Philippines 2019 for new expats

[ExpatPH]

Crime, Thailand vs Philippines.

 

Assault: Thailand has 388 times more than Philippines

 

Rape rate: Thailand has 6% more than Philippines

 

Total crime: Thailand 7 times more than Philippines

 

Murder: Philippines has 8% more than Thailand

 

Total crime per 1000: Thailand has 8 times more than Philippines

 

Murder with firearms: Thailand has 3 times more than Philippines

 

Robberies: Thailand has 13 times more than Philippines

 

Violent hate crime: Thailand has 5% more than Philippines

 

Kidnappings: Philippines has 

50% more than Thailand

 

Corruption: Thailand has 43% more than Philippines

 

Foreign prisoners: Thailand has 5 times more than Philippines

 

It's much better in Thailand?

 

https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Philippines/Thailand/Crime

 

[Destiny1990]

2 minutes ago, yrag said:

Baguio very nice and cooler...buy earthquake prone

Yes its a lot cooler in Baguio u dont need any aircon  but its very very rainy too.

[reenatinnakor]

Someone earlier today complained about Manila traffic jam. 'Period'.
 
Here's a quote from latest breaking news from Thaivisa, including heavy traffic in Bangkok:

The incident worsened the already heavy traffic in the intersection, which was also crowded by bystanders.

 

Pathum Wan Police Station was alerted about the fire at 5.49pm, but police officers, firefighters and water trucks found it difficult to get to the area due to the traffic. CentralWorld shopping mall and Centara Grand@CentralWorld are situated in Bangkok’s business district and are always crowded.

End quote.

 

 

You can ride your own scooter in bkk and the bts system is 1000x better than the Manila mrt... I don't know many people live in Bangkok and will drive around. Have you ever lived there in bkk? Have you tried getting the Lrt and mrt in Manila? Lol. I've lived in both the City and the province in Philippines. And also the City and the Village in thailand. Never had a problem getting around in thailand.

There are absolutely no tourists on the public transport in philippines, that immediately tells you something about the safety and quality ... Compare this to how all tourists in Thailand use the bts, baht buses and motorcycle taxis and tuk tuks. You can use the tuk tuks in Philippines... Good luck with speaking English to them and not tagalog. You think in thailand the coaches and buses are old and should be demolished with all the black smoke billowing from the exhaust? Go and ride one in philippines! They do have people come on board and sell snacks tho, which is a nice touch.

There are nice things in Philippines... I like Boracay, Batangas, Palawan and Cebu white sand beaches... And the people are generally nice enough. But there are more shit holes than nice places... Unless you suggest every one to retire to an idyllic island like Palawan where they will be bored shit less after a year or two.

You think the bureaucracy is bad in thailand... Then try and buy property or open a bank account in Philippines or even buy a car in a foreign name. When you go to do your shopping at SM or any dept store there will be at least 5 girls at the checkout, one to take your items out the basket, one to scan in the register, one to take the labels off, one to put in the bag, one to check the receipt and match it with the items, and finally one to staple the receipt to the bag!

The taxis can also refuse to take you and also will not use the meter if you're a foreigner.

You think thailand is bad for scams? Philippines is famous for it. Just Google it. As soon as you land and leave the airport the taxi stand nearest the exit door will charge you 1000 pesos for the 12km trip to the City because its a limo taxi... But walk across to the middle section and the meter taxis will cost you just 300 pesos! Same service, same route.

The thing that still annoys me is having to open my bag and being frisked everytime you enter a building or shop... Like any country you get use to it... If I lived in Central African Republic or Rwanda I would also get use to it... But it won't be a better place than Thailand just because they don't need you to deposit 20k gbp and you can stay there longer more easily. A shit hole will always be a shit hole until its not a shit hole. Philippines has a long way to go.

[ExpatPH]

This is what I can't understand:

With the new rules,

You can't touch 400.000 baht of you own money,

for as long as you want to get next year's retirement extension of stay,

and probably more changes, before this year is over,

so how can some still defend los to the bitter end?

