Philippine Residency and/or Permanent Visa

[Fastpiston]

For those interested, as of November last year, Thailand now has a 60 day multiple entry tourist visa valid for one year. The Philippine equivalent is called a one year 59 day multiple entry visa. Both must be obtained from consulates offshore their respective countries.

[Jack Burton]

Jack .

Did you realize that you were responding to a post dated 1/1/13 when you replied to Mongerman ... much cheaper to stay in a 4 star hotel with a negotiated rate with the hotel for an extended stay. They even threw in free laundry once each week for me. No advance deposits; room cleaned and sheets changed every day too.

I realized it after I hit send. YMMV. In the Philippines it's always short-term thinking, so it's the best deal for today that matters. And depends on part of country. I'd start wtth modest hotel if on a tight budget and new, and use time to look around in person.

I.

[Simmer]

Though the information about AirBnB is helpful from Huts, I find that the add-on costs with deposits, bonds etc plus the fees for Air BnB are excessive for relatively short-term stays. I am sure it probably works out cheaper for 2 - 6 months but, as Huts pointed out, the photos advertising places are always excessively flattering and it's risky to pay long-term sight-unseen.

I checked out Air BnB for a recent 22 day stay in Sydney and I found that it was much cheaper to stay in a 4 star hotel with a negotiated rate with the hotel for an extended stay. They even threw in free laundry once each week for me. No advance deposits; room cleaned and sheets changed every day too.

YMMV of course, but my 14-day stay next to MoA was cheap, no hidden surprises, up front with costs (per night plus cleaning fee IIRC), clean, convenient, and photos were accurate. I could also do my own cooking and laundry. If I wanted to. I'd definitely do it again.

[Manta Ray]

Jack .

Did you realize that you were responding to a post dated 1/1/13 when you replied to Mongerman69 about trying AirBnB.

Though the information about AirBnB is helpful from Huts, I find that the add-on costs with deposits, bonds etc plus the fees for Air BnB are excessive for relatively short-term stays. I am sure it probably works out cheaper for 2 - 6 months but, as Huts pointed out, the photos advertising places are always excessively flattering and it's risky to pay long-term sight-unseen.

I checked out Air BnB for a recent 22 day stay in Sydney and I found that it was much cheaper to stay in a 4 star hotel with a negotiated rate with the hotel for an extended stay. They even threw in free laundry once each week for me. No advance deposits; room cleaned and sheets changed every day too.

I booked a one bedroom unit in Makati with AirBnB about two months ahead of time for a 18-day stay in Makati. The price was great as it worked out to around half of what a very similar unit in the same building normally costs booked through one of the hotel sites. However, around 10 days before my arrival, I got an email from the owner of the unit cancelling my stay.Due to "unexpected maintenance". My hunch is that the owner had got a booking request for a much longer period of time that overlapped my intended dates, and just decided to dump me. No proof of that, of course.

Just a hunch. At least AirBnB was very prompt in fully refunding my deposit, and they offered other similar units for my stay at a slight discount. However, I ended up booking a similar unit in the same building with a different company.

[Red Kilt]

https://www.airbnb.com/ Many list 1-7 days, but I am sure they will negotiate for your time period if not already booked. Many price ranges available. No hotel safe, though, and scams possible, of course.

Jack .

Did you realize that you were responding to a post dated 1/1/13 when you replied to Mongerman69 about trying AirBnB.

Though the information about AirBnB is helpful from Huts, I find that the add-on costs with deposits, bonds etc plus the fees for Air BnB are excessive for relatively short-term stays. I am sure it probably works out cheaper for 2 - 6 months but, as Huts pointed out, the photos advertising places are always excessively flattering and it's risky to pay long-term sight-unseen.

I checked out Air BnB for a recent 22 day stay in Sydney and I found that it was much cheaper to stay in a 4 star hotel with a negotiated rate with the hotel for an extended stay. They even threw in free laundry once each week for me. No advance deposits; room cleaned and sheets changed every day too.

