Richard Camp
@rcampsr
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
54
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Brgy Cogon, Ormoc City, Leyte
Speaks English
Registration: 26 October 2010
Stimulus Check by markgottawinner
I'm married and claimed with V.A. and get flat rate monthly disability pay. I haven't needed to file taxes since 2003 as I'm rated 100%. I haven't received any stimulus pay. Can someone tell me if they are in the same situation and ...
Hello, Go to the IRS website and fill out he tax form for this last years taxes, even if you don't owe any. When you are done you will have listed your SSS number, current address, etc. If your wife has a US SSS number then she will be ... Read More
wanting to move to manila,but need some questions answered first by belayit
i live in the u.s.a. now i have a girlfriend(from manila) that lives with me here in the u.s. i am trying to find out the conditions that need to be met so that we can move to manila,and for her to collect my social security after i die. sorry ...
Hello Belayit, Not exactly sure what you are looking for, but as for her collecting on your SSA account after you die. Unless you were married before you began your SSA and you meet the so many years of marriage before your retirement, then there ... Read More
second visa upon arrival by Nestinar
Hi all, I was wondering if any of you would know.. I'm am currently in the Phils on the 30 day visa upon arrival, which expires on the 7th of December. I need to return home for a while, but I wanted to be sure I'll have no problem ...
Hello Nestinar, If your visa will expire before you leave the country, go to one of the immigration offices and pay for the extension to 59 days. If you over stay, you might be put on a list that will hold up your reentry into the country. ... Read More
Motorcycle license by Uskam
Hello, I plan to move to Manila next month. I don't have a motorcycle license yet but i'd like to got one there. Do you know if if possible to have it from scratch as a foreigner with a work visa ? Thank you very much.
If you have a USA drivers license, go to AAA and get your international drivers license. It is good for a year here till it expires. You can then go down to LTO and apply for your Philippine Drivers License. They will want to see your US License, ... Read More
Disabled Medicare drug planprescription options
If you are going to ship LBC, keep in mind they do not ship out of the country to the USA directly, they hand the parcels off to a secondary carrier to ship out of country, and visa versa on incoming shipments. After several times shipping with ... Read More
How to obtain resident permit or long term visa for Philippines by Arthas
Hello; I would like to come and search for job or business opportunities in Philippines but i can only stay 21 days in Philippines with tourist visa. My nationality is Turkish. Is there any other way to extend this duration before or after i go to ...
You can not work, go to school or own/operate a business on a visitor visa in the Philippines. Visitor visa is what it says, visitor. If you get caught working or going to school, they can deport you. You may be able to change your visa type with ... Read More
my personal motorcycle shipped from USA, Los Angeles area to Manila by lookingglas2
heard bad stories about trying to ship a bike from USA to Philippines. Who as info for me. just want the most important, how much does it cost, how long does it take, and how long to get here.
Most motorcycles here int he Philippines are limited to 125cc to 175cc due to emissions and road duties. If you want to have a large bike here it is better to look at one sold by a dealer here. If you ship your own bike here, you will have all the ... Read More
Mariage Annulment with filipina. Need copy of annulment in Cebu by dctrno60
I hv been trying to find out who where or how I can get a copy of annulment filed in Cebu phil by my wife who I married here in calif.. she told me that her annulment was finalized but when I ask her for a copy she refuses...now I hv the suspicious ...
File for divorce in California! US marriage is not often recognized here in the Philippines, unless it is for you to remarry her in the Philippines. If you were married in the Catholic Church in the USA, then there will be church records of it, ... Read More
Philhealth
We have had PhilHealth for a few years now and it works great. The cost is worth the benefits you get. They will pay 25 percent of most in hospital stays and procedures. Its not a lot of coverage, but its worth every peso paid for the ... Read More
Maximum money deposit for expat American by Wayne 07
I need to know if there is a maximum amount of money that the United States will allow a U.S. citizen to deposit in a Filipino bank? I was told there is. If there isn't and you deposit let's say $50,000.00 does U.S. require taxes to be paid ...
You are partially correct on that Gonzrule. Philippine law does state that only a Native Born Philippine National can own property here. If you research farther, it will also advise you that any improvements to the land belong to the land owner, ... Read More
Moving to Cebu by rey0123
Hello everyone I will be moving to Cebu on the 14FEB14. I will be attending Visayas University of Cebu Institute of technology to finish my computer Science degree. Im hoping to find people who have experience with Cebu city. A couple of questions I ...
