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American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
23
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2
About me
American
Speaks English
Registration: 07 April 2018
when are flights resuming by Tariq072283
Im looking to travel to Pampanga February or March. I was wondering what what is the situation with flights now and when they were likely to resume. I was told by a friend that the Philippines is only accepting long term visas and i was planning on ...
On Sept. 5th the Philippines Dept. of Tourism issued a statement about domestic travel within the country. Included was this sentence, "Once border controls are lifted by other countries the DOT foresees regional international travelers & ... Read More
Accommodation in the Philippines: scams you should look out for by Bhavna
Hi, Committing to renting or buying accommodation when you聮re new to or have not moved to the Philippines just yet is always a stressful endeavour. Would you like to help us in putting together a handbook of what to look out for when house ...
From my experience renting apartments I recommend avoiding online listings. They tend to be overpriced. Best bet is to travel through neighborhoods looking for signs or banners. Even better is know some locals who can refer or help you search. And ... Read More
Get a driver's license in the Philippines as a foreigner by chesspsps
Hi guys, I'm a 23 y.o. French and I'd like to get a driver's license just in case... but in France, it's really expensive and it takes forever to get it, same in Japan, so I'm thinking about getting one in the Philippines, ...
As for getting a license on a tourist visa(which doesn't meet the 1 year visa requirement) it can be done, & not by a fixer. I won't go into the details & you didn't hear it from me, but let's just say money talks. Especially ... Read More
Living Philippines Weather concern
Mindanao rarely gets typhoons. The rest of the Philippines it's usually a given, at some point. Earthquakes are just part of life in the Philippines, no matter which island you're on. Good luck finding reliable & fast internet anywhere. ... Read More
Good Reading Books by Peter Clark
Not many book readers in the Philippines myself included, mostly it was Haynes car manuals, Hank Jansons, technical mags and Dennis Wheatley, but spending hours in Airports waiting for your flight got me curious about books and spending my ...
So many good authors & books already listed in this thread. I will only add my favorite crime writer, Michael Connelly. His detective Harry Bosch novels are not to be missed, IMO. The Amazon Prime TV series of the same name is pretty good, too. Read More
Do foreigners get a smile in the PH? Unhappy in Vietnam by bkksaigon
Hello, Im Tim, 45, living and teaching in Vietnam for 2 years. Even though people here where I live (Ho Chi Minh) are extremely polite, respectful and honest, I hardly get a smile from a lady anywhere I go. (Yes, I smile first and I have a ...
Sounds like you're interested in the Filipina ladies as compared to Viet girls. In general, Pinay women are friendly & smile when you catch their eye. I think it has more to do with their cultures' well known politeness, but it's not ... Read More
Cell Phone Questions by moonunit0103
Hi, I have an unlocked Moto G5 Plus GSM phone, using AT&T. I am coming to the Philippines for 2 months. Can I just install a prepaid SIM Card that I purchase when I land, or is there a reason to get a dual SIM cell phone? I understand that I ...
Only local channels are in Tagalog. Most foreigners subscribe to a cable network, which will have international channels primarily in English Read More
Cell Phone Questions by moonunit0103
Hi, I have an unlocked Moto G5 Plus GSM phone, using AT&T. I am coming to the Philippines for 2 months. Can I just install a prepaid SIM Card that I purchase when I land, or is there a reason to get a dual SIM cell phone? I understand that I ...
Make sure your phone is "unlocked", or it won't work with another simcard Read More
Father + Baby. Need City: Cheap, Clean and cheap IT employees by Pat6209
Hi, I have my online business that I want to scale up with cheap employees in the Philippines. I am guessing somewhere with universities or IT oriented. Needs to have good internet. Manilla seems expensive and polluted. Cebu might be okay Davao ...
Manila is expensive, Cebu a little less so, & Davao is very safe & even less costly. I have lived in Davao(along with many other expats) for 2 years & had no problems whatsoever. All three cities have clean, safe housing available for ... Read More
Got My One Year Multi Entry Visa Today by moonunit0103
Hi, I have recently decided to travel to the Philippines, so I applied for a passport, and then sent an application to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC for a Multi Entry 1 year Visa, which came back 10 days later. I have read some other ...
