Philippines 2019 for new expats

[DannyCarlton]

On 4/4/2019 at 8:04 AM, ExpatPH said:

Visa:

After the first 29 days on arrival, go to immigration and apply for 1 months extension. You can apply next day after arrival if you want. 3.120 peso 60$

 

After first 59 days in country, your extension options are 1, 2, 6 months extension. You can apoly for this as early as 3rd dau in country, if you applied for 1 month extension the day before.

After 59 days a obligatory ACR-I Card (alien registration card) is required by immigration, take finger prints, proof of adress, this is the only time I show proof of location, never asked to show proof later on. Lease contract or hotel receipt is enough. Take photo copy ahead.

Within the first 16 months in country, you are allowed to get 2 times 6 months extension, so if you plan to stay long, apply for 6 months extension after the first 59 days in country.

Then the 2nd and last 6 month extension after 8 months stay.

After this, extend with 2 month each time, unless you can get a 3rd 6 months extension.  Some got it, I did not, so just ask politely.

36 months is the maximum you can stay in PH on tourist visa extensions.

Take 1 day trip or more out if the country, and start from scratch again.

 

No re-entry permit here.

If you leave the country, all visa you have in passport is used. 

 

If you stay more than 6 months in country and want to leave, you are required to apply for ECC (Exit clearance certificate) at immigration.

Apply 1 week ahead of departure and bring airline ticket.

 

If you stay for 1 year, the cost for extensions has been around 500$

 

My visa extensions take 2-3 hour.

 

Visa agents can do all your extensions for you, they charge you 25-30$ for this.

 

Opening a Bank account in PH:

 

Regulations require that you have ACR-I card that you can first apply for after 59 days stay, but it takes months to receive the actual card.

Your options are:

- ask a expat to go with you to the bank, together talk with bank manager about open new account and bring with you a dash of US$

- Go alone to main branch in the city and ask to talk with bank manager.

- Western Union transfer to yourself a day before you travel.

- zoom

 

Banking in general is time consuming, all my visits take 1-1.5 hour.

If you dont have patience, you got to learn to be patient.

 

I have local ATM with online banking android app, and also Visa prepaid card for online purchase.

Standard withdrawal is limited to 10000 Php 95$ per day, apply in the bank for higher limit, I have 50.000 Php limit 950$ per day, applied in the bank with reason condo rental payment.

 

Foreigner Visa / Mastercard:

Go to HSBC near Ayala center and withdraw max 40.000 per withdrawal. Daily number of withdrawals limit depends of your bank own limits, in country of origin.

 

Need to carry Passport?

 

The first 59 days I carried a color photo copy of my ID page and entry and extension stamp.

Never been asked to show passport in public.

When ACR-I card arrive after some months in ATM size, this is your legal id card you carry on daily basis.

 

Much more to come

 

Regards

ExpatPH

This sounds like a nightmare for visas compared to Thailand. Is there no way for long term expats to obtain an annual renewable visa which isn't cancelled every time you leave the country?

[Destiny1990]

2 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

This sounds like a nightmare for visas compared to Thailand. Is there no way for long term expats to obtain an annual renewable visa which isn't cancelled every time you leave the country?

 Fyi The nightmare for visas isn’t in The Phillipines!

[cerox]

DannyCarlton,

google for SRRV visa.

 

Example: If you are younger (35 above) you can get retirement visa with only 20k (SRRV smile) deposit in the bank, alternatively 50k upwards investment in condo (SRRV classic).

I would do one of those options once I am 35, because living there as a tourist for years and years - it seems they start cracking down on it too when I check the Philippines forums.

This SRRV visa means no visa extensions etc. - I think it is a good option.

 

If you are above 50, it is only 10k bank deposit I think.

 

So this sounds all like a dream to me. Just deposit some money. In Thailand I am required to pay 1M THB and never see it back.

[lopburi3]

30 minutes ago, DannyCarlton said:

This sounds like a nightmare for visas compared to Thailand. Is there no way for long term expats to obtain an annual renewable visa which isn't cancelled every time you leave the country?

Believe you misread post - one day out of country and you start over again refers to max stay for tourist visa being 3 years - you leave for a day and then can stay another 3 years without leaving.  Any entry with a Philippine spouse gets a one year entry.  They have formal retirement visa called SSRV but it is so easy to stay as a tourist few bother with the paperwork.  

