An expat guide to the Philippines: what to pack, flight tips, immigration, phone/sim and more
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2024
- Thanks for watching!
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Hey Chad. This is great information and very helpful. May I ask you a question? Question: Is a round trip ticket good for an Onward pass?? I plan on coming to Cebu in March or April of 2025. My first time in the Philippines and I'm nervous, trying to get it right. I was going to get a T-Mobile phone with international calling plan. I'm not a tech savvy person. I have a girlfriend in Cebu and I will be staying with her at her address. I subscribed to your channel. I need to learn everything I can before coming for the first time.
Jollibee at the Manila airport near international baggage check is CASH only. Found that out the hard way as I had given my girlfriend all the pesos I had when she dropped me off at the airport. A very kind Filipina insisted that she buy my meal. Very kind people and I really appreciated it.
YOU ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY ONE WHO PROVIDES SUCH EXCELLENT, DETAILED INFORMATION. GOOD ON YOU AND THANK YOU SO MUCH
Consider compression socks for long haul flights
I had the exact same experience with customs as Chad did on my last trip to the Philippines at the Manila airport. But also bear in mind, this was my third visit. I had gone twice last year and both times they asked for the e-Travel QR code on my e-Visa. The first time, they asked for my flight info leaving the country. The second time I gave it to them before they could ask. The third time, they never asked for the departure flight or for the e-Visa info.
Also note: they keep notes on tourists. The customs officer can flag your ID and leave comments. What that means is, if you're in good standing, you are less likely to get hassled at customs. If you're in bad standing, then buddy, you are not getting in to the Philippines.
Never ever give customs or Immigration officers a hard time.
Flight booked for Cebu, will be there the whole month of Dec. First time, so this is helpful. Thank you
I’m in the last night of my first 29 day trip. Chad nailed it in this video! I have 2 phones. Worked great. Air BNB in The Mactan Newtown in Cebu (Belmont hotel - loved it! The Savvoy is right next door which is also good). Enjoy!!
Ayeee me too end of Oct. Safe travels
Been to Philippines/Thailand 30+ times since 2005. Bulkhead aisle seats in center section of cabin, limited sleep on flight, 9 PMish arrival time, go to bed right away, sleep through the night almost ALWAYS puts me on SE Asia time when I wake up.
@@WilliamFluery great advice yeah that's the way to do it. 3:30 AM arrival is brutal!
I’m going back in a few days. This will be my 4th trip since June of last year. Just wanted to say these are really good tips. I already do the majority of these but you brought up a few I haven’t thought of. I love the Philippines
@@jeffreyfletcher6631 awesome glad it helped, safe travels in a few days I'm sure you're psyched to get back
I don't understand why people have all those suitcases .I mail all my stuff over in advance. Just mail it to my wife house I never bring my suitcase back. Last time I sold all my clothes before I came home. Real Levi's are hard to find 200 dollars American in the Philippines in Europe you can get over 500 dollars. Only because of the laws I didn't come home named. In Norway we got 600 for a Hersey bar
That's supposed to say naked
4th trip from where
Definitely aisle seat on long flights. I get up many times during the flight to keep the blood circulating. On Singapore Air you can go to the rear galley and pick up some snacks and stretch.
Yeah without a doubt, the frequent stretching saves me!
Just be aware of turbulence. I had a neighbor who was a session drummer that was slammed into the ceiling during random, extreme turbulence and suffered brain damage. Was on disability the rest of his life. There are leg exercises you can do in the seat but I have no idea if they are as effective as walking around. Likely not. In a flying tube at 35,000ft I guess everything is a risk/reward proposition.
@RJT80 I like window seat aile seats I get bang into and can't sleep
Exactly, don't forget to drink water, as the air on the plane is very dry. On my flight with Singapore Airlines I also got the aisle seat and I frequently got up to stretch and walk to the galley and ask for a glass of water.
