NN3M/DU3
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
46
About me
American
Lives in San Manuel, Central Luzon
Registration: 02 June 2023
SSA Direct Deposit to BDO Questions by NN3M/DU3
Hello fellow PH retirees -- My long-time credit union (since 1983) merged with another outfit some months ago. I've had a couple significant issues with them. (Example, I hadn't gotten my new debit card and the old one was expiring... waiting ...
Hello Bob -- Thank you for your input. Yes, the SS deposit has been made to this same credit union since Day One. And, yes, it gets there a couple days early. I have and use a USAA Visa card. Very familiar with their services, been using them ... Read More
SSA Direct Deposit to BDO Questions
Hello fellow PH retirees -- My long-time credit union (since 1983) merged with another outfit some months ago. I've had a couple significant issues with them. (Example, I hadn't gotten my new debit card and the old one was expiring... waiting ... Read More
Small Apartment Construction by dhmacmu
In preparation for my permanent move to the Philippines (Binongtoan/Culaba, Biliran Leyte), I had my fianc茅 (my long-term girlfriend and my best friend's niece) rent a small apartment for 17000 peso/month which includes utilities. I have not ...
@dhmacmu We spent a lovely year in rural Central Luzon while building our house. A one-bedroom apartment for p4500 / month, no utilities included. The landlord was a kind OFW who had returned home after many years. With his permission, we ... Read More
News sources .. best and worst? by PalawOne
In your opinion ..What are the best and worst sources of news when in the US, the Philippines, or world wide?To whom do we listen? Nobody knows the sources better than locals. So who to seek or avoid? Happy trails
Ref US sources ... I have never imbibed in MSNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN or Fox. All of them offer infotainment, not news. I used to get Reuters daily blast until their Slavery series (aimed at "reparations") a year or so ago. No thank you. AP is in the ... Read More
Hot Water Shower by Bannor
Hello, everyone! What has been your experience with hot water in the shower? I notice many places do not have this amenity. Have you found it necessary for your quality of life, or something you have happily dispensed with?
We have a 10 amp German tankless heater. HOT showers, my wife now loves them. Two years from new, used 2-3x per day, 365 days per year. Faultless.Similarly, we have 4 Aircon units from 1-1/2 HP to 3 HP. At least one of them is on at all times. ... Read More
How to ship belongings from US to Philippines? by robhankins
I am contemplating retirement in the Phils. I am married to a filipina. Does anyone know how best (cheapest) to send personal belongings to the Phils?
@Moon Dog. Lovely shop and yard 馃憤 Read More
SRRV with a criminal record. by GuestPoster114778
Hello.I'm 35 year old dane (well half dane/filipino) looking into SRRV classic option. The only problem is that I don't have a clean criminal record.Basically what happened was I flipped a hat off a guy and accidentally hit him. This act of ...
@bigpearl I believe you are right, Steve.The SRRV program was shut down a few years ago because of too many young (35 yo) retirees from a certain country. The upshot was raising the retirement age for everyone to age 50.Stef Read More
SRRV passport by piattepye
Just turned all the paperwork in and they took my passport and were to email me paperwork to show for immigration why I didn't have it, in my email that night well still waiting and tomorrow is a holiday so I was to fly out also after I finished, ...
@danfinn is right. It took about two very uncomfortable months without a passport to get it back. My friend in Cebu had his returned in about three weeks, tho. Those are the only two data points I can give you. However, before I handed over my ... Read More
Evaluating the Philippines as a possible home in retirement by jeremyshulman
My name is Jeremy Shulman. I'm a citizen of the USA, looking into retiring in the Philippines at the end of this year (2024). I need help in evaluating the Philippines as a possible home in retirement. I also need a way of sharing my personal ...
