Banking problem in Philippines, Bank at home freezes account

I was contacted by a person in the Philippines that has a Charles Schwab account and it was frozen for fraud detection. Learn about what happened and how to prevent this by having redundant accounts. Also learn about phone services such as Google Fi from the United States.
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[@poundtrader1414]

My bank has a program where you tell them what country you would be in so they know it's you and not fraud

[@benguenther1162]

Thanks for your most valuable information. I was just wondering, would you recommend the YubiKey 5C NFC for bank access instead of 2FA when living overseas?

[@danluzurriaga6035]

Charles Schwab is not a bank, it is a brokerage. Do not use a bank, use a small community credit union where you live in the USA and build up a good relationship with them.

[@dennislbrown]

I have 4 accounts, to prevent issues, although I don't want to link my schwab account. my main account for paying bills is not linked to the PH, it is connected to other banks that ARE linked to the PH, including Wise (at your recommendation in a previous video). Two degrees of separation on purpose. btw, finally got here after a year of talking about it, 3 weeks in Davao, loving it.

[@joeh6632]

I’m keeping my T-Mobile phone just because of this. It has worked perfectly when I’m there. Moving permanently in early 2024.

[@neolee8206]

Philippines is now tracking all Philippines sim cards so your American cp is probably a good idea.

[@johnrichard1359]

True facts but it's no difference than the US. Before the Philippines was like the US prepaid phones was not being tracked. Now those phones are being tracked. So I say if your T-Mobile phone works use it and the Philippines has a call center in Manila. My T-Mobile phone works fine in Manila but when I go to the province the service is questionable. I plan on using an older phone from the US as a phone with a Smart SIM card and keep my newer phone with T-Mobile The reason for that the cellphone towers are not as advanced in the Philippines like in the US. Before in the Philippines they didn't know who the phone belongs to now they do. Our phone companies do that extra work for us. In the Philippines you have to do it yourself. We are very spoiled by default 😂. As long as you are not doing anything illegal, you should be ok with a phone sim card from the Philippines or the US. Which ever one fits your situation and lifestyle.

[@joeh6632]

@@johnrichard1359 We have a house in Cavite and the phone works great. I will be getting a Philippine cell phone also because I need it for Gcash and other things. Using Wise to transfer money to Gcash is limited to 50000k per month but great.

[@stephenatherton1623]

This is common sense and obvious advice. I have multiple accounts, I don't trust absolutely any bank, they can't be 100% trusted. In my selection I use Wise, it's great, never yet had a problem. I love playing with it on the app. Using it in Philippines is faultless.

[@Chuck_Jordan_Philippines_Exp]

Great video and valuable advice. The Philippines is a wonderful place, unless you don't have access to money, then it's a disaster. For those that have TD Ameritrade, Schwab bought them a while back and will be transitioning all account holders to Schwab, that means TD Ameritrade debit cards etc will stop working and a new Schwab debit card will be sent to the mailing address on file.

[@edwardlawler9487]

Great heads up

[@stanleyboothe4893]

Do you have other means to transfer money from US?

[@edwardlawler9487]

@@stanleyboothe4893 good ole faithful western Union will get you over when in a bind until you work out what remittance service of choice you want to use.

[@Waddle584]

Last year CS cancelled all brokerage accounts for residents of the Phillppines.

[@lawman3966]

This is worth checking on, as I think your statement exaggerates the reduction in service. I discussed this issue with a Schwab rep in detail after their announcement last year. My understanding is that while overseas investors are more limited in their account activities, they don't have to close their accounts. The rule relayed to me on May 10, 2023 was that U.S. expats in the Philippines can maintain and liquidate accounts but not add stock or bond investments. Proceeds from stock or bond funds cannot be reinvested but must instead be moved into a cash core account. Cash in the core account may then transferred to a brokerage company that does allow Philippine resident expats to add to stock positions (such as Interactive Brokers). As always, please call your service rep to verify everything stated above. The above was current as of May 2023 though.

[@Waddle584]

@@lawman3966 I believe you are right...I stand corrected. But not being able to buy securities is a deal breaker for most. Luckily IBKR has not made any major changes yet

[@billhornsberger5116]

Very good advice Dr Laway. I’m here in the Philippines now in the process of relocating here from the US now that I’m retired. I have followed your advise, having a Charles Schwab debit account linked to my major bank in the US, and 2 other debit accounts linked to other banks as suggested by you. I have NEVER had an issue getting access to my retirement settlements here as a result of your advice. I strongly recommend others follow it too!