I agree but one exception because I always like to sleep against the window. United has a Premium Plus with extra leg room for a worthwhile upgrade fee of like a couple hundred bucks. I got the window at the bulkhead just behind 1st class and can easily step around the aisle (no middle seat). This way I can get the best of both worlds.
I'm a big fan of PacSafe backpacks, and when I've been to the Philippines everything I had with me was in one or I was wearing it. No checked baggage. I wore Clothing Arts shorts as well. Both brands are designed to thwart pickpockets. Some of the quick-dry shirts out there have basically hidden pockets too. At least in my area of the US, Beall's stores have some good ones, my favorites are the Saltwater II series. Shirts designed for fishing are lightweight, designed to keep you cool (and often claim to have some sort of UV protection), and dry fast.
I have one
Hey Chad, thank you so very much for this video!!! Your timing is perfect! I’ve got 45 days before I head to Dumaguete. I will roll back through your video and make sure I’ve checked off everything before I take off.
I appreciate all of your help and advice. Thank you for your open honest opinions and thoughts. I really appreciate you. Take care.
Hey there well glad I could help out to give you some things to think about and help prepare, of course there's always more and I'll try to talk about other things to help people out in a future video. Thanks for supporting the channel and good luck with your travels coming up soon!
Welcome home 😀Good vlog and like you, I "ALWAYS" get an Aisle seat. Spot on with limiting stops and having been there 6 times, just go with the flow and sleep if your sleepy. Your body will eventually adjust and you will be fine. Looks like where you are staying is simple, clean and nice. Safe travels!
great advice! thanks yea good to be here :))
The problem with aisle seats is that they always bump into you with the food cart or other passengers who move around in the aisle.
Philippines
Visa-exempt countries: Many nationalities, including citizens from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and most European countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay of 30 days.
Extensions: You can apply for a visa extension to extend your stay beyond 30 days. It’s common to extend up to 59 days initially, and you can continue to apply for extensions for up to 3 years (if desired), but this requires visiting an immigration office.
you dont need to go to an immigration office to extend, you can do it online now
Thanks for the info! I’ll be flying to the Philippines soon after visiting 10 years ago. I’m excited to see my family and learn more about my culture as an adult. I didn’t get to appreciate it as much as a kid and teen 😊
I use Airalo on my phone as an E-sim. It worked everywhere I went and good rates and used my phone as normal. It integrated fine with the verizon service i had in PH. Just turn it on when you land and turn off when you leave.
Thank you, Chad. This is the first-time travel video I was looking for and unable to find. Everything, including the air travel, was extraordinarily well covered and immensely helpful. The information provided will just make it so much easier, at least for me. You're an honest guy and a forward thinker. That's why your channel is worthy of a subscription. I'm comfortably retired for life. Unlike others, comfort and convenience are most important to me. I'll gladly pay the premium for that. I especially enjoy the gym and outdoor fitness. I'm confident I'll be able to navigate that without guidance upon arrival in January. I'm excited about a 4-5 month winter stay in the Philippines. I'll never give up my little slice of enjoyment in the USA, particularly in the summer and fall. Thanks again for very appropriately addressing all of my travel concerns in the comments. Much appreciated. Stay well, my friend. Hope to see you eventually. My regards from FL.
Aren't the wall plugs/voltages different as well? Best to buy a power strip to plug all your stuff into?
When booking flights, keep in mind that traveling from East to West results in much less Jet Lag (maybe one day), as you are flying with the sun all the way. Flying to the East will result in passing the sun twice. Your body definitely does not like that (3-4 days Jet Lag).
Oh that's the reason, yeah it makes a huge difference!
Flying from the Philippines/Thailand to US ALWAYS requires me 3-4 days to adjust. Flying East to West, limited sleep on flights, arriving 9PMish and going straight to bed almost ALWAYS eliminates jet lag when I wake the next morning.
