Complete Expat Guide to The Philippines 2024

[@dougparson4407]

My first 3 visits to the Philippines was to spend time with my GF but also to see the different places over there. I reserved condos on airbnb and setup sightseeing activities and stayed 2 or 3 nights at each location. Sometimes it was just the 2 of us and most of the time her daughter came with us. I planned my budget accordingly. I had 1 place that was only $40 a night and was a crappy place. All other places were $50 or above and were nice. Most expensive was a beach-front hotel in Moalboal for $82 a night and was also the best place we stayed on that trip. I would compare it to a place in Hawaii that goes for $400 - $500 a night. Traveling to different islands with my Filipina and her daughter showed them in a true sense and showed my true self to them. It was a vacation and a get to know you all in the same trip. I have no regrets for those trips - they are great memories for the 3 of us.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing this

[@robertmusgrave7875]

I believe that life is what you make of it. If you just lay around it will pass you by. Get up get out and enjoy the adventure.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Totally agree Will said thanks for sharing

[@charlesetienne6037]

If i move woman is not my reason. I just want a place with modern amenities, facilities, safe and friendly people and thing for me to do for six months and it will be my second home.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes

[@jonathancbc]

love the idea of breaking the long flight into two; coach and spend money on an overnight vs business class. You said this idea in prior videos and it's persuaded me.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobdodge2159]

Was in the Ph's for a month in March, 24. Excellent video filled with great tips for me or anyone planning a visit or long stay.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you enjoyed it Bob

[@Dethrey_]

Thank you my friend for this complete expat guide it helps a ton.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🙏

[@George-ux6zz]

Yeah, the weather in the Philippines is about the same as Florida this time of year. Hot humid and storms almost every afternoon with the occasional typhoon/hurricane.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes

[@vec306]

South Carolina isn’t much different on the coast. I’ve lived in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina & Idaho. I’ve also been to the Philippines for 2 months and for the most part I enjoyed my time there. Next time go to the Philippines I’m going alone.

[@Learning.Naturally]

Tons of great advice embedded in this video.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you think so Paul

[@leroyosmon]

Very good and informative video. As good as it is, without Chrissy, it just lacks something... her charm and beauty add a significant sparkle!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Well said!

[@stevetompkins7023]

Another great information video. Thank you

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks, Steve

[@Ego-Kills]

Thank you sir. Very informative, concise and articulate.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rusco1948]

This was a great video there was a lot to learn here

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrehenriques2]

Good Advise, thanks for sharing, i got 3 good points to consider for the future

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@andrehenriques2 👍

[@scsdrummer]

Superb video. Your offering great value on your channel. Keep up the excellent work. We appreciate it.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🙏

[@kurtnigbor7165]

Great video!!! Thank you.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you liked it!

[@DR23184]

Good advice. Most folks that use umbrellas is to protection from the sun. Have not been back to the Philippines since the 80's when I was in the Military. Thank you for the wise and mature advice.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🙏

[@spincube5734]

Invaluable information Rob, thank you !!!!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

❤️🙏👍

[@rudolfantonmaier755]

Every KZbinr here brings advice for dating a filipina there is no advice for normal visits to the philippines. Everone presented the same topic just a little differntly there is so little here that only dating is the tobic I am glad that I brought forward my trip to India

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing

[@Ego-Kills]

Great point. 99% of the vlogers talk about women. Very exhausting, boring and ridiculous. Everyone knows upon arrival men get women so why waste time talking about getting women.

[@expatlifestyle2000]

I dislike talking about dating and rarely do but my viewers always ask about it.

[@KutWrite]

Good info. WOW! The volume jumped and blasted my ears at 7:29. The only scammer who got to me was the one who INSISTED on a nightly video chat. Once I figured her out, there was much evidence she didn't even live in the PH. Sadly, I think some group had a hold on her because when I figure out the scam, she became terrified of someone else in the room before the screen went black.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Sorry about the volume. Chrissy was out of town and I edited that one myself.

