I went to Philippine National Bank in Manhattan and I opened a peso savings account about a month before I came to the Philippines. I ended up making four different trips to the bank just to deposit a $20,000 check for my SRRV Visa. The problems were they wanted to change my branch to somewhere closer, then I deposited the check on the next visit, then they called me back to tell me that I needed to open a dollar account with a $500 initial deposit to open the account, so I did this, then I had to go back one final time because I did not sign my check with my middle name. I prefer to write myself checks and deposit them to myself here to avoid all these transfer problems with western union and others and all the transfer fees charged, and fraudulent activity alerts to cancel transfers. Be warned that foreign checks take 30 business days to clear, which I knew already. I will probably get one credit card here in the Philippines which isn't difficult once I have my SRRV Visa. By doing things this way, I can deal with any card problems here, not in the USA.My brother has agreed to receive mail, but the only things that I need it for is my atm card from my credit union, and I can update my address for my pension as soon as I have a postal box here in case they send one of those letters to ask if I am still alive. I won't be old enough to draw social security for another 7 years, so I am not concerned about that for a while.I would honestly suggest to bring a large quantity of cash to get set up for retirement. You can bring any amount with you, but you just have to declare any amount over $10,000 USD. In my situation, I sold or gave away everything I owned in the USA and came with two suitcases and a backpack. I don't want possessions to worry about in the USA. I came here for a fresh start, the low cost of living, and to find a beautiful, good Filipina like the one who got away from me years ago in the USA. I was living in my dead mom's house for the seven months before I flew to Cebu two days after the house was sold, so I literally have nothing to go back to anyway. It is definitely the adventure of a lifetime and has helped to lift the deep depression I felt after retiring during the pandemic because I wished not to be vaccinated, divorce, and the death of my ailing mother and the process of settling the estate. I wasn't dealing with it all very well. Now the problems that were bothering me in the USA seem to have evaporated. The people here are absolutely the nicest, kindest people that one could meet anywhere, they really are. I look forward to finding a good Filipina half my age to start a family here and live my best life, something that seemed extraordinarily difficult in the USA. Yes, I am definitely a happy passport bro now.
I'm retiring there in July 2023. My whiteboard is arriving from Amazon today due to your videos!! In the meantime, I'm listing tasks to accomplish, categorizing into sections. It's A LOT!! I'm hanging it on my LR wall so I can see it everyday. I can already tell it's gonna be so much easier to SEE what I need to do, as well as what I've accomplished. Thanks guys 👍😎
This came at a perfect time. My access to my money has been cut off and my credit card has been cut off. I thought I had all this worked out. But, sadly I didn't. Now I am headed home again.
100% The most helpful and useful video you have done Steve. I will be bookmarking this one and using it for quick reference for my own checklist when i move home to the Philippines. Hats off to you sir for all the hard work you do to help everyone.
On the Balikbayan boxes I have sent several from st.Louis and 24”x 17”x 24” box the cost to ship was $120.00 per box and $7.00 for the actual cost of the box for a total of $127.00 to send about 100 pounds of stuff. They also have a smaller box 28”x17”x18” for $90.00 plus $5.00 for the box total $95.00 dollars
#24 Try before you buy aka don't burn your bridges. I know there are a lot of RU-vid people who just sold everything and moved to the Philippines without ever visiting. However, I am sure that there are failures who want to go home or some other country or even other places within the Philippines. Make sure you are prepared to go back or move somewhere else just in case. Do a trial run, visit for a month or more and don't be a 2 week millionaire, I think Thailand is a much better place to be a 2 week millionaire. Personally, I plan on keeping my residence in the USA and traveling back once in a while just to play it safe.
Great idea guys, I did just that i extend the time on my credit cards and my drivers license for 10 years. Like you Steve I don't tell them I've moved here permanently. If you've lived in the Philippines longer then 3 months you are supposed to get a new drivers license. The one time i was at a check point and had to show my license the police officer asked me if my license was for international use. I said yes of course but the only 2 countries I couldn't drive in legally were China and North Korea. Another thing you may want to advice people to do is set up their home address in a state that doesn't have an income tax. I use my Florida address and save money by not paying state income taxes every year.
