in marriage at all, or an expat couple (neither of whom is Filipino), who is (are) relatively certain that the move to the Philippines is (as best as can be determined) permanent (or at least quite long term).

Again, this is just sort of thinking out loud and not meant to say that either choice is necessarily better or worse than the other as they are quite different.

Les

Singlelooking
  7/13/2016 05:17 EST

Actually, I just went to immigration 3days ago.

I wasn't in Cebu so they charged me 2,930php for a 2 month visa.

The time before, a I got a six month visa for a little over 8 thousand PHP.

So that works out to 1,500php per month in the 2 month scenario except when you have to buy the card.
Or the second month of your stay. But the first mo. Is free so it kind of works like you have to pay for a two mo. Visa if you decide to stay for a second mo.

To strengthen your point.I think it actually works out to even less!

I also don't see the advantage of the residency program.

seernai
  7/13/2016 05:21 EST

One obvious advantage of the SRRV is you do not have to leave the country also second point to consider if your married your wife is the key to you staying here without having to leave the country if you upset her she could refuse to continue to sponsor you

lblampman
  7/13/2016 06:01 EST

Singlelooking,

Not sure if you were responding to my post but the only way you get the cost per month figure I used earlier is to take the cost of the whole year and divide by 12 months.

I based this on my actual costs (pesos) of:
- first 30 days free
- 29 day ext = 3,130
- 1st 2-month ext = 7,750 (with ACR card)
- 2nd 2-month ext = 3,240 (had P310 Annual Report fee)
- 3rd 2-month ext = 4,340 (had Cert of Residence)
- 4th 2-month ext = 2,930
- 5th 2-month ext = 2,930

That's a total of 24,320 pesos or 2,026 per month (I see now that I added an extra 2-month ext in my previous post) but in my defense (LOL) I did it because you don't get another free 30 days (still, the math was incorrect).

Just FYI, whether you get a 1-month or 2-month extension the base fees are the same; the actual monthly extension fee is P500. So, it only costs P500 more to get a 2-month extension vs. a 1-month extension. There's a "gotcha" if you're not aware of it!

Les

lblampman
  7/13/2016 06:21 EST

Singlelooking,

I forgot to finish (sorry, I'm coming down with a cold or something and I'm not firing on all cylinders it seems).

There is an advantage to the SSRV program if you're going to stay in the Philippines long term (and either can't or don't want to get a 13A visa).

1) Once you pass about the 3 year point the SSRV will gain financially vs. continuing to pay for visa extensions.

2) You don't have to keep going to a BI office every 2 months (or every 6
months if you've got the right kind of office nearby).

3) With a permanent 13A visa the renewal period for the ACR card goes to 5 years, rather than 1 year. I believe that's the same for the SSRV program (but I can't find the verbiage on that at the moment).

4) As seernai points out, you're not required to leave the Philippines if you reach three years. I do think this can be viewed a couple of ways; either it's no big deal because it's a great excuse for a vacation trip or it's an added financial burden if you don't want to make a trip out of the country.

5) You're also a permanent resident which changes things like getting loans, what you can own, etc. I'm still trying to come up with a complete list on this but it was mentioned a couple of time by the attorney that interviewed me for my 13A visa.

Les

lblampman
  7/13/2016 06:30 EST

seernai,

With regard to a 13A and your Filipino wife being a "key" to your staying here without having to leave the country, there's a bit more to it.

She is the key with regard to the fact she can petition the BI to rescind your 13A visa. However, that does not keep you from staying here on a tourist visa or using the SSRV program. So, while she can put a speed bump in your path, she can't really do any damage.

I think for most folks married to a Filipino citizen the 13A is the least expensive and quickest way to gain permanent residence. There's really nothing to lose.

Just my thoughts about it anyway.

Les

seernai
  7/13/2016 08:20 EST

Yes I know that but some women have used this as a means to try to get extra money out of their husbands I know this happens as one lady tried it recently on one of the guys and some will give in on order to keep their visa without having to back on a tourist visa , thankfully not many do it

Wismike
  7/13/2016 10:11 EST

I'm planning to move to, or at least visit the Philippines in a year or two. I have also been confused about visas and costs. Les, your posts are a great eye opener and I can plan on what I want to do. For the time being I will use a tourist visa, then most likely marry.

