As of April 3, 2011, I have been living in the Philippines for five years. Knowing that tidbit of information, Randy asked me to write about something along the lines of how things are different than I expected when I first moved here. Frankly, almost everything is exactly as I expected it to be. I can’t point out any differences, even subtle ones.
I tend to write about things that come up as they come up on my own blog, Retired Kano. To do the same kind of thing here would be kind of boring. Instead, I’m going to harp on something I read at Yahoo Answers a couple of days ago along with an e-mail message I received.
Stereotypes Suck
This was written under the subject of “Retired Americans in the Philippines?” at Yahoo Answers:
Why do so many of the “worst” Americans retire in the Philippines? I grew up in an area with very classy Americans who had money and retired in places like Hawaii, San Diego, New Zealand, ect.
Those are all great places to retire, but why do so many of the fat, bald, broke, dateless, social rejects go to the Philippines. I mean some of these Americans come for prostitution or hang out in bars looking for a much younger woman. I mean there are lots of “good” Americans out there, but why do the worst ones always end up retireing in the Philippines.
I do notice that the Australians and Europeans are a lot more decent than the retired Americans. They seem to be more respectful and are more interested in the culture rather than some of the retired Americans who come here.
Why doesn’t the Philippines attract more “decent” retired Americans?
This was obviously a Filipino that hung out in the same places as those “worst” Americans. How else would he even know they exist? There are some scuzzy Americans living in the Philippines, but their numbers are few and there’s less and less of them as time progresses. Of course, he probably didn’t realize that he lumped all the American retirees together, which includes Filipino-Americans who’ve returned to retire. Maybe he did and he just didn’t care.
There are always two sides to a story.
Hidden Cultural Issues
An American who lives in the Philippines, who isn’t one of the “worst” Americans, sent me an e-mail message in response to one of my articles, but not as a comment on the article itself. This is part of what he had to say:
… and you will understand about the hidden issues in the culture. Even you closest relatives will have the main objective of your wallet. You become their health care insurance and ATM machine.
This is absolute bunk. If you act like you’re a rich American while living in the Philippines, you will attract the poorest of the poor and some of those are indeed relatives. If you live like everyone else, without flaunting what you have, you won’t see that kind of attitude. There’s nothing hidden about it. In fact, it’s the most visible part of the culture.
I don’t have a maid (or maids) and I don’t have a driver. Instead, I pay my relatives to cook, clean my house, do my laundry and drive me where I want to go instead of hiring outsiders. As far as how my friends and neighbors perceive me, the only thing they know is that I have a nicer house than they do and I don’t have to work for a living.
Would you consider me, based on what I’ve written, to be one of those “worst” Americans? If so, the former US Navy guy who lives down the hill from me (a Filipino-American) and the former US Navy guy who lives up the hill from me (another Filipino-American) wouldn’t agree with you.
Apr 10, 2011 @ 08:26:02
Thanks, RT.
I appreciate the article and particularly your thoughts on the perception of Americans living in the Philippines.
Oct 21, 2011 @ 17:34:15
Thanks for that info, I consider myself to be one of those “good” Americans considering retiring to the Philippines. I would like to meet and fall in love with a good woman who can appreciate what an American with a few dollars of social security and military disability $40K/yr can do for her and her family. Improve the quality of their lives while at the same time living a quiet and respectful life. Americans are basically morons, I am a former marine, I have no family or children. I am looking at dating sites such as filipinocupid, there seem to be a lot of nice ladies in my desired age group 35-45. My question to you is do most Filipino women want to find a man and move to the US? or can they appreciate a good man coming into their life, moving to the Philippines. Do you have any other suggestions for me, thanks a lot!
Oct 21, 2011 @ 19:37:01
I think it’s split 50/50. When the base was still here, it was more like 99/01. Attitudes change and so do the desires. As various areas of the Philippines improve, the people living in those areas no longer see the US as the dream they once had.
If you’re selective (and you can be), you can find the perfect mate who doesn’t want to live outside of the Philippines (unless you choose to do so).
Oct 22, 2011 @ 10:15:17
Hi Dick – thanks for your contribution.
From my experience, which just includes visiting there, I think there are quite a few filipina that would like to stay in the Philippines, all things being equal. Their family is there, and their friends, and family is HUGE.
The main reason that many of them want to leave is so they can provide for their family back home. If that can be accomplished without leaving long term, then I think they would be very happy. Not to they wouldn’t be interested in visiting other countries and such, but the Philippines is their home. Of course this is not true for all, but you should have no trouble finding a great gal that wants you in the Phiippines.
Apr 28, 2013 @ 20:48:40
Try to be A member in cebuanas.com its a dating site but be careful to choose a girl some are good and some are also scammer. The choice is n your’s who will u going to trust.
May 20, 2013 @ 15:23:59
hi …nice to meet u…
Nov 30, 2011 @ 02:26:45
Dick,
I am a Filipina married to an American whom I highly respect and love. We met in USA while I am working there. We have been married for years and cherished everytime I had with him.We are planning to go back to the Philippines to retire and we can’t wait when that time will come. Our relationship was not based on the dollar that he can give me because each one of us has a comfortable income. Yes, I have helped my family from time to time before, but I am aware of my limitations without jeopardizing my own family’s future and budget. Filipinos tend to do more for families than other culture. We believe in “debt of gratitude”. We have tendencies to give too much which sometimes makes other members of the families dependent on what they are receiving.This aspect can be advantageousand disadvantageous.These you have to consider when marrying a Filipina. You have to be wise but tactful on how to keep her from doing too much for the family. When you marry her you should be honest and make her realize her limitation. Be understanding not to offend her because this type of practice has been a part of her for generation, taking this away from her will greatly hurt her. If you are planning to live there, set some limitation as to how much she can give to her family. As to choosing a good lady…don’t settle for girls who are aggressive in knowing how much you have in your pocket.Go to churches or department stores. Most of those sales ladies are educated and hard workers.Please don’t be impulsive. Date her several times and know her family. You might need to meet several. Once you have meet her, you’ll have her for life. Please,don’t try to change her, let her act as Filipino. Refrain comparing your country from hers…..she knows that the western world is better economically than hers. Just be youself and you should be allright. I am telling you these not as a warning but a friendly reminder for a healthy Filipino/foreign marriage. I know what I am saying because I am married to one. Goodluck!
