Philippines Expat Forum

bickerstonehall
Joined 2015
Posts: 22

7 years ago

Banks, the NBI, and problems to live in the Philippines!

7 years ago

Thanks to all who sent information when I wanted help and advice about opening a bank account. Today I was told by an Immigration official that bank accounts are almost impossible to get if you are not a pensioner or have work in the Philippines.
I can not get aa ACR card as I am not a pensioner and my work is outside of the philippines. So I can not stay here for 8 weeks without flying off to work. In the SM mall where I was today the Immigtaion officer told us to look at all the foreigners, and with the exception of one they were all well past retirement age. So I was told to contact the NBI who could give a certificate, in effect to say that I was of good character and never in trouble, the NBI told I could then open a bank account. I received that certificate today in Cebu. Went to the bank where I wanted to open an account, and then three more after, all tell, NBI wrong. No ACR card, no bank account. It then gets worse. We thought to open an account in the name of my future wife. SHe has a postal id card and will soon have an International Passport, but this will not serve to open a bank account for her, a native Philippino. No job, no proof of regular income, no utility bills, all this equals no bank account. Between us we can not have any king of banking in the Philippines. This makes like not easy as we have plans to transfer and save money for a house purchase next year and all you do require a bank account, a Philippines bank account, not one of my foreign bank account. Are we the only people in the forum of working age and with these problems. If others had these problems, How did you overcome them? Thank You again.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.