CAspacecowboy
  7/13/2016 15:33 EST

Thanks Les, As we are planning to be only PT residents in PH, I will most likely go the tourist route. We have too many connections in US and are going to travel around the states for the first few years. I was trying to figure out the Break-even on SRRV and had about three years also. As that is full-time residence, the tourist route will be better, unless our plans change. Thanks and cheers.

wildal
  7/28/2016 10:28 EST

Just rent a place and try to find a quiet place with no dogs barking all night, drunks on the koroke,, roosters crowing,,
If you are confused now,, wait until you get here,, lol
The landlords are vultures in this countnry,,, you will not get your damage deposit back at all... the neighbors try to tap into your electric and water lines,,,, Thailand or Vietnam may be better
It costs 3500 pesos a month for an extended visa here,,,, with many trips to th eoffice and many windows to visit.

wildal
  7/28/2016 11:00 EST

Buyer beware of expats on the who brag how good the Philippines is to live in, They are expensive and usually selling real estate,, and bunch of books an d videos.
They really are the scum of the earth to tell somebody it is safe here

wildal
  7/28/2016 11:02 EST

Beware of expats on the internet who brag this place up., Usually they are selling high priced real estate, boooks, videos..
They really are the scum of the earth.. There are a few on face book with those fake smiles selling advise for 50 dollars an hour

wildal
  7/28/2016 11:08 EST

Never say never about a flip who can do you wrong, The police and immigration will take the word of a flip before the word of a foreigner, You have a bullseye on all four sides of in this country.

draks
  7/28/2016 20:45 EST

Wildal although you do have to have your wits about you here its not that bad. I have never had my water or electric stolen. Cockerals dogs kareoke its part of filipino life. Filipinos as not the quietest people in the world. If you love the quiet life liv where there a no neibours within a mile or so but of course you might not have electricity or running water bit hey its quiet.
Philippines is not paradise at all. But keep below the radar be polite and respectful leave your temper at home you will probably be ok. As for girls well that's another story

lblampman
  7/28/2016 21:05 EST

wildal,

In the interest of fairness, your representation of the Philippines is just one viewpoint. Valid for you but not necessarily for others.

For instance, I've never been asked for a damage deposit. I've been asked for three months rent up front; 2 months of rent, and the third to cover the electricity and water bills after I've moved out, since those bills will arrive after the fact. There was no implication that one month of rent would be returned to me. So, in my experience the western concept of a damage deposit that will be returned if the apartment/house is in good condition on move-out isn't necessarily typical here. That said, it a good point to bring up and to ask about beforehand so it's a known fact.

I'm not in a situation where someone could tap into my electricity. They could tap into the power grid (and perhaps does) but not after my meter (that is, on the metered output). We have city water with no meters, so at least for me, tapping into water isn't an issue.

Extending a tourist visa here, if averaged out for a year (which gets you past the cost of the ECC, ACR, and Cert of Residence) is about P2,000/mo (using my BI receipts).

How often one must visit a BI office and how many windows are involved depends on the length of one's extensions and the BI office you visit. In Legazpi I could have opted for 6-month extensions (not very many visits per year) and there are just two windows (and the second is only used for payments). I opted for 2-month extensions so I did visit my BI office every other month but it was a pleasant experience (the folks there are nice) and it usually took less than an hour for the whole visit. I suspect it's a much different experience it a large city and/or a big BI office.

The dogs barking and the roosters crowing are part of the everyday experience for me as well. I've been pretty lucky with the videoke, it happens but not too often and the loudest singers around here have been the kids (followed closely by the drunk guys!). Amazingly, because I lived in a very quiet place before I moved to the Philippines, I've become pretty accustomed to the dogs and roosters. The screaming kids playing in the street, not so much.

