@Filamretire
American looking for information about Philippines
Forum
182 posts
About me
American
Registration: 20 March 2021
Activity
We're currently looking to build a home there any ideas? by Wcj
I'm Bill moving there to surago area in December. My wife lives there now So I'm still on learning curve. Last time there was 78 to 82 at Clark AFB. We're currently looking to build a home there any ideas?
Go there first, many changes I'm sure and stay for a couple months. Building a home, well that depends on what you want, where you want, your budget. I suggest Lamudi to look at house styles and values. All are cement, but there are different ... Read More
Doctor Patient relationship by Filamretire
Is it normal for a doctor not to charge for consultation but ask for a charity donation that is paid to her and not directly to the charity? First time consulting with this doctor and I wonder how this is going to go...
Doctor is a friend of a friend. No set charge, just donate. Not a small clinic. Tax dodge didnt occur to me, but unlikely since I think doctor is part of a group that does charity work. Anyways, rubbed me the wrong way initially I'm willing to move ... Read More
Doctor Patient relationship
Is it normal for a doctor not to charge for consultation but ask for a charity donation that is paid to her and not directly to the charity? First time consulting with this doctor and I wonder how this is going to go... Read More
Why I dont like Gcash by Filamretire
My wife was asking for a gcash account. Not that I dont trust her, but Gcash is registered to a phone number ie an app with security code. You can deposit to gcash many places using cash and send money to anyone. The problem is I have no way of ...
@danfinn...and thats also why I dont like Gcash, its tied to one phone. If its my phone, fine, but family phone then no way Read More
Why I dont like Gcash by Filamretire
My wife was asking for a gcash account. Not that I dont trust her, but Gcash is registered to a phone number ie an app with security code. You can deposit to gcash many places using cash and send money to anyone. The problem is I have no way of ...
@Brojeslov...and thats why I dont like Gcash, plus they have an awful lot of your identity documents, I dont trust them one iota Read More
House design and plan in Philippines - Charges by roycherian
Hello Folks,I am curious to know what will be a reasonable charges for a good designer or architect to create a house plan / design for approx. 70 Sqm in Philippines Inclusions: I. Architectural Design (Signed and Sealed) a. Site Development Plan b. ...
Spent around 200,000 for all those items for 300 sqmt in an upscale development, gives you an idea for larger elegant design Read More
Foreign driver license conversion by Filamretire
So I'm in Philippines now and have 90 days to use my US driver license. I want to convert it but need ACR-I card. I am on balikbayan one year visa. Went to immigration and they wont give me an ACR -I card since I have one year on visa. I said I will ...
Just to cap this post, I did get my drivers license. Turns out I misunderstood what was needed. AFTER 90 days, you can apply and get a PH drivers license using your current international license, at LTO. Just needed a medical (eyesight) and fill out ... Read More
House security by tempcinamdar
I will not be living in a gated community with 24/7 guards on the premises.How do I prevent burglars from taking my "stuff" from my rental home? In Texas when a burglar enters your home you have the legal right to use your Glock. All helpful input ...
Gated and walled development with armed guards, patrolling and posted. Still had some break ins tho in this community. We have vigilant neighbors, and will be looking into neighborhood watch including monitored street cameras, and of course CCTV Read More
Cell phone use by bigstar1208
Retiring soon in the Philippines.Will have unlocked iPhone.What is the best set up for calling and texts.Would like to be able to receive 2FA for banking.
Some US banks will not allow a foreign number for 2FA, or even VOIP. I would check with your bank what forms of 2FA they allow. I have a phone in the US with family I use for 2FA. Read More
USA Taxes yr1 retired and Social Security by Larry Fisher
Biggest question: Should I file with foreign address? I'm having trouble finding guidance on this. I do have a US (Nevada) address and bank accounts. All my money is basically in the US and my Social Security goes to my US bank.Possible caveats?: I ...
@Larry FisherMedicare A is free and Medicare B you can opt out of...I did Read More
House keepers/Caretakers. by bigpearl
We have been thinking about getting a house keeper or an all around caretaker live in.What they are expected to do, conditions we supply, cooking and eating together, trust/boundaries etc.All input appreciated.Cheers, Steve.
Dann, words of wisdom. Don't want any helpers inside the house but will need a gardener at some point. I will never hire relatives. I enjoy their company but not to live with. Read More
Shipping stuff that's not boxable by Sweetbread2006
Howdy folks, I am a non Filipino that decided on moving to your country after just one visit, the major problem is some of the items I am trying to send to my fiancée simply put does not fit in those boxes , not only that they are already ...
As long as it's not Maple Syrup lol Read More
What to Bring, What to Buy by kjwilde
My wife and I are planning to move permanently to the Philippines this year. We are planning on shipping some things there and buying everything else there. Looking for some suggestions about what is easier/cheaper to send than ...
AA batteries are also junk here. don't last long. Ford here is made in China therefore likely metric. At least my Territory is. Thats why its cheap and not imported from US which would make it uncheap. If you like fish and chips like I do, then ... Read More
Dumaguete or Doomaguete by Enzyte Bob
Doomaguete (Dumaguete)The attraction of Doomaguete, is it like Ulysses and the Sirens or Flies to Flypaper? Do you move to Dumaguete and live happily ever after? It seems so? with so many bloggers, they run out of things to blog about and start to ...
Great post Bob and echoes my thoughts on Doomagete and its vloggers!! At first, I found them fascinating, but eventually got kind of disgusted and stopped watching. What is even more interesting is the younger men that want to move to Philippines ... Read More
One time Tax free shipping
I will be shipping household stuff from the US, but looks like too much for a 20ft container, but a 40ft container would leave a lot of space. Considering the import and tax break on new items, what are some good things to ship over, or have shipped ... Read More