First visit to the Philippines

In case you want to have a private tour guide, there are many sites on the internet which offer such tours.

e.g. https://www.withlocals.com/locals/phili … la/guides/

what are your intentions? Do you want to move to the Philippines?

Which airport? When is that? For how long? What is your budget to pay for a guide for the day? You might need to pay for the accomodation for that guide. What do you expect from the guide? Show you the culture or show you the beaches? How do you want to travel with the guide? Does he/she have to have a car or are you going by taxi/Grab/plane/ferry?

I think you need to be more specific what you expect and who and where you are from.

A detailed plan might also help to find a serious guide for what you want.

Good luck

Andy

I am fine.

Thank you Andy, you are correct. that is why i m trying to get more information. trying to find out what i need to be asking. thank you again

@Hgilliam7194

Hey there... So... Tell us more about you, and what you are trying to accomplish?  Where are you flying into?   What are you looking for??  Are you thinking permanent move to Phillipines....or just touring around... In my opinion it is a VERY good idea to travel to different islands throughout the Philippines... they are all a little different, and offer different things...  anyways... Welcome to Expat... And good luck.

Welcome to the forum Hgilliam7194

Andy is correct, spell out what you want/need/expect. I have been to 30 plus countries over the years and never knew a soul in any and had a great time, didn't need any one to hold my hand, research and research more and you will find your answers.

There are plenty of expats living here but most are tied up with their lives and involvement here already established with family and friends.

Interesting you ask for someone to meet you at the airport, which airport, have you booked a hotel or are you asking a host to accommodate you?

I think if you are more forthcoming you may get some better responses than mine. Sorry to sound cynical.

Good luck.

Cheers, Steve.

@Wellsfry i have not scheduled anythjng yet,  don’t know where to go, where to fly into etc. Today i am just trying to see what option are available. thank you for your reply.

@bigpearl hi Steve, i am just on a fact finding mission right now.  i cont really know  what to ask and whom to ask. i will formulate my questions and re ask. thank you.

    @bigpearl hi Steve, i am just on a fact finding mission right now.  i cont really know  what to ask and whom to ask. i will formulate my questions and re ask. thank you.        -@Hgilliam7194

Google will be your best friend mate. The Philippines is over 7,000 islands.

Cheers, Steve.

Thank you everyone for taking your time to answer me. I became a widower in December and i am trying to decide what to do. i am 67 and  still have lots of life left in me.  i m simply on a fact finding mission right now. I have read lots of good things about the different expat areas and would like to know more.   thank you again. Good Bye for now.

I and I'm sure others are sorry for your loss Hgilliam.

As said you have a computer and google will give you lots of info, to me expat groups no matter country are for refining and filling in the blanks with personal experiences.

As for expats? there are plenty here and we wave and say hi but generally keep to our local families and try not to get too involved, help each other if needed for sure but don't live in each others pockets. If you want that perhaps stay in the States.

Good luck and I'm sure you will prosper.

Cheers, Steve.

Thank you Steve, i do not want or expect anything from anyone. i am financially independant and can afford to live anywhere i would desire.  as i said i am simply on a fact finding mission. have a good day.

All good, find your facts and find them well for what ever country you want to visit, that's what most of us do.

Oh I think I'll go to Croatia next month, I'll reach out and see if any expats there will pick me up at the airport and mother me.

A question if I may. Have you ever left your country? travelled? Another state?

Getting on a plane and travelling what 14 plus hours to a country you know nothing about? Be serious and research.

You have a good day also.

Cheers, Steve.

Walking Street

Walk do not run

If your flying into Manila then you should book a nice inexpensive hotel and ask them to send a taxi to collect you, this is generally more expensive than an honest tax driver who is prepared to use the meter, but much safer. Stay overnight and then fly out of Manila the next days to which ever island you prefer to visit, as far as I'm concerned Manila is only ever just a fly in, fly out stopover to recover from a long flight.

FindlayMacD said. . . .

*book a nice inexpensive hotel

*ask them to send a taxi to collect you, this is generally more expensive than an honest taxi driver.