Les

CAteacher
  7/28/2016 22:28 EST

Our Membership Agreement does not permit members to disparage and belittle other people - members or Philippine nationals. You are a guest in this country and respect (though not necessarily agreement) is not optional. Perhaps you were not referring to any of our members when you wrote, "Beware of expats on the internet who brag this place up. Usually they are selling high priced real estate, books, videos. They really are the scum of the earth." Be careful not to. The penalty is the removal of membership privileges. There will not be another warning.
The Moderator

CAteacher
  7/28/2016 23:03 EST

By way of reminder, our Membership Agreement reads in part,

"We believe that freedom of speech on the Internet is important, but also recognize that personal attacks, insulting behavior and the like hinder community development. Therefore, we reserve the right to remove any message or block or terminate any user account for any reason, including but not limited to: ....Post or transmit any abusive, vulgar, obscene, hateful, fraudulent, unlawful, threatening, harassing or defamatory...."

Few people need to be told this, but I find that I need to post this section of our agreement occasionally.

The Moderator

freetheirminds2
  10/30/2016 15:24 EST

Try out San Fernando, La Union. Actually just west of SF in Bawang although really not in Bawang city. You can find it. Lots of expat bars there and many expats, plenty of girls. Also do not trust anyone whereevet you settle. As you are a former detective I probably do not have to mention that.??

standupguy
  10/30/2016 19:00 EST

freetheirminds2 My biggest mistakes in trusting others were exclusive made in Canada about Canadians I had the misfortune to be conned by for 10's of thousands of dollars and theft of computers and criminal mischief resulting in $3,000 of damage to my home. In the Philippines, we are lucky and know beforehand if the taxi driver of neighbor is one you keep your distance from. Never had a problem with trusting anyone here. You overstate this concern. It would be better to emphasize the gullibility of newcomers.

Msanti
  1/24/2017 05:39 EST

Is buying a real estate in city a good idea? if it has the resort-type living.

Msanti
  1/24/2017 05:45 EST

I really noticed also that the other threads were congested with bad comments about the Philippines. I wish i could get a good feedback about condos. Please bring it back.

seernai
  1/24/2017 06:33 EST

Foreigners cannot buy land on their own in the Philippines you can buy a condo

wmg2
  1/24/2017 08:34 EST

CA Teacher - I just don't get how his comment of "Beware of expats on the internet who brag this place up. Usually they are selling high priced real estate, books, videos. They really are the scum of the earth.", is at all derogatory.....just seems rather factual to me and trying to help others new to this place keep an open and realistic skepticism that will keep them and their money safe. I for one appreciate that kind of practical advice.

Please enough of this 'Politically Correct' stuff. The neo-con corrupt politicians are out of the US Presidency and the Philippine Presidency as well as many other countries with elections of late. The movement is away from this liberal nonsense that has been taken too far! Hopefully the pendulum can now start swinging back to the middle somewhere and stop there.....if we are lucky!!

johmrmaxine
  1/24/2017 08:45 EST

Look for a gentleman on this site named ACEpoolplayer , he should be able to help you with most any questions you have .

GaryD
  1/24/2017 09:02 EST

Msanti,
A word about condo's. Filipinos are used to living cheak by jowl so many condos are very small by western standard and so very expensive for what you get. I have stayed in an upscale condo next to the mall of asia and it was like a corridor with a partician and bed at one end and narrowed at the entrance for the kitchen by the addition of the shower room. You sat against one wall to watch the TV hung on the opposite wall. Do not buy off of a plan if ever finished it will late.

freetheirminds2
  1/24/2017 12:12 EST

I read the original request for info about Dumaguette. Looks like we are way off-topic. But I will say something about TOURIST VISAs, and those that buy them every two months.
Traveling to and dealing with Phil. Bureau of Immigration offices, even every two months, has always been a bother and/or hassle to me. My experience: with the minor bureaucrats and functionaries that run these places is that, sometimes, they are a pain to deal with and are frequently downright incompetent. At my age, 67, they work on my nerves like nobody's business.
So, since I got married two years ago, I went with the 13a visa--one of the main reasons was to avoid going to Phil. Bureau of Immigration offices. I won'i detail my frustrations with them--its enough that I can now avoid them except for once a year.

