@Navajo52

I've been here for three months now. My SS check is direct deposited in my stateside Citibank account. On purchases I use a Citibank Credited card that charges me 3% for use in the Philippines. The card pays me 1% on each purchase & 1% when ... Read More

I will ne getting my social security checks deposited to a bank in the Philippines. How do I get my money converted to pesos??? Will the bank accept u.s. dollars???? Will the bank convert it for me???? Or will I have to somehow physically do ... Read More

I have a small income tax refund check made out to my wife & I from the U.S. Treasury. She has a Peso account & my stepson has a Dollar account at BDO. My wife is a Filipina and I'm an American (married 10 years). We moved from the Las ... Read More

I will ne getting my social security checks deposited to a bank in the Philippines. How do I get my money converted to pesos??? Will the bank accept u.s. dollars???? Will the bank convert it for me???? Or will I have to somehow physically do ... Read More

Hello Navajo52, thank you for your response. It sounds like you are doing very well on what you are bringing in. Actually, raising three kids on it you are doing great. I am surprised about your thoughts on the quality of medical care in the ... Read More

Hello Everyone, In a few years I'm planning to relocate to Lipa City, Batangas. Wondering what and where the best place to shop for safe, clean foods? Thanks in advance, PeterSorry sport simply stay where you are. Oz foods are safe probably ... Read More

Howdy Glenlita, First, If you need a bank account here you will need an ACR card issued by immigration. Same to get a drivers license so that means renewing your visitors visa every three months or so and that costs. As others have said here, ... Read More

In Davao in the big SM mall, or walking to and from, there's no eye contact with other foreigners, even though they are not obviously sex tourists; many are with their local wives, many of similar age. I don't know what that is about. ... Read More

Thanks for the response. One of the reason I would prefer the local grown, farmer markets because I heard a lot of agriculture foods sold in formal grocery stores are now imported from China. As we all know Chinese foods are problematic for ... Read More

Hi Peter, Most open markets are pretty good but for sanitary conditions as presented in stores back home I'd suggest the grocery stores in large shopping malls. After you are here for a while you'll locate smaller stores and shops that will ... Read More

I have curiosity in 2 years i will qualify for medicare i understand living in the Philippines doesnt qualify you to apply for it. There is no other choice? Thanks ArturoYou can sign up and pay for the portion of Medicare that costs but it is not ... Read More

I've noticed that a lot if expats in the Philippines seem to avoid eyes contact and speaking to other foriengers. Where I'm from in Canada. It's very easy to meet and chat with people you meet. Not sure why it's different here.The ... Read More

Yes, makes no difference if all pages are blank or if the passport pages are almost full. Their only interest is that you have a valid passport--period. Read More

Hi Sis, The only place I can think of would be the American VFW post. Not an expat group as such but mostly a lot of retired military spend time there. You do not have to be a member to use the restaurant etc there and might be a good idea to get ... Read More

If you are here already then I will assume you came in on the free tourist visa. That needs to be kept up to date with renewal each time it is due. If you enter school as a student with that visa I think you would be in trouble if caught and yes, ... Read More