Nov 30, 2011 @ 04:17:59
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. It is good advice and I will heed it.
Jun 01, 2012 @ 13:51:15
Hello Dick, my name is Doug and I am thinking about the same thing is you and thats getting out of the USA at least for now and moving to the Phils and enjoy life a bit. I have checked on many dating sights and its about 70/30 women wanting you to live there compared to moving here. I am not sure where I will live when I get there yet but have been searching numerous towns like Baguio, Tagaysay and Bohol and they are at the top of my list and I really don’t want to live to close to family if I can help it. I hope to be there sometime this year around the middle of Sept. Let me know if you aer there and how things are going.
Feb 04, 2013 @ 09:46:52
This is so good…so good. Thanks. Of everything I have read this means more coming from a filipina woman. I am starting a relationship with a lovely girl and these things are good to know. I at first was thinking of bringing her here of course but I would not mind moving there at all, Again this is good thanks.
Feb 04, 2013 @ 15:39:22
Hi Rah – I’m glad DINE’s comment was of some value to you. Lot’s of good insight there.
Feb 08, 2012 @ 11:18:10
Enjoyed your article. I married a Filipina I met while working in Manila (we married in the US). We may retire in the Philippines, maybe Bagoiu City, someday.
I think the comment about mooching relatives is a curious one. As if we don’t have moochers in the US, or anywhere else?
My wife’s family has never asked us for money. My wife sends a little money home each month to help her mom, who is now caring for a few grandkids whose parents have died. I would help them the same way I’d help my American branch of the family.
I think (and hope) the creep factor is fading with time. There are certain Americans who were based in the Philippines for a while, and believed that the women who hung around the military base bars were representative of the entire population. That would be like judging all of America from the women you meet in bars near the Navy base in El Segundo.
In my limited experience, the Philippines is a lot like Mexico or Costa Rica: Mostly Catholic, rather conservative (except gays seem to more readily tolerated) and in general, nice folks. If you’re nice to them, they’re nice to you, just like anywhere else.
Feb 08, 2012 @ 17:01:42
Hi Rick – thanks for stopping by and responding to RT’s article.
I, too, see some similarities with Mexico, and I’m sure the Spanish influence is a factor there.
The relatives issue can be a problem for some, and others not so much. I think one of the things I noticed is that there are a lot more relatives there than you’d probably see here. Big families, that have big families. As with anything, it depends upon the people involved.
Feb 10, 2012 @ 16:59:03
I, too, am married to a wonderful filipina. We are a year away from retirement and plan on retiring to Leyte. We spend the summers down there and find that the expat community there a great group. I have yet to meet the “bad” American. The group meets for coffee in the morning and discusses everything from solving the world problems to where the best place to get your generator fixed (very much a necessity in the provinces if you want guaranteed electricity). There is a great mixture of expats and locals that will help you in any way they are able. I am lucky to have a wonderful family down there that makes me feel as if I was born into the family. There are times when my wife and I need to help them out financially but it is small compared to what they give in return. The more you adapt to the Philippine culture, the better life will be in retirement. Relax and enjoy.
Feb 10, 2012 @ 19:00:43
Good luck on the retirement, that year will go fast, I’m sure.
Everyone has their own comfort level with helping out the family. I’m sure most would like to, if financially able, as long as there is not the feeling of be taken advantage of. But as has been noted, that can happen anywhere, not just in the Philippines.
Feb 19, 2012 @ 09:06:58
Newsy info from all of you. I’m getting ready to retire from a career in education. I have a very strong retirement but also plan to work restoring antique cars. I’ve been doing it for the last 12 years now, and have an LLC already created in state where I reside. Can anyone tell me or direct me to information about how tax laws would affect my income and how easy it is to establish a business? I was in the Phillipines from 75-79 while on active duty in the Navy, Subic Bay was home away from home on three extended cruises, and I’m just about fed up with the US and it’s systematic elimination of the middle class. I know so many people who hide their income from the government, all the while me paying more in taxes than Mit Romney percentagewise on a teacher’s salary!!! It’s broken, I don’t hear anybody willing to fix it, and I’m headed out the back door!
Feb 19, 2012 @ 09:26:11
Hi Mike – good luck on the retirement. I know many of us are in the same boat – had enough already.
I would suggest you take a look at PhiFaqs, Dave Starr’s blog. We has has a lot of information regarding taxes and such. He’s not a lawyer or tax attorney, but he knows quite a bit. A good place to get started anyway.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 06:00:07
“It’s broken, I don’t hear anybody willing to fix it, and I’m headed out the back door!” Mike, I couldn’t agree more with your comment. My wife and I are headed for the Philippines within the next two months. The Navy offered an early retirement this year so I took it.
Sep 07, 2012 @ 07:19:08
Good luck Jon. I watched a little of each convention, and I still don’t hear anybody saying anything new. They just want to blame each other and promise what they’ve been promising for years. All the while, my income keeps diminishing, my taxes keep going up, the cost of goods is astronomical, and I’m getting poorer and poorer.
I think I’ll propose a salary increase program for education similar to that of the oil companies. Gas prices go up as soon as a storm passes over the Gulf or a Saudi prince farts. I think I’ll start proposing raises for teachers because McDougal-Littel released last month they were thinking about publishing a new literature series. That’ll mean I’ll have to rewrite curriculum. I need to be paid handsomly now for work I may or may not have to do later. The logic’s the same, and yet we keep letting them get by with it. American consumers are sooooo stupid. We’re the most powerful people on the planet because we’re not afraid to go into debt to get what we want, but we don’t use our block of power to stop oil companies from raping us blind and catapulting us into poverty, laughing at us all the way.
OK, I’m better now.
mike
Feb 19, 2012 @ 09:13:27
Oh yeah, I’m also single and looking for the next Mrs. Wonderful. I love Oriental women for their beauty and simplicity. Many American women seem to possess a sense of entitlement and act like an American man owes them something. In my experiences, Oriental women, for the most part, aren’t that way.