[@andrematthews313]

Good advice, i and my wife actually have 5 accounts 4 in the States and one in the Philippines with plans to open another one here. Its has worked out well for us..always using them ..even if transferring or sending Zelle to others. T mobile is extremely important. Or any of the American services.

[@FunnyAnimals-1957]

it costs me 45 dollars a month for atm and foreign transaction fees

[@KC-in9px]

I have a Charles Schwab account (among others). I used the Charles Schwab account exclusively for my around the world adventure last year. With the App you can let them know in advance what countries you'll be visiting. I also called customer service prior to leaving the US and told them that any communication from them should be directed to my email or notifications in the App. I never had an issue in any of the 7 countries that I visited.....perhaps I was just lucky.

[@DrLawaytravels]

I have used them for years and never had a problem. This was the first time I had heard of it, although I am aware of other banks in the states that this happens with.

[@jonb3189]

I have their Debit Card. Need to call them. Worried since that Debit Card is connected to my main Schwab Account (and it has 50K plus in it). Should someone get the card and the pin code, they could empty it. Will try to arrange for them to open an new account that I put a few thousand into whenever transferring money. Here, worst case if the "bad people" get the card and pin code, they will not have access to the entire account but a small portion.

[@keithrogers9741]

Apparently the Philippines is on the US grey list and trading your Schwab/Ameritrade account will be difficult if impossible. More scrutiny in coming

[@KC-in9px]

@@keithrogers9741 I've had no issues with my Charles Schwab investor checking account.... it's free to open and has even paid interest on my balance. Again if you want to use ATMs with no fees incurred it's ideal.

[@mattdragonrider7888]

I've found wise to be excellent, another back up method is my son, I've had him transfer money using western union, I've paid into his bank account and he has done a transfer

[@DrLawaytravels]

Having someone back home just in case has always been my fail safe. Have not had to resort to that yet.

[@Mochit67]

Just one more thing....If possible, Join member of your family that you trust to your account. In case of severe problem they can go to the bank to solve the problem.

[@paulf4650]

Just an FYI; Neither Schwab or Fidelity are banks. They are brokerage and investment firms. You can get many of the same features as a bank, such as a debit card for ATM's. However, there is no FDIC insurance on balances and how they're regulated by the government is very different from banks. I know that this probably has little relevance to the topic at hand but its an important clarification.

[@marcuscicero538]

Just an FYI--Charles Schwab Corp has 2 parts: a brokerage and a bank (a real bank with FDIC insurance). It's all right there on their home page. Schwab also has a page explaining which accounts are FDIC insured and which are not.

[@paulf4650]

@@marcuscicero538 Thanks for educating me. I wasn't aware that Schwab had opened a bank. You still need to be a brokerage customer in order to use the banking services.

[@DrLawaytravels]

The brokerage and cash accounts are not FDIC insured but the checking accounts are.

[@keenwood571]

What's the old saying? "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket!" In addition to bank accounts you need to have a major credit card to back you up for emergencies if possible.

[@LGFrancy]

I use sendwave no fees? Now have a bank in it.

[@KennyInSubic]

I have a BDO US Dollar account and once a quarter I do an overseas wire transfer from my US credit union.

[@DrLawaytravels]

Good plan. I like to monitor the exchange rate and transfer several months at one time when it is good.

[@k9companion231]

I have and will always keep my American phone account open for this very reason. I also have an international account assigned and there banks. My Charles Schwab account receives transfers from my USAA account and my Navy Federal Credit Union account so if something freezes I have other accessible accounts. I agree with the Dr. Laway about not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

[@michaelfarris5156]

I have USAA, since here in Phil's BPI installed new international ATM, now my fees get refunded.

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Having a US phone is throwing money out the window .How much do you pay ? I have been here almost 9 years now , never have needed a US phone and complete any chore without one. Total waste of money.

[@51dbail]

I use magic jack with a U.S. #. $40 a year well worth it!

[@BePositiveCOG]

​@@michaelfarris5156I know that USAA refunds ATM fees for any ATM in the US. Could you provide more details on getting reimbursed for your Philippines bank ATM?

[@BePositiveCOG]

​@@51dbailI tried magic jack on the US territory of Guam. It didn't work. I haven't tried it anywhere else. Do they give you a US phone number?

