MinimalistJourneyman
American expat in the Philippines
Forum posts
67
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in Lapu-Lapu City, Central Visaya
Speaks English and German fluently Spanish conversation
Registration: 17 February 2019
Retiring with family to philippines by Gregsdigitalpics
Just really looking for pointers. My wife is Filipino. We have two children ages 5 and 8 and plan to retire in late 2026. i plan to buy (in my wife鈥檚 name) a piece of property in Dumaguete, build a nice house. Have trusted contractors already ...
The biggest consideration, as someone already mentioned, is the education of your children.聽 I have researched the school situation in Dumaguete quite extensively, as I鈥檓 considering a move from Lapu Lapu to a place that is less urban but ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
I would say the range is between 1,000,000 to 5,000,000. Not very helpful right? The biggest variable you will face is location...a 150 SQM lot in a desirable gated neighborhood in an urban area can already cost upwards of 1.5M. From there it ... Read More
Relocating to the Philippines by Parvaze
Hi all - Just a quick introduction. My name is Parvaze, I was born and grew up in Scotland and been living in Southern California, USA for the past 30 years. I'm looking to move to the Philippines by the end of 2022 so currently gathering ...
Like you my work requires a very good internet connection so that makes picking a location much more limited than for most. I live in Lapu-Lapu and while a bit congested it does offer resorts / beaches and is still close to all of Cebu City. The ... Read More
Trying to decide where to retire in the Philippines by Jackson4
I am trying work up a plan to retire in a few short years. Likely wintering in the Philippines or maybe more. I am still torn which region would be more appealing: the Visayas area or the Ilocos region. I never cared for big city, forget it. ...
If your wife is from Luzon she may feel more comfortable in that region...there is a cultural difference that you need to consider. Perhaps spending some time in the Visayas In different parts with your wife so you can make a better assessment. I ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in the Philippines by Lo茂c
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts the Philippines, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
One approach now being used to roughly gauge the true extent of the outbreak is to multiply the death count by 1000. That gives the Philippines about 320,000 cases give or take. Ultimately the number is too high to be fully contained even with ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in the Philippines by Lo茂c
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts the Philippines, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
If you fear going through withdrawal buy plenty of mouthwash, most is about 40 proof.Ha ha....back five years ago when I was a raging alcoholic I might have had to resort to drinking mouthwash. I just noticed two days ago that they even banned ... Read More
Getting clearance from doctor by Okieboy
I have been self quarantine after my arrival from USA even we had no case of Coronavirus in my place the other day the counselor sent a message all foreigners who have returned from their countries need clearance from a doctor , they sent me to the ...
I too am hoping for a better outcome. However, it is quite evident that should this virus get exponentially larger...to where the infection rate is endemic here in the Phils...then we must realize that advanced critical care will no longer be ... Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
O Mug, Myself I wouldn't fly in an airtight tube for hours breathing recycled air from possible infected people who do not know they have the virus. Now in the Captains cabin, they breath air that's much higher quality and fresh from a ... Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
No visa extensions going forward but there is no penalty for overstaying...so wait it out. I just extended for six months but hen I鈥檓 also getting close to my three years. Seems they will be flexible considering the difficulty in travel. Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
State Department in US has basically said come back immediately or stay put where you are...but your on your own if you do. Obviously with family and baby here I鈥檓 not going anywhere. My only concern is with limited health care capacity ... Read More
2 Koreans Suspected of Wuhan Flu in Ormoc City by moonunit0103
Hi, Sources from City Hall tell me 2 Koreans are at FMC-OSPA with suspected Wuhan Bat Flu. I guess it is time to start isolation, since nobody can tell us which hotel they have stayed in, what malls they have visited, or what ferries, taxis etc., ...