************************

A double oxymoron

@Hgilliam7194

Is there an expat group or individual that could show me around and introduce me to other expats? I would like to know that someone could meet me at the airport and help start this exploration trip

Hgilliam 7194 you are what Jim Rockford, this Forums favourite private eye, would refer to as the perfect mark.

There are more scams going on in the Philippines than you have had hot dinners. Beware of any Filipina ( I suspect you have been browsing those tempting dating sites) who offers to meet you at the airport. Sounds too good to be true? It is. It's essentially a service akin to those private equity guys in finance - an asset stripping service: your assets.

You are a first timer to the country not long widowed which makes you extremely vulnerable. The vultures will be circling as soon as the wheels of your aircraft touch down at Ninoy Aquino International.

There is a legitimate 'meet and greet' service for visitors or expats unfamiliar with the country based in Dumaguete called PRC. I have attached a link to this below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uBzwzq … p;index=29

For what you are asking I see 3 possible alternatives.

1. Book a package tour through a registered travel company. The itinerary will be listed so you will know where you are going and all arrangements will be made for you, hotels booked, some or all meals provided and transportation and tours included. There are companies that cater for solo travellers. This is the less risky option and the safest.
2. Look for a you tube video from Paul (old dog new tricks). He interviewed 3 ladies who worked for a company in Dumaguete and they provided day tours from there. If you contact the company, introduce yourself and tell them your requirements they may (just may) be able to accompany you on a tour of some of the cities and islands if you pay a premium. This option if they do it will require you to pay for 2 hotel rooms, all transport, tour and food costs and their fee.
3. Get yourself on a dating site, create a profile and be specific as to what you want ( a travel companion). Again you will have to pay all travel, hotel and food expenses and negotiate a fee with them in advance. This is the more risky option but if you get to know the woman well online first, you may be able to save on hotel costs if you get my drift and you may be offered more than just the usual travel companion services. This is the most risky option and you run the risk that the lady could stand you up or change her mind at any moment. One tip if you take this option - make sure all hotels that you stay in have a safe to store your valuables.

    For what you are asking I see 3 possible alternatives.

Book a package tour through a registered travel company. The itinerary will be listed so you will know where you are going and all arrangements will be made for you, hotels booked, some or all meals provided and transportation and tours included. There are companies that cater for solo travellers. This is the less risky option and the safest.
Look for a you tube video from Paul (old dog new tricks). He interviewed 3 ladies who worked for a company in Dumaguete and they provided day tours from there. If you contact the company, introduce yourself and tell them your requirements they may (just may) be able to accompany you on a tour of some of the cities and islands if you pay a premium. This option if they do it will require you to pay for 2 hotel rooms, all transport, tour and food costs and their fee.
Get yourself on a dating site, create a profile and be specific as to what you want ( a travel companion). Again you will have to pay all travel, hotel and food expenses and negotiate a fee with them in advance. This is the more risky option but if you get to know the woman well online first, you may be able to save on hotel costs if you get my drift and you may be offered more than just the usual travel companion services. This is the most risky option and you run the risk that the lady could stand you up or change her mind at any moment. One tip if you take this option - make sure all hotels that you stay in have a safe to store your valuables.

Lotus Eater made a good contribution while I was typing so please take note.

   

    -@Cherryann01

    FindlayMacD said. . . .
*book a nice inexpensive hotel
*ask them to send a taxi to collect you, this is generally more expensive than an honest taxi driver.
************************
A double oxymoron
   

    -@Enzyte Bob

Hahahaha

Ah. All this advice. My suggestion is to get out and explore by yourself, you will find your way or head back home, all countries are the same, explore and enjoy, research first.

Cheers, Steve.

    Ah. All this advice. My suggestion is to get out and explore by yourself, you will find your way or head back home, all countries are the same, explore and enjoy, research first.Cheers, Steve.        -@bigpearl

Steve if the OP follows your advice he will on his return trip be checking in at the airline counter in his underpants.

Not all visitors are equipped like your compatriot Crocodile Dundee 😉

    Ah. All this advice. My suggestion is to get out and explore by yourself, you will find your way or head back home, all countries are the same, explore and enjoy, research first.
Cheers, Steve.
   

