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Need advice: where to live in the Philippines

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juliasolete
  12/10/2015 00:35 EST

Hi everyone!
I am looking for a place (island, village etc) to live in the Philippines for 3-4 month since January 2016.
I am looking for something quite and not very expensive, preferrable by the beach and meanwhile not to far from any big city (Manila, Cebu etc).

Some people recommend Boracay but I am still not sure.
I work as a freelancer so job opportunities there is not what I am searching for.

I will be very grateful for any advice!
Thank you in advance!

Nephi
  12/10/2015 06:22 EST

Hi Juliasolete,

You'll surly get a lot of replies with many ideas on places and areas.

If you are a first timer coming to the Philippines, I'd first remind you that this is or can be a dangerous 3rd world country to just drop in on and stay.

That said and for those reasons, I'd suggest an area outside of but close to the old US Navy base in Subic Bay on Luzon Island.
Good area with complete infastructure on base that is hard to find anywhere else. Borcay is simply to expensive when Subic offers more for far less. Check out their chamber of commerce at the link at the end of my post. Good luck and enjoy the Philippines. Regards, Nephi..

Link>>> http://sbfcc.com/

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KYODO
  12/10/2015 06:58 EST

Hello,
Best suggestion is cebu, in mactan lapu lapu. Low cost of living, theres a village named Water Base Subdivision there. You can rent a hause short-term basis for your convenience and security. Thats near to the beaches in mactan cebu. Very nice and peaceful place, and nk wonder a lots of foreigner based in that place too.

chance2014
  12/10/2015 07:19 EST

Subic would be a good choice definitely i rwally liked the place. Some good beach resorts thatvare not expensive just outside. Good restaurants, texas joe was the best burger i ever tasted, not expensive but not cheap. Tagaytay is another good area but not cheap and not on a beach but overlooks lake taal and volcano. La union is another good area good beach resorts with surf schools etc. But a long way from manila. Mindoro island is nice white beach is a beautiful white sand beach not quite as commercialised as boracay. So mcany nice places here but as Nephi said it can be a very dangerous and upsetting place for the unwary. Dont trust too easy especially the girls alongopo is close to subic with a fair share of girly bars and bar girls. Come here for a month at first to see if you like it or not but visiting here is totally different to living here. Its a beautiful country in many ways woth some of the nicest kindes people you could ever meet but there are many that will take every last penny you possess and not blink an eye not a place for the feint hearted.

bee1lsu
  12/10/2015 11:52 EST

Dalaguete, Province of Cebu, Philippines.

HMcBride
  12/10/2015 17:37 EST

Do you want to live here like a typical foreigner or like a local? Like a local is the cheapest! Do you wish to be near many or few people?

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pam6159
  12/10/2015 19:10 EST

Could someone do a compare and contrast as to what.the.difference is between living like a local and living like a foreigner?

Thanks.

Nephi
  12/10/2015 19:31 EST

Simply put Pam, Locals for the most part hardly have enough food to eat and live in houses that would be condemned anywhere else. Expats usually live a lifestyle opposite to that.

If you have that little information about the country, you really need to come for a visit before making a move or it will likely be far more than you want to deal with.



Regards

Nephi

catabisis
  12/10/2015 20:27 EST

Pam, I am one of those Nephi speaks about. I never visited. I packed up my belongings in 8 balikbayan boxes and moved here. I am a male and single. It was challenging, yet, interesting. But I would not recommend doing that with a family. Come here first on a visit with family. Stay a couple months if you can. Maybe even 6 months. By then you have a much better grasp of this place.

