Philippines 2019 for new expats

[Destiny1990]

Try buy a condo in Phillipines i dare u.

in Thailand its very straightforward process u pay u get title.

In Phillipines u pay and wait can be months can be years can be scammed one thing is sure u will end up with a telephone book size of an amount of papers copies etc etc for one unit.

there about 9 different institutions involved with a purchase thailand its judt go land office and u done.

[ExpatPH]

3 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Whats aggravates me in Phillipines are those millions of jeepnies with their toxic 40 years old diesel engines killing poisining all pedestrians. Look at Cebu the real problem is lack of money. U get taxed for everything in Phillipines much more then in Thailand however the government there is always broke??

They make many beautiful infrastructure plans on computer animation screen for 200 pesos but thats it.

why Cebu doesnt have a BTS from Bantayan all the way till Badian etc? It will come but by that time we are all death and forgotten. Third bridge to lapu2x supposed to be ready 2 years ago hiwever construction started 4 months ago takes 4-5 more years.etc

a dangerous crossing instead of fixing that crossing they just block a whole street its a problem because now all traffic is stuck forever but the dangerous crossing situation  is fixed according to them..

 

 

Agree. What most locals dont understand is the country wide smoking ban, while jeepneys continue to pollute all the country.

Small attempts with new modern E-jeepney met a lot of opposition.

Complaints we cant afford to finance a new vehicle. So far, those in charge has backed down.

[Destiny1990]

3 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

 

Agree. What most locals dont understand is the country wide smoking ban, while jeepneys continue to pollute all the country.

Small attempts with new modern E-jeepney met a lot of opposition.

Complaints we cant afford to finance a new vehicle. So far, those in charge has backed down.

All current jeeps are illegal should be crushed everybody knows that. There are new jeeps clean engines enclosed with aircon seats 35 and plus but somehow nobody finances again the money problem...

Edited April 7, 2019 by Destiny1990

[dddave]

On 4/5/2019 at 11:25 AM, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Western food in Manila and Angeles is great, and a great selection.

The Eatigo app works in Manila and has good options.  I stayed in the Greenbelt Mall area for 2 weeks last fall and had some great food without having to go more than a few blocks out of the way.  I was surprised at how many low to mid-price options there were.  Found a few great restaurants I will happily return to.

[ExpatPH]

Regards jeepneys, this could be solved with another loan from big brother Japan.

Then a reasonable interest free 15-20 years payment plan.

Isn't that difficult really.

Ok, country wide 10 peso fare would help the vehicle owners, except instantly 50 million complaints. They dont see what benefit themself, their health and their future.

[Destiny1990]

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.

Edited April 7, 2019 by Destiny1990

[Destiny1990]

25 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

Regards jeepneys, this could be solved with another loan from big brother Japan.

Then a reasonable interest free 15-20 years payment plan.

Isn't that difficult really.

Ok, country wide 10 peso fare would help the vehicle owners, except instantly 50 million complaints. They dont see what benefit themself, their health and their future.

Yes but its similar to the air quality in chiang mai each year they talk but very little changes.. Same goes for the jeeps in Phillipines. Obviously i like both Countries they are my favorite 2 in asia but at some points thailand wins and on other points Phillipines wins.

one clear strong point phills holds over thailand is its less complicated visa wise. U feel more welcome and appreciated there as a foreigner but if Phillipines get same number of foreigners as Thailand that could change too.

Edited April 7, 2019 by Destiny1990

[ExpatPH]

39 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Obviously i like both Countries they are my favorite 2 in asia but at some points thailand wins and on other points Phillipines wins.

one clear strong point phills holds over thailand is its less complicated visa wise. U feel more welcome and appreciated there as a foreigner but if Phillipines get same number of foreigners as Thailand that could change too.

 

Happy to read that more people like it here. Its so incredible different from TH, still PH have something that many become found of.

TH has 130% higher GDP per capita than PH, something many forget when they compare.

 

NBI is very good to stop bad guys at point of entry. Many nationalities who already in country has been expelled and blacklisted due to crimes. Most drug related cases, then minor cases and trafficking.

Visa is simple and easy so far, lets hope it stays so.

