Philippines 2019 for new expats

[tlandtday]

56 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

Some laws you should know:

 

No smoking in public all over the country.

Ask for designated smoking area.

Fines for smoking in public start 20$ - 40$ -

 

Always wear a tshirt in public. Fines.

 

Dont drink alcohol on the street, in public.  Fines.

 

Never be alone outdoor or indoor alone with a minor, under 18.

A minor must be in company of a blood relative over 18, if in your presence.

Arrest - court - Jail - fine - deportation - blacklisted.

 

Never offer to bribe a police officer, immigration officer, government official.

 

Never be with a married woman, she say she's separated, she don't have a annulment, mean she is still legally married.

Strict laws and jail time for adultery, and, husband can kill you both without consequences.

 

Do not buy / use narcotics.

Very strict punishment.

 

Don't overstay your visa.

Fines.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

sounds a bit perilous to say the least...

[Destiny1990]

Just now, ExpatPH said:

 

I think I wrote, if I was younger.

Cebu closed all popular places at mango square. Mango was the heart of the nightlife.

 

Marshalls Irish pub is only place left on mango for drinking. No freelancers.

I think there is Viking club across from Mango and other simular joints.

yeah they did close several discobars at mango and replaced them for restaurants to reduce the amount of drunks right in city center but still this is the most favorable spot for youngers to go out.

[ExpatPH]

7 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

I think there is Viking club across from Mango and other simular joints.

yeah they did close several discobars at mango and replaced them for restaurants to reduce the amount of drunks right in city center but still this is the most favorable spot for youngers to go out.

Older expats dont fit in with youngsters, and they're out with their group, not looking for tourists.

Sisters

Bamboozers

PlanetX

Viking

And a few other bikini bars all still down there, 80-140$ for company, lack of quality, not worth it. 

[stravers]

Toilets: Do any PH toilets have the bum gun as do most in TH?

 

[ExpatPH]

Just now, stravers said:

Toilets: Do any PH toilets have the bum gun as do most in TH?

 

 

I seen it once only in hotel, else its the old tissue, if any left.

[balo]

No bum gun ? Strange, rest of Asia are using it.

[canthai55]

Don't let the naysayers get you down.

Keep the info coming. Can't have too much knowledge of alternate places to live if it all goes TU in Thailand.

I think I'm safe ... for now.

The future ... In'Shallah

[Destiny1990]

34 minutes ago, balo said:

No bum gun ? Strange, rest of Asia are using it.

There are less present than in Thailand but still around often.

but nowadays developers and hotels in phills try cut corners for not to install them.

they for sale in any hardware store in phills.

[NotYourBusiness]

Not taking any chances.....

 

[Destiny1990]

We all know Thai music but i find filipinos more musical.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

3 hours ago, tlandtday said:

sounds a bit perilous to say the least...

 

Especially the part about having to wear a shirt while out in public!!! 

[lopburi3]

3 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

 

I seen it once only in hotel, else its the old tissue, if any left.

Actually see many newer hotels now have bidet spray from photos and descriptions (but probably still a minority) - and many places are changing to split air conditioning.  

[Destiny1990]

10 hours ago, balo said:

No bum gun ? Strange, rest of Asia are using it.

Will ur decision to relocate to the Philippines solely depend on the presence of a bum gun?

[swissie]

Praise where praise is due. OP has delivered a comprehensive "state of affairs". Outlining the "positives" as well as the "negatives". Respect.
For a 25 year old guy, the Philippines with all the 7000 Islands, can only be a playground in paradise.
But for older folks, the infrastructure including very basic "comforts", it's just too underdeveloped. In other words: The "negatives" overwhelm the "positives" by far.
I am afraid, that ExpatPH comments (as valuable as they are), will give reasons for Farangs to rather decide to "overstay" instead of re-locating to the Philippines. (with all it's possible consequences).

I can only extract 2 "positives":
-The simple "Visa-Procedure" and the sincerity of Filippinas when it comes to "matters of the heart". But not to forget that in  the Philippines divorce is impossible, not even if wife chases you down the road, armed with a kitchen knife.
Above post by OP is an absolute "must-read". Read it word by word, sentence by sentence. Take your time and let every sentance sink in.   
- After having read above post by ExpatPH carefully, anyones urge to re-locate to the Philippines will surely diminish greatly.
Cheers.

