Problems Arising In The Philippines That Can Only Be Solved in The USA!

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[@GiointhePhilippines]

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[@awbrandt1]

With Charles Schwab, you may want to sign up for Charles Schwab International. This is the account that they want you to use if an US expat. Don't know if they have a debt card with atm feee returned but I would ask about it. Also interactive brokers is also friendly toward US expats. May not meet you needs but another option if someone is looking for a brokerage account which is friendly to expats.

[@jonasjamtestam7254]

I recommend that you contact your embassy in the country you are in. For Swedish citizens, the Swedish embassy charges SEK 800 in fees, about US dollars 80 for consular services such as having your bank send a new credit card through the Foreign Ministry in your home country so that you can collect that credit card at the embassy in the country you are in.

[@lionelsanders180]

I got it bruh.....its nice

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

If you’re a veteran then open a Navy Federal Credit Union account. I have USAA and NFCU accounts and use capital one credit cards here in the Philippines and I still have my T-Mobile number and use it here in the Philippines. USAA and NFCU will send your mail to your Philippines address so if you need a replacement card you can get it that way. I’ve been here for two years with zero issues.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Yea, I just need my t-mobile account and then I should be good.

[@philippinesinfulleffect]

NFCU is a great bank for living overseas. Recently just before Christmas, my NFCU credit card was compromised and they sent me a card here right away Fed ex with no issues. Just in time for Christmas travel. They also reimburse ATM fees. I hardly ever use ATM here, so I'm not even sure if they have a cap on reimbursements. They also have alternate ways for verification so a phone text is something you can work around.

[@ChristKrew-Rev1.8]

How is the Reception with TMobile in the PH or is it just for the texting?

[@brianconnolly4069]

Used Mint Mobile ($15/mo) for my recent 2 mo recon trip to PH. Perfect/free wifi calling or text to/from USA or anywhere. USA contacts including banks just use your regular phone # to reach you or send texts or VMsg so they don't identify it as international. Uses "e-Sim" so you don't need a dual sim phone. In other words, you use your regular SIM card port for your local PH # and easily switch to the e-SIM (Mint Mobile SIM) for USA calls or to pick up your vmsgs/texts when you are near Wifi. Moving to BGC Manila in Feb and I will keep Mint.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

I have a friend who is using Mint also with no problems.

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

Thanks for this--I've been thinking of getting Mint Mobile & use eSIM which is also "fixable" if phone is stolen and a new phone needs to be updated with your prior eSIM (replacement online) from your stolen phone & disable your stolen phone eSIM. I think Mint Mobile uses the T-mobile network.

[@Lawrencerice]

You beat me to the punch on Mint. I am switching to Mint this month in prep for my move in April. Great rates, and they do not care where in the world you are, or for how long - directly from Mint.

[@cgheorgh]

I just replied to someone above and mentioned Mint with Wifi Calling to not pay roaming, and how VOIP is hit and miss. Great post. As for eSim vs Sim, i would take Sim because there is no way I would leave with only 1 phone when literally my life depends on it, I will have 2 phones, one that I would never use, keep at home and only use for financial txn and OTP and the other for day to day use, but also set up with all the necessary apps, less the Sim card in question. You never know when your phone breaks, doesn't start, storage fails, etc

[@donbxman7080]

I'm like you short time (4 months) visitor. Those long term guys are the deal. It'd currently cost my family of 3 a fortune to travel either way to or from Cebu.

[@bernardo2022]

Good video Gio...I'm from the US, and I'm fully retired from my job. I'm planning to visit the Philippines next month for the long-term

[@jannarkiewicz633]

Welcome from all expats here!!!!

[@mr.ftravels3295]

I lived in SE Asia from 21-23. I used T-mobile with a vpn(Surfshark) and home internet. Used a local sim when I was away from the apt or condo. My Schwab account always worked. USAA credit card never worked. BofA credit always worked but charged fees for using it. I used anytime mail but the address was a problem sometimes because of the PMB number at the end. The best address to have is one that imitates a residential address. A lot of expats use South Dakota as a residence. No taxes. Mail services that cater to expats. Drivers license and residence in one day. I moved to Florida for three months before I left to get these things completed.

