ExpatPH

Whats your problem?

Opposite posted earlier.

Opposite my experience as well.

You have no interest in Philippines. Others DO.

Anything as long you can continue baiting.

4 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 Same in Thailand, on election day and I believe the day before.

Agree, my post said copied from local forums. Still many strange things like cashier ask the customer 'do you have change' ... Just got to laugh.

Remember so well the 90's in Pattaya.

Dress to impress was the code that time. We all, well at least most of us packed our polo shirt inside our belt, and looked soooo groomed.

Not surprised immigration remind people these days to dress appropriate.

Been a interesting week on Thaivisa, highlight for me was the foreigner barbecue guy, now in custody.

And the latest denied at airport guy who had to spend a few days confined at the airport. Even good guys, educated, with a valid visa get the heat these days. What a week it has been.

Thanks for good read, as always.

56 minutes ago, DonDoRondo said:

So, can one rent a scooter in Cebu City?  If yes, ballpark monthly rate?

PS - thanks for all your posts.  Good information.

Yes rental bikes 110-125cc for rent here, but its expensive.

9000 - 12000 Php monthly (400-500day)

5400 - 7200 baht.

Limited number for rent, few customers obviously.

Short stayers use Taxi, long stayers buy a motorcycle, cheaper here than in Thailand.

15 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

Motorcycle taxi are half of taxi. And no start up fee, see images. About 2km 40PHP

Same distance with taxi meter is 100PHP.

Angkas in Manila and Cebu so far. I use them most days, not for price, but because they're everywhere. Drivers pay 20% commission to Angkas for use their app, so I always give them 75% of regular taxi fare. Win win for both parties.

Edit: how much for motorcy taxi in Thailand these days, for 2km? 60THB? Almost2$

2km here 0.80$

7 minutes ago, cerox said:

2 years?

 

No my friend, that was not what I said.

Up to.

Some dealers have close connections to LTO so only 3 weeks wait between for registration and temporary digit plate.

Talk with expats in most areas will point you to 'the right motorcycle dealer'.

Alternative, buy a 2nd hand motorcycle.

See opportunities in life rather than negativity, there's often a way.

Motorcycle taxi are half of taxi. And no start up fee, see images. About 2km 40PHP

New motorcycle:

1. Out the shop = for registration, valid 7 days only.

2. Temporary digit plate after 1 month in best case, up to 1+ year.

3. Final number plate, letters and digits.

Unbelivable but true.

Edit: in between, you have to park vehicle, or drive illegal and take your chances...

34 year old, and still not grown up. 

In a country with so many beautiful women ..... next

Repeat for new readers.

After 2 months stay in the Philippines, in Cebu one can apply for 2 x 6 month extension apply the 2nd one next day.

(Not all areas allow this)

Then one have 12 months of valid visa, that some LTO require, and one can apply for local driver license.

Pay fee, see doctor, eye test (no worries, all pass) some area still require urine test (drug test) go to dedicated office for printing temporary paper DL or if you lucky a plastic DL. Think I paid 700 PHP per license. First time 1 year validity, renewal get 5 year validity.

One are allowed to drive on DL from home, up to 90 days in country, most checkpoint are inconsistent, can ask for IDL, some ask for passport. If one see LTO on their back, expect thorough check.

Unlicenced vehicles get impounded at checkpoint, same with 'for registration' plate, after first 7 days. Impound fee, daily fee, it quickly become more. Vehicle will not be released until all docs are in order.

Traffic move much slower here than in Thailand. No street racing here, no need to be worried to drive a motorcycle.

Buying a small or big motorcycle are cheaper here than in Thailand. Midsize 300-700cc can be 1,000$ less.

Only passport and money required to buy a vehicle. Nothing else. New motorcycle get a 'for registration plate' driving only allowed for 7 - seven days only. Then one wait for temporary plate, digits only. It can take 1 month to 1+ year to get this plate. Final registration plate can take from 1 month to more than 1 year. Always buy from a recommended dealer who expedite registration quickly, alternative buy 2nd hand.

New cars get temporary digit plate almost instantly these days, and can drive without restrictions.

And lastly, get a good extended 3rd party insurance, just saying.

