Here's my 6, for what it's worth. 1. Thinking you can get by on minimal savings or with no income or capital. It is always better to have a regular income. 2. Thinking you can live on the cheap; 3. Thinking you are superior, culturally, economically or socially; 4. Behaving as though you are living in your home country. 4. Expecting your creature comforts; 5. Complaining about the idiosyncrasies of Filipino life - get used to it; 6. Immigration (and this is a point you make well). Keep up to date with your status. Don't think the system will bend for you. It won't. The last time I went for a renewal of my visa, the immigration guy told me I'd have to leave within 60 days as I'd been here for 3 years continuously - primarily due to Covid restrictions. He also told me, nicely, that if I ignored his advice I'd be in for a whole heap of sh*t, regardless of my business interests, investments and family ties. So, I took his advice, went to Bangkok for a long weekend and upon my return all is fine for the next 3 years.
Side note: you have the best music and music transitions- Tastefully done and quite enough that it doesn’t interrupt your voice. Very professional easy listening. Wish more RUclipsrs would do this. 👍
Patience would be at the top of my list. I recently waited for 3 hours to pick up my ATM card at my local bank. That's life here in the Philippines. As far as Immigration, be respectful and humble and life will be a lot easier. A friendly good morning or afternoon with a smile goes a long way.
Excellent advice. I will add one more. Don't take advice from Philippine RUclipsrs who barely survived in their home country, and can only keep their heads above water now by the revenue generated from giving RUclips advice. If they don't have insurance, or significant savings they don't plan well. Take advice from people like Dr Laway and have reasonable backup/emergency plans.
I agree to everything you've mentioned here Dr. Laway. The prices here in Cebu is rising too. The ASF is also a cause of concern. Yes, definitely learn the language at least conversational. Hi Meastra Judy here mga higala your Cebuano language teacher in RUclips😅 Budget is very important and foreigners who plan to stay here should embrace the following: noise, karaoke, the way the people drive n the street which is crazy. The attention they will get, the relatives up to 6th gen😂 street people asking for money, relatives borrowing money and so much more.
I think a lot of these mistakes you mention involve those who did little to no research/preparation before coming to PH, or they did a trip or two but they were in vacation mode and did tourist things the whole time. I'm going to be in Cebu in April (first trip to PH), and while this is a vacation for me, I'm not trying to act like a tourist. I want to discover some places that locals go to, I may even inspect a couple of rental properties just to get a taste of the experience. All the advice you have given are gems - very important and should be taken seriously. Cheers!
You're really good in your observations....hmmm how you see transportation speeds up. Your also good on research for you see things that people don't notice. Thanks for being a guide.
Excellent advice on immigration, their discretion. Reminds me of when I lived in Mexico, people were getting snagged, usually on bus rides from one city to next. Their visas were expired, usually innocent, Mexico stopped giving automatic 6 months visas, I heard trying to cut down on high paid tech expat workers in Mexico city, taking housing from locals. So your on a bus in the middle of Mexico with an expired visa. A couple people went to jail, and took 2 or 3 weeks to get out. Mexico jails, not good.
Glad to hear this from a guy from Tennessee. I hope to move to the Philippine next year. But got to learn how to get my money transferred to a bank over and what I do about that. I get S.S and retired from the military and VA
Always appreciate your advice. One thing, if there's a war and the internet goes down, the only way to your money will be a local bank. So we need to park at least enough for a ticket home, to get more money. All the transfer services use the internet.
If you set up business think of production have goods made in The Philipines take advantage of low costs of production I could name several business but nobody bother to read this anyway
I do not have any inside information but my guess is that it will not. The trajectory in recent years has been to make it more restrictive such as Rasing the age limit
Who in their right mind leaves their home country for the Philippines for a job? What kind of business is there worth starting in the Philippines 🇵🇭 at a currency Pesos rate as a foreigner?
One thing you haven't mentioned (and I've done even though I won't be there for several months) is you can use Wise as a Peso bank and US dollar bank. They ARE a bank, not just a service. You can convert money to pesos when the exchange rate is favorable, and just let it sit there as a cushion for drops in the US dollar. US dollars in a Wise acct. earn a good rate of interest, 3.29% today (Pesos do not earn in that acct), so Wise is one good place to park money. I have two other banks I park 2-4 months worth in (high yield savings), Two Visa credit cards and an Amex, won't use US debit, will get up an acct. there that floats from 2-4 months worth of expenses. So I have to float a years worth of expenses over a few places, tying up around $24-30k in places with various rates of interest. To me, if you can't do that, you might need to rethink moving and keep saving. Oh, and I'm NOT paid by Wise, I just actually use them.
btw, if you do buy 2-4 months worth of pesos with Wise at a time, ahead of time, when the rate is good (55+ vs 54-), you are getting an extra few percent for your money, which is enough to offset any fees. Paying attention to exchange rates and keeping a buffer pays off. Not big, but it still pays off.