[@danielroy3039]

Here are some tips Gio. I have had a t-mobile number for years. When I go overseas. "Philippines" I go form monthly rate to $3.00 a month for texts only. just call customer servicebefore your return to Philippines. Works great. Of course I am married to a Filipina. You can write out checks to your wifes bank. We usually write $9,900.00 into a Philippine bank USD account. keep below $10,000.00 so the feds don't get excited.There is a $5.00 fee. After it clears you can withdrawal, I usually withdrawal $5,000.00 from USD account. Your wife is the key for so many savings. I have not used ATM for years. Good luck. Just wanted to send you some ideas. Dan

[@TomScott__]

You might be able to get a Charles Schwab account but they won't let you keep it living in the Philippines. The account with reinversment benefits is for "travelers". It has a 3 months time limit on it and you need to let them know when you are traveling. As soon as you go over that 3 months or fail to inform them of your travel plans they can shut off your access. They told me this when I opened my account 7 years ago. They also told me that they know people are abusing it by living overseas but they were not enforcing the rules. From what I'm hearing now.... the rules are being enforced and a lot of accounts are being closed.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Ok, that is good to know.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

I just made the permanent move to Asia last week. Customer support at Charles Schwab told me that a travel alert lasts an entire year and I just need to call them at the beginning of each year to extend it.

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

@@GiointhePhilippines I have a Schwab brokerage account with checking and that will be a problem in the Philippines--surprisingly, it's not a problem if living in Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia (these countries are considered "acceptable" countries but the Philippines is not). If you try Schwab, only get the checking account. That may be accepted. It's the checking account attached to the brokerage account that causes most of the issues with closing accounts. Schwab will likely require a domicile address in the USA (your Traveling Mailbox will NOT work for this)--it needs to be a place in America where you live (or someone does). When I tried to change my Schwab mailing address to my Traveling Mailbox address, they wanted "proof" I lived there (i.e. Traveling Mailbox address) via an electric bill (not cell phone bill) which cancelled that process. I also tried to switch to a Schwab international account and that was a no-go as well. At the moment, I'm in the process of looking for another brokerage that will be easier to deal with when living overseas.

[@brianhagley9791]

I disagree. I spent 4 months there this year and had no problems. It was a checking account.

[@tccdlinux1471]

My Schwab worked great in Manila, I was there for a little over 4 months. Be sure to indicate it on their WEB site. I think I had to renew it also as it would not allow my exit date,

[@KillerGrubwithMarkBagley]

I have a VPN, I renewed my drivers license prior to coming to the philippines, also renewed my credit and debit cards, I have a T Mobile account but didn't get the international account but as long as I am on a wifi network I still receive all my text messages and turned on wifi calling in case I have to make or receive a phone call, so there are walk arounds to the international phone plan as long as you have an available wifi network Gio.

[@reno1851]

T-Mobile is the way to go especially if you are over 55 or military affiliated. Best international plan for the price. Definitely have at least 2 credit cards and two debit cards from different companies/Banks.

[@wickedcrypto6004]

Hey Gio I was recently in the Philippines. T-Mobile works well. I was able to stay in touch with my family with IG, and WhatsApp. As far as banking Wells Fargo worked perfectly fine. If you come back to America I recommend you to set an appointment with your DMV and book for a Real Id. During Covid19 I had to renew my ID online however when I received it by mail they marked it as a non real ID which could be frustrating explaining it to the PH authorities.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Thank you, I will be getting the Real ID

[@henrygarcia2159]

Not your mistake, usa is just doing deligence, I'm going through that same thing. One thing in my behalf is my son carries my name a without a suffix of Jr. I've gotten away with some items but Capital one is playing hardball . Even though I know my password and username Capital One still does not recognize it so I have to go through the telephone prompts of Capital One and do everything that entails for me to speak to a customer support individual is lengthy but not every month but I do and I am able to make my monthly payments through the Capital One app. It's funny that a junior/senior family does has its advantages and it can also be disadvantaged if one of the parties are not playing by the rules of credit responcibility.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Yea, I like CapitalOne but just will handle it when I am back.

[@BruceCinader]

I have Vonage, it is a VOIP plan but you can have it ring your cell phone at the same time of set call forwarding. You can use it any place that has internet. It should work as long as the bank is willing to call you instead of texting, and many will do that.

[@nrelationship]

I had the same issue. Your solution sounds good. I intend on getting an e-sim compatible phone with a low-cost MintMobile plan and setup a mail-forwarding service when I return to the states.

[@donbxman7080]

Let us know how it works out!