This is nonsense. Your body doesn’t know or care what the sun is doing lol
So true .. the philippines and new Zealand were my were jet lag experience flying from uk. Thailand was bearable so beyond Thailand be careful ✨🙏🏻✨🙏🏻🥹
When I traveled to the Philippines, as soon as I got on the plane I started to adjust to their time zone. It also helped that the plane crew did day and night cycles to help us adjust, so when I arrived I didn't have jet lag.
I don't know, maybe I was lucky, but on my return flight I made the same adjustment and again, I didn't have jet lag.
Another great video Chad thanks so detailed. I downloaded this video so I can refer back to it just before I travel to the Philippines and Thailand. I definitely have to find some of those shirts. Where did you find that camel blue shirt that’s pretty cool. I plan on packing quite late because I can probably purchase just about anything. I need once I get there.
I plan on hitting a market and just buying a couple of extra shirts once I get settled in somewhere and I’ll go through and throw away a couple of shirts before I pack up and move on. As I move from place to place I’ll just lighten the load each time and gain a little bit extra wherever I settle in I’m going to be slow traveling. Several different countries it should take me about six months to a year to complete my itinerary.
Thanks again really appreciated this video!
Thanks for the travel tips. I’m leaving for Cebu in just a couple of days and so looking forward to it.
Succinct, to the point and very useful information. That head restraint for an aisle seat on long overseas flights is genius
Very valuable, helpful information.
Hmm, a couple of comments. Backpack(s) are best I find due to it allows me to have two hands free and try to have a rain cover for them. If one is traveling for months, two of them are a good idea and yes it is easier to travel on a scooter with them. Hard luggage on the mean streets of The Philippines is just asking for your luggage to get beat up.
Another thing, pack lightly. Even for my upcoming two month trip to the PI and then Thailand, I'll have only two back packs of around 25 liters a piece or so ( the computer style/size that many get from work or for work to lug their stuff around, three pairs of shorts, 6 shirts, most of which are just new white t-shirts and a couple of dressier shirts, water shoes, flip flops and a firmer comfy shoe for lots of walking (potentially off on jungle treks to waterfalls etc.).
As far as the toiletry bag is concerned. I use two old style shaving/toiletry bags. One holds my toiletries and the other is a medical kit.
Razor(s), tooth brush/paste, some soap/shampoo, (in case one of the places that you are in doesn't offer it), sewing kit, sun screen, aloe vera, laundry soap bar in case you need to wash something by hand in a sink.
In the medical kit have at least 5 large bandaids, the size that would cover a larger gash or some road rash should you fall and scuff up a knew/elbow, and then many other different sizes of bandaids, then some gauze bandage wrap and medical tape, a sharp blade that will make it through security (unless you are putting a bag in to checked luggage) then get a larger razor sharp bladed, small bottle of antiseptic of your choosing, small bottle of iodine, some sort of salve/ointment for itching and/or wounds, pain reliever (new and unopened travel size) and that's about it for me.
Take a picture of the important pages in your passport and have it available on your phone. This one thing could diminish your stress levels should you lose your passport and need to get it replaced.
Backup power is always good for phones etc. Portable solar about the size of my phone helps me and I just attach it to my back pack and let it hang in the sun when appropriate...plus a travel adapter for electrical and maybe an extra usb hub if you have many devices and there aren't many outlets like he says...that is a "problem" for sure.
New $100 bills are very helpful also. No tears, folds, writing, blemishes....new!
And don't leave your patience at home. Bring extra along with you on your trip. Pack a lot of it ;) If you can't bring patience with you, don't go!
Wow, that’s a great list. I wish I could copy that and have that as a hardcopy in my notebook.
Good job man! I might have to come back to this and take some time and take some notes from the video and your comment.
I think I might be making a mistake a small 20 inch carry-on hard suitcase. Along with a 20 L backpack I’m not even sure if the 20 L backpack can get on the flight as a carry-on?? It’s a tall skinny Vanquest backpack.