Feb 19, 2012 @ 09:29:25
It’s difficult to put labels on people, but I would take it a bit further and say most Americans feel this sense of entitlement. I see it in my children, and wonder if it is what I’ve done or the world today, or both.
Good luck finding Mrs. Wonderful. The Philippines is full of wonderful people and I’m sure you will be able to find the right one for you.
Feb 27, 2012 @ 19:56:07
Very much interested to know u…feel free to call and text at (phone number removed but I’ll pass it on if you want it, Mike)..
Mar 03, 2012 @ 19:33:10
Hi Lucy,
Don’t know anything about you, and I’m not sure how you’ll get me the information, but sure, I’ll call. I’m looking for a particular type woman though, so please don’t be offended if we don’t click. If we do, won’t we have an interesting story to tell. And we’ll have Randy to thank for it all.
Mar 04, 2012 @ 08:47:16
Mike – I’ll send you the contact info that she had posted to your email.
Apr 30, 2012 @ 08:41:42
Have been to the Phils. 5 times for one month vacations. Have been married to a Filipina for 13 years and overall it is going quite well. She was a virgin when I met her and has been very faithful. Be careful of the women who after a short while start asking for money. They will say their mother or brother is ill or our electricity was shut off. If yo are really interested in the girl get some evidence such as name of doctor, hospital and phone number and check it out first. Chances are she is not telling the truth and you won’t hear from her again. Visit her home and family before making any big commitments. There is risk pursuing a relationship no matter where you go. Just be smart and use common sense.
Apr 30, 2012 @ 12:31:12
Hi Jeff – I think the key point there is – there is risk in any relationship.
Plenty of failed relationships to go around.
Many happy couples with filipina and foreigners, and many cases of it not working out, for a variety of reasons.
May 23, 2012 @ 09:49:31
i came accross this page when I googled retiring to the Philippines. Well,I am a Filipino but I married to an American. I moved here in the US about 3 years ago and we have now a very beautiful daughter. We live in a nice neighborhood in a nice house,my husband has his own business and I work in a bank and I also help him with everything. We are giving ourselves 20 more years and then retire in the Philippines. I am 30 and he’s 36,we are planning to retire young so that we can enjoy our retirement. While here,we are saving big for our retirement and we’re planning to send our kid to college in the Philippines too. For those Americans looking for a Filipino wife in a dating site, just take caution! not everybody in a dating site are genuine, but once u find a good woman,everything is worth the wait;)
May 23, 2012 @ 16:01:34
Hi Jill – thanks for the comments.
Seems to me you are doing the right thing by saving as much as you can to be prepared for the day.
I, too, am looking at early retirement. There are pluses and minuses. You have a long way to go, so you have time to make those decisions.
Jun 03, 2012 @ 10:07:37
Hey, first time to your site. I have been married to the most wonderful Filipina for 37 years and we plan to retire to the PI in approximately 3 years. I am as a son and brother to my wife’s family. They all treat me that way. We have assisted our family but they have also assisted us. I do not think an american woman would have stayed with me that long. Although american women are fantastic but have been taught to be independent. Hope to meet many expats when I arrive. Take care and keep writing,.
Jun 03, 2012 @ 15:06:46
Hi Don – thanks for visiting and the comment.
Good luck on the plans for retirement. I know that is something we all look forward to.
There are many good family situations in the Philippines, and there are some bad. Sounds like you got the better part.
May 13, 2013 @ 09:16:35
My husband and I are Americans. We plan to retire in the Philippines in about five years’ time. Our Filippino friends recommend Cebu City and/or Palawan. Can you assist me in the IRS situation if we do not plan to have any property in the USA? And how about the medical, hospital situation?? Thanks. Catherine
May 13, 2013 @ 15:49:23
The IRS situation is pretty simple, unless you have unusual circumstances. Any income you make will need to be reported to the IRS, just as now. Any Philippine income will also need to be reported to the BIR, but not foreign income.
I’m not sure what you mean about the medical and hospital situation. There are lots of hospitals here. They run similar to the US except you are expected to pay everything as you go. There is insurance, PhilHealth, that helps with costs if you are admitted. The amount they cover varies but the insurance is cheap. Medical costs, for the most part, are much cheaper here.
I find that Cebu is a fun city, but I’m not sure I’d want to live there. Too many tourists for me. Maybe if you lived outside the city a bit. I’ve not been to Palawan but it sounds very nice.
Jul 30, 2012 @ 23:50:05
this is an interesting thread, i am currently seriously involved with an american who lives in arkansas. unlike other relationships between americans and filipinas. we are situated differently. i earn more than he does and we have both agreed that moving to PI is a better option for him than me moving to the US. my question is where can we get information on how he can continue paying his social security contributions? he is 54 and does not want to lose that benefit. second, where can we go for tax payments. i dont plan on applying to become a US citizen and he just needs a permanent resident visa to live here but not change citizenships. financially, this is the better option for both of us. thanks for the help.
Jul 31, 2012 @ 08:30:00
Hi maybelle.
I’m not certain where one would pay social security. I would refer you to the US Embassy. There is probably a way to do that online, I would suppose.
As far as taxes, you can have someone prepare and file them for you, or as I plan to do, use software and file online. He will need to file each year, even if not living in the US.
Best to get an expert for these matters. Possibly someone will chime in.
Good luck on your future plans.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:33:24
Maybelle, interesting questions. Like you and your husband (finny thing is, I was 54 at the time myself) my wife and I faced similar decisions 11 years ago. She had a responsible corporate job in Manila and likely would have been promoted several times between now and then, but when we did an analysis of our finances and options, long-term, we decided to go to the States and wait out US citizenship for her instead.
It’s different for each couple, but make sure you both think long-term.
Your husband’s Social Security should alrady be secure by now, one only needs 40 quarters (10 years) of paid employment. US citiens can not make contributions to Social Security. Social Security is deducted for “earned income”, so if he has no job, he has no obligation to pay any further into Social Security.
Paying taxes is as easy as downloading a tex preprogram and e-filing it once a year. If you want to file on paper, download the forms, fill them up and mail them at the Philippine post office.