[DannyCarlton]

On 7/2/2019 at 1:50 AM, ExpatPH said:

IMO, negatives in many countries in SEA region. Read last weeks Thai news and immigration threads, enough to be seriously depressed, and stressed for upcoming renewal or arrival at airport.

 

I moved to Philippines while I was still healthy.

I choose to live in Philippines, because it was different from los.

For me, the positives outweigh the negatives.

 

I prefer to be called sir rather than farang or kwai farang.

I prefer to go to immigration without stress and fear to get my extension denied.

I prefer the high exchange rate we have here, compared to the baht that only get stronger, and the trend seems to continue in the future.

 

I have no problem to admit that I miss Thailand, but the Thailand I miss, was the Thailand I fell in love with in the 90's.

Phuket and Pattaya was a 'different world' then. Visa was easy in soi 8, not many in queue. Police was friendly, no helmet law, no checkpoint just waiting to catch a farang. Wouldn't call that time lawless, but it sure was easier and stress free. The Thailand I fell in love with, is long time gone.

 

Had many short holidays to Thailand since I moved to PH. The last years 2016-2019 high season get shorter by the year. While TAT proudly come with latest record arrival number, foreigner business owners paint a different picture. When TAT last week for the first time came with decline in arrival numbers, it must be a serious decline, probably more than what we was told to believe.

 

Retirement extension in los was 1,900 baht, before 400/800k was implemented. These days a extension can for many (many, not all) only be had by using agents, (to get around 400/800K).

Agents who want 8000 - 25,000 baht.

Thailand news last week, told us increased living cost in Thailand. With lousy exchange rates on top, value for money is a thing of the past. Forced to deposit 400/800k in a bank, even many can do it, they say enough is enough. 

I would urgently explore other destinations.  Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, are all welcoming to tourists and expats.

 

'My Thailand', the beautiful country with friendly natives, low cost living, and a stress free life ... isn't there anymore.

 

I'm grateful for my many years in Thailand, it was a blast, and the good memories are never forgotten.

 

ExpatPH

I have never been called "farang" or "kwai farang" in Thailand, usually "mister", sometimes "sir".

 

My retirement extension is still 1900 baht annualy. Cheaper now because I don't have to pay for an Embassy letter (2k baht). Never used an agent, never put a lump sum in the bank. I transfer in exess of 65k baht monthly from my UK bank account which I have always done visa rules or not. Just call into my bank on the morning of my visit, obtain the correct paperwork and off to IO. No big queues now, usually 30 minutes in and out, once per year. No stress. No fear of getting my extension denied.

 

Never done or been asked for a TM30.

 

I don't need a residence certificate to renew my DL (every 5 years), I just show my yellow book.

 

I have driven daily in Pattaya for the last 5 years, never been stopped by the police. Not once.

 

Visitor numbers are actually on the increase but the demographic of visitors has changed. Those running businesses catering for farangs are suffering but not my problem, bars and restaurants less crowded.

 

"My Thailand', the beautiful country with friendly natives, low cost living, and a stress free life ... isn't there anymore." Oh yes it is, live and kicking.

 

The only current downside to Thailand is the exchange rate, but the GBP has taken a hit in the Phillipines too. The high value of the baht is unsustainable and has to come down. Also the problems with the GBP will be resolved when Brexit is resolve. I suspect that THB exchange rates will return to the levels of 3 years ago within the next year or 2.

 

I explored all the destinations you mentioned (except Phillipines) when looking for a place to retire in SE Asia. Thailand was head and shoulders above the rest of the places, and still is. From this thread, I realise that I haven't missed anything by not exploring the Phillipines first. Cost of living, possibly slightly less, the rest - nah.

 

 

[DannyCarlton]

2 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

 Fyi The nightmare for visas isn’t in The Phillipines!

Well, for me it certainly ain't Thailand.

[Mike Teavee]

On 9/1/2019 at 4:09 PM, cerox said:

Hello guys,

 

looking for information about Bohol; from people who have actually been there.

 

I will arrive in Bohol around mid-November after travelling other parts of the Philippines. I would like to explore it there a bit longer to see if it is suitable for living. Also, because there is lack of accommodation in PH and with Nov/Dec Christmas/New Year/high season is approaching I wonder if it makes sense to prebook 3 months there.

 

My questions to you:

- Panglao with the airport: is it more for tourists and the main/Alona beach? Or is it nice to live/stay there longer?

- is Tagbilaran city a better option? I see the ferry from Cebu goes there and they have a mall too

 

ExpatPH posted the bus schedule between Panglao and Tagbilaran - it looked a big gloomy so I need a bike. But perhaps the transport in Tagbilaran City is better.

