Any concerns you have that I missed? Let me know down below. Download Your FREE Guide For Moving to BGC, Philippines: dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/50a886fbc8
My mistake, the Philippines is directly below Taiwan. China has already laid claim to some islands that were recognized as belonging to the Philippines. But nowadays it's hard to predict what the so called free world is going to look like in a few years.
Although the Philippines is a beautiful place make sure you have plenty of money to cover the unforeseen. Do not take your main stash with you because It WILL go guaranteed. If you can go every year and enjoy those wonderful islands and its people. If you meet a girl that you cant live without do not try to change her or take her home as you'll regret it later.
My mom bought a condo in Makati, right next to a medical center. Traffic is ridiculous and ambulances are not really given right of way, sitting in traffic for hours. Try to be aware of this when buying a place, the closer to a capable hospital the better.
Hey Evan, there is also a special SRRV for veterans where the deposit is much less. I've heard as low as $1500. Also the tourist visa is good for one day less than 3 years. You have to leave the country for at least 24 hours but then you can return and start your 3 years all over again. So take your Filipina to a close by country for a few days then come home. A few other people mentioned about the banking so I won't go into that. Overall, good job again. Lots of valuable info.
Military SSRV is $1500. You have to have an honorable or Medical discharge from the US military.....I think there is a minimum guaranteed monthly income Requirement too. It should also be noted that if you opt for the other SSRV. The 10k can be spent towards a condo....so it doesn't have to sit in a bank.
Yes, sir: please gives us an overall rundown of what the requirements are for traveling to the Philippines: start with the procedures for acquiring a Vise, SRRV, and what is a "throw-away-ticket," needed to enter the Philipines. In other words: what does a foreigner (USA) need to do to fly to the Philipines in Hope's of staying permanently. Are you required to get vaccinated? After your expiration of a Visa, what country can you fly to and stay there temporarily and return to start the process all over again. Do you do this again and again? Thanks, EVAN. All this is still not all clear for me.
You might want to discuss the medical cost for males who are over 65 and those over 75. Where can they get health insurance and how much will it cost. It may not even be available to retired males over 70. Most of us elderly folks are on medication.
Thank you for the healthcare information. I will look at those insurance companies for sure. Never experienced racism in the Philippines like I have in some other Asian countries and being charged more is not uncommon. Price boards for many services in Cambodia list two prices, one for locals and one for foreigners. It's just how it is, and the price difference isn't huge. I do agree with the socio-economic differences. That's why my local friends make me stand at the front of the taxi line because the drivers always stop for foreigners! 😆 There are also several types of SRRV depending on whether you plan to buy a condo using the deposit, or not. That would be good information for many. Stay safe my friend.
Thank you, I find your videos very very valuable some other people blog or put videos here but they have no value in my opinion. From every one of your videos I learned a lot, thank you again, I am retired and I am thinking to move to Philippines.
I love these videos, but... 1. In 15 years, I've never had a healthcare issue here in Cebu. I'm retired military and I have Tricare, so not a major concern. 2, Never had a visa issue here either. I have a 13A, and there is a cheaper SRRV for the military not mentioned here. 3. I opened 2 accounts with BPI, USD, and PHP in 2008. The main reason is BPI doesn't care about your current location. The branch that you're standing in is more or less your home branch, and they're the only Philippines bank here like that. Foreign banks, such as Citibank are unrelated to their banks elsewhere, and you will pay fees. 4. I've experienced no racism here. I think people in Metro Manila are clueless. I live in the Philippines. Just sayin'. 5. A dummy corporation, or any deal between you and your spouse, who are considered to legally be a single entity here, is quite illegal. An attorney here is great at telling you, and charging you, for what you want to hear. Be careful! 6. $1,000 a month here isn't feasible. $1,200 to $1,500 is more reasonable. $2,000 is comfortable. $3,000 is ridiculous. I would move back home. 7. I trust only my wife here. 8. International schools are definitely not only located in Metro Manila. Expect to pay more than the above-mentioned cost of living. International schools are for the rich. A good private school here will suffice. They're about on par with US public schools. 9. Bingo! I've never felt unsafe here. Ever. 10. We live in Cebu province, not Cebu City. We have 100 Gbps, with much faster available if needed. 11. I love A/C. I moved here from SE Alabama and people here would die in July and August.
I’m considering the Philippines, the reason I’m saying this is I own a business in Arizona, that I would have to sale. I would not have a problem selling my company. I’m a veteran like yourself, and I get disability. With these things said I need a little guidance from an expat such as yourself on running a business in an area with expats and possibly in some of the cities. Thanks.
Regarding WiFi - given that you just posted this vid today I wish to inform you that I just returned from Cebu. Many areas of Cebu still have NO WiFi (and even phone service) due to the December 2021 typhoon. My impression is that Cebu was largely destroyed and will still need another year to rebound.
Great video, as always. I have Bank of America and while they don’t have a physical location where I can withdraw money, there’s plenty of atm’s that I can use. As long as your card has the visa symbol, no problem. For me the biggest issue has been healthcare. I went to a private hospital in Roxas City and still had to wait two hours past my appointment time, and had to go back the next day also. Sometimes I think Filipino doctors are stuck in the 1950’s 😂
Tuli, Getting my medications in The Philippines is all but impossible. If would cost me about $750 or more for medications that l now get at no cost. Two of my meds are not available.The hospitals in the provinces lack many services. Oxygen is even short supply. I even found some private hospitals to be lacking in decent to good services. I have never had visa problems. I have always been treated well by locals. I rarely get the English tax. I have heard some locals use the "N" word. I have a condo and my wife owns the house and property in the province. I would rather have more money than to scrap to get by. I trust just a very few people in the islands. Most of those are my wife's close relatives. Education of my dependent grandson (as well medications), is one of the reasons l am not living in the islands. I always felt safe in The Philippines. Marinduque is a peaceful province. I do fight the heat but l also have an A/C unit in every room in both places. Thanks again for sharing another great, honest and fact filled video. Be blessed and stay well.