I wouldn鈥檛 panic just yet. The spread in Thailand and Singapore has been relatively benign compared to Europe, Korea, China, and the US. Humidity and heat offer natural mitigation. Not to say it is not transmissible here but it is not as ... Read More
In Cebu, BI Suggestions by moonunit0103
Hi, In Cebu, due to inlaws hospitalization. I usually go to Tacloban BI, where there is no waiting, but when I went to the Mandaue BI, it was a zoo, full inside, with 50 waiting to go inside. Is there a time of the day or day of the week that is ...
I go to the Lapu-Lapu BI and I鈥檓 in and out within 15-20 minutes each time. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Many interesting stories...some sad...some good. I have lived in Lapu-Lapu now for over one year full time and previous to that three years of seasonal six month stays. I married in 2017 and last year I became the proud father of a daughter. ... Read More
Relocate from Thailand to The Philippines by Powder1
hello everybody, i am John from the Netherlands and i live in Thailand. i am single, retired and 60 of age. I have serious thoughts about relocating from Thailand to the Philippines. One of the reasons is i not feel the joy anymore, because changing ...
I too lived in Thailand for 1 1/2 years. May I suggest,,,,as it sounds like you are flexible...that you just stay here first on a tourist visa with extensions. It runs about $600 a year in fees and you can stay for 36 months. You can always extend ... Read More
Homeschooling in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Homeschooling your children as an expat in the Philippines will definitely come with its load of challenges. Here is a special call to parents who are already homeschooling their children or who plan on doing so to share any ...
Thank you Alltojah! Your nformation is hugely helpful. My daughter is only five months old so I still have plenty of time. I am especially encouraged that you are able to use a US based program...I was uncertain about whether that is permissible ... Read More
Homeschooling in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Homeschooling your children as an expat in the Philippines will definitely come with its load of challenges. Here is a special call to parents who are already homeschooling their children or who plan on doing so to share any ...
Thank you Daen you bring up many good points and it sounds like a realistic assessment. I agree that the biggest concern is to offer a means for social interaction with one鈥檚 peers. Music Schools, hobby and sports clubs and other activities ... Read More
US Citizens on Social Security with children by Lat61
I plan on retiring when I'm 62 with two daughters that will 14 and 7 years old, my wife will be 41. I am sure we will get more because of children under age , but does anyone know the formula?
Thank you so much LAT61 for your efforts...however your instructions only lead me to a Title II social security benefits tool. This is for disability. I did however by following your steps find an extensive PDF on receiving benefits outside the US ... Read More
US Citizens on Social Security with children by Lat61
I plan on retiring when I'm 62 with two daughters that will 14 and 7 years old, my wife will be 41. I am sure we will get more because of children under age , but does anyone know the formula?
Thank you so much LAT61 for your efforts...however your instructions only lead me to a Title II social security benefits tool. This is for disability. I did however by following your steps find an extensive PDF on receiving benefits outside the US ... Read More
US Citizens on Social Security with children by Lat61
I plan on retiring when I'm 62 with two daughters that will 14 and 7 years old, my wife will be 41. I am sure we will get more because of children under age , but does anyone know the formula?
I can鈥檛 find any information about BOTH parents needing citizenship with 5 years residency. I searched SS Website and it only requires that the SS recipient be a citizen (obviously if you are receiving then you would meet the residency ... Read More
Homeschooling in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Homeschooling your children as an expat in the Philippines will definitely come with its load of challenges. Here is a special call to parents who are already homeschooling their children or who plan on doing so to share any ...
Good questions! I plan to homeschool my baby daughter in a US based curriculum and program. I haven鈥檛 considered the legal angle in the Philippines if this is even allowed. I do know that the homeschooling programs offered in the ... Read More
Statutory Deductions for Expat by vinothrau
Hi All , i was hoping to clarify the below items: 1. expats are bound to the following statutory deductions : SSS & PhilHealth? is Pab-IBIG compulsory as well as i believe this is a form of home development mutual fund? 2. is it sufficient ...