[@RowenaMendez-w9p]

Advice!!! You should have kept your American phone (Verizon,AT&T or T mobile) because the secret code has to send to your phone for verification., and just get an extra cheaper Philippine phone .Also keep an American address, wether it is your parents home address or sibblings home address for your important mail

[@LowVisionTec]

some banks like bank of america will allow you to use your email to get code or authenticators work for some

[@klyons217]

Why would he keep his Americal cell phone in PH? It uses a different cellular system, requiring a different SIM card. Pretty sure he would not be able to receive texts to his USA cell phone while physically in PH.

[@phillyboylaboy]

​@@klyons217 i have xfinity and receives the one time pin txt on my US phone from my US bank and fidelity while in the Philippines. I will try the cheaper mint mobile when i visit the phils next month.

[@Philibusting]

FYI: The USPS will email you photos of the mail you’re about to receive. I scan my email on the regular and have the fortune of having my daughter living in my house in MD. I know this does not help everyone but maybe some of you in a similar situation. I also use dual esims on my phone with my US number I’ve had since the yr. 2000 and added a Globe local number and that seems to be working pretty well. I’m in Cebu metro area.

[@grumpydudebryant]

"Informed Delivery" from the USPS will only show the outside of the envelope. A mail forwarding service physically opens your mail for you and scans the actual letter. The USPS will not open your mail, they are a DELIVERY SERVICE not a mail forwarding service

[@richardhowe5583]

Which phone service are you using to contact home in North America 😊

[@phillyboylaboy]

What US phone carrier do you use?

[@Philibusting]

@@phillyboylaboy I have been with T-Mobile for a number of years now. I get text here for free and data for 30 days at very low speed. So I use Globe data locally for 799 pesos Postpaid. My OTCs from the states are no problem at all, also local OTCs work just fine. Using dual sims.

[@rehmarines]

I setup all my stuff with Schwab and Capital One in the US with my US number while I was there then added my Google Voice as a secondary number. Then I switched Google Voice as my primary number on both and canceled my US mobile account. Everything has been working here in the Philippines so far and I hope I don’t have any problems. I may get a cheap mobile plan next time I’m back in the US as my secondary just in case. If you have an iPhone I recommend getting the Apple credit card. It has a lot of features that make life easier in the Philippines.

[@Makeitpopp]

@rehmarines Can you share some details about the benefits of having an Apple CC over seas? Thank you

[@rehmarines]

First let me say you need an iPhone to make this work. I had a credit card compromised while in the Philippines and then my credit card was cancelled and they wanted to send me a new one, a real hassle in the Philippines! With an Apple Credit Card there are no numbers, no date, no security code printed on the card. All that information is in your phone in Apple Wallet. If your card gets compromised you can request a new card number and it’s issued in seconds. I prefer to be proactive and anytime I use it here I can manually request a new number as soon as the transaction goes through. A credit card that doesn’t expire and the information can be reset anytime is a real plus in the Philippines!

[@jonasjamtestam7254]

I recommend that you contact your embassy in the country you are in. For Swedish citizens, the Swedish embassy charges SEK 800 in fees, about US dollars 80 for consular services such as having your bank send a new credit card through the Foreign Ministry in your home country so that you can collect that credit card at the embassy in the country you are in.

[@tccdlinux1471]

Schwab has been great. I opened an account before I came to the Philippines and Thailand June 2023 and perfect. MAKE SURE YOU GO ONLINE AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT COUNTRIES YOU WILL BE TRAVELING. Have my phone service through Spectrum (cable and Internet)< I think it is Verizon rebranded my text and calls worked fine. Both countries, minimal fees. Forget Western Union awful and if that is your money transfer service you may get locked for no reason. It is an awful feeling to need money and they cut you off for no reason, and they wont tell you why. Being in Manila with no money is stressful.

[@seac777]

Western Union sux bug time. Their system and service online is horrible. Just tried to send funds from a U.S. bank account to a Metrobank php account and failed miserably. Called their customer service and they said to go to a physical location and pay by cash. The while point being that I didn't want to pay their exorbitant fees. I'll never use Western Union ever again. Better just to pay the Intl wire fee to send to a USD$ account in the Philippines.

[@Re3iRtH]

I've been living and traveling overseas for 11+ years. I have USAA Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, and 20+ other active banks and brokerages accounts. I've never told a bank even once that I'll be abroad. No issues. Its important not to take parroted advice just because a lot of people are repeating it.

[@rickmessler7404]

I also have Spectrum I live in Ohio and I'm coming to the Philippines late this year I was thinking about adding the Spectrum phone to my package I was just wondering what minimal fees you were referencing please ?