[@Pcbdude82]

How does the phone thing work if you're in a foreign country? I'm thinking of signing up for like boost mobile and buying a cheap phone with my American number. But if there aren't boost cellular towers in the phillipines, isn't it kinda pointless?

[@jameswick2479]

T-Mobile works good there they are using satellites from spaceX ( Elon Musk ) and it works

[@rayconner558]

what your friends should have done had got them a majic jack phone account witch is only 39 dollars a year and they could have used there USA phone in the Philippines with wifi and made a text or phone call to anyone in the USA or there USA bank

[@lawman3966]

Would using Magicjack the way you suggest enable SMS texting to be used as 2FA while in the Philippines? I ask because it's not just a matter of having communication. U.S. banks can sometimes freeze accounts if the customer is believed to be living abroad.

[@AugieBenDougie-wk9pr]

@@lawman3966 Yes this is true. Phone issues are just one example. If you do not have domicile in a state, they are hammering people on that too; Having a virtual mailbox only is causing expats problems as well. You really need to have a relative or friend back home and use their address. You can still use a VB to send mail too, but a physical address is key; To keep a driver's license too. Exact same issue full time RV'ers are having in the states!! I Guess South Dakota was a solution, but I heard that is not 100% reliable either. I'm screwed since I don't have family or friends to trust.

[@51dbail]

Yeah I think min 3 US bank accounts set to more than 1 transfer CO. Also a Schwab card or something like it. To pull money from a ATM for free. Anyone that lives here knows to have backups for everything. Keeping some money here in your PI bank account is also a good idea. They are only insur for 250k php so I would stay under that

[@timhusk2913]

That's why I'll keep my US based bank and set up a wire transfer from the US account to the PNB account every month

[@DrLawaytravels]

Yeah I would not keep large sums of money in a bank here.

[@djc6436-e4h]

So far, I get the Schwab texts to my US number on Google Voice here in the PI, no problem. Knock on wood...

[@amleth9047]

Just be careful dealing with banks in the Philippines.

[@cshaiku]

BPI, UnionBank and MetroBank are ones I've dealt with extensively.

[@MrPogiBalut]

You can use BPI ( Bank of the Philippine islands) to transfer directly from your ATM into your account without using a third party transfer service. I'm an American that has lived here 30+ yrs you can do dollar to dollar amount or dollar to peso accounts

[@BePositiveCOG]

Could you provide more details? Can you transfer money from a US bank account to BPI using a BPI ATM?

[@BePositiveCOG]

I just subscribed to your channel. I think it would be good to have someone with your years of experience. Because no matter how many videos I watch on KZbin. I still have questions about things like, they say that you need a US phone number. This or that works most of the time. I live on the US territory of Guam and I still have problems logging in to my US bank or credit card accounts sometimes. But there's some good advice here.

[@alaskacpu]

We have 2 bank accounts. One in the Philippines & one in the USA. We can transfer in either direction and works for us. So we always have enough money available in the Philippines with out using Bank Cards or Credit Cards etc.

[@Kitiwake]

Holding cash in a Filipino bank account now? Last time I was there you could wake up tomorrow to find your account frozen or empty.(frequent)

[@ravenlorans]

My Credit Unions back here in the States Will/Would Charge $40 for Each Transaction.. So Once a Month I would have them transfer XXXX amount over there. BUT I also get Military Disability. I could have the Military Transfer all the money to the Philip account. I use Debit Card Only! But have not asked what fees there are for use overseas or if I use them over there and want to draw out foreign money, what kind of fees there are for that, if any... I have Plenty of time to ask and find out. It's going to take at least 6yrs to save enough to even start to think about moving there or even to Vietnam.. Plus I have my Dog I want to bring, so there is that also...

[@ricko_1965]

Having multiple bank accounts is definetly recommended - but also learn how to use Bitcoin.