It’s easy enough for a US citizen to live here on a 13(a) visa, I’ve been here almnost six years now and I haven’t found any ‘keeping up wiht my US responsibilites’ tasks that can’t be handled easily.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 08:46:23
Thanks for your input, Dave. Good advice, and tough choices to make sometimes regarding things like the citizenship and how that effects SS benefits, etc.
I’m not sure how easy my tax preparation will be for me this first year, so I may solicit help. After that I will certainly do it myself online, as I have done for many years here.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 09:17:10
Hey Randy,
It looks like you’re getting a few comments on this one.
Although I’ve been living in the Philippines for more than six years, I’m no expert on things. I live on my military pension plus a little that I make online. I worked for well over 30 years in the US, so I have way more than enough SS credits. However, since I will be essentially unemployed in the eyes of the SSA, I’ll be receiving a constructive SS pension if and when I apply at any time after age 62 (which is another 10 years).
As far as filing taxes, I’ve been using software from taxact.com since before I moved here and I file both federal and state taxes electronically. I don’t make enough to even file taxes on my pension alone, but the extras and my wife’s income while she’s working in the US puts me over the minimum bracket every time. The secret I have is that I claim everything related to doing business online, except for the home office deduction. I’m talking about my Internet connection, my web hosting fees, any software I purchase, even my phone bill (since I’m required to have it for DSL).
Once you get your head wrapped around the concepts of being a citizen abroad, it gets pretty easy. Take the question about dependents on the tax form, for example. It asks if they lived with you in your home in the US for the last 12 months. How can you answer that when YOU don’t live in the US? It’s simple, you have to pretend you do.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:15:41
Thanks, RT. Guess I’ll have to get you to write another article, as this easily has the most comments on my site.
I should be in a similar situation as you, as I won’t make enough to hit the minimum but with other things, I’ll be over. As I said, this first year will be a mess as I worked up until last week, and have some other incomes coming in that don’t have taxes coming out. The move and the selling of my home are a little beyond my tax knowledge, also.
In regards to SS, I know I will lose a little bit of monthly income by not working my last four years before applying, but I’ve used an online calculator and it isn’t significant. It all depends upon on how much you’ve put in, how many years you worked, and then the number of years until you apply.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:04:09
Unless you make something like $250K on your house, you don’t have to worry about it. I made of $100K and didn’t have to do anything.
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:49:43
No, I didn’t make that much. I was hoping there were some incentives back to me for some of the costs, but I’ll figure that out down the road.
Got to get there now
Another Installment OF Live in the US or Live in the Philippines
Aug 14, 2012 @ 02:48:57
[...] on my colleague Randy’s Journey to Samal blog, a woman from the Philippines commented on her thoughts regarding a similar decision. [...]
Sep 18, 2012 @ 06:27:42
hi!! i met an american man from MN through dating site…we both know we have a special feelings with each other..he told me his past,he’s an ex sex offender before( having a gf w/ under age)… I’m currenly working here in taiwan and going home next month..any advice if he can visit me in the philippines…can he retired in the philippines,and live with me if we got married..he is a veteran..thank you in advance
Sep 19, 2012 @ 07:07:31
Hi Lala,
It depends if you want to come to the US. I’ve read it’s better for you to get married in the Philippines instead of trying to get married in the US. He’d have to come visit you in the Philippines, then get you a fiance visa to come to the US, then you’d have to go back to the Philippines, and then at some point you could get married. If you get married in the Philippines, you would just come to this country as his wife, already related to him. No matter what kind of visa you get to come to the US before being married, you’d have to go back.
If you have no intention on coming to the US, do whatever you think is right and legal according to Philippine law.
As far as him retiring to the Philippines, Randy and friends have lots of good advice and things to think about. I would encourage you to have him do some research, talk to others, basically educate himself so he knows whether it’s right for him/the two of you. Like Randy aptly points out, each situation is a little different.
Good luck,
Nov 07, 2012 @ 22:36:42
I’ve been married to a Philippina for about 6 months. I brought my fiance’ to the U.S. with a fiance’ visa. That took about 6 months of paper work. If you marry a Philippina in the Philippines, you can’t just bring her back with you. There would be a great deal of paper work, and I’m told that it would take 2 years to bring your wife to the states if you were married outside of the country.
Nov 08, 2012 @ 07:16:09
Hi Bill – 6 months is pretty quick. Most I know take about 8-9.
Maybe it’s changed since when I did it, but it was about a year if you married here first. Maybe just under. The difference in the two visa used to be about 3 months.
Dec 19, 2012 @ 19:31:19
Hey Randy, just wanted to add if they get married here (Philippines) first then they will not have to pay again to file to adjust status in the US. She will get her permanent green card and not a temporary one. It might take a few months longer but a lot less headache and money later.
Dec 20, 2012 @ 06:19:50
Hi Chad,
I thought that the Green Card they got still had to be converted to a 10 year, after two years. I know they will receive it right away as opposed to going through all the paperwork in the US.
Apr 01, 2013 @ 11:16:33
my husband i married in the philippines..and my papers took 3 months only..and i got my 2 years visa,we used k3 visa which is spousal visa also…..good luck to those who want to marry filipina,be wise,be smart…..
Apr 01, 2013 @ 17:32:20
Hi She,
Is/was your husband in the military. That’s really fast for the processing, unless things have really changed. They only ones I know that got anywhere near that quick were military.
Nov 28, 2012 @ 19:43:10
I’m trying to get a handle on how to receive my retirement in the philippines. I’ve looked at different blogs and I gather the following:
Direct deposit into US bank.
Wire transfer to bank in the philippines.
Access money in pesos by ATM card.
Question: Can I access money in dollars? I’ve read some blogs that imply no while others imply yes.
Nov 28, 2012 @ 22:03:58
I don’t have my SS transferred, as I’m not eligible for it yet. I do have a small pension. I have that deposited into my CU in the US.
Once a month I write a check here for deposit from my US CU. That goes into a Dollar account. I take money out of the Dollar account and transfer into my Peso account at the going rate at that time. You need to work with a month buffer as it takes that long for the check to clear and show as available.
It is my understanding that some banks here will accept your SS directly, but there is an extra charge. Still cheaper than a wire transfer I would think.