    -@bigpearl

I agree and I would add that things like getting lost and ending up somewhere you may not have planned to visit just adds to the experience and mostly in a positive way.

LOL Lotus, No Dundee here but not afraid to get out and give it a whirl. Travelling internationally for over 40 years has taught me many a thing, Research the destination, don't try to over plan as well as learning to wing it and go with the flow of the country. More fun that way instead of a preplanned regiment. Better to go on a cruise.

Cheers, Steve.

   
    Ah. All this advice. My suggestion is to get out and explore by yourself, you will find your way or head back home, all countries are the same, explore and enjoy, research first.Cheers, Steve.        -@bigpearl

Steve if the OP follows your advice he will on his return trip be checking in at the airline counter in his underpants.
Not all visitors are equipped like your compatriot Crocodile Dundee 😉
   

    -@Lotus Eater

A trip to walkabout creek is preferable to being up shit creek.

            Ah. All this advice. My suggestion is to get out and explore by yourself, you will find your way or head back home, all countries are the same, explore and enjoy, research first.Cheers, Steve.        -@bigpearlSteve if the OP follows your advice he will on his return trip be checking in at the airline counter in his underpants. Not all visitors are equipped like your compatriot Crocodile Dundee 😉        -@Lotus Eater

A trip to walkabout creek is preferable to being up shit creek.
   

    -@Cherryann01

The Crocs will be waiting.

Getting out and getting your hands dirty is much more fun, well for me anyway. Over planning and bookings/commitment often means you miss out on an area you like/love because you have to get a flight to get to your hotel room. Me? book it online the day before. Let us all thank the lord for laptops and internet.

Cars, hotels, flights at your whim. Prior to internet was the hotel phone and lots of asking locals.

Cherry a trip to the Philippines may leave some up the creek without a paddle.

Trust your gut or stay at home.

Cheers, Steve.

@Lotus Eater

https://www.facebook.com/Cat2K16Travel. … tid=JRoKGi

great company for booking trips and holidays all over

had a trip to el nido fantastic place

full itinarary on all holidays

    @Lotus Eater
https://www.facebook.com/Cat2K16Travel. … tid=JRoKGi
great company for booking trips and holidays all over
had a trip to el nido fantastic place
full itinarary on all holidays
   

    -@renegadesric529

For many yes, Pay the travel agent for an itinerary but if you want to change it to stay longer/shorter?

We spent a few days in Puerto Princessa and a bus trip to El Nido for 6 days and all done online , we left after 4 days, nice and fantastic spot but there was plenty more to explore at our Leasure and choice, not an expensive prebooked package where you are stuck. Done the same in so many countries and I'm still alive. We all have choices, mine seems to be "wing it" crocodiles and all.

The old saying here? "More fun in the Philippines" and can be if not regimented. Same for all countries.

Cheers, Steve.

Been in the Cebu area about six months.  As you can already see, the is no organized expat group that can meet and mentor you.  Newbies can go to Dumaguette and hang out at a cafe called "Ground Zero" where many expats also hang out.  Watch "Paul the Old Dawg"on Youtube....he is an entertaining expat who gives out a lot of pretty good mentoring info on his channel.  In the Trece Martieres area, I would recommend Steve on the "Phiippine Info" channel, especially for American expats.  Steve also has organized an expat group that appears to meet periodically and you can make some friends who might take you under their wing.   

Of course the best way if to find an honest online lady, fall in love, and she will be invaluable in helping you navigate the waters.  However, the "love of your life" may be a golddigger/scammer and there are a lot of them in the PH.  Also, there are many scammers amongst the expats who will want you to "invest" in their various scams.  The point is.... pick your ladies and your expat friends slowly and carefully,  If your lady has a constant need for money ..... move her out of your life quickly.  Same with the expat who wants you to invest but never seems to have money for their next drink.  Also, another note of caution is the taxi drivers who "forget" to turn on the taxi meter and gouge you when it comes time to pay.   A "Grab" cab is the way to go, but sometmes they are hard to find.  Of course, if you have the cash, love paperwork, and a serious death wish, buy your own car and venture into the horrific world of PH traffic.  It is very crazy, but most drivers here are very polite and that seems to make it work.