Under SRRV there is a courtesy military visa for veterans and retired military. Total cost when I last checked was around $3,200 USD. By far the easiest and cheapest visa is the 13a in you are married to a Filipino. Another great, informative video.....Thank You
@@MoorDragon I'm retiring this coming January and moving to the Philippines shortly after that. I'm just going to apply for the 13a so the money spent will be minimal. Since I will be Balikbayan I won't have any immigration expenses other than the cost of the 13a. Balikbayan visa is good for a year. If I wasn't married to a Filipina I would have to spend the money on the SRRV.
I’m married to a Filipina for many years and moved to Philippines when a job opening came up but returned home to UK after it was clear to me that my kids would not benefit growing up there. The private school spent more time trying to solicit the ‘talent’ (singing dancing) from the kids than actually teach them the basic academic requirements needed for starting off in life. Plus the medical facilities are shockingly bad …my cataract operation was poorly conducted which reaffirmed what other people told me that the good PH doctors had left and are working abroad leaving the mediocre ones behind (people that can afford to go abroad go to places like Singapore for proper care) But and yes but………..it’s a fabulous place to go on holiday, lovely people! My comment on the cost of living….I look at it simply. It takes a whole day on basic wages to buy a Big Mac in Philippines yet it takes around 20 mins (on basic wage) in UK. This I know is true as I managed a facility in Bulacan for a few years and the average daily wage was 500peso.
Its so true, healthcare in Phils is not so good...if u hv serious illness u need to go to bigger hospital. If not u will die in smaller hospital...healthcare in other countries likr UK is better than PI and also d education now is not so good...for me better study in UK, US or Australia than PI...overall, the coat of living is much cheaper in PI compare to other country. But it depends on ur lifestyle...God bless...im a Filipino living in Singapore...
Great video! Can you do follow-up videos on Private Health Plans available for Expats, briefly comparing ACS, AXA, Cigna, and Kaiser? Is Kaiser affiliated to or same as the Kaiser in the US?... then we need a follow-up video on banking where which bank we can make deposits in the US and be able to transfer money to the Philippines or withdraw money in the Philippines at a minimal cost. Thank you in advance.
Hey evan, I've watched several of your blogs and yours is by far the best besides the filipino pea, and sunshine shoulders. I appreciate you guiding a potential expat that will be relocating there this September. I'm retired but will work part time remotely and need a good internet connection and medical care. Thanks for the heads up in this blog.
Health coverage is one of my main concern if I decide to move back. The city I was told has good hospitals but mostly private But if you’re in the province , that’s a whole different ballgame. The facilities are not well equipped and you might not get a well processed treatment. I hope this is one sector the government should really focus. But other than that, it’s more fun back home. Can’t wait for my visit later this year. ❤️
My experience with BPI was a nightmare. Poor service, crowded waiting areas, never enough cashiers, long waits, and refused to give me my own account....only my filipina wife could get one. Even then, we were treated poorly, and they questioned every little move we made with OUR money. I went to BDO, they gave me my own account as a tourist (yes, I made a sizable deposit), and the service has been stellar. Clean, organized facilities, quicker lines, plenty of cashiers, plenty of special care reps, they don't pry or ask too many questions about my money / how I use it / why or when I withdraw money (even when withdrawing hundreds of thousands of pesos at a time....I have a small business), and they treat me like a family friend. Night and day. I don't see the need for a second bank. I'm happy at BDO.
Regarding racism, my aunt is a property manager in one of the high end condo building in Cebu and she told me that they don't allow these two particular nationalities to rent there. I won't be disclosing which nationalities to avoid creating feud. But when I asked why, she told me because of home owners, they don't want to be neighbors with them
In Cebu, I can easily guess what the one nationality is; they are loud and obnoxious and walk around like they own the Philippines. I can't guess what the other nationality would be.
Appreciate the videos pare, I've been looking into retiring early in the PI and have been watching lots of videos, but yours are the first that speak to me so well since I too am a Filipino American. One thing I am not sure if you have mentioned is you or your family's citizenship status... i've been looking into getting dual citizenship vs. the permanent retirement visa since I was originally born in Manila. Maybe you can discuss that option in a new video? I feel like content that focuses on Filipino Americans returning to the motherland could be a good series of videos...
@@TheSavvyExpat oh thats great. so you did it while already living there then right? I wasn't sure if I needed to do it while still here in the US or if there was any pros or cons to doing it here or there. would love to see more about it in a video!
@@thefatfilam You can apply for dual citizenship at a Philippine consulate near you, you don't have to be in the Philippines. I heard the hard thing now is getting an appointment, but it's supposedly an easier process in the US than in the Philippines.
@@ranma9823 yeah getting an appointment takes about 2-3 months if you are lucky here in the SF Bay Area, which is why i was wondering if it was easier or more beneficial to do so before moving to the PI or just do it after I've already moved to Manila.
