ExpatPH

Internet reliability.

Was just cut of 1 hour, I have 1 Wi-Fi and 2 mobile internet connections available. All was down for 1 hour. Im located in city center.

In province before, I was happy if I could load youtube. For online banking, I had to go 1 km from my rented house to find fast enough coverage.

Few years ago in Boracay, my internet speedtest reached 20Mbps+.

Manila area had similar, very depending of area.

If you need faster internet 100-200Mbps to conduct business, trading on the international stock market, Manila can offer lighting fast internet if you willing to pay for it. Can find more about this on website yugatech.

6 hours ago, Ulic said:

If you are trying to compare death rates add in death on the road and I think Thailand would lead by a significant margin. 

A good point.

Study: Thailand’s roads 2nd most dangerous in the world.

https://asiancorrespondent.com/2014/02/study-thailand-roads-2nd-most-dangerous-in-the-world/

Culture chock Thailand vs Philippines.

I should highlight that living in Cebu and many other places, is like stepping back in time 100 years, in a Asian country with strong spanish influx.

Slow pace of life, people not in a rush. People sit down and have long conversations. Many very old buildings, less high rise.

Very different from Thailands modern neon city, where people are so busy.

Regards

ExpatPH

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Great Info Expat, I guess the negative people can be ignored as usual.

What is there to do in Cebu for an expat? hobbies? good cycling? good walks? are most just barflys?

Most expats are in longterm relationship / married, many with children. Expats are less of barfly type here than in Thailand. City has 2 sportsbars and a few other bars frequented by expats. We mostly meet in shopping centers, while gf wifes doing their things.

Check out these links.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attractions-g294261-Activities-Cebu_Island_Visayas.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298460-Activities-Cebu_City_Cebu_Island_Visayas.html

https://trekeffect.com/travel-blog/50-must-try-things-cebu

https://www.travelcebu.ph/blog/things-to-do-in-cebu/

https://journalistontherun.com/2017/10/14/things-to-do-in-cebu/

https://www.crazysexyfuntraveler.com/20-things-to-do-in-cebu-city-and-surroundings/

https://www.journeyera.com/things-to-do-cebu-philippines/

Would be interesting to read in future how you guys solved this?

Years ago when i moved from TH to Phils, I found many shipping companies in Bkk and Laem chabang That was not my problem. 1 container by ship delivered within 6-8 weeks would cost me more than 100.000 baht in shipping alone. Customs fee would be another big issue. In the end I sold all, with big loss.

Vietnam attract many Thai expats, so would be interesting to read how you both solved this.

6 minutes ago, Frankri said:

Hi Expat,

 

What about the Weather ??

 

Thanks !

More spesific question please.

Rain.

Downpour.

Flooding.

Storms.

Hurricanes.

Earthquakes.

Manila same Bangkok.

Cebu minus 3, day 31, night 25

Talking about hospitals, Thai hospitals also have issues, this time about overcharging.

50 minutes ago, balo said:

Does this mean we can go back to our agents and let the corruption do it's work so everyone can be happy happy? 

Sure, just wait to immigration had their never ending tradition of monthly change of rules & regulations.

And even better for all expats in Thailand, none of you have to 'suffer' and join us expats in Philippines or Cambodia.

Oooopppsss: curruption just took a jump, now it's 50.000 baht that agents reguire, to fix your case.

Hope you all still happy happy.

1 hour ago, Mike Teavee said:

Great thread, I love the Philippines, big fan of Davao, Tagum, Cebu, Bohol & Coron but not so hot on the likes of Manila / Angeles

Thank you mike, highly appreciated.

23 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Expat, for those who might be planning to check out the Cebu and surrounding area, can you address the issue of flight destination if coming from Thailand, in terms of whether a person would want to fly directly into Cebu, or are there any reasons to start in Manila first?

1. You fly direct to Cebu to save 6 hours time.

2. You fly via Manila to avoid customs, or need a smoke, designated area located at parking area.

Choose what's best for you.

3. Some like Manila, others hate the busy overloaded city. Not for me personally.

Before choose any destination, look youtube videos before travel, come on 29 days stay first. Never move anyplace directly without due dilligence, and already been in country.

2 hours ago, NicUnderTheSea said:

Banking. Big one this. Really not sure whether to risk taking enough with me from Thailand to fund my first few months (initially some travel and then first month in new job) or to attempt to use my current banking provider from Thailand with its requisite OTP nonsense , or another solution yet TBA

If your money are not on bank/visa account back in your home country, I still have a few options.

Previously my Bangkok bank ATM card worked in Metrobank here, but thats years ago. Email your bank.

Unsure OTP will work from TH to PH, one time password have a time limit doesn' it?

SMS from Thailand to PH can take 10 minute or 1 hour, or never. Email your bank.

You will need Roaming activated before you travel and balance for time ahead!

High risk to rely on OTP. 

1. You can maximum bring with you 10.000$ equal to 520.000 peso here. Higher amount require that you report it on Customs form given inflight, go on 'red' at customs, and maybe more requirements. Possibly documentation where founds came from, or advanced approval, don't know. Personally I would not risk carry more than 2000$. That said, 520.000 peso would normally last 7-10 months for many average expats here, if you take that risk.

2. Transfer with WU from Thailand to yourself in PH. Since you probably dont have a PH local cellphone number, you can use 'secret question, and answer, on transfer form, and passport number as well.

3. Transfer via Zoom.

And maybe others will come with more.

40 minutes ago, NicUnderTheSea said:

ExpatPH, thanks so much for this thread. Im actually moving from LoS to Philippines (Dumaguete) next month so a lot of this is very timely and helpful.

 Pm sent

10 minutes ago, NicUnderTheSea said:

ExpatPH, thanks so much for this thread. Im actually moving from LoS to Philippines (Dumaguete) next month so a lot of this is very timely and helpful.

Couple of things Id like a bit more on: 

 

Driving - licenses, renting a bike, helmet/ID stops etc - outside of the main cities obviously

 

Banking. Big one this. Really not sure whether to risk taking enough with me from Thailand to fund my first few months (initially some travel and then first month in new job) or to attempt to use my current banking provider from Thailand with its requisite OTP nonsense , or another solution yet TBA

Dumaguete is a good option. Good expat community, you meet them on 'Why Not' restaurant on the promenade (beach walk).

They have their own local forum, will look into my notes and pm you if I find it.

Strict police there, many checkpoints, must wear helmet. LTO there demand urin test (drug tes).

Another example of how unreasonable thai immigration are these days. Still some live in denial, others don't see the writing on the wall. Get out foreigners, you're not wanted here long term, and we do our best every quarter to make it more difficult for you.