Philippines 2019 for new expats

[mike787]

On 4/8/2019 at 8:17 PM, emptypockets said:

Bit of an unfair conclusion there. .  You won't hear many positive reports about visas etc only bad ones.  

That is just human nature.

What people need to understand is that some people actually planned for their retirement.  They didn't hit pension age with very little assets and decided 'Righto I'm off the Thailand.... They really need me there' and are now find themselves in a bad predicament. 

I know there are people who have spent a lot of money, perhaps most of their money on assets in Thailand and only have a government pension to support them who are struggling, particularly with the current exchange rates. I don't have an answer for them,  but I don't think up and leaving might be the best choice. Many built houses and have families.  I think I would move heaven and earth to keep the family together somehow.

I read with great sadness how some posters decide that would simply leave the wife and kids behind. 

Very good observation.  I do beleive your analysis is applicable here, along with many other axioms.

[reenatinnakor]

Haven't read all the posts but the traffic in any major Philippines city is worse than the worst time of day in Bangkok. Period.

Also no public transport. Need your own car. Taxis are driven by people mostly can't speak English...and that's in Makati, so can't imagine what's it's like in the province.

Queues everywhere esp banks and government places. Security checks everywhere. You get frisked even going into the Mercury Drug pharmacy.

The food is mainly shit unless you go to a nice Western restaurant... You can't eat on the street like in Thailand and have a present experience.

I been going there on business twice a year for the last 15 years... I got use to it but the place is still a shit hole. Not even 25 per cent as nice as thailand.

[Cat ji]

Yes, indeed.
I was a bit shocked by what I've read here...or somewhat disturbed, put it like that. The general state of things and the...the natural disaster thing on top of it.  There are many better options. But without the availability of females - the unnatural availability of females. And without the English language.  The OP's circumstances are different, now - 10 years, family...

[ExpatPH]

47 minutes ago, reenatinnakor said:

Haven't read all the posts but the traffic in any major Philippines city is worse than the worst time of day in Bangkok. Period.

Also no public transport. Need your own car. Taxis are driven by people mostly can't speak English...and that's in Makati, so can't imagine what's it's like in the province.

Queues everywhere esp banks and government places. Security checks everywhere. You get frisked even going into the Mercury Drug pharmacy.

The food is mainly shit unless you go to a nice Western restaurant... You can't eat on the street like in Thailand and have a present experience.

I been going there on business twice a year for the last 15 years... I got use to it but the place is still a shit hole. Not even 25 per cent as nice as thailand.

 

So you haven't read all the 333 replies, where in fact NONE has said that PH is in anyway same TH, still you come with strong opinions, without take into consideration:

 

- Thailand’s roads 2'nd most dangerous in the world! Well know fact and survey posted earlier.

 

- Impossible to get taxi in Sukhumvit area and many other areas in BKK from 4pm to 10pm. Grab taxi not allowed at BKK's airport, so taxi mafia can continue. All on Thaivisa.

 

- BKK well famous for Taxis who refuse trips, and who dont want to use meter. All on Thaivisa.

 

- Taxi drivers who kick out older passengers  in heavy rain, or masturbate in taxi, watch porn while have female passenger. All on Thaivisa.

 

- a country that call you foreigner or americano, instead of buffalo. We all know it and heard it.

 

- a country (PH) who actually welcome you and stay, rather than spend all your money, and get out. See surveys posted earlier.

 

- No public transport???? I guess 1 million buses and jeepneys don't count as public transport, neither do for example Cebu 7000 meter taxis, and Grab taxi in high numbers as well. Facts.

 

- and easy tourist visas in PH that allow you to stay up to 3 Years, without stress, not same TH immigration who come up with new regulations yearly. All on Thaivisa.

 

- you dont read news report every week here on TV Thailand Visa Information, from people who was refused entry, or didnt get renewed their 1 year of stay? Every week last 3 years!

 

- Nor do you know many rape and murder cases in Thailand. All on Thaivisa.

 

I could go on all night, but sometimes one can't enlighten people even with well known proven facts, reported incidents here on Thaivisa.

[Cat ji]

tsa!  I can compare crime statistics, and violent crime /mugging and house robbery is definitely not common in Thailand. 

...What you have listed - aside from the visa situation and the availability of females/prostitution - equals shithole.

[ExpatPH]

21 minutes ago, Cat ji said:

tsa!  I can compare crime statistics, and violent crime /mugging and house robbery is definitely not common in Thailand. 

...What you have listed - aside from the visa situation and the availability of females/prostitution - equals shithole.