I love your videos and watch most of them however this one had three or four errors in it and while not big ones, I'm going to point them out only because of the amount of them. Ok? Yes there is a Bank of America there but individuals cannot have a bank account there and do transactions, it's only there for businesses and large corporations. I'm a Bank of America member here in the states and I've contacted three or four departments and they all verified this information and I even emailed Bank of America in the Philippines and they assured me that it's not for residents. In reference to owning property, you said businesses and property would have to share with a spouse 50/50 but according to Gracie the attorney I believe who lives in Dumaguete or Cebu has said many times that the Philippine resident has to own a minimum of 51% or more. The Filipino always has control of any business or property. In reference to visas, you said the maximum state for an expat is 2 years however an expat can stay up to 3 years or actually one day shy of 3 years before needing to exit the country. And last but not least haha you said HBSC? Actually HSBC is the name of the bank and I know, I know, I need to be jack slapped backwards for mentioning the last one haha. Seriously you have a lot of information packed in your videos and you get straight to the point and that's why I like yours a lot. :)
Hey Evan, good stuff - can you do a deeper drive into the schools. When I do retire there, my son will be around 10 - and have an elementary education. Public/Private, what's the difference in content between both and what are the costs...etc? Thanks
This is true over charging. For HMO I have been working in various Big companies in Philippines and most chose Maxicare. For health Insurance I dont have ideas.
Great video! Born and raised in QC, I've only been back home once in 3 decades and I miss QC so much: the smell and everything. Thank you for clarifying a lot of my concerns. Being married to a white woman and bearing 4 hapa kids, my top concern is their safety, secondly how much daddy will spend on this vacation. - Pinoy from South Carolina
Healthcare, heat, and driving have always been my main concerns over the last decade I’ve been back and forth. PreventatIve healthcare is tough as it’s tough to eat healthy and be healthy in the Philippines. Also pollution is the worst of any country in Southeast Asia. Summers in PH, April/May, are extremely hot so AC is a must. And if you must drive, especially a scooter don’t hesitate and always pay attention.
SPMC in Davao City is one of the biggest public hospitals in Southern Mindanao, it is complete and one of the best. Not all public hospitals are bad. In Tagum City Davao Del Norte the Regional Hospital is complete and biggest in the province. It depends on what provinces not all provinces are bad and private hospitals in Mindanao can also serve high quality of medical.
What was it like to physically move from USA to Philippines. Color laser printer, b&w laser printer, desktop, 3 iPads, three iPhones, 2 DSLR cameras with extra zoom lens, high end flash, 4 hard drives. Stereo turntable speakers 5 feet of LP albums. Watches , golf clubs, new outdoor furniture with custom made cushions. Did you ship any cars?? Will any of it make it to the Philippines
I was doing the research on the banks to use etc a couple of weeks ago. Man, please do more videos like this. Because I'm moving to cebu when I'm retire in my condo. 😀
It would be nice when your resources allow you, if you can travel to Cebu and Iloilo. You can give us on the ground perspective on Cebu Business Park and other places that would be equivalent to BGC in the Visayas or Mindanao.
What is the deposit for? Do you get it back? Does it earn interest? As for healthcare great job. I have been contacting the companies to find out what they start at?
Two things expats need to know: it’s the only country that doesn’t allow divorce; land ownership is limited to 40%. You’re better off renting or buying a condo because you can own your condos 100%. However, some condos have a time limit on how long you can own it, eg, 25 or 50 years.
Would you be able to do a video on topic living part time in the Philippines. Renting at BGC/Makati and doing side trips at luxury resorts VS living at luxury destination resorts directly. Cost comparison would be very helpful. Husband and I plan to stay at Philippines 2 to 3 months out of year and confused whether we should just book directly at destination resorts or rent a condo at BGC. If it will be more affordable to rent at BGC and just fly to diff parts of Philippines for long weekend or 1 week stay trips or is it more affordable to just live at destination resorts and eliminate renting at BGC? Thanks Evan
Hi EVAN. I remember even OPHRA awhile back talked about her own experience with the N-word. If I remember right, of all places in Africa. People from other countries think that it's ok to say it bc it's been normalized on TV. Society had gotten so vulgar and it's really sad. But in the Philippines, visitors are treated with great hospitality. I appreciate this topic of healthcare, banking and etc. Thank you for this video. Your contents are concise and intelligent.
Great medical, prescription and medical insurance advice! That helps a lot!! I would like an indepth video on the tourist visa and subsequent extensions, please. Also, I am 50 years old so I would like an in depth section of that Visa video to explain the numerous possible SRRV options. Thank you, my man! 👍
Yeah, I don't think I would take them saying the N word as derogatory they don't know the history of the word and the context that they use it is likely not to be the context in which it is meant here in the US.
Could you have meds shipped from overseas? Would prescriptions by foreign doctors be accepted? Would other forms of income than pensions be accepted for the RRSV (e.g. dividends, rental income). If not, would the $50 k deposit bear interest?
My biggest concern in moving back to Philippines on my retirement age is the health care. What if I get sick that's pretty serious like dialysis or needs a surgery or something like that? Based on personal experience of people I know of who lost all their savings because of illness (dialysis, heart surgery, etc). Health care in the Philippines is NOT cheap. So I'm having a second thought specially if I will move their on my retirement age which I consider pretty old (55-60 yrs old) in which normally the older you get the more prone your body gets sick.
You might consider doing one about the Reality of Law and Justice..Here in the Philippines. Compared to West standards and practices.. You know the Pros and Cons vs. EXPECTATIONS AND DISAPPOINTMENT..🤫🤪
Still loving your work sir, a great blend of being very informative & funny (eg 3:21 the old guy in the pool) Are you wearing make up today? You’re a handsome guy I don’t think you need that.
Hi, I really enjoy watching your videos a lot. My Filipina wife with whom I have been married for roughly 36 years, took me to the Philippines for a holiday, The climate is what got me and the magnificent white beaches. So beautiful, but the wife always warns me of the traps a gullible Westerner will get snared in. She means me, of course. Her advice to me is to just go there for holidays and forget about moving. Have the best of both worlds.
Evan, great video, can you pls make a video of expats needing care givers. What to do if we stay and need long term care. I heard some people hiring medical students and putting them through school. About how much to pay for care givers who comes into your home. Thanks.
Hi Evan, great video! Thanks. Question regarding the SRRV Visa: you mentioned that a person of 35-49 y/o with a pension will need to deposit $50K. My question is this: What about a person of 50+ y/o with NO pension?