@@bullfighter42 I see they show conversions and rules for many countries, so as far as I can tell, any nationality can use Wise. There may be different rules, to comply with the different laws of that country, but I'm pretty sure many Canadians already use them.
@@dennislbrown thanks for the info. So you can have Wise up and running while you’re in North America then it’s ready to use once landed in Ph? And once in PH you find a local bank in the city you’re at and just open an account and how do you transfer your US dollars from your bank to your new PH bank? Im sure they will help at their bank but being in a foreign country I want to know everything. Doing alot of research before going.
@@bullfighter42 I haven't yet, but it would appear it is the same as any other bank, except that PH banks have limits on how many pesos you can transfer without permission. ACH or bankwire. acct number and SWIFT routing number (international requires swift). But basically the same. I keep both dollars and pesos in my wise account.
Maybe your wife can apply credit card at the bank and you can be a supplementary and ask for no annual payment if you would and how would get the credit cards with annual payment. Just successions ☺️ anyway I grow up there in Davao City, thank you.
I was in Central America and dated a girl for a short period. The culture in that country states that you have to get marry very soon after starting dating, my reply was hard pass, I will not comply to ridiculous demands to accommodate others over me 😂
Can a foreigner continue to teach esl online to Chinese students in China while in the Philippines visiting there. (Business is established in their own company as a business)
A+, Manage you’re risks,If your going to build, Over budget by at least 40%, This country is very much challenge, Most Americans are spoiled, lol, Great Vid, 👊🇺🇸🇵🇭, Belus
Great advice. Been looking for an immigration attorney although I'm from Canada and everyone I find there seems to be a bloodsucker. Had my girlfriend and biological daughter PR and citizenship requests, DNA in for 3 years and both denied without much explanation couple weeks ago. After 3 years and affirmative DNA tests
Here's my 6, for what it's worth.
1. Thinking you can get by on minimal savings or with no income or capital. It is always better to have a regular income. 2. Thinking you can live on the cheap; 3. Thinking you are superior, culturally, economically or socially; 4. Behaving as though you are living in your home country. 4. Expecting your creature comforts; 5. Complaining about the idiosyncrasies of Filipino life - get used to it; 6. Immigration (and this is a point you make well). Keep up to date with your status. Don't think the system will bend for you. It won't. The last time I went for a renewal of my visa, the immigration guy told me I'd have to leave within 60 days as I'd been here for 3 years continuously - primarily due to Covid restrictions. He also told me, nicely, that if I ignored his advice I'd be in for a whole heap of sh*t, regardless of my business interests, investments and family ties. So, I took his advice, went to Bangkok for a long weekend and upon my return all is fine for the next 3 years.
Side note: you have the best music and music transitions- Tastefully done and quite enough that it doesn’t interrupt your voice. Very professional easy listening. Wish more RUclipsrs would do this. 👍
Patience would be at the top of my list. I recently waited for 3 hours to pick up my ATM card at my local bank. That's life here in the Philippines. As far as Immigration, be respectful and humble and life will be a lot easier. A friendly good morning or afternoon with a smile goes a long way.
Excellent advice. I will add one more. Don't take advice from Philippine RUclipsrs who barely survived in their home country, and can only keep their heads above water now by the revenue generated from giving RUclips advice. If they don't have insurance, or significant savings they don't plan well. Take advice from people like Dr Laway and have reasonable backup/emergency plans.
2:50 opp of pop pop pop pop lllllllllllll😅😅 3:51 😅 3:51 llllll😅 3:55 ll😅 3:56 3:56 lllllllll😅lllllllllloop
I agree to everything you've mentioned here Dr. Laway. The prices here in Cebu is rising too. The ASF is also a cause of concern.
Yes, definitely learn the language at least conversational. Hi Meastra Judy here mga higala your Cebuano language teacher in RUclips😅
Budget is very important and foreigners who plan to stay here should embrace the following: noise, karaoke, the way the people drive n the street which is crazy. The attention they will get, the relatives up to 6th gen😂 street people asking for money, relatives borrowing money and so much more.
I think a lot of these mistakes you mention involve those who did little to no research/preparation before coming to PH, or they did a trip or two but they were in vacation mode and did tourist things the whole time. I'm going to be in Cebu in April (first trip to PH), and while this is a vacation for me, I'm not trying to act like a tourist. I want to discover some places that locals go to, I may even inspect a couple of rental properties just to get a taste of the experience. All the advice you have given are gems - very important and should be taken seriously. Cheers!
You're really good in your observations....hmmm how you see transportation speeds up. Your also good on research for you see things that people don't notice. Thanks for being a guide.
Excellent advice on immigration, their discretion. Reminds me of when I lived in Mexico, people were getting snagged, usually on bus rides from one city to next. Their visas were expired, usually innocent, Mexico stopped giving automatic 6 months visas, I heard trying to cut down on high paid tech expat workers in Mexico city, taking housing from locals. So your on a bus in the middle of Mexico with an expired visa. A couple people went to jail, and took 2 or 3 weeks to get out. Mexico jails, not good.