[@arequina]

I have a Charles Schwab account. One of the CS agent told me that if I lived in the PH they would close my account. The only solution they told me is to keep my home address. Basically, that's what I did and kept all of my financially info using my US phone.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Yea, exactly just give the illusion that you are living in the US still.

[@arequina]

Your on point about being on "vacation". I use XOOM to make funds transfer from my CS account to my PH account. Also, I use MetroBank instead of PNB or BDO. With MetroBank, I have both a dollar account and a peso account. Proper planning is they as you pointed out. Good luck everyone.

[@keith-kb1zl]

having a residence in the U.S with a home address makes things so easy- direc deposit. Social security debit card works great unless you can’t afford to keep your house there .

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

I was told the same from a CS agent and heard the same solution. So, for now, I'm keeping my house in USA until I'm sure I want to move permanently to the Philippines. I don't like the idea of leaving my house empty (i.e. anything bad can happen) and can't rent it out since it's in a HOA which doesn't allow subletting. Also, the proceeds from the sale of my house would greatly help with living overseas.

[@rickmessler7404]

I was told by a Charles Schwab agent that if I decided to live in the Philippines or if I spent more than like I think it was 8 months in the Philippines that I needed to change my account from a Charles Schwab USA account to a Charles Schwab Global account. I think I'm just going to keep it like I'm still living in the USA and not mess with the Charles Schwab Global account

[@wolfsong813xx]

Super Video Gio...I got Mint about a year before I came here to the Philippines, and it's ONLY $15 a month and is perfect for the Philippines...Been here now almost 2 years and staying permanently...You seem to have the most informative videos for expats...Thanks for everything my friend...

[@78swats]

I am just curious how does the US phones work in Philippines. DO they use local Towers or by Wifi? For $15 a month, what is covered by Mint? It sounds too cheap. Do you have to pay additional cost for making calls and receiving texts? Appreciate your inputs.

[@philippinefandango2859]

These issues can really be a pain in the ass over here. Lessons I learned over here on my first 3 year visit; I have a T-mobile line/number I retained, I use Facebook messenger or Viber to talk to the states, I have a VPN, have a ATM, and credit card, I have a photo in my phone gallery of me my Texas DL, and passport. This will be the year of the retirement visa as I am currently in Texas, and will get my retired documentation apostlized while I am here. I am determined to win this battle by God!!! lol..

[@reno1851]

Sometimes there’s a time limitation on apostilized documents

[@philippinefandango2859]

@@reno1851 6 months from what I understand..

[@edexter97]

There is no address on the US passport. Surprised you didn't call around to see if you could get a u.s. number from other carriers. Good to have a place you can print, ship fax exc in the Philippines.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Makes sense, I didn't even think about that.

[@badpanda2562]

I agree with you about the use of credit card for being safe. I have one card with a very low limit only $500. It keep everything safer

[@terrysmith3494]

Gio, I am going through the same thing. I was with AT&T but they don't have a Southeast Asia phone plan. I've used them since October 2023 in the Philippines but they are making noises about charging $10.00 per day for "roaming". I got online with T Mobile and set up the account with no problem. But, T Mobile has to send "their" Sim card to put in my phone as I am keeping my old phone number and phone. The problem is that they won't ship the Sim card out of country. I had them ship to my brothers house which I use as a US home address. Then my brother mailed it to me. I am waiting right now for the Sim card to arrive. I don't have much confidence in it arriving anytime soon. The Philippine mailing system "boggles" the imagination. No addresses ?just a building name ? No Street name ? I don't know how a society can function like that ! And like yourself I am preparing to fly home if necessary. Having to spend 12/1300 dollars to get a new phone number is about to make my head explode !!! Good Luck To You !! Terry

[@GiointhePhilippines]

You see I was needing a phone and sim so maybe that was the issue.

[@toy4x4x44]

many newer phones have E sims you don't need a physical sim. its all digital. you could upgrade your phone if necessary and do the digital sim option. Cheaper than a flight home at least.

[@donbxman7080]

I bought a common Oppo phone while there and it will accept 2 GSM simms!@@toy4x4x44

[@keith-kb1zl]

hell will freeze over before I figure out how to navigate my way from my wife’s place to her mothers.😀I can’t go anywhere without her, I’d have no friggen clue how to get back to the house, 😀

[@Miguel863]

Very good warning. Its funny I already had everything you mentioned and did not realize it would be important, it is just so that I do not fall short in the philippines from verifications in the US or accounts I maintain in the US. The key is want to appear you are still living in the US and traveling. Nice video.