[swissie]

I am referring to post 88, Page 6. By OP. Forgot to specify.

Cheers.

[ExpatPH]

3 hours ago, swissie said:

Praise where praise is due. OP has delivered a comprehensive "state of affairs". Outlining the "positives" as well as the "negatives". Respect.
For a 25 year old guy, the Philippines with all the 7000 Islands, can only be a playground in paradise.
But for older folks, the infrastructure including very basic "comforts", it's just too underdeveloped. In other words: The "negatives" overwhelm the "positives" by far.
I am afraid, that ExpatPH comments (as valuable as they are), will give reasons for Farangs to rather decide to "overstay" instead of re-locating to the Philippines. (with all it's possible consequences).

I can only extract 2 "positives":
-The simple "Visa-Procedure" and the sincerity of Filippinas when it comes to "matters of the heart". But not to forget that in  the Philippines divorce is impossible, not even if wife chases you down the road, armed with a kitchen knife.
Above post by OP is an absolute "must-read". Read it word by word, sentence by sentence. Take your time and let every sentance sink in.   
- After having read above post by ExpatPH carefully, anyones urge to re-locate to the Philippines will surely diminish greatly.
Cheers.

 

Thank you swissie. Appreciate your feedback.

Indeed, for a man under 40, its the biggest playground I can imagine, also for us older guys it's easy to find a partner. And to keep her over time, is far less of a strain to the wallet. Similar to TH say 20 years ago, before internet.

 

I mentioned in post 81 page 6, why there are more reasons to like it here, than visa extensions and sincere ladies.

For example my budget last longer here in PH than in TH. Exact same lifestyle in both countries.

 

TH expats will also appreciate that english are widely spoken, and honestly if feels good to be able to have a conversations with the locals about anything from politics, to infrastructure, and get thorough replies. Try that in TH and the local and expat will most likely not understand eachother.

 

Lower temperature. For TH expats who feels that TH can be too hot on most days, from Cebu and south, average temperature are 3-4 degree celsius less, than in TH. Thailand are many days too hot for me to walk outdoors. Here in PH it's cooler and more comfortable being outdoors daytime.

 

Regarding your request for more specified about laws about no topless in public area, public alcohol consumption and other, these are city spesified local law, so I honestly dont know how much the fines are, but I guess only 200-500 Php. None of my expat friends has yet been caught doing this.

 

One must understand 'How things works here'. A expat can often talk himself out of a minor incident like not wearing t-shirt or drink a beer in public. With humble attitude and excuse to the officer, its very possible that a fine will not be issued for these minor things. They do understand and take into consideration, that we foreigners might not know their laws and regulation. In general most public servants are much more understanding to foreigners here, than in TH. Only traffic offence, do we get same strict treatment as the locals. Else we foreigners can get away with minor offence, if we have the right polite non -argumentative attitude.

 

Another example, the strict no smoking law. In city I will be fined 20$. 1 hour out of city, I will not be fined if I instantly put out the sigarette, or alternative be given a 1$ fine only. Laws are often less strict in province areas.

 

With the wrong superior attitude to the locals, a foreigner was told in Negros area to stop smoking instantly, or be fined. This tourist had a attitude, continued smoking while he also argued with the officer. He was warned again, and since he continued smoking and was impolite to the officer, he ended up at the police station. All could easily be avoided, but this tourist obviously felt superior to the locals. Never a good idea.

 

If you like more spesific about other laws, I can search on local forums here. Just ask.

 

[ExpatPH]

Cebu city don't have a beach, Mactan island where the airport is located has 5 stars hotel with pool, restaurants and sandy beach. One can buy '1 day pass all inclusive', food and drink for 40-50$. Else the area mostly have rocky 'beach'.

 

Those used to Phuket and Pattaya, and want to be located next to the beach, live in Bantayan Island in north Cebu, or Moalboal.

 

Bohol island is only a ferry ride from Cebu city. Many already know Panglao Alona beach. This is the place to live for clean air, beautiful beaches, clear water, and a very quiet lifestyle. This island is small, local people very friendly, and has some expats longstayers. 

 

Boracay Island is the closest similar to Pattaya and Phuket when it comes to beaches. No seedy nightlife, but very beautiful beaches, beach bars, live music on the beach nighttime. Had fast reliable (no cut off) internet 30-50Mbps for those who need that. After 1 year closing previously, this Island is also more enviromental clean, and plan to stay that way. Improved water cleaning and waste management. Clean air.

