Philippines 2019 for new expats

[lopburi3]

8 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Air-con rooms near the beach in the Subic area can be had for 300-400peso/night (4-6kpeso/month).

If you can't find places in PI comparable to prices in Thailand, you've got 'mug' written on yer forehead.

 

Overstay Road Vloger is staying their now and has a few recent videos of Barretto and walk around.

[ExpatPH]

[ExpatPH]

AIR Quality in Cebu city today 9 am, really bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BritManToo]

47 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

AIR Quality in Cebu city today 9 am, really bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardly ever below 250 in Chiang Mai.

[bender92]

I just spent 6 days in Manila. I stayed near the Baywalk so I had no problem with air quality. Streets were pretty clean too. Leaving the airport it took an hour to get a taxi at 7PM. Traffic is pretty bad. I was able to walk to Baywalk mornings. Lots of walkers and cyclists. Friendly people. In the evening lots of people went to the bay to hang out and watch the sunset. I had several restaurants nearby, Aristocrat chicken, Shakeys pizza. Lots of 7-11s around, and Mini Shops. I could also walk to Robinsons Mall, a huge place that even had a Dennys, I got a good salad there. Also a cinema and ice skating rink inside. Near there was a casino, I played Texas Hold em. They also have 3 card and Baccarat. For a longer walk along the bay I went to a casino that had Pai Gow poker, slots, bingo. My hotel had a buffet breakfast that changed each day, and the wifi was very fast. The desk lady called a Grab for me when needed, you pay them in cash so no credit card needed like in the USA. I felt safe everywhere I walked, even in the evening. I was never out late so maybe nights are different.  All in all it was a nice trip.

[pgrahmm]

On 5/24/2019 at 9:17 AM, BritManToo said:

Hardly ever below 250 in Chiang Mai.

 

[Destiny1990]

Is the OP still in Bohol?

Maybe the wifi is not so good there?

[pgrahmm]

1 minute ago, Destiny1990 said:

Is the OP still in Bohol?

Maybe the wifi is not so good there?

Connectivity, in general, is not very good + expensive there.....

[Destiny1990]

14 minutes ago, pgrahmm said:

Connectivity, in general, is not very good + expensive there.....

Yes but they are working on improving the connection there as we speak.

I have been in Bohol before and very much liked it then but that was 10 years ago.

stunning beaches clean air etc.

 

Edited June 9, 2019 by Destiny1990

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

6 hours ago, bender92 said:

I just spent 6 days in Manila. I stayed near the Baywalk so I had no problem with air quality. Streets were pretty clean too. Leaving the airport it took an hour to get a taxi at 7PM. Traffic is pretty bad. I was able to walk to Baywalk mornings. Lots of walkers and cyclists. Friendly people. In the evening lots of people went to the bay to hang out and watch the sunset. I had several restaurants nearby, Aristocrat chicken, Shakeys pizza. Lots of 7-11s around, and Mini Shops. I could also walk to Robinsons Mall, a huge place that even had a Dennys, I got a good salad there. Also a cinema and ice skating rink inside.

 

That looks and sounds pretty nice....

 

--How long did it take you to get from the airport to your hotel...once you got a taxi?

 

--And, how much were the hotel rates going for in the area you stayed, and what did you get for the price paid?

 

[Destiny1990]

30 minutes ago, vinniekintana said:

If that is even possible..!!????

That’s correct and  likely because Pinoys can better English so then they can better lie too.

[fred110]

On 6/9/2019 at 5:11 PM, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

That looks and sounds pretty nice....

 

--How long did it take you to get from the airport to your hotel...once you got a taxi?

 

--And, how much were the hotel rates going for in the area you stayed, and what did you get for the price paid?

 

To hotel about 1 hour. Hotel was about $33 plus tax. Name is D Circle. Very good buffet breakfast that changed each day, free mini bar with water, Cokes, snacks, lots of English TV channels. Going to the airport I took the Skyway for 35 pesos.

[phycokiller]

On 5/16/2019 at 1:30 PM, BritManToo said:

I assume everyone is lying to me, especially the woman in my bed.