… so with iPhone in the Philippines, I think it is easier to just buy one in the Philippines and use it daily. I think your U.S. iPhone can still be used for music and videos. With internet, the U.S. iPhone can be used as a tablet.
Thanks for this. I’m an American man in my mid-30s, so certainly not ready to retire but I have a good income, even by US standards and have been looking at relocating abroad. I really like Colombia. I speak Spanish and the time zone works for my career. However, I would love to explore the Philippines as well. Can you comment on the difficulty of learning Tagalog? I pick up languages fairly quickly.
Good job boys I've heard it all from you Steve before but it's always interesting to hear two people's opinions and experiences I'm sure you've helped a lot of people Merry Christmas to you your community your friends family wives girlfriends stay happy safe have a wonderful holiday thanks for putting out videos always enjoy them throughout the years Steve..
Anything labeled 110/220 can be used in the Philippines. Some items need manual switching. You can buy cords, or isolators, but I just cut the U-ground prong off... I use LBC exclusively for balikbayan boxes, as I've NEVER been ripped off using them. Also, one can combine two boxes, adjusting for bare minimum height needed... I've shipped guitars this way. Cost wasn't too much extra vs standard XL box....
Excellent VIDEO Steve and Justin. I just want to make sure that I can bring my Prescription Hrydrocodone with me? Great list of things that I didn't think of. Also my Credit Union doesn't do anything for offshore accounts so I am changing to Bank of America. I can use the credit card for ATM purposes and still have my SSD check and also pension money stay in a US bank. I was going to use Schwab but I was told that he wants to control the money for offshore services. Any thoughts on that? A follow-up video would be Great 👍.
Check list: Money, Money, Money !!! Did I say Money yet. Must have a descent pension every month. Good general health, if not then work on improving your health. Don't be a drunk or a full time whore chaser. Always have emergency travel funds. Don't get married and buy a house, you could get screwed. Come debt free to Philippines and stick to a standard budget. Take up healthy hobbies like hiking or gym
Although after 6 minutes in the video I see my situation is very different than yours, it is always useful to see and hear comments from Americans that have already moved to the Philippines. I am a recently naturalized US citizen, I am planning to go to the Philippines, meet my girlfriend of 4 years and eventually marry her; but I do not leave anybody behind in the US, so basically the need to send money back would be a no need for me. On the very first subject mentioned, if I die in Philippines it will be dying in my new land and country, so I would by then consider the Philippines my country, and there will be no need to send my remains to the US and as for medical bills, well, I have to be prepared for and tell my future wife about it. That is one main piece of information I want to find from you guys, what kind of work can a guy in his middle-age do in the Philippines. I will keep listening.
Great points to think about before moving here. Everyone's different but getting the magic jack/ magic app set up on your phone is a must. Having atleast 2 different companies to use to transfer money to your bank accounts here in the Philippines is crucial I personally set up accounts with Remitly, World Remitly before making my move here and last month i set up an account with wise. I took your advice and got a limited power of attorney for my son to act on my behalf if I ever get incapacitated or die here so he along with my girlfriend can pay any hospital bills and other bills that need to be paid. Your right about medicare not useful here. I plan on dropping my medicare part B when they automatically enroll me next year. Why pay for something I can never use here ? I'm better off getting a health insurance plan through pacific cross and philhealth for the same amount of money. Good video guys thanks again.
Living in Ark. I Use Indiana Balikbayan Box shipping service. They have a weight limit of 120# & charge $80 for the regular size box 4.5 Cu ft & $100 for the Jumbo 6 cu Ft box size
Big thanks for your extensive 24-point to-do list, guys. (But, I am not knowledgeable on computers, cellphones, forms, permits, money transfers, etc.) Congrats on you travelers that can pick up on this stuff. Too complicated for me.
