temploni
English expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
48
Contacts
1
About me
English
Lives in Cagayan de Oro
Registration: 23 September 2011
BIR Registration for Foreigners by FindlayMacD
I posted a few weeks ago about registering with BIR to become a Philippines tax payer, the reason for doing this is that I am paying more than PHP5,000 tax on the extra pension that I receive (over and above my UK state pension from) USS, which is ...
@FindlayMacD i am British and also pay tax in UK.As my gov pension plus private pension exceed my UK tax allowance. I also was told by uk pensions that although i live in the Philippines full time.( since 2011)My pensions are sourced from the UK and ... Read More
New insect friends by kevinwood
Hi,I'm looking for some advice, we have just got our new home in La Union and were infested with small ants, can anyone suggest any tried and trusted methods to get rid of these little guys?ThanksKevin
@bigpearl joined the club with many reptiles when younger and living in UK. Tortoise, turtles ,snakes ,lizards and caiman. When i moved to the Philippines i was determined not to keep anything.There are many reptiles that either live in the garden ... Read More
Your neighbours in the Philippines by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When you move in the Philippines, relationships with your neighbours can play a vital role in your well-being and integration. Share your experiences of the interactions and routines that punctuate your daily life in the ...
Perhaps i have been lucky in the three different houses that i have lived. The first house was on a new sub division in Cagayan de oro.The neighbours were friendly and had invites to bbq etc. I also invited my neighbours in return.The second house ... Read More
Letters from overseas delivery time with PhilPost by FindlayMacD
My bank has sent me a new credit card to my home address in Mindanao, I received the typical email message saying "your new credit card is on it's way" on September 1st and the card has to be authorised in my online banking app before it is useable. ...
@FindlayMacD i always use LBC for local and international mail and found it reliable. Read More
Letters from overseas delivery time with PhilPost by FindlayMacD
My bank has sent me a new credit card to my home address in Mindanao, I received the typical email message saying "your new credit card is on it's way" on September 1st and the card has to be authorised in my online banking app before it is useable. ...
@FindlayMacD i also live in Cagayan de oro.My UK banj only send by ordinary mail any new cards.Last year they sent out 2 debit cards and 3 credit cards and none arrived.So i had them sent to my nephew in uk and he sent by courier.Alas now the ... Read More
Looking for visa options to move to Philippines by GuestPoster1923
Hi im a 43 year old American who is considering moving to the Philippines. I have been reading online trying to fine out if i can even live there permanently, And I am confused so im looking for clarification.I am hopefully receiving soon SSDI ...
@78EJTWO you are not old enough to apply for an SRRV. 50 years and above.Simply enter country and get an automatic tourist visa. Then keep renewing your visa up to 3 years. Then take a trip.out to kuala lumpa or similar then re enter the Philippines ... Read More
Travel Tax for leaving the Philippines by brucehon
I will be departing from the Philippines in mid May after a 3 month visit. I am a US citizen and am not a taxable foreign passport holder, so according to my research, I do not think I am required to pay the travel tax. But do I need to apply for a ...
@bigpearl Filipino pay travel tax on leaving the country. Foreigners who have stayed a year or more are also eligible to pay the same tax. 1620pesos. Read More
Happy New Years All!!
@danfinn The Chinese had the toughest and longest lockdown of people in the world but still has covid problems. What does this tell us?Lockdowns don't work.The vaccines don't prevent us from getting covid.If you gave even 2 vaccines to your dog to ... Read More
got offloaded by PHIL IMMIGRATION/NAIA carrying Buss, Visa by chantal_
I know the guidelines, That they have to be strict, protective, and were all subject to their Evaluation and Final Decision.. But whats the use of this "Business Visa" granted and issued to us FILIPINOS with COMPLETE, VALID and LEGAL DOCUMENTS if ...
@vetretreat Don't know if it has changed now but many years ago i went to fly from Clark airport and at that time i was not aware of the ECC certificate. There was no office in airport and was directed to a field office outside. By the time i had ... Read More
LFC Investment Scheme by Cherryann01
Does anybody know anything about a so called investment scheme in the Philippines called LFC? A quick Google search seems to indicate that it is some sort of betting scheme, promising investors a daily return of around 5% for their investment and ...
@Cherryann01 I'm sorry to say i have a feeling you are being scammed. Some families will work together with the lies. Does her family have money. 100k to borrow from your mom is alot of money for the average filipino. Read More
Philippine Post Office by Moon Dog
Does anyone know how to contact the Philippine post office? I ordered an aircon belt for my multicab from Megazip in Japan. I paid over $23 for 4-7 day expedited shipping for the tiny belt which probably weighs 2 or 3 ounces. When I complained that ...