Yeah, they all should be ok. I've been to GenSan & it's fine. Haven't been to the other 2 cities. Though I have been to lligan, which is close to Ozamiz & it was alright. And I know an American who lived in Lake Sebu for awhile, ... Read More
Got My One Year Multi Entry Visa Today by moonunit0103
Hi, I have recently decided to travel to the Philippines, so I applied for a passport, and then sent an application to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC for a Multi Entry 1 year Visa, which came back 10 days later. I have read some other ...
To your question about Mindanao. I live in Davao City & it's as safe as any other place in the Philippines. The southwestern part of the island(Muslim area) can be a little sketchy, though I know Americans who have traveled/lived there ... Read More
Where to exchange USD in large quantity in Metro Manila? by kindawn
Let's say I have around US $5000, where should I go to exchange? In Vietnam, some jewelry stores have this service when you are selling more than $1000, they will come directly to your place so no need to carry a large sum of cash around. Do ...
I've lived here in Phils for almost 2 years & have never heard of the service you describe. Local banks have the best exchange rate & they love getting U.S. dollars. However, they only accept new uncirculated bills. And the process takes ... Read More
Legal services in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello, Legal services can be a headache when you don't have the relevant and necessary information, especially upon moving to a new country. Please share some tips regarding legal services in the Philippines. What types of legal services might ...
My experience with lawyers has taught me 2 things. Always use a Filipino to hire one to avoid the skin tax. And get local references, meaning word of mouth is the best way to find a decent attorney. Which means, again, using Filipinos. A foreigner ... Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
Ok. I learned something new. I was aware that the BB visa is actually intended for OFW's and their spouses. So maybe with your Philippines orgin immigration thinks you're returning from working abroad. Like an OFW. Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
Definitely, assuming you're married to a Filipina. Just enter the country with her & your marriage certificate, then request the BB stamp in your passport. Read More
Parenting in the Philippines by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being a parent can be challenging, and even more so when moving abroad, but it can also be an enriching experience. Tell us more below about your role as a parent in the Philippines. How are you experiencing your parental role ...
Seems the moderators' original post is meant for parents who have moved to the Philippines with their children. Doubt there are many of those. I'm a retired pensioner with a Pinay who has 2 kids and I would have to agree with gordy5938, ... Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
Can only be renewed every 2 months for about 3,000 pesos. And you can do that for up to 3 years. They ended the 6 month extension this last January, though I've heard a few offices around the country still haven't gotten the memo. BI changes ... Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
BI is not hard to find, located on a main street. JP Laurel Ave, near Victoria Plaza shopping center. Just look for all the foreigners walking in & out of a gated entrance. BI says to renew your tourist visa 2 weeks ahead of time. I always go ... Read More
Expat Meet-Up? by Skiffle
Hi We are currently in Davao City and would love to meet new expat's around the area. Maybe have coffee and meet-up to share ideas and have great conversation! Thanks W and C :)
Hello, I notice your original post says "we", but just a lady in your avatar & profile. Are you single or a couple? Our meetups are usually one or the other. We try to get a consensus before hand on when & where to meet. Varies due ... Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
Simply extend your tourist visa at the BI in Davao City. Payable in 2 month increments for up to 3 years. Read More
Areas to live Davao by Buzzardman
My condo lease in Cebu runs out soon and I have to consider where to look next. I have long thought Davao might be a place to consider, so will be visiting to check it out. I need some information on where are the best parts in Davao and the region ...
Depending on the neighborhood, a house w/lot in the city is going to be expensive & hard to find. There are condos similar to what you have in Cebu, but pricey. I currently rent a large apartment in Marfori Heights area of central Davao for ... Read More
Expat Meet-Up? by Skiffle
Hi We are currently in Davao City and would love to meet new expat's around the area. Maybe have coffee and meet-up to share ideas and have great conversation! Thanks W and C :)
Hi Skiffle, Retired American here living in Davao City. I know some other foreigners & we occasionally we meet up for coffee when possible. You're welcome to join. Let me know. Read More