 

Wrong. I never listed prostutes in numbers. On the contrary, i said very limited prostitution, compared to Thailand.

And that spesific is not very interesting, for people who seriously research for Plan B.

 

[Cat ji]

I said "availability of females/prostitution" and i did not compare with Thailand. And when i said "many other places," i did not mean only in SE Asia. Compare to anywhere else too.  It is not a factor for me but quite clearly it is for many others. (Quite clearly, because this is thaivisa forum and, even here in this thread, people asked about it.)

[losworld]

1 hour ago, ExpatPH said:

 

So you haven't read all the 333 replies, where in fact NONE has said that PH is in anyway same TH, still you come with strong opinions, without take into consideration:

 

- Thailand’s roads 2'nd most dangerous in the world! Well know fact and survey posted earlier.

 

- Impossible to get taxi in Sukhumvit area and many other areas in BKK from 4pm to 10pm. Grab taxi not allowed at BKK's airport, so taxi mafia can continue. All on Thaivisa.

 

- BKK well famous for Taxis who refuse trips, and who dont want to use meter. All on Thaivisa.

 

- Taxi drivers who kick out older passengers  in heavy rain, or masturbate in taxi, watch porn while have female passenger. All on Thaivisa.

 

- a country that call you foreigner or americano, instead of buffalo. We all know it and heard it.

 

- a country (PH) who actually welcome you and stay, rather than spend all your money, and get out. See surveys posted earlier.

 

- No public transport???? I guess 1 million buses and jeepneys don't count as public transport, neither do for example Cebu 7000 meter taxis, and Grab taxi in high numbers as well. Facts.

 

- and easy tourist visas in PH that allow you to stay up to 3 Years, without stress, not same TH immigration who come up with new regulations yearly. All on Thaivisa.

 

- you dont read news report every week here on TV Thailand Visa Information, from people who was refused entry, or didnt get renewed their 1 year of stay? Every week last 3 years!

 

- Nor do you know many rape and murder cases in Thailand. All on Thaivisa.

 

I could go on all night, but sometimes one can't enlighten people even with well known proven facts, reported incidents here on Thaivisa.

I do think many of these reports are the exception and not the norm.  However you bring up good points about the declining hospitality here and the negative press put out by the government in regards to foreigners.  I recently did some research on agoda looking at hotels in siam reap cambodia and reading the comments and ratings they are far ahead of Thailand right now in the hospitality department.  Thailand will soon become the Walmart of the tourist world welcoming low income group tours from China and India unless things take a different direction in a hurry.

[ExpatPH]

16 minutes ago, losworld said:

I recently did some research on agoda looking at hotels in siam reap cambodia and reading the comments and ratings they are far ahead of Thailand right now in the hospitality department. 

Thailand will soon become the Walmart of the tourist world welcoming low income group tours from China and India unless things take a different direction in a hurry.

 

Thats good news for expats who prepare plan B. Easier to move to neighbour country, than overseas to PH.

Local forum khmer440 and cambodiaexpatsonline can be a good resource for those interested in Cambodia as Plan B.

 

Friends in Pattaya emailed me that they only see people from China and India these days, less caucasians tourists and expats, they said.

Thaivisa today reported decline in hotel bookings for songkran.

 

I don't care what destination people choose as their Plan B.

My intention in this thread, is to tell about life here, the good and the bad.

For those who have a agenda against PH, please continue enjoy Thailand as long you can.

[Destiny1990]

21 minutes ago, losworld said:

I do think many of these reports are the exception and not the norm.  However you bring up good points about the declining hospitality here and the negative press put out by the government in regards to foreigners.  I recently did some research on agoda looking at hotels in siam reap cambodia and reading the comments and ratings they are far ahead of Thailand right now in the hospitality department.  Thailand will soon become the Walmart of the tourist world welcoming low income group tours from China and India unless things take a different direction in a hurry.

I strongly dislike PP in Cambo However Sihanoukville i had a great time there and nice people with lots of young backpackers from Europe.

i guess with the casinos up and running there is a lively place I haven’t been in a while i should check it out.

May i assume much more normal visa procedures then Thailand ? More welcoming towards long staying tourists?

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

2 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

I could go on all night, but sometimes one can't enlighten people even with well known proven facts, reported incidents here on Thaivisa.

 

You make a good case for the various advantages of the PH over Thailand -- while at the same time acknowledging various of the disadvantages....

 

I think the best any person can do is to weigh the various pros and cons on both sides, and then decide which things are their priorities, which less than optimal things they can accept, and which things are personal deal breakers...  And then decide.