 

Angeles city is similar to Pattaya in mini version. The former infamous Fields Avenue was renamed to walking street. Imagine 10% of Soi 6 Pattaya and 10% Walking street Pattaya, and you have a good picture. Some love it there and have a ball, others say its only for chase prostitutes, and heavy drinking. Not been there myself but many of my friends was there, loved it, or hated the place.

 

Dumaguete city is another Island just south of Cebu island. Large expat community, majority US veterans, most other nationalities as well. Have some very nice apartments similar to Bkk and Pattaya both in city center, and outside city. 

 

Davao city in south of the country, has a small and growing expat community. Feedback so far is good, regarding modern apartments and restaurants.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

[ExpatPH]

 

TRADE OFF.

 

I understand many are negative to PH. For me it was and still is, a trade off.

 

I don't want to be a muppet, who jump and do whatever I've been told year after year, with never ending new requirements to be able to stay in a country. Yearly more restrictions for tourist and expats.

 

Even TH is unique in many ways, I want peace of mind that I can stay in country 5-10 years from now. Are YOU sure you can?

 

TH don't make me confident that I could stay in future years.

I honestly feel that TH has pushed the string too long, too far, against expats and also tourists.

Look back 10 years in time until present day. Think about all the changes and restrictions that came the last 10 years.

First it was Penang for new visas, then it was Laos for new visas. Since end of border back to back, to present 800k in local bank and remain half in bank, how many other changes can you take, before YOU say 'enough is enough' ?

 

What's next in TH?

Obligatory Medical insurance that must be with a TH insurer, who don't accept people over 60/65. Hence NOW you will not get another 1 year extension. 

Insurer who don't accept pre existing conditions that many expats have, who only insure up to 5 mill Thb. Who exclude cancer and more, that many expats might get some day.

 

What's next in TH?

Minimum 1.2 or 1.5 mill Thb pension to apply for retirement extension.

 

What's next in TH?

Demand for yearly updated police record from country of birth.

 

When all past, present and future changes becomes a issue for you, you start to consider less attractive destinations. You're now willing to make a TRADE OFF.

 

Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos. Philippines. Indonesia. Malaysia. Take your pick. Sure is that NOW all need a back up plan B.

 

Food for thoughts gentlemen.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

[ExpatPH]

 

Sidenote: I intend to continue and follow up this topic.

However, I have a medical terminal condition AAA and has been told 'probably less than 1 year to live' so if I suddenly not follow up, that's the reason.

The price of smoking.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

[ExpatPH]

How is it to live her?

 

In Ayala I go to Rustans or Metro supermarket and find imported steaks, beef, salmon and other fish, potato, spaghetti, pasta sauce, fruit and vegetable, canned food, milk. Whole wheat bread, white bread, dark danish bread. Imported beer, wine and other alcohol and sigarettes.

 

In Tinderbox located 10 minute away, I get hotdog that taste same western countries, pasta sauce, bologna and other deli.

 

Online I order from country of origin, and reveive it in 7 days. Repeat, within 10000 peso value and 5 kilo gross weight, no customs fee. Customs inspect all shipments thoroughly.

 

Samsung tv and other brands like LG.  Most Samsunt model J and K, from year 2014 - 15. Newest tv models arrive very late here due to lack of buying power, less demand for the latest model.  But we have 80-90 inch curved Samsung here, up to 6000$. Bose and other brand are also available in limited models.

 

All mail I send or receive by international couries, local post highly unreliable. Only larger items packed in box arrived safely and with 100% intact. Else .......

 

Electric is 60% more here than in TH. Bill can be paid in most shopping malls.

 

A few companies rent out 125cc motorcycle, and cars. Almost no tourists rent any vehicle since taxi are so cheap here.

 

Restaurants in the malls and elsewhere, all from foodcourt, budget, to fine dining 40-60$ p.p.

 

Expats meet daily in Ayala and SM City mall. No longer any organized meetings, still we always find other expats when we feel for western company.

Dumaguete expats meet up regulary semi monthly, and also daily for lunch at McD.

 

When need a break from city life, 3-4 hours ride to Moalboal or Bantayan Island. Bohol even closer with only a ferry trip.

 

Typical expats dress in jeans, pants, shorts and polo or t-shirt. Sleevless is in a way not acceptable by the locals norm, when going to a Mall. They also prefer that western people use shoes or sneakers, rather than sandals slippers.

