Mail Tips, Nomad Insurance, Phone Plans, Bank-free Living!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Safety Wing Nomad Insurance Travel Health Insurance for Nomad and Travelers Alike safetywing.com/?referenceID=25082490&Ambassador

[@dennispetty4405]

@@mikesphilippineretirement I've used safety wing insurance for short visits like 30 days, but if you're a retired military guy like a lot of us here, just link up with where the VA is in reference to where you're going in the Philippines..then just use them.. it saves us military vets a lot...plus you can always jump on the Phil health deal as a supp as well...

[@UberToeknee]

Good stuff Mike! I tested wise, remitly, and debit cards, there were hiccups and delays but I eventually worked it all out on my trip there. Everyone should plan for delays and have multiple avenues for money access.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Good stuff! thanks for sharing that info

[@bruceadams9542]

Thank you for sharing great Info . I think lot of travelers are not thinking about this important info .👍👍👍👍👍

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Our pleasure!

[@Brian-Future]

hello Mike. i am new to your channel. good video, good information. another important thing to do is to get a VPN, so that you can continue to use your Western streaming sites, online banking, etc. a VPN hides your IP address so your online accounts think you're still in your home country.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for the info Brian and welcome to the channel

[@captaindoomsdayreloaded6685]

T-Mobile is great. You must sign up for the senior plan, which includes the international option. Some guys cheap out by not having an American phone number. The stress you will experience by not having immediate access to your money is not worth it.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks so much for the info Captian

[@franky3231]

I used to use my phone for work which I received important phone calls from customers so I used Verizon for 20 years and they have the best service and the best coverage but their international plan is an extra 100 dollars a month or 10 dollars for one day. I switched to T mobile last month and I am coming to PH in two month. First thing I noticed here, I was trying to do hotspot to connect my laptop to the phone service and it would not connect. I called the Tech support and it turns out the 5G they are advertising does not work in my area and I tested like 0.2 and the guy couldn't do anything about it, he gave me some bull shit that they are building a new tower in that area. So I have my fingers crossed that I would have a decent service in PH's.

[@ZoKitchen]

Good evening Philippines 🇵🇭

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hello

[@bigtime911]

Dual sim phone, T-Mobile, navy federal, mail all digital, put money in emergency fund monthly for health care. This works for me😊

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks Bigtime

[@RickMerryman-o7j]

@@mikesphilippineretirement Any vet who has served should not leave US without a Navy Fed membership. I use both USAA, Navy Fed and Schwab ie investments. My military pensions go into Navy Federal!

[@DavyTest321]

In 2023 got holds on all bank and credit accounts while in Cambodia. Luckily a Google Voice number was attached to each account and was able to have all the accounts released with the internet. Google Voice is free, but needs to be installed on your phone while in the states. Your messages are transcribed and forwarded to email. At 63 years old, safetywing was $100 per month on the trip.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

never tried google voice

[@danflip1]

Mike I have Mint Mobile, $15 a month because Im over 60 and I love it. Unlimited talk text and data. You cant beat it!!!!!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for the info Dan

[@dennispetty4405]

Yeah but does your mint mobile work there in the Philippines?.. explain please...

[@stephenantonicelli7069]

Your using Mint Mobile in PI for transactions in USA?

[@mikemasters4382]

I didn't see any international plans but 1 day for $5 or 3 days for $10 etc. I saw nothing saying you could text international for $15, that is US only.

[@Robmar40]

FYI. Mint Mobile is owned by T-Mobile. It works just like T-Mobile for one-third of the price.

[@peterpoulter1420]

Mike some good advice. I find it easy to bring in a decent amount of money I know you have to declare more than $10 but ivy every had a problem and when that money goes just go back home and do it again I hate banks and there changes and we live here where cash is king. Cheers i

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

be safe with all that cash

[@chiefcarterphillipines]

I use Americas Mailbox in Box Elder, South Dakota for mail, drivers license and state residency. The state requires 1 night hotel or RV campground receipt and proof of membership to a mail forwarding company every 5 years . No state tax. Works so far

[@wolfgangstimmel8048]

Re Phone - I stupidly gave up my phone the first time I was here - The next time in the states I got a TracPhone from Walmart - I pay $130/yr - I cannot make calls on it from the Philippines, but it does receive texts, which is all I need here. In the Phils I use an Oppo with a local number for which I buy loads as needed.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing wolf

[@skip2it426-]

Mike thanks for the information and advice 👍🏾!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Any time! Skip

[@Cimba217]

Very valuable information, Mike.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Glad you think so! James

[@jsully4064]