I can’t see how doing a wire transfer would be cost effective, as I believe you will pay on both ends. Better to just deposit it in the US and remit it, or take it out via ATM. HSBC allows up to P40,000 a day without fees other than what your bank charges.
In regards to accessing your money in Dollar. My Dollar account can have an debit card, though I don’t have it. It would dispense in Peso only. I’ve not been able to find out if the rate is the same as posted at the bank that day or not. I may get a debit card on that account, but so far haven’t found the need. Your dollar account will withdraw in dollar but you need to go to the bank to do so.
Nov 28, 2012 @ 22:11:25
I have a direct deposit dollar account with PNB. My monthly pension is deposited there minus a $7 remittance fee. BPI is another bank that does this.
Nov 29, 2012 @ 01:56:33
Thanks Randy and RT
I Checked with SS and they will direct deposit into PNB or BPI as mentioned by RT. I get federal survivor benefits and, though I haven’t checked yet, I’ll probably be able to direct deposit that to a philippine bank. My private sector job retirement will only directly deposit to a bank in the US, so I’ll look into doing it the way Randy does. I’ll be coming over from March 10 through May 4 to look into renting a house. I can open an account with PNB or BPI then. Again thanks.
Nov 29, 2012 @ 06:48:53
That shouldn’t be an issue either. The PNB New York branch can receive any kind of deposit.
Dec 16, 2012 @ 11:09:52
i was just in the philippines… went twice, the first time was bad the second time was worse (i went back to see if the first time was just bad luck and didnt want to write it off with just one trip)
1) the food is terrrible , actually enjoyed eating junk food i.e. mc donalds (it was a step up)
in thailand i would never eat at burger king etc since thai food is so good and cheaper.
2) constant noise , roosters (even heard a rooster on the roof of NAIA !), buses, dogs , karaoke etc
3) smoke belchers, even though they have emission tests there are still soooo many smoke belchers !
4) no peace anywhere, people constatntly looking for hand outs and women looking for a “boyfriend or worse yet a husband” but i cant blame them i too would want to leave that nightmare of a country
5) immigration, you can only stay 21 days, mongolia, korea, japan, hong kong, singapore and malaysia allow 90 days for tourists ! PI only 21, but you can extend BUT its a $100 a month for the privelage of paying 12 % vat and feeding half the country. they said last year they were increasing the stay time to 30 days but its still only 21 (who is going to take such a country seriously)
6) foreigners cant own property
7) security and danger , if its soooo peaceful why so many security guards ? for my protection? if its so dangerous, i dont want to be there
8) gasoline and electricity 50 % higher than USA, im right now in Arizona and pay $3.09 a gallon that comes out to 34 pesos a liter in Cebu it was 54 pesos a liter last week and the road sucks and drivers are insane, no respect for the traffic laws ! ohhh and there are constant brownouts (blackouts)
9) the beaches suck , even the USA has better beaches
10) returning to the food, in the Philippines the fast food places were around 50 to 60 % higher than USA prices. dont believe me , compare for yourself. whopper jr philippines 80 pesos in usa 1.19 (50 pesos)
i could go on and on, look i have nothing against the philippine people . im not angry cause some filipina girl broke my heart (if some filipina doesnt like you just wait 10 seconds and you will find one who does) and i was never robbed (thanbk god) but the place is a dump !
why one earth would anyone go visit there or my insane retire there is beyond me . to each there own but its soooo stressful, i want to enjoy my remaining years in peace and quiet and not having to spend my time filling out immigration forms (srrv retirement visa there is 1400 bucks application and 360 dollars a year to renew ) wow are they nuts ? 360 bucks to put a stamp in your passport ? look ill pay 360 dollars a year not to live in the philippines . ha ha . by the way im not some first time traveler, i have us and canadian citizenship and permanent resident visa in chile/argentin/uk and have visited well over 100 countries but to spend 1200 dollars for a round trip ticket and fly half way around the world to go back to a place like that is stupid ! mexico is just 10 minutes from here and if i want to see poverty and misery its much more convenient and the hotels in mexico are cheaper and you can stay 6 months at a time as a tourist ! ahhh but what about the girls ? i can find all the poor homely leaches i want right here in the USA (just go to your local walmart)
the philippines just isnt for me and shouldnt be for anyone who is rational and sane
good luck and thanks for reading my rant
Dec 16, 2012 @ 15:58:20
Hi Bob,
I agree with some of what you wrote but not all. For instance I don’t care for the native food, but there are those that love it. Native food can also be very inexpensive.
For every negative there are positives here. Each person must decide what is important and what they want. I just spent a day up in a mountainous area of the Philippines that is very beautiful and peaceful, but they still had roosters crowing in the morning.
The Philippines has much to offer but it’s not for everyone. Good that you were able to spend some time here to figure that out. There are many that move here without stepping foot in the country first. That is not a good idea.
I hope you find the perfect place for your retirement, whenever that may be.
Jan 11, 2013 @ 07:40:37
Hi Bob. If you go on comparing Philippines with the US, you will never understand its beauty or uniqueness. If you expect too much, you will never be satisfied. You sound like a ‘cotton wool’ tourist but I am sure you’re not. But I have a feeling you think the way you do based on most of your experiences in Manila or some large city. Looking like a foreigner and acting like one also never helps. Like some others have said, for each negative there are positives. But your details re food and petrol prices are clearly inaccurate. Granted, Filipino food does not cut it in terms of ‘food of choice’ anywhere in the world, but some outlets like Inasal are very nice and very inexpensive. Some local snack foods are very tasty. Home cooked meals are never disappointing. Overall, the biggest attraction for staying in the Philippines is the people and their ability to ‘move on’ in life. Some will want the easy option going for handouts (just like the US) but many are prepared to work hard. In the US, the very poor will resort to crime and muggings, homicide and violence ‘as the norm’. Relatively speaking, with all the guns available in the Philippines, domestic violence and public killings, compared to the 11000++ killings a year in the US, is quite low and unexpected considering there is so much poverty amongst 90million people. Corruption came from years of foreign occupation leaving the locals with no skills of their own to establish their own government and businesses. The country has been raped by Spanish and post-war American occupation. Yet the people still maintain some dignity and extraordinary family values not found in the Western world. But if you look at the ‘white collar’ corruption in the US and the constant rise of the ‘working poor’ you can see for yourself that the US economy and its people are getting worse off by the hour! The only way is down. The only way in the Philippines is up!