Glad to hear this from a guy from Tennessee. I hope to move to the Philippine next year. But got to learn how to get my money transferred to a bank over and what I do about that. I get S.S and retired from the military and VA
You also need to have a plan for natural disasters, and other social issues. Earthquakes, Volcano's... and such. Being prepared is not that hard.
I can agree I have noticed grocery prices raise alot on some things I usually go to G mall because more American food
good sound advice...
Good to know! 👍
Always appreciate your advice. One thing, if there's a war and the internet goes down, the only way to your money will be a local bank. So we need to park at least enough for a ticket home, to get more money. All the transfer services use the internet.
Great point. Always keep on you or in local bank a way to get the heck out of dodge in an emergency.
exchanging money at the airports instead of the local exchange spots
That's the first place to get ripped off ...I guess you would recommend exchange at hotel as well lol
What location in the Philippines that has high speed internet (280+ Mbps) available?
If you set up business think of production have goods made in The Philipines take advantage of low costs of production I could name several business but nobody bother to read this anyway
Any chance that the classic SSRV will drop in price? I think I could do 5 or 6 but 10K is steep. Should have gone to the military for a while.
I do not have any inside information but my guess is that it will not. The trajectory in recent years has been to make it more restrictive such as Rasing the age limit
Any recommendations on how to learn the language before coming? Apps?
Who in their right mind leaves their home country for the Philippines for a job?
What kind of business is there worth starting in the Philippines 🇵🇭 at a currency Pesos rate as a foreigner?
One thing you haven't mentioned (and I've done even though I won't be there for several months) is you can use Wise as a Peso bank and US dollar bank. They ARE a bank, not just a service. You can convert money to pesos when the exchange rate is favorable, and just let it sit there as a cushion for drops in the US dollar. US dollars in a Wise acct. earn a good rate of interest, 3.29% today (Pesos do not earn in that acct), so Wise is one good place to park money. I have two other banks I park 2-4 months worth in (high yield savings), Two Visa credit cards and an Amex, won't use US debit, will get up an acct. there that floats from 2-4 months worth of expenses. So I have to float a years worth of expenses over a few places, tying up around $24-30k in places with various rates of interest. To me, if you can't do that, you might need to rethink moving and keep saving. Oh, and I'm NOT paid by Wise, I just actually use them.
btw, if you do buy 2-4 months worth of pesos with Wise at a time, ahead of time, when the rate is good (55+ vs 54-), you are getting an extra few percent for your money, which is enough to offset any fees. Paying attention to exchange rates and keeping a buffer pays off. Not big, but it still pays off.
Can I use wise as a Canadian or is it for American only?
@@bullfighter42 I see they show conversions and rules for many countries, so as far as I can tell, any nationality can use Wise. There may be different rules, to comply with the different laws of that country, but I'm pretty sure many Canadians already use them.
@@dennislbrown thanks for the info. So you can have Wise up and running while you’re in North America then it’s ready to use once landed in Ph? And once in PH you find a local bank in the city you’re at and just open an account and how do you transfer your US dollars from your bank to your new PH bank? Im sure they will help at their bank but being in a foreign country I want to know everything. Doing alot of research before going.
@@bullfighter42 I haven't yet, but it would appear it is the same as any other bank, except that PH banks have limits on how many pesos you can transfer without permission. ACH or bankwire. acct number and SWIFT routing number (international requires swift). But basically the same. I keep both dollars and pesos in my wise account.
What is the best phillipines visa to go live in the Philippines a few months and get married? Would appreciate any input you can give me
Maybe your wife can apply credit card at the bank and you can be a supplementary and ask for no annual payment if you would and how would get the credit cards with annual payment. Just successions ☺️ anyway I grow up there in Davao City, thank you.
What are the teenagers up to?
I was in Central America and dated a girl for a short period. The culture in that country states that you have to get marry very soon after starting dating, my reply was hard pass, I will not comply to ridiculous demands to accommodate others over me 😂
Can a foreigner continue to teach esl online to Chinese students in China while in the Philippines visiting there. (Business is established in their own company as a business)
That's why l always run , when l cross the street.
A+, Manage you’re risks,If your going to build, Over budget by at least 40%, This country is very much challenge, Most Americans are spoiled, lol, Great Vid, 👊🇺🇸🇵🇭, Belus
Am I schizophrenic or did I just see you walking near Victoria Plaza at approximately 1120 today (23 MAR)?
Mahal kita
Export Export Export they have low costs compared to EU
Where does one buy American food ? Cannot find real mozzarella and ricotta there.
Both of those are easy to make.
Great advice. Been looking for an immigration attorney although I'm from Canada and everyone I find there seems to be a bloodsucker.
Had my girlfriend and biological daughter PR and citizenship requests, DNA in for 3 years and both denied without much explanation couple weeks ago. After 3 years and affirmative DNA tests
Expats?