Never knew Mint Mobile was in the Philippines. Would like to hear from someone if they are satisfied with their phone plan. Usually have a dual sim phone and you could use your plan in the US on one sim (for texts from banks and the like) and get another sim for local use. Good video, Mike...Jim

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

You have to sign up in the US

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

Do like i did walk into your bank and sit down with the head banker. Tell them to note your account you will be outside of your country like i did i been here 4 months already no problems plus i call my bank once in awhile to say hey I'm still here how's the accounts looking and anything else plus they credit me back ATM fees some American banks charge you a fees. Some don't. Best Phone plan is in my opinion T-Mobile that 50.00 a month works great plus if your in Philippines when America is asleep the call center in Manila will be the one you normally talk to . Great people their and very helpful too

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for the info Gio

[@franky3231]

Last year before I went to PH I called my 3 banks to tell them I was going to be out of the country. BofA and Wells Fargo said you don't need to call us any more and Citi bank just said Okay I will make a note. My feeling was that the banks don't need you to call them anymore and when you try to use them they just send you a code to your phone to verify. So make sure you have a working phone number.

[@jerrymarshall2728]

I need to call T-Mobile and ask why my monthly bill is well over $50! Double 😡 Good pointers, Mike 👍

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

welcome

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

@@jerrymarshall2728 Global Plus Pass is the plan I use thru T-Mobile for my international plan

[@user-fv8lm8hs9s]

Great advice and blog 💯

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Appreciate it!

[@lindamitchell3189]

Good morning 🌞

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Good morning! Linda

[@RickMerryman-o7j]

If have a mailbox at Goin Postal or UPS store is the states, you really don’t need a travel mailbox. Either of the above provides a street address too. I’ve spoken with owners at Goin Postal near my neighborhood, they will forward my mail while abroad. Safety Wing is overpriced there are better travel insurance companies out there. I agree the Mint phone plan is the way to go. Dudes have all your logistics in order before heading to the islands. Maintain a U.S. phone for verification texts received from banks, etc from back home. If a storage unit, have billed to a credit card. Have a will, POA, living will and funeral plans in order. The food is unhealthy in the PI so can have a play on your health ie too many carbs, foods cooked in crap oils, too much sodium and sugar. You can’t out exercise bad nutrition. Too prevent lot of headaches, have your matters all in order. Keep money stashed for trips back home to visit family or for family 911s.

[@miked9091]

Very good information

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks Mike

[@RickMerryman-o7j]

I’m a mint mobile fan too can’t beat it.

[@judekidder]

Mike good informative video take a look a wise it's a good option as well.

[@billhansher9911]

I appreciate the topic; however, I think the issue of State income tax should be included. I'm still in the States, but my quick review indicated that if I directly leave from a State that has income tax on pensions or SSA to anywhere overseas, I'll have to pay that State forever. For me that would be a huge difference.

[@AceBachelorTom]

Bingo. I believe Mike left from Las Vegas Nevada which does not have a state income tax so this may not be on his Radar. Gio has brought this up on his channel and I have also commented on it. You are correct if you leave the US and go to the Philippine's (or any other country) directly from a state that has an income tax you keep paying that state income tax forever. In my case I live in Minnesota which has a state income tax. Within a year of me moving to the Philippines/Thailand. I plan to establish residency in South Dakota which does not have a state income tax and is one of the easiest states to do this. From what I understand you can spend one night in a hotel and take that receipt over to the DMV and get a drivers license. I plan to use a i-postal South Dakota address they give me which you also have to set up before hand as my South Dakota official address which I will use for all my official US mail. There is a bunch of other stuff you may have to do like not being in the state more than 181 days in a year, move your banks, doctors office, and other stuff like your business but you would be stupid not to do this if you are permanently moving to another country. Minnesota has turned socialist and they will come after you for every penny especially if you are a mid to high earner. Screw MN..

[@dennispetty4405]

Guys, just file a us form 573..have it filled out online, saved, then send that into the FN IRS.. it's an overseas residence form for taxes...once your fill out n file along with your taxes come that time..youll become exempt...trust me on this one...used it as a us contractor for yrs while I worked and lived abroad...no taxes taken out...

[@AceBachelorTom]

@@dennispetty4405 Just did a little digging on this. That is a Federal Form for US citizens working abroad and paying taxes in that country. Unless I'm misunderstanding something here Social Security, Pensions, or 401k withdraws are considered US derived income which you not only owe US federal taxes and depending on your state of residence you may owe state income taxes. This could be substantial if you live in a blue state like NY, CA, MN, etc. As far as I can tell my state (MN) does not recognize form 573 for residency as this is a federal form for working/paying taxes abroad. After your overseas contractor job ended and you moved back to the US (Assuming you did this). Did you ever become a resident of a US State and pay income taxes and file a state income tax form? What state? After this did you move back overseas (Philippines) and did your State ever contact you to recover prior state income taxes? Not arguing here but if you say this is possible I would do it and not waste my time/effort to get South Dakota residency.