 

If you make friends with other expats early after arrival, we will be there for you for advice. If you need emergency hospital or admitted to hospital, we or our girlfriend / wife will also assist with paperwork at hospitals. As long you are friendly and decent person, you will fit in.

 

Finding a new girlfriend:

 

We reccommend to just start talk with staff in any store if you like her. You might get her phone number, and meet on her 1 day day off a week.

Internet dating takes more work. You easy get phone numbers, but they dont reply because they dont have money for load balance. Call her if you really interested.

Filipino cupid is the most used site, others sites are less succesful for finding a decent good lady. Dia and Pina has a mixed member group.

 

Having a date, most arrive late to a date, so learn patience and be smart. Set the date to 1pm and arrive yourself at 2pm, then you shorten your wait for your date.

Here they mostly only date in daylight, preferable before or after 'noon'. They often ask to bring a friend. Its a stigma to be seen with a foreigner, 'maybe he's a sex tourist + maybe she's a prostitute'.  Gossip her is a big thing. Similar, watch what you doing and where you go. They observe us and remember us. More than once did I receive a online message that she had seen me in a less desireble area at night. Go figure.

Most Pinays are conservative in public, and a steamy dream come true at home.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

[ExpatPH]

More about life here.

 

We have cable tv with 200 channels, 30HD channels.

 

We have 2 sat tv companies, Sky cable and Cignal. 20$ a month give me a good channel package. 40$ with more HD channels.

 

If you like 60s and 70s music, all radio channels, stores and taxi play old school music.

 

Handmade clothes, shoes, belts, sandals can be made within a week.

 

Furniture made of hardwood or other wood can be made to spesifications within weeks, and the quality is good.

Laminate floor, 60x60 floor tiles, and other building products are available in many hardware store, many imports from US.

 

Want a used 67 Corvette or a Hummer? Cebu have it.

 

Want a helicopter trip? Cebu have it.

 

Want 5 star resort hotel? Cebu have it.

 

Want a romantic dinner at night, with complete city view? Cebu hills have it.

 

Want a penthouse with city sea view? Cebu have it.

 

Many places in PH has more to offer than many of you think. It's not TH, still it's a alternative these days.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

[ExpatPH]

9 hours ago, swissie said:

But not to forget that in  the Philippines divorce is impossible, not even if wife chases you down the road, armed with a kitchen knife.

Above post by OP is an absolute "must-read". Read it word by word, sentence by sentence. Take your time and let every sentance sink in.   
- After having read above post by ExpatPH carefully, anyones urge to re-locate to the Philippines will surely diminish greatly.
Cheers.

 

I keep going back to your post, a excellent detailed reply and feedback.

 

Philippines has anullment of marriage. With a finalized anullment by court, a lady can again legally date and marry again. Maybe not easy to find a church who will marry a person with anullment from Court, still a public ceremony and marriage is possible.

 

The problem for most married ladies here, whos husband left her, is to afford to apply the court for anullment. Attorney, legal fees, court case, greese the wheels, 2000 - 5000$ all in.

For a average local, this amount is not possible even if all her family contribute.

 

Some foreigners do fell in love and have in the past been willing to pay the anullment.

For most deserted wifes, due to lack of financials, she will remain 'status married', the rest of her life.

Her hope is to land a foreigners who love her so much, that he's willing to pay the anullment.

 

It does happen, so it's possible.

Just another example of one must know

'how things are done here'.

 

* Just a reminder, do not get involved with a person who has been married, unless she now has a complete finalized anullment by Court, already.

 

[ExpatPH]

 

Take a moment,  think back in time:

When you first arrived in Thailand, you came with a open mind. Expected everything to be different and exciting.

First the heat out of the airplane, hit you in your face and your body.

Next the smells just out of the airport, hit your nose.

Next the taxi mafia hit you with their offers.

Next the quality of the taxi car, or lack of quality, was another culture chock.

First thai food you had, too spicy, yet delicious.

 

With a open mind, without expectations other than 'everything would be different', you embraced Thailand, and fall in love with the country.

 

You arrived with a open mind.

 

Over the many years you lived or extended visited Thailand, you started to see the flaws as well.

You joined forums to learn, to ask questions, to share your knowledge. Over time the flaws grew, regulations changed, visa became a hassle for long staying tourist, and expats.