 

Next 90 days reporting, suddenly they ask for bankbook, and if you have less than 400k,

your extension get revoked.

 

You can't use 400k of your own money!

 

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by ExpatPH

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

This is what I can't understand:

With the new rules,

You can't touch 400.000 baht of you own money,

....

You can't use 400k of your own money!

 

That's among the reasons there's renewed interest/exploration of alternatives to Thailand such as the Phils, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc....

 

That new financial restriction you mention for retirement extensions, along with the new financial requirements imposed on Americans, Brits and Aussies for marriage and retirement extensions who can no longer get income affidavits from their embassies to document monthly income to Thai Immigration, and now instead have to make deposits into a Thai bank account every single month. In the past, a person proving monthly income could keep those funds in their home country, if desired, and wasn't required to import all that money into Thailand.

 

So those are major changes for different segments of the expat community in Thailand -- those using the 800,000 baht bank deposit method to qualify for a retirement extension affected by what you mention, and then Americans, Brits and Aussies on marriage and retirement extension based on monthly income (40K or 65K baht per month, respectively) that now have to prove all those funds coming into a Thai bank account every single month.

 

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[ExpatPH]

9 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

That's among the reasons there's renewed interest/exploration of alternatives to Thailand such as the Phils, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc....

 

 

It should be, any sensible person, should see that time has come for all, to have a Plan B.

More changes on the way, guaranteed.

[mike787]

1 hour ago, reenatinnakor said:

There are absolutely no tourists on the public transport in philippines, that immediately tells you something about the safety and quality ... Compare this to how all tourists in Thailand use the bts, baht buses and motorcycle taxis and tuk tuks. You can use the tuk tuks in Philippines... Good luck with speaking English to them and not tagalog. You think in thailand the coaches and buses are old and should be demolished with all the black smoke billowing from the exhaust?

Clarification required.  My first time in BKK, while riding in Tuk Tuk I had my bag pack with my wallet/computer grabbed by the passenger on the motor bike.  All items never found. I dated a nice thai girl, she said never ride the motor bike taxis, too dangerous ( her words "they are crazy"). English in Philippines is NOT an issue. Jeepenys in PH are old and pollute heavily.

Just adding my factual experiences.  I really love both countries, but see personal issues with both.  My current status is gypsy, and I am searching for a place that I can call home.  I thought Thailand was it, but not anymore due to immigration, road safety, and cost.  Only visit now.  If you're thrilled here, I am sure many of us are are happy for you; our wish is to feel the same somewhere in this world.

Edited April 10, 2019 by mike787

[ExpatPH]

"There are absolutely no tourists on the public transport in philippines"

 

So all the white skin long nose people on the A/C bus from Cebu to Bantayan every day, are who?

 

Even the cheaper non air con bus, have white skin long nose people, on board daily.

 

Happy to meet you any day at Cebu North bus terminal, for real life observations of departing buses.

 

Can also observe on South Bus terminal and watch buses to Carcar and Argao, no tourists on those buses either?

 

Heck, lets make a full day out of it and observe a few hours at Ayala center jeepney (Puj) central, and lets start counting tourists (bring your calculator)

 

The nonsense level is beyond alarming.

 

[ExpatPH]

"There are absolutely no tourists on the public transport in philippines,"

 

= youtube FOREiGNERS BUS TRiP NORTHERN MiNDANAO SAFE 

 

[ExpatPH]

Convert your local driver license to PH driver license. 

 

Update: you can drive for 3 months on your driver license. License must be in english. If not in english, you need a International driving permit. Carry your passport when driving.

 

Requirements to apply PH driving license:

1. Passport.

2. ACR-I card.

3. Your driving license.

4. * 1 year of valid visa in your passport.

--

Take medical and drug test.

--

Get temporary paper driving license.

--

Wait for plastic driver license

(3 weeks - 1+ year)

 

Avis rent a car require a International driving permit. Local rentals don't. Ask for proof of insurance!

Many city LTO require you have a 1 year valid visa.

