smithta63
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum posts
54
About me
American
Registration: 12 October 2023
Presently living in South Florida, moving as soon as I am able by marcfladell
This is the first time I've tried researching the Philippines through an expat chat room.聽 I don't know what I don't know but I want to learn.聽 I would like to strike up a conversation with those similarly situated.
@Andy_1963 Your right. Make sure you only spend a small portion of your assets in a relationship. There are a lot of widows in their 50/60s. My wife has quite a few friends from high school in olongapo who have good jobs and are single and self ... Read More
Presently living in South Florida, moving as soon as I am able by marcfladell
This is the first time I've tried researching the Philippines through an expat chat room.聽 I don't know what I don't know but I want to learn.聽 I would like to strike up a conversation with those similarly situated.
Like Fred wrote do some research. Locate some targets based on your desired lifestyle and budget restrictions. I ve been married to a Filipina for 35 years. We chose a place 40 km north of manila where she has family. We snowbird here and go ... Read More
5 Year Permanent Resident 13A, ACR1 card RENEWAL by vehicross100
Has anyone RECENTLY visited the Main BI branch to renew there 13A, 5 YEAR PERMANENT ACR1 Card ?Seems to be a lot of confusion between a TOURIST ACR1, PROBATIONARY, AND PERMANENT.So I am Only asking for those who have actually RENEWED the 13A, ACR1 ...
@danfinn I got my 13a visa from Chicago consulate 2023. I went to boi an hour after I arrived and was told I could walk into quarantine. We go there and are told I need to make an appointment. I made an appointment and went to olongapo who ... Read More
TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES by Enzyte Bob
Recently I saw this Tourism chart, I don't how accurate it is. Remember when the saying was: Don't believe anything you hear and only half what you see, well with IT, Social Media & News Reporting who knows what.Well AnywaysTourism from January ...
What I think effects the tourism industry negatively is the amount of overseas filipinos. They are coming back to visit family and dont use much of the tourism infrastructure. They are willing to accept what is available as the main goal is to ... Read More
Landing in Manila need to go to Beguio by thepvcbikeguy
I need a little help with some information I'll be landing on April 5th at 4 pm in Manila. I need to go to Baggio. I'd like to get a sleeper bus round-trip coming back on May 1, Early morning. I am new to the Philippines, so my dilemma is how to get ...
@thepvcbikeguy There is a interterminal bus(ask someone). Once at terminal 3, on the arrival level there is pickup spot for the clark buses. Once at Clark the bus to baguio is in front of where you arrive. I ve taken the manila airport bus to ... Read More
Landing in Manila need to go to Beguio by thepvcbikeguy
I need a little help with some information I'll be landing on April 5th at 4 pm in Manila. I need to go to Baggio. I'd like to get a sleeper bus round-trip coming back on May 1, Early morning. I am new to the Philippines, so my dilemma is how to get ...
Sounds like you have flights booked to manila. There is a bus from terminal 3 to clark every few hours and a bus from Clark to baguio.https://www.genesistransportserviceinc.com/p2pbusservice Read More
Moral turpitude by Paulamcconville
Hello everyone. I have a few charges on my record one being manufacturing of Marijuana, another petty theft, another criminal damaging and a telecommunications fraud along with a d.u.i. I was in a really bad place during this time and have not been ...
Conviction or charge? There is a major difference. If you were convicted then you need to read the immigration law and see if your excludable. Read More
Annual report statiatics
Has BOI released the statistics on the annual report. Last year it was published in early March. It had nationality numbers and total that reported like 150k if I remember. Curious Read More
Returning to Baguio and Ilocos Sur by mugtech
Arrived at JFK at 9PM on 11/17/24 to check in for a 12:50 AM flight on Korean Air to South Korea then Manila. Had to pay $6 to use a hand truck for our three checked bags and two carryons. Only other time we had to pay for said hand ...