@Moon Dog enroute to office means thrown in a container in manila waiting for it to fill before shipping out. Don't hold your breath. Read More
Philippine Post Office by Moon Dog
Does anyone know how to contact the Philippine post office? I ordered an aircon belt for my multicab from Megazip in Japan. I paid over $23 for 4-7 day expedited shipping for the tiny belt which probably weighs 2 or 3 ounces. When I complained that ...
@iuliiam i always use LBC express here in the Philippines for my international and local mail.Never had any problems and slighty cheaper than the major courier services. Read More
Absurdity of Looking for Work in the Philippines by drjs
I acquired my spousal visa in the Philippines a couple of months ago and started looking for work. Since I'm not Filipino, I knew it would be difficult.First you have to deal with the fact that several companies flat out refuse to hire anybody who ...
@BassMan_720 Unfortunately it is a Government directive to give the senior citizen discount to filipino citizens only. A bill was put forward for foreigners to be included but was sat on in the senate and not passed. Read More
Where is the best place to live in the Philippines by bmasters150665
I have been living in Thailand for the past 17 years and getting really sick of it so I'm thinking of moving over there any help places that have a great vibe and plenty to do without the poverty聽
@Cherryann01聽it is the areas of Mindanao like Sulu and maguindanao in the muslim areas that can be unsafe.I've lived in Mindanao for 11 years. Travelled all the northern part of Mindanao ,central Bukidnon and down to Davao. Used private ... Read More
Is The Philippines Right for Me by Cherryann01
I have just returned from the Philippines after spending three weeks there and returning to the Uk via a four night stop in HCMC and I am questioning if the Philippines is the right place for me to eventually retire in a few years. I may upset a few ...
@Cherryann01聽I am also British and i have lived in Cagayan de Oro for 11 years. The city is still developing and has many new malls and places to go out in the evening.Yes there are some old and dirty areas but generally i love living here. The ... Read More
SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa by DukeStamina
I have a question. I served in the U.S. military for 6 years. I have an honorable discharge and a DD-214; but I am not considered retired military. However, I am now retired from working and I am collecting Social Security. The amount far exceeds ...
@Munchie聽I had the same problem. I am British and was asked to get an apostised copy of my pension.I was told the Embassy do this. They do not do pension letters when i enquired.I found out on the internet that i had to get my pension letter ... Read More
New Visa Law by Panth
Foreign Tourists will be able to stay 6 months per vist to the Immigration offices instead of the 2 months,It will cost 13,000 pesos,I just read.
If you have stayed 6 months or more in the philippines you will have to obtain and exit clearance even if you have an acr card Read More
Hi I'm new! Two questions on retiring in PI by Doofus
I have been watching My PI Dream on YouTube about building a house in Batangas, good set of videos! My main question is this: Foreigners cannot own land, only the house, so the title has to be in my wifes name (a Filipina I met in the US). When we ...
Is your daughter from your filopina wife and yourself. If so a friend in a similar situation said his daughter could inherit as her mother is filopina Read More
Fresh Expat. Need ACR Card for Apartment? by MykeAngelo
Hello, I am planning to move to the Philippines from US in less than a year and was wondering if the ACR Card is needed to rent an apartment in the Philippines? As far as I know it's needed to open a PH bank account. So do fresh expats pay cash ...
As i said in cdo they issued me with a driving license. The RTA officer told me to get one if i want to drive.on the road legally. Secondly i renew my visa every 2 months until it is time to leave the country and have done this for 7 years. Read More
Fresh Expat. Need ACR Card for Apartment? by MykeAngelo
Hello, I am planning to move to the Philippines from US in less than a year and was wondering if the ACR Card is needed to rent an apartment in the Philippines? As far as I know it's needed to open a PH bank account. So do fresh expats pay cash ...
I believe that it is 3 years now. It's no problem just find any cheap flight out of philippines ( usually hong kong and kuala lumpa have cheap flights) either stay for a day and return or make a small holiday break) Read More
Sending $ to my gf in the Philippines by Kenworthman18
I have a question. I recently met a lady in the Philippines. We eventually became engaged. We want the wedding in the phillipines so her family can attend. My fiancee has a wedding planner girlfriend so I want to start sending money to her for ...
I have to agree with the statements here. 15k dollars is far too expensive. Why do you have to send all this money in advance? I have personally been scammed trusting too much. Not all filopina are bad but the ones that are will take you for every ... Read More
Fresh Expat. Need ACR Card for Apartment? by MykeAngelo
Hello, I am planning to move to the Philippines from US in less than a year and was wondering if the ACR Card is needed to rent an apartment in the Philippines? As far as I know it's needed to open a PH bank account. So do fresh expats pay cash ...