 

https://psa.gov.ph/tourism-satellite-accounts-press-releases

 

 

[tlcwaterfall]

On 4/5/2019 at 6:04 PM, ExpatPH said:

Jeepney 12 peso there?

Cebu only 7 peso.

From one city to another city, always something different.

Jeepney are around 12 pesos there depending on the destination. Not 100 pesos as another poster said.  Also there are hotels and agencies there that will provide transport from the airport to Angeles for as low as 2500 pesos. Reliable and comfortable bus services around 350.

 

Angeles has hotels that cater to all budgets.   My favourite hotel in Walking Street has a pool, elevator, good restaurant and excellent staff. Prices start at 1600 pesos and you get a 10% discount if you pay cash. Hotel is scrupulously clean.

 

Plenty of places that serve good western food at reasonable prices.   At most restaurants the waitress will repeat your order back to you in perfect English. Rarely if ever have I received the wrong food. 

 

Also a point worth noting is that Walking Street is not the only area to have bars, hotels and women.  Perimeter area has plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels that are significantly cheaper than the Walking Street area. Predominantly a daytime drinking area though.

 

 

Edited April 7, 2019 by tlcwaterfall

[ExpatPH]

My monthly spending over the years. Some examples.

 

Rented 80sqm 2 floor house in the province next to the sea. Rent 270$ electric water 80$, grocerys 95$, visa 50$, gf support 120$,

total 615$ per month

 

Rented 26 sqm fully furnished studio in city center 480$ incl fiber internet and cable tv, electric water 65$. Dine out daily 575$, grocerys 95$, visa 50$, gf support 120$, transport 30$

total 1.415$ per month.

 

Rented furnished 1 floor of a 2 floor house 60sqm outskirts within city limit rent 230$, electric water 75$, transport 75$, grocerys 150$, dine out 200$, gf support 120$ cabletv 35$, visa 50$, total 935$ per month.

 

Lowest spending per month 615$.

Highest spending per month as single 1.500$

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

Edited April 7, 2019 by ExpatPH

[Frankri]

25 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

My monthly spending over the years. Some examples.

 

Rented 80sqm 2 floor house in the province next to the sea. Rent 270$ electric water 80$, grocerys 95$, visa 50$, gf support 120$,

total 615$ per month

 

Rented 26 sqm fully furnished studio in city center 480$ incl fiber internet and cable tv, electric water 65$. Dine out daily 575$, grocerys 95$, visa 50$, gf support 120$, transport 30$

total 1.415$ per month.

 

Rented furnished 1 floor of a 2 floor house 60sqm outskirts within city limit rent 230$, electric water 75$, transport 75$, grocerys 150$, dine out 200$, gf support 120$ cabletv 35$, visa 50$, total 935$ per month.

 

Lowest spending per month 615$.

Highest spending per month as single 1.500$

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

 

A/C is included ??

[ExpatPH]

5 minutes ago, Frankri said:

A/C is included ??

 

A/C units all places I lived.

A/C running cost included under electric

 

[PingRoundTheWorld]

47 minutes ago, tlcwaterfall said:

Jeepney are around 12 pesos there depending on the destination. Not 100 pesos as another poster said.

Sorry, I meant trikes.

 

I've been trying to find condos around Fields vicinity, but couldn't really find anything that is comfortably walking distance. Any idea if any exist? Ideally with a pool and a gym, but not 100% necessary. Speaking of gym - I assume they exist - any idea where and prices?

 

Not entirely sure but I'll probably be back there around June for 2-3 weeks.

[ExpatPH]

On local forums we had and still have a never ending banter, can you live for 600-800$ per month in PH.

I was one of the naysayers, used to city life and nightlife. Until I lived for a longer time in the province. Then I realized It's absolutely possible without suffering, or 'going on local' food only. 

I got my foreign groceries from city as well, All in, my low spending of only 615$ per month.

[ExpatPH]

25 minutes ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

 

I've been trying to find condos around Fields vicinity, but couldn't really find anything that is comfortably walking distance. Any idea if any exist? Ideally with a pool and a gym, but not 100% necessary. Speaking of gym - I assume they exist - any idea where and prices?