And then a medium size cross chest man purse/satchel Carrie Bandelier style. I wasn’t not planning on checking any baggage just the backpack and the hard bag. I thought about buying a backpack system to put on the hard bag, but that’s just extra crap to carry. The roller with the backpack strapped to the handle is so easy for getting around airports. if I had to, I could put the small bag down low on a scooter and put the backpack on my back and get around. Like your idea about the backpacks though.
Definitely going to bring my little medic kit along with a couple tubes of Neosporin.
There’s a small plastic syringe looking thing called “the bug bite thing “ they amazing for mosquito bites bee stings anything that bites you you can draw a little vacuum on it and take the itch away. I used it this summer on a honey bee sting that got infected and it healed up so quickly I couldn’t believe it after pulling a slight vacuum on the sting area. I was able to draw some infection out over the first couple of hours. The bug bite thing. What a great piece of kit!
@@MikeHoncho884 The 20 liter bags should be able to get on as a carry on...as I said, I use two backpacks about the size of a computer backpack..and those are around 20-25 liters each. I used to have a very large backpack for my back side and a smaller one up front but over time I have figured out that I just don't need all those clothes...and if I do, I'll buy a shirt for a couple bucks while on holiday.
Even a small carry-on size hard luggage is a bummer if you are going to need to move it via your scooter to your new location...put the one backpack down between your legs as the host suggested and then wear the other on your back semi-loosely so that it is snug but still sits on the seat behind you.
And don't forget the new bills...whether hundred dollar or hundred euro, whatever, make sure that they are new so that you can go to a money changer and get better rates. Every peso/baht/dong adds up when one is traveling for weeks/months. Carrying large amounts of cash stinks but the option is paying ATM fees, currently exchange fees etc. etc. For my two months gone, I will bring somewhere between 3-5k dollars...and then put them in my room safe or if no safe, carry it with me in my very secure leather bag that I never let go of.
As far as medical, I can't count how many other tourist I've helped out because they were not prepared for wounds and there was no way to get to a pharmacy/hospital right away. People don't understand that one cut can lead to bad infection and bigger problems if not attended to in a timely manner....heat breeds disease and bacteria....good luck...and don't forget the rain covers for your backpacks(s). Fish head in a plastic bag that is then put into the compartment under your seats in a bus have been known to break open and spill their smelly contents all over luggage...and that one is never going to be cleaned and the smell gotten out of :) Voice of experience on that one. I soaked it in the ocean and still couldn't get dead fish smell out of the seems. Good luck!
@@ThatWasThenThisIsNow-yn1eq hell yeah you got lots of experience I can tell thanks for all the pointers. You should do a TH-cam video. I’ve got a real nice little medic kit that I made up from Vanquest. It can actually hang on the outside of the backpack..
Yeah, money’s not really a problem once I get somewhere. I’m just going to buy clothes. I’m bringing very minimal stuff. No computer just iPad mini they’re coming out with new ones real soon. They haven’t updated the minis in quite some. I have Charles Schwab and Fidelity to get reimbursed from the ATMs , I’m looking to get a wise card. I’m on a waiting list in the United States for a wise card. Good call on the backpack covers.
I just talked to a friend of mine. He is going to be traveling for business for the next six years. He can’t retire as early as me he agreed to buy my fancy hard bag roller. It’s made by SOLGAARD.
It’s a sweet bag, but I definitely understand the need to carry to smaller size backpacks. I’m going to try to fit most everything in the one backpack and then the other one I should be able to bring flip-flops and water shoes and a really good pair of walking shoes. Along with some other clothes.
How much weight can each each backpack be on the average Asian/European airline do you know?
Hey man, thanks again. You got the creative juices flowing on a lot of things I wasn’t really thinking about.
My trip is going to be six months to a year and Southeast Asia. It could go longer very easily.
Once again, I do appreciate your help!