Hello Claudin, Finding a job here is not easy. The best way to relocate here is with a sponsored job working for a company. Wages and salaries here are not as high for the same job in another country. Most government officials don't make ... Read More
Need some help in planning my trip to CEBU on June 2015 by sw8Tjana
Hi. I wonder if this is doable. 1st day- Day tour sumilon island 2nd day - city tour 3rd and 4th day - bantayan island .is there like a van rental that we can hire to go to these places?
Hello sw8Tjana, Judging by the distances you are describing I would say no. Where I live here in Ormoc City, Leyte it takes 2.5 hours to travel 70km to Tacloban, Leyte by air-con van. The distances you are talking about are from one end of Cebu ... Read More
Investing in a small business by MULLIGAN
Hi, I am originally from England lived in the U.S for 10 years. Currently here in the Philippines. Not happy with my life in the U.S and want to move to the Phil permanently. I have some money to invest in a small business (20,000$) but don't know ...
Business in the Philippines is not directed to benefit a foreigner or foreign company, but a Filipino National. Interestingly enough you can research the Philippine Laws online to see how they apply to the type of business you wish to start. The ... Read More
Price list
Hello Maddy, What you are asking for can vary widely through out the Philippines. Rents can fluctuate widely depending on the location you are living in. Large cities - high rents, medium cities - medium rents, small city and rural areas - small ... Read More
Buying satellite watch whatever by Wayne 07
I have a question. Is it possible to buy your own satellite in the Philippines. For the purpose of watching on television anything and everything that the satellite can tap into. I want to see more than what's on cable television there. I ...
Hello Wayne 07, I have CignalTV here in Leyte and they have a large number of sports stations in their listings. I am not a sports fan, but have seen when changing channels football, soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, horse racing, car racing, bike ... Read More
Visa question by jdw1972
It's been asked. Perhaps even a thousand times....I searched the net and BOI for an answer and... nothing. I already have my ACR-I card with a tourist status. It says "temporary visitor" in Visa type. However, my Visa stamp in my ...
Hello JWD1972, I think the best thing for you to do is go directly to Manila Immigration and discuss the problem with them and see what they requirement for what you want to do. When you exit the country the visa process starts over, I am not sure ... Read More
Buying satellite watch whatever by Wayne 07
I have a question. Is it possible to buy your own satellite in the Philippines. For the purpose of watching on television anything and everything that the satellite can tap into. I want to see more than what's on cable television there. I ...
Hello Wayne 07, Yes, you can get FTA satellite in the Philippines. Unlike the USA you may have a problem with the languages it is broadcast in and have to be in the area of broadcast. Also, you will not receive any encrypted TV programs that are ... Read More
Disabled Medicare drug planprescription options
Hello jdw1972, I am not sure what med's you are on, or if they are special and not available here. I used to pay $250.00 in prescription copay's in the USA and brought a good supply here with me. When I was in the hospital here the doctor ... Read More
MOST SECURE WAY FOR EXPAT PURCHASING PROPERTY?? by Wimbleton
Looking to buy a property with a girlfriend I have been with almost a year now and would like to know how best to safeguard my investment and be fair to both of us ... If buying the land which would be in her name , I could have a 50 year lease Is ...
Buying the property in your wife's name will insure it remains in her family and for your use until you depart the Philippines. You may or may not realize any recovery or profit from sale of the property. If you create a business here to buy ... Read More
Expecting a baby! by roundhead1952
I am hopeful some of you have had some experience in this and can give some advise. I am an American married to a Philippine national. We are expecting a baby in April. What are the procedures/requirement for our baby to become an American ...
Hello Roundhead1952, Congrats on your future baby. If you have not already, have your wife apply for PhilHealth and pay the fees. She can also add you to the policy along with the baby after it is born. PhilHealth will pay for about 25% of her ... Read More
MOST SECURE WAY FOR EXPAT PURCHASING PROPERTY?? by Wimbleton
Looking to buy a property with a girlfriend I have been with almost a year now and would like to know how best to safeguard my investment and be fair to both of us ... If buying the land which would be in her name , I could have a 50 year lease Is ...
The following was copied directly off the Philippine Embassy Web-Site. ===================== Owning Land in the Philippines Former natural-born Filipinos can own property in the Philippines, subject to limitations prescribed by Philippine Republic ... Read More
Staying illegal In the Philippines. by Panth
I know of a American guy no names, Who as over stayed for 8 months now. This the way it went He and is Pinay Girlfriend/ partner bought tickets to fly to america, Went to Manila airport "No exit visa" So they could not fly out. They went ...