Hello Jeremy -- Only you can evaluate the Philippines, but we can help you if you give us a bit more information. Do you want to want to live in a village with close family ties or a condo in a high-rise? Every dimension (housing cost, social ... Read More
House security by tempcinamdar
I will not be living in a gated community with 24/7 guards on the premises.How do I prevent burglars from taking my "stuff" from my rental home? In Texas when a burglar enters your home you have the legal right to use your Glock. All helpful input ...
If the house is to be vacant for months at a time, consider a family member as a live-in caretaker or hire a caretaker.A fence will help, but not prevent those who are determined.Likewise, dogs.An alternative may be making it an Airbnb rental using ... Read More
What kind of bike would work for me ? by stuleer
Hi, I am an American living in Hong Kong for 26 years. i am married to a filipino.聽We have a house in Cauayan but live in HK. After coming to the Philippines many times I am thinking about getting a motorcycle. I have a big bike in the USA and ...
The CT150 would be a great motor for the kolong-kolong too. Strong bike. Read More
What kind of bike would work for me ? by stuleer
Hi, I am an American living in Hong Kong for 26 years. i am married to a filipino.聽We have a house in Cauayan but live in HK. After coming to the Philippines many times I am thinking about getting a motorcycle. I have a big bike in the USA and ...
So ... this would be a fourth vehicle for us. We drive the Super Grandia for most everything. A kolong-kolong (Honda TMX 125, relaced wheels, extra shock) loaned to the family gets the kids to school and back. Occasional use transferring cement, ... Read More
What kind of bike would work for me ? by stuleer
Hi, I am an American living in Hong Kong for 26 years. i am married to a filipino.聽We have a house in Cauayan but live in HK. After coming to the Philippines many times I am thinking about getting a motorcycle. I have a big bike in the USA and ...
@Moon Dog Cool looking bike. Read More
Water in the Philippines by Col Rootentoot
EDITORIAL 鈥� No Water to DrinkThe Philippine Star January 27th, 2024 (snipped for brevity)https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/01/27/2328906/editorial-no-water-drinkThe government is readying measures amid expectations of a strong El ...
@danfinn Exactly, Dan. These are pretty shallow, hand-pumped wells. One by one the pumping was harder and harder, then stopped well by well.After the fields were soaked, the water level returned.--s-- Read More
Water in the Philippines by Col Rootentoot
EDITORIAL 鈥� No Water to DrinkThe Philippine Star January 27th, 2024 (snipped for brevity)https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/01/27/2328906/editorial-no-water-drinkThe government is readying measures amid expectations of a strong El ...
Here in the rural areas, jug water is common. This is a very poor area, but even when drinking alak with friends, there is a pitcher of filtered water on the table. 20 piso for 5 gal. 25 piso delivered. We had nine of them delivered today.We use ... Read More
Amateur Radio by Zyrena
how can i get the NTC talk to me about the law and the radio towers and or antenns mast and getting a uk / philippines radio license regards
@info65641 Hello Peter -- As I understand it, you do not have any Amateur Radio license. To operate in PH you would need to study and pass their examinations.The PARA produces a handbook titled So You Want to be a Ham. The book covers the ... Read More
Pros and Cons of Retiring/Living in the Philippines by Cherryann01
The more I think about this subject the more I seem to be persuading myself that the Philippines is not a great place to retire, contrary to what others think and every body is entitled to their opinion.So after reading some of the recent posts, I ...
It *does* take time to slow down. More than a year, I think -- at least for me. Some things (litter, and the treatment of dogs, for example) may irritate forever.I've driven almost every day (Toyota Super Grandia -- not small!) since I got here. ... Read More
Building Cost in Philippines by aklokow
Hi AllJust more of a reference check, background here, when we started building our house back in 2019 i negotiated a pricen of PHP 21K / sqm, at that time I thought that was a pretty good deal. However due to Covid we could not be onsite to ...