In my area Cagayan de Oro. You can get a filopino driving license even if you have tourist visa. ( In fact they never asked for it). All i did was fill out application form obtain medical certificate from local office (normaly test your eyes). Gave ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
Perhaps it depends on the LTO office in your area. Here in Mindanao the lto when they do spot checks will allow you to drive for 90 days on your foreign license but they tell you to get a filopino license if you want to continue driving. You go to ... Read More
I'm new here. Can I live well on $1800 a month in Cebu by chefwayne
Hi,I know his has probably been done to death but I'm new here and need to ask. I've been living in Thailand for a while and now want to move to the Philippines. My question is can I lie well on $1800 a month in Cebu? I don't drink I'm a retired ...
Philhealth will not cover serious conditions like cancer or kidney disease for foreigners Read More
Visa required for Philippines ?
Easy to renew visa at any immigration office. Just do it a few days before the current one expires. Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
You can get a driving license if you are not a permanent registered person. In fact it is a requirement that if you are in the country for more than 3 months you must apply for a filopino license if you want to drive here. Read More
Starting business in Philippines as a foreigner by CherHow
Hi all, I'm a Singaporean and thinking of bringing a business into the Philippines next year. Since i do not have a spouse, i think the best suited business structure for me would be a corporation. Do anyone of you have any tips regarding ...
I suggest you speak to a qualified attorney who is experienced in setting up companies for foreigners. My friends used one here in Cagayan de oro ,who has a few foreign clients and can advise you on protecting your investment. Read More
Legal question - Affidavits to withdraw a fake criminal complaint by Rogerdelta
During a visit to Philippines, the Filipino girlfriend and the American boyfriend had a dispute and the guy attempted to walk out of her house. The girl then screamed rape and abuse and the police came and took them to the police station where the ...
Forget this girl as she can't be trusted. Look elsewhere they will make more trouble and possibly even worse. Read More
Moving to the Philippines: where should I move based on my criteria? by travelperson20
Although I've never been to the Philippines, I really like what I've read and seen (incredible beaches) and I'm thinking about moving there. I will travel and inspect a few locations before I decide on where I would like to live, but ...
Reading your critrea for the ideal place to live. I don't think the Philippines would tick all your boxes. I think you would be better looking at the mediterranean in southern Europe. Plenty of Islands for sailing,quality housing,beautiful blue ... Read More
Clearance to go out of the country ?? by fratyrfro
Hello, After 1 year and a half in PH, on a tourist visa (and all the extensions), I will go back to Europe. I have read that I could need a clearance to be able to leave the country. It could take 15 days to proceed ! I would hope that I could ...
yes you require an exit clearance or will refused boarding the aircraft. It depends on your immigration office how quickly it is processed. I got mine the same day and paid about 500pesos (not sure of cost now). It is recommended to apply 2 weeks ... Read More
What does the process of acquiring ACR I-Card involve in CDO? by truenorth123456
I am Dale, from Toronto, canada. I will be staying in Philippines for a 3 to 4 moth visit in 2018. I am planning to return to CDO, in February until June 2018. Could anyone explain to me how the process of getting a ACR I-Card works? I have read ...
Hi Dale With regards to your questions. Don't worry the immigration will soon ask you to buy an acr card when you go to renew your visa. It is normal to ask to buy one on your second extention (after 2 months) in Philippines. I can't see its ... Read More
How to find a sincere caretaker of the house in Cagayan de Oro by MrNorway
I have a vacation home in Cagayan de Oro and I am trying to sell it very hard, but face difficulties to get any buyer. There are many reasons for that. In order to protect the property I hire 2 caretakers who can guard the house all 24 hrs. I also ...
Good morning I live in CDO and take care of a house garden and dog here in CDO for 6 months of the year while the owners are away abroad. I don't live at the house but they also have cctv plus the dog. i visit 2 x daily. Read More
What does the process of acquiring ACR I-Card involve in CDO? by truenorth123456
I am Dale, from Toronto, canada. I will be staying in Philippines for a 3 to 4 moth visit in 2018. I am planning to return to CDO, in February until June 2018. Could anyone explain to me how the process of getting a ACR I-Card works? I have read ...
Hi Dale With regards to your questions. Don't worry the immigration will soon as you to buy an acr card when you go to renew your visa. It is normal to ask to buy one on your second extention (after 2 months) in Philippines. I can't see its ... Read More
Bringing the pet dogs to the Philippines? by sirrobcentral
Has anyone flown their dog /dogs in to the Philippines? If so what was all the required papers and forms? Do you have to have special permission before arriving or is it the same as an individual? Also how long is quarentine? Cost is also a ...