I don't like being treated better than anyone else because, in my opinion, nothing makes me any better than the next person. To me we are all equal regardless of money or anything else that others have.
How many times can you renew the 6 months visa, indefinitely? Anyway to get out of the 10,000 deposit? Like renewing every 6 months? If you do deposit, what can that money be used for after it’s deposited?
Trying to figure out the visa situation regarding working remote currently. I'm a ways off bothering to make a move there at this time but wanted to get a good grasp of what I can or cannot expect. Also trying to figure my head around the tax situation between the states and PH while working with a US based company.
I really enjoy watching your vlog...Very informative and "down to earth" (tell it like it is instead of so many saying "I live on $800/Mo=bullshit). Keep up the good work~
Hey Evan, I have been living in the Philippines for the past 3 years primarily in Dumaguette and Davao City. I like you are from Chicago. I retired from Cook County Government. In the very near future it looks like I will be living in Quezon City. If you like reach out to me for coffee or soft drinks. Brian
I highly tell westerners to put their kids into local schools instead of international schools to absorb the local values and and culture. I also believe that you will find tust in people of your income level. I tend to avoid expats but that might be because I make friends to local men. They tend to be more religious and married. Interesting opinions you have though.
Pretty sure they are no longer doing under 50 YO SRRV visa's The Military Courtesy SRRV is only $1500 in the P.I. bank and about $1400 Visa Fee (One Time) 50 YO or Higher of course
Evan, u had said that 1,500 to 2,000 would be enough for a stable lifestyle there in PH. I'm planning on retiring in PH with my wife when I turn 67. I am estimated to get around 2,700 a month in S.S., plus around 900 to 1000 a month in ira/401k proceeds, making total of 3,600 a month. Would that amt be enough to retire n live in a medium size PH city like Cagayan De Oro? Let me know.
Man you are rich! By filipino standard… 2000 dollars is what a high ranking employee like VP of a good company will take home in a month and you making more…
CDO is a decent city and not too expensive so your budget will be more than enough. Be sure to save money aside every month for emergencies. You may also want to check the hospitals there to see if you can get proper care in the way you might expect.
that budget is more than enough, cdo is good and nice place you can find cheap houses or even if you plan to build your own house you can find cheap land to buy, and cdo also is good for business as if you have plan to build a business
Can you use an American Citibank in the Philippines? Like if I have my money in the Citibank here, move to the Philippines and want to finance my car, can I do that without having to start a bank account within the Philippines?
I was told about citibank as well so I got an account. I haven't tried it yet. I only have my account from USA...hopefully its not hard to get $ from that account while in makati. I then got the costco credit card. they have 0% international fees incase i use it out of country.
#3 Bank deposit insurance - last I looked Bank Deposits in the Philippines are insured for up to 500,000 pesos so don't put all your money in one bank One question: Balikbayans that don't have Phil Passport, are they entitled to Senior Discount?
![ละลาย (LALALYE) - DAOU PITTAYA ต้าห์อู๋ พิทยา [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wo6r9TgausI/mqdefault.jpg)
Any concerns you have that I missed? Let me know down below.
Download Your FREE Guide For Moving to BGC, Philippines:
dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/50a886fbc8
My mistake, the Philippines is directly below Taiwan. China has already laid claim to some islands that were recognized as belonging to the Philippines.
But nowadays it's hard to predict what the so called free world is going to look like in a few years.
Although the Philippines is a beautiful place make sure you have plenty of money to cover the unforeseen. Do not take your main stash with you because It WILL go guaranteed. If you can go every year and enjoy those wonderful islands and its people. If you meet a girl that you cant live without do not try to change her or take her home as you'll regret it later.
The Nomad Capitalist has a recent video on dual citizenship for Americans and why it might not be to your advantage.
Are the covid restrictions still in place?
Also what are the laws regarding firearms? Can you legally conceal carry there?
@@quest4adventure495 you can't even own weapons in the Philippines. Go directly to jail.
Thanks, Evan, as you stated, racism is everywhere. Just ignore the ignorance 🇵🇭👍🏽✌🏽
The Philippines is a wonderful country with kind friendly people;
My mom bought a condo in Makati, right next to a medical center. Traffic is ridiculous and ambulances are not really given right of way, sitting in traffic for hours. Try to be aware of this when buying a place, the closer to a capable hospital the better.
Hey Evan, there is also a special SRRV for veterans where the deposit is much less. I've heard as low as $1500. Also the tourist visa is good for one day less than 3 years. You have to leave the country for at least 24 hours but then you can return and start your 3 years all over again. So take your Filipina to a close by country for a few days then come home. A few other people mentioned about the banking so I won't go into that. Overall, good job again. Lots of valuable info.
Military SSRV is $1500. You have to have an honorable or Medical discharge from the US military.....I think there is a minimum guaranteed monthly income Requirement too. It should also be noted that if you opt for the other SSRV. The 10k can be spent towards a condo....so it doesn't have to sit in a bank.
Yes, sir: please gives us an overall rundown of what the requirements are for traveling to the Philippines: start with the procedures for acquiring a Vise, SRRV, and what is a "throw-away-ticket," needed to enter the Philipines.
In other words: what does a foreigner (USA) need to do to fly to the Philipines in Hope's of staying permanently. Are you required to get vaccinated? After your expiration of a Visa, what country can you fly to and stay there temporarily and return to start the process all over again. Do you do this again and again? Thanks, EVAN. All this is still not all clear for me.
You might want to discuss the medical cost for males who are over 65 and those over 75. Where can they get health insurance and how much will it cost. It may not even be available to retired males over 70. Most of us elderly folks are on medication.