[@AceBachelorTom]

Also from my research (I can be wrong) I could not find a reference to form 573 related to residency or the IRS. I did find the following IRS Forms 6166, 8802, 2555 dealt with US residency and Foreign Earned Income so maybe you are referencing one of these forms.

[@dennispetty4405]

@@AceBachelorTom my bad, it's a 673

[@jerrystanley6820]

Yeah Mike took your advice before I came Ipostal been working for me I did it mainly because I didn't trust the family lol too many differnt people running to the mail box I still have it fowarded there not using as main address yet as I still have my house son and his family live in

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Glad to hear it Jerry

[@DavidHosking-g4o]

Thanks for the information

[@herbwitt7710]

HI Mike 🙋 I have T-Mobile also .. T-Mobile uses the same cell towers networks in Philippines as in America. It always has worked good for me when I call home to Ohio.😊Going to at least check out Mint.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks Herb for the comment

[@lazylarrylee2421]

Mike, Thanks for the food for thought. I will need to look into which phone carrier is best for me.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes let me know how that goes

[@frankellis9627]

Any Veterans here should join Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) They are worldwide. They have to be. No ATM or Foreign Transaction Fees 😎

[@michaelwuji1758]

Pertinent content. Send lechon

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks Michael

[@billhansher9911]

Thanks, Nebraska is voted out income tax for SSA, but my pension would be almost $300/mo. Thought about going up to South Dakota for 6 months to establish residency. Between state income, property tax, and property insurance, I could have another $900/mo.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for the info Bill

[@nealsmith1083]

Ipostal1 ,get a ND street address or Texas, city, street address, that establish ur residence. 😊

[@Bobby-d2c]

You tricked me..didnt realize this was a commercial

[@Brutushungwell]

There are lots of different banks and ways of doing business. I have Schwab and Fidelity but I also have Navy Federal. If something goes wrong you can always go to Guam where Navy Federal has a branch.

[@benktlofgren4710]

I plan to use a phone with a dual sim slot.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

but with what phone plan

[@benktlofgren4710]

​@@mikesphilippineretirement As a Swede I will be using Halebop 15$ per month and unlimited texts worldwide. For the second sim slot a Phillipino card, the few official calls to Sweden I plan to make I can pay for them, the rest of social and family calls go on Phillipino card spending data or Wifi using WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger. What worries me are Data roaming fees and rules, that I need to study closely. I hope and I don't think I will have to make that many official calls that often, you had some nasty things to sort out a couple of days earlier but when I compare an expensive monthly plan versus the number of international calls I have to make in let's say a year I spend way less paying for those calls.

[@TomR61]

Very useful information, any possibility of getting a representative from one of these businesses to do a live video chat? I would especially like to hear from an insurance representative.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I do not know all are US based

[@DoD_DD214]

My understanding with Google Fi is, the international service only last approximately 90 days.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Really I am not sure about that but thanks I will look into it

[@DoD_DD214]

@@mikesphilippineretirement, yes it states, "If the majority of a customer's usage is outside of the U.S. for 90 consecutive days, Google FI will suspend the customer's international data. Customers can avoid suspension by returning to the U.S. for at a week".

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

@@DoD_DD214 thanks for this--now I know I don't want to use them. I'd hate to be required to return to the USA to restore my phone service and then have to fly back and repeat this every 90 days.

[@DoD_DD214]

@@napoleonmdusa8877 right, I understand.

[@unclefester4822]

Notify your banks and credit card issuers ( before you leave) that you are going to another country or they can and will ,lock up your cards.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

has that happened to you

[@unclefester4822]

It happened to my brother in law. None of his credit cards or debit card worked here .

[@BarnabyBarry]

We need Bernie back or give DTR a chance!

[@TheyCalledMeT]

200 bucks health insurance every month .. for a senior (by far most expensive) ... *sigh* .. i HAVE to pay 750 in an age range where this one wants

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

2400 a year for health insurance at 70 is a good deal for me

[@stevejones4010]

Mono sound, only one my headphone side was working.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I will check it out

[@222jojo]

How does Mint Mobile handle the various banking two factor authentication texts? Any issues

[@Charles-y5d]

What happened to America? You know freedom! International money travels may be slowed up or stopped this is ridiculous. They already get notified of any transactions you have over $600 which means a car payment a grocery charged stuff like that! Power money and greed is all that politics is about folks i know i'm not supposed to speak probably like that over here but that's my main thing i do is politics! God bless everyone

[@RickMerryman-o7j]

There are better travel insurance companies safety wing is way overpriced. I’m a world traveler and use travel insurance via USAA. I wouldn’t leave USA without an American cell number.