It is a damn shame that some of the PH old timer expats don't organize an expat group that meets periodically in the Cebu City/Lapu Lapu areas to mingle with the newbies.   I have yet to find such a group in the Cebu City area.  My approach was to vet and hire a good housekeeper who can  be a deep pool of info for you for a very reasonable salary.  Be sure to treat her with respect and pay her on time every time.  Always remember that she may become a good friend and ally.   Also consider renting in a gated commuity and begin to cultivate both the natives and expats who are your neighbors.   Filipinos are extemely friendly and helpful people and they speak enough English to carry on a real conversation....they are one of the very major reasons I landed in the PH.   Avoid political conversations and keep your personal financial info as your deepest darkest secret. 

I wish I could tell you more, but I have been here less than six months and I don't get out much.

I had similar apprehensions and questions 6 years ago. I did not know about expat groups. I had traveled a little having work for 2 major airlines over 17 a  year period, but that is nothing like an extended vacation with flexibility.

I researched alot to learn the culture. YouTube, which can vary as it is personal experiences.  I had to determine my motivations and purpose and be honest about myself and my likes and dislikes. I considered the need to be flexible going into the unknown.

I finally went to asian dating sites and found a few who were willing to travel. But I had to bear in mind that it meant they did not have a job and their motivations. Then I used common sense and good judgment (finally..lol). With plenty of research I found the Philippines is one of the biggest exporters of labor in the world.

To shorten the story ... I found a Filipina (now my wonderful wife) who worked in Hong Kong and close to my age. She was college educated and self made with wealth, property and no debt. Spoke English better than some here as well as other languages.

I went for 3 weeks, she took vacation from her job and we went to Manila, Davao (her family farm) and the final week in Honk Kong. The travel was my expense, but she paid about 30% of the total trip voluntarily. She negotiated almost everything to keep me from being taken advantage of.

When we met her family and she paid all the expenses for the gatherings as she understood I was not a bank and not going to support family. She did not support them either because she said they waste money on nonsense. They have squandered her money in the past.ì

In Honk Kong I saw so many Filipinas and other nations working as domestics it was an eye opener.

It worked out well. We chatted daily over Skype until I went back for 4 months the next year and got to know each other well. Living there I met expats by seeing them in the mall or market and introducing myself. They took me into the group and I learned alot about living there and adaption  to the culture and bureaucracy. I also learned money moves things and I would be seen as an easy mark if she had not looked out for my interest.

I would not tell you what to do because I have met people who did not have good experiences. I was fortunate. Doing my due diligence made life better. I learned to always be careful. Don't drink with locals unless I am in a group of expats. Don't get into trouble as this is ways to get money from you via the legal system.

I think it is great there and I am looking forward to going once I retire. I would say find an OFW, someone who has worked overseas because the perspective is more global. Maybe they can guide you.

Good luck.

    I had similar apprehensions and questions 6 years ago. I did not know about expat groups. I had traveled a little having work for 2 major airlines over 17 a  year period, but that is nothing like an extended vacation with flexibility.
I researched alot to learn the culture. YouTube, which can vary as it is personal experiences.  I had to determine my motivations and purpose and be honest about myself and my likes and dislikes. I considered the need to be flexible going into the unknown.

I finally went to asian dating sites and found a few who were willing to travel. But I had to bear in mind that it meant they did not have a job and their motivations. Then I used common sense and good judgment (finally..lol). With plenty of research I found the Philippines is one of the biggest exporters of labor in the world.

To shorten the story ... I found a Filipina (now my wonderful wife) who worked in Hong Kong and close to my age. She was college educated and self made with wealth, property and no debt. Spoke English better than some here as well as other languages.

I went for 3 weeks, she took vacation from her job and we went to Manila, Davao (her family farm) and the final week in Honk Kong. The travel was my expense, but she paid about 30% of the total trip voluntarily. She negotiated almost everything to keep me from being taken advantage of.