Both defeated by former one term presidents when attempting to be relected Read More
MUM OF A 1/4 Filipino by mhiranojoy
Need some help please as I'm finding it hard to understand what the Philippine Embassy website is telling me. I have dual citizenship (Fil/Brit) but I have been using my Brit passport since I turned 18. Still have my Fil passport and Fil birth ...
Register your child's birth certificate with the consulate. The embassy will send it to PSA and you can order a copy. Don't expect it to be available quickly. PSA didn't have my son's registration six months after I filed it. I have an ... Read More
MUM OF A 1/4 Filipino by mhiranojoy
Need some help please as I'm finding it hard to understand what the Philippine Embassy website is telling me. I have dual citizenship (Fil/Brit) but I have been using my Brit passport since I turned 18. Still have my Fil passport and Fil birth ...
A few things to look at Are you UK citizen by naturalization or birth. My wife naturalized in the states and our child born before she did can be registered and not the one born after. Looking at different consulates explaining the law might ... Read More
Criminal background for visa by John4phil
Hi. I'm John from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. I recently returned from the Philippines, where I was visiting my girlfriend. I want to retire next year and go live in the Philippines with her. I was convicted of a felony 32 years ago and a ...
In the US a adjudication as a minor should not show up on your record. If you were tried as an adult it would be part of your record. US ICE could not use a juvenile adjudication in our changing documents. If a juvenile was convicted as an adult ... Read More
Balikbayan visa (privilege) question by snowyshenanigans
Hi all,My mom will be traveling to the Philippines in a couple of months and she would like to avail of the Balikbayan privilege that allows her to stay for 1 year.Can she avail of the Balikbayan visa (privilege) without her old Philippine passport ...
I started working there in 1992, they might of took the old passport in the 70s. Most likely they would of put the passport in an envelope and put it in her alien file. I'd request it be returned. Read More
Balikbayan visa (privilege) question by snowyshenanigans
Hi all,My mom will be traveling to the Philippines in a couple of months and she would like to avail of the Balikbayan privilege that allows her to stay for 1 year.Can she avail of the Balikbayan visa (privilege) without her old Philippine passport ...
She has a us passport and her place of birth is Philippines on it. They will giver her balikbayan. Do a request for her immigration record and get her passport and a copy of what she used for a birth certificate. I worked for ins and ice for 23 ... Read More
Exit clearance for permanent resident. by zincity
The last time I flew out of the Phillipines, three years ago, I didn't need an exit clearance filled out before hand. I just had to pay my travel tax at the airport. Has anything changed for permanent resident, 13A visa holders in this regard?I ...
Like you I have a 13a. I did the ECC b online(had to put my middle name after my given name in my registration info and leave middle name blank). The ECC b has a reentry permit as a package with the express fee it was 2880 pesos. Was approved a ... Read More
Medicare Health Coverage In The Philippines by Hwydaddy
It has come to our attention that Congressional Rep Moylan (R-Guam), has recently introduced HR 7442 -- The Philippine Medicare Portability Study Act. I attach a copy of that Bill for your reference. Importantly, this is a bipartisan effort as this ...
The U.S health insurance companies will not this pass. I don't think it has a chance. Couple of weeks ago someone posted the registration numbers for annual report less than 11000 Americans reported. The USEMB estimates 600k citizens in ... Read More
Paying import duty by Tefmentax
Hello, I am British and for the past few years I have been regularly sending boxes to my Filipino daughter in law, I am sending stuff like clothes and toys and books for my grandchildren. She was never required to pay import duty before now. The ...
My wife has send dozens of balikbayan boxes from the US over the last 30 years and never paid duty or vat. Try a different shipping company. Read More
Odd visa/ARC-1 question by Larry Fisher
I initially arrived late November 2022. I got my 30 day required extension in Dec. In January I got 2 month extension and applied for my ARC-1 card. They said it would be there when I came to extend in March.However, we went to Thailand for 4 days ...