Thank you for the healthcare information. I will look at those insurance companies for sure. Never experienced racism in the Philippines like I have in some other Asian countries and being charged more is not uncommon. Price boards for many services in Cambodia list two prices, one for locals and one for foreigners. It's just how it is, and the price difference isn't huge. I do agree with the socio-economic differences. That's why my local friends make me stand at the front of the taxi line because the drivers always stop for foreigners! 😆 There are also several types of SRRV depending on whether you plan to buy a condo using the deposit, or not. That would be good information for many. Stay safe my friend.
Thank you, I find your videos very very valuable some other people blog or put videos here but they have no value in my opinion. From every one of your videos I learned a lot, thank you again, I am retired and I am thinking to move to Philippines.
I love these videos, but...
1. In 15 years, I've never had a healthcare issue here in Cebu. I'm retired military and I have Tricare, so not a major concern.
2, Never had a visa issue here either. I have a 13A, and there is a cheaper SRRV for the military not mentioned here.
3. I opened 2 accounts with BPI, USD, and PHP in 2008. The main reason is BPI doesn't care about your current location. The branch that you're standing in is more or less your home branch, and they're the only Philippines bank here like that. Foreign banks, such as Citibank are unrelated to their banks elsewhere, and you will pay fees.
4. I've experienced no racism here. I think people in Metro Manila are clueless. I live in the Philippines. Just sayin'.
5. A dummy corporation, or any deal between you and your spouse, who are considered to legally be a single entity here, is quite illegal. An attorney here is great at telling you, and charging you, for what you want to hear. Be careful!
6. $1,000 a month here isn't feasible. $1,200 to $1,500 is more reasonable. $2,000 is comfortable. $3,000 is ridiculous. I would move back home.
7. I trust only my wife here.
8. International schools are definitely not only located in Metro Manila. Expect to pay more than the above-mentioned cost of living. International schools are for the rich. A good private school here will suffice. They're about on par with US public schools.
9. Bingo! I've never felt unsafe here. Ever.
10. We live in Cebu province, not Cebu City. We have 100 Gbps, with much faster available if needed.
11. I love A/C. I moved here from SE Alabama and people here would die in July and August.
Great information. Thank you sir
The warmest temperature during summer, in the month of May, can go as high as 43 degrees in Manila.
I’m considering the Philippines, the reason I’m saying this is I own a business in Arizona, that I would have to sale. I would not have a problem selling my company. I’m a veteran like yourself, and I get disability. With these things said I need a little guidance from an expat such as yourself on running a business in an area with expats and possibly in some of the cities. Thanks.
@@mybugguypestsolutionshoels2789 Some homework is advised. You can't just come to the Philippines and work, or start a physical business.
Regarding WiFi - given that you just posted this vid today I wish to inform you that I just returned from Cebu. Many areas of Cebu still have NO WiFi (and even phone service) due to the December 2021 typhoon. My impression is that Cebu was largely destroyed and will still need another year to rebound.
I’m getting my SRRV in May. It’s well worth it. It makes flying to the Philippines like flying to another state.
Great video, as always. I have Bank of America and while they don’t have a physical location where I can withdraw money, there’s plenty of atm’s that I can use. As long as your card has the visa symbol, no problem.
For me the biggest issue has been healthcare. I went to a private hospital in Roxas City and still had to wait two hours past my appointment time, and had to go back the next day also. Sometimes I think Filipino doctors are stuck in the 1950’s 😂
I think it depends on the doctors and the hospital. Too bad u were unlucky in that hospital in Roxas City :(
Tuli,
Getting my medications in The Philippines is all but impossible. If would cost me about $750 or more for medications that l now get at no cost. Two of my meds are not available.The hospitals in the provinces lack many services. Oxygen is even short supply. I even found some private hospitals to be lacking in decent to good services.
I have never had visa problems.
I have always been treated well by locals. I rarely get the English tax. I have heard some locals use the "N" word.
I have a condo and my wife owns the house and property in the province.
I would rather have more money than to scrap to get by. I trust just a very few people in the islands. Most of those are my wife's close relatives.
Education of my dependent grandson (as well medications), is one of the reasons l am not living in the islands. I always felt safe in The Philippines. Marinduque is a peaceful province.
I do fight the heat but l also have an A/C unit in every room in both places.
Thanks again for sharing another great, honest and fact filled video.
Be blessed and stay well.
As always. Good content. Clear concise n complete. You must work hard on it. Thxs.
Under SRRV there is a courtesy military visa for veterans and retired military. Total cost when I last checked was around $3,200 USD. By far the easiest and cheapest visa is the 13a in you are married to a Filipino. Another great, informative video.....Thank You
Can’t believe I forgot about that. Thanks for the heads up.
I'm married to a Filipina and I'm also a Navy veteran...which would be the best visa for me, SRRV or 13A?
@@MoorDragon I'm retiring this coming January and moving to the Philippines shortly after that. I'm just going to apply for the 13a so the money spent will be minimal. Since I will be Balikbayan I won't have any immigration expenses other than the cost of the 13a. Balikbayan visa is good for a year. If I wasn't married to a Filipina I would have to spend the money on the SRRV.
Good job! I've been to the Philippines 3 times since 1970s.
You give good insights-- keep it up!
I appreciate that Alan, thank you.
I’m married to a Filipina for many years and moved to Philippines when a job opening came up but returned home to UK after it was clear to me that my kids would not benefit growing up there. The private school spent more time trying to solicit the ‘talent’ (singing dancing) from the kids than actually teach them the basic academic requirements needed for starting off in life. Plus the medical facilities are shockingly bad …my cataract operation was poorly conducted which reaffirmed what other people told me that the good PH doctors had left and are working abroad leaving the mediocre ones behind (people that can afford to go abroad go to places like Singapore for proper care)
But and yes but………..it’s a fabulous place to go on holiday, lovely people!