 

It's likely to be a different calculation for each and every individual.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

49 minutes ago, losworld said:

Thailand will soon become the Walmart of the tourist world

 

That's a nice turn of a phrase.... You ought to think about trademarking that one before TAT gets it! 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Expat, I was curious on the topic of housing there....

 

Among the resident expats you're familiar with (not tourists), what's your guess of a breakdown among the following:

--those renting monthly in a hotel.

--those renting monthly in a condo or apartment

--those that have bought some kind of home

--any other option that I'm missing.....

 

Thanks!

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

4 hours ago, seasia said:

You have probably created the best Thailand to " other country " comparison I have come across.

Full of detail, well balanced.

 

I agree 100%!!!  Very helpful and informative.

[ExpatPH]

7 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

I agree 100%!!!  Very helpful and informative.

 

Thank you TallGuyJohninBKK

I always appreciate good feedback, and forget the rest.

[Frankri]

I hope someone else can do the same about Cambodia and Vietnam, and not just coming in this tread and criticize about just someone show the personal experience and point of view.

 

 

 

 

[lopburi3]

14 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Expat, I was curious on the topic of housing there....

 

Among the resident expats you're familiar with (not tourists), what's your guess of a breakdown among the following:

--those renting monthly in a hotel.

--those renting monthly in a condo or apartment

--those that have bought some kind of home

--any other option that I'm missing.....

 

Thanks!

 

You might want to add renting a home as know that many take that route for more space at reasonable price.  

[ExpatPH]

Motorcycle prices for comparison, THB X 0.6127

 

More in this link

http://www.wheeltek.com.ph/shop/

[reenatinnakor]

 
So you haven't read all the 333 replies, where in fact NONE has said that PH is in anyway same TH, still you come with strong opinions, without take into consideration:
 
- Thailand’s roads 2'nd most dangerous in the world! Well know fact and survey posted earlier.
 
- Impossible to get taxi in Sukhumvit area and many other areas in BKK from 4pm to 10pm. Grab taxi not allowed at BKK's airport, so taxi mafia can continue. All on Thaivisa.
 
- BKK well famous for Taxis who refuse trips, and who dont want to use meter. All on Thaivisa.
 
- Taxi drivers who kick out older passengers  in heavy rain, or masturbate in taxi, watch porn while have female passenger. All on Thaivisa.
 
- a country that call you foreigner or americano, instead of buffalo. We all know it and heard it.
 
- a country (PH) who actually welcome you and stay, rather than spend all your money, and get out. See surveys posted earlier.
 
- No public transport???? I guess 1 million buses and jeepneys don't count as public transport, neither do for example Cebu 7000 meter taxis, and Grab taxi in high numbers as well. Facts.
 
- and easy tourist visas in PH that allow you to stay up to 3 Years, without stress, not same TH immigration who come up with new regulations yearly. All on Thaivisa.
 
- you dont read news report every week here on TV Thailand Visa Information, from people who was refused entry, or didnt get renewed their 1 year of stay? Every week last 3 years!
 
- Nor do you know many rape and murder cases in Thailand. All on Thaivisa.
 
I could go on all night, but sometimes one can't enlighten people even with well known proven facts, reported incidents here on Thaivisa.

So there's no crime in Philippines? Lol. My employers forbid me to ride public transport by myself when I was living there. No tourists there will ride the jeepneys or coaches with no windows... They wouldn't know how to anyway. I won't Google the serious crime stats Philippines v Thailand since I already know the answer. Yes it was easy for me to extend my 28 days for another 30 odd days for 2000 pesos I think it was way back in 2008 simply down at the travel agent... There's probably a reason why they try to make it easy for foreigners to stay there longer since no one really wants to. Thailand has this problem in reverse, everyone wants to stay longer so they try and make it more difficult.

Each to their own, you prefer Philippines but I prefer Thailand. You hear many things about Thailand but being a shit hole is not one of them.

[ExpatPH]

45 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Expat, I was curious on the topic of housing there....

 

Among the resident expats you're familiar with (not tourists), what's your guess of a breakdown among the following:

--those renting monthly in a hotel.

--those renting monthly in a condo or apartment

--those that have bought some kind of home

--any other option that I'm missing.....

 

Thanks!

 

You really like to give me a run for the money, I like that, because your questions are related to topic.

But this one ....... I think you beat me. Puuhh.

So many other variables here, single or in a relationship, or married. Have children or not.

 

My personal friends,

Single men:

1/5 longstay hotel for 32.000 peso up,

1/5 serviced apartment 35.000 to 50.000.

3/5 rent apartment from 15.000 peso to 50.000 peso. 