Big pearl: kinda like your ecc-b is married to the reentry permit. And everything is married to the express fee. Read More
Marriage in the philippines by windsurfer51
I am planning to get married in the Philippines this summer to a lady from Cebu city, I am Canadian and just wondering if anybody could give me some advise as to whet paperwork i would need to obtain before i go.I have been looking online and it's ...
Apostle birth certificate, divorce and any important documents. You ll have to prove you are not married and prove your identity. If your going to move to the Philippines then you'll have to either play the tourist visa extension game, do a srrv ... Read More
Odd visa/ARC-1 question by Larry Fisher
I initially arrived late November 2022. I got my 30 day required extension in Dec. In January I got 2 month extension and applied for my ARC-1 card. They said it would be there when I came to extend in March.However, we went to Thailand for 4 days ...
@Larry Fisher I had a issue with rejection on a reentry permit and ECC b.聽 They told me to leave middle name blank and put it in as fn MN in given name.聽 In the registered name. Read More
How to get a Drivers license? by onefogarty
Hello! Is there a way to legally get a driver鈥檚 license here in the Philippines for foreigners? I don鈥檛 have my drivers license from Canada with me, so I need a license here in the Philippines. Not a motorcycle, but a regular vehicle ...
I got a 13a in Chicago(took less than a month). Entered went to bi, told to get quarantine stamp, got it, went to bi paid fees and applied for acr in mnl. Took a month picked up acr good for five years. Went to lto in San Fernando Pampanga with ... Read More
鈥淓EC-B FEE by vehicross100
Just curious if any PR 13a holders have exited MNL recently in regards to what they paid for the 鈥淓CC-B鈥� fee ?
@smithta63I had my middle name as my middle name. They told me to add my middle name to given name and leave middle name blank(middle name is mother's last name for males and single females, but is maiden name for married females).聽 I paid 2880 ... Read More
鈥淓EC-B FEE by vehicross100
Just curious if any PR 13a holders have exited MNL recently in regards to what they paid for the 鈥淓CC-B鈥� fee ?
I tried to do the ecc-b online and got the not recognizing acr number. I have a 13a, card for five years issued in Nov 23. will leave before I have been here six months. I guess I ll have to go to a boi office before I leave late this month. Read More
Cell phone use by bigstar1208
Retiring soon in the Philippines.Will have unlocked iPhone.What is the best set up for calling and texts.Would like to be able to receive 2FA for banking.
@bigstar1208 I bought a dual sim card phone and have TMobile(been a customer for 20years) using a virtual sim and bought a local sim so I have two lines on one phone. TMobile for me is inexpensive I have five lines for $110/month. I did switch ... Read More
Visa and retirement by alanhamer68
Hi just need some confirmation about visa rules for the Philippines I have a prison conviction for drug dealing in the late 80s any help and idea with my chances many thanks
(U) Intentional Distribution of Controlled Substances: The Board of Immigration Appeals has determined that in general, a conviction for the intentional distribution of a controlled substance or a conviction for drug trafficking is a crime ... Read More
Bureau of Immigration to upgrade the e-gates at international airports by Col Rootentoot
Anyone have any more information / opinions re this?BI to upgrade e-gates for faster, label-free processingPhilstar.com聽 February 8, 2024 https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/08/2331882/bi-upgrade-e-gates-faster-label-free-processingBI to ...
@Larry Fisher or plates. I heard they didn't have the cards for drivers licenses but I went to San Fernando Pampanga in December 2023 and they issued me a license not a paper. 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 ...