Province LTO can be easier.

 

* 1 year valid visa in your passport. How to?

Immigration allow 2 times 6 months extensions,

you can apply for 1st extension one day and

apply for the 2nd extension the next day.

You now have at least 1 year valid visa, as required.

 

Remember, you need valid ACR-I card to apply for PH driver license.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

Edited April 11, 2019 by ExpatPH

[scubascuba3]

Remember, you need valid ACR-I card to apply for PH driver license.
 

What is that? is that an American thing?

[ExpatPH]

2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

What is that? is that an American thing?

 

 

What is an ACR I-Card?

An ACR I-Card is a microchip based, credit card-sized, identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines has exceeded fifty-nine (59) days.  It also has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically.

 

2. Who are required to apply for an ACR I-Card? 

All foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas including holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa, who have stayed for more than fifty nine (59) days in the Philippines.

 

http://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/acr-i-card

[ExpatPH]

Quote: but the traffic in any major Philippines city is worse than the worst time of day in Bangkok. Period. 

End quote.

 

 

[Frankri]

2 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

Convert your local driver license to PH driver license. 

 

Update: you can drive for 3 months on your driver license. License must be in english. If not in english, you need a International driving permit. Carry your passport when driving.

 

Requirements to apply PH driving license:

1. Passport.

2. ACR-I card.

3. Your driving license.

4. * 1 year of valid visa in your passport.

--

Take medical and drug test.

--

Get temporary paper driving license.

--

Wait for plastic driver license

(3 weeks - 1+ year)

 

Avis rent a car require a International driving permit. Local rentals don't. Ask for proof of insurance!

Many city LTO require you have a 1 year valid visa.

Province LTO can be easier.

 

* 1 year valid visa in your passport. How to?

Immigration allow 2 times 6 months extensions,

you can apply for 1st extension one day and

apply for the 2nd extension the next day.

You now have at least 1 year valid visa, as required.

 

Remember, you need valid ACR-I card to apply for PH driver license.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

The rentals car company in PH  hold your passport for the rental period ?

 

Thanks

[stravers]

In your opinion, how to Filipinos feel about foreigners learning to speak Tagalog?

I speak fluent Thai and the majority of Thais don't respect me for knowing too much. 

[ExpatPH]

25 minutes ago, Frankri said:

The rentals car company in PH  hold your passport for the rental period ?

 

Thanks

 

Dont know, never met 1 expat or tourist who rented a car.

Would guess that Avis don't, while locals do.

 

Edit: Car with driver is only 2000 - 2500 peso per day here. Thats what most do because you avoid personal problems in case of accident.

Edited April 11, 2019 by ExpatPH

[ExpatPH]

11 minutes ago, stravers said:

In your opinion, how to Filipinos feel about foreigners learning to speak Tagalog?

I speak fluent Thai and the majority of Thais don't respect me for knowing too much. 

 

Excellent question.

Filipinos totally LOVE it if a foreigner speak their language.

If one also know to tell jokes in the local lingo,

all barriers are down and smile all over their face. Bystanders also big smile if they'd listen into your conversation. Guaranteed success here.

 

Edited April 11, 2019 by ExpatPH

[ExpatPH]

Filipinos mindset and culture.

 

Filipinos are in general very gentle and shy people.

Good decent behavior and polite is their #1,

explains why all talk to eachother with sir / mam.

 

Friendliness are their #2, explains why so many expats replied HSBC survey so positive about the people, the people.

 

Patience are their #3, never seen any loose their temper in public, and its totally not acceptable in their culture.

 

Observe their dating rituale is interesting. The men are so gentlemen and sweet to the lady. The lady is first very shy, but warm up after few dates. They frown up on rude and naughty talk, all in due time. If a man make sexual advanced to a lady, she instantly shut him down. Seems they strictly follow 'its a place and time for everything', but sure not in public.

When already in relationship, most ladies are very klingy, always have her hand arm latched on to their man. Most men do the same, and the man usually carry her small handbag and other, even its not heavy. They are excellent to demonstrate care for their partner.