1 hour ago, acenase said:

 

Yes. The denial stamp in my passport is written as reason (2) No funds to support myself. Even though when I questioned them about it and asked "Why does my denial stamp say insufficient funds when I have cash and also booking my Round trip ticket flight to Vientiane on Thai Airways now which is gonna cost me 10,000฿" They even forced me to book a "Return flight" to BKK because they said in case i get denied entry at Laos, but I told them I only wanted to book a One Way flight because I am not coming back to this airport....then they said they won't let me board my flight to Vientiane if I cant prove to them i have a return flight back to BKK. It made no sense:

 

Immigration never asked me to show them money and I even saw the sign at the Immigration desk that says "With Tourist Visa 20,000฿" and I told them I have 30K cash and tried to show them but they never cared about and acted as if 30K wasn't enough. So I booked my flight to Vientiane with my unused Visa and entered through Nong Khai with no questions asked even with my denial stamp visible to the IO stamping me in there.

 

Advice to others, take photo at imm desk of your 20000+ on the desk .....  but im sure they don't allow photos to be taken.

Then one would had more proof that one was denied entry, for no reason.

Sad that genuine visitors, with money, without intention to work, get denied more and more.

15 minutes ago, vogie said:

The biggest advantage for the Brits in the Philippines would be the unfrozen pensions, it can make a very big difference. I have been drawing mine in Thailand now for four years and I have already lost £40ish, the Philippines is looking very tempting.

That explains the high number of Brits we have here. A friendly group all of them, and they seem happy here. Meetup at bars in Ayala mall for a few pints ... and the fish & chips here is rather good I must say.

So you saying that in Thailand, Brit pension is on frozen amount, while here in Philippines, your pension get regulated up yearly, same most europeans?

28 minutes ago, cerox said:

Now my question is, why do you think PH would be boring for younger people (below 50)?

It is a "new country" for someone who has not lived there before, I see (e.g. looking at Cebu) lots of streets / city life to explore, mountains, beaches over to Bohol etc.

Do you think Vietnam makes it more interesting because it is more exotic as Thailand?

Good question cerox.

I base my personal opinion from those younger (30ish) expats who already left, for Vietnam.

I also followed many vlogs from Vietnam.

Advantage in Vietnam:

● Faster internet.

● Better modern apartments

● All the frills same Thailand.

● Better / more nightlife.

● Better food

● Overall faster pace of life.

For the younger crowd, I see many advantages.

But, not all are the same, so I'm sure some individuals only in their 30s will enjoy Philippines as well. All depends of our needs, wants and expectations.

When you reach 50+ you get other priorities.

If you already experienced other countries become less attractive over the years, Philippines becomes a alternative, same as many other destinations do recently.

Age 50+:

● Slower pace of life

● less need for nightlife

● Appreciate more friendly natives

● Appreciate the culture based on courtesy, politeness all the way.

Example, seen arrest of criminals here in Philippines. Even in this situation, police behave with respect to the criminal. No kicking, no accidental hits to his body, its all done in a well mannered way.

Exotic? English language make culture barrier less in Philippines. Maybe less exotic although easier. What do people want most. Up to each of us. 

As 50+ myself, 'easy' get high priority. English widely spoken so no need to learn a new language. And as we both know so well, its not always a advantage to speak and understand the local language.

Still lots of learning and adjustments to enjoy.

Is it exotic to order food in a local restaurant in Vietnam? Seems so, based on vlogs. Even google translate isn't to much help in Vietnam. A frustration for some.

Wherever you choose to go, you are well prepared it seems, and know what to expect, and not.

Agents.

Immigration clamped down on agents some years ago 'No Fixers'.

Travel agents can do your tourist visa extension legally for 800 - 1500 PHP.

Do it yourself visa extension takes 2-3 hours on average. In Cebu city immigration is located inside J Centre mall, easy to pass waiting time. Other immigration office located at Mactan has less waiting time.

SRRV Application has agents working legally for you, and one get a short list of names of agents to use. Highly recommended by those who applied for SRRV.

Do it yourself, expect lots of red tape and delays.

Expats been here 10+ years, many still on tourist visa, some on 13a (married) some on SRRV.

Let me repeat this for others who jump in later.

NO minimum monthly income / pension needed for Tourist Visa, max 3 years.

NO minimum deposit in bank required for tourist visa.

No pension letter required.

