afzalraza
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
46
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in manila
Registration: 14 May 2009
SRRV some basic questions by Buzzardman
I live in UK and am looking to move out to Philippines on a SRRV. I have been googling away for information on the details of the procedures and have a couple of questions that I am not clear about. Sorry if they seem a bit simplistic, but I would ...
i have the ssrv but i received it some time ago so my advice may not be current 1. i believe you merely have to show evidence of having the pension - it is not a requirement to remit it all to a philippine bank 2. you should wait until you are ... Read More
Round trip airfare ticket to Philippines required? by FCStraight
It's been a long time since I traveled to the Philippines so I need to know if the immigration authorities in the Philippines would require me to produce a return ticket when I get there. Here's a possible scenario: I am not sure yet ...
you can buy a one way ticket manila to hong kong on the cebu pacific website departing on december 14 for Peso 2588 about $53 Read More
How safe is it NOW in the Philippines? by FCStraight
With all the bad news (killings, terrorism, etc) I have been hearing and watching what seems to be common nowadays, but is really safe now to visit the Philippines? Or the news is simply focusing on those troubled areas to make news more ...
I have lived in retirement 17 years in Makati and I have not had or seen anything dangerous. This is even though I sometimes walk home to my condo in Rockwell from the bar district very late at night. The worst that happens in this area is that ... Read More
Is the Philippines a safe place? by FortuneFavorsTheBold
What do you think?
i fully agree with your comments - to mind ones own business and stay out of confrontations is the way to behave - in 17 years of living in makati i have never felt any tension and not seen any trouble other than kids trying to be pickpockets - and ... Read More
is ok to travel to ozamiss by private rent a car at present
i have done cdo to ozamis and also dipolog to ozamis a couple of time and i believe it to be as safe as driving anywhere in asia Read More
Learn Filipino Language and More for Free
great - will give it a try Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in the Philippines face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and ...
If you are driving outside a city and in a remote area, and find your road blocked or obstructed, don鈥檛 get out of the car. Try you best to move the obstruction with the car, go around the obstruction, or if there is no way to proceed then ... Read More
Getting a traffic citation, just because you are a foreigner. by Robbie2248
Recently, I was driving along, my wife in the car with me, we were on a 4 hour trip, and bang, some lunatic cut me off, and sideswiped me. I was in the traffic stream, and the other driver, very annoyingly typical of that type, overtook everybody, ...
my advice is to get a lawyer to help you with this Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to the Philippines? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
I came to the Philippines about 15 years ago to determine if it was a suitable retirement destination. I found it offered everything i was looking for and i decided to remain permanently. The main reasons are: 1. Like my home, the United States, ... Read More
Retirement in sindangan Zamboanga Philippines by Peter.levica
I'm considering retirement in Sandangan Zamboanga Phillippines primarily for the cost of living and possible marriage to a local. What is the risk of getting my butt shot of in this area. I'm a military veteran and am well versed in hand to ...
its now renamed the red planet, makati try this - http://www.ilink.ph/tune-hotel-makati Read More
Retirement in sindangan Zamboanga Philippines by Peter.levica
I'm considering retirement in Sandangan Zamboanga Phillippines primarily for the cost of living and possible marriage to a local. What is the risk of getting my butt shot of in this area. I'm a military veteran and am well versed in hand to ...
go to tune hotels philippines, or try this website - www.agoda.com/Tune+Hotels+Philippines Read More
Retirement in sindangan Zamboanga Philippines by Peter.levica
I'm considering retirement in Sandangan Zamboanga Phillippines primarily for the cost of living and possible marriage to a local. What is the risk of getting my butt shot of in this area. I'm a military veteran and am well versed in hand to ...
the best advice from respondents is to come over and look around and make long term decisions only after you are familiar with the country that a foreigner can not obtain a licence to own or carry a weapon is correct advice - however any philippine ... Read More
Maids and Nurses - cost of? by pej1111
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are for the cost of a maid and or a nurse? (live in or otherwise) I am planning for the future and if I make the move here it will be for life.
hi - to which post is this a response Read More
Going back to his home country as he thinks Cebu is dirty by jasonswits
The school that I'm working for was supposed to have this student from Spain. He flew all the way from his home country only to say Cebu is dirty as it rained last weekend when he arrived. He left Cebu as soon as he got here. Wow! I know Cebu ...
anyone with half a brain should know that a city in a poor third world country is going to be much more dirty that a city in Spain - Jakarta, Calcutta, Karachi, etc will also be much more dirty than a city in Spain - one should know and accept this ... Read More
Maids and Nurses - cost of? by pej1111
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are for the cost of a maid and or a nurse? (live in or otherwise) I am planning for the future and if I make the move here it will be for life.
i have a very good live in housekeeper in makati - i pay her 5000 a month plus room and board and toiletries and she has one day a week off - it is probably 1000 per month higher than the average but she is far above average - i am not familiar with ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in the Philippines by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in the ...