[@rickmccarroll9993]

Hello my friend from Tennessee. One question would you have a direct deposit sent to your bank account in the Philippines if you was going to be living there.I have three check retired military and Social Security’s and VA checks so what would you suggest to me. Maybe have one sent to my account in the Philippines and the other two sent to my account here. I just try to find out how to do all this. Thanks for your advice. Oh yeah I am from Tennessee also

[@johneckstein6416]

Who does not get a new SIM card on there old phone old number your phone number is critical for everything.Just use a major credit union not a bank much better customer service

[@neolee8206]

I have my direct deposit go to a well run credit union, then transfer to various accounts. I have an international credit card, credit only, that I make payments as I use it in the Philippines. I have a Philippines bank that I use a 3rd party Americans based app to transfer money monthly for my cash needs. It's worked well. My credit card knows I'm in the Philippines and nothing else goes through as a charge from the Philippines. I do have a backup credit card that also knows I'm in the Philippines just in case. But if you're frugal, most transactions in the Philippines are going to be cash.

[@lawman3966]

I have a related question regarding account lockouts. I have a friend local to me who's willing to let me list his address for banking purposes. This would be a real, physical residential address, not a post office box virtual mailbox business address. My question is whether anyone has used this approach and still had a bank or investment company challenge their claim to residency.

[@0Sidecar]

Make Sure you go to your bank(s) and Detail everything you're planning ln detail.

[@Visayan751]

Excellent video - great advice 👍

[@DrLawaytravels]

Thank you! 👍

[@Wuestenwiesel]

Thats why I have redundancies. At least three accounts with different dates when they expire.

[@stanleyboothe4893]

Very good information. You explain everything very well. Im in Virginia, im trying to get all the information possible to figure out if moving there makes sense to me.

[@JavaNights]

What I have planned on doing was opening 3 accounts: Citibank, Wise and Fidelity . Last time I checked Citibank has branches in Manilla and Bangkok. Fidelity has zero ATM transaction fees and Wise for just in case everything gets frozen and you need to get on a plane back to USA.

[@keithrogers9741]

I have used Wise in the past , I thought Wise just does bank to bank transfers. If your account is frozen can the person access their account money through wise?

[@JavaNights]

@@keithrogers9741 Not 100% with Wise, just planning on what others have recommended. Having more than 1 source for funds.

[@Pcbdude82]

I noticed a city bank atm right near where my apartment will be. But is it the same. Like if I walk into a citi bank branch, will I have access to my account? If so, then opening a citi account is a no brainer. Probably will open one anyways

[@fauntfrancisco]

I asked my bank about the phone issue. Apparently that there's an option called "push notification". You will still be able to get text from the bank because its based on the phone, not the cell provider.

[@Kitiwake]

You need a good connection. If you're relying on push notifications to use your account you could be in deep probs. I was in Buenos Aires last July and it took a week to get the notifications working..a long time without knowing when you'll get home.

[@BePositiveCOG]

What if something happens to your CP?

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

I recently did a video on all of this......

[@jamesnichols2511]

I really liked this informative video. its an eye awakener. I'm old school and not very smart with the smart phones and what not, but I'm really trying to learn all I can before I move to Cebu in feb. I just hooked up with T mobile for my usa connections and added "digits" for banking issues from the states. my bank in texas said I'd be ok with money transfers in the philippines, but that could fail at some point. so having at least 2 banks would be much safer. I could use my texas bank as my primary, and transfer some funds to another bank in the states monthly and pull from each monthly to keep them active. then set up with a bank in cebu, preferably BDI. does this sound like a solid plan. help me obiwan.

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Waste of money paying for a US phone , have not needed one for almost 9 years now . How much have i saved , my budget is $4,500 a month and never spent a dime getting those funds here. A few times the bank accidentally shut my account trying to protect me. Put my daughters number down in my bank file , they call her with authentication number . Then she sends it to me on email and i reset and then good to go again. Don't waste your money on a US phone , they have plans here where you can call the US for 3 pesos a minute.

[@BePositiveCOG]

Hello Michael, that's my name too. You were born in 54 and are 69 years old. Same as me. The only way I know to get money from the my US bank to the Philippines is by using my Charles Schwab debit card. Do you have a different way that doesn't cost anything? I have sisters in the states, but they're to slow to respond. If they got a text from my bank they probably wouldn't respond for many hours. Usually the bank or credit card company wants me to send the code within 10 minutes.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

@@michaelbyrne5469 Not everyone has a family member who will do that for them...like you. Try to be objective...

[@JeffreyTedder-f2c]

thought you left , i guess it was click bait

[@MrHeart1]

When I check my accounts here in the U.S. it is mainly online. There are apps that banks provide for phone, tablet and home computers. How is it that no message was sent via email? They only sent messages by phone? I don't understand that but I guess I need to further investigate because different financial institutions do use different business method.