That's why you get a sim card at the airport on arrival. Let the vendor staff do everything for you, install the sim, just buy a minutes card and they will down-load the minutes and show you on your phone the minutes you bought are now on your phone, that is the best way to do it if you are inexperience in tech or the Philippines and cheaper as well. your phone will be ready to make a call. You can buy a sim card for $1 or $2 not $12 on Ebay. If you don't get one at airport any phone vendor will do it for you also you just won't have a phone right away on arrival but you really don't need one if you have a hotel reservation. You can also make A hotel reservation right at the airport and they will take you to the hotel. Computers just carry on with you in your carry-on luggage, no need to down-load anything onto a disk or whatever. Customs forms are a piece of cake fill it out the best you can it really doesn't matter, won't be the end of the world. You won't have an issue. Money transfers are not hard, you can learn that. Just be sure to set everything up in the US. You can bring a few thousands with you and use ATM's, that's what I do and never had a problem yet. Just be sure to use ATM a few days before you run out of money then any problems you have a few days to resolve with your bank back home or the local bank. Use ATM beginning of the week because weekends you may not be able to resolve any issues. Simple rules to follow for ATM usage.
@@mikemasters4382 that's real nice you might could take the time and put all that information down I learned from it as well it's a great comment thank you for it..
Wow great video for your short time here you nailed it. Been here over 16 years and even I learned a bit, most things I do not even think about anymore..But you made me think...I have cash stashed for my funeral and a site. Magic Jack OH YES, have had it over a decade now. Weapons? I carry a baseball bat and soft ball on my bike trips...Lots of great info for newbees and even me!,,,thanks so much.
Hey Steve, got the name right this time. Lol. Very very good vid. Lot of great info. I may have missed it in this one or others but I have heard that a 10k to 20k deposit must be made in the Philippines.
Awesome Episode I Been Waiting For Something Like This 👏 Here's My Problem I Want To Move To Bohol By Myself But I Don't Know Anyone In The Philippines. I'm Going To Retire Next Year And Leave Everything Behind Me. I Want To Know Where Do I Go Or See As Soon As I Arrive To Get To Bohol From L.A. Because No Family Will Be Waiting To Show Me Around I Feel Like I'm Going To Get Lost Or Something.
One thing maybe you forgot to mention Less I just didn’t hear it. You were talking about narcotics or bringing drugs over as long as it’s a prescription from your doctor. It’s perfectly fine like for example, if you have Percocets for a painkiller and they were prescribed by your doctor, then you won’t have a problem getting them through but once you go through all your Percocets over here, you’re gonna have to find something different from a doctor over here because I don’t believe they have Percocets over here but I know when I originally came over I had a big old prescription bottle full of Percocets and as long as it’s a prescription I have no problem at the airport
As far as prescriptions medications prescribed by a doctor go while you are on vacation etc you can bring them with you I already checked into that. For me I take Norcos which are opiate based. Now as far as getting them over there on a regular basis yeah probably not going to happen at least not for awhile if ever even. I'm getting surgery on my back after I get back so I won't need them anymore at that point thankfully because they certainly are not good for the body or the mind. Great video Steve and Justin well done 👏
Steve that's a lot to take in holyshit I better start out with just coming over for 30 days that sounds so overwhelming I give you guys a lot of credit you made it Paradise
I use Remitly to send money to a Gcash account with no fees. From the time I hit send to when the money arrives is usually a few seconds and never more than a minute.
Bring paper checks! Unless you're not able/willing to wait a few weeks for your money, you can write a check, deposit it in a Philippine (you should open both dollar, as well as peso, accounts) bank. Cheap and reliable, but not instant...
