MOVED to the PHILIPPINES with $100?

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

[ChrisP24]

Summary:

 

- Moved to Philippines with $100 in his pocket, but a $600 paycheck coming the next day so he was "Ok due to the exchange rate."

 

- If he could do it over again he'd wait until he had $20k USD minimum saved.... 

 

- He has a work at home business, and hired his GF to work for the work at home business so she had income. He needs the income too because he is not drawing a pension/etc.   Before that she was a schoolteacher in Thailand but he had her move to Manila so that she would have a secure job with him. 

 

- Had a cheap condo in Pasig with roaches and mice. Would have gotten a better condo if doing over.

 

- GF was crying and then went "tampo" so he bought a ticket anyway to get there right away.  He had not previously met her in person, only online. 

 

- Advises that $10k USD is enough to survive on for a full year, $20k will last two years.

 

- Some discussion about travel restrictions but then planning ahead by showing current round trip air fare rates.  No discussion of a one-way ticket with a "throwaway" exit ticket to meet entry requirements.  

 

- Discussion of a permanent resident visa once married.  Says you can't keep re-entering the Philippines without it.  No mention of a Balikbayan visa (that's where you get a one-year stamp at no cost if entering the country accompanied by your wife.  And after it is good for multiple unaccompanied entry....). 

 

- Despite all that, he looks healthy, upbeat and seems like he is doing fine.  I wish him all the best.