[@BePositiveCOG]

If I want to login to my US bank or credit card accounts, they want to send an access code to my phone on record.

[@johnnyg7899]

Can anyone verify if it's true that you cannot open a bank account in the Philippines if you are there for less than 30 days and don't have a permanent address with your name on it? I was hoping to open one before retiring and test the money transfer methods.

[@jessajoypantinople4321]

You must be a resident of the Philippines. You must have an ACR card that says Permanat Residence on the bottom of the ACR card Not Tourist. As a American in the Philippines, Philippines banks have to report your activity to the US treasury and it befomes a big hassle for Philippines banks. That's why they will shy away from opening an account for a US citizen.

[@nood5712]

@@jessajoypantinople4321I tried BPI and metro bank. They both rejected me for the tourist designation on my ARC card. Having a permanent address was never even questioned. I got my SSRV Visa for that reason alone. Americans are actively discriminated against for fear of non compliance with our banking regulations.

[@michaelbeggs2013]

I retired in Cebu last year. I went to a branch of Philippine National Bank in Manhattan, New York and I opened an account there in America. You don't need an ACR card and all that BS to open an account in America. If you want to transfer dollars you need to open a dollar passbook savings account to receive your dollars, and a local peso account with a local debit card. $100 fee to open each account and a $500 minimum deposit for the dollar account. I am now able to write myself a check from my US bank account to myself and deposit it here for a 100 peso fee. It takes 30 days for the check to clear, but I get a better exchange rate because I can convert dollars here. I avoid currency conversion rates and transfer fees and Foreign atm 250 peso fees and low exchange rates. My money is never locked up by fraud alerts. I keep a cash cushion here in my account so the 30 day check clearing time doesn't matter.

[@stevophillips4121]

@@jessajoypantinople4321 I'm still on tourist ACR card (until married within the 3 years), opened an account with Metro Bank 2+ months ago. Been here 15 months now. All I had to get extra was a rental agreement showing I was renting an aunt's house here for 2 years. Lol it's OUR house I had built, Dec 2022. Friend got notarized copies from a lawyer who drew up that contract for 500 pesos. But it is a PITA here unlike back in the US. Plus I had to wait a week to be activated. Guessing they also verified my SS monthly income..

[@W1LDWESLEY]

Every time you say google voice, my Google voice paused the video and listened.😄

[@DrLawaytravels]

Haha!

[@drsiding939]

Can you get your social Security direct deposit into a Philippine bank?

[@Franklin-d8p]

I get my SS into WellsFargo How can WF send my money to Philipinnes?😮

[@michaelbyrne5469]

@@Franklin-d8p You can also go into your WElls Fargo branch and request a wire transfer number so that when you are here you can do transfers. You can not do this on line , must be done in person. If you need any other help , i am here for you.

[@edwardlawler9487]

Only certain banks but call as the list changes

[@neolee8206]

Yes but I prefer American then transfer from my American account to a Philippines bank to cover most of my monthly budget. I use a different app than stated in the video. You should investigate several to fit your needs. They all have different methods to charge you. Some high fees and others on the exchange rate. US banks insure around 20 times what Philippines banks do so I don't like keeping much in the Philippines.

[@neolee8206]

Open a small Philippines bank account and use an app for remittance to transfer to it. The fees usually aren't too much to transfer to the banks if you use a debit card from WF to pay

[@BFRaiders]

Wise is the best!

[@HalifaxComputersRepair]

its called fail safe lol

[@rolfewert6154]

What is about email ? It is easy and reliable. Always get all bank information over email. Works without phone number 😎

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Your bank will not send you an authentication number by email , only by phone. Email will not help you , sorry , glad to help.

[@DrLawaytravels]

Banks are moving away from allowing email for two factor authentication unfortunately.

[@Quesera267]

I tried to use my ATM yesterday and it says I will contact my Bank. The problem is I cannot call them. Email works though. I am worried.

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Did you tell the card company you were going to be in the Philippines ? That could be your problem.

[@Quesera267]

@@michaelbyrne5469thank you! yes, I did. So they opened my card. I have been using it. Only this time it said to contact my Bank. I get two checks a month and I only use my SS check. So I should always have money in my account.

[@BradGrayable]

Chiming in... I'll cosign the Google Fi. I use Verizon here in America but when I visit the Philippines, I always subscribe to Google Fi for a month or two. Inexpensive and damn near flawless there.