May 09, 2013 @ 23:27:10
Hi Bob, you are right about the food. Totally unhealthy and not sanitary. Most of the food was greasy, fried or not hygienic. I spent time up in El Nido on Palawan Island and we had some locals on our sight seeing boat. They ate with their hands which is their business but when they put their saliva coated hands back into the groups food to take another serving of fish (ie: pick meat off of the large fish on the group’s table) that was when my feeding time ended. I also realized that toilet paper was almost nonexistent everywhere we went and that napkins are almost unheard of. I guess they just wipe their hands on their clothes. Also, no one drinks coffee here except packets of crappy instant coffee. Just making observations. Otherwise I had a wonderful time here, met a beautiful Filipina and plan on coming back to be with her. When I come back I will bring my own coffee beans, grinder and coffee pot. Lol
May 10, 2013 @ 16:04:34
Hi Andy, thanks for the comment.
I’m not sure where you stayed but your experience with coffee reflects mine when I went to the province, but here in Davao (and Manila, Cebu) there are literally hundreds of coffee shops. Everything from Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, to homegrown ones like Bo’s, Chicco de Cafe and Blugre. Many, many more.
Also most of the supermarkets carry a nice selection of Philippine coffee and imported coffee.
You shouldn’t have any trouble finding good coffee here.
Aug 18, 2013 @ 11:09:46
awe,,,,, ;(
Dec 20, 2012 @ 15:27:33
Hi Randy, you are correct that they get the conditional status if they used the K-3 or the CR-1 visa. I suppose this would be most people’s situation. It was my mixup because what we had researched was for my wife’s sister who got married a few years ago in the Philippines. She is applying for the IR-1 visa since they have been married more than 2 years. She will receive the permanent green card not the temporary one. Thus she will not have to apply to adjust status. I would have posted this in our conversation but for some reason the are no reply buttons in our previous comments.
Dec 21, 2012 @ 06:35:13
I see. It’s been awhile since I looked into the different visas. I don’t remember the IR-1. Thanks for the info.
Not sure why the “reply” wasn’t available. It seems to be there for me?
Dec 29, 2012 @ 23:17:46
I just found out about the Direct Express card. This is a MasterCard debit card that social security and other federal pensions can be directly deposited too. Supposedly you can withdraw funds at any MasterCard (Maestro, Cirrus) network ATM and even withdraw funds at a bank teller window that displays the MasterCard logo. It doesn’t require a bank account. Does anyone have any info on this?
Thanks, Tighe
Dec 30, 2012 @ 07:48:17
There is information on the SS site regarding the Direct Express card. I’m not sure how it would work in the Philippines with conversion and fees. Sounds like a good deal otherwise. As you said, no bank account is required.
Dec 30, 2012 @ 07:51:04
@ Tighe:
This card is put out by a small bank I have never heard of in San Antonio, Texas. One of the first things I noticed (failed to notice, perhaps, is that in their list of government payments which can be received by the card, US military pensions are conspicuously missing. SS, VA and even OPM, but no DFAS (US Military). Either they don’t handle military retirements or they don’t even know anything about them … either way is scary.
Second thing is fees. For use overseas the fee is $3.00 USD per transaction plus 3% of the amount withdrawn.
http://www.usdirectexpress.com/edcfdtclient/docs/faq.html
In addition you’ll be charged any fee’s the Philippine bank owner of the ATM chooses to charge, plus the standard MasterCard “cross border” fee (a dollar last time I paid it), and the biggest fee of all … the exchange rate. The Peso to Dollar rate on these cards is always atrocious … 4 or 5 pesos belwo the Philippine bank rate. So if you used this card to take out a “thousand dollar” worth of pesos, you would pay something like $40 in fees and another $10 oe $12 because the exchange rate will be wrong.
Living on a US-based ATM card in the Philippines? Way too scary and expensive for me … i just write myself a check from my US credit union and cash it in my Philippine bank every month.
Dec 30, 2012 @ 09:22:06
The easiest way to get your money in the Philippines is by having it deposited into a Philippine Bank. There’s more than one that will let you set up a dollar account and then you can have it set up as a direct deposit account. BPI and PNB are only two that I know of and I use PNB — I have no need to check for other banks — and I’ve been using PNB for more than six years.
This is what I did: I opened a dollar account with PNB and had to leave $500 as the minimum to keep the account open. Then I obtained the routing number for the NY PNB branch and my own account number (of course). I then went to the MyPay site and entered the direct deposit information, changing if from my Wells Fargo account to the PNB account. After the first direct deposit payment showed up in my PNB account, I returned to the bank to get it and get $300 back as the minimum since the minimum for direct deposit is $200.
PNB in NY is not a real bank as far as the US is concerned — it’s a remittance center. The charge is $7 per transaction from any US source. When I get paid by Google, for example, $7 dollars gets deducted just like when my direct deposit goes in.
The only issue is during the holidays. Since I get paid in the US on the 1st of the month (for direct deposit), I normally can’t get to it until the 2nd in the Philippines. Also, in addition to weekends or holidays in the US, I have to account for holidays in the Philippines as well. I think the latest my deposit ever went in was on the 5th of the month.
These are dollar accounts and I can have the money changed to pesos at the bank or go to a regular money exchange outside. Since I save some of my money as dollars, I usually change them outside.
Dec 31, 2012 @ 21:19:21
Many thanks to all of you,
Thanks Dave for the info on fees. You use the method that Randy suggested when responding to an earlier post of mine. It leaves my funds in a U.S. bank, insured for a larger amount, and only requires me establishing a buffer amount to draw against in the Philippines until my check clears.
I will have a pension, though small due to early retirement, from my current job and they won’t deposit the money in an overseas bank. I’m going to have that directly deposited into my U.S. credit union account. I was intending on using the method suggested by RT to access that money when needed. Of course writing myself a check to access that would be better but if I need to get that money I probably won’t have a big enough buffer in my Philippine account.