 

Ask on local forums.

Livingincebuforums

And Ph-addicts

Edited April 7, 2019 by ExpatPH

[baansgr]

21 minutes ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Sorry, I meant trikes.

 

I've been trying to find condos around Fields vicinity, but couldn't really find anything that is comfortably walking distance. Any idea if any exist? Ideally with a pool and a gym, but not 100% necessary. Speaking of gym - I assume they exist - any idea where and prices?

 

Not entirely sure but I'll probably be back there around June for 2-3 weeks.

Kandi Reality...

[swissie]

As I gather:
- Major Health issues will have to be adressed in Thailand, Singapore or Home Country.
Phil, Cambodia, Vietnam = no go.
- As "Destiny1990" has mentioned above, if influx of Expats continues, Visa Reg's are likely to become "more strict".
- No smoking in public. Question: Are Bars, Restaurants, Hotels "public places"?
----------------------------------------------
Let's face it. Over time, the financial requirements for Expats will be raised (not only in SE/Asia). Won't be long and there will be a mandatory Health-Insurance for Expats in Thailand. Or the "security-deposit" for a Retirement Extension will be raised to 2-3 Mill Bht.
The era, where every European/US guy living on a budget was unconditionally welcome everywhere is coming to an end.
The trend is clear: Those "Guided Democracies" want 3 week Tourist with a big wallet or "major Investors" and not long-term Westerners, spreading the venom of Democracy, Freedom of Speach, Human Rights and all that Jazz.

[ExpatPH]

And sometimes when I want to watch some Netflix late at night, like right now, internet providers is a PITA

(both conmections I use)

Will be a boring night

 

[baansgr]

10 minutes ago, swissie said:

As I gather:
- Major Health issues will have to be adressed in Thailand, Singapore or Home Country.
Phil, Cambodia, Vietnam = no go.
- As "Destiny1990" has mentioned above, if influx of Expats continues, Visa Reg's are likely to become "more strict".
- No smoking in public. Question: Are Bars, Restaurants, Hotels "public places"?
----------------------------------------------
Let's face it. Over time, the financial requirements for Expats will be raised (not only in SE/Asia). Won't be long and there will be a mandatory Health-Insurance for Expats in Thailand. Or the "security-deposit" for a Retirement Extension will be raised to 2-3 Mill Bht.
The era, where every European/US guy living on a budget was unconditionally welcome everywhere is coming to an end.
The trend is clear: Those "Guided Democracies" want 3 week Tourist with a big wallet or "major Investors" and not long-term Westerners, spreading the venom of Democracy, Freedom of Speach, Human Rights and all that Jazz.

Only seems to be Thailand that makes visas, extensions difficult, yes other countries have a bond deposit but in return you can own property, have a lifetime visa or even work....Thailand offers nowt in return except more beurocracy...I've had to visit immigration 5 times this year and we are only in the month of April...what kind of BS is that.

[swissie]

9 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Only seems to be Thailand that makes visas, extensions difficult, yes other countries have a bond deposit but in return you can own property, have a lifetime visa or even work....Thailand offers nowt in return except more beurocracy...I've had to visit immigration 5 times this year and we are only in the month of April...what kind of BS is that.

Yes BS big time. Unless your girlfriend is working at Immigration????

[ExpatPH]

27 minutes ago, swissie said:

Question: Are Bars, Restaurants, Hotels "public places"?
----------------------------------------------

 

Every inch of the country is 'Public place' and Non - smoking (except private property) unless,

- 'Designated smoking area' 

- Tiny minority of restaurants that got exemption from local city hall.

 

In Cebu city I only know bar area at TGIF, and designated smoking area on 4th level Ayala center near The Social restaurant.

 

However the smoking guards stop work at 6pm, so we do smoke on the streets after that time, but look out for police and other officials.

Angeles less strict, according to tourists who been there.

 

 

 

Edited April 7, 2019 by ExpatPH

[swissie]

3 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

 

Every inch of the country is 'Public place' and Non - smoking unless,

- 'Designated smoking area' 

- Tiny minority of restaurants that got exemption from local city hall.