[@DrLawaytravels]

I have used it for over two years, only time I had a problem with it was in Montenegro. Every other country I have been it worked great.

[@MrHeart1]

This is very good information to know. I have Verizon here in the U.S. as well but I will definitely keep Google Fi in mind from now on, specifically when I travel to southeast asia

[@BePositiveCOG]

Do you have to change your phone number to the Google Fi number? My credit card companies always send a code to my phone number on file.

[@lawman3966]

A quick check online indicates that I can keep as much money in my Wise account as I want. I'm posting to see if anyone has used their Wise cash account to store enough money for a week or two of spending in the Phils in the event that one or more other accounts become disabled. Does anyone know of a reason not to store money with Wise for this purpose?

[@DrLawaytravels]

I would not use a fintech to store large amounts of money. But enough for a month of expenses, sure I do that.

[@lawman3966]

@@DrLawaytravels I understand the need to be secure. But I'm curious as to why you feel that Fintech is less secure than a bank. From what I know so far, my Wise account has better security than my Wells Fargo checking account does. One of the 2FA options on Wise requires: (1) access to the account holder's phone, (2) possession of the phone screen-unlock PIN, (3) the Wise password, linkage of an authenticator app to the Wise account, and then (4) the authenticator pass code. In contrast, access to my checking account would require (1) the account password and (2) an SMS 2FA code (which I'm told can be overcome with a SIM swap). That strikes me as being less secure than the Wise account.

[@christaylor7049]

You are spot on

[@wesleydavis4048]

Not only is Wise affordable and reliable the exchange rate is second to none. I have been using them for years

[@cshaiku]

Remitly is hands down better than Wise. It sounds to me like you are comparing Wise to regular Banks, which I agree is better only because banks suck in this regard. :D

[@BePositiveCOG]

​@@cshaikuYes, I think you would be Wise to use Remitly.

[@danmcqueen5295]

That was an instant subscribe! Thank you Dr Laway!

[@DrLawaytravels]

Hello @danmcqueen5295, thanks for subscribing!

[@edwinholcombe2741]

Question... If I have a cellphone on the American system, how can it work while in the Philippines? It may work here in the Philippines on the internet but only on the inyernet. But I would need a Philippine sim card in order to make calls or send texts.

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Wow , you need help. It's called an international plan. Not worth it have lived here for 8 years. You can always leave a friend or relatives phone listed with your bank. Then the bank sends them the number and your friend forwards it to you. Have had to do it a few times , no issues. I have many accounts in the US have not used several for years and have never had them closed. Don't waste your money on any US phone plan, or don't even bother with an international plan , no phone is needed.

[@thinkfreeordiestupid]

I use T-Mobile, on the Magenta Max plan...free 5GB of high speed data (Internet and phone calls) piggy backing on the local Globe 5G (when supported) or 4G network, unlimited but slower data speeds after that. Have never exceeded the 5GB limit (I use WiFi whenever possible), no problems at all last 9 months.

[@DrLawaytravels]

As long as your American provider allows you to roam internationally it will work fine. Can be expensive depending on the provider. Just ask your cell phone provider before your trip. I use Google Fi.

[@J.Demp6979]

Great information as always, thanks for your work.

[@DrLawaytravels]

Much appreciated!

[@franky3231]

Hey Buddy, so last time I was in Philippines I added an international service to my already existing Verizon account but it was 100 extra dollars so my phone bill was coming at 200 dollars a month. So what phone service do you suggest that is priced reasonable to stay connected with US and not have text issues with the banks?

[@jamesnichols2511]

I just hooked up with T mobile and got "digits" app for international calls, costs 10 dollars a month. digits gives you a different number, so give that number to all your cash associates. total cost is about 60 dollars a month. Im bringing another phone for just the philippine number.

[@FiredtoFreedom]

Google FI will let you receive calls and text to your number wherever you are in the world.

[@franky3231]

Yes but you said on this video that Google doesn't work 30 percent of the times? How is that going to work? @@FiredtoFreedom

[@cshaiku]

We use Fongo. It's for iPhones, I am not sure for Android.

[@DrLawaytravels]

Google Fi if you do not need a lot of data or can use a local sim for data. $25-28 dollars a month. If you use it to make calls over wi-fi then calls to the US are free. If over cell towers it is like 20 cents a minute.