When we met her family and she paid all the expenses for the gatherings as she understood I was not a bank and not going to support family. She did not support them either because she said they waste money on nonsense. They have squandered her money in the past.ì

In Honk Kong I saw so many Filipinas and other nations working as domestics it was an eye opener.

It worked out well. We chatted daily over Skype until I went back for 4 months the next year and got to know each other well. Living there I met expats by seeing them in the mall or market and introducing myself. They took me into the group and I learned alot about living there and adaption  to the culture and bureaucracy. I also learned money moves things and I would be seen as an easy mark if she had not looked out for my interest.

I would not tell you what to do because I have met people who did not have good experiences. I was fortunate. Doing my due diligence made life better. I learned to always be careful. Don't drink with locals unless I am in a group of expats. Don't get into trouble as this is ways to get money from you via the legal system.

I think it is great there and I am looking forward to going once I retire. I would say find an OFW, someone who has worked overseas because the perspective is more global. Maybe they can guide you.

Good luck.
   

    -@vanvalenmikevan

I agreeup to a point but I did have a bad experience with a OFW. She was in Saudi and seemed really in control of her life. I went over there with all sorts of promises about us staying together in a hotel and seeing this and doing that but when I got there it was a different story. Her life was controlled by her Gran who insisted on a chaperone to accompany us for the full duration of my visit and also asked me if I would be supporting the whole family so the woman did not have to return to Saudi on another contract.

I walked away sharpish.

@Hgilliam7194

Hey... First if all... My condolences for your loss sir...  I

  f I could suggest a couple of places for you to find a large group of friendly expats to "soften" your landing... I would 1st probably suggest fly into Manila, or Cebu... then fly to Dumaguete... Valencia  specifically (just outside Dumaguete) has an EXTREMELY large variety of expats. 

That... in my mind would be a great start. Smaller city, many expats to meet...  I definitely understand your wanting a "contact" to soften the landing a bit... I get it... I felt the same the first time I decided to come over to Philippines 6 years ago after my 28 year marriage blew apart... MANY expats told me just come... just come... But I know it is hard.... So... What I did at the time was jumped on Filipino cupid... and was immediately contacted bay about 1000 Filipinas all wanting to chat (most looking for a digital "boyfriend" ( AKA... Pesos allowance)  so... my first meet at the airport with one of these little cuties for me felt better... I had my first tour guide... and she was pretty great except when I found out she had a pinoy the entire time.. and never told me... I am 100% Not o.k. with cheaters... I had enough if that crap for years... I degress...

Anyways... so... Even though my first meet there was with a scammer... it was still a great time... we traveled all over the place (Tagaytay. Baguio, Subic, Palawan, Batangas, etc. Etc....  So... I know your loss is fresh, and You probably are not wanting to meet a Filipina right now, but for what, and how you're suggesting as far as a tour guide...??

I may be able to suggest a couple of my wifes  friends that live near Manila to maybe tour around with you no strings attached... and at least get your feet wet?  You would need to cover expenses for them...  let me know, and I will ask my wife if any of them are interested to show you around for a week or two.

@Lotus Eater

Agree 💯... Ripe for a smooth scammer.  GOOGLE....study... study... study...

@renegadesric529

Haha...Wanderlust!!  I used to watch their videos!  Wow... they have a travel business now... cool...

@Ozzie43

Good advice... We actually have a great expat group in Dipolog... we meet 2 times a week Tuesday and Saturdays at one of the guys resto bars he opened with his wife... If anyone is ever in the Dipolog Area... go to the "O.C." restobar at the above days from about 1p.m. to around 5 - 7 p.m... 20 or so guys from all over the world... good Times.

@Wellsfry

😃  hope not i set up the business and its doing good 😜

@Cherryann01

I agree. She and I had discussed the family nonsense before my visit. Also, she was not found of most Phillipine traditions. Her mother arranged her first marriage which was not her choice. So her mother was respected but not taken as an authority.

I think her mom thought it was going to be a cash find. Her mom gave me the poor story and I told her my poor story. I really liked her dad, he wanted just for her to be safe and happy.