 

Now, if they get upset, angry or mad, the asian tiger come out. Not in fights, but bad words, foul language or threats.

 

Greeting older is a big thing here, no handshake, no waiwe. Younger move toward older and take their right hand and pull it towards their forehead. Thats a traditional greeting. Observed everywhere in public and private. 

Young ladies greet eachother with a hug.

Young men greet eachother with a high five.

 

Filipinos seem insecure towards foreigners, or maybe shy or humble. If the foreigner follow their culture and not behave superior, its easy to make friends, or more than that.

Talk to them with sir / mam, speak with a smile in a first light conversation. Never invite a lady to your place on first or second date. They will feel you're pushy, and they will withdraw. All in due time.

 

Filipinos love to laugh, and people with good sense of humor are highly appreciated.

 

Looks and apperance matters. They dress up in their finest, when going to a shopping center  or any social event. While at home they change to casual clothings.

 

In traffic they drive slowly, love to honk their signal horn, have no sense of traffic understanding, so they all drive into a roundabout to a total standstill. Young men on motorbikes very seldom racing in the streets, but they love to change their muffler to loud, louder. 

 

Their culture remind you about the 70's, a time when people still was courteous, and had time for eachother.

 

Overall after a first visit to Philippines, what all tourists remember is Filipinos soft, shy, friendly and welcoming attitude to foreigners. Service with a genuine smile.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

Edited April 11, 2019 by ExpatPH

[Larssonn]

Not a big writer but more of the reading type and must say .....

 

absolutely one of the best threads ive read on theese forums .

 

great job both to the op and the others informative postings .

 

For thai visa issues i think sting where it hurts , before one had quite much money here now keeping nothing and own nothing except home for personal use only not to feed rentals to richer thais , no investment nothing else .

 

declared unwanted = goes for my money too

 

one thing i feeel missing about ph is about investment ....does ph banks give anything and are there and market for condo rentals ?

 

i did read about the problems buying but are there agencys sorting all or anyway to make it abit easier and quicker buying condos ?

 

also is it a safe procedure to buy ?

 

keep up the good work will continue to follow 

[ExpatPH]

My view after almost 10 year living in Philippines.

 

I still like it here, thanks to the culture and courteous people. I still notice daily, how nice it is to be around them. I actually notice it.

Im not worried about personal safety issues.

I plan my life accordingly. 

 

As another poster said, many things here cost less than in Pattaya, so my budget last longer.

I don't live cheap, I rented penthouse apartments, rented house, owned a few big motorcycles, travel a few times a year both in and out of country, and I eat imported food both at home and in restaurants.

 

I never had issue with visa extensions, never met a rude IO. I have issues with hospitals. I learned to plan my time around rush hours, and unreliable internet are not a frustration anymore. Life goes on, also without internet for an hour. Could be better spent anyway, talking with partner, neighbours and friends.

I learned patience. I made many new friends, some friendships that will last. In emergency we will be there for eachother.

Food, clothes, dentist is not a problem. Transportation is not a problem with 7000 meter taxi + grab taxi + motorbike taxi. Have taken aircon buses many times, never a accident or other issue.

 

Food, I have enough imported food in supermarkets and restaurants. I sure don't starve here or suffer.

Never a problem with males or transgender, beggars don't irritate me. 1 loud word make em fly away.

After some failed short relationships, I finally found gold and are very happy with her.

 

Philippines are not for everybody. It takes research, short visits to country first, patience and not much need for action. For us over 50 its a alternative among many other destinations.

For younger its boring and blend, lack of the latest trends, tech, fashion, and nightlife.

 

I like it here, you might not. Do research, youtube have 1000s of videos from all destinations.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

[lopburi3]

8 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

For younger its boring and blend, lack of the latest trends, tech, fashion, and nightlife.

But even that may not be true for all.  Remember being young and more important for many of us were solid relationships rather than the flash and glitter (that we might use in attempt to find it).  As for boring and bland try watching videos from BecomingFilipino (you don't have to agree with his culinary tastes - but he does provide great video views and information).  