The majority of your stomach issues are that you're not used to the palm oil in mass quantities like you're consuming now anyone moving to the United States has the same issue with canola oil. Healthy oils in the Philippines virgin coconut oil not the cheap coconut oil it is poison. Animal fat is healthy and is required for our body to produce testosterone and estrogen 😎
Very good list overall. There was one part might have been confusing for some when Steve said to down-load your computer to a disk or ship your computer over. Why don't you carry on board in your carry-on luggage ? That's what everyone I know does, just a point of confusion there. Bringing prescription drugs just be sure to bring the prescription with you, most will be allowed if you have the prescription. Although in 40 years of traveling to the Philippines customs as never checked my luggage and I've never seen them check anyone else either. That does not mean they don't but not very likely. But you never want to lie on the customs declaration form. Big no-no there.
I’m talking about desktop computers that are very cumbersome and difficult to move. It’s best to come and start over here fresh for most and have updated everything than have antiquated tech here.
Never had a onward ticket over the years, last time a few months ago the lady asked how long I was staying this time, and I said when my 3 years was up, and no problem
Excellent information. Thank you both. I love Massachusetts went to college there, love Boston.Same as Arkansas I love the northwest corner. I have gone down the White river and Buffalo Park, Beautiful country. I've been to 49 states missing Hawaii. If you guys ever need anything from the states let me know.. Also try and bring 90 day supplies of your Meds, and vitamins Also Sneaker, and Shoes.Try and get Malaria and Dengue shots, also your flu shot and boosters here before hand And keep copies of everything with someone here who can fax you a copy. Take care Happy Holidays 👍🙏🇺🇲🇵🇭🎀🎄🕊️🕯️
A few weeks before I go to the Philippines I go to my bank and order new $100.00 bills. They also call it Christmas money. It may take a week or so for the bank to get them.
Some great information, yet again! Been planning my exodus for a few years now, and still working on a good time to get all the documents apostilled before heading over. Some finishing touches, and hopefully I'll get over in 2023! I was looking at making sure any medications I may need would be available, and in some cases, folks can get up to 90 days or more, if they work with their doctors. Some health insurance will still cover mail meds, if going to an APO address, and I noticed there were a few ways to get such an address in some areas there. Perhaps that might be another consideration for some.
Could you make a video on what to do if a US retiree stays in the Philippines for good and having passport, bank, SS and retirement accounts addresses be changed into PHILIPPINE ADDRESS ONLY(no mail forwarding) Some retirees don't have the option to have a US address.
"don't have the option to have a US address" US based mail forwarding service costs and 100$/yr. if your budget is to tight for that don't go there IMO
@@bgreen2266 I have good ss benefits and retirement savings. I am a Fil Am (w/ dual citizenship). I just want Philippine Address. I believe some expats have done it. I was hoping they can share how they did it.
Make sure you update all your beneficiaries on all your accounts (in some cases a will is not necessary) make sure your loved ones can call an English attorney in Asia to get your Consular Mortuary Certificate (death certificate) at the US Embassy and someone has the cash to send your body to the 🇺🇸 if you want that
I wouldn't get a sim card in the US and especially if you are paying $12 for it, that is way over-priced. If you land in Manila you can get a sim card right there at airport in a vendor booth. They will install the sim card for you and more importantly down-load minutes for you and when they are done you can call right away, but now with the registration they will likely help you with that as well. As a first timer you may not understand how to down-load the minutes. The staff there is very, very helpful as a first timer you can't beat it. Even myself I've been there many times and I still would rather have them do all the things needed . They do everything for you at a fraction of the cost. I can't think of one single advantage of getting a sim card while in the US.
Good detailed video. I was listening to this and even though I have already been here in Philippines some issues are bit confusing to me. Biggest one is the sim card and knowing if I have tmobile magenta plan for international plan if I need to do something else?
I currently have that plan with T-Mobile but how well it will work over there idk? I'm guessing not that well so I'm going to get a Samsung Dual SIM phone before I go. $150/200 one should be fine don't need a $1000 phone that's unnecessary.