Tourist visa extension, Immigration don't ask for proof of income or bankbook or bank letter or pension letter. Forget all this in Philippines. Only fill out application form for 1-2-6 months.

SRRV somehow similar to retirement visa in Thailand have different categories and amounts. From 1,000$ - 20,000$ deposit in bank. Amount must stay in bank to keep SRRV visa valid. A yearly smaller fee.

Allowed to use SRRV deposit to buy condo, if condo later sold, deposit required back in bank, or SRRV visa voided.

No 90 days report.

No proof of your location required.

No 24 hours rule to report new location.

Most stay on tourist visa forever, even many married on 13A visa find it just easier to stay on tourist visa.

7 minutes ago, vogie said:

The money in the bank required for an expat in the phillipines $10,000 with a monthly income of $800, the money in the bank is roundabout the same as the Thai requirements (marriage), do they have agents there that can circumnavigate the bank requirements, or is there any other method to avoid depositing the cash.

Appologies if this has been mentioned earlier, but over 700 posts is a lot to trawl through.

Alternative tourist visa up to 3 years. Leave. Return next day, start over.

No money deposit required on tourist visa. No monthly requirement, no minimum deposit required.

SRRV deposit can be used to buy a condo. Else it must stay in bank until you cancel your SRRV

Note that US veterans have lower required amount. @lopburi3 know more about that than I do.

@cerox  I see where you coming from, and your questions show a genuine interest to know more. I think I wrote 40 pages before that in my opinion, overall Philippines are best for those age 50+ in good health. Younger crowd will find it boring here, compared to all that modern Thailand have to offer.

In your case, dont drink or smoke, maybe dont have to (pay) support a girlfriend, all into consideration in your case, yes you will not live cheaper here, I guess. Still savings on grocery and misc.

However if human interactions are important for you, able to understand and have a conversation with natives, and generally live in a society built on old days courtesy and manners, Philippines is a clear winner. People here are fantastic. People here have time for you. Longer conversations, less stress, 'manjana' attitude can be bad and good, compared to many other countries. You feel welcome every day, and you notice it every day.

* I write in general terms, aimed more at general expats, often age 50+ many drink, some smoke, most if not all have a girlfriend wife.

If you go Vietnam and stay there for a longer time, I hope you will start a similar topic about Vietnam.

12 minutes ago, expatfromwyoming said:

Thailand is certainly the better place of the two even with its entrenched xenophobia

I am OP and I actually agree with you.

This thread was aimed at those who have to move due to denied extension of stay, and a few others.

So please take into consideration, that if when Thailand is no longer a option - then threads like this with info about expat life in Cambodia, Vietnam and in this case Philippines, are valuable.

For the rest who don't have a problem with visa to Thailand, they can continue enjoy Thailand.

1 hour ago, cerox said:

Thank you guys for all your replies.

 

This is why I said that Thailand is less expensive for me, just considering basic things as accommodation. It is really frustrating that the price in the Philippines seems to be double of e.g. Chiang Mai if I want the same standard/lifestyle accommodation.

 

You consider accomodation cost a l o n e, without consider Total Cost of living per month - and thats the mistake many/most do.

Big savings here: food, alcohol, sigarettes, general shopping, and the biggest saving will be support to girlfriend.

Please include grocerys, restaurants, alcohol, misc, in total cost of living. A l l included, you will live cheaper here in the Philippines.

Thanks for many good questions and comments.

32 minutes ago, cerox said:

Sometimes I have to stop in the middle of How do locals / low-income workers pay these rents? Do you they all live there with 4 people? Because I saw sometimes many beds in a very small room.

 

Is February to April low season in Cebu/Bohol etc.? Need something to escape for Chiang Mais smoky season so I could finally visit the Philippines.

Low income workers don't live in these places, they live in dorm or whats called bedspacer. Imagine a 6sqm room with 3 double decker bed frames, 900 PHP p.p.

Middle income people work in call center etc and earn 15-25k live in these places, of many in Mabolo Garden Flat and La Guardia.

Nov - april high season for semi expats.

Bohol was full last month when I was there.

Window aircon can be quiet or noisy, depends on brand and age. Not really a problem as this is white noise that one get used to fairly quickly. Roosters are a different case, found everywhere.