My comment on the cost of living….I look at it simply. It takes a whole day on basic wages to buy a Big Mac in Philippines yet it takes around 20 mins (on basic wage) in UK. This I know is true as I managed a facility in Bulacan for a few years and the average daily wage was 500peso.
Its so true, healthcare in Phils is not so good...if u hv serious illness u need to go to bigger hospital. If not u will die in smaller hospital...healthcare in other countries likr UK is better than PI and also d education now is not so good...for me better study in UK, US or Australia than PI...overall, the coat of living is much cheaper in PI compare to other country. But it depends on ur lifestyle...God bless...im a Filipino living in Singapore...
Good concise information my friend.
You bet. Thanks for watching.
Great video! Can you do follow-up videos on Private Health Plans available for Expats, briefly comparing ACS, AXA, Cigna, and Kaiser? Is Kaiser affiliated to or same as the Kaiser in the US?... then we need a follow-up video on banking where which bank we can make deposits in the US and be able to transfer money to the Philippines or withdraw money in the Philippines at a minimal cost. Thank you in advance.
Fortunately, there is no hate crime here in the Phils unlike in the U.S.
Yeah, definitely need a video on visas. Especially for the guys above 35.
I was interested in the SRRV but it says military officer's, can enlisted retirees get it too?
@@ericcole9355 yes any honorably discharged veteran.
@@Synfulz thank you for your response and information.
Good commentary and excellent advice 👍
Excellent work, as usual. 👍
Appreciate the comments as always!
Hey evan, I've watched several of your blogs and yours is by far the best besides the filipino pea, and sunshine shoulders. I appreciate you guiding a potential expat that will be relocating there this September. I'm retired but will work part time remotely and need a good internet connection and medical care. Thanks for the heads up in this blog.
Can you make a video on what expats do when they get too old to take care of themselves or need help ?
Health coverage is one of my main concern if I decide to move back. The city I was told has good hospitals but mostly private But if you’re in the province , that’s a whole different ballgame. The facilities are not well equipped and you might not get a well processed treatment. I hope this is one sector the government should really focus. But other than that, it’s more fun back home. Can’t wait for my visit later this year. ❤️
My experience with BPI was a nightmare. Poor service, crowded waiting areas, never enough cashiers, long waits, and refused to give me my own account....only my filipina wife could get one. Even then, we were treated poorly, and they questioned every little move we made with OUR money. I went to BDO, they gave me my own account as a tourist (yes, I made a sizable deposit), and the service has been stellar. Clean, organized facilities, quicker lines, plenty of cashiers, plenty of special care reps, they don't pry or ask too many questions about my money / how I use it / why or when I withdraw money (even when withdrawing hundreds of thousands of pesos at a time....I have a small business), and they treat me like a family friend. Night and day. I don't see the need for a second bank. I'm happy at BDO.
Regarding racism, my aunt is a property manager in one of the high end condo building in Cebu and she told me that they don't allow these two particular nationalities to rent there. I won't be disclosing which nationalities to avoid creating feud. But when I asked why, she told me because of home owners, they don't want to be neighbors with them
In Cebu, I can easily guess what the one nationality is; they are loud and obnoxious and walk around like they own the Philippines. I can't guess what the other nationality would be.
I can't help but wonder if one of those groups are black people?
@@sirblack1619 nope
I know people need income, but I couldn’t work for a company with certain views
Appreciate the videos pare, I've been looking into retiring early in the PI and have been watching lots of videos, but yours are the first that speak to me so well since I too am a Filipino American. One thing I am not sure if you have mentioned is you or your family's citizenship status... i've been looking into getting dual citizenship vs. the permanent retirement visa since I was originally born in Manila. Maybe you can discuss that option in a new video? I feel like content that focuses on Filipino Americans returning to the motherland could be a good series of videos...
Absolutely. We've become dual citizens recently. I recommend the same for you but I'll make a video on this topic 👌
@@TheSavvyExpat oh thats great. so you did it while already living there then right? I wasn't sure if I needed to do it while still here in the US or if there was any pros or cons to doing it here or there. would love to see more about it in a video!
@@thefatfilam You can apply for dual citizenship at a Philippine consulate near you, you don't have to be in the Philippines. I heard the hard thing now is getting an appointment, but it's supposedly an easier process in the US than in the Philippines.
@@ranma9823 yeah getting an appointment takes about 2-3 months if you are lucky here in the SF Bay Area, which is why i was wondering if it was easier or more beneficial to do so before moving to the PI or just do it after I've already moved to Manila.
@@thefatfilam Ah, if you're moving to the Philippines anyway, then you have time. It probably won't make a lot of difference.
Good to go! Thanks for all the good information.
USMC
Sure thing
Spot on Savvyexpat. Another informative video👍🏼👍🏼🙏
Thanks for tuning in as always Pat
As far as I am aware medical insurance has recently become a requirement for foreigners entering the Philippines.
I love your videos and watch most of them however this one had three or four errors in it and while not big ones, I'm going to point them out only because of the amount of them. Ok?
Yes there is a Bank of America there but individuals cannot have a bank account there and do transactions, it's only there for businesses and large corporations. I'm a Bank of America member here in the states and I've contacted three or four departments and they all verified this information and I even emailed Bank of America in the Philippines and they assured me that it's not for residents.
In reference to owning property, you said businesses and property would have to share with a spouse 50/50 but according to Gracie the attorney I believe who lives in Dumaguete or Cebu has said many times that the Philippine resident has to own a minimum of 51% or more. The Filipino always has control of any business or property.
In reference to visas, you said the maximum state for an expat is 2 years however an expat can stay up to 3 years or actually one day shy of 3 years before needing to exit the country.