draks
  1/27/2017 03:28 EST

What good feedbacks about condos do you want?
We could all tell you how wonderful it is here, no crime no poverty no corruption. But that would be a blatant lie.
Condos are ok usually very small, overpriced, and risk of very noisy neighbours. New units in Tagaytay for instance very small, underground parking 250k maintenance charges still unfinished amenities, 2 years ago 3.2 million pesos.
60% of any condo development must be owned by Filipino. They sell very very slowly. Oh sorry you only want good news about condo's they can be very nice with nice swimming pool, club room etc., High up, nice views. Usually near town centre. I deal for a single guy or a working couple. Can't think of anything else to say about condo's. Suit some not others.

gelynch52ph
  1/29/2017 00:52 EST

In my opinion that is a crock of crap. I've lived in The Philippines for 13 years and although there are parts of the outlying islands of Mindanao that are not safe to travel to, and like all big cities, parts of Cebu and Manila are no-go zones, I have always felt perfectly safe. I live 100% on my SSA and the only things I have ever tried to sell were 2 tires I bought in error, and my owner jeep.

Presently I live in Tagaytay in a 3 bedroom house (P12K/mo.) on an income of $1408/mo. but would go back to Bukidnon Province, Mindanao in a heartbeat if my lady would leave her family in Las Piñas.

draks
  1/29/2017 17:13 EST

What's a crock of crap? There is crime, corruption and poverty here. I like you don't feel unsafe either, but a guy was shot dead just two days ago very near you, he was assassinated, because of his beliefs in anti corruption, and he let it be known, he was shot in the heart outside puregold, his wife was shot in the leg. He didn't cover his face and no one could recognise him. Last week I heard a series of gun shots nearby. I live just outside Tagaytay by the way. You have not seen any crime? you not been asked for money by acorrupt official? Never seen the outright poverty here? It's not a crock of crap at all. You feel safe I feel safe but that's not to say it is safe.

Pedronomadi
  1/31/2017 01:10 EST

I have only been here since September.Manila is just like any big city you have just got to be carefull.I am based on Palawan Aborlan region and the ppl and the place are great.No trouble just happy faces.Puerto too I have had no problems in fact I have been helped when I know if it was the same situation back in Liverpool it would of been different.Like has been said befor you need to experience it for yourself

draks
  1/31/2017 19:54 EST

It's good your experience here has been good and long may that last. I have met some of the nicest kindest generous poeple here, that I have ever met in my life, BUT I have been on the receiving end of the nastiest, greediest violent people I have ever met. Not all a bed of roses unfortunately. I hope your positive and enjoyable stay here lasts for ever. This can be a really lovely place to retire to, but is not always the case. I have vowed never to offer any help ever again to anyone outside our family. It has caused us massive stress, and loss of money and possessions. All because we did someone a favour and tried to help, never again.

MrMakati
  2/2/2017 11:33 EST

Rent for a few years before you buy.

ManWnoName
  2/4/2017 00:43 EST

Definitely live in the PI - anywhere you like - for AT LEAST, 2 years before you commit to any thing that ties you here (as in real estate for example) for a long while. You may feel very differently after those first 2 years and real estate does not sell easily in the PI. My opinion: I say never buy, but rent because, you may never know when the government or some other situation outside your control could change. For an example: We'll see what happens in Mexico with the fallout of the Capt-Orange-Of-America after he spews more of his toxic venom about US' neighbors south of the border. He has to act more like a world-leader and less the bully in his penthouse up on cloud nine. I like some of the things he is doing though - so I'll give him that much. FYI: when I lived in AZ, sure there were some Mexicans that got in but, not that many to justify a huge and crazy wall! Senseless!

You basically have no rights in a foreign country, but there are people (expats and native citizens - alike) that can persuade you out of your hard-earned money. I'm not saying that all are out to screw ya but, WOW, you have to watch your back at all times! Listen to or take heed of the ones that have been here a while (like Draks for one), they know the place well.