 

In Cebu city I only know bar area at TGIF, and designated smoking area on 4th level Ayala center near The Social restaurant.

 

However the smoking guards stop work at 6pm, so we do smoke on the streets after that time, but look out for police and other officials.

Angeles less strict, according to tourists who been there.

 

 

 

THX. I was afraid of that. It's like a verdict: Few smokers will re-locate to Phil. In my case not even for a Holiday.

Do you think the Smoking-Ban will be lifted if the current "Head of State" takes up smoking again?

[ExpatPH]

1 minute ago, swissie said:

Do you think the Smoking-Ban will be lifted if the current "Head of State" takes up smoking again?

 

Don't hold your breath.

Not until after next election, and even after that, the political correctness and conservative culture, I would assume that the smoking ban will last forever.

[ExpatPH]

If Thailand has too hot weather, you can always consider to join us in PH.

 

[swissie]

2 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

If Thailand has too hot weather, you can always consider to join us in PH.

 

On a more serious note. As I mentioned before, your Info's concerning Phil are outstanding. You may have noticed that there are other Threads floating around with regard to "Leaving Thailand" and moving somewhere else. (One Thread focusing on South America has drawn a lot of attention). But nobody delivering comprehensive Info's about any of those countries as you did concerning Phil.

- Checking out SA Countries is like playing Detective on the Internet.

Folks, interested in SA would be delighted to have an Info-Source comparable to what you deliver in connection with the Philippines.

I mean it. Well done.

[ExpatPH]

24 minutes ago, swissie said:

It's like a verdict: Few smokers will re-locate to Phil. 

Smokers. Who need smokers?

We have 10.000s jeepneys!

Guaranteed better than 2nd hand smoking.????

(Sorry for my late night humor)

[Destiny1990]

1 hour ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

Sorry, I meant trikes.

 

I've been trying to find condos around Fields vicinity, but couldn't really find anything that is comfortably walking distance. Any idea if any exist? Ideally with a pool and a gym, but not 100% necessary. Speaking of gym - I assume they exist - any idea where and prices?

 

Not entirely sure but I'll probably be back there around June for 2-3 weeks.

Not many condos around fields.

u better book a hotel for such short period fields is dotted with hotels lots have pools.

On other hand airbnb is very popular if that’s ur thing.

[ExpatPH]

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

On a more serious note. As I mentioned before, your Info's concerning Phil are outstanding. You may have noticed that there are other Threads floating around with regard to "Leaving Thailand" and moving somewhere else. (One Thread focusing on South America has drawn a lot of attention). But nobody delivering comprehensive Info's about any of those countries as you did concerning Phil.

- Checking out SA Countries is like playing Detective on the Internet.

Folks, interested in SA would be delighted to have an Info-Source comparable to what you deliver in connection with the Philippines.

I mean it. Well done.

 

Thank you so much for those nice words of appreciation, swissie.

I also mentioned before to join our local forums, for more opinions than mine.

Colombia, Costa Rica. Dominican republic. Latin America, so many options. Personal safety is a big issue also at those locations. And who knows about hospitals.

 

Repeat our local forums related to PH.

Livingincebuforums

Philippines-expats

(Philippines-addicts)

 

Thanks again swissie.

[ExpatPH]

6 years relationship with a Pinay.

 

Short version: I never been asked for money. No sick buffalo. No family member who needed emergency money help. No request for a house. 6 years on and counting.

 

Long version: we met at hotel I stayed, she worked there. We started talking and within short time, I thought this could become something.

I changed to another hotel, so we now could date without worry that she would be fired.

After 4 months relationship, I asked her if she would quit her job, and live together with me. I offered to compensate her salary 120$ per months. After few days she said yes.

 

I met her parents after almost a year, after she had asked me a few times. Meeting her family was a breeze. Her father was a hard working man 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. We got a good connection instantly, and until this day, he's a fantastic man. Mother was in charge. Had her piggery as income and a small money lending business. 

 

Thrue the last 6 years I known her, she has saved a lot of money for me. She know where to get lowest prices, she negotiate like a expert, she hardly use any money on herself. Sends half of her allowance to family. She learned to cook western food, she do laundry and make breakfast by the time I wake up. Over time she received some gifts from me, nothing that would break any budget, but very appreciated.