You now started to moan and complain about TH, rebuilding of beach road, old trees that gave excellent needed sunshade was all removed, smoke in Chiang Mai area, increased traffic, ladyboys, beach beautification farse, but most of all you moaned and felt stressed because immigration always have a new rule next time you needed extension.

You been used to all what TH has to offer, and seen TH grow from a poor 3rd world country, to now a wealthy and comfortable upper 3rd world country.

Same time you grown older, and you like your comfort. It will now be difficult to move to another destination, since you want your frills and comfort in TH, but you realize that you might not qualify for next retirement extension.

 

You want a PLAN B, but all other countries doesn't do it anymore. After quick research you still don't know what country would be PLAN B,

 

Next time you want to renew your 1 year of stay maybe immigration officer tell you:

'you dont meet our requirements, I can only give you 7 days, after that you must apply for a new visa in your home country' but you now only qualify for tourist visa. What about your condo, motorcycle, 50inch tv and other valuables?

(I will not be surprised if Laos and Malaysia soon only give 1 entry tourist visa.)

 

Game. Set. Match.

 

When you now continue read about other places to live, do same you did when you first came to Thailand.

'A open mind.

Expected everything to be different and exciting'.

 

Make a Plan B now, consider Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos. Philippines. Indonesia. Malaysia. 

Many forums in these countries, read, learn, make a plan B.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

[Jingthing]

24 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

 

Take a moment,  think back in time:

When you first arrived in Thailand, you came with a open mind. Expected everything to be different and exciting.

First the heat out of the airplane, hit you in your face and your body.

Next the smells just out of the airport, hit your nose.

Next the taxi mafia hit you with their offers.

Next the quality of the taxi car, or lack of quality, was another culture chock.

First thai food you had, too spicy, yet delicious.

 

With a open mind, without expectations other than 'everything would be different', you embraced Thailand, and fall in love with the country.

 

You arrived with a open mind.

 

Over the many years you lived or extended visited Thailand, you started to see the flaws as well.

You joined forums to learn, to ask questions, to share your knowledge. Over time the flaws grew, regulations changed, visa became a hassle for long staying tourist, and expats.

You now started to moan and complain about TH, rebuilding of beach road, old trees that gave excellent needed sunshade was all removed, smoke in Chiang Mai area, increased traffic, ladyboys, beach beautification farse, but most of all you moaned and felt stressed because immigration always have a new rule next time you needed extension.

You been used to all what TH has to offer, and seen TH grow from a poor 3rd world country, to now a wealthy and comfortable upper 3rd world country.

Same time you grown older, and you like your comfort. It will now be difficult to move to another destination, since you want your frills and comfort in TH, but you realize that you might not qualify for next retirement extension.

 

You want a PLAN B, but all other countries doesn't do it anymore. After quick research you still don't know what country would be PLAN B,

 

Next time you want to renew your 1 year of stay maybe immigration officer tell you:

'you dont meet our requirements, I can only give you 7 days, after that you must apply for a new visa in your home country' but you now only qualify for tourist visa. What about your condo, motorcycle, 50inch tv and other valuables?

(I will not be surprised if Laos and Malaysia soon only give 1 entry tourist visa.)

 

Game. Set. Match.

 

When you now continue read about other places to live, do same you did when you first came to Thailand.

'A open mind.

Expected everything to be different and exciting'.

 

Make a Plan B now, consider Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos. Philippines. Indonesia. Malaysia. 

Many forums in these countries, read, learn, make a plan B.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

Fantastic.

You get it.

So many others don't.

They feel safe now.

They think they will be safe here for the rest of their lives.

Only maybe. 

We're on a short leash here.

I will add there are other alternatives in Europe and Latin America depending on whether you can meet their requirements. 

[ExpatPH]

19 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Fantastic.

You get it.

So many others don't.

They feel safe now.

They think they will be safe here for the rest of their lives.

Only maybe. 

We're on a short leash here.

I will add there are other alternatives in Europe and Latin America depending on whether you can meet their requirements. 

 

Yes I think many single expats rely on their agent to fix extension of stay, and that might not be possible this time.

My few friends still in TH, are selling their motorbike and tv, so they can leave on short notice.

Their shortlist is

Cambodia 2, Vietnam 1, Philippines 1.

The writing has been on the walls for some year now, living in denial is no longer a option. Plan B is a must have now.

