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Mexico: Mail to PO Box:
Use DHL; reliable and fast
Philippines: Confused about Moving to the Philippines:
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.
Malaysia: Georgetown long term visit:
I am not sure if 2 people on $1500/mo can do well in Malaysia. Even the Philippines (which is somewhat cheaper than Malaysia; maybe 20% or more??) is doable but, it depends upon what exactly your lifestyle is like.
Checkout the Numbeo site for prices and costs of living. They cover Rent/Real Estate; Groceries; Restaurant; Transportation; Clothing; etc; - prices. You can even compare 2 cities costs simultaneously as well.
Also, checkout the Airbnb site for temporary stays in apartments, condos, and rooms. I have used this too for renting long and short term in many countries.
Philippines: Retirement Visa:
Hello Macca, you must have a flight out to anywhere, any other country, within 29 days after your landing date, but it can't be within the Philippines (Ex: if you land on April 18, 2016, your flight out of the Philippines -to be safe- should be 28 to 29 days later; let's say, on/before, May 16, 2016, to be within the 29 days visa time-frame). It's best to schedule your "flight" out of the PI before the 29 days--any date before--really: they/we call this a "throw-away" ticket, because you intend to stay longer through visa extensions via the Philippines Bureau of Immigration.
Generally, the cheapest "throw-away" ticket is a flight to Malaysia or Singapore (check www.cebupacificair.com).
Also, you are legally allowed to stay in the Philippines for 29 days with (again) a flight out of the country though. You can however, when you get off the plane, after customs, go to the Bureau of Immigration and immediately apply for an extension up to 59 days also. Approximately (they often raise it regularly) 3,280 PHP (PH Pesos). <-This is what I paid July 2015, for a 59 day extension.
Keep in mind, the Bureau of Immigration will add your "complimentary" 29 days initial, into the 59 day extension. So it will seem as if you are paying for only 30 days--if you know what I mean(?). Example: I landed June 15, 2015, and the date I needed to apply for a 59 day extension, was July 13, 2015.
Philippines: Looking at living happily:
Hello, I have been living in Cebu for the last year and half--mostly single or by myself. FYI: When I first arrived in 2014, I was in contact with a Filipina girl, I met on a dating/meeting website. BG info: I planned on moving here for 2 years+ but, wanted to be with a Filipina/o, to be more secure and hopefully locate a residence - during my first time living here.
Flew-down in 2014, met the girl & her "so-called male cousin" (the escort) & they seemed OK, but something was odd/strange about them though. However after 2 months, the scamming couple, her & her actual BF, a sneaky and very educated bunch, tried in every which way, to push me into a marriage and to purchase a house and land/property. His big claim: "You're wasting money renting." Like really?? I have only owned 3 houses, and rented 6, in the US and I know all about the good and bad of both, because I have done both for over 40 years! Well, I came home unexpectedly one day and found them showering together. I calmly told them to leave immediately.
I have since moved to Cebu City and have been mainly in condominiums, where you have security guards, which sounds good really. However, there is a strong aversion towards foreigners here in the Phils--unfortunately, so don't think at any given time, they won't sell you out and not stay true to their "word," to you. They often say things that are not really true and it seems that 80% or more will stick with, remain loyal to, and hold-fast to their own kind or, their nationality. Filipino's in their own country, for fear of rejection or "losing face" I suppose(?) among themselves: will often side with their own--even if that same person "stabbed-them in the back," cheated, lied, or stole from them. It really is a twilight zone here as you will hear about how the Phils is so "family-oriented" yet they will, and have (it's documented), sold out their family members for a low peso amount of money.
You can live here singly, I have so far for over a year. I hate traveling by myself but for an older, retired person, it is hard to locate a Filipina (Filipinos too) that is willing to stay with a foreigner here in the Phils in a permanent setting; majority want to go to your home country because their peers and TV dictates this frame of thinking to them.