chance2014
  12/10/2015 20:47 EST

I think you should do some research on areas safety etc. Come here for a month go around the area looking at properties to rent, how many bedrooms do you want? A house or an apartment. Talk to sari sari store owners they know everyone and all their business. Be prepared you are a foreigner they will charge you more. So talk to locals they sometimes know the rental price. If you have a girlfriens let her phone to get prices etc. Agents tend to charge top dollar, again especially as a foriegner. Look on olx online and some other sites at proprties to rent, will give you a good idea of cost. Do your research before you step on this place. DO NOT be tempted to buy a hous, a girlfriend will want you to buy house and lot, near where she lives, DONT DO IT. It is never your house it has ro be in a filipino nationals name you can just put your name on the deeds etc. You can own a condo but you cant own land. Be very very careful every step of the way here. Or you will fall foul of every scam and cheat going. Dont trust the girls get to know them and their family very well before making ANY commitment to a girl. If she starts asking for money to help the family especially if its a largish amount be very cautious. They usually start with very small amounts and gradually ask for more. Believe me you can very easily get cleaned out here, and have to go home broke. As soon as you step off the airplane you are a target to extract money from. Latest scam is planting bullets in your suitcase and then demanding money or go to prison. Wrap you suitcase in clingfilm if it has been opened the cling film will be cut. Mark the clingfilm with a marker pen in big letters so you know it has not been replaced. Other than all that its great here haha.

Flopie133
  12/10/2015 21:28 EST

Just wondering if the poster is female based on her moniker?

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HMcBride
  12/10/2015 21:40 EST

Not all locals live in condemned housing. There are some decent boarding houses and small commercial stalls that make quite nice flats and both or either between $75-$140 per month. Again, depending on location.

charkee
  12/10/2015 22:12 EST

Living like a Filipino means you live among them, you eat their food and live and suffer without an air conditioner. You travel by bus, tricycle or jeepney. This is a very inexpensive way to live. I live this way on about $350 a month.

Now if you want a car, shop in the big grocery stores where the foreigners hang out, you will pay 3X for your food. I saw a can of refried beans for $4 in Robinson's the other day. Lay's Potato chips are 8X the price of the locally produced chips We have no TV, though it may help me to learn Tagalog faster, we just are not interested.

A Filipino friend just bought a new car and within the week had a fender bender. She has been in court once a week for the last 6 weeks trying to get the legal mess taken care of. I recommend allowing others to do the driving for you and it's a lot cheaper and less trouble than getting your own wheels.

Some here complain of the boredom of living as the Pinoy. I don't find it boring at all. I have dinner at other people's homes at least once a week, We invite people for dinner, I volunteer in community projects, teach piano and have a small clinic in alternative medicine.

The other day I had a delightful conversation with some Muslims, they are very well informed and educated, at least the ones that I deal with.

charkee
  12/10/2015 22:19 EST

I live in an upper middle class neighborhood among the Pinoy, Rent is only 7000 pesos, or about $160 a month. No need to live in a dive or the slums. Though when I first arrived I did live in the slums for $50 rent a month,

I noticed I made more friends in the slums and that people stuck together more and watched out for each other. But then they have to, to survive. But it was noisy with traffic and karaoke machines blasting day and night. You could hear the neighbors sneezing and fighting and when they used the CR. I got used to it, but it was not a good location for our goals and that is why we moved out.

charkee
  12/10/2015 22:23 EST

I'd say the best thing for my transition to the Phils was attending a church. The people were open to me and quite helpful in helping me to solve problems. I know several others that are Freemasons or Rotary Club members and they felt they fit right in their new clubs.

montanaboy57
  12/10/2015 22:28 EST

All really good Info. I thought you had to leave suit cases open for inspection when one flys though.

Nephi
  12/10/2015 22:59 EST

Charkee, Excellent post. We too live with and around the locals in a Pinatubo resettlement. These are extremely poor and mostly uneducated people and the majority are unemployed. Difference with us from you is that we do use air-conditioning and use it just about 24/7. We (including wife and 4 kids) all eat both Western and local foods. We have and drive our own motor-try-cycle. We gave up on having a car here years ago due to expense of labor and gas etc. Our overall cost of living is higher than what you are spending but still under $800us dollars per month.
Great way and place to live after the two year adjustment period and would NEVER consider leaving to live anywhere else or in any other town.