@@ThatWasThenThisIsNow-yn1eq I made a mistake. It’s a 26 L bag. It is 24 inches tall so it’s 4 inches tall from fitting in one of those airline containers for international travel. Or I could just not pack it completely full to the top and push it down when it goes into the container. Will they allow that?
Chrome Industries makes some courier style backpacks. They have a 20 L out right now that is 19 inches tall and it’s not too wide. They’re $200. I was thinking about buying one of those but then what do I do with my 26 L bag?
Give it away in garage sale?
The bag I have is called a Vanquest Ibex 26
Honestly I would pack light even for a one month trip. 6 pairs of boxers and socks. One pair of pants one hoody and 3 pairs of shorts and T-shirt. + toiletry items. One pair of shoes and buy anything I need while there like crocks. Keep it down to one bag so you don’t have to worry about luggage and baggage claims.
Add
1. Mosquito net
2. Mosquito cream and spay… Sawyer Picaridin is quite good
Pretty decent and comprehensive summary - good job.
One thing I will add to these great suggestions is be early for flights and get ECC exit clearance if you stay over six months.
I got my exit clearance in terminal 3, third floor i think. Missed my flight so learned an expensive lesson about going early.
ECC is available at immigration offices as well which might be a better choice.
Thanks Chad - when I visited the Philippines in Dec 23, I arrived in Manila and got ripped off using a metered taxi instead of Grab, which I couldn't initially get to work. So a Grab fare to BGC that should have been 250 pesos ended up costing me 750 (plus another 50 peso toll). Lesson learned. Another tip is to use Sanry's Money Exchanger to convert your money to pesos. Make sure your currency is clean without wrinkles beforehand. Sanry's is in both Manila and Cebu - I've used the one in Market Market in BGC on the 2nd floor. Also compression socks are a MUST (and cheap) for long flights. Seattle is now flying direct to Manila (on PAL), but only on 3x a week when I made my reservation a couple of months ago. Thx for the info!
Compression socks 👍
Good video Chad. My wife and I are currently in Surrey and still have almost 2 months before flying back into Clark, Pampanga and then making our way to our home in the City of San Fernando. Your list of recommendations are all good ones.
Hello, Thank you, that was very informative. I'm going thereto Cebu the 18th of sept. maybe we could meet and get more pointers.
Yah, you're right bro it's more fun in the Philippines. Mabuhay ka.
Great info. Welcome back!
Glad to see you made it safely to Dumaguete! 👍
I use a backpack as carry-on. It holds a lot, has individual sections in case I need something, and fits in the overhead storage.
I'm one of those melatonin guys. If I can sleep at least half of the 15 hour flight, jet lag is minimal for me. But I also try to land mid-day, if possible. Then, by normal bed time, I'm tired and can get a good night's sleep, to minimize jet lag.
Yes, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential! I keep an airline supplied blanket handy, for nap time. The airlines can sometimes lower the cabin temperature, so passengers can sleep, and covering with the blanket before napping will be more comfortable.
Good video, Chad 👍
I flew Manila to New York direct back in September last year. That was a long flight!!
Flight from Cebu to Chicago was crazy. Cebu to Taiwan , Taiwan to Chicago. Buy a battery charger for your phone once you get there. Voltages for the US 120vac , for the Philippines it’s like 150vac.
Pretty sure most know this, but when you're married to a Filipina you can enter the country on what is called balikbayan privilege and stay up to a year. Will not need to mess with onward tickets any more.
It was easy as pie to get that one year extension.
Only if your wife travels with you on the flight other wise your are given tourist visa
Nice video. Keep 'em coming Chad.
You're in my province. Thank you for visiting my place where i grew up. Stay safe.🎉
The longest flight from North America is the Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore's Changi Airport to New York's JFK, which is nearly 19 hours long and covers 15,348 kilometers
Good info thanks! 👍
I would always ask for a window seat in the last two rows as there were only two in those rows, so my wife and I had more room and we had both a window and aisle seat. Also the restroom was right behind us with a nice little area in front to stand up and move around. The ride was a little more bumpy though. This was on the 747, don’t know if it’s an option on the newer planes. Thanks for the great videos Chad.