[@GeoffsPhilsInfo]

I'm from the UK I have a HSBC bank account and in Cebu where I am retiring to there is a branch in Ayala, also it's in Manila, if I open up a global account I will get a bank card I can use in any HSBC bank, my pension will be paid into my UK branch and I transfer money to my HSBC branch in Philippines as I need it, not only that, I will not be charged any ATM fees if withdrawing my money from an HSBC bank ATM

[@jerrythomas758]

So my wife and I live in the PI part-time. We use the mail forwarding service you mentioned and it works well. I do use Google phones, and no problems with that as far as verification. I also use Tracphone when I'm in the states. I like pay as you go and not the monthly bill. I also get texts while I'm here in the PI.It's probablyy because I use a VPN. Also have a CS account. But I'm hearing that CS requires a stateside address and won't accept the online type mail boxes. So, in your case, I'm not sure if they will allow. Good luck.

[@clyoest]

Yes I had the same banking problems, an yes was a pain in the a&&😞 block out of bank, I now have both of my Pinches in a bank here in the Philippines direct deposit! It took two Mo's for my S.S. done in the Embassy here, and 10 Mo's for my military 😢 been working fine for the last year now😅 I tryed all the different internet #s 😢, have no intention of going back to the USA . Been here a little over 5yrs now an 70yrs old now, an not too computer savvy so doesn't help much😢

[@mrhooks01]

Thanks Gio - you learn your lesson thanks for the information - and everyone who watches this video will prepare them self not to make mistakes. Good luck with your trip back to USA - Greeting from Sydney Australia 😎👍💪

[@heryalvarado4131]

Hi Geo, great video very informative, I have a Google Voice No. and they offer to "port" your USA regular number to them , do you know how this works? will this resolve the issue of receiving calls to regular No. even if you are out of the USA? I'm planning to move very soon to Philippines very soon and I want to make sure that I check all the boxes, thank you.

[@scotttracy9333]

Do you mean Google Fi ?

[@carlosnorris352]

I used Schwab debit card in Philippines at many atms and never notified them about my traveling. Been to Europe previous weeks and use to pay everything with it. Again, no issues there. Biggest issue is atm machines running dry in Philippines. No idea how they didn’t figure out they need to load more cash in tourist locations like Moalboal.

[@blivit195cm3]

Gio you can get a USAA credit card with a score of 680. If you have been doing business with them for a while you will have a decent internal score with them which makes it even easier. They have different cards to chose from. Also I use Navy Fed, same deal. I use them in the Philippines all the time. No foreign transaction fees.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

With Skype you have to make 3 different payments to them. 1) buy phone number. 2) buy plan to be able to call u.s.a. 3) buy an extra plan, so you can send text messages to u.s.a. Did you buy the text messages plan?

[@daviddaum7201]

When in states get google fi cell service. Have dual sim phone. Use Google fi for data while in states and turn off data and use Phil sim for data while in Phil. Still able to get texts and calls while in Phil from USA. No problem. $20 a month

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Hi Gio,I haven't heard from you in a while thanks for the invaluable information and insight Happy New Year to you and your wife.😊

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Happy new year!

[@arequina]

Gio, signed up for Traveling Mailbox. Very easy and simple. Thanks.

[@scottramey4443]

Please forgive speech to text I have t mobile I've been in the Philippines 2 years but what I have found On all these major network carriers in the US is that if you use your phone longer than 6 months outside of the country they can close the account. so after about 3 months I shut it down and only opened it app to get OTP's when needed or emergency messaging to family. otherwise I use Facebook Messenger

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

This sounds like a good idea--shut off my "banking" phone and keep it off until needed monthly for just a few minutes .

[@jimscholz2997]

Its always good to hear from you Gio... Thanks for all of the advice over the years.

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

Hi Gio. I’m Canadian living in Japan. As far as a credit card, can you not simply apply for a credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express, etc.) with a local bank or any number of providers in the Philippines? Is credit a problem since you are not Filipino? I have perfect credit and no debt, but I’ve been rejected when applying for credit cards several times in Japan, so I finally gave up. Very annoying at times. I’ve been limited in terms of making purchases or making payments without a credit card.

[@jonb3189]

I'm an American living in Tokyo. Have countless US credit cards. For me no issue. That said, I've never applied for a Japanese credit card. I mean, why bother?