[Hutsori]

https://www.airbnb.com/ Many list 1-7 days, but I am sure they will negotiate for your time period if not already booked. Many price ranges available. No hotel safe, though, and scams possible, of course.

Airbnb is a great resource and yes, many owners will negotiate if you ask. I won't rule out the possibility of scam entirely because some scammers are quite clever, but with airbnb you're paying the company and not the landlord, and it claims to provide refunds if complaints are filed in accordance with the policies. Also, you have the ability to read guest reviews; if a owner is running a scam someone will soon post a complaint. Prior to moving to Manila I researched condos on craigslist, sulit and property websites but I wouldn't sign a contract or send money sight unseen. Upon my arrival I stayed at a hotel for several days and visited the condos until I found a place that met my requirements. If one intends to stay long term it is more economical to look outside airbnb (after your arrival) because its rates are 2-3 times more expensive than what you may find on your own. In the airbnb condo owners' defence they have to anticipate a tenant's running the AC all the time, and Meralco electricity is expensive here.

[Jack Burton]

I too am looking for shorter term apartment rentals and coming up short. Looking to stay a couple months, on a 59 day visa, and looking for a more affordable option than staying in hotel. Be sure to post if you find any options. Surprised by how little there seems to be.

https://www.airbnb.com/ Many list 1-7 days, but I am sure they will negotiate for your time period if not already booked. Many price ranges available. No hotel safe, though, and scams possible, of course.

[Fastpiston]

Happy to help. It really depends where you will live. My rent is low for a secure, comfortable condo with pool in Makati and now Pasay. One certainly could find much cheaper yet unsecured accommodation with no amenities. Or one could buy. Turn off the AC and electric will be quite low. I could cut my grocery bill; I like imported ribeyes at p1500 per kilo, portobello mushrooms and a decent claret. Chicken is very affordable. I cook a lot of Thai and Indian dishes. In some cases I already have cut my spending. I consume 1kg of tea per month; a low-end Earl Grey at high-end TWG is p4000 per kg. That's too much. I go to the Indian grocer and get a kilo of mediocre-quality Indian tea for p400 + a few boxes of chai masala powder. Instead of going with bottle service at a nightclub I could economise. Heck, occasionally I drink at Filipino bars where a bottle of Red Horse is p36. I could iron my own clothes. I can download movies rather than go the cinema. I'm sure I could easily cut 20-30%. I don't live a lavish life (I ride the jeep, launder my clothes, clean my condo, and cook often at home), but I also don't one of deprivation either.

I reckon most of these retirees are ethnic Filipino US citizens, i.e. Fil-Ams. Those who are Pinoy likely have purchased property here and can afford to hire a live-in caretaker if not have relatives who will do so.

You will live very comfortably. That being said, it's always best to control costs. I've seen some folks blow through money. It's alway a good idea to plan for an emergency and have the liquidity available to handle it. Obviously you know what's best for you, but U$2000-2500 will get you a very nice quality of life. And you can live on less. Domestic help is affordable. I enjoy cooking and there are decent culinary schools in the Philippines. You have a lot of hours to burn each day.

Indeed it is inexpensive here. I guess you and I define king differently. I need a sceptre, my throne, and my bejeweled velvet robes. You can rent a little 1-room apartment in QC or Caloocan for p3000-5000 a month, or get a nicer place for p7000-8000. You can never take a taxi. If a girl has no family to live with then it's a bedspace or share an apartment with a group, 2-4 girls per room. Indeed, you can live like a Filipino wage earner. Do you want to? More importantly, do you think that quality of life is enticing to highly desired women who are getting hundreds of messages on DIA/FC/etc daily? You needn't be a multi-millionaire to enjoy life here in a way that would boggle the minds of most men, yet living a step or two above destitution isn't a prudent gambit, IMO. You may want to check the Philippine economic indicators, http://data.worldbank.org/country/philippines. Caveat: some countries that are donor recipients tend to underreport so they can keep their hands in the cookie jar.