It's got to the point where it doesn't matter, as I'm not listening to what they're saying.

 

Is people lying really such a big deal? I've worked out ways to get around it.

When I agree to meet someone, it's only ever in a place where I can have fun on my own, or with people already there.

I only really interact with my former wife, gf and the kids, that limits a lot of the madness as I know everything the gf and wife say are a lie.

lying doesnt really matter unless it inconveniences you, but liars are generally shallow and disadvantaged so worth avoiding if possible 

[ExpatPH]

Bohol

 

 

 

 

[ExpatPH]

Bought my ferry ticket from Cebu to Tagbilaran Bohol, in a travel office in Cebu. They add 50php to the ticket price, for their service. 

Ticket outlet at pier are usually very crowded and can take up to 1/2 hour to buy a ticket.

 

Departure hall at pier was uncomfortable hot, no aircon, very limited fans. Security check of people and luggage similar to airports. Porters available at Cebu pier and they flew you thrue long lines. No set price for their help so 20-30peso should be ok.

 

Ferry images talks for itself, safety and maintenance could obviously be much better.

Trip took 1,5 hour to Tagbilaran city, in calm sea. Tourist class ticket are 5-600 with tv movie aircon, and business class ticket for better view on upper deck are 1000-1200php.

 

Plenty of transportation option at Tagbilaran pier, including taxi meter who demanded inflated fixed price.

Many hotel and resort on Panglao island offer pick up service from airport or pier for 500php.

Habal habal and tricycle also available on the pier. I paid 100php to my hotel in Tagbilaran, other guest who arrived with next ferry had paid 200php for their transportation by tricycle.

 

Traffic was much lighter than Cebu, and air quality seemed better. At least more windy. Haven't found any air quality station for Bohol, so this is only my personal opinion. 

 

Internet speed was a surprise, both wi-fi and mobile internet was faster than I normally experience in Cebu city. No cut off on my mobile internet connection, so more reliable as well, the few days I was there.

 

People was smiling and friendly in Tagbilaran, and many foreigners in the malls. Island City Mall (ICM) is Tagbilarans #1 Mall. There I found Tcl and Devant 50" hd tv for sale for 20,000Php. Big brand like Samsung still 50k+.

Photo from Supermarket was taken in ICM. Not much 'foreign food' to buy, but quality of fruit and vegetable was better than what I normally find in Cebu.

 

For eating out, I had read up on tripadvisor and had good american breakfast for 200php (4usd), spaghetti for 300php (6usd) and imported US ribeye for 800Php (16usd). Advice on tripadvisor regarding top restaurants was spot on.

 

Ladies in Tagbilaran seemed friendly to foreigners, even a 'senior' like me got a few smiles, that could been a invite to a talk, and who knows the future.

With google maps I walked around Tagbilaran city. Getting around was also easy with habal habal (motorcycle taxi) and tricycle. From downtown near older malls and restaurants, fare was 20php to ICM, the mall prefered by most. Traffic and exhaust fumes was not a problem. 

 

Most hotels and guesthouses had no vacancy, so advanced booking are highly recommended.

 

Even more early booking if one going to Panglao Island.

Agoda, Expedia, Booking, HotelsCombined, AirBnb, most rooms under 2000php per day, was sold out weeks ahead. Tourist arrivals outnumber number of accomondation, so next time I will book 2 months ahead.

 

The odd 15,000 php per month for western style apartment or room was all booked next 2 months ahead. Else 35,000 php and up per month, for newer 'western standard' had some vacancy.

 

My plan was to stay a week in Tagbilaran before heading out to Bohol. Ceres buses from Tagbilaran to Panglao early morning before 8 am. Return 4-6pm.

Most rented a small 100-125cc motorcycle for 400-500 php per day or monthly 12,000 php up. Larger 400-650cc motorcycle was also for rent for tourist prices, 20,000php per month up.

 

From my earlier research, public transport are lacking on Panglao Island. Habal or tricycle are in small numbers, 2-3x normal Tagbilaran quoted price for a short trip. If I move to Bohol as I am very tempted to do, I will buy a 2nd hand registered motorbike, early on.