 

I frequently travelled to other countries, often back to Thailand, where I always bought lots of clothes for my gf and also to her siblings. For them to get clothes from another country, was like a christmas every time. Feels good to give gifts that get so appreciated. A typical person in province, do not buy many new clothes per year. To receive clothes that no one had, was a much better present than money. Lots of chocolate from Thailand as well, and anyone who know how much they love chocolate here, can imagine their smiles and happiness.

 

We had our ups and downs, and she always ask, when you going to marry me. She's been a good help last 2 years when I got a medical condition and in and out of hospitals. Sleeping on a bench for a week without anything isn't comfortable, never a word of complaint.

She tolerated my late nights out with the guys, she tolerated my smoking, she tolerated many minor things. She tolerated that I didnt propose yet, while shes eagerly hoping.

I had previous long lasting relationship in Thailand, that felt more like a business deal than love and mutual respect.

House: check. Car: check. Motorcycle: check. Gold: check. Hand out family: check. Check. Check.

 

Here in PH I feel its more real love, she sacrified her job and future advancements possibilities, and her dream to work overseas.

House: no request. Car: no request. Motorcycle: no request. Hand out family: no request.

She had access to my wallet, local ATM card and also my visa card. Never a problem. She has proven herself many times to be totally honest and loyal.

I love Thailand and its beautiful ladies, but I trust my Pinay more, and she cost me peanuts in comparison.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

[Destiny1990]

20 minutes ago, ExpatPH said:

6 years relationship with a Pinay.

 

Short version: I never been asked for money. No sick buffalo. No family member who needed emergency money help. No request for a house. 6 years on and counting.

 

Long version: we met at hotel I stayed, she worked there. We started talking and within short time, I thought this could become something.

I changed to another hotel, so we now could date without worry that she would be fired.

After 4 months relationship, I asked her if she would quit her job, and live together with me. I offered to compensate her salary 120$ per months. After few days she said yes.

 

I met her parents after almost a year, after she had asked me a few times. Meeting her family was a breeze. Her father was a hard working man 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. We got a good connection instantly, and until this day, he's a fantastic man. Mother was in charge. Had her piggery as income and a small money lending business. 

 

Thrue the last 6 years I known her, she has saved a lot of money for me. She know where to get lowest prices, she negotiate like a expert, she hardly use any money on herself. Sends half of her allowance to family. She learned to cook western food, she do laundry and make breakfast by the time I wake up. Over time she received some gifts from me, nothing that would break any budget, but very appreciated.

 

I frequently travelled to other countries, often back to Thailand, where I always bought lots of clothes for my gf and also to her siblings. For them to get clothes from another country, was like a christmas every time. Feels good to give gifts that get so appreciated. A typical person in province, do not buy many new clothes per year. To receive clothes that no one had, was a much better present than money. Lots of chocolate from Thailand as well, and anyone who know how much they love chocolate here, can imagine their smiles and happiness.

 

We had our ups and downs, and she always ask, when you going to marry me. She's been a good help last 2 years when I got a medical condition and in and out of hospitals. Sleeping on a bench for a week without anything isn't comfortable, never a word of complaint.

She tolerated my late nights out with the guys, she tolerated my smoking, she tolerated many minor things. She tolerated that I didnt propose yet, while shes eagerly hoping.

I had previous long lasting relationship in Thailand, that felt more like a business deal than love and mutual respect.

House: check. Car: check. Motorcycle: check. Gold: check. Hand out family: check. Check. Check.

 

Here in PH I feel its more real love, she sacrified her job and future advancements possibilities, and her dream to work overseas.

House: no request. Car: no request. Motorcycle: no request. Hand out family: no request.

She had access to my wallet, local ATM card and also my visa card. Never a problem. She has proven herself many times to be totally honest and loyal.

I love Thailand and its beautiful ladies, but I trust my Pinay more, and she cost me peanuts in comparison.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

Sir does she has a sister? ????????

Edited April 7, 2019 by Destiny1990