 

Are there police checks on Bohol if I rent a motorbike because I do not have a local driving license?

 

Recommendations about other cities on Bohol island are appreciated too if the Internet is acceptable. ExpatPH mentioned good Internet, but I guess that he was on the main spots on Panglao and Tagbilaran.

 

Anybody been to Puerto Princesa? Nice for living or only a good travel spot?

I like Bohol, but if you're considering Puerto Princesa then have a look at Coron, probably my favourite place in PI. 

 

[phycokiller]

On 4/7/2019 at 5:48 PM, Destiny1990 said:

Small kids toddlers will beg u very consistently in ur face or pull ur shorts for food and pesos coins. U will see them each and every day they sleep in groups on carton boxes things in open streets. Things like that we never experience in Thailand but that is very normal in phillipines. sooner or later it breaks ur heart number one reason for foreigners to leave is orher people their poverty.

its like that in cambodia, no doubt not as bad. cant really expect to escape poverty if all you do is hold out your hand or scam people. doesnt break my heart at all

[phycokiller]

On 4/8/2019 at 6:07 AM, stravers said:

Due to supply and demand factors, these girls have few choices. It's usually down to you or Somchai the taxi. Great she's with you and devoted but what's her better options? 

same in cambodia and they choose somchai. could be the language barrier tho

[Destiny1990]

33 minutes ago, phycokiller said:

its like that in cambodia, no doubt not as bad. cant really expect to escape poverty if all you do is hold out your hand or scam people. doesnt break my heart at all

Begging hungry children is very sad however this is only in minor areas and in some Filipino big cities such as Manila Cebu 

Also if ur a foreigner then they will beg with u more then if u are a local.

[pgrahmm]

10 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

Begging hungry children is very sad however this is only in minor areas and in some Filipino big cities such as Manila Cebu 

Also if ur a foreigner then they will beg with u more then if u are a local.

There's an adult near by to directing them & collecting the money......Usually the high traffic areas.....Many of these groups rove only in certain territories.....

Some in outlying neighborhoods are truant gangs run by the older kids....Most "appear" not to have much of a home life based on appearance & round the clock activity......

[bender92]

12 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

Begging hungry children is very sad however this is only in minor areas and in some Filipino big cities such as Manila Cebu 

Also if ur a foreigner then they will beg with u more then if u are a local.

In Manila I had ladies and kids hold out their hand, I was never touched. Sometimes I gave kids food, never money.

[phycokiller]

On 4/10/2019 at 6:49 PM, ExpatPH said:

 

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.

why is it easier? just a slightly more expensive plane fight really, unless you prefer buses 

[phycokiller]

On 4/10/2019 at 9:38 PM, Destiny1990 said:

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?

 

its a dictatorship. they want to try and limit outside ideas influencing their people

[tlandtday]

1 minute ago, phycokiller said:

its a dictatorship. they want to try and limit outside ideas influencing their people

But behind the scenes China is colonizing... 

Edited September 26, 2019 by tlandtday

[tlandtday]

On 9/16/2019 at 9:48 AM, DannyCarlton said:

I have never been called "farang" or "kwai farang" in Thailand, usually "mister", sometimes "sir".

 

My retirement extension is still 1900 baht annualy. Cheaper now because I don't have to pay for an Embassy letter (2k baht). Never used an agent, never put a lump sum in the bank. I transfer in exess of 65k baht monthly from my UK bank account which I have always done visa rules or not. Just call into my bank on the morning of my visit, obtain the correct paperwork and off to IO. No big queues now, usually 30 minutes in and out, once per year. No stress. No fear of getting my extension denied.

 

Never done or been asked for a TM30.

 

I don't need a residence certificate to renew my DL (every 5 years), I just show my yellow book.

 

I have driven daily in Pattaya for the last 5 years, never been stopped by the police. Not once.

 

Visitor numbers are actually on the increase but the demographic of visitors has changed. Those running businesses catering for farangs are suffering but not my problem, bars and restaurants less crowded.

 

"My Thailand', the beautiful country with friendly natives, low cost living, and a stress free life ... isn't there anymore." Oh yes it is, live and kicking.

 

The only current downside to Thailand is the exchange rate, but the GBP has taken a hit in the Phillipines too. The high value of the baht is unsustainable and has to come down. Also the problems with the GBP will be resolved when Brexit is resolve. I suspect that THB exchange rates will return to the levels of 3 years ago within the next year or 2.