Briefly, new two-story construction of my own design.164 sq m. Finished walls, floors, tile, attached garage (area not included in the 164 sq m), paint inside and out, lovely roof and downspouts, fair windows, good doors inside and out. Much site ... Read More
SRRV compared to ACR by stillbiker
What is better SRRV or ACR?
@Moon Dog 100% my experience as well. The Subic satellite office of the Philippines Retirement Agency was very helpful. Read More
Furniture-grade Lumber by NN3M/DU3
Looking for a Central Luzon source of decent woods -- narra, tanquile, pine. Not a huge buyer, just trying to find some decent wood for some furniture projects.Thanks!StefPS -- Happy Thanksgiving
I'd be happy to purchase directly then mill and dry here. Finding the right vendor is the hard part. I've spoken with a couple of local door / furniture makers ... they are reluctant to divulge their sources. (Most of their wood isn't the ... Read More
My solar experience - in a video - because no one reads so much text by GoetzPhil
I installed my 4KW plant 18 month ago, upgraded it 6 month ago with a 2nd 10KW battery and just last month upgraded from 4KW to 6KW.Its a video, because I guess even everyone tells so, most of you wont read the 20K text script I prepared for it.So ...
Good discussion.One of the consideration in making your decision is environmental. If you are environmentally- or socially-driven, all kinds of other factors enter the equation. Are the batteries using rare earth elements mined by slave ... Read More
Furniture-grade Lumber
Looking for a Central Luzon source of decent woods -- narra, tanquile, pine. Not a huge buyer, just trying to find some decent wood for some furniture projects.Thanks!StefPS -- Happy Thanksgiving Read More
Thanksgiving This Thursday by Enzyte Bob
In the past I had posted about the expensive cost of a Butterball Turkey at S&R or Landers.Guess what I found on Shopee Turkey Spam, 100% White Lean Turkey P285Kraft Stove Top Stuffing P655
@Jackson4 Yes, and beautiful, too. Read More
Thanksgiving This Thursday by Enzyte Bob
In the past I had posted about the expensive cost of a Butterball Turkey at S&R or Landers.Guess what I found on Shopee Turkey Spam, 100% White Lean Turkey P285Kraft Stove Top Stuffing P655
Exactly that, @danfinn ... p1500 for some turkey-shaped bones 馃槻Stef Read More
Thanksgiving This Thursday by Enzyte Bob
In the past I had posted about the expensive cost of a Butterball Turkey at S&R or Landers.Guess what I found on Shopee Turkey Spam, 100% White Lean Turkey P285Kraft Stove Top Stuffing P655
Local turkeys are available here in my [very rural] barangay. Here is the 'Before' shot of the turkey I had last year --Looks like a great bird! All-organic, free-range ... But when you pluck it --...you find that the breast is missing! I mean, ... Read More
solar panel and well submersible water pump kit by Ricky Hawk
Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a supplier near Dipolog City Mindanao, that can supply solar panel and well submersible water pump kit, or is it better to just order online from another country, I don't need an installer, I'm looking for a local ...
I use Facebook, Ricky, when no one in my family can provide a referral. I found a great local auto body man and solar installer, both through Facebook.I've had failures too. Sometimes they never reply. I contact them first by Messenger. Often ... Read More
Outdoor AC Compressors and Lizards by aklokow
Hi AllHave anyone firstly experienced lizards crawling into the compressors and find a way to the pc board because its hot and they crawl in there and cause a short circuit, pc board gone. Today is my 3rd pc board lost, getting annoyed and ...
In earlier research, I found this to be a common problem with inverter A/C units. Non-inverter aircons, apparently, do not have this problem.Stef Read More
Monthly budget / expenses by aklokow
Hi AllJust a for a refence check, if some of you can share what you are paying monthly for living expenses, not to pry on the people financial situations, I will try and make it more simplified.We do not have access to the famous stores like ...