 

On third day I received a urgent call from Cebu, so I had to cut my Bohol trip very short, and return to Cebu.

 

Only good impressions on this short trip, will absolutely return to Bohol again.

 

ExpatPH

 

 

[cerox]

Hi ExpatPH,

 

many thanks for your great work and all the information.

 

It is fantastic news that the Internet is that good on Bohol island. People like me will be able to enjoy better air, because Cebu seems too big and polluted for me to stay there long-term.

 

Accommodation is a major thing too. I think Chiang Mai for example is kind of unbeatable in terms of ease for accommodation. So many vacant rooms, condos etc.

Did you seem them doing a lot of new construction as they do around Cebu?

 

Bohol would be my first serious alternative to CNX if I am forced to move out.

 

The drawbacks I see are the accommodation issues and the "scam" rates for motorbike rentals. The girls, English, and visa hopefully make up for it ????

[KC 71]

I would love to visit one day,but the big boss has got a screw loose and the internet is rubbish by all accounts


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

[Destiny1990]

Yes Bohol is really gaining momentum in recent years.

Its a good alternative for Cebu if you want a more laid back environment.

Its top of my list to revisit it again.

Thanks for your field trip report!

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

8 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

Ferry images talks for itself, safety and maintenance could obviously be much better.

 

They must have gotten your ferry boat as a leftover from Thailand.... Perhaps one of the Thai ones that sunk and was later recovered!  

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Re Air Quality there, these are probably among the better resources:

 

https://www.airvisual.com/philippines

 

https://www.airvisual.com/philippines/central-visayas/cebu-city

 

[SenorJorge]

On 4/4/2019 at 2:36 AM, Thaiwrath said:

 

I would suggest that the 'many' are correct.

Your target audience will be the ones who cannot prove the necessary income here, and those who don't trust Thai banks (????) with 400/800,000 baht. Most others seem happy, and settled here.  

 

For many reasons I won't get into I can never go back to Thailand.  I simply cannot set foot in the country ever again.

 

My pension is right around 2000 US per month.  In terms of affordable places to stay in SE asia with reasonable English ability, it would seem that the Philippines is my next best option.  I have no zero interest in Cambodia, Burma, Laos, China, Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia.  Just absolutely zero.  I hate those countries.

 

In terms of visas, in the Phils now you can get a tourist visa, get the long term extension, leave before that expires, an repeat the process.  I think the longest you can stay total is 16 months but I doubt I'd stay in the Phils for longer than 6 months at a time anyway.  I have no desire to ever marry.  I refuse to.

 

If anyone has any ideas outside of the Phils, please let me know.

 

For the Phils experts, where should I go?  I like girls and the beach.  Should I just head to subic and take day trips to nicer beach areas?  Whats the best advice?  Much appreciated.  I won't be going anywhere for about a year or so.

[Destiny1990]

48 minutes ago, SenorJorge said:

For many reasons I won't get into I can never go back to Thailand.  I simply cannot set foot in the country ever again.

 

My pension is right around 2000 US per month.  In terms of affordable places to stay in SE asia with reasonable English ability, it would seem that the Philippines is my next best option.  I have no zero interest in Cambodia, Burma, Laos, China, Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia.  Just absolutely zero.  I hate those countries.

 

In terms of visas, in the Phils now you can get a tourist visa, get the long term extension, leave before that expires, an repeat the process.  I think the longest you can stay total is 16 months but I doubt I'd stay in the Phils for longer than 6 months at a time anyway.  I have no desire to ever marry.  I refuse to.

 

If anyone has any ideas outside of the Phils, please let me know.

 

For the Phils experts, where should I go?  I like girls and the beach.  Should I just head to subic and take day trips to nicer beach areas?  Whats the best advice?  Much appreciated.  I won't be going anywhere for about a year or so.

Try Cebu or Bohol.

For me Subic is a dead boring place.

What did you hate about Vietnam? 