 

In relationship: all rent apartment or house, mostly in range 15.000 - 30.000

Married: most rent apartment or house, a very small minority +-5% buy condo or build a house.

 

This is rough estimate only. You won this one.

Thanks for the work out. Need a rest now ...

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

8 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

You really like to give me a run for the money, I like that, because your questions are related to topic.

But this one ....... I think you beat me. Puuhh.

So many other variables here, single or in a relationship, or married. Have children or not.

 

My personal friends,

Single men:

1/5 longstay hotel for 32.000 peso up,

1/5 serviced apartment 35.000 to 50.000.

3/5 rent apartment from 15.000 peso to 50.000 peso. 

 

In relationship: all rent apartment or house, mostly in range 15.000 - 30.000

Married: most rent apartment or house, a very small minority +-5% buy condo or build a house.

 

This is rough estimate only. You won this one.

Thanks for the work out. Need a rest now ...

 

 

Thanks Expat... I wasn't looking for a scientific survey... Just your seat of the pants impression on that subject.

 

Sounds like apartment renting is common for singles, and apartment or house renting common for couples.

[ExpatPH]

11 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Sounds like apartment renting is common for singles, and apartment or house renting common for couples.

Yes, fewer her than in Thailand buy property. Not because they poor. Some have a monthly spending up to 250.000+ peso per month, although 40 - 70.000 peso would be a good average estimate.

Same another poster mentioned, buying property here takes tons of paperworks. Never looked into it because seasoned expat explained to me what headache it was for them. With the extreme building boom Cebu had last 5 years, sale on second hand market isn't easy. Another reason to not buy.

[ExpatPH]

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.

 

 

[ExpatPH]

Vientiane only issue single entry Non-O for retirement and require proof of 800k baht in bank or 65k baht income.

AND they also require police clearance and medical certificate.

 

Philippines: 

No police clearance

No medical certificate

No 800k

No 65k

By the end of 2019, how many thai expats had to relocate?

And to where?

 

Good luck, wherever you end up, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia.

[Destiny1990]

1 hour ago, reenatinnakor said:

So there's no crime in Philippines? Lol. My employers forbid me to ride public transport by myself when I was living there. No tourists there will ride the jeepneys or coaches with no windows... They wouldn't know how to anyway. I won't Google the serious crime stats Philippines v Thailand since I already know the answer. Yes it was easy for me to extend my 28 days for another 30 odd days for 2000 pesos I think it was way back in 2008 simply down at the travel agent... There's probably a reason why they try to make it easy for foreigners to stay there longer since no one really wants to. Thailand has this problem in reverse, everyone wants to stay longer so they try and make it more difficult.

Each to their own, you prefer Philippines but I prefer Thailand. You hear many things about Thailand but being a shit hole is not one of them.

So what is thailand gaining exactly  from discouraging foreigners to longer stay or very frequently visiting?

How is that beneficial for locals and especially for local shops owners and employees?

 

[ExpatPH]

Corruption, Thailand and Philippines has the same score.

 

 https://www.transparency.org/country/THA

 

https://www.transparency.org/country/PHL

[scubascuba3]

So what is thailand gaining exactly  from discouraging foreigners to longer stay or very frequently visiting?
How is that beneficial for locals and especially for local shops owners and employees?
 

I agree it makes no sense but TiT

[balo]

1 hour ago, ExpatPH said:

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.

There is no need to bring this tragedy into your thread , it got nothing to do with relocating to PH!  

Fires like this also happens in Manila , terrible ones, and it will create traffic chaos. Stick to your topic. 

 

[yrag]

On 4/4/2019 at 2:59 PM, Jingthing said:

Years ago I went to the Philippines for an exploratory trip. I focused on Cebu City. I thought it was OK, I could live there, but didn't feel a need to. The OP's impressions even though much more recent have the ring of truth to me. 

 

I have wondered about Davao City and Baguio as alternatives though. 

Baguio very nice and cooler...buy earthquake prone

[Destiny1990]

2 minutes ago, balo said:

There is no need to bring this tragedy into your thread , it got nothing to do with relocating to PH!  

Fires like this also happens in Manila , terrible ones, and it will create traffic chaos. Stick to your topic. 

 

U kinda right and for sure Phillipines has much higher deadly fire track record then Thailand.. If u stay in Manila its normal to hear Sirens couple times a day.

Several malls have been burned down recently even with dozens of people still inside like in Davao.

squater areas like in Manila Tondo for example have their burnings now and then and if one room goes then the whole row of squatter rooms go up in flames.