I was fortunate as I know horror stories as well. Even the expats I met, some had bad experiences  while I was there. My preconceived notions from my limited experience, I did not get good vibes from OFW's that went to some regions.

@Hgilliam7194

hi, Gilliam.

I’m also an American,  living here five years now.

So,  you want to do an exploratory trip here to see if it’s to your liking.  I did the same thing back in 2014.

Some suggestions for you.  I agree with some here that you should be flexible and not lock yourself into a booked itinerary.  I would suggest that you give yourself at least a month in country to really start to get the flavor of the place.  I suggest you start in Manila, through NAIA airport.  As an American you get a visa upon arrival when you land.  This allows you 28 days for your visit.  It’s extendable if you want to stay longer.  Make sure you book round trip or an onwards trip out of the country, or the airline might not let you board.

For accomadations,  I recommend you use Agoda.com, or a similar app.  I recommend starting with either the Pasay area,  which has the Mall of Asia, a must see,  or the Makati area,  which has the central business district and is very modern.  I would recommend you book from four to seven days, that will give you a good taste of what the Metro has to offer.

From there,  I would recommend you explore more areas here.  Maybe a couple days in Baguio,  you can travel by bus,  then maybe Cavite or Laguna, ( another bus ride ),  will give you a taste of what the two more wealthier collar provinces have to offer.  This would give you an idea of what Luzon is like.

Next,  you can head to the Visayas, easy and cheap to fly,  I recommend Cebu Pacific air for in country travel.  Again,  easy to book a hotel there through Agoda or similar app,  once you’ve firmed up your plan.  I again recommend three to five nights in Cebu City.  You can explore the city for a couple days, then make a day or two trip into the provinces.

Next,  you could head to Palawan,  Boracay,  or Buhol.  Depends on what you want.  When I first came here,  I gave myself a year,  so it was very unhurried,  and I got the flavor of the place,  and when my retirement arrived, my decision was easy,  and I had made some local friends I trusted.

If you plan your trip in the second week of April, or later,  I would personally be willing to meet you at the airport your first night,  and help you get oriented to start your adventure. (I’ve got my own travel plans to Vietnam in March,  so I’m tied up until then lol). I do have my own life here, so I’m not a travel companion type lol.  But I can help you get your phone working with a local SIM card,  and you could call me for advice thereafter.

I hang out with a few expats and I’d be willing to introduce you,  but we are mostly in Cavite province. If this sounds to your liking,  you can send a message to my inbox here on this site,  and I would be willing to help.

Just a thought.  Even if you’re not interested,  I’m hoping you will give the country a try.  Good luck

    @Cherryann01
I agree. She and I had discussed the family nonsense before my visit. Also, she was not found of most Phillipine traditions. Her mother arranged her first marriage which was not her choice. So her mother was respected but not taken as an authority.

I think her mom thought it was going to be a cash find. Her mom gave me the poor story and I told her my poor story. I really liked her dad, he wanted just for her to be safe and happy.

I was fortunate as I know horror stories as well. Even the expats I met, some had bad experiences  while I was there. My preconceived notions from my limited experience, I did not get good vibes from OFW's that went to some regions.
   

I am glad that you managed to make your relationship work. I have been chatting to a lady from near Davao on and off for 4 or 5 years and at one point we were going to meet but it did not happen and I ended up seeing somebody else.

She just moved to Hong Kong to work on Monday and before she went I did try warn her that the hours and working conditions she was signing up for through an agency in Manila may not be the reality when she arrived. She signed up to work 8 hours a day, 6 days a week but told me she is actually expected to work from 07.00 to 23.00 for the same salary. She had to pay for a flight to Manila 6 or7 days before her flight to Hong Kong and pay all food and accommodation costs while there so she could have a medical and sort out the paperwork before she flew on to Hong Kong. She is out of pocket and only earning about double the salary she was getting back home and with the costs she has incurred so far and the extra money she will be paying due to the higher cost of living, I just do not understand why they do it.

Now I have advised her to explain everything to her agency in Manila and see if they can do anything but I suspect they knew the truth before and made false promises. She is now thinking of asking her family to fly her home and break the contract.