I have a CT150 without a side car. I changed the back sprocket to lower the rpm when I go for a longer ride. It has plenty of power. I m 6'1" I am a little cramped with a pinion. I can't imagine being 6'8" without putting a flat seat on it. Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
If you don't mind being stuck on smart(globe says esi mis coming soon to both prepay and postpay) and your satisfied with your old phone save the money and hassle and get a esim from smart. Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
Smart has esim. My son is visiting and has a physical TMobile sim and went online and got a esim from smart. Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
@Larry Fisher google to see if it's dual sim card and if one is esim. Not sure if TMobile will set us esim while you are overseas. Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
TMobile can put a esim in it. I did that with a pixel 7a and put a local sim so I have one phone two lines. But it has to be unlocked Read More
Sending new Samsung Phone from US by Larry Fisher
I'm about to pull the trigger and order the newest Samsung S24 Ultra cell phone for release Jan 31st. I can basically get it for $400 usd with my carrier (T-Mobile) and then toss a sim into my old phone and get a Philippines number. Then a thought ...
They will collect vat how much no one knows. I sent a old phone to my niece I declare 50usd they charged us 170p. My son sent me my VA meds and it was 160+-pesos. I ordered some car parts FedEx handled the shipping declared 105usd. Paid +-400p. ... Read More
Apply for family permanent resident visa Saudi Arabia by aabdullahb
Hi,I'm Ahmed I'm Working in Saudi Arabia and i want bring my wife from Philippines By family permanent resident visa anyone can help me after i get visa what is the process in PhilippinesThanks
It's not clear what you want to do? You want to live or just visit in the Philippines? If so your nationality matters as Philippines uses reciprocity. Do you want her to go to Saudi to be with you. Read More
Applying for SRRV by TitoDan
How do I apply for SRRV? I was in the US Navy twice: From 1958, just out of High School, to 21st birthday in Sep. 1960, then recalled for 11 months for the Berlin Crisis in June 1961. I have discharge papers for both stints. Will this qualify ...
You can get your benefit letter on SS website. Read More
Visit Phillipines with my Phillipines wife by dclausen148
I am a felon for drugs back in 2006. I am an American citizen after doing my time. Can I get a visa and visit the Philippines with my Phillipines wife.
@mugteckWas the felony a cimt or one of the ones listed as excludable? As long as they never ask on paper or in an interview then they can't say you committed fraud. They had me run my prints when I submitted to consulate in the states for my 13a ... Read More
Visit Phillipines with my Phillipines wife by dclausen148
I am a felon for drugs back in 2006. I am an American citizen after doing my time. Can I get a visa and visit the Philippines with my Phillipines wife.
Drug trafficking is an exclusion ground in section 29 of the immigration law. I would call or email the consulate to check if you need a waiver. Would hate for you to buy tickets and then you get turned around. Read More
Setting out to retire in a year or so by kjwilde
Hi I'm Kurt. Setting out to retire in a year or so. My wife of 17+ years is from Pampanga so we are planning on making the move in short order. We have nothing keeping us here in the US anymore so the move would be permanent.Our current plan is ...
Study your resident visa options carefully. The 13a done in the states is much easier than if you do it in the Philippines and you don't have to change from probationary to permanent(which makes you do it twice). SRRV seems to have some ... Read More
SRRV compared to ACR by stillbiker
What is better SRRV or ACR?
We have bdo accts at two branches and they charge us 200 to withdrawal at a original branch.聽 ATM is free but only 50k a day.聽 BDO wouldn't let me open an account because my signatures were to inconsistent.聽 US banks verify ID.聽 ... Read More
SRRV compared to ACR by stillbiker
What is better SRRV or ACR?
I ve been married to a Filipina for 33 years, so I did a 13a visa at the consulate in Chicago. The VA did my physical for me. 150usd visa fee. Dropped off in person visa issued in 20 days via mail. Entered three months later had to go to ... Read More
Tourist Visa help by TitoDan
My Filipina wife would like to spend some time with me here in the US.聽 She had a family member set up an interview for a Tourist Visa with the US embassy in MNL, then made the trip from Dumaguete (Sadly, she forgot to show the ...