[@beaulong]

Quick question. As far as the rate and exchange. Is there a way to exchange and get 100 percent of your exchange? So if its 56 to 1 do i get that?

[@michaelbyrne5469]

No

[@DrLawaytravels]

Not really. You can transfer money and get the mid market rate on the exchange which is really good, but you will pay a fee for the Transfer. So if I transfer say $2000 USD I will pay a processing fee of about $15 but get the mid market exchange rate on the conversion. If you are exchanging Cash you will usually lose 1-3 pesos per USD depending on where you do the exchange

[@BePositiveCOG]

​@@DrLawaytravelsWhat about using my Charles Schwab debit card? Do I lose anything on the exchange rate when I get PHP from the ATM?

[@poetic.voyage]

@@BePositiveCOG There is always going to be a small exchange fee baked in no matter what you do.

[@vikkianderson5421]

⁠

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

I’ve been here for almost 2 years and my T-Mobile phone works just fine out here 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Lawrencerice]

May I ask what T-Mobile plan you are on for the Philippine international calling. Also, does it allow locals to call your US number without international calling/texting fees?

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

@@Lawrencerice I have the Magenta MAX plan. data and texts are unlimited but calls are $0.25 a minute. I use a VPN and wifi to make calls to the US but if I want to talk to someone in the Philippines then we use messenger video or audio for calls to friends. I'm also married to a Filipina and if i need to call a Philippines number then I just use her phone. I also use an iPhone and the digital SIM on the phone is linked to my T-Mobile so that allows me to add a Philippines SIM to my phone if i need a number here and I had one but I stopped using it when they made people register their SIM's and as a foreigner it makes it harder.

[@Lawrencerice]

@retiredcryptohunter9031 Thank you for your response. I was looking at the Magenta Max plan today. The wifi calling with a VPN is my plan too. I figured that a cheap throw away phone with the local sim card and number with either Globe or Smart is the way to go. I plan on landing in Dumaguete in 6 months to establish residency. You have been most helpful. Thanks.

[@robertbodnaruk6710]

What does your T-Mobile cost you

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

@@robertbodnaruk6710 I have two phones on my plan and it’s $110 a month. I am still using my T-Mobile phone here in the Philippines without any issues and if I need to make a call I just use my wifi and a VPN and it works perfect without charging me a ridiculous price for the call. Text messages don’t charge extra and I still have the 5gb high speed data and unlimited data after 5gb but it’s slower and I’ve gone over the 5gb trice since I’ve been here and the free data is slllllllllow 🤣. I have an older iPhone 12 and I have my T-Mobile number attached to the digital SIM on the phone and a Philippine Smart SIM card in the physical SIM card holder so I have two numbers and plans on one phone. I can send a load to my phone for better and faster data if I run out on T-Mobile or if I don’t want to use T-Mobile data.

[@Korbkorn]

You have nothing to talk about in your channel but disasters, difficulties. Hardships, despair, sadness. Nothing sort of pleasant or inspiring.

[@neolee8206]

There's a lot less planning needed for easy good times. But traveling half way around the world to retire means planning for the problems and difficulties. Or have a bunch of money to throw away when anything goes wrong.

[@wesleydavis4048]

I presently have ATT which I use when I'm in the US. I live in the Philippines. I was just recently in the US. I inquired about receiving phone calls on my ATT US number in the Philippines. I was told they offered no pre or post payment plan that would allow me to receive calls to my US number in the Philippines from the US which is very inconvenient as I'm expecting a few very important calls. They offer roaming plans so that I'm able to call out but none so that I can receive calls on my existing number. Has anyone had first hand issues with this and might have a solution that does not involve a VOIP service?

[@IlllIlllIlllIlll]

I think thiI would just take $500 USD from the atm and just pay the $5 transaction fee. It's only $5. I have credit cards so I will prioritize that over cash when able to

[@michaelbyrne5469]

Doesn't work like that you usually can get out only 10,000 pesos per transaction, so you will paying $15 for $500.

[@neolee8206]

That $5 gets to be a lot if you live here. But maybe good for occasional vacations. Credit cards are not always accepted. Even by big box restaurants and gas stations. This is still primarily a cash society.

[@worldchanges10]

Isn’t Schwab is in the process of bankruptcy?

[@michaelbyrne5469]

No chance.

[@DrLawaytravels]

Downsizing from what I have seen due to a pull back in deposits.

[@zinkszinks4555]

Good info W-Thanks