Regards

Nephi

tlallen59
  12/10/2015 23:00 EST

You can lock your suit cases if the locks are "TSA" locks that they have a master key for. Also just a heads up, if your retirement income is an annuity based pension like mine is there is a tax treaty with the United States and they take 30% off the top.

CAteacher
  12/10/2015 23:41 EST

Nephi makes an good suggestion, one which I suspect we all agree with: Come to the Philippines first and make an educated decision. Asking for suggestions regarding a living environment is a little like asking for a suggestion about what shoes you might like. You've got to try see them and try them on for yourself.

While you are exploring, stay in a safe place. Nephi's suggestion of staying in the area where he lives is a good one. Makati is pricy but safe too. Connect personally with someone here or someone you meet on another Expat site. Don't explore on your own, at least to begin with.

louisbecke
  12/11/2015 06:20 EST

juliasolete,

Don't come here. If you like beaches try Phuket, Thailand. Move north about 50 miles and super cheap with stunning clean beaches.

If you have never been here and don't know anyone here the learning curve is just too dangerous. Presidential elections are coming in May and it may very well get nasty even more than normal.

montanaboy57
  12/12/2015 20:50 EST

How friendly are the locals inThiland? Any strict rules I should check out? How cheap is it to live there compared the Philippines? Is it as laid back as people say. Thanks.

louisbecke
  12/12/2015 21:38 EST

montanaboy57

Thailand is cheaper than the Philippines, much safer, cleaner, internet 100 times faster, electric a fraction of the cost of the Philippines.

On the beaches your not accosted constantly by vendors trying to sell you junk. Buddhist culture is eons better than a Catholic culture.

I stay at the Verachaii Hotel in Chiang Mai. About $200.00usd for an entire month with aircon, cable TV and internet.

standupguy
  12/13/2015 00:32 EST

Louis - I have never had vendor's approach me on the beach at Boracay, but on the waterfront trail, yes. At Vales beach in Toril, Davao City, some food vendors hover nearby. Only once was I approached by a man selling switch blades, expanding nightstick, tasers, hand cuffs, etc. I run a fan and one air conditioner non stop. I have a router, fridge, computers and TV for 4,000 pesos per month. About the same as Canada. It really depends on what city in the Philippines you live. Our maid is 2000 pesos a month.The only advantage over Thailand is that there is some English in the PH. I would sure like to visit Chaing Mai though.

CodyDeegan
  12/15/2015 02:27 EST

If you are looking for a place in the province near Manila with beaches you should choose Batangas or Quezon.

louisbecke
  12/15/2015 08:55 EST

standupguy,

The wife and i leave on 10 Jan. I can't wait to be somewhere I don't have to always look over my shoulder.

shoppersplace
  12/26/2015 22:41 EST

If your retirement income goes straight into your u.s. bank account that you access through transfer or ATM, how do they work out the 30% tax? Do you pay that at income tax time? Thanks.

louisbecke
  12/27/2015 08:38 EST

shoppersplace'

Only if you have your direct deposit going straight to a Philippine bank account in the Philippines will they do the 30% tax. I may be wrong. Just keep your direct deposit in a U.S. bank. Banks here go belly up all the time.

BOBV
  12/27/2015 16:08 EST

Hi Direct deposit into a philippine bank has changed in the last year or maybe just the enforcement by the US.
First banks want a direct deposit to only be a passbook not a ATM , but I sure there will be responses to this saying I have a ATM account but be aware at anytime they can freeze your funds, i know they did it to me even though they agreed to open the ATM ACCOUNT. the passbook account is Ok even if you can check on line your balance you just have to call customer service. Now when it comes to this 30% tax my understanding is that if you dont report your deposits for the year on form I think is 114 irs form. This must be completed by 6/30 of each year its has not been enforced cause the philippine banks aren't letting the US know about them, believe me i filled out the form in April 2013 it still sits in the bank office.
Of course you may feel better if your funds and account are in a US bank but if you live here full time and you need to go back to for a bank issue that can also be costly. For myself just dont place all your nuts in one basket, Metro bank is fine, BDO has no branch in US so it requires another step different account numbers and a different routing number that the bank Im sure wont know. PNB is fine also but say away from Allied Bank even though they say they merged , for they only merged in their mines. When it comes to the banking folding well PNB and Metro have banks in NYC they been their for some 30 years.