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

@@jonb3189 Sure, if you have several US credit cards and they work fine for you, then why bother applying for a Japanese card I guess. The only possible downside I can think of is I expect you are using your US credit cards to make purchases in Japan, right? So each time you make a purchase, don’t you have to pay a service fee for exchanging US dollars to yen each time? The American dollar is so strong, perhaps this is insignificant. Can you easily make all your US credit card payments online? My Canadian credit card expired years ago while in Japan and I didn’t think I could renew it since I was living and working in Japan.

[@capt.k4367]

​@@jonb3189 If you use your US credit cards often enough, won't the US credit card issuers figure out that you are living in another country and disable use of the cards if they are US banks?

[@willardpolk2871]

yes, all of those are good ideas except my suggestion would be to keep your states driver's license up to date because like me I go back and forth to the states and Philippines for doctor and to pay taxes. I would say watch the credit cards because the payments each month will take away from your budget in the Philippines.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Good tip! I pay off my cards every cycle so never own payments.

[@donbxman7080]

Aint that funny? Come back to America to pay taxes!

[@jonb3189]

Why do you have to return to the US to pay taxes? I pay my taxes while living abroad.

[@johnrichard1359]

T Mobile works on 5G in Manila. T-Mobile also has a call center in Manila. T-Mobile is hit and miss in the province and it's 3G at best. I don't know if they still do it but T-Mobile offers a secondary phone number that works over the internet and as long as you have internet accessibility on your phone it will work also. My phone worked immediately when I got off the plane. You have to get the add-on for the international plan and it includes the Philippines.

[@johnwray529]

I flew back to the USA from the Philippines a week ago. Philippine immigration wanted to see the most recent receipt of my tourist visa extension. I didn’t have with me, luckily the guy was nice and let me go on my way.

[@keith-kb1zl]

I foolishly misplaced my receipt and when I came back, they tried to charge me 3,000 something pesos before I could re- enter., I showed them the stamp on my old passport- I said why would they stamp it if I didn’t pay, but it took about a half hour to find the record that I had paid it , 😆 I learned my lesson.

[@Csfnutrition]

my wife went Ph for family visit for 3 months, she has her USA phone with her free text to USA and can call using wifi / or International plan just to use for verifications 1x charge, seem more logical i guess but idk about years there , but we pay online

[@stevenbaer9061]

I find it surprising that a passport is not viewed as a more, if not the most, trusted form of identification. So I guess just get a t-mobile, or whoever is cheapest, international plan and just keep paying the monthly fee to maintain that US number is what you are thinking is the way to go?

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Yea, I will just pay the monthly plan to keep it active.

[@donbxman7080]

Planned to move to the Philippines to simplify my life and stretch out my fixed income! So many small things can become major catastrophes there. It aint cheap to fly 3 from Cebu to the USA east coast and back. Can you imagine what you'd do if you were on lock down! Thanks for some more first hand info Gio! Thumbs up.

[@MaryStevens-hs2pg]

Way things are going there i woukd stay in usa

[@nuevaera2030]

Been here almost 2 years and I still use my T-mobile phone here. Works just like back home except with less Internet usage. Receive text from US just like there and all is super.

[@scotttracy9333]

Which T mobile plan are you on ?

[@paulfisher3680]

Hello Gio, Should we change our drivers license to our traveling mail address? thanks. We really like your videos.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Depends on the state. Some will allow it.

[@vn6714]

Gio can you let us know what kind of cost you see on the us phoneyou get from t-mobile once you are back in Philippines

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Absolutely!

[@kennethseif970]

I use Navy Federal Credit Union and Charles Schwab and many Credit Cards while in USA open as many accounts with credit unions I use Barksdale FCU as well and Pentagon Federal Credit Union. I will be coming to the Philippines in February and would like to meet you.

[@sammynavarro9881]

Gio, those are all great points. Before I moved here in the Philippines in April 2021 I pretty much did exactly what you mentioned with the exception of having a forwarding service. I renewed my driver's license, credit cards and whatever else I needed. I'm good to go for a couple of more years at least. I also have T Mobile as my home phone service basically just to keep my American number. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm sure this will be helpful to your viewers

[@Emess12]

How much do you pay for your T-Mobile plan if I may ask?

[@frankward8003]

I pay 65 dollars a month with my T mobile plan that allows me to use my phone in the Philippines when I visit...my phone plan has unlimited calls and text with 10gig of data while at home...while in the Philippines, the calls are 25 cents a minute...but at least I can call home to the US if I need too and make local calls in the Philippines if I had too...but I make calls and text with the Whatsapp for free anyways with the internet connection.....also T Mobile also gives me Netflix, Apple TV and now Hulu as part of my phone plan which I can watch at home and in the Philippines while at motels that have smart tv's...everywhere I visited in the Philippines my T-Mobile phone worked just fine...except for some places in the mountains...but to be fair my phone doesn't work in all places in the mountains in the US either.