[@KutWrite]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines Haha! I got over it.

[@DavidPaschall-pk3ih]

Great video. There are a lot of youtube videos on what to do when you move to the Philippeans or vacation videos, but very few videos on what a single man just visiting for a couple weeks should do. Great information!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks David

[@nathanielbarry]

Wow man. Saving this video. A lot of great information. Thank you.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Billy_B_Goat]

Wow Rob, that episode was jam packed.... I can't imagine a new guy not finding a good tip in there somewhere. For me, it was the Tello phone porting. I wondered what approach I should take for that and Tello really sounds like the ticket to solve the US on-line authentication text. I will say that I agree with the other Billy you quoted about the PH feeling like the 80's - sure I get what you're saying about the litter, but So Much of Filipino life centers around the Malls the PH is a real throw-back to when Malls where really the Thing in the US... and there were no malls in the 60's - not to mention all the Karaoke has tons of 80's music. Anyway, really good accumulation of info. Thanks for your hard work. Peace and Love, B Goat

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thankd B Goat. See your point 80’s music and malls

[@jamesnichols2511]

wow, what a great video. such an insightful message to those who want to venture to the Philippines. a step-by-step list of things to do and not to do. I've been watching vloggers for over 2 years and have come to the conclusion that there are always 2 sides to a vloggers story. Boots on the ground is the best way to figure out if the Philippines is right for you. Since I have relatives living there, I'll be going from Texas to Iloilo city in feb of next year. I was considering Cebu but decided on Iloilo due to the better surroundings as you stated. Being 74, I don't plan on getting a girlfriend, but want to venture all over Iloilo, using an e-bike as mode of transportation. the other reason for Iloilo over Cebu is it's a little more affordable. Being with a budget of only $1500 USD, I still believe I'll live a fulfilled life there. I plan on living in a one -bedroom condo fully furnished. I agree, when you first get there, indulge in a nice hotel for a couple days to unwind and pamper yourself while looking for a more long-term place.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Hi James, good luck with your plan. I left my E bike in America and I’m conflicted as to whether I should ship it here because it’s not a good area or very safe because the right hand side of the road is so congested here in Cdo.

[@morgana5462]

Thank you for these videos

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

So nice of you

[@SmokeGodSzeto]

Been to Philippines for three week this year and going again next year. Love the country. Honestly traffic is not that bad, I have seen and been through worst in NY. As for cost of living, it is cheaper overall, restaurant (everything is family style) and housing. But if you are to purchase foreign brand (nike and etc) it will be pretty much msrp and no discounts. I think Philippines have a little bit of everything. If you choose the beach life/ high rise/ modern living/ simpler living it is all possible. As for the people, everyone have always been nice and so easy to talk to, Yes things can be slower, but most of us looking to go there to relax or retired. We spend most of our life hustling so slower is not a bad pace to be. For me personally if I were to retired there I would be in the City BGC. It feels comfortable, it might be busy for other.; for me it is a slower pace with easy access to everything. And the good thing about Philippines, traveling to any other island is a breeze. You want to go get there on a cheap sub 100 dollar flight. Maybe in a few years I will take the plunge and be my hub to travel through the rest of Asia.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing very insightful

[@albertmorrissette3640]

awesome information video, this is essential for newbies to review more than once. I do not know who can get an k-1 or K-2 spouse visa in 12 months, My wife and I are in the K-2 process since Feb 6, 2022, the application was approved Jan 16, 2024 and we are waiting for the Embassy for an appointment. All fees have been paid. I know several in the same timeline, it is what it is. The price of renting a 125-150cc motorcycle or scooter is about P600 pesos daily a car double + that.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks Albert

[@PR-ic3cu]

Very informative video, I plan to visit on October, is this a month with high risk of tsunami

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Typhoons peak July to September

[@Johntpi1]

You are the best. I've seen every video and the information is priceless. I am a subscriber. Can I get the pdf? Planning on trip end of year. Thank you for all you do.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank you. Yes of course- please email us [e-mail]

[@jdtravels5140]

You should shoot a 101 series. A recommended topic, “Getting Your Money 101.”

