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Philippines: What live style will $5,000. USD afford?:
Yes you will be able to live a comfortable lifestyle with domestic help in a secured community.
There is a wide amount of options for transport. If you buy a car, say a used 2001 Ford truck the insurance for a year is about $300.
Healthcare, although an
expat is charged more than a local, is still cheaper than if in the US in most situations. I have good insurance in the US so I do my medical when I'm in the US because it is better care for the money.
I've had some very freaky medical incidents here.
I'd keep in mind that things are laid back to the point of corruption being common and a lack of law enforcement in most areas. This difference in quality of life may not be worth the bargains in other areas.
Workmen often need to re-do jobs and materials may not be what you ordered. All these things add up.
Come here and test it out for awhile before making the long term commitment. Do not get yourself into a situation where you cannot leave if you decide to.
If you decide to stay find a situation where you can have your name on the property without having to marry or go into business with a local.
In the last few years there have been many low cost airlines so travel in the area has become very reasonable. (cebu pacific, zest, tiger)
Philippines: Expatriate Visa Info:
There are various visas available. I just extended my tourist type. Pretty easy to do and you can request a list of the fees up front. I think this is a good way to go before investing in another type. I agree to not use agents or fixers. It is worth the time to let them know your friendly face and get through the process.
Explore each type of visa to find associated fees before you go that route. Ex. PRA is it cheaper to put the amount in an acct and let it set or use for investment and be charged fees? What other fees or renewals would be needed and when.
As said you can easily extend the visitor visa and if you do need to leave the country there are now many low cost airlines such as Cebu Pacific and Tiger so you could easily leave for a bit.
Global Expat Forum: Attending Medical School Overseas:
I live in Subic Bay Philippines. There is a school being set up an hour away by Australians, to Australian standards. They plan to offer nursing.
www.aitmg.com.au/ You should probably contact them directly.
Living here can be very reasonable provided you can live a simple life and keep yourself out of trouble.
My tuition for DeLa Salle, the best private university was equal to a community college in S. CA.
Philippines: How much do I pay domestic staff?:
Rates vary depending on the law the employee falls under and whether they are full time/part time and other benefits included. Also the skill/language levels. Different regions also have different minimums. I'd call this organization for the latest prices: 632-893-1893.
They also offer a class that discusses the rates, laws and other helpful info. I take it every few years. It is much cheaper than a lawsuit.
Hong Kong: Help: Self pack to HK, less than 20' container:
I've heard Fedex is giving good rates on boxes. DHL is also in HKG. I'd call and ask moving companies if they'd accept the self packed boxes at a discounted rate. I'd also check the post office parcel post. Max out your airline ticket, you can use a box.
Libraries have books in English. Bookstores are plentiful and everyday clothing isn't that expensive. It might be cheaper to not take them. If you aren't footing the bill then no worries.
Philippines: Self protection:
You are being realistic about the situation. Most crimes are not reported and enforcement is lax, crimes are seldom solved.
I've not heard one case of getting stolen goods returned if located. Cars- once found, once returned. I keep good insurance (USAA/Geico come to mind). We've been here over 10 years and I spent a good deal of that time volunteering with the local law enforcement. Usually intentions are good, at least to your face.
I know of a few houses where the contents "went missing". Two were via thugs and one via the housekeeper (whom they adored). None of these cases were in my neighborhood but outside secured area. The last was in Makati-upscale with full security. It is likely their report will say you left the doors open and will be missing the word stolen. Be ever vigilant.
We were not allowed to bring our weapons from the US. We have not been allowed to purchase them legally. If you hire a bodyguard you are liable for their actions 24/7. If you hire security you'd need to hire another to watch them.
We have an ADT system. I'm sure there are other companies out there.
We don't keep cash in the house. We write checks to vendors and employees, this sends the message that there is not cash. We don't carry much cash. We use credit whenever possible.
We live in a secured area so we avoid a lot of the local hassles but our cost of living (lease) is higher. Our quality of life is better. It is worth it.
We live below our means, drive a modest car, dress down and seldom wear jewelry. I've found this valuable in big cities and small towns. Both for security and skin tax.
I'm a vet and the law enforcement situation drives me crazy, it may be the same for you. I've not given in to a bribe once but you have to have a comfort level to deal with things. I have law enforcement #'s in my cell to verify issues & also have a camera in case they are using fake ID. If you learn their laws it will be much easier to protect yourself & keep them in line. I carry a copy of the Filipino book "12 Little Things" and use it to create guilt to do the right thing.
People have weapons illegally or hire others. People become vengeful over petty issues while they smile to your face. Be careful of road rage. It is cheap to have a person beaten or snuffed (so I've been told) or harrassed or set up.
If your partner is Filipina(o) be careful they are low key. Many act high class and this causes jealousy and can make you a target.
Philippines: Banking:
Mikey, We've lived in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) since '97. I bank w/ both Wells Fargo & BPI. WF doesn't have branches in PI they have agreements with local banks, ie BPI. We visit Baguio yearly (golf tournament) and they do have a BPI branch. That said I couldn't live there. It is remote, crowded and polluted. Look up "Baguio pollution" on the web. I also left my local BDO because of problems, perhaps other branches are not the same.
Locally we have Retired Affairs Office (RAO) and Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) available for those sorts of issues. SBFCC also is a good resource. The immigration office in OC is easy to work with. It is an easy commute to MNL for business. I can pay bills/get billed via the web on most things. Credit cards are widely accepted so we need less cash in PI. Check cards, CapOne has one without a foreign charge.
The solution for writing yourself a check is a great method. Not letting an agent handle your business is also great advice. BPI SBFZ takes 3 wks to clear. I checked with WF/BPI recently re the remittances. It is WF who must transfer the money in the destination currency not BPI. Also the app docs & first transfer must be done while you are present at WF. It is important to speak with a person at global remittance dept at WF. BPI has been a fantastic bank.
ACR's need to be renewed yearly. This is not the same as the PRA id card and retirement visa. There is more to the PRA than what is on the website. $ must go into an acct before being used for investment. I've heard of some problems. Please look up the seperate websites.
contact me if you need more info. Good day.
Global Expat Forum: want to get away from the cold:
I totally agree to find work first and test out the country for a year. Visiting is much different than residing.
I know a handful of persons trapped here in Philippines who can't afford to go elsewhere or back home or persons hanging out until Medicare kicks in.
Philippines: Keeping US citizenship:
The answer is no. Contact American Citizens Services for verification. http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3004.html
Keep your US documents current with ACS. You might need them in an emergency.
I'd verify the tax issues. I'd verify the retirement visa issues. PRA has a website, their brochure has more info. The funds have to be processed in a certain way or it doesn't count.
Philippines: Philippines Yellow Pages:
Manila has www.clickthecity.com. Here in Subic Bay our local phone company (Subictel & PLDT) has listings on line so try the same in the areas mentioned.
Agreed that printed directories are out of date, also usually have many errors.
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