Please be sure you get the documentation from the authorities here before you arrive. you will pay a small fee to them on arrival. The biggest bug bear for me in 2011 were the running around from one part of the airport to another trying to get ... Read More
Rude passport control in NAIA by eduardo001
Hello. I living in the Philippines since June 2014 with tourist visa. Last night I arrived from Thailand with all legit documents and ticket to third destination, and had issue with passport control in airport. One young police officer asked me: ...
Unfortunately immigration in many countries are not friendly and sometimes rude. The only thing you can do is be polite even when they are not. I was asked in Manila airport why i was coming back to the Philippines as i have many tourist visa ... Read More
Rude passport control in NAIA by eduardo001
Hello. I living in the Philippines since June 2014 with tourist visa. Last night I arrived from Thailand with all legit documents and ticket to third destination, and had issue with passport control in airport. One young police officer asked me: ...
Ive lived in the philippines on tourist visa for 6 years. Why? Because they will not give me any other type of visa unless i am married to a filopina. Read More
Marshall Law on Mindanao
I live in cagayan de oro and life goes on as normal. There is an army check point on the road just outside our sub division but no problems. Read More
Will I be safe traveling to Zamboanga by sbleakley21
Hi I will be traveling to the region of Zamboanga. I was just wondering if I will be safe as a foriegner鈽� Shane
I have lived in mindanao for 6 years. My home is in Cagayan de oro. I have never had any problems and yes i go out at night. Zamboanga and other parts in the muslim controlled areas are risky ( not from the ordinary people but extremists groups like ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
Mark does your government pension get its annual increase living in the philippines or is it frozen from the time you receive it. Read More
Visa extension by Bernswaggle
Hi all just wondering if someone out there can explain visa extensions? i thought i knew what i was doing and approached immigration in Bohol thinking that i would get more that 28 days extension with a week to go on my first visa since arriving ...
Bernie as it's your first renewal you will only get 1 month extension but pay for 2 months. This is because you have to pay from the first arrival date as you waiver you free month if you stay.This is the process i'm afraid in all ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
According to the philippine immigration site unless it has changed. If you are a foreigner (not a previous filipino returning or child of a filipino) You will have to give up your rights as a Belgian citizen. I dont think that would be adviseable. Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
If you want to apply for citizenship you must live in the country for 10 years or if you are married to a filopina after 5 years. You will have to give up your British citizenship. You will not be allowed dual unlike your wife who can apply for both. Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
The longest you can stay on tourist visa is now 3 years (previously 2) just keep renewing as required.After the 3 years you just need to take a trip to Hong kong or Malaysia whatever is the cheapest then return even after only a day and the process ... Read More
Permanent residency in Philipines ? by Keef53
I will retire in 30 months time and then I can decide whether to stay in the UK or relocate. I will visit the Philipines next year and if I like it may consider retiring there. My question is how easy is it to get a long term visa or obtain ...
Its very easy to renew your visa here at the local immigration office. Before your entry visa is about expire just go to the local immigration with your passport a copy of your info page from passport copy of your entry stamp.Also a photo of ... Read More
Bringing the pet dogs to the Philippines? by sirrobcentral
Has anyone flown their dog /dogs in to the Philippines? If so what was all the required papers and forms? Do you have to have special permission before arriving or is it the same as an individual? Also how long is quarentine? Cost is also a ...
As long as they are rabies vaccinated and wormed(but check now). Your pets can go home with you. Read More
Bringing the pet dogs to the Philippines? by sirrobcentral
Has anyone flown their dog /dogs in to the Philippines? If so what was all the required papers and forms? Do you have to have special permission before arriving or is it the same as an individual? Also how long is quarentine? Cost is also a ...
I bought 3 dogs and 2 cats into the philippines in 2005. i thought i had everything sorted as i obtained the paperwork from the government dept dealing with animal imports. i also had a animal shipper in the country of departure deal with paperwork ... Read More
Business for foreigners by ansmn1974
Hi, I am asking about business for foreigners in Manila. i came across sites that all agree that foreigners are not allowed to own more than 40% of any business. This is Ok for me but is it safe that my partner owns 60%? In other words, what does ...
Consult a good Lawyer how it can be set up without losing control. Read More
Public transportation in Cagayan de Oro
There are plenty of good transportation links in Cagayan de Oro. I personaly have a car but there are ample taxis,rural bus,jeepney and shuttle etc.The taxis are alot cheaper than manila. Read More