I agree that costs are generally cheap, but not all things. Power is expensive as are electrical appliances.

[Hutsori]

Can someone recommend a job that pays just as well in Philippines for foreigners to retire? Call center people only make about 20 k pesos a month.

Don't rule out selling Viagra and Cialis in the street. Maybe some DVDs. Laserpointers. A torch.

May want to investigate what is permitted under your visa, http://manila.coconuts.co/2015/01/30...ti-call-center , http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story...ti-call-center.

[VIPhawaii]

Has anyone considered working as a barker? Or even owning your own jeepney and becoming a driver?

http://thephilippinepride.com/10-und...center-chores/

According to the above article, they make around 30 k pesos a month. That's enough to live comfortably and mitigate your burn rate. If I am living well at $1000/ month, that reduces my required spending to only $600/ month.

Can someone recommend a job that pays just as well in Philippines for foreigners to retire? Call center people only make about 20 k pesos a month.

[Hutsori]

That was the number he gave me. These are mostly non-Filipino American retirees. They could be living all over the Philippines south of Manila as the other 100,000 report to Manila embassy.

I could live for a lot less and enjoy less. But why if I can afford it and want more? Why would I move to a lower lifestyle?

I didn't know the US tracks retirees by race or ethnicity.

It's your money, spend it as you like. I have the same amount as you available, but in my life I've learnt fiscal prudence pays for me. Life sometimes hands you $20,000 surprises. And as I said previously, I'm not deprived whatsoever. I just prefer to keep as much money earning a return to spending it.

[Dg8787]

That many Dg? Never knew it was that large a number but I have noticed a lot of Americans in and around the city. As for wheelchair guys maybe they go straight to one of the Ayala Centre girls who regularly walk the mall. Seen one regular with 4 different guys all in wheel chairs wheeling them out of the mall most likely o her 'nursing home' LOL.

That was the number he gave me. These are mostly non-Filipino American retirees. They could be living all over the Philippines south of Manila as the other 100,000 report to Manila embassy.

I could live for a lot less and enjoy less. But why if I can afford it and want more? Why would I move to a lower lifestyle?

[Hutsori]

Really interesting to get that breakdown Huts. That's reality. For the guy who is going to live on half of that, I would be interested to see what they would cut out / down and what that would mean for lifestyle. Although it seems a million years from now, I have begun to ponder retirement and the lifestyle I would want to have. The "others" you mention at the end would add on quite a bit depending on personal lifestyle (e. G. Mongering habits, car, maid) and practical fate (e. G. Medical problems). And most guys who seem to be budgeting for far away retirement based on today's prices haven't factored in any concept of inflation. A venti latte won't cost the same 5 years from now.


Agree a million percent on one aspect: better to overestimate. I wouldn't want to find myself having taken a one-way ticket to the Duma Retirement Village at 65 only to find out that I have to make a daily choice between paying for aircon, paying for viagra or having clean shirts.

Really appreciate any other insights you might have on the cost of living elements. Enjoy the Philippines, AsianRain.

Happy to help. It really depends where you will live. My rent is low for a secure, comfortable condo with pool in Makati and now Pasay. One certainly could find much cheaper yet unsecured accommodation with no amenities. Or one could buy. Turn off the AC and electric will be quite low. I could cut my grocery bill; I like imported ribeyes at p1500 per kilo, portobello mushrooms and a decent claret. Chicken is very affordable. I cook a lot of Thai and Indian dishes. In some cases I already have cut my spending. I consume 1kg of tea per month; a low-end Earl Grey at high-end TWG is p4000 per kg. That's too much. I go to the Indian grocer and get a kilo of mediocre-quality Indian tea for p400 + a few boxes of chai masala powder. Instead of going with bottle service at a nightclub I could economise. Heck, occasionally I drink at Filipino bars where a bottle of Red Horse is p36. I could iron my own clothes. I can download movies rather than go the cinema. I'm sure I could easily cut 20-30%. I don't live a lavish life (I ride the jeep, launder my clothes, clean my condo, and cook often at home), but I also don't one of deprivation either.