Good information, thanks. I will be headed over at the end of the year.
Thanks for all the good info. Again, when it comes to buying flight tickets, you recommend buying a one-way ticket and an unward 48-hour ticket. Is that correct?
Good to see you're back in the philippines
Sky scanner is good - avoid the U.S. if you can. Through Taipei with Eva Air I hugely recommend.
💯 EVA is a far better experience than PAL, especially their premium economy
Korean airlines is decent and Seoul Airport offers free city tours when layovers are longer than 5 hours.
Afrer flying with cramped leg room shoulder to shoulder, I only fly business class with PAL. Their private lounge is amazing. Also inform your bank in advance of travel and only use credit card if necessary, never your atm. I bring cash and then exchange it at the mall. Then, get a temporary international on your cell. Pal would not board you until your etravel was properly completed.
When I was there, I couldn’t find any over the counter medication for minor stomach aches, even at the many 7/11’s, so pack some Pepto Bismol tablets or syrup before traveling. Also dental floss!
I'm coming this month in October. Very nervous about the trip. I have never flown before, so talking about flooding.🥴😂Thanks for your channel and information.
Ha ! I took a friend and an 11 year old to London recently. I chastised them as to passports, packing, etc. Of course my passport was expired and it cost $1500 to get one quickly.
Thanks, Chad, for the good information. I downloaded this so I can access it when needed!
Great video Chad, heading back for my second trip this year in Oct. Iloilo and El nido
Thanks for the useful info. As for the aisle or window, I would welcome the aisle seats any time, but I am also thinking about using sleeping pill (maybe just half to get me across the threshold), but I can imagine the situation, where I am sleeping and one of the neighbours needs to get up for whatever reason. I would really be pissed then 🤷♂
Wow great info bro I am going to save this Vlog for the helpful info in it. I am a Canadian in Ottawa but right now I am in Oklahoma.
HI Chad, flight booked for Cebu next month. Thanks for the tips. I fly new york to singapore 16 hours for firtst leg!
Thanks Chad! Leaving tomorrow morning to head back to the States ( bummed! ) All your suggestions are spot on! This was my first trip and I had a blast! The Mactan Newtown area in Cebu I think is more convenient since the airport is so close. Enjoy your next round! Peace ☮️
I know that feeling... you'll just have to come back!
I saved a little and bought a business class seat, much more comfortable for long flights.
Very good video im moving to the Philippines in 2 years.
It up to the airline that is flying you to philippines to make sure you have a out bound ticket. If philippines find out you dont have out bound ticket they can refuse you. Then charge the airline and they have to fly you back to were you got flight.
Good video Chad... I've been travelling to the Philippines for 7 years 3 to 5 trips a year... The main thing i would add is a Wise account and debit card... It makes life so much easier... Whether used as a debit card in pesos or as an ATM CARD.. ALSO TRAVEL VERY LIGHT Carry on only, all my shorts have zippers on pockets for security, Merino socks and underwear(never smells and dries quick) a Chromecast for watching sports or Netflix...
Are you able to access you US Netflix account on Chromecast while in the Philippines?
Yes, although some shows are not available ie region based... However you can use a VPN if you watch something specific and not available@@JohnnyIsFree
Thanks for the good tips, Chad !!
I'm heading back to Cebu on October 3. Going on a one way ticket (although I have an outbound flight for Bangkok for February) because when I return I'm going to marry my fiance. Also, I have a 15 year old daughter there, this gives me some special rights and access being the father of a Filipina.
Love it, can't wait to return 🙂 P.S; Cebu is an awesome city.
What benefits do you get having a Filipina daughter? Would it matter if she was over 18?
Welcome back to the Philippines. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your stay.