[@donnamorales1237]

If you’re 50 years old, you pay for $50+ plan. Not sure if you’re younger and how much for that.

[@Emess12]

And do we need to get an international plan so we can receive one time codes?

[@assetinvestco5820]

Navy Federal credit union & pentagon federal credit union are better banks. Navy federal refunds ATM fees & will also finance carss & houses/property in the PH with much better rates than the PH banks.

[@rjc8989]

hey Gio thanks for touching on this issue with phones. question, can i buy one of those travel bags you sell if i am here in the philippines

[@GiointhePhilippines]

You can yes on my website or Amazon page www.amazon.com/shop/giointhephilippines

[@jlmarc01]

Can we all use a remit service to get the money instead for our needs?? Use Sendwave Remit. No fees and a favorable rate of conversion and just pick up money at usual places like Cebuana, LBC etc….. Did try to use the Bank ( Metro Bank) and that was a nightmare. But sometimes (rarely) has communication problems. But guess getting any type of mail can be a major problem there in the PI. Glad my kid helps me if I should be able to have such need for forwarding things like CC and other mail.

[@waynesutton5150]

Great info! Maybe you've gave info already on direct deposit in a BDO bank for social security. I'm thinking of doing that and leaving the bigger part in my American bank. What do you think of doing the BDO direct deposit?

[@tedjohnson4451]

150 work/ 218 Calendar Days until Retirement: I'm switching to T-Mobile [Senior International Plan] before I come out in Nov/Dec 2024. My Existing Dual Sim Phone will get Globe & Smart SIMs. Banking, still working on that.

[@rayleo529]

Very good info. Thanks Gio. Long time subscriber here.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Appreciated!

[@Re3iRtH]

I've been living and traveling overseas for 11+ years. I have USAA, Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, and 20+ other active banks and brokerages accounts. I've never told a bank even once that I'll be abroad. No issues. Never been locked out of any account. Also, I've been getting $10,000+ per year in bank bonuses simply by opening bank accounts and depositing money in them. Banks pay you to open accounts with them. I've been able to continue opening US bank accounts while abroad with little issues. Its a fun and profitable hobby.

[@Re3iRtH]

People would do well to learn how to use a VPN. Expats it seems to me are cheap and aren't willing to pay $6/mo. for one.. which is a bargain for how beneficial it is

[@KutWrite]

I have savings, credit, debit and checking account with USAA. Can I use the debit & credit and handle banking on line as I do here in the states?

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Yes, you can.

[@rayray2076]

I closed both discover cards because I couldn't receive texts on my US phone because I suspended it. they refuse to allow me to verify myself thru my e-mail.

[@patrickmctube]

Hi Gio, I have retired in the Philippines recently. I kept my T-Mobile number and bought a cheap unlocked phone from Amazon with dual SIM. So, I have a US number and a Philippines number. Through Remitly, I send funds to my PayMaya account without fees and have been using it for purchases at restaurants, supermarkets and other facilities. When I need cash, that is when the fees will apply. One day soon I'll open a bank account.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

Sounds like you are all set.

[@damncars2618]

Not sure what the problem is with Google voice. Working ok for me. I go home every 6 months or so for a checkup and to take care of business. My Medicare advantage plan reimburses emergency medical internationally.

[@MarcRichard-b1u]

How much is a month is your Medicare advantage plan?

[@damncars2618]

@@MarcRichard-b1u My medicare advantage plan same price as part B. No extra charge. Shop around. Plans vary from State to state.

[@rafaelcervantes2897]

Wells Fargo Bank works well here in Phil and the phone get Majick Jack or /At&T prepaid. Passport is only for International ID. Driver license is the most valid ID just for US is like National ID here in the Philippine.

[@capt.k4367]

Hey, I have Wells Fargo also. I've been here for 6 months but I was afraid to use WF credit card or other services incase they shut down my accounts after realizing I'm in another country. How do you access your money? Credit Card? I have a US address but was planning to sell my house since I cannot maintain it over here.

[@scotttracy9333]

What AT&T prepaid plan do you suggest?

[@waterbug1135]

Might be a good business for some in the US to do all these things for expats. There are a bunch of personal assistants online I bet would be willing to handle some of these things.