I heard from USA Embassy man that there are 300,000 retirees in Phillippines. 200,000 in the surrounding Cebu reporting area. What is interesting is major companies are building quite a few retirement and / or assisted living homes in the Cebu area. I am guessing the monthly costs are $1,500 plus or minus.

The other interesting thing is when I deplane in Manila from my flight from USA there are about a dozen wheelchairs and handlers waiting. Also there is a special immigration line for the wheelchairs. The people in the wheelchairs are 80+ yo Americans. I assumed they are headed for assisted living care facilities in the Philippines. Just an assumption on my part.

I reckon most of these retirees are ethnic Filipino US citizens, i.e. Fil-Ams. Those who are Pinoy likely have purchased property here and can afford to hire a live-in caretaker if not have relatives who will do so.

I have fiqured it would take $3,500 to $4,000 per month for me to be comfortable in Philippines. That is not taking in to account additional travel expenses or medical costs. This would only be a decent lifestyle with part-time liveout housecleaner / cook.

You will live very comfortably. That being said, it's always best to control costs. I've seen some folks blow through money. It's alway a good idea to plan for an emergency and have the liquidity available to handle it. Obviously you know what's best for you, but U$2000-2500 will get you a very nice quality of life. And you can live on less. Domestic help is affordable. I enjoy cooking and there are decent culinary schools in the Philippines. You have a lot of hours to burn each day.

Philippines is a cheap place to live.

An average working at department stores make 500 peses / day. A call center person can make about 700/ day. The average income per capita is $1000/ year. Yet they live perfectly fine in the Philippines.

Food is cheap if you cook local food. Nightlife is cheap. Get a girlfriend instead of paying for expensive working girls in edsa. You can live for $1000/ month and live like a king. Stop making everything with western standards and go with the flow.

Indeed it is inexpensive here. I guess you and I define king differently. I need a sceptre, my throne, and my bejeweled velvet robes. You can rent a little 1-room apartment in QC or Caloocan for p3000-5000 a month, or get a nicer place for p7000-8000. You can never take a taxi. If a girl has no family to live with then it's a bedspace or share an apartment with a group, 2-4 girls per room. Indeed, you can live like a Filipino wage earner. Do you want to? More importantly, do you think that quality of life is enticing to highly desired women who are getting hundreds of messages on DIA/FC/etc daily? You needn't be a multi-millionaire to enjoy life here in a way that would boggle the minds of most men, yet living a step or two above destitution isn't a prudent gambit, IMO. You may want to check the Philippine economic indicators, http://data.worldbank.org/country/philippines. Caveat: some countries that are donor recipients tend to underreport so they can keep their hands in the cookie jar.

[Wicked Roger]

I

200,000 in the surrounding Cebu reporting area. The people in the wheelchairs are 80+ yo Americans. I assumed they are headed for assisted living care facilities in the Philippines. Just an assumption on my part.

That many Dg? Never knew it was that large a number but I have noticed a lot of Americans in and around the city. As for wheelchair guys maybe they go straight to one of the Ayala Centre girls who regularly walk the mall. Seen one regular with 4 different guys all in wheel chairs wheeling them out of the mall most likely o her 'nursing home' LOL.

[VIPhawaii]

I have fiqured it would take $3,500 to $4,000 per month for me to be comfortable in Philippines. That is not taking in to account additional travel expenses or medical costs. This would only be a decent lifestyle with part-time liveout housecleaner / cook.

Philippines is a cheap place to live.

An average working at department stores make 500 peses / day. A call center person can make about 700/ day. The average income per capita is $1000/ year. Yet they live perfectly fine in the Philippines.

Food is cheap if you cook local food. Nightlife is cheap. Get a girlfriend instead of paying for expensive working girls in edsa. You can live for $1000/ month and live like a king. Stop making everything with western standards and go with the flow.