hi christine i came to the philippines to retire and like it here so much i have no intention of leaving - i like the welcoming nature of the people, and find much of the country, people and attitude quite beautiful - i am american but when working ... Read More
Airfare to Cebu - Least expensive way for no return + hotel? by ron2
I will be moving to Cebu shortly and realize that I must have a ticket showing round trip or at least leaving. What is the least expensive way when not intending to use the return portion? Also what hotel is good and reasonable to stay aut while ...
the airline you take to the philippines will usually ask to see your ticket out of the philippines - check cebu to hong kongon both air asia and cebu pacific - you may even wish to use it and return so as not to overstay visa requirements - you can ... Read More
Helper/maid/kasambahay in a condo by chris_balikbayan
Hi guys, I relocated to my birth country last november and its been 9 months here in Metro Manila. I live in a small condo I was wondering if anyone else here has a helper that lives with them in a condo? I know a house is better for livein ...
hi - i am single and live in a two bedroom two bathroom condo and have live in house keeper who lives in the smaller of the two bedrooms - i pay 5,000 per month plus room and all food and bathroom accessories - the housekeeper is excellent Read More
Filipino cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in the Philippines? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of the Philippines and why not your best ...
yes you are correct - my misspelling Read More
Filipino cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in the Philippines? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of the Philippines and why not your best ...
My favourite cuisine in the Philippines is from biro;, Bicol express and lying. Read More
Healthcare in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in the Philippines ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in the Philippines? Thanks in advance ...
my only hospital stay in the philippines was for a hernia operation - i had a suite room for two days, a surgeon and another doctor for the anaesthetic, a successful operation and good care, for a total cost of around us$ 3,000 - i was able to walk ... Read More
Party in Manila : March 24-29, 2015 by ichaa
Dear all, I am going to be in Manila with my friends on 24 - 29 March, 2015. Looking to hit up the best parties in town and some places to visit during our stay. Especially i will celebrate my birthday in Manila! Yeaayy.. :P Appreciate if you guys ...
try Jools Cabaret 0n P Burgos street - show times are 10, 11, 12, and 1am, and the show is different every hour Read More
info on moving from GB to Philippines by MELVYN P
Hi, I will be moving to the phippines but so much i need to know, How much money can i carry in cheque or cash,what is the best way to send a large amount as i will be selling my proerty here and getting married and buying a house. what can any one ...
i fully agree with the suggestion that you rent first to get to know the areas you will like also please be aware that a foreigner may own a condo but not landed property - i have met a few who made the mistake that believing their relationship ... Read More
I am visiting Manila from 3-5 Nov (Mon - Wed) by lsn73
Dear Filipino friends, Mabuhay. How are you? I will be visiting Manila for both business and leisure. I will be staying in Ortigas Center. Is there any place unique places that you would recommend me to visit? Shopping for men clothing and shoes. ...
if you want evening entertainment and like las vegas style cabaret dance, then come and watch the show at jools cabaret, on p burgos street in makati - it is close to rockwell Read More
Hello to Philippines forum by mikeEAmikeEA
My name is Mike, I'm 32 and I have one pet, I'll let you guess what animal it is! (You will need more than one try) I am going to Manila soon, in less than a month, in the middle of November, and would like to find some other like minded ...
I have been retired in Makati for 15 years and will be happy to talk over the phone or in person and answer any questions - I also worked for a chicago company in different asia locations and also served in the us army Read More
Living 2014 on $5000.00 a month in Philippines (living in provience) by Wayne 07
In 2010 I read a question on blog of what is it like living on $5000.00 (U.S A. Dollars) a month in the Philippines. It is 2014 soon to be 2015. I would like to know now how life would be like living on that amount in both the city and country. I ...
I have read a number of replies that feel usd 5000 a month is excessive - however it depends on your lifestyle - if you wish to live in the best parts of Makati such as greenbelt or rockwell, you can easily spend half of that on a three bedroom ... 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 works well for an expensive property but not practical for a small property because of ongoing expenses - set up a company for the sole purpose of owning the property - you as a foreigner may own no more than 40% of the company - 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 ...
an american can make a wire transfer from his usa bank to his philippine bank - there is not limit for wire transfers - you will be required to report the highest annual balance of any account outside the usa during the time of your annual tax ... 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 ...
hi james - until you get to know manila stay within the areas visited by expats such as greenbelt, makati ave and burgos street, and malate - for something different see the cabaret chow at jools cabaret on burgos street Read More
Aussie based in MANILA by James63
Hi i will be based in Manila soon for Tax reasons , not to sure about manila though , would rather be on an island with a airport with in 1 hour flight of Manila to build my beach hut , any sugestions with (limited mozzies) Thanks James
you can get to puerto galera by road and public ferry and avoid flights - about 1 1/2 hour by car or bus and 1 hour by ferry - its on a large island, mindoro, with many beaches Read More
Pasalubong? by jdw1972
Hello, I am new to this forum and would like to ask a question... I am vacationing in the Philippines, and will meet the family of a new friend I made, with the possibility of the 2 of us dating each other. When I meet his parents, I would like to ...