Thanks I appreciate it 🙏it's good to be back😎
Wow, I just found you last night Chad. I subscribed and I’ve been watching you this morning in Boston USA . I will hold onto this video and look at it a couple of times before I bite the bullet on the Philippines. I’ve been in Mexico, most of the past two years Vietnam back in November, December, and again a few months earlier this year I returned to USA last week from Mexico, and I am working on my house in Boston. I will see my daughters for Christmas here and resume my travels in January. I am looking at the Philippines. It is so big and difficult to decide where but I guess I’ll just start in BGC Manila. I travel alone, but I find it the best way to travel. Can I just get a one-way ticket? I thought you said in this video I needed a return ticket to show immigration.? Not sure if I misunderstood that. I generally just get a one-way. Thanks for any information and thanks for what you do. You are very articulate genuine, and the most informative I have seen. 🙏 much appreciated.
Stay at a hotel, ignore the beggers, find a vacation girlfriend, don't get her pregnant, don't get married, use a grab, and make sure to carry exact cash, smaller bills the better. That is the best way to enjoy the Philippines. Don't stay too long.
Where do you find a vacation gf?
@@HunkyMan777 online or when you get there.
@@HunkyMan777They will issue you one at the airport upon arrival!🤣😜🤣
@@bigjohnson7415😂😂😂😂
What's too long? Years.... :)
Great content, brother
Ohhhh I like the eyewear on the flight, that may work for my head bobbing also. Like arriving not too late also, right at 5pm the traffic is horrible though.
Am thinking about 2 phones also, the dual sim cards are nice but usually can only operate one at a time, think 2 phones would be better.
Awesome video, Chad. Thank you...Jim
Wjere is the Grab pickup at NAIA International arrivals? Is there a kiosk to order the car or is it still done on the app?
Thanks
To be honest I'm not sure I heard about the kiosk and people waiting in line for the Grab but I know that you can just do it on your own with the app which is more convenient and quicker
Buy a phone that can hold 2 sim cards at once, then you can switch between Philippines and foreign carrier at will if your foreign bank needs phone verification for transactions overseas
10:20 I will stay 42 days and will therefore exceed the first visa i get for 30 days. This visa can be extended - as far as I have seen several times - at the cebu airport for another 30 days - or it can be done online. So why should I book another extra plane ticket back which I will not use? I have my flying-back-ticket at the end of my vacation - after the 42 days. This will not work?!?!
What about electricity in the Philippines? Same as in USA? Same plugs? I'm thinking it is different. I was surprised you didn't mention that, but perhaps I missed it.
Link to the amazon storefront?? Love the content, will be flying over soon!
www.amazon.com/shop/chadfosterexplores
Safe travels, enjoy!
Do I need a voltage converter to power up my laptop on both plane and the Philippines?
great vid Chat. how do you handle your regular mail at home. do you have your local post office hold your mail and have a family member pick it up weekly. is that something the post office will do. i dont want to miss important mail here in the states while im in the Philippines
Helpful video 😊
Great video thank you
What is your advice with regard to vaccinations and immunizations?
Also if you live in the usa look into TSA precheck when you travel out dont gave to wait on line
Chad great Vlog as usual I was told now I don’t know I’m not a frequent across the ocean Flyer, but I’m heading to the Philippines this coming December. I was told to sit at the back of the plane for the most comfortable seats where the stewardess are where the kitchen is. Because you could stand up and stretch there’s a bit of an area there if anybody can correct me on this please do solve because I am learning as well.
What if you paid for a first-class ticket on a plane would you have a bed or more room to sleep on? instead of the cheaper tickets?
I've never done this, but I've heard it is better to fly to Seoul because from there you can get a direct flight to Cebu and bypass Manila airport altogether.
100% true! Seoul is a very cheap transit airport. I arrived by Air France and flew to Cebu by Asiana. But… you might have to change between T1 and T2 , takes quite some time.
Second but: most flights from Seoul arrive after midnight at Cebu.