Edited June 16, 2019 by Destiny1990

[SenorJorge]

28 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Try Cebu or Bohol.

For me Subic is a dead boring place.

What did you hate about Vietnam? 

I will just say this about VN.

 

My first spouse comes from a well connected Chinese-Vietnamese family in SG/HCMC.  Well connected to the government etc.  I think I should avoid it.

[lopburi3]

3 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

In terms of visas, in the Phils now you can get a tourist visa, get the long term extension, leave before that expires, an repeat the process.

Actually you get 30 days and first extension 30 days and after that up to six month extension for up to 3 years - you then have to leave for a day to start over.  Dumaguete would likely be cheaper than Cebu and close enough to travel easily.  One vloger there has monthly expense of $1,000 over last few years but he not into the nightlife/drinking (which not too open there anyhow - but lives in nice home).  Subic (outside city) appears to be a poor mans whorehouse so if girls are main attraction might be a good fit - old Navy base has good facilities for higher level eating and such.  Angeles City is still quite cheap off Clark and has huge selection of girls/bars/eating/hotels and easy access to upscale locations on Clark (new capital city).  Duma - laid back.  Subic - night moves.  Angeles - party town. 

Edited June 17, 2019 by lopburi3

[AlexRRR]

On 5/23/2019 at 10:35 AM, ExpatPH said:

 

Thank you DonDoRondo. 

Traffic, hospitals, local food are the big negatives. The big advantages are easy tourist visa up to 3 year, english widely spoken, and the girls. Easy for those over 50-60 to find a partner.

 

Philippines isn't for some who need all the frills, comfort, and similarity to Thailand, because that doesn't exist here, unless one pay a high premium for it. It's different, very different, but one get used to it.

 

Being around polite people with genuine smiles, always call you Sir, it's a very nice change to LOS.

 

Good restaurants with international food to be found in major cities here, we don't starve.

 

Less stress here because Immigration here don't come with more restrictions semi yearly, not same in Los.

 

I first came here because other expats told me how nice it was. Well, times has changed. 

Philippines have other Islands that might be a better option.

 

For those who need to be close to good hospitals, I think only St. Luke hospital in Manila will be their best option.

 

Cambodia, Vietnam and other destinations also have their cons.

So I think one must 'reset' before another country become a real Plan B.

 

 

Ive been 3 times first just to Manila second and third time was based in Manila then side trips to Palawan and Porto Galeria, think thats how its spelt....was there 5 days first time a week second and 2 weeks third....

 

Food...well discussed in other posts you learn what to avoid and you learn where you can go.

 

Travel around the country....first time internal flight to Palawan...well both legs flights were delayed about a min of 2 to 3 hrs..and its seems its normal..Cebu Air have pretty much one of the worst records in aviation I've since learned on matters like this...there also the cheapest...Going to Porto Galeria was a 2or 3 hr bus trip sth from Manila...that part was all easy getting to the port area of Batangas then its a boat ride to the island and city of PG, shitty planks to walk on safety at near non existent levels...ok if your able bodied which at the time I was struggling with a hip problem that only now had a replacement, I had wanted to avoid internal flights due to the delays didn't realise the safety side of things on there boats...never mind its all fun and games...they do have big ferry there where this sort of thing would not be an issue...

 

From my experience some of these magical beach locations are rather backwards, infrastructure is also poor, filipinos are a very happy people and seem to just about accept anything.....Hotels in some of these places....hahaha...hit and miss....just like there internet...made a few booboos there getting the idea now....

 

Manila has it all....there are some very modern spots with high end malls and dining like Greenbelt, than you also get the exact opposite...so far ive always felt safe though venturing into some bordering slum areas is an eye opener....people pulling out there rolled up bed packs in front of shops undercover at 9 pm....I quickly moved back to the main road...

 

Women....I dont do bars or hookers.....and I want them with a job....travelled with 2 different girls first 2 time, met on the net....we didn't click but had a good time anyway, first was very good at making me feel like a king and I had known here a long time before we actually met...second ahhh was going through something.....dont know what didn't bother to ask but the sex was fantastic...met her on my very first trip to Manila so we had some history...the girls were 27 n 22...both a little more mature than there ages would indicate and im in my young 60s...but hunsum of course....