And last but not least haha you said HBSC? Actually HSBC is the name of the bank and I know, I know, I need to be jack slapped backwards for mentioning the last one haha.
Seriously you have a lot of information packed in your videos and you get straight to the point and that's why I like yours a lot. :)
Same with Wells Fargo Bank.
Evan, thanks for all of the info!
Hey Evan, good stuff - can you do a deeper drive into the schools. When I do retire there, my son will be around 10 - and have an elementary education. Public/Private, what's the difference in content between both and what are the costs...etc? Thanks
This is true over charging. For HMO I have been working in various Big companies in Philippines and most chose Maxicare. For health Insurance I dont have ideas.
Great video! Born and raised in QC, I've only been back home once in 3 decades and I miss QC so much: the smell and everything. Thank you for clarifying a lot of my concerns. Being married to a white woman and bearing 4 hapa kids, my top concern is their safety, secondly how much daddy will spend on this vacation.
- Pinoy from South Carolina
Healthcare, heat, and driving have always been my main concerns over the last decade I’ve been back and forth. PreventatIve healthcare is tough as it’s tough to eat healthy and be healthy in the Philippines. Also pollution is the worst of any country in Southeast Asia. Summers in PH, April/May, are extremely hot so AC is a must. And if you must drive, especially a scooter don’t hesitate and always pay attention.
Wow. Outstanding. Very well presented.
Thanks John
SPMC in Davao City is one of the biggest public hospitals in Southern Mindanao, it is complete and one of the best. Not all public hospitals are bad. In Tagum City Davao Del Norte the Regional Hospital is complete and biggest in the province. It depends on what provinces not all provinces are bad and private hospitals in Mindanao can also serve high quality of medical.
What was it like to physically move from USA to Philippines. Color laser printer, b&w laser printer, desktop, 3 iPads, three iPhones, 2 DSLR cameras with extra zoom lens, high end flash, 4 hard drives. Stereo turntable speakers 5 feet of LP albums. Watches , golf clubs, new outdoor furniture with custom made cushions. Did you ship any cars?? Will any of it make it to the Philippines
I was doing the research on the banks to use etc a couple of weeks ago. Man, please do more videos like this. Because I'm moving to cebu when I'm retire in my condo. 😀
Thanks, you are very resourceful. Very valuable information.
Yes please, full video about filipino visa
Wow lots of good info thank you sir👍
You got it Tim
It would be nice when your resources allow you, if you can travel to Cebu and Iloilo. You can give us on the ground perspective on Cebu Business Park and other places that would be equivalent to BGC in the Visayas or Mindanao.
What is the deposit for? Do you get it back? Does it earn interest? As for healthcare great job. I have been contacting the companies to find out what they start at?
Two things expats need to know: it’s the only country that doesn’t allow divorce; land ownership is limited to 40%. You’re better off renting or buying a condo because you can own your condos 100%. However, some condos have a time limit on how long you can own it, eg, 25 or 50 years.
Would you be able to do a video on topic living part time in the Philippines. Renting at BGC/Makati and doing side trips at luxury resorts VS living at luxury destination resorts directly. Cost comparison would be very helpful. Husband and I plan to stay at Philippines 2 to 3 months out of year and confused whether we should just book directly at destination resorts or rent a condo at BGC. If it will be more affordable to rent at BGC and just fly to diff parts of Philippines for long weekend or 1 week stay trips or is it more affordable to just live at destination resorts and eliminate renting at BGC? Thanks Evan
Following…
Following
Could u pls give a full depth explanation of Visa extension please.
Noted Jeffery ✅️
Evan can probably cover it but good info here at Pirate Cove Philippines has a video on it: th-cam.com/video/BQ1wh6xIsdo/w-d-xo.html
THANK YOU! Love this video! I just have to watch it again again Very Informative and helpful
Interested in more info about SRRV Visa. Great video content.
I got you Robert
Hi EVAN. I remember even OPHRA awhile back talked about her own experience with the N-word. If I remember right, of all places in Africa. People from other countries think that it's ok to say it bc it's been normalized on TV. Society had gotten so vulgar and it's really sad. But in the Philippines, visitors are treated with great hospitality. I appreciate this topic of healthcare, banking and etc. Thank you for this video. Your contents are concise and intelligent.
Great medical, prescription and medical insurance advice! That helps a lot!!
I would like an indepth video on the tourist visa and subsequent extensions, please.
Also, I am 50 years old so I would like an in depth section of that Visa video to explain the numerous possible SRRV options.
Thank you, my man! 👍
Yeah, I don't think I would take them saying the N word as derogatory they don't know the history of the word and the context that they use it is likely not to be the context in which it is meant here in the US.
Thank you brother evean,youre smart beyond your years,and thank you
Could you have meds shipped from overseas? Would prescriptions by foreign doctors be accepted? Would other forms of income than pensions be accepted for the RRSV (e.g. dividends, rental income). If not, would the $50 k deposit bear interest?
I wonder if you could give someone the right to pick up your prescriptions in US and transship to PH.
Two thumbs up and best regards/Ned👍👍
I really appreciate your videos.
Thanks for all your good info!
My biggest concern in moving back to Philippines on my retirement age is the health care. What if I get sick that's pretty serious like dialysis or needs a surgery or something like that? Based on personal experience of people I know of who lost all their savings because of illness (dialysis, heart surgery, etc). Health care in the Philippines is NOT cheap. So I'm having a second thought specially if I will move their on my retirement age which I consider pretty old (55-60 yrs old) in which normally the older you get the more prone your body gets sick.
You might consider doing one about the Reality of Law and Justice..Here in the Philippines.
Compared to West standards and practices..
You know the Pros and Cons vs. EXPECTATIONS AND DISAPPOINTMENT..🤫🤪
You got it! Good idea.