 

I explored all the destinations you mentioned (except Phillipines) when looking for a place to retire in SE Asia. Thailand was head and shoulders above the rest of the places, and still is. From this thread, I realise that I haven't missed anything by not exploring the Phillipines first. Cost of living, possibly slightly less, the rest - nah.

 

 

You must be joking.   You mustn't drive much lol.  Never been referred to as a "farang" you must be living in an expat colony.  The TM30 could well be implemented toward you at any time here or on a trip somewhere with an immigration check.  Thailand is not yet down the drain but it is certainly circling.  If you cannot see the changes and where this is headed that is okay because you can happily carry on and don't forget to take off those rose colored spectacles at the next inevitable check stop.

Edited September 26, 2019 by tlandtday

[metempsychotic]

On 4/4/2019 at 8:11 PM, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

For either residential or mobile data connections that are available to you, what kind of international/home country connection speeds can you get... say...if you were trying to stream a video service from your home country?

 

Is that even viable, things like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video? And how much might it typically cost per month to obtain that kind of internet service?

 

 

internet both mobile and broadband in PH is far inferior to thailand.

"4g" or LTE often run at 3g speed or less even in manila.

PLDT internet for home is a little more reliable, international throughput is quite limited and speed are considerably slower for a higher price.

 

Streaming is possible, but can at times be hit and miss.

netflix is fine though resolution quality may vary throughout a stream.

2500 to 3000 pesos for a decent connection

 

https://pldthome.com/dsl

https://pldthome.com/fibr

any connection you get you sign of for 24 months and risk fines for early termination

 

 

[phycokiller]

On 5/15/2019 at 12:06 AM, RuamRudy said:

Anecdotal, of course, but my experience of private medicine in Manila was very good. I had eye surgery at Bangkok Hospital about 10 years ago, and the service I had at St Luke's in Bonifacio Global City for a heart issue a couple of years ago was every bit as professional and the facilities as modern. Although out-patient, I had an extensive battery of tests, saw more than a few specialist, they diagnosed the problem in a matter of days, and the bill came to around $300. 

 

Mall clinics tend to be dispiriting places with long queues, however the treatment I have had in them has always been of a high professional standard. 

 

One area Philippines definitely falls down on, in my opinion, is dental clinics. They are much more expensive than Thai clinics, hence I go to Bangkok for dental work.

I realize the topic is Philippines but its been mentioned many times in the thread that Cambodia has poor medical care yet I have friend who coincidentally also had eye surgery and was happier with the treatment in Cambodia then Thailand. I think the idea that Thailand has better health care might be overrated, altho probably true as a generalization.

[phycokiller]

another question, if ATM machines are likely to take your card how are normal tourists getting or carrying their cash these days?

[cerox]

22 minutes ago, phycokiller said:

another question, if ATM machines are likely to take your card how are normal tourists getting or carrying their cash these days?

Going soon for my first trip so I try to answer your question how I planned it:

- First cash I will get at SuperRich exchange in BKK because I have some THB cash I want to exchange - not coming here for a while

- after that: Xoom for getting cash in the Philippines, so I do not need to use ATM / credit cards; the fees I calculated were around ~1.75%

- after two months, if I decide to stay: waiting for the ACR card, after that with ACR card opening local bank account and use Transferwise, around 1% fee as I do in Thailand

 

Backup option: have a few credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) - I will use only international banks as recommended here, e.g. Citibank, HSBC.

[Destiny1990]

1 hour ago, cerox said:

Going soon for my first trip so I try to answer your question how I planned it:

- First cash I will get at SuperRich exchange in BKK because I have some THB cash I want to exchange - not coming here for a while

- after that: Xoom for getting cash in the Philippines, so I do not need to use ATM / credit cards; the fees I calculated were around ~1.75%

- after two months, if I decide to stay: waiting for the ACR card, after that with ACR card opening local bank account and use Transferwise, around 1% fee as I do in Thailand

 

Backup option: have a few credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) - I will use only international banks as recommended here, e.g. Citibank, HSBC.

Besides that Several Thai bank ATM cards can be normally used in Phillipines but there will be a 200 pesos fee each time you withdraw.

 

[cerox]

Good advice, thank your for sharing. One of my credit cards will be from SCB. Good backup.

[Number 6]

On 4/4/2019 at 1:20 PM, ExpatPH said:

mistake #1.

Reset your mind and forget all you used to, in TH. Else you just waste your time going here.