Here in rural Central Luzon, monthly:Rent, p4500 (1 BR, nice, 4 yrs old)Electricity, p5000 due to continuous airconFood for us, p20000, wife gives away half to needy Food for other family members, p10000Gasoline for the Toyota Super Grandia, ... Read More
Using your own US Phone number? by chughes6302
Before arriving in Davao two weeks ago, I researched using my existing (at the time) US AT&T phone number. I believed all I needed to do was to "Port" the number to my new Philippine carrier (Smart) and I would be OK. Nothing but OK... Because I ...
@Chughes6301 Some background -- I was the Chief Technology Officer of Bayshore Transportation in Newark for many years. Had 45 mobile accounts with Verizon and have dealt with AT+T and Sprint as well (professionally). I retired from Bayshore last ... Read More
Health Insurance and your SS Medicare... to drop or not to drop? by tpiro
This may be an old subject.. but I couldn't find the right answer and perhaps someone has experience in this. The question is .. to drop my medicare deduction from SS or not to drop it. Ok.. so here it goes.. I am planning on retiring in ...
@Jackson4 SRRV holders pay p15k / year for Philhealth. Non-SRRV @ p17k / year.Stef Read More
Sensitive Issue - Need confidential advice by AussieLUVPhillipines
Hi there Aussie Expats.I too am Aussie, and after going through a tough divorce a few years back and heading towards mid 50's, I want out of this country. I need my sanity and happiness back.I've fallen in LUV with the Philippines, as you all must ...
AussieLP -- You are making many, many assumptions.1) Your kids are 14 and 7. They need you, not the pencils you pay for. They need mentorship, guidance and love. You will serve them better by being present with them.2) 'When the kids realize the ... Read More
SRRV holders and BANKS ..... by emvaningen
I am interested to hear experiences with the following possible banking issues:PRA ID card not recognised by banksDifficulty opening a bank account, unless it is BDO in Pacific Starr building in Makati.Issues getting a creditcard application ...
emvaningen -- On my first visit to PH, I opened a bank account. (30-day Tourist visa.) I needed to get a 'barangay clearance.' This is a document that states you are a resident of some certain barangay. Even though I had not visited PH before, I ... Read More
WISE transfer service by Filamretire
Noticed quite a few fans of Wise on here. I just got an account after issues with 2 factor authentication from banks requiring a US cell number. Got the first deposit done by routing number and waiting 3 days. My question is to transfer money do I ...
Wise is one part of a somewhat more complicated (than the US) banking system. I use Wise for larger sums as they have the best exchange rate I've found. I use Sendwise for getting cash locally at Palawan Express. It's fast and easy.I've been a ... Read More
Question about food and water by JustCallMeJoe
OK, I know that I can't drink water from the tap and that even with other water my stomach probably can't handle water that a local's stomach can handle. But, a few questions for those of you living in the Philippines a long time: If the water is ...
Here in rural Luzon, those who can afford it use a water delivery service. These small businesses (water purification shops) are regularly checked. Cost is minimal. We spend $6-7 per month, as noted earlier p25 for 5 gallons. We have our own ... Read More
Learning new language by Zyrena
Zyrena: evening every one on Expat... On the supplied Expat language list there is no Philippine language... I am interested in Learning and Speaking Philippine Visayan language respectfully
@Kampkos104 Hello Kampos -- I'm 66. I've been here less than a year. It is possible to learn a new language. Unfortunately, the Philippine languages are unrelated to Romance languages like English, French, Spanish, Italian, etc. It's a whole ... Read More
Amateur Radio by Zyrena
how can i get the NTC talk to me about the law and the radio towers and or antenns mast and getting a uk / philippines radio license regards
@G0BAU Hello OM -- Not sure if your UK license has expired. If it has, it's probably easier to get your UK license than a PH license. The use the process below to get your reciprocal.Here's the contact information for the Philippine Amateur Radio ... Read More
Amateur Radio by Zyrena
how can i get the NTC talk to me about the law and the radio towers and or antenns mast and getting a uk / philippines radio license regards
@Enzyte Bob Hello Bob & forum,The serial numbers were redacted, Bob, before I posted the image. Too many strange people on the www.I had no issues with customs. I brought the Yaesu mobile transciever and handheld with me, packed in my luggage. ... Read More
13 A None Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage (probationary) by omarwebber111
Dear All , I've finally, after 2.5 years of staying here (part of that was a year balik bayan + visa extensions throughout) started my 13 A process! From the checklist, it seems the most challenging part of applying for the 13A is the NBI clearance! ...