Hello Panth, Unfortunately for your friend, he screwed up. A friend of mine was here without doing his renewals and when he wanted to return to Australia, he could not go. Your friend not only lost whatever he paid for his plane tickets that day, ... Read More
Passport Verified for Australian visa in Phillipines
Go to an attorney that has a notary employed with them. They can copy and certify the copies for you. Then send the copies to the embassy. Hope this helps, RAC Read More
Small Business - share your experience for setting up a small business by herotti
Hi everyone, my name is Henry and i live in Holland, I have a gf and little girl from 4 y old living in Davao. Therefore Im thinking to start up something so i can make a living once I decide to move over. So my question is....., Who has ...
Hello Gr Henry, I have not tried to open a business here in the Philippines. I did do a little research on it when my son wanted to open a customer service phone room here and did not go thru with the project due to certain limitations. First you ... Read More
how much is it for a retirement visa their in the philippines ? by 9434yzxq
i thinking to live only their for 6 months a year and which is best to pay visa fees all the time or go for a retirement visa?is their ant other info im missing?
Hello Stevesalde, You have an excellent question. The answer would depend on the term of stay you are seeking. 1. If you are only going to stay for 6 months a year, then I would look at the Bureau of Immigration for the Philippines website and ... Read More
12 months in Manila by James63
Im in Manila for 12 months & in that time wish to get out to a few islands & buy some real estate I mainly spend time around Makati which is nice, but is there any thing else to do in manila besides Bars & Clubs & shopping ...
Just drop me a note when you are in the area and maybe we can meet up. TC, RAC Read More
13a visa completion question by Wayne 07
Went to Philippines consulate in l. A. Today to apply for my 13a visa. All documents in hand and $150.00 filing fee. The regular person who,process visa wasn't in so they put a substitute in place. All my paper work was good to go no problems. ...
Hi Wayne 07, Yes, Ormoc City was very affected by the typhoon. The whole city was just about leveled. Most of all the government buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged. Our place was damaged by the 200mph winds that hit after the eye passed ... Read More
13a visa completion question by Wayne 07
Went to Philippines consulate in l. A. Today to apply for my 13a visa. All documents in hand and $150.00 filing fee. The regular person who,process visa wasn't in so they put a substitute in place. All my paper work was good to go no problems. ...
LoL, Don't hold your breath on that. The country has some 20 t0 24 tropical storms and typhoons a year. I selected my area because it was the least effected by the storms. Who knew after being here for four years that the most powerful storm ... Read More
Mindset Filipino currency by Wayne 07
When I go to buy something in Philippines I convert the price to U. S. dollars and start thinking how much I am spending from Amercian mindset not filipino. The problem with this is that I don't get a real understanding of the cost from ...
Hi Wayne 07, Buying a car here is problematic. There are all the major care dealerships here. Financing here is large down and fast payoff in a year or two. When financing a purchase here, forget about your USA credit report and score. It means ... Read More
13a visa completion question by Wayne 07
Went to Philippines consulate in l. A. Today to apply for my 13a visa. All documents in hand and $150.00 filing fee. The regular person who,process visa wasn't in so they put a substitute in place. All my paper work was good to go no problems. ...
Hi Wayne 07, I would check with Philippine Immigration on about your date of entry. I do not plan om returning to the USA in the future. My medical needs are affordable here and US medical does not pay anything here for medical services. I have ... Read More
13a visa completion question by Wayne 07
Went to Philippines consulate in l. A. Today to apply for my 13a visa. All documents in hand and $150.00 filing fee. The regular person who,process visa wasn't in so they put a substitute in place. All my paper work was good to go no problems. ...
Hi Wayne 07, That is a good question. You may want to direct it to the immigration people for an answer. I would think it would start when you enter the country and they stamp your passport. Could be one of the reasons for them wanting you to ... Read More
13a visa completion question by Wayne 07
Went to Philippines consulate in l. A. Today to apply for my 13a visa. All documents in hand and $150.00 filing fee. The regular person who,process visa wasn't in so they put a substitute in place. All my paper work was good to go no problems. ...
Hello Wayne 07, You can process the 13a Visa in the USA, but it is a Probationary Residency Visa. When you arrive here in the Philippines, you will have to go to Immigration with your wife here and get an ARC Card with your Permanent Philippine ... Read More
Maximum money deposit for expat American by Wayne 07
I need to know if there is a maximum amount of money that the United States will allow a U.S. citizen to deposit in a Filipino bank? I was told there is. If there isn't and you deposit let's say $50,000.00 does U.S. require taxes to be paid ...