In other words forget what is clearly better in every way. Prepare to suffer through the rest of your days surrounded by abject poverty and walk about with a Target on your back.

 

Food is absolutely dire. Supermarket groceries go bad in a few days.

 

It's next to impossible to set up a bank account on anything but a business visa.

 

You may not be able to get Internet or simcard with tourist visa. Even perpetually renewed extension.

 

Electronics are or were weird, cheap mainland PRC brands that break quickly and expensive.

 

Everyone wants a piece of you and after dark more than willing to cut for it if need be.

 

If you think Thai are simple minded, they tower and geniuses in relation.

 

Hotels and pensions are a horrible value.

 

Freelancers = extortion, blackmail.

 

Cages on the windows, shotguns at the ready.

 

Fragile Thai make ego? You've not met the Filipino male and do not get caught in a dive bar with a group of them.

 

Filipinos after the superficial smile are the most miserable, negative, defeatest, fearful people I've ever met. To be fair, they are all locked in an absolutely hopeless situation at birth. The middle class and more clever and ambitious have abandoned the country.

 

It's impossible to get anything done. Like Africans getting the job - is the job. After that you just coast. No one will take the slightest 'risk' to help you if someone, anyone might question anything about the situation.

 

All the expats are dodgers down on their luck:

 

Aussies on the run from law in Oz. Odd Brit the same. This lot was REALLY sketchy.

 

Burned out alcoholic US service men ages 60-near death. Some are cool. Some grub money, no intention of paying it back.

 

Korean and Japanese sex tourists. Western sex tourists.

 

They only people I could not catagorize as drunks, criminals, and sex addicts were the divers. It was every individual that Thailand culled living in this cesspool and that was 2007. Imagine it's 3x worse now.

 

I did two months. I was totally miserable. My drinking doubled. I've traveled to some sketchy places and countries but I felt absolute relief being back in Thailand.

 

Everyone doesn't speak English although most understand it so there goes that as well. The sing song cadence of their voices and the accent is painful to my ears.

 

I would rather have my hand slammed in a car door annually than live in that hole.

Edited September 30, 2019 by Number 6

[bender92]

2 hours ago, phycokiller said:

another question, if ATM machines are likely to take your card how are normal tourists getting or carrying their cash these days?

I was in manila twice recently and used a few ATM s with no problem. Also in cebu.

[Number 6]

On 9/16/2019 at 7:06 AM, DannyCarlton said:

This sounds like a nightmare for visas compared to Thailand. Is there no way for long term expats to obtain an annual renewable visa which isn't cancelled every time you leave the country?

This was more than a decade ago: you can perpetually extend the tourist visa for at least two and I think nearly three years before just jumping a plane and returning.

 

Every Immigration office scammed me by charging the expedite fast visa fee. I was more than willing to return 3 days later or whatever. So despite the extension looking cheap, you were paying far more.

 

[Number 6]

On 9/10/2019 at 10:51 AM, Marcopolo2 said:

Just come back from PH, 1 month traveled from Manila ,AC, Iloilo,Bacalod, dumaguete, Cebu, CDO and Davao. 

Been in public market many times. 

Didn’t feel the paranoia you show here. 

Be friendly with them and they show you great response. 

Davao cleanest and safest city in mha

This is nothing. You're traveling around, staying at rented accommodation. Literally a tourist. 30 days is nothing. I'd say the same thing if you went to Thailand.

 

Go to one place. Settle in for a few months. Watch the paint peel. Drip sweat. Suffer power cuts. Feel the desperation. The communal sigh as the day ends everyone having got through it alive but poorer.

Edited September 30, 2019 by Number 6

[cerox]

Number 6,

thank you for your comprehensive posts.

You mentioned a lot of challenging points. What about the positive sides? I read a lot in the Philippine-Forums in the last few days - clearly not everybody is miserable in the country, but I understand your points and frustrations.

 

I will come back to you guys with my opinion too in a few months.

If I cannot find a country I like, there is still the possibility of buying Elite card. But for now, better explore first before making a wrong decision. This is my thinking.

 

The visa cost you mentioned, I guess you are above 50, so Thailand is super-cheap for you with 1900 THB annually. For me and other young people we paid around 60k for one year, including visa-run/ extension fee expenses, so every other country here is super-cheap visa-wise for us.