Statuary deductions for SSS and Phil Health are for employees of companies. I鈥檓 assuming this is your situation. These are barebones in terms of medical coverage and life insurance needs. Phil Health will cover approximately 30% of a ... Read More
to have children in philippines by giovannigio
Someone know about rules in philippines when you have children? I would like to hear positive and negative things from expat. Is there that someone that had positive o negative experience? Thanks
I have absolutely no concerns in this regard,. If you exercise due caution as you would anywhere in the world you and your children are very safe in the Philippines. Of course there are parts that aren鈥檛 so safe but these can be easily ... Read More
to have children in philippines by giovannigio
Someone know about rules in philippines when you have children? I would like to hear positive and negative things from expat. Is there that someone that had positive o negative experience? Thanks
I have absolutely no concerns in this regard,. If you exercise due caution as you would anywhere in the world you and your children are very safe in the Philippines. Of course there are parts that aren鈥檛 so safe but these can be easily ... Read More
Expat interest in politics in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As an expat, your day-to-day life in the Philippines is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in ...
Best to zip it and change the subject on political discussions in the Philippines. Read More
to have children in philippines by giovannigio
Someone know about rules in philippines when you have children? I would like to hear positive and negative things from expat. Is there that someone that had positive o negative experience? Thanks
My Filipina wife and I had my baby girl four months ago. It was a smooth process I found....although I cannot compare as this is my first child. My wife got a maternity package at a local private hospital. Everything including all monthly ... Read More
Setting up a Trust by MinimalistJourneyman
Hello, I searched the site and have found no information. I鈥檓 looking into securing my estate for my Filipina wife. I would be interested in how other US citizens have done this for their non-US spouses. This passage on a legal US trust ...
Thanks Mugtech....yes I figured out this does not pertain to my situation....although I wish it did. Good problem to have, Read More
Setting up a Trust by MinimalistJourneyman
Hello, I searched the site and have found no information. I鈥檓 looking into securing my estate for my Filipina wife. I would be interested in how other US citizens have done this for their non-US spouses. This passage on a legal US trust ...
Thank you Robol for the excellent answer. I have already ascertained that I was confused on this as I was assuming the 鈥渘on-resident鈥� pertained to a foreign spouse receiving an inheritance. There is a 40% withholding on US assets owned ... Read More
Medicare in the Philippines by Tsmslf
To those of you who may know this, my apologies but, for those expat seniors who didn't know it, St. Luke's Hospital in Manila TAKES MEDICARE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE!! I just discovered this on St. Luke's site. You need an ...
That was a misunderstanding based on a St Luke鈥檚 Hospital in the US. There are no hospitals in the Philippines that accept Medicare of any kind. Your best bet would be Guam. Read More
Wait Until I'm in the Phils to Apply for SRRV? by voyager39
I'm posting to verify an understanding I got from an internet site somewhere. I read that the best approach for pursuing an SRRV visa is to arrive in the Phils on a tourist visa, and to to apply for the SRRV once in-country. The stated reasons ...
Thank you for clarifying . I was unaware of the SRRV courtesy. I鈥檓 sure for those who qualify that is indeed a good option. I was also wrong about the ACR I thought that was required for everyone. Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
For clarification the 6k is not a fee but the exchange rate loss I鈥檓 calculating on $2500 per month using a remittance service. Right now I get 50.80 pesos per dollar....if I go to a good exchange place I would get over 52.80 per dollar. Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
I have a Capital One travel debit card that also has no exchange fees or atm withdrawal fees....from 鈥渢heir鈥� end. You can only withdraw 10k at a time from an ATM and you will be charged 150-250 Peso per transaction. Works out the ... Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
Thank you so much for the good info! I鈥檒l definitely give it a try....I鈥檓 estimating this will save me about 6-8k a month in exchange rate savings which is worth a bit of waiting. Yes I am aware of BDO鈥檚 opening branch location ... Read More
Wait Until I'm in the Phils to Apply for SRRV? by voyager39
I'm posting to verify an understanding I got from an internet site somewhere. I read that the best approach for pursuing an SRRV visa is to arrive in the Phils on a tourist visa, and to to apply for the SRRV once in-country. The stated reasons ...