Hello Wayne 07, I don't think there is a maximum amount you can have in the Philippines. When you arrive in the country you are allowed to bring in up to a maximum of 10,000.00php or 10,000.00USD cash before you have to declare it to the ... Read More
GPS devices in Cebu
Hello Walterc, Yes it will work here. You will have to purchase the maps for the Philippines. If you have a charger for it then check to see if it is 110v to 220v usage. If it is 110v only then get a dual voltage charger. for it. Mine from the ... Read More
12 months in Manila by James63
Im in Manila for 12 months & in that time wish to get out to a few islands & buy some real estate I mainly spend time around Makati which is nice, but is there any thing else to do in manila besides Bars & Clubs & shopping ...
Hello James63, If you stay out of the big and medium size cities and stay away from the tourist hot spots, you can build or buy a nice home for 2,200,000php in the Philippines, which is your budget. Do not mention what you budget is to anyone, or ... Read More
12 months in Manila by James63
Im in Manila for 12 months & in that time wish to get out to a few islands & buy some real estate I mainly spend time around Makati which is nice, but is there any thing else to do in manila besides Bars & Clubs & shopping ...
In reference to you statement to buy property. Are you a Philippine Citizen? If you are not a Philippine citizen, then you can not own land or the home built on it. The only available housing that can be purchased is a condo, which leaves you ... Read More
senae Ok's bill allowing full foreign ownership of PH banks by Okieboy
MANILA, Philippines The Senate approved Monday, June 9 a bill seeking to expand the participation of foreign banks in the Philippine financial sector. Senate Bill no. 2159 or an Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign Banks ...
Hello Okieboy, Your topic heading is misleading! Read the provisions of the referenced bill. http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/1884315967!.pdf The bill states: SECTION 1. Section 2 of (1994) Republic Act No. 7721 is hereby amended to read as ... Read More
Appliances by -JohnnyBravo-
Does anyone know if I can use an appliance from the states in the Philippines? I know I plugged in a gaming console from the states and it threw a breaker. Needed a 220 volt. Does the same apply for large appliances? Should I just buy in the Islands?
Hello Johnny, There are a few considerations about using anything electrical from the USA. Any appliance that uses a power supply, check the specifications of the power supply. If the supply says 110v-220v, 2a-1a then you can use it without a ... Read More
Can you live on $2800 in cebu phillippines? by dexternik
Hi all I have been doing my research and have found many sites in relations to this but I didn't see much in regards to relationships. I am looking to move to Cebu and plan to marry a filipino I have income and I will always have it. I would like to ...
Hi dawatson1946, If you do the WFB to BPI thing you will find it works out well. Transfers cost $5.00 to $8.00 depending on the amount transferred. WFB has a daily limit on the amount you can transfer to BPI. I have found that the conversion rate ... Read More
Viagra and similar brands? Do they seek here in phil?? by Wimbleton
Have seen these in Asia ads but not in Phil ! Are they not SOLD here ??
Better than the 850php they wanted for one Levitra or Viagra pill.!! Read More
Viagra and similar brands? Do they seek here in phil?? by Wimbleton
Have seen these in Asia ads but not in Phil ! Are they not SOLD here ??
Sorry, only know of one here in Ormoc and he just did notarization for us. Not sure how reliable or honest they are. TC RAC Read More
Viagra and similar brands? Do they seek here in phil?? by Wimbleton
Have seen these in Asia ads but not in Phil ! Are they not SOLD here ??
The pills are available here in the Philippines, but only at certain larger drug stores. The other down side is they are 25.00USD a pill. They are just super expensive here. I had talked to my doctor here when I moved here, and that is how I ... Read More
Imported items need not be over inflated by vin30
I've read in some forums about how imported items sold here like electronics and luxury brands particularly American or European are over priced. Although most are correct some are not so if you know the right people or know where to look. For ...
They must have considered the wallet a luxury item and looked up the value on their price list. I just paid 750php for a order of replacement parts for my weather station which I paid 50.00USD plus 40.00USD shipping. It is just something you have ... Read More
Can you live on $2800 in cebu phillippines? by dexternik
Hi all I have been doing my research and have found many sites in relations to this but I didn't see much in regards to relationships. I am looking to move to Cebu and plan to marry a filipino I have income and I will always have it. I would like to ...