I believe the Natural Pain killer Kratom Has recently become legal in the Philippines I’ve used it here in USA with great effects on my back and foot Pain I don’t abuse it and I make sure I cycle off it’s been a job saver
I use Ooma for my internet phone. One time fee $60 after that a monthly fee of taxes for only $6 a month. Then you use a VPN to call the USA. Check it out
Set up tele health visits with doctors back home, who write prescriptions. I buy 90 day supplies, as my insurance discounts 33%, then my adult daughter sends meds to me
I'm 58-59 in March.. Just got 100% va. Retiring fers disability if I can... should be enough. TSP , selling my beach cndo. lol I hope I live long enough to enjoy my good fortune. lol I have the big white board. :)
Hey Steve 👋 I wonder how many times a year your buddy goes back home to America? He said that he maintains a residence. Does that mean it's rented out or does he have family living there?
Hey Steve, great video for expats moving to the Philippines. Do you have a checklist for those visiting for the first time as I am planning to visit Cebu next year. I find all your videos are really helpful and has made me plan on moving there in the future. Hope to one day meet you! Thanks again Steve.
My perspective, for what it's worth, is to have cash and have property. You should have a partner you can trust. I came here from HK with my Filipina wife of seven years. We met in HK and made a choice to relocate. We don't live in an expat community. We own a number of properties, both commercial and residential, and have a good income. My advice? Don't think USD20k will be enough. I DON'T want to be an asshole or to denigrate anybody's choices but my wife and I made a decision to come here with around USD800,000 in cash, and a pre-bought property which means we live well. Still, immigration is an annoyance. Engage a decent lawyer.
Each person's situation is going to be different. You felt you needed $800k I spent 20 years vacationing in the Philippines every year bought 6 property with 3 different girlfriends. Built 5 different houses each of the exs got a house and I have 3 With my social security and retirement pension every month we do very well. I only have $220,000 left in my savings because I spent 50k buying a car and scooter when I got here and setting up my newest house we built on Samal Island Garden City Davao with comfortable furniture and a 400 litter water tank with heater and pump. I like having a generator as a back up and I do keep 50,000 dollars In savings at BDO for any emergencies. But that's me. To each his own. I didn't want the headache of running a business here I'm retire and want a peaceful stress free life now.
I keep my address in Florida because i do go home 2 months a year to see family and friends. But have important mail sent to my son's home in Idaho to open and forward to me on messager. And for filing my taxes Florida has no state income taxes.
Thank you Steve and Justin. So if I buy a prepaid Globe sim card on ebay in US, does the Philippines number work in US? I want to create a Lazada Philippines account from here in US, but they are asking for a Philippines Phone number. The Lazada website doesn't accept US phone number.
Hey Steve, can you mention the next time we talk about magicJack you cannot send and receive pictures attachment I believe most attachments you cannot send or receive you can only talk and text and receive voicemail unless I’m wrong but as far as I know that’s it and also some banks get blocked from texting magic, jack just need to be aware of that test it out before you go to the Philippines with all your banks… but a VPN and magic jack is a must I have them both and they work great just need to be aware of some of the quirks…
I’m coming to the Philippines and buying my ticket in Orlando Florida on February 4 and traveling that day to the Philippines in Manila. A girl that I was going to meet in Cagayan de Oro told me she is stranded in a flooded city with no way to get in or out of downtown. I suspect this is it Lie. But I am coming to the Philippines to enjoy the Philippines and live on a good budget as I am a disabled veteran with a Knouff to live comfortably. I’ve been watching your Vlog and you seem to be helpful. Please respond soon. I am James Wilson in Orlando Florida
Steve please say again the name of the shipping container or the shipping company that you were talking about ? I did not pick this up . Thanks -- Great video !
I HAVE A MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOR RENT IN CEBU ! U HAVE UR OWN WELL, POWER IS CHEAP, NO AIRCON NEEDED SCREENED WINDOWS GARDEN ROOF, LARGE GARDEN AREA, CEMENT FISH POND AND MORE !
I have been adamant about not taking the hepatitis vaccine. Side effects from the vaccine could be worse than the disease. My fiance is informed me that hepatitis is a huge problem in street food. Getting my vaccines this week 😎