[olfu]

^{My experience with women from all over the world quite different from this writer and amounts to simple resume--most women are scammers of different types.}

^{In addition Thailand at least trying to be modern and availability of chicks reduce prices.}

[pgrahmm]

3 hours ago, Number 6 said:

In other words forget what is clearly better in every way. Prepare to suffer through the rest of your days surrounded by abject poverty and walk about with a Target on your back.

 

Food is absolutely dire. Supermarket groceries go bad in a few days.

 

It's next to impossible to set up a bank account on anything but a business visa.

 

You may not be able to get Internet or simcard with tourist visa. Even perpetually renewed extension.

 

Electronics are or were weird, cheap mainland PRC brands that break quickly and expensive.

 

Everyone wants a piece of you and after dark more than willing to cut for it if need be.

 

If you think Thai are simple minded, they tower and geniuses in relation.

 

Hotels and pensions are a horrible value.

 

Freelancers = extortion, blackmail.

 

Cages on the windows, shotguns at the ready.

 

Fragile Thai make ego? You've not met the Filipino male and do not get caught in a dive bar with a group of them.

 

Filipinos after the superficial smile are the most miserable, negative, defeatest, fearful people I've ever met. To be fair, they are all locked in an absolutely hopeless situation at birth. The middle class and more clever and ambitious have abandoned the country.

 

It's impossible to get anything done. Like Africans getting the job - is the job. After that you just coast. No one will take the slightest 'risk' to help you if someone, anyone might question anything about the situation.

 

All the expats are dodgers down on their luck:

 

Aussies on the run from law in Oz. Odd Brit the same. This lot was REALLY sketchy.

 

Burned out alcoholic US service men ages 60-near death. Some are cool. Some grub money, no intention of paying it back.

 

Korean and Japanese sex tourists. Western sex tourists.

 

They only people I could not catagorize as drunks, criminals, and sex addicts were the divers. It was every individual that Thailand culled living in this cesspool and that was 2007. Imagine it's 3x worse now.

 

I did two months. I was totally miserable. My drinking doubled. I've traveled to some sketchy places and countries but I felt absolute relief being back in Thailand.

 

Everyone doesn't speak English although most understand it so there goes that as well. The sing song cadence of their voices and the accent is painful to my ears.

 

I would rather have my hand slammed in a car door annually than live in that hole.

Kudos for scratching on the surface of the truth & putting it p/c, politely nice....

[Number 6]

19 hours ago, cerox said:

Number 6,

thank you for your comprehensive posts.

You mentioned a lot of challenging points. What about the positive sides? I read a lot in the Philippine-Forums in the last few days - clearly not everybody is miserable in the country, but I understand your points and frustrations.

 

I will come back to you guys with my opinion too in a few months.

If I cannot find a country I like, there is still the possibility of buying Elite card. But for now, better explore first before making a wrong decision. This is my thinking.

 

The visa cost you mentioned, I guess you are above 50, so Thailand is super-cheap for you with 1900 THB annually. For me and other young people we paid around 60k for one year, including visa-run/ extension fee expenses, so every other country here is super-cheap visa-wise for us.

Yes,I understand how visa costs and boarder hops add up. I was once 40 and this led me to have a go at the RP.

 

I can catagorically state no country is as comfy as Thailand in East Asia. I would settle into Vietnam and let it grow on you.

 

I did spend years in Cambodia in the early 90s but that lovely vibe has entirely changed. The beaches are <deleted>.

 

No idea what to recommend but the Philippines is a dirty, dangerous place. With population increasing it will only get worse.

 

Most good stories are one off geezer medical care. It's NOT cheap. Whether it's your only alternative for rice and pussy I don't know.

 

I'd be looking at the Mediterranean. Old east Europe. Czech republic for some of year.

 

I used to spend 3-4 mo this a year in India as well.

 

Some guys have decidedly low standards. They eat <deleted>, unhealthy lifestyle, dangerous women. Perfectly ok in sun standard domicile. Drink cheapest shixxy San Miguel beer and all is good.

 

BTW when you take the girl out of the bar she's often all show and no go. Boarders on a scam which it is. The bf, her pay is ridiculous so the whole thing is a farce. Guys staying years hook up or are actually married to avoid the stupidity and blackmail

 

Just bc Thailand is no longer your answer does not mean Phils is. Good luck.

 

You need three names:

Your real name (absolute top secret, known to no one)

Your secret name (mates, bar managers, 'normal people')

The game name (name you gve to all and sundry).

Yes, that serious and that dangerous.

 

 

It's for low brow, very working class, dodgy sorts of guys. Everyone on the make, everyone has a scam. If that's you go for it.