I wanted my government money directly deposited to my Philippine account. It looks like that may present a temporary problem if I’ll need an ACR-I card and you have to be in country for 6 months to get one.
I was looking for a way to get access to my government money during that 6 months and the Direct Express card looked to be a viable option. I’m not excited about those fees but I may have to bite the bullet for a short time. The debit card info does say you can withdraw funds from any bank window where the MasterCard logo is displayed. Perhaps I can at least dodge the ATM transaction fee.
Again many thanks.
Apr 14, 2013 @ 18:27:38
Another option is third party transfer with an agency like Xoom where you can transfer 1000usd for a $7.99 fee for usd pickup at thousands of locations, many 24 hr – from your us-based account, usually within minutes. less expensive for sure than atm cards – i’ve noticed atm fees in pinas have gone up and transaction limits down, double whammy. so maybe a better temporary option prior to setting up in country bank account…
Jan 01, 2013 @ 18:29:16
Well, I don’t know how I came here. I’m just looking for a site to help me avoid foreign male scammers since I just joined filipinocupid and I’m almost became a victim again of 2 male scammers on the site the other day. I’m a Filipina, 31 years old and never been married. I do respect all the comments I have read here by some American retirees. Truthfully, I really admire and attracted to American serving as military and I hope I will meet one of them in my life. In fact, I have joined a US Military dating site and hopefully I will meet the right one from there. To trace our history, our countrywere once a colony of USA where American and Filipino soldiers bravely fought against Japanese during WWII. To think, American and Filipino has already a bond of friendship and camaradarie since before. I hope these values will always remain. However as a Filipina who’s seriously seeking for a foreign companion in life, I’m affected by so many negative criticisms from American men who was lured by my fellow Filipina. I can’t blame them but I hope they won’t generalized all Filipina as such. I hope this new year of 2013, I can find my good American man. Hopefully.
Michelle
Jan 01, 2013 @ 18:45:46
Hi Michelle,
I’m guessing you got here because of some of the comments early in this thread. This thread is so old, that I have forgotten most of what has been written and had to do a quick glance through.
Many people have found their partner online. It is quite common now a days. As to avoiding scammers, that is more difficult. Since you have encountered a couple already, it seems you have a good idea what to look out for.
Good luck on your search, and I hope others chime in with advice.
May 08, 2013 @ 05:11:37
In my observations each time i went to the Philippines i met a lot of Americans a few Aussies and Europeans A lot are retired, older, some are still young as myself All of them married to a Filipina and seem very happy . The ones who come here for the wrong reasons are few and far. For the fat ugly bald guys i met they turned out to be very kind. That is the western women way of thinking they need mister rich and handsome . Not all but majority. Filipina are more excepting and once these guys find out how could they resist their beauty. I’m married to a Filipina also I’m 45 she’s 23 and we have the best relationship .
May 15, 2013 @ 06:28:34
I have seen both good and bad. the good is my wife. I am 60 yrs old, my wife is 35 years old. . I met my wife when i was 56. we have been married for 4 years and planning to move to the philipines. I haven’t a lot of money. her family has never asked for any money either. my wife sends clothes,personel hygene products which they act like I sent them a million dollars. The bad is the region where i want to live but cannot because of the muslim rebels. If what the other guy said was true my wife wouldn’t object to where we live over there. She would just live in the area where she grew up in but she don’t want to because its too dangerous. In my opionion thats says she loves me without saying it verbabaly. When we decided to get married she understood I was not rich but we made it a motto of to build something togather and thats what we have done. At this point and time I have filed for my disability and she hasn’t a problem with it. I love my wife and her family! They would do anything for me and in return I would do anything for them My advice to others is to base their experience in the philipines as a whole not one isolated incident. By the way i am also one of those old fat truck drivers!
Jun 15, 2013 @ 23:02:49
It is fun and enlightening a bit to read all this information about our adopted home, FILIPINAS, and our American brethren.
I live here, in Davao. About two years now, moved here after six years in Thailand. Love this place, the ladies (girls), and the people in general. The mayor for sure. My kinda guy. Makes trouble dissapear, ha.
Davao is the best kept secret in the Philippines and I hope it stays that way. I have seen it all from Luzon to Mindanao and everything in between. Wish I had come long ago. Am I an ugly American because I like cute , young girls. Maybe, in a Western Bible thumping view. Here, my little $2000 a month retirement goes a long way. Pays for all I need and sends a college girl to school and on her way to a better future. Yep, money always left over for travel and goodies like wheels and a nice place to live.
Maybe I am the worst of the retirees, old, loves girls, keeps one, and contributes all of his resources to the FILIPINAS.
Aug 11, 2013 @ 02:54:39
I am a American who is moving to the Philippines by the end of this year. I just read many questions and answers on this blog. I have a friend who has lived there for 5 years and loves it.
He was back here in the USA this past month to handle so person things. When we met for lunch
I couldn’t believe how well he looked, probably 10 years younger, He is 67 and said he is so relaxed there and the people are just wonderful. He has a g/f who is 25 years old. I was told that age is not looked at the way we look at it here, he said many Philippine men also marry women twice their age. I would appreciate some honest input from anyone who really knows about this. Let me explain why I would like to know this. I have been on and off a dating site for about 6 months. I have met many find women and also scammers as well. I have been communicating
with a women who is 27 years old and I am 64. She has a 5 year old daughter. I have met her Mom and sisters via Skype and they are all wonderful people. When we first started chatting we both felt good. I believe we have a great relationship. We have talked about our future and what
we want out of life. She has never asked for money. All she asked from me is to be real and treat her with respect. I really care for her and her family and also love her daughter. Am I dreaming or could this really work, even with the age difference?
Thanks, I would appreciate your comments
Mike
Aug 11, 2013 @ 07:56:25
Here are my thoughts.
Yes, it can and does work out all the time.
When I first was introduced to online dating & filipina, I came to believe as you do, that is was common, and even desired, in the culture for young women to marry older men. Maybe it was once, not so much now.
What I’ve come to accept, and I’m sorry if this sounds jaded, is that it’s all about money. I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. In the cases that work, money equates to security and a better life for family. In the ones that don’t, It is usually a situation where they get as much as they can and move on. Often with a real lover on the side.