phmx
  12/27/2015 19:57 EST

Citibank US to Citibank PI works flawlessly with online transfers. Do not expect any financial firm or bank to assist with investment funds. US regulations make Americans toxic for foreign financial institutions.

Nephi
  12/27/2015 20:15 EST

Personally I have no issues with the way Social is handled in regards to direct deposits here in the Philippines.
The US dollar (social Security Only) account as you said is not permitted an ATM card. Nor can you call or access the account online even to check a balance. If a bank does this over the phone for a customer they are in violation of an international banking agreement.
There should no longer be a need to report to or file with the IRS unless you have over $10,000 in any one bank or combination of bank accounts. The US federal law requires all banks here to report all transactions for the year of any American's account. That saves me that time and hassle. Again, no problem for me.
My wife and I have a joint ATM savings acct at the same bank. There I transfer all of my social security each month so we both have access to it. We also place most all other of our funds in that joint account. The bank also reports on that account as well and we pay our US taxes as needed. This all works well for us and again, we have no problems or issues with the system as it changes.



Regards

Nephi

shoppersplace
  12/27/2015 20:47 EST

Sounds like I need an accountant my first year at least

shoppersplace
  12/27/2015 20:47 EST

Sounds like I need an accountant my first year at least

LarryKar
  12/28/2015 00:06 EST

I handle my Soc Sec the same. PNB has a branch in New York. Money is actually deposited to that account and available almost instantly here at our local branch in Philippines. I then also transfer the funds in person to our joint account. Going on three years and not one hitch.

tlallen59
  12/28/2015 00:57 EST

If you list your address as being in the Philippines the financial institution that handles the payment takes the 30% out and gives it to the IRS.

BOBV
  12/28/2015 03:08 EST

Hi Nephi
two things I called the FBAR agency and wrote to them that processes this FINCEN 114 form and i was told the $10,000 is not one deposit but a total amount that if you reach a $10,000 threshold during the calendar year. even if the money is split between 3 banks you must report each bank separately if the total is over the 10K. It's your accumulated total deposited for the year.
secondly, I do the same thing transfer it into a joint account but first I have to be at the bank to claim it, to move it or withdraw it. USA is checking to see if we are alive otherwise the money will be available to withdraw whoever is holding the ATM card. I mentioned i call the bank, Im 50 miles away i want to make sure its there before i make the trip.
Some banks are enforcing this rule with pensions also, and my pension checks to see if I'm alive independent of the banks rules and have letters stating its Ok to have a joint account but its their bank not mine
further I read that there are exceptions fin 114 form two of them, one concern pension funds and other government payments i thought i did not have to file after i checked IRS explanations but according to the FBAR there are none and they have the authority to penalize and revoke passports. I wouldn't mine and appreciate if you or others could correct me for it is my understanding this filing had to start in 2011 and all of us are responsible for the back filing also with the possibility of us being penalties thanks Bob

BOBV
  12/28/2015 03:12 EST

Hi Citibank closed in Davao and I think it requires 250,000 php to open but Im sure its the cream of the crop when it comes to banks in philippines

jackrussel
  12/30/2015 13:07 EST

Try the south of luzon which iz Laguna. Laguna bel air phase 1 gated community subd but not sure if they hv short term lease contract 45 mins by bus frm Makati anf an hr 1/2 to the beach of batangas.

alexifran0713
  1/5/2016 05:59 EST

Hello there, Juliasolete.