Just to clarify a tourist visa is a nonimmigrant visa requested by a foreign national to go to the U.S. for a short term purpose. The state dept has a lot of discretion and is answering someone who has pretty much no rights if denied. An ... Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
Got.my card this morning. Valid for five years. Read More
Tourist Visa help by TitoDan
My Filipina wife would like to spend some time with me here in the US.聽 She had a family member set up an interview for a Tourist Visa with the US embassy in MNL, then made the trip from Dumaguete (Sadly, she forgot to show the ...
Whakerdog: nice. I spent many years working for ice and ins. Dept of States denial rate seems to be linked to the % of those who overstay. Certain demographics have a difficult/impossible time getting a visitor visa. It sounds crazy but ... Read More
Tourist Visa help by TitoDan
My Filipina wife would like to spend some time with me here in the US.聽 She had a family member set up an interview for a Tourist Visa with the US embassy in MNL, then made the trip from Dumaguete (Sadly, she forgot to show the ...
Unless she is very rich, they will assume she won't come back due to economic reasons. Second if you are married then they assume you are trying to avoid getting a immigrant visa and going to attempt to adjust in the states once admitted. Either ... Read More
American football by Kampkos104
Just out of curiosity, does anybody know a way to even listen to live games?RegardsKeith
I use simple radio app for radio coverage. YouTube has live game streams that sometimes get shutdown midgame. Using a VPN sometimes works mostly doesn't. Read More
RSSV - Retirement Visa for a 13A visa holder. by alwish1
Hello. This is my very first post. I am an American citizen resident in the Philippines for 8 years and holder of the 13A visa (expires 2027). SRRV seems to have certain advantages and benefits over my 13A visa and wonder if it would be possible for ...
@TEXTOMEX. If your wife is in tx. Do the 13a at the consulate. If she is in phils. Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
We had most of the things we needed. My wife did the dual citizenship thing and registering the US marriage took awhile(like three months), so she had to do a name change and new pp after. I was a ice/Io in the states for 23 years and most of the ... Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
Went to BI main today. Window 6 took my acr application put me in the computer gave me some fees to pay. Went to cashier window 14, paid. Back to 6 she made more entries, make sure they annotate the upper rt corner , sent me to window 44 who took ... Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
Today, I went to boq subic. Was a good experience. Lessons learned. Make sure you have copies of vaccine records and copies of your labs from your us physical. I ended up paying and received a pulio vaccine. 300p. They couldn't find the stool ... Read More
Federal Retired Employees - Health-Care insurance options by Robertcounselor
I am planning a retirement in the Philippines and have a couple questions for those that are already there.I was a federal employee and each year we have an "open season" for health insurance coverage.聽 聽I question if any US coverage is ...
Last I checked Geha didn't have any medicare payback, I nor my wife is old enough for Medicare. Lucky or not our adult kids never left home so they take care of our house while we are gone. They pay the utilities. But I pay taxes and insurance. Read More
Federal Retired Employees - Health-Care insurance options by Robertcounselor
I am planning a retirement in the Philippines and have a couple questions for those that are already there.I was a federal employee and each year we have an "open season" for health insurance coverage.聽 聽I question if any US coverage is ...
I have the basic Geha plan and they require you to file a claim and they reimburse you. I just got here so I will accumulate bills and file them. Bcbs basic the last I looked only paid preferred providers and is over 100 a month more than Geha. I ... Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
I went to bi intramuros a few hours after arrival and was sent to window six. I was told I needed a stamp from bureau of quentine and that they would do it in a matter of minutes after a review of my us physical. She also gave me a arc card ... Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
I contacted bi and they said I have to go to intarmuros to check in after arrival. Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
It appears like us he has a visa stamp where in they give us a year to enter. The envelope has the medical/finance info/visa application etc. I ll enter in two weeks and I ll let you know what happens. Read More
ARC1 card visa 13a by merlzlabra
Hello, I鈥檓 just wondering if anybody experience what our situation is so my husband and applied for 13a visa in San Francisco California and got his 1yr stamp on his passport and give us yellow envelope to present at port of entry upon arrival ...
Did he enter the Philippines yet. I arrive in two weeks and am curious as to what the process is. Read More