 

Every week I think how good my life in Thailand was, I admit I miss the place so very much. However I managed reasonable well to adapt to PH and less frills, see the positive in any country, and the move will be easier than expected.

 

To use your words Jingthing, the leash get shorter by the month.

 

[balo]

16 hours ago, Destiny1990 said:

Will ur decision to relocate to the Philippines solely depend on the presence of a bum gun?

Well I would bring a portable one, they are for sale on Lazada. If I go back to Europa I would also bring with me.  I hate toilet paper. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

9 hours ago, ExpatPH said:

What's next in TH?

Obligatory Medical insurance that must be with a TH insurer, who don't accept people over 60/65. Hence NOW you will not get another 1 year extension. 

Insurer who don't accept pre existing conditions that many expats have, who only insure up to 5 mill Thb. Who exclude cancer and more, that many expats might get some day.

 

What's next in TH?

Minimum 1.2 or 1.5 mill Thb pension to apply for retirement extension.

 

Expat, you make a compelling, and potentially accurate, argument for the future risks of Thailand relative to the Philippines.

 

But I must say, of everything said and discussed in this thread thus far, the issue that was the PH killer for me was your summary and description of medical care in the PH. I think the other cons I could learn to live with and/or adjust to. But the absence of available, decent quality medical care for me just sinks it -- but you're obviously in a different place on that issue.

 

[lopburi3]

5 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Expat, you make a compelling, and potentially accurate, argument for the future risks of Thailand relative to the Philippines.

 

But I must say, of everything said and discussed in this thread thus far, the issue that was the PH killer for me was your summary and description of medical care in the PH. I think the other cons I could learn to live with and/or adjust to. But the absence of available, decent quality medical care for me just sinks it -- but you're obviously in a different place on that issue.

 

Although have not used suspect medical care is not as bad as it may seem - but fact is hospitals in general are very overcrowded and much less attractive than Thailand.  That said believe many doctors are first rate and have much better English ability to diagnose patients.  And nurses are respected worldwide.  New facilities are being built but these are private facilities and not the very cheap government hospitals of Thailand.  If you have insurance believe you can obtain good medical service in major cities. including Cebu - but you do not have the generally good and cheap government fallback that is available in Thailand.  But just as Bangkok is hub for Thailand, Manila offers the best facilities in Philippines.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Although have not used suspect medical care is not as bad as it may seem - but fact is hospitals in general are very overcrowded and much less attractive than Thailand.  That said believe many doctors are first rate and have much better English ability to diagnose patients.  And nurses are respected worldwide.  New facilities are being built but these are private facilities and not the very cheap government hospitals of Thailand.  If you have insurance believe you can obtain good medical service in major cities. including Cebu - but you do not have the generally good and cheap government fallback that is available in Thailand.  But just as Bangkok is hub for Thailand, Manila offers the best facilities in Philippines.

 

That's a fairly different portrayal than what Expat summarized in his main medical care post early in this thread.

 

I have no personal experience on that particular subject, so I'm relying on him or you or others who are closer to it than me.

 

If your comment is accurate -- "If you have insurance believe you can obtain good medical service in major cities. including Cebu" -- then I'd have a different opinion. But that seems a very different summary from the one Expat laid out.

 

I have pretty good private medical insurance I've always paid for in Thailand -- wouldn't live here without it. And would be of the same mind if I was ever to end up in the Phils.  But the question remains, what kind of medical care do I have the potential to get with that insurance and how broadly is it available (in other words, gotta go to Manilla, or can be had in outlying cities like Cebu)...

 

Expat's main medical care post was #21.
 

Quote

 

Short version: Horrible, on pair with Cambodia.

 

Long version:

Even the best private hospitals here, are only good for food infection, broken limbs, small traffic accidents etc.

Except 1 or 2 private hospitals in Manila.

 

A serious medical internal illness, you will try to get to Thailand if you can fly in your condition.

 

 

And:

Quote

 

Lack of medicine:

many medicines are not available here. Expats who have a serious illness, bring with them medicine from overseas.

 

 

[lopburi3]

In Cebu city both Chong Hua (probably best known) and Doctors Hospital are considered good facilities - but again will not be as modern as Bangkok hospitals (although Chong Hua has opened a second facility in the eastern part of city which is not heavily used and appears to be more modern).  Believe if you have the money you can get the care.