Hello Dexternik, Cebu is a great area to relocate to out of the city. I personally live across the straights in the City of Ormoc, on Leyte Island. which was hit hard by the Typhoon last November. We use the 2.5 hour fast ferry ride to cross the ... Read More
Philippine bank with US affiliate by easyrider
The US Government deposits my pension every month to my California bank account. I transfer money to my Philippine bank account using Xoom,com. Not only do they charge a fee, they also give an exchange rate of a couple pesos less than the current ...
Hello, Wells Farge Bank has a contract agreement with BPI here in the Philippines for money transfers. The only hitch is the first has to originate from the USA. Fees are 5 to 8 dollars for up to $2,500.00 on a transfer. The exchange rate is in a ... Read More
Condominium or precious yellow metal for investment? by michael3
Hi members, I have many valuable advice from the veteran here with regard to doing business in the Philippines, some suggested that I should keep my monies in the bank, some said why am I in a hurry to lose all my money and I guessed you guys are ...
Yet another reason not to buy without checking EVERYTHING out quite well. The Philippines is located in Seismic zones 4 & 5. Building requirements for these zones are quite strict and costly, yet most construction I have seen here would not meet ... Read More
How much would it cost to live in the Philippines by Snappo
Hi everyone. I am new to this website. I am trying to figure out two things: 1) How much money do I need in the bank to retire in PH. I am thinking I might do OK with P10M to P15M in the bank. 2) What would my monthly bills be in PH. Here is ...
Hello Snappo, If you are considering on buying a place here in the Philippines, consider the following. In the Philippines foreigners are not allowed to own land and other items here. You will find yourself trusting in a Filipino if you purchase ... Read More
Excited but scared.. What if i fail? Who can guide me? by Filipingping
Hello everyone, I'm really new at this so i hope someone can help me?? I don't post often on expat-blog so here I go..!! U might know me from my posts about searching 脿 condo in Makati.. FINALLY I'm living in Makati.. I really love it here and my ...
Hello Filipingping, The very first thing for you to do to legally work in the Philippines if to obtain your dual citizenship. Once you have your Filipino passport and validated you heritage in the Philippines you can work just about anywhere you ... Read More
How much would it cost to live in the Philippines by Snappo
Hi everyone. I am new to this website. I am trying to figure out two things: 1) How much money do I need in the bank to retire in PH. I am thinking I might do OK with P10M to P15M in the bank. 2) What would my monthly bills be in PH. Here is ...
Hello Snappo, I noticed that you planned on 6k php a month on medical co-pay. Are you paying for health insurance in the USA for treatment here? Blue Shield is the only company that will pay here, and their copay's are not that low. Also any ... Read More
How much would it cost to live in the Philippines by Snappo
Hi everyone. I am new to this website. I am trying to figure out two things: 1) How much money do I need in the bank to retire in PH. I am thinking I might do OK with P10M to P15M in the bank. 2) What would my monthly bills be in PH. Here is ...
Hello James121, You may be overestimating your monthly profits on the store. You would need a medium size store to come near that profit amount each month, something the size of a 7/11 in the USA. Between theft, product loss and personal usages ... Read More
hello guys pls lend me some of your time by krishtomas
Hi.. im krish tomas from tarlac city, philippines. i am an architecture student, currently i am doing my thesis proposal research . I am planning to propose a community village especially for those who are here to study English. . I need to make ...
What type of information are you looking for? I am a retired ICC Certified building official retired. I reside in Leyte, Philippines. TC, RAC Read More
Is it hard to earn 3000 pesos? by remy13
My husband's family is living in Misamis Oriental..his mother has a Vegetable's stall in public market while my father in law grow a cassava and corn in their family land..my sister in law working at local bank with salary of 11,000 pesos and the ...
The Philippines to a foreigner seems to be a culture shock, because they are not accustomed to the perspective and culture of the Philippine people. These are a happy, fun loving people, who support the family as a whole in what ever way they can. ... Read More
How to meet the expats here in Manila? by Trigger928
Hey guys, I am new arrival here, 3 weeks so far. all the people i know here is my working mate and my broker. I wish to meet some expat here to learn some tip living in this place, as well as to hang out have some social life. Any suggestions ...
Hello all, I have never traveled outside the USA and want some advice on what is needed to do so. I have my passport and papers all together but that is it. I have read so many things that I am not sure what is required and how to do it. I will ... Read More