Also, there is a good chance that the Southern Philippines may be determined off-limits to US citizens (US State travel warnings) - due to unpleasant/hostile circumstances regarding the resistance down there. Get there before that happens. Hopefully, they won't label the entire Philippines off-limits to US citizens for you good ole expats of the PI.

schmeener
  2/6/2017 03:12 EST

I myself am a retired cop from california....My pinay wife and I are going to retire in the PI as well....you are going to get a bunch of post offering advise....most of it is good......especially from the ones already living there.....I go once or twice a year now until we get our house built......I will tell you like I tell everyone else....especially cops.....You already know how to read people for the most part. You are not going to hang out in the bad parts of town or with criminal elements....you are going to be eating at restaurants, going to malls, golf courses and other places....when you make friends, they are going to come from those same places.... For the most part you can tell when someone is trying to scam you.....follow your gut... I love it in the philippines....I have never had a bad time there.... Good luck...

freetheirminds2
  2/6/2017 06:33 EST

Scheemer: But you have not lived here. And actually doing that, that reality, can be quite different from having a wonderful time every time you visit for a month or so.
This is no paradise.
You probably want to move here because: You are sick of US and people that live there or you want to experience living in an exotic foreign country 'cause you wanted to do that all your life, or you perceive it will be ever so much cheaper living here or, God help you, you admire the sweet ways of the darling Philippino culture.
All good reasons on the surface but after a while, a year or two, and you and your wife will begin to have serious doubts about the continued validity of one or more of those reasons.
But, hey, get it out of your system. Move here. Experience is the best (and cruelist) teacher.
Just don't cut all your ties to the US. Keep a car there and a house. Keep your credit cards and bank accounts. AND keep your resume updated because you may find that endless leisure is not as much fun as it sounds.

LRod50
  2/6/2017 08:28 EST

The last line "endless leisure" made me laugh. It's living folks, just living.

MrMakati
  2/6/2017 09:55 EST

"Endless Lesiure?" Everything comes to an end. Enjoy it while you can before its lights out.

bang4dabuck
  2/7/2017 02:43 EST

One thing, if you want anything close to decent net I believe you need to be near, at least virtually in a decent size city. Same wise if looking for any western type foods. I believe you'll be changing your feelings about Pinoy food after you been here a little. Sure it's ok but just ok. Afritada, sinigang, Bulalo and of course lechon can't think of much more.

draks
  2/7/2017 03:24 EST

I find it strange that people travel halfway round the world to live but expect life and foodto be like it is in their own country. Bit like the British in Spain not happy till they had fish and chips and a local pub.

trappedinhell
  2/7/2017 23:33 EST

The food is alright and tasty; but a little unhealthy - always fried, or loaded with sugar, or fatty meat. On the plus side (if you cook), there's an abundance of Asian vegetables available on the market, and cheap too.

draks
  2/8/2017 01:35 EST

Exactly, buy fresh vegetables lean pork, skinless chicken breast, grill mashed potatoes bit of garlic making my mouth water

seernai
  2/8/2017 18:58 EST

Kinilaw is nice as well

trappedinhell
  2/8/2017 22:41 EST

@seernai There's that one dish in Ilocos region I won't eat even if they pay me $$. It's called Kilawin. it's a soup or stew made out of goat's intestine with semi-digested grass inside it. The color of the dish is dark green. Avoid this food if possible.

seernai
  2/8/2017 23:24 EST

Hi Sis thanks for that info , if I eat out I usually go to a Penongs and have kinilaw which is Fresh Tuna which is raw but in a kind of vinegar and ginger and onion and ?? I be never had a problem with that also I avoid lechon manok from roadside vendors

trappedinhell
  2/9/2017 03:13 EST

@seernai I like eating Tuna too; but not often. I heard it's high in mercury content. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/mercury-guide

seernai
  2/9/2017 03:58 EST

Hi I have been eating Tuna for years with no adverse affects , before I came to the Philippines I had a thorough medical with every test you could think of as I had 2 operations a few months before so i made sure that there were no problems and I was passed clear. I did have food poisoning in maxima resort on Samal island in June 2015 after eating milk fish I was ill for a week, The Hospital in Bangkal in Davao were brilliant .

ACEPoolPlayer
  2/9/2017 09:28 EST

Kinilaw is a seafood dish cooked with vinegar typically used as pulutan (something to be eaten when drinking alcohol).

GARYRECON
  1/6/2018 13:32 EST

Excellent words of wisdom.

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