Since you want something that keeps you near the beach but still near Manila, I think it's recommendable to stay in places like Laguna or Cavite, however, how about staying in condo rental units? There are some condos found in Manila that are not really congested. hmm. How about you try resort-style condos in Manila? I've heard about Verawood Residences, http://www.dmcihomes.com/verawood-residences, you can check this link. This one is in Taguig and then it's near to nice spots in Manila like coffee shops where you can stay and do some of your freelance jobs. hehe. Hope it helps :)

standupguy
  1/28/2016 06:54 EST

KienerHills I vote for Davao City, Barangay Daliao in the burb called Toril near Vales beach. My immediate community is Prudential Village. Clean air, nice ocean breeze, great neighborhood.

CAspacecowboy
  1/28/2016 10:52 EST

Regarding FBAR also related to FATCA, if you open the account in a US bank that has branches in the fgn country you are exempt from filing. It is only if you open the account with a non-us bank or directly with the fgn branch of the US based bank that those acts come into play.

JPH
  1/28/2016 19:27 EST

CASpacecowboy.. thank you for adding that info'.

shoppersplace
  1/28/2016 20:03 EST

Ive been hearing about Prudential villiage for a long time, but always give up on the search for their website. I found a fb page, but no website devoted to or explaining Prudential villiage. Do you have a link? Thanks

standupguy
  1/28/2016 22:23 EST

shoppersplace Google Earth Toril =- Look for Barangay Daliao, then look at waterfront. You will see a pier the Japanese built. Go up the road and everything east of that road is Prudential Village. The beach to the east of the Pier is Vales Beach. There is a plywood mill and lots of Bangus fish ponds that you can see.

Singlelooking
  1/29/2016 05:13 EST

What US bank has a branch here?
Chase is my bank in US but I can't use Chase here to bank I was told in the US branch...

CAspacecowboy
  1/29/2016 13:07 EST

Not sure which US banks have PH branches and where they are located. Just starting to look at things to get my ducks in a row for getting the SRRV in about 1 1/2 years. For myself and my GF it depends on where we are living in the US as we will be PT PH rez's and PT US for at least the first few years. So we will want to make sure our US location has easy to use in PH branches and such. I know in the SF area, there were US locations for several banks that I see branches in PH, non GMA areas. In my experience, sometimes you have to speak with more than your local US branch, to get the correct answer. No disrespect, just the facts of my experiences in asking up the chain, rather than just the front line's reply.

JPH
  1/29/2016 19:29 EST

Interesting... Maybe check Chase again and find out why ? In the past to my knowledge one could certainly have a bank account with the same US bank at their Branch in another country... however! I am also aware that in the Philippines the banking industry is ring-fenced (of course!!) against foreign Banks being the same as the one's we are used to in our own countries...Foreign Banks face licensing difficulties here and there was maybe 10 licenses supposedly going to be made available for foreign Banks to operate in PH in 2014...Never heard anything more so naturally this may not have actually happened ! For example HSBC (The 'World' bank) operates differently in the PH and is PH-owned... is unable to operate as in HK or UK... their minimum GBP account was something like 2,000.00GBP which is totally non-competitive when you look at a PH Bank only requiring about 500.00GBP......

LarryKar
  1/29/2016 19:44 EST

Keeping in mind I am a guest and not meddling in local politics one of Duterte's ideas is to somehow create a new Hong Kong or Singapore on an island off shore from the "big three ". I had to smile and think it ain't going to happen Roddy with the business ownership, banking, and some other attitudes in place. Never going to change with this terror of "colonialism " so rampant. My opinion but what do I know?