 

Staying in touch with the women is a big problem there make sure they have a job then at least they can afford there shitty internet...If you compare Filipino women to Thai....Thai are great if you want a trophy on your arm....lack substance often into themselves more than you and of course its all about security and what you can do for them....they cant hold down a job run a home and raise kids at the same time on there own...mum or sisters get involved...there not lazy but every unproductive..Filipinos seem way better in this area and always eggar to please...

 

Im off to Cebu in august for 2 weeks....and im looking forward to it, as the opp suggested take it easy and keep an open mind...I dont want to live overseas im happy enough in AU but would consider extended stays which is what ive been doing in Thailand...

Edited June 17, 2019 by AlexRRR

[BritManToo]

5 minutes ago, AlexRRR said:

Manila has it all....there are some very modern spots with high end malls and dining like Greenbelt, than you also get the exact opposite...so far ive always felt safe though venturing into some bordering slum areas is an eye opener....people pulling out there rolled up bed packs in front of shops undercover at 9 pm....I quickly moved back to the main road...

I've often walked through the slums at night, everyone is surprisingly friendly, 'good morning sir', 'enjoy your stay in PI', etc. On a hot night the old guys seem to sit outside in the street because it's cooler.

Edited June 17, 2019 by BritManToo

[AlexRRR]

16 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I've often walked through the slums at night, everyone is surprisingly friendly, 'good morning sir', 'enjoy your stay in PI', etc. On a hot night the old guys seem to sit outside in the street because it's cooler.

 

Scary first time your confronted with it...and it was for me...yet I was in a commercial/residential area im dam sure it gets worse from where I had been that night..and just 1.5 ks from Mall of Asia.

[ExpatPH]

7 hours ago, SenorJorge said:

where should I go?  I like girls and the beach.  Should I just head to subic and take day trips to nicer beach areas?  Whats the best advice? 

 

Girls: Angeles.

Daytrip: Subic bay.

Beach: Boracay, Puerto Galera, and many more.

Links early in this thread for beaches.

 

[ExpatPH]

On 6/12/2019 at 3:20 PM, cerox said:

Did you seem them doing a lot of new construction as they do around Cebu?

 

Bohol would be my first serious alternative to CNX if I am forced to move out.

 

The drawbacks I see are the accommodation issues and the "scam" rates for motorbike rentals. The girls, English, and visa hopefully make up for it ????

 

Didnt see much new buildings coming up, strange since the new airport opened up at Panglao island. Bohol local government want more places to become tourist magnet, not only Boracay, but all over Bohol island Present lack of rooms should guarantee safe investment imo, but no obvious building boom. Few new lowrise places advertised on facebook, else majority are old and outdated rooms. Not value for money for a tourist. If they could only copy Thailand ...

 

Still lack of frequent transport around Panglao Island are a problem that should be improved asap. This bus service has been on/off last year. Buses without proper paperwork was impounded by LTO.

 

Bus Tagbilaran - Panglao

 

http://www.boholchronicle.com.ph/2018/08/08/ceres-offers-16-tagbilaran-panglao-tagbilaran-trips-daily/

 

 

[ExpatPH]

On 6/12/2019 at 4:04 PM, KC 71 said:

I would love to visit one day,but the big boss has got a screw loose and the internet is rubbish by all accounts
 

 

Manila + Boracay have 30 Mbps internet speed, selected areas in Manila 50-100+ Mbps.

Manila companies guarantee 50-100 Mbps that cost 20,000 - 50,000 peso per month!

 

Bohol was better than expected. And I guess Davao city should be good.

 

Remaining of the country, internet speed and reliability are closer to Zero.

3G Still a dream.

 

I'm currently in north Cebu province, Globe has no cellphone signal, or internet.

Smart has 1 bar signal, and less than 1 Mbps internet.

No Skype, no Netflix, no Amazon Prime ...

 

Can't wait to go back to the city.