[@RandallGlatt]

Mike does IPostal then forward your new debit and credit cards?? And also tax returns of course for a fee???

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes

[@donharvey2693]

There is NO sound! 09/17/27 19:05 PST, what's up?

[@frankmancuso4065]

I`m 69 so safety wings a no go , T mobile for the plan I was looking at international was 80$ 75$ for auto pay how did you get it for 50$ , more than 1 line ? I was told charles schwab will close your account if living abroad , if living in us no problem with traveling. Thanks for an informative vid.

[@DoD_DD214]

Same here. I'm 68 and SafetyWings @ $200 per month is more than my current mthly health plan. Chances are with T-Mobile you might receive a $5 discount for auto-pay. I have an USAA account which offers travel ins. plus, USAA will not close your account if you are abroad. Look into getting a "Wise" debit card. Wise is geared towards traveling.

[@frankmancuso4065]

@@DoD_DD214 Hi I`m frank I have the wise app and card also have set up remitly and had to make 2 accounts with bank they wont make you a duplicate card to take with you so started a 2nd acc to get the extra card in case one malfunctions.

[@frankmancuso4065]

Also in country I have the G cash app for the local stuff

[@DoD_DD214]

@@frankmancuso4065, hmm okay. Sounds like G Cash app is a worthwhile necessity. Thanks.

[@0Sidecar]

I have a P.O. BOX in Dumaguete and notification to everyone in the U.S. plus notified bank and everyone in states before I l

[@0Sidecar]

Oops! Before I left the last time in 2023

[@AceBachelorTom]

@@0Sidecar Is this a safe and secure place to have items sent to? For example could I have replacement credit/debit cards sent to? What is the details/cost?

[@0Sidecar]

@@AceBachelorTom safe Yes. 1,120 a year for a standard box. I have things from the bank, FBU, my pension and other things sent there. They'll text if you get a box or package that won't fit the box. Yes, they do have bigger boxes, this is run by Pilpost Dumaguete. About 3 minutes from the end of the jeepney line.

[@RandallGlatt]

Has anyone thought of SOFI the online bank?? I dont think they would care anyones address..

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

don't know anything about them

[@GerinPhils]

Phone has been the biggest challenge for me...I need to keep my US number for business....its about $150 a month+ for my T Mobile plan........does anyone have suggestions for phone plans that work in the Philippines ?

[@AJW-c8i]

Do you receive the annual proof of life letter from the SSA or do they not send this because you have a US physical address on file with them?

[@sdsomar1]

That 50$ for T-Mobile is an add on to you 35$ monthly bill. So it’s really 85$. Am I correct???

[@bigtime911]

Mine T-Mobile is 96.00. Month

[@lastyle7363]

What about getting a credit/debit card...

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

they will forward them

[@FrankEncarnacion]

I'm having a middle-aged crisis at 71, does that means I'll live to 142???

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

Well....MAYBE 72! 😮😮😂

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

sure Frank why not

[@yngverodli]

Does Starlink work in Philippines? That costs around 50dollar pr. month with great speed and always online.

[@jsully4064]

@yngverodli Have heard from many peeps that Starlink is available in the Philippines.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes it does

[@smoke1830]

TFL Tricare For Life retired Army it covers me in PH is it best? idk?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

you earned it

[@Kuya_Tom67]

There is also a VA clinic in Manila. Just walk right in.

[@stephenantonicelli7069]

I have pesos brought back from PI. Can deposoit pesos from US?

[@simplysocial7383]

Any one know what is going on with Veterans Benefits they have not voted for it and rumor is that they will stop all payments on Oct 1. Plesae let us know

[@Kuya_Tom67]

VA will not be stopping benefits. Budget will be passed by then.

[@daviddixon9207]

Do you recommend GCash?

[@jsully4064]

@daviddixon9207 GCash is only available in the Philippines. Its good to have multiple ways of paying bills like GCash in the Philippines.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Janet has it on her Phone

[@kwilde1131]

I use US Mobile. International plan at $25 per month. I keep it for those annoying 2FA.

[@lastyle7363]

Ipostal seems great for 10 bucks a month.

[@thelonelyman-lz8fz]

Do you need a philippines phone number

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

you will need a contact number for the Visa if you renew