To this day I still don鈥檛 see the benefit of the SRRV. With the deposit requirements and paperwork it is of questionable value considering that you can extend up to 36 months so easily. Yes agreed you do save the extension fees but You ... Read More
Transferring $ from U.S. to Phil Peso acct by voyager39
A YT video stated that one good and cheap way to transfer money from the U.S. to the Phils is to maintain a U.S. dollar acct in the U.S. (he recommended Wells Fargo on yhe U.S. side); open a Peso savings acct with a Philippine bank; and to set up a ...
So you just use a US check from your US bank and deposit it in your BDO account? That would save a lot even with just a 2 peso exchange rate difference if you exchange $2000....about what I also exchange. Read More
Medicare in the Philippines by Tsmslf
To those of you who may know this, my apologies but, for those expat seniors who didn't know it, St. Luke's Hospital in Manila TAKES MEDICARE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE!! I just discovered this on St. Luke's site. You need an ...
Yes most Medicare Advantage nowadays reimburse medical expenses while traveling. Part A and B can be kept active for US care if you relocate permanently to another country. Medicare Advantage and part D require you to be in the US after six ... Read More
Preparing for Retirement Move by voyager39
Sorry if this open-ended, but I could use a kick start for organizing and conducting my move to the RP. No matter how many tasks I write down and start on, the task always seems daunting. I posted in my introductory post that I am planning to move ...
Yes you are correct on Medicare Advantage and part D. For Medicare Part A and B you don鈥檛 need to reside in the US. That seems burdensome to have to travel every six months. If you are determined to get US care that may be your only option. ... Read More
Tacoma to Cebu: The Adventure Begins by voyager39
As the title indicates, I am currently based in Tacoma WA, and plan to relocate to Cebu as soon as I can get all my ducks in a row. Cebu is intended to be a starting point, not necessarily a final destination for my Philippine retirement. Anyone ...
I live on Mactan walking distance to the new Newtown complex. Still busy but not as polluted as Cebu City yet it is a relatively short ride into the city. It definitely has a more 鈥渞esort style鈥� feel to it. I rent a brand new two ... Read More
Preparing for Retirement Move by voyager39
Sorry if this open-ended, but I could use a kick start for organizing and conducting my move to the RP. No matter how many tasks I write down and start on, the task always seems daunting. I posted in my introductory post that I am planning to move ...
My 2 cents is that you sell your household and simplify and minimize. It allows much greater freedom and for the cost of shipping you could already set up a new household here. For me simplifying my life was part of moving overseas...why bring all ... Read More
Medicare in the Philippines by Tsmslf
To those of you who may know this, my apologies but, for those expat seniors who didn't know it, St. Luke's Hospital in Manila TAKES MEDICARE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE!! I just discovered this on St. Luke's site. You need an ...
The plan is from Aplus International out of Hong Kong. I used Pacific Prime as the broker. https://aplusii.com/ I don鈥檛 qualify for Medicare as I鈥檓 only 53. When that time comes I may possibly enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan ... Read More
Best cities to live in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to the Philippines. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost ...
Check out Balamban or Toledo on the other side. Read More
Best cities to live in the Philippines by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to the Philippines. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost ...
I live in Lapu-Lapu which is getting expensive and is overcrowded. I鈥檝e spent some time in Balamban which is on the opposite coast across from Cebu City. Very cute, cheap, unspoiled and manageable still. It is only about a one hour trip to ... Read More
Medicare in the Philippines by Tsmslf
To those of you who may know this, my apologies but, for those expat seniors who didn't know it, St. Luke's Hospital in Manila TAKES MEDICARE AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE!! I just discovered this on St. Luke's site. You need an ...
