About ABCDiamond

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Some Forum Posts:

Philippines: Balikbayans can stay for 3 years:

For those arriving on a one year Balikbayan entry, the Balikbayan stamp can be renewed after one year at a Bureau of Immigration office. This can be done up to three years in total, without needing any additional requirements.

Philippines: Manila Property prices:

Two examples of property for sale in Metro Manila, showing the extremes of 'normal' living in Manila: A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house on a 46 sq metre block of land in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, for 850,000 pesos (A$24,560 at 16/6/15) A FOUR bedroom house on a 650 sq metre block of land in Makati City, Metro Manila, for 250,000,000 pesos (A$7,250,000 at 16/6/15) Normal living is not quite right for locals though who would find even the cheaper 850,000 peso property expensive, on the average monthly wage which ranges between 6,959 in Region VI up to 13,550 in the National Capital Region.

Philippines: Help on visas/work:

Wages here are not very good, unless you get a transfer from western company, with the same wage rate as back home. It is easy enough to come on a tourist visa (no work) and stay for up to three years at a time. (Great for retired with income people). But to get a decent wage, over £400 per month, then you generally need to look very hard, and have really special skills. That is the first thing you need to look into. How much will you need to live on here ? That depends on your expected lifestyle, but as an example, I spend the equivalent of £1,200 per month, for a lifestyle less than I had back home. People say I should live like a local and spend a lot less, which many do. But I can't drop my standards that far.

Philippines: philippine:

If you like and can afford your current lifestyle, then stay where you are. Many people say that you can live like a king in the Philippines for 80,000 pesos a month. And a few years ago I did come over having believed many of them, but I knew I shouldn't have done. There are things about the Philippines that I like, but I am staying much longer. An average Australian lifestyle, on my income, is much better than living like a king in the Philippines !!! The better off Filipinos spend on average over 250,000 pesos per month for their living costs. With that income it may be worth staying, but then again, that is $7,000 per month. Could do well in a 1st Class country. Yes, everything is cheaper, a bowl of rice with some meat bits for dinner is only $2, living like a local. But a Pizza with Ice Tea for two, and that's $28 done... living western style (like a king) ! They say accommodation is cheaper, and it is (local style)... BUT, if you want the same size and quality as you are used to, then expect to pay more. My $420 Australian rental house would be well over $500 here.

Philippines: Where is the best place to live on Luzon?:

Only in Luzon ? Angeles and Clark have many western style options, better than most areas. But they can be a bit expensive, although nowhere near as some of the better areas in Manila. Baguio, as has been said is cooler, but a long way from anywhere, although great if you like that. Some of us prefer a type of lifestyle that others would hate, so its impossible to say which area is actually best for anyone but ourselves. I've lived in Manila, Angeles, Cebu. I would prefer the better areas of Manila (if I could afford it), with Angeles in 2nd place. I won't go back to Cebu (Visayas) again. I tried it 3 times but left each time with bad feelings. But some people seem to like it, with 10.8% of foreigners living in Visayas, 57.4% Luzon and 31.7% in Mindanao.

Philippines: Education:

I am not sure if things have changed, but about 20 years ago a Bachelor of Arts degree from a Philippine University was graded as equivalent to the High School leaving certificate in Australia. A Western Education is preferable if possible.

Philippines: where to buy an electric bicycle:

CDRKing sell electric bikes. Most stores I have been in have some in stock, although not all. What part of Philippines are you in or going to.

Philippines: Visa Requirement:

The Balikbayan One Year visa stamp is available IF you comply with requirements: Filipino citizens need to present their Philippine passports showing the date of last exit from the Philippines, which should not be less than 1 year. Former Filipino citizens need to present their old Philippine passport or Philippine birth certificate. For a Spouse to avail of the Balikbayan, the marriage certificate is also needed at immigration, tying in with the Filipino Passport name. If it all goes wrong at the airport immigration, you will both get 30 days free entry, plenty of time to get it sorted at a BoI office.

Philippines: establishing residence in Philippines:

Before the initial Free Visa period expires, you go to a Bureau of Immigration office and extend it for another 29 days. Cost 3,030 pesos at most offices. The current Visa Frfee period is now 30 days. http://www.in-philippines.com/philippines-visitor-visa-extension-cost/

Philippines: Rentals in Angeles city:

What size are you looking for? and about what budget and for how long ? Some shown here: http://www.angelescityonline.com/apartments/

Date Joined:

5/1/2015

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72

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