I needed an NBI clearance for my SRRV. I went to a regional office in Cabanatuan, Central Luzon, rather than Manila. (I so much prefer the rural life.) When applying, they told me it might take a month to hear back ... "Maybe two..." I said Fine ... Read More
What's it like Living in the Philippines May to October by kilgore99
Hi, only visited the Philippines in the cooler less humid months, wandering how do your retirees (65+) cope in the 'low lands' (excepting Tagaytay , Bagio, etc) during May-October
Report from rural Central Luzon --Beyond the humidity, there is rain most afternoons. As I'm typing this (4pm), there's a moderate shower. Mornings vary from clear to partly cloudy to cloudy and cool. Cool by Philippine standards, not USA! ... Read More
Q's About washing machines. by Larry Fisher
If I were in the states, buying a washer/dryer would be super easy. But alas, I'm here in the province in Cebu. I want to give my gal a break from hand washing clothes, and I'm too lazy to hand wash myself, and too old to change. We have very low ...
@NN3M/DU3 Sorry, just looked at the machine. It's an 8.5 kg size, model JWA8500 VT.The link was to specs online.--s-- Read More
Q's About washing machines. by Larry Fisher
If I were in the states, buying a washer/dryer would be super easy. But alas, I'm here in the province in Cebu. I want to give my gal a break from hand washing clothes, and I'm too lazy to hand wash myself, and too old to change. We have very low ...
We have a 7kg Fujidenzo automatic. Works great. [link under review]Yes, sounds like you need to deal with the water supply issue first -- that's a basic necessity here, including enough pressure for the shower heater :-)No dryer, though. We use a ... Read More
Police Clearance from home country by Guzik
I will be moving to the Philippines with my wife in October. At that time, I will be applying for a 13A visa. My question is, if I get the police clearance before I arrive, do I need to get it notarized or authenticated before I arrive in the ...
Unsure about authenticating a Canadian document. I had to have US documents (DD-214, etc.) notarized by the US embassy.Steve Read More
SRRV Payments by elnidophill
did you already pay All money, who has experience???
To avoid going to Manila, I requested the local (Cabanatuan, Central Luzon) NBI office to receive the clearance. There was a small shipping charge for this, however, it greatly added to the total processing time.From application to receiving the ... Read More
Banking in the philipines by windsurfer51
Just wondering if anybody would have some advise as to which bank would be best to open an account with debit card options.I am planning on renting a condo and stay in Cebu city for 4 months starting in nov 2023
Most of the larger merchants, and even smaller ones like WalterMart in the provinces, use BDO as their payment gateway so it makes sense to choose BDO for a PH bank account.I was able to open a bank account on my first trip here as a tourist ... but ... Read More
Amateur Radio by Zyrena
how can i get the NTC talk to me about the law and the radio towers and or antenns mast and getting a uk / philippines radio license regards
Interesting discussion. My viewpoint: American ex-military SRRV resident expat living permanently in rural Central Luzon. Licensed ham since 1971.Every country has its own rules and regulations. We all know "When in Rome do as the Romans do." ... Read More
Building a House in the Philippines by PalawOne
My wife and I are thinking of perhaps building another house in the Phils. What do people think of this?This time we're thinking of building something like this house design from pinoyeplans.comIt's a very traditional looking design, on purpose, but ...
@coach53 Most of the labor was supplied by relatives. Read More