[ExpatPH]

48 minutes ago, Larssonn said:

Not a big writer but more of the reading type and must say .....

 

absolutely one of the best threads ive read on theese forums .

 

great job both to the op and the others informative postings .

 

one thing i feeel missing about ph is about investment ....does ph banks give anything and are there and market for condo rentals ?

 

i did read about the problems buying but are there agencys sorting all or anyway to make it abit easier and quicker buying condos ?

 

also is it a safe procedure to buy ?

 

It feels very good when I receive so nice feedback, so a big thank you, Larssonn.

 

Can't reply on investment, don't know any who play the local stock market.

 

I would estimate its 50 new high rise buildings going up at the moment in Cebu, aimed at higher mid class up to luxury.

Will tourist continue to visit Cebu, longstay, and increase in numbers, who knows?

 

I'm concerned about the previous demise of nightlife in the city. Tourists want to go out at night, and they have limited options these days. Single men used to come here in numbers just for the infamous nightlife. They dont come anymore, they go to Angeles now.

Its oversupply of vacant condos in Cebu. All owners seems to stick to their set rental price, so not much movement on the rental market.

 

I see new white faces in Cebu but not enough to make condo market move even the slightest.

Influx also of tourist from Japan and Korea who stay for longer time.

 

Cebu property market lack apartments that can rent out for between 10.000 to 18.000 peso. If I still was to invest in Cebu, that segment would be my one and only aim.

 

Although never been to Angeles, I feel strongly about its future. With cebu less entertainment area, Angeles do get more tourists. If I was to invest in condo market, Angeles would be my own choice.

 

To sell a condo here takes considerable time, unless you invested in unique properties.

 

Unless you been in country 5+ years, don't invest in condo here. You must have feet on the ground and make your own opinion about the market for condo investment.

 

Rental agents can fix all paperwork, mostly it goes ok but oh so slow. Even money can't fix quick.

It should be safe, within limitations set by laws regarding ownership.

 

If you don't have extensive time on the ground here, don't take the risk.

 

[madmen]

Just wondering what these are about ? no pension is a bit steep and all those deposits are permanent

 

1. With Pension - 50 years old and above - the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.

2. Without Pension

• 35 to 49 years old - US$50,000.00 time deposit
• 50 years old and above - US$20,000.00 time deposit
• Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents - US$1,500.00)
• Ambassadors of Foreign Countries who served and retired in the Philippines, current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB (at least 50 years old) - US$1,500.00

Edited April 11, 2019 by madmen

[lopburi3]

4 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

Although never been to Angeles, I feel strongly about its future. With cebu less entertainment area, Angeles do get more tourists. If I was to invest in condo market, Angeles would be my own choice.

Angeles, like Pattaya, has been trying to remove the open nightlife as Clark is slated to become government hqs for the Philippines in the future and some have already started the move - so push is higher class accommodations and facilities.  Expect Angeles may become family faster than Pattaya but agree for now Angeles is good value with very good options for eating and nightlife and hotels.  Expect Subic area may takeover as the low cost expat choice.  

[lopburi3]

9 minutes ago, madmen said:

Just wondering what these are about ? no pension is a bit steep and all those deposits are permanent

 

1. With Pension - 50 years old and above - the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.

2. Without Pension

• 35 to 49 years old - US$50,000.00 time deposit
• 50 years old and above - US$20,000.00 time deposit
• Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents - US$1,500.00)
• Ambassadors of Foreign Countries who served and retired in the Philippines, current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB (at least 50 years old) - US$1,500.00

But they are not required - you can stay on tourist visas fine - and most do.  SRRV is an option and for many with service in Philippines or US Military there is only a one time $1,500 cost.  

[Cat ji]

28 minutes ago, madmen said:

Just wondering what these are about ? no pension is a bit steep and all those deposits are permanent

 

1. With Pension - 50 years old and above - the required time deposit is US$10,000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant and US$1,000 for couple.