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for the advice JD

[@George-ux6zz]

Even in the US I always take a trip to a potential residence at night to see how safe it is. I'm 67, and I believe I've learned a few things in my years of existence. I certainly hope so anyway.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Smart

[@udowallrabenstein9634]

So I done it wrong but was very happy, afterwards I spent my first 30 days at the Islands of Cebu and Bohol with my girlfried I let my girlfriend book an appartement in her city in Mindanao for 20.000 PHP / 1 month and it was really perfect. Okay I had to pay for the electricity myselfe but all other was included: Large living room, 2 sleeping rooms, bath and the kitchen outside the appartement but inside the protected area, just you go through a door from the living room there. I think that Cagayan De Oro is sure a nice citi, however the german ministry of foreign affaires have a travel warning for the whole regions 9-12 except Davao City and the Island of Camiguin. I am not very affraid of something happen, however my assurance for illness would not cover anything in a region where an travel warning is issued, so even if I would break me a leg I would need to pay all myselfe when I travelling in a area where the german ministry for foreign affairs have issued a travel warning. My girlfriend live in Region 13 where no travel warning exist and also the airport of Bhutuan belongs to Region 13. Maybe at one point I will look for a local insurance when I plan to travel to other parts of Mindanao.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Very interesting thanks for sharing your experience and the challenges you faced. Hope to see you here again.

[@TheGandorX]

You mean things that people have a little bit of difficulty getting their *_heads_* around. Getting your arms around something is quite easy 😁

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Perhaps your correct

[@jamesslagowski1109]

I am retired US Navy so I have been the the Philippines several times but not since 1986. I know things have changed, lots of news with kidnappings and murders and such but not a lot now. I have been to Manila, Baguio and Cebu but they have grown a lot since the early 80's. I know there is a gringo tax when shopping, taxi's and other things. I am no expert though so I need to go and find out what is happening there now.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

In most cases, the gringo tax doesn’t add up to but a few dollars come over and check it out again

[@mikepit5112]

Thanks for the 411

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You’re welcome Mike

[@George-ux6zz]

You seem to be a sensible guy.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks

[@edgarwangsmo6]

❤

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🙏

[@John-d5k7c]

I’ve commented quite often to you, I’m a subscriber, retired P.D. Thin good health, not interested in traveling around much, In this video you mentioned a place with good infrastructure That has a place with a back up generator and NOT Prone to typhoons, where is that ? And what place has that, I was thinking of flying into Cebu, But what you said about a place caught my interest. I want a younger loving woman and a peaceful life I can afford. I’m divorced and of course got rapped!! I get Pension & S.S. All about 3+ a month, But I’m trying to recover after all the lawyer & court costs, so getting $$ together to get there is tight but once I’m there I’m golden ! Just the expense of Plane & it’s insurance & hotel money and then start up living $$ till my next first money comes in after I’m finally there after the travel costs. I have No family here in N. Y. And the flight is quite expensive 😢. Maybe a flight to California first for one night and then a non stop to Philippines as you mentioned is a good idea except I have to see the expenses?? Besides my passport what paper do I have to have just before I arrive, I saw something about something I’ll need?? And I’m quite confused about what OPT ?? Codes are I do have T-Mobile for the phone!? Anything else? I was going to stay a The Quest hotel, I know nothing about a b& b’s. But again what’s the place with the back up generator?? Or does the Quest hotel have that ? Wish I could afford a consultation but I’m tying to recover from divorce $$ and get the $$ together to get there. Hope you can respond my email is [e-mail] if you could respond that way?? Grateful for all your hard work, John

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Sent you email

[@william4202]

As funny as it might sound, I am worried about whether it will be hard to continue with the whole food, plant-based diet if I move there. I worry about finding grains other than rice and salad greens that I can eat raw. I heard that in southern China you have to cook all vegetables because they are irrigated with sewage. I don't want to die of dysentery! This diet is crucially important to me because it reverses coronary artery disease.