[@puppetmasterblaster]

Schwab International hasnt supported the Philippines for a few years now. Interactive Brokers does.

[@MarcRichard-b1u]

My credit Union reimbursed me for all ATM fees

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

I've heard about Interactive Brokers from a few others. I'm thinking of moving my retirement and investment account from Schwab to somewhere else, maybe Interactive Brokers. I also heard they have higher trading fees but it would be worth it if I won't get locked out of my accounts which I need access to for living overseas.

[@jonb3189]

I'm now in Phillippines. Just used my Schwab Debit card here. It works. However, I've only been here a few weeks.

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

Awesome video I'm switching back to T-Mobile before leaving and opening a USAA account cause I got insurance thru them. I just need the Mail forwarding you use for sure. How do you receive the credit card once it gets to Philippines ?

[@cgheorgh]

Great question, does a digital mai forwarding company have any issues sending an expired credit/debit card, driver's license overseas (once you ask them to open and scan and they see the content)?

[@mikejones5364]

Charles Schwabb ATM fees if you use it too much they will close your account.

[@wickman.r4662]

The RAO in Cebu was located a short distance from SM Cebu (North Reclamation Area / near Mabolo) in year 2020. When I departed the Philippines.

[@wickman.r4662]

Again; Thank you for 3 years ago, connecting me with a retired school teacher in Medellin. I’m enjoying adventures in Colombia sharing joy, happiness, and love with two svelte fit young vetted girlfriends.

[@Shermanstank1975]

GETTING AN HSBC PREMIER account is the way to go. Although of course there is no HSBC in the Dumaguete. HSBC Premier has a high account minimum balance $75K ( you can also qualify if you have a total of $5k of direct deposits/month). HSBC allows you to have a foreign address, and has no foreign exchange fees. They are the most expat friendly bank. The only thing is HSBC Philippines are located in Manila, Cebu and Davao regions only….Once you open an account by providing a real residential address, you can change your address afterwards to any Mail forwarding address. The initial process will require proof of address but then once that your account is created, you can now change your home address and mailing address with that of the mail forwarding address. They also allow your checks to reflect the mail forwarding address underneath your name

[@Wuestenwiesel]

Oh uh! I have multiple credit cards, i still have a german sim card, which i obviously use in the eu and only for receiving banking SMS. I also have a mail adress in Germany. I use the adress from an uncle. Only for banking mails. Also the credit cards are expiring on different dates. Two expires in 2027 and two expires in 2029. Be careful with wise, its possible they start asking for invoices or banking sheets and boom they might not accept it. Local bank accounts usually dont ask that.

[@civmartom7705]

AT&T and Verizon has international plan for $10 any day u use it 1 txt or 100 don’t matter they charge by the day. I still have Verizon with no problems. I use navy federal and USAA for all my banking. Setup my wise while stateside with face recognition direct link to my bank account. If you are prior military join navy federal credit union can do business online, over the phone 24/7. They have branches in Guam, Japan, Korea and probably other places close to PI. If you need new atm card they can issue at the branch. Might be something to look into.

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

I use my Tmobile phone also, when u are on a laptop many USA websites will be blocked. Like govt sites, and many other websites. I got a VPN for around $10 a month. Now all of my websites in the USA work online.

[@arluyoutoob127]

This is very informative. I will retire soon and am considering living in the Philippines.

[@GarrettSAlston]

I do not have a credit card after a serious medical life situation ruined my credit for now, if/ when I travel or rent a car, I have a specific visa logo card, I will put enough cash on so when they hold funds on that card, it will not affect my main banks other accounts!! This is the only way I could do it and it has worked for me thus far!! If not, car rental places will have to seek business elsewhere!! It is what it is!

[@davidgreer7890]

Question for you, I was there July through the middle of August. When I needed money I would use Western Union to send money to my girlfriend/myself and we would pick it up. Do you see problems with doing this while I live there? I’m moving there in July of this year. Thank you for all the other information in this video. I will go to T-Mobile and get a phone with an international number.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

I think Remitly is a better deal than Western Union

[@scotttracy9333]

Check out transfer wise also

[@koolkokujin7015]

Thanks for the information. I plan to relocate to the Philippines later this year.

[@chunpak1811]

I have been able to get two factor authentification using my Google Voice number and use Skype to call home (US). I have been in SE Asia for two years. Do you think a T-Mobile number is still necessary? Thanks.

[@rustynail3