Off topic: Vietnam would be a easier adaption coming from Thailand

Their new apartments 350$ are almost Thailand style, with large 40' tv, and all other frills, although square meter seems smaller than Thailand average. Now their language .....

Back on topic: Bohol has limited options within budget. Almost on Panglao beach aircon room, cold water bathroom and bed, within budget you mentioned before. AirBnb have all budgets, to get lower rate I found some of the same units for rent on their facebook, and got a much lower rate. Not on Panglao but on Doljo beach. Airbnb was 2900 PHP per night for nice apartment, complete kitchen, big tv, talk  direct with owner on facebook 22000 PHP per month!

Always search on Fb for big savings.

@lopburi3 Good find, and a option for a cheap brand new unit with balcony (seldom in Cebu). When their done construction in December, they will fill up very fast.

12K PHP = 7,195 THB.

Foam mattress can be very comfortable, so no issue with that.

Fridge was small in some room, but owner seems open for a larger model, if one come early I guess.

TV was small, but that's again normal in the Philippines.

Located in safe area, seldom / no beggars, and within walking distance 20 minute to Ayala center, city's #1 mall.

@cerox 

It's a lack of accomondation in price range 6-13k baht. I've told a few investors to build in this price range.

Many new hostels has sprung up in this segment, on Agoda etc.

13k baht up many options, example Mabolo Garden Flat many vacant units, 22-28sqm for equal to 13-17k baht.

La Guardia Flats within budget, many units, 2 buildings, small balcony. 9-11k baht.

One Oasis Mabolo has pool, lots of vacant units, bargain can be found on all websites down to 9k baht a few times, usually 12k+ baht

At the moment only remember Lot8 shoebox size for 9-11k baht.

Using 1,67 THB/PHP

See photos added, and name websites you can search, also craigslist cebu, and cebuclassifieds has apartments for rent.

Note: all images from units I consider located in safe area for walking day and evenings, and most are units I would be fine to live in.

Unique in Philippines.
1. Comfort room or CR aka bathroom (the first time I heard this, I had no idea what it was)
2. Jose Rizal is the PH hero, like the George Washington of the States. His statue is everywhere
3. Banana ketchup (really?! there's no tomatoes in this and it's red?) and halo halo (mix mix dessert)
4. Jeepneys 
5. Kiss noise to get people's attention
6. Coin tap on the jeep/bus to stop it
7. Jollibee's
8. Saying 'Scuse' instead of pardon me or excuse me
9. Heavily armed malls and banks - pat downs before entering 
10. Hey Joe (I first heard this in Cebu and had no clue who they were talking to)
11. People rarely travel solo for vacation. They like group travel with their friends, coworkers, or family
12. buy one take one (instead of buy one get one free), avail a service (instead of request)
13. Religious street processions
14. The cashier asks you for change at the register
15. Smaller refrigerator sizes
16. You can buy pharmaceutical pills by the unit. They can sell you just 1 pill if you want
17. You don't take your tray to the trash can at fast food restaurants. Employees do that 
18. Honking on the street. Just to let you know I'm passing you or to tell you not to pull out in front of me
19. Christmas starts in September
20. Divorce is illegal (Vatican city is the only other place)
21. Fast food hotline (You can call one main number and they will place the order with the store and deliver it to you. You don't have to call your local restaurant directly)
22. 13th month pay (It's like a bonus but it is required by law)
23. Mixing up he and her (I have been called Ma'am far too many times; or her)
24. Age discrimination (I have seen Jollibee ads for 20-30 year old ladies. If you're a 40 year old man, you're not working there)
25. Sweet spaghetti
26. Hand respect to elders (mano po)
27. Dirty kitchen 
28. Godparents (and multiple sets of them)
29. shuffling of feet (I call it the FW - Filipino Walking. You have your OFW and FW) 
30. Fast food places run out of food (I've been to KFC twice and they didn't have chicken meals. McDonald's runs out of ice cream all the time)
31. The sales person says out loud the amount of money that you just handed them
32. The President can declare a holiday when he wants
33. Some restaurants give you a plastic hand bag glove for eating chicken or nachos
34. During elections, there is a liquor ban
35. Circumcision at age 13
36. Blunt statements to family members about weight or looks
37. No house mailboxes on the street
38. You treat others to dinner on your birthday
39. Nose bleed syndrome

Copied from local forum.

Time for a big adjustment ?