All things being equal these beautiful, young Filipina would much rather be with a handsome, young Filipino. But things aren’t equal and many young Filipina, having been used many times by the boys/men here, often left with children, find the allure of a foreigner with all they “supposedly” have to offer to be their dream.
No, most of them don’t really believe that us old, bald, overweight guys are gwapo, but they will tell that often. They do think the chance at a better, secure and stable life is very appealing.
I’m not saying they won’t love you or care for you. Most likely, if you get the right one, they will – for life. I’m just saying be realistic about why they are attracted to you.
All that being said, I honestly feel that this can be great for both sides. You get that beautiful, young, caring wife & she gets a hopefully better, secure life for her, child and (be honest here) family. If it’s the right two people.
It’s a whole other subject about foreigners that misrepresent. That may be as common as the scammers. It’s rough out there.
Aug 18, 2013 @ 11:26:14
Very well said Sir.
I am a Filipina living and working in Taiwan for a decade, I am working away from home to feed my two teen aged kids( 17 and 15) and to be able to send them to school, ( single mum/separated ) I am in search for an American BF, because after more than a decade of living in a dormitory,and alone I suddenly felt am old ( 38yo) and i somehow wish to spend the rest of my days with someone.
I do believe in everything you said, sadly the truth always bites. Even if my main reason for BF search is a company,,it will always be seen as looking for security ( which I admit is true ).
Aug 18, 2013 @ 18:52:22
Hi Yeng,
Thanks for your thoughts and input.
I think for many of us as we get older tend to more realistic about what we want. I personally see nothing wrong for either of the reasons you state as to why you want an American boyfriend.
I wonder though, if you are separated as you say and that means still married in the Philippines, if that wouldn’t be difficult for a potential American boyfriend. The laws are pretty unforgiving here, and though broken all the time, it seems that foreigners are often targeted especially by the (separated) husband. None of my business really, and maybe you aren’t married, but it was the first thought I had as I read through your reply.
I feel for all of those that live and work overseas for provide a better life for their children. I hope that someday it will not be so common here. I think the children and parents both suffer. I often question whether it is worth it.
Aug 19, 2013 @ 00:26:30
Separated, I was being hit in my marriage,and was able to get away from it, though it was unacceptable for the husband in the beginning eventually,i was freed from that marriage. I can’t say if it’s going to be difficult for a potential American BF cause I haven’t been in a situation where I need an annulment, but I heard few success stories in the same situation. The Filipina gets an annulment,once settled,filed for a fiance visa and marry her American BF.. ( guess these stories had given me hope)
But if given a choice, I would prefer to have the BF settle in the Philippines ,,,, it’s a paradise despite the “not so good things” that the country is known for.
Aug 19, 2013 @ 18:21:48
I’m sorry to hear about the abuse. There is no justification for that and always bothers me to hear about such instances.
I’ve heard many successful annulment stories, though they take a long time and the cost is high. It can be done.
Actually I was thinking about potential difficulties even before the annulment, but this isn’t really the place for that kind of discussion.
Aug 18, 2013 @ 11:15:13
it may work,and it may not….the answer will come when you start living together,just like any marriages …
Good Luck
But be careful…please…
Aug 18, 2013 @ 18:56:36
Agreed, much better if you can live with each other for a while. Especially if you plan to get married in the Philippines. It can be difficult, time consuming, and costly to get an annulment. Though the foreigner may have some other options.
Aug 19, 2013 @ 06:04:06
Hi Randy,
Just to let your readers know, I’m rewriting and moving most of my Philippines-related articles to Retired Kano. I would appreciate it if you could edit the existing links.
I’m doing it differently this time, focusing on the Philippines instead of it being a free-for-all.
Aug 19, 2013 @ 18:16:58
Hi RT,
I think I got them but if you see others let me know, and I’ll update.
Thanks
Nov 04, 2013 @ 16:23:35
If you’re just moving to the Philippines for dates…then you’re a fool
Nov 21, 2013 @ 04:35:54
I am looking to move there to the Phil with in 2 weeks and have been planning this move for sometime now. I know using Wells Fargo will be my best bet for tranferring money here each month. Randy I have been talking to a lady there that lives in Toledo and we have beem communicating for about 3 years now and I have met her mom and dad both online and we have built a good relationship. I would like to know what you would suggest for a Visa since I am looking to live there for good and maybe having a friend I have worked with for years also moving there next year as well. We both are ex military and ex Us Government employees and really can hardly wait to get out of the USA.
Nov 21, 2013 @ 07:41:36
Hi Doug,
I believe your two options are to use the tourist visa and keep extending that every couple months, or apply for the SRRV. The SRRV seems to be constantly changing requirements, so it would be best to check the the PRA website for that: http://www.pra.gov.ph/main/srrv_program?page=1
If you were married to a filipina there would be other options, but those two are the ones that I’m aware of, if you are not married.
Nov 21, 2013 @ 08:24:15
Doug,
Congrats on finally getting “moving”. Randy’s advice makes perfect sense. As a US military retie and a Federal civil service retiree myself, let me add my perspective from my eight years in country as well.
1. Relax. You don’t need any visa, just the tourist stamp you’ll get on arrival and renewing that every two months. Time enough for working on some more permanent visa _after_ you’re here for a while and understand. It’s perfectly possible to live here for years on the tourist visa routine. Many guys do. There are other visas that you may decide “fit” you better in the future, but worrying about them now are wasted time, effort and money,(not to mention stress), IMO. Don’t forget one simple reality is that a huge percentage of retired guys coming here don’t even last out a year, so my advice is, apply the KISS principle and come here and find out if you will actually feel like sticking it out.
2. Go Slow on the relationship thing. You only _think_ you know her via and online relationship and equally important, you don’t know her family and the family dynamics at all. Just relax and take it slow, you’ll be happier.
Nov 21, 2013 @ 17:06:17
Thanks, Dave.
If you are unsure of things, the tourist visa gives you the flexibility of deciding later. The issues are you have to renew often, and it you will pay each time. If you have a BoI office nearby, then it’s not a big problem.