So be aware and do keep your guard up at all times. The standard of living and Filipino wages are extremely low, so there will be your "gold-diggers," "scammers," "story-tellers" (and they have some good and believable stories too <- that may be true as well), pickpockets (they tried this 3 times, unsuccessfully) etc. Also, you find an abundance of beggars (my Filipino dentist claims they're "Gypsys from Mindanao," ha, ha, ha), and they will parade everywhere (mostly in public streets, but sometimes in malls and high status places too) with smelly, dirty clothes, no shoes-on, or their children with no clothes at all, blocking doors, feeling/tapping your pockets, etc, <- All in hopes that you will drop them some cash. But seriously, (and some Filipino taxi drivers will tell you directly, but not all), Do Not Give Them Money! It is against Filipino law for them to beg and against the law for you to give them money. However, I consider food like biscuits (cookies, bread items, crackers, etc) for one, as not a monetary contribution, and will give them - if I have available.
I live at a nice Expat/Filipino/Asian resident-type, condominium that I rent at $377/month in Cebu City. I stick to the main thoroughfares and always use a taxi - mostly using the Android app called "Grab" (with Grab, you have the taxi driver's name and license# and they have your name as well). I travel mainly to the major malls here: Ayala, SM, SM Seaside and other areas, where I know there are other Expats and the security level is relatively in the fair to better rating. Forums like this one, is another great resource to check with too!
Be smart, use common sense and as you will see, as you experience the people, it becomes easier to filter the good from the bad here in the Phils. Also, if you happen to find a Filipino/Filipina that you can trust, all the better for you because, most of the time, having a Filipino/Filipina with you, is more safer and secure than doing things solo. The Filipinos, will also consider you more favorably, when you are amongst/together with one of their kind. The key here is making certain they are legit and trustworthy though. Traveling in groups is always a good measure and I have seen foreigners traveling together here as well. However, I still say being with a "native" Filipino (Filipina) is much better, as they "know the ropes" as well, the language.
Philippines: Retiring In the Philippines: Pros & Cons:
louisbecke's post a while back, is dead-on correct and I have to agree regarding his views and words about the Phils. I've been here 3 years and the scamming and constant portrayals of games derived to get your money is never-ending! The scams happen everywhere there too! "Looking over my shoulder..." Gee I thought it was just me! The rudeness with the "me-first" crap has hit my last nerve too! I'm so sick of it, and I tell them my piece of mind as well - when it happens.
Another issue is (mainly the guys do this) they will either singly or sometimes a couple of them, will time their steps to either intersect your path or stop abruptly making you do a diverse-dart to avoid crashing into them! It's quite ridiculous trying to walk in a mall or a sidewalk for that matter - while on a defensive path, looking-out for or trying to avoid the evil kids or rude idiots all over playing this "intersecting game."
And/also, many of the beggars in the Phils are working for gamblers, alcoholics or substance-abusers that are using the poor Fil-kids and taking the money for their illegal affairs. Don't give them cash - that is what they want because then, they can buy drugs, alcohol or glue, etc. It is illegal to beg or give to beggars anyway; give 'em food or biscuits or give to the local charity orgs.
Talk about the ongoing schemes at the airport - I've seen baggage stretch-wrapped tightly, to keep those people/inspectors from prying them (they plunge a pen into the luggage zipper lining and zip them shut after and you can't tell) open and planting illegal substances in your luggage too.
Another oddity I experienced: I went to the Ayala mall at one occasion and before you go through the entrances, you enter through the metal detectors and of course, the guards have to frisk your waist area (all they do is lightly touch your back), but upon my drive home, I take off my shirt and there is a slice in the back bottom area of the shirt! Exactly in the same area where the guards frisk/inspect you. It never happened before or after that - but that one time it certainly did! Some Filipinos carry extremely sharp blades on them and apparently this guard had one of these blades on him that day.
You can damn bet I'll be out of here in around 2 months, just waiting on some situations to clear: have some stuff to sell and other details before I hit the trail. I will be leaving some of my gear I sent here 2 years ago but it's cheaper to part with it than send it back!
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