i suggest inexpensive perfume for girls/ladies and inexpensive t shirts for men/boys - you can get an assortment of t shirt sizes and chances are they will all be useful Read More
Persian Restaurant by Peter1965
Hello good fellas. Does anyone know an authentic Persian restaurant in Manila run by Iranians and filled with Iranian customers, too? I'm also looking for Iranian friends.
ok - sorry about that - i blame it on the pc - i will be carefull next time Read More
Persian Restaurant by Peter1965
Hello good fellas. Does anyone know an authentic Persian restaurant in Manila run by Iranians and filled with Iranian customers, too? I'm also looking for Iranian friends.
HUSSAINS ON MAKATI AVENUE ABOUT HALF WAY BETWEEN KALAYAAN AVE AND JUPITER IS VERY GOOD Read More
2 months holiday in puerto gallera - advice please by Richard_77
Hi We are coming to puerto gallera for 2 months Plan was rent a place for a week to find an appartment my wife and I can rent for 2 months We require air con and small kitchen swimming pool and beach access We are divers and sailors and will ...
while december is the busy season there is always rentals available - just the choice and quality will be more limited Read More
2 months holiday in puerto gallera - advice please by Richard_77
Hi We are coming to puerto gallera for 2 months Plan was rent a place for a week to find an appartment my wife and I can rent for 2 months We require air con and small kitchen swimming pool and beach access We are divers and sailors and will ...
its good advice of dhinindc to go to sabang and rent a place for a few days and then look around for an apartment for a longer 2 month rental - i believe you will find a wide choice in different range of price groups - however decamber and january ... Read More
arriving in phillippines by slammer1
hoping to go to the phillipines in mid june and wondering where there is a reasonable safe place to stay till i can find an place also do's and don'ts and things to watch for upon arrival any info is appreciated
hi slammer1 - i have lived in makati for 13 years and enjoy life in the philippines very much - however to best answer your questions it would help to know your interests, your budget, etc - there are a wide veriety of things to do, price ranges of ... Read More
Anyone like hiking? by Ereza1506
Hi all, Once a month or two, i go hiking. The last 5 years, i have been into ultralight backpacking. I do hiking for fun. I went hiking with locals and sometimes solo hiking If anyone here like hiking, maybe we can go together. Depending on the ...
i just did my first climb and enjoyed it very much and would like to do more - to start with i would like to do the easier day climbs out of the manila area - my first climb was mount batulao, it took us 2 1/2 hours up an 2 1/4 down - i would be ... Read More
the life (Manille) by Herve 75000
Hello, I am new to the forum I must go abroad to Manila and I know the budget it takes to live in Manila Manila is she a nice town or not? Thank you very much
i think this is a very dificulet question to answer because there are aspects that one person would love about manila and other problems that would cause a european to dislike manila - having lived in north america and various asian countries most ... Read More
Traffic in Manila by krishn
In Manila we are having heavy traffic What is the reason behind ? :P
there was a very good editorial in the manila times on this issue last week - it focused specifically on why the traffic on edsa was much slower than it should be - the artlicle concluded that this was caused by busses and jeepneys blocking lanes ... Read More
26 yr old F American looking for other like-minded expats by girlti9er
Hey everyone, I'm a 26 yo female American living in Makati. I have friends here who are locals and they're great, but I would also like to meet some expats to hang out with. I came to the Philippines completely on a whim, with no intentions of ...
hi - divino next door which is pole dancing is closed - jools which is a las vegas style cabaret show is very much open - enter below the jools sign - regards Hey, I thought this bar is already closed? I went there last weekend to inquire about ... Read More
Planing to live in Pakistan by Saied
Hello, I am living in Sweden for the past 36 years and now intend moving back to my roots. I hope to enjoy being on this forum and look forward to some important information from the members. Saied
hi saied thanks for your reply - actually i have been away 50 years but have visited about 5 times over the years - yes please send me an email or reply when you move to karachi - may i ask why karachi - i understand if you have family in karachi ... Read More
26 yr old F American looking for other like-minded expats by girlti9er
Hey everyone, I'm a 26 yo female American living in Makati. I have friends here who are locals and they're great, but I would also like to meet some expats to hang out with. I came to the Philippines completely on a whim, with no intentions of ...
hi - i am american much older than you but as i work in a club with cabaret show i meet alot of expats i can indroduce you to - stop by jools club in makati and ask for tony or cll me at 09199482032 regards, tony Read More
Planing to live in Pakistan by Saied
Hello, I am living in Sweden for the past 36 years and now intend moving back to my roots. I hope to enjoy being on this forum and look forward to some important information from the members. Saied
hi saied i am retired in the philippines and plan to remain here, but i very much want to visit the homeland and travel around and get to know pakistan again as it is many decades since i lived there - my first step has been done and that is to ... Read More