Do you have serious health concerns? There is world class health care here and international insurance that will cover you for the much lower costs. I have $500k coverage (more than enough for Philippines) for a yearly premium of $1200 (I鈥檓 ... Read More
Setting up a Trust
Hello, I searched the site and have found no information. I鈥檓 looking into securing my estate for my Filipina wife. I would be interested in how other US citizens have done this for their non-US spouses. This passage on a legal US trust ... Read More
the housing rental market in Cebu by thewoodenpotter
I wonder how many of us live or have some a connection to Cebu re renting a house. I see fair amount of expats around but dont really have a handle on the rental market. The current boom has been going on in Cebu for several years and there a lot of ...
Yes if you need to be in Cebu City then you are forced to pay market price in the desirable neighborhoods. I don鈥檛...so I time my trips to the malls using a v Hire...usually 30-40 minutes in off peak traffic. Every other month I will book a ... Read More
the housing rental market in Cebu by thewoodenpotter
I wonder how many of us live or have some a connection to Cebu re renting a house. I see fair amount of expats around but dont really have a handle on the rental market. The current boom has been going on in Cebu for several years and there a lot of ...
I鈥檓 renting a brand new 2 bedroom house in a very secure compound on Mactan for 14k a month. There are several units still available and brand new, it is walking distance to Mactan Newtown and easy Jeepie to malls and Cebu. For a four ... Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
By the sounds of these last few comments it seems like the only thing these guys have to offer is a **** and an unwillingness to share anything else. It doesn鈥檛 surprise me if they aren鈥檛 truly falling in love. Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
Yes we pretty much came up with the same system. It does get tight at the end of the month sometimes but for the most part it works well with some support for the greater family built into it, Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
So many sour grapes on this thread. I鈥檓 sure there are always two sides with distorted expectations from each. For every foreign/ Filipina relationship gone awry there is one that is flourishing. Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hi Carly, I am inclined to believe that a legal work permit for any occupation is very restricted....if there are Filipinos who can fill that job. That being said such a freelance skill might be practiced for a private exchange of ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hi Carlyzel, I understand your wish very well. It took me three years to figure out a way to live in the Philippines full time. I wouldn鈥檛 want to dissuade you but just give you realistic information. I鈥檓 sure many members will ... Read More
GF and Extent of Her Family Involvement by moonunit0103
Hi, After spending 6 weeks traveling with my GF through the Central Visayas, we go to Ormoc, Leyte, to visit her family. I have been letting her handling my money and she keeps meticulous records for our travels, and assumed she would be as ...
I found the best way is to be completely open in my financial situation. We have after some trial and error decided to draw up a monthly budget with us mutually deciding how to spend the agreed apon sum after setting aside savings and vacation ... Read More
How to Deal with Filipino City Air Pollution by moonunit0103
Hi, In the 8 weeks I have been here in the Philippines, I have been shocked at the level of air pollution, especially in the cities. Manila and Cebu are especially bad, but Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Ormoc, and Tacloban are dirty also, causing me to ...
Alas it is a burden to be endured. No point in complaining. I鈥檓 just resigned to hiding in my ac room during the burns. Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hi there Bruce, Thanks for responding. I would love to meet up in Mandaue. I can easily get to Parkmall or even SM and Ayala. Let me know when is good for you once your back. Cheers, Jan-Peter Read More
A newborn US citizen daughter by Desperatepop
Hi. I am a US citizen married with children. Outside my marriage, I fathered a filipina in the philippines. I took responsibility of my newborn daughter, after DNA testing the US embassy required it was proven she is my daughter and now a US ...
Wow what perfect advice! I couldn鈥檛 add anything but implore the father to ponder it and take it to heart. Sometimes the best advice is not what one wants to hear...but if you take it with an open mind and a loving heart you can ... Read More
New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Philippines forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Hello fellow expats! My name is Jan-Peter, I鈥檓 looking to meet anyone in the Lapu-Lapu area. I鈥檓 a 53 year old German / American who just moved here permanently after marriage to a Filipina in 2017. I am expecting my first child in ... Read More