[@rudolfantonmaier755]

Travel to India there you are in vegetarian paradise

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I am eating salads every day and have no problems

[@poochplace9511]

Yes it will be very hard to continue with plant based diet. Filipinos eat mostly meat

[@petepinal8415]

Rob, Chrissy, as always, great topic, and content. Hope you guys enjoyed your well deserved vacation. But I missed you guys, with the great questions for us, and the stimulating surveys, with awesome questions that make us think, hmm 🤔??? Long story short, I miss my “weekly” dose of your blogs, cuz I need my weekly “💉fix💉”, of you guys, lol🤤!!! So, welcome back, and you’re both grounded, keep the great blogs coming, and no more vacations for a while, 😡hahaha, joke lang, 😎😉👍🏼❤️.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks, Pete. We’re glad to be back.

[@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x]

Hepatitis A can only be transferred one way and you don’t want to know 😂 Be safe out there boys Thanks for all the great tips! Don’t be naive or a showboat goes far anywhere.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

👍

[@jurissalas-chow1587]

This is a WOW Listen up peep$ Thank you ♥️

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🙏

[@rusco1948]

He's still not cool though great video lot of learning

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🤔

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🤔

[@danielwarnes7231]

Can I get a 60 day visa before I buy my ticket so I don't have to change my return ticket? Looking at 29 day ticket and having to extend visa after I arrive. This requires me to pay extra for a ticket I can change after I get extension. Help.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Go to onwardticket.com 36 hours before landing. $16

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You can email me. Check description box

[@TobyBloom]

Rib good info.if I move there whats the best visa?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I just do the tourist visa because I don’t want to handover $10,000 into a bank account if your ex military it’s only US$1500 once married you can exit the country and return once a year and get 12 months stamped into your passport for free

[@danielwarnes7231]

Cost to have you schedule flight, initial hotel and 60 day visa? Your fee?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

$200. You get 30 day visa extension once your in country. Many can do online- cost about $50. Then next extension 60 days

[@markblazek6271]

I know it’s complicated, but in short , if I marry a Filipina and build a house , can she take it ?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

She will own the land, you might own the house- she could mortgage land and create problems or lock you out and then what?

[@sterling557]

Mobile home maybe?

[@George-ux6zz]

I'm definitely not looking for teens or 20s women. At least 30s

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🤞

[@sterling557]

The Dating sites have scammers? I'm not really a "handsome man"??😮

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Sad but True 😯

[@frankellis9627]

I'm of the opinion that you don't bring your Filipina back to the west and I know every situation is different. I would also like to point out I was in the Philippines for 3 years. I was stationed in Angeles with the USAF 🤨

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Frank, I think generally it’s not a good idea to bring a young beautiful Filipina in a large age gap relationship to the west however I’ve heard from many clients who have had long and successful marriages

[@frankellis9627]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines Hey, some guys get lucky 😎

[@George-ux6zz]

I never send anything to anyone for any reason, no exceptions.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

👍

[@yaimavol]

Here is a question I have never heard answered. Are women over 30 (especially single moms) considered undateable and undesirable by Filapino men? Do they also marry below their age level? I know this the case in China. If you are over 30 and unmarried in China, get a cat.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Women over age 30 in the Philippines are often referred to as leftovers. Yes, men in the Philippines often Mary, younger women there are many famous relationships of wealthy female actresses, who are married to much older men.

[@yaimavol]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines There are so many smoking hot women over 35 on some of these dating sites. On a US site they would have their pick of men, including younger men

[@poochplace9511]

Yes

[@satoshi_yukamoto841]

no Chrissy dancing at the end!.....that's the only reason I watched

[@bryankoziar2867]

Hey Satoshi that may be an inappropriate comment. Have a good day Satoshi

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I had to edit that video by myself. Chrissy was out of town for the night next time.

[@satoshi_yukamoto841]

@@bryankoziar2867 not really.....have a nice day