But I enjoyed it
I go from MSP to soul direct 14 hours then to Manila 😊
Good information
Hi Chad. David here in Japan. Welcome back to Asia. I love this type of practical, travel content. How long ya staying for this trip? Thanks for the heads up on the fake sunscreen there. These days, I can burn fast without sunscreen. Hey, what’s the daytime and night time temperature there? Here in the evening, it’s 31~32C. Day time is 35C or higher. (Last week was 36~42C).
Hey there thanks I'm glad you like this kind of content, I'm sure I will be here for another 10 months or so if I plan a family visit again next summer... it's been around 30-34 during the day it's about 25 right now at night. do you think you'll be visiting the Philippines on any of your vacation time? I know you've been looking into it for a while hope you can make the trip to see if it's a good fit for you.
@@ChadFosterExplores Good evening Chad. Wow, great you’ll be staying for a good while in the Phil’s this trip. I know you have been mentioning you want to make some exploratory trips to other SEA countries too. Thanks for letting me know the temperature there. Much cooler at night there. The temperature here all summer never dropped below 32 at night. Southern Japan is like that. I had planned making a trip out to Southern Negros in December this year. Not sure if that can happen or not. I have a pet that was recently diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, so he needs personal care. I don’t think I can find someone to give him the care and injections he needs, so I’ll probably stay in Japan this year. We’ll see.
Great vlog ,,,,, enjoy your time there.
Thank you I appreciate it 🙏😎
Thanks mate. I’m going there in couple of weeks myself.
When I arrive at airport can I use WhatsApp or messenger from my own phone to contact my girlfriend or do I need to get a prepaid one first? She is meeting me at airport but wasn’t sure if I can get reception to contact her.
I’m not sure if you know, but I’m also travelling with her to Baguio for a week. What clothes would you recommend to take for going there? It seems that in between type of weather & I only have 20kg suitcase. So trying to figure out what to wear for both hot & Baguio weather as well.
Thanks mate!!
Pay for a good seat after you purchase your plane ticket
Better yet pay for premium economy or business on long haul flights
From New Zealand, everywhere is a long flight
I use T-Mobile and they have free International roaming. Been there twice and going for a 3rd time this year, and my phone ALWAYS works and costs me nothing more than my normal bill. Every place I went took my credit cards, and as long as they know you're traveling they will turn on fraud alert for you which is super nice. But always check with your credit card company that they don't charge you for that privilege. How do you get your body past the drinking water problem? And I ask because lots of things might have "local" water in them, like ice, soup, and such.
GOOD VIDEO
Excellent video for newbs.
Yea that was the idea... had some requests. cheers
Video saved!
When visiting for the first time,for about 3 to 4 weeks, Is it necessary to get a sim card if you have an international plan on Verizon phone?
Not 100% necessary. Your Verizon plan should work there but if you want some faster data speeds consider a sim. They are pretty darn cheap
Im bringing two phones this time. I had to keep changing out my sim card to call the states or 800 numbers
Xtra long charging cords usually dont last a long time
Thanks, Chad. I am visiting for 2 weeks in April 2025, flying into Clark. Anyone have suggestions as I am meeting my LDR lady there. Dumaguete is a place we want to visit as a potential home.
Heading back next month
Hello welcome to my country enjoy n buy mosquito spray n go island hopping n many more N talk to locals n taste our food n culture
You’re gonna find The One this time.
Could you explain more about what you were talking about with the passport. I don't know what you meant about the 6 month validity
Valid for 6 months. It can't expire well your traveling.
@Got_Goals ok thank you
If you have iPhone, I would work something out with your phone carrier when it comes to data. All of the third party SIM cards I purchased were not compatible with Apple when I tried to install it :/
Does your tmobile esim work in the Philippines calling back home? I read somewhere that esim only works in north america
@@CaptainRon2 yeah it works just have to make sure your plan is good for making calls so you don't get charged a lot... I have mine set up on a cheap plan just for texting