Still loving your work sir, a great blend of being very informative & funny (eg 3:21 the old guy in the pool) Are you wearing make up today? You’re a handsome guy I don’t think you need that.
Evan, do you need to be resident in PI to apply for an SRRV, or do you need to apply before you get there please?
What are your thoughts on the hospitals in Puerto Princesa Palawan?….Really enjoying the content you provide, thank you.
Thanks Evan
Anytime
Yes I wanna know more about the visas
The video is great quality, what camera, do you use?
Hi, I really enjoy watching your videos a lot. My Filipina wife with whom I have been married for roughly 36 years, took me to the Philippines for a holiday, The climate is what got me and the magnificent white beaches. So beautiful, but the wife always warns me of the traps a gullible Westerner will get snared in. She means me, of course. Her advice to me is to just go there for holidays and forget about moving. Have the best of both worlds.
"...a gullible Westerner. She means me of course." 😂
Great Video, I am concerned if I would be bored living in the PHilippines. Seems like a slow and relaxed lifestyle.
Yes please on more info on visa's
Evan, great video, can you pls make a video of expats needing care givers. What to do if we stay and need long term care. I heard some people hiring medical students and putting them through school. About how much to pay for care givers who comes into your home. Thanks.
Good Video, Air Con for sure for me. I can give up most things even here in Usa but Love the AC to get a good night's rest. Hahahaha
Hi Evan, great video! Thanks. Question regarding the SRRV Visa: you mentioned that a person of 35-49 y/o with a pension will need to deposit $50K. My question is this: What about a person of 50+ y/o with NO pension?
I don't like being treated better than anyone else because, in my opinion, nothing makes me any better than the next person. To me we are all equal regardless of money or anything else that others have.
Totally agree. That's just one thing I've observed out here. You got a good heart Steven.
@@TheSavvyExpat I do my best to be kind and to have a good heart.
My concern is the permanent lifelong mandatory mask law.
How many times can you renew the 6 months visa, indefinitely? Anyway to get out of the 10,000 deposit? Like renewing every 6 months? If you do deposit, what can that money be used for after it’s deposited?
Trying to figure out the visa situation regarding working remote currently. I'm a ways off bothering to make a move there at this time but wanted to get a good grasp of what I can or cannot expect. Also trying to figure my head around the tax situation between the states and PH while working with a US based company.
I have read that you still have to pay taxes on your income if you are still a citizen of the US and you have to pay taxes in the Philippines.
I really enjoy watching your vlog...Very informative and "down to earth" (tell it like it is instead of so many saying "I live on $800/Mo=bullshit). Keep up the good work~
What about the hospitals in Iloilo Philippines
What about the typhoons and earthquakes?
Please more about srv visa im hearing you can make payments so yes please more videos ! Thank you
Excellent, as usual.👍🌴
I believe you can actually stay 36 months on a tourist visa.
Yes, you just have to keep paying for an extension every 6 months.
SRRV for a retired military requires I believe a much lower deposit
Hey Evan,
I have been living in the Philippines for the past 3 years primarily in Dumaguette and Davao City. I like you are from Chicago. I retired from Cook County Government. In the very near future it looks like I will be living in Quezon City. If you like reach out to me for coffee or soft drinks.
Brian
I highly tell westerners to put their kids into local schools instead of international schools to absorb the local values and and culture. I also believe that you will find tust in people of your income level. I tend to avoid expats but that might be because I make friends to local men. They tend to be more religious and married. Interesting opinions you have though.
Does the Philippines has select care health insurance that used from Guam when in thrPI
Pretty sure they are no longer doing under 50 YO SRRV visa's The Military Courtesy SRRV is only $1500 in the P.I. bank and about $1400 Visa Fee (One Time) 50 YO or Higher of course
$1000 a month pension is Minimum for Military SRRV
Haha except those international schools you mentioned are very expensive and easily consume your $2,500/mo budget just for their tuition :)
Intelligent research
Evan, u had said that 1,500 to 2,000 would be enough for a stable lifestyle there in PH. I'm planning on retiring in PH with my wife when I turn 67. I am estimated to get around 2,700 a month in S.S., plus around 900 to 1000 a month in ira/401k proceeds, making total of 3,600 a month. Would that amt be enough to retire n live in a medium size PH city like Cagayan De Oro? Let me know.
Man you are rich! By filipino standard… 2000 dollars is what a high ranking employee like VP of a good company will take home in a month and you making more…
Should be plenty. Unless you have pre existing health conditions that cost you a lot for medications and doctor visits.
CDO is a decent city and not too expensive so your budget will be more than enough. Be sure to save money aside every month for emergencies. You may also want to check the hospitals there to see if you can get proper care in the way you might expect.
that budget is more than enough, cdo is good and nice place you can find cheap houses or even if you plan to build your own house you can find cheap land to buy, and cdo also is good for business as if you have plan to build a business
More than enough, even for western standards. I currently live here
whats the humidity? how hot? thanks!
Yes
Can you use an American Citibank in the Philippines? Like if I have my money in the Citibank here, move to the Philippines and want to finance my car, can I do that without having to start a bank account within the Philippines?
I thought the SRRV for people under 50 years was canceled. Are you sure it’s still available?
I'll recheck
I was told about citibank as well so I got an account. I haven't tried it yet. I only have my account from USA...hopefully its not hard to get $ from that account while in makati. I then got the costco credit card. they have 0% international fees incase i use it out of country.
Nice. I don't think they'll be a problem with withdrawing money. Never thought about getting a Costco card, that's cool
If you leave after 24 months are you able to come back? If so can you come back immediately?
#3 Bank deposit insurance - last I looked Bank Deposits in the Philippines are insured for up to 500,000 pesos so don't put all your money in one bank
One question: Balikbayans that don't have Phil Passport, are they entitled to Senior Discount?