2. Without Pension

• 35 to 49 years old - US$50,000.00 time deposit 
• 50 years old and above - US$20,000.00 time deposit

[...]

US$20K seems about the same / somewhat less than 800K baht, and if i translate [time deposit] to [fixed deposit] (12 months, 24 months?) then the interest rate should/probably be >5%, better than having to keep it in a savings/current account. 

[stravers]

This is a terrific thread. Thanks for starting and maintaining it with new and interesting content.

 

I lived in Thai for 15 years from the age of 30 (I work online). As I am under 50, I would just get back to back education visas ($1kUSD/year). Like other visas, the goal posts changed frequently. I speak fluent Thai which enabled me to meet your average 9-5 working Thais. The bar girls never entered my life for most of my 15 years. I always figured it would be more fun and easier to meet the majority, than the minority (bar girls). 

 

A few years ago, I began souring on Thai (even with the delicious food and bum gun). What I heard and saw from locals, frequent assaults on YouTube, and from govt, made me think I was unwanted and I was bored and fed up with it all. 

 

I felt I had painted myself into a corner but where was the best alternative? Plan B was either going to be Vietnam (very likeable), Indonesia, or Phils. I like the other countries too but don't feel like learning a new language.

 

I'm caring for my parents now in Canada and planning my next move in Asia. 

 

 

[Eberhard]

On 4/4/2019 at 3:43 PM, Old Croc said:

I'm a little confused about your section on rentals.

Firstly, the prices you quote, in dollars, for what I would consider a dog box, seem very high.

Then you explain that high cost away by stating that you get more pesos for a dollar than you get baht.

I don't understand. Perhaps it's me. 

Hi, just joined this forum.

Living in Asia since 1996 and TH since 2000 and plan to move to PH next year for retirement.

I travel to PH also since 1996 for business.

I can subscribe Expat'sPH explanations, spot on.

Looking forward to more to come!

[ExpatPH]

1 hour ago, stravers said:

This is a terrific thread. Thanks for starting and maintaining it with new and interesting content.

 

I lived in Thai for 15 years from the age of 30 (I work online). As I am under 50, I would just get back to back education visas ($1kUSD/year). Like other visas, the goal posts changed frequently. I speak fluent Thai which enabled me to meet your average 9-5 working Thais. The bar girls never entered my life for most of my 15 years. I always figured it would be more fun and easier to meet the majority, than the minority (bar girls). 

 

A few years ago, I began souring on Thai (even with the delicious food and bum gun). What I heard and saw from locals, frequent assaults on YouTube, and from govt, made me think I was unwanted and I was bored and fed up with it all. 

 

I felt I had painted myself into a corner but where was the best alternative? Plan B was either going to be Vietnam (very likeable), Indonesia, or Phils. I like the other countries too but don't feel like learning a new language.

 

I'm caring for my parents now in Canada and planning my next move in Asia. 

 Hi stravers I appeciate more joining this thread, and positive feedback.

 

Would tested out Vietnam if I was single, and in your age. Seen many good reviews on Youtube about Vietnam, with brand new furnished apartments with everything one could need, for only 300$, large tv and fast internet. Outdoor reminded me somehow of BKK and the girls too.

Language barrier would be a issue, still one reviewer said 'that wasn't a big problem', another complained that he used google translate, still didnt get his correct meal. Part of city is modern highrise with large parks .

 

"Plan B was either going to be Vietnam (very likeable), Indonesia, or Phils."

You have a good list and ranking there imo.

 

Intend to continue this thread with new and interesting content, but need good questions from you readers.

 

[ExpatPH]

1 hour ago, Eberhard said:

Hi, just joined this forum.

Living in Asia since 1996 and TH since 2000 and plan to move to PH next year for retirement.

I travel to PH also since 1996 for business.

I can subscribe Expat'sPH explanations, spot on.

Looking forward to more to come!

 

Hi Eberhard, thank you, please join in with your own experience from PH.

 

What part of PH do you consider?