JPH
  1/29/2016 20:08 EST

@LarryKar: One element which has held the PH back since end WWII compared to the other regional countries was how power / ownership was devolved within PH ie. concentration of political & economic power back to 'Old Money' families linked to either Spanish, Chinese or Japanese heritage. After all most of the economy is actually owned by Chinese=Filipino dynasties so China certainly does not have to utilize military power relative to PH ambition - or lack of it. The PH is actively ring-fenced against rational inward-investment & ownership. Ownership of anything would give the right to question existing institutions and practices so not a good idea when one wants to keep control of anything. Hence, amongst other practical issues the rise of the 'Island' mentality which most Filipino's amongst others who live/work abroad can easily recognize

catabisis
  1/29/2016 22:22 EST

Sure, Duturte can make this place Singapore as soo as he kicks out the Chinese and their business model and changes it to a Westwrn business attitude. God, bring on the customer service....Larry Kar wrote...
Keeping in mind I am a guest and not meddling in local politics one of Duterte's ideas is to somehow create a new Hong Kong or Singapore on an island off shore from the "big three ". I had to smile and think it ain't going to happen Roddy with the business ownership, banking, and some other attitudes in place. Never going to change with this terror of "colonialism " so rampant. My opinion but what do I know?

BertelBertelsen
  1/30/2016 04:17 EST

@larrykarr. if you never lived in Davao then dont talk jokingly aout duterte, this man transformed the killing fields of asia in the most savest city in the world. i am from amsterdam and that is a xxxthole when you compare it to davao.

BertelBertelsen
  1/30/2016 04:17 EST

@larrykarr. if you never lived in Davao then dont talk jokingly aout duterte, this man transformed the killing fields of asia in the most savest city in the world. i am from amsterdam and that is a xxxthole when you compare it to davao.

sherwood
  1/30/2016 18:10 EST

I spoke to Chase about 2 weeks ago to see if I could open an account in the Philippines and transfer money between my Chase U.S. account and the Philippines. They said "No, they do not have any branches in the Philippines".

LarryKar
  1/30/2016 19:17 EST

Bertelbertelsen: not sure why anything I said caused you to think I was making a joke of Duterte's ideas. In reality I think he is one of the few hopes for constructive change. I was only pointing out the difficulty he faces and would add I hope for his personal safety. If I stated it poorly or in my "American " way sorry. If you want to compare tough neighborhoods I grew up near East St. Louis in the late 1960's. "Days of Rage" Oh yeah.
Peace

standupguy
  1/30/2016 21:35 EST

Larry - Rody Duterte is absolutely the only hope for the Philippines and is true blue down to his core. He is the man.

Traco
  2/1/2016 23:12 EST

I think Duterte knows how to look after himself. He has long been a target for those who would like to gun him down. In 1991 he attended my wedding in Davao City (ninong) along with a couple of personal body guards with carbines at the ready. My father in law claimed the mayor was also wearing a bullet proof vest under his suit coat. After the wedding my wife and I visited him at City Hall and had to go through all types of security checks. A heavily armed bodyguard was by his side in his office the whole time we were chatting with him. I understand there had been several attempts to assassinate him even back then 25 years ago.

standupguy
  2/1/2016 23:37 EST

Traco - Wht an honor. If you are ever stopped by the Davao police, just show them one of the wedding pictures with you and Duterte.

Traco
  2/1/2016 23:57 EST

LOL.... I actually do have such a wedding photo with the mayor sitting in the front row of the church. He didnt stay to attend the reception dinner on the top floor of the Magindanao Hotel as it was rumoured there was a conflict going on between Duterte and the owners of the hotel. Not too long after our wedding the Magindanao Hotel mysteriously burnt down. Its never been rebuilt despite its prominent location on Recto St opposite the City Hall square in downtown Davao. The hotel is a burnt out ruins, the mayor may soon be president of PI, and the marriage has gone from strength to strength. Such is life......

CodyDeegan
  2/4/2016 02:31 EST

How 'bout considering Batangas? Lipa has a lot of job opportunities and I have can notice the increasing number of expats there. Plus if you want to run to the beach you could go to Laiya or Lemery.

alexifran0713
  2/11/2016 06:33 EST

You may use this article http://leasing.dmcihomes.com/best-condo-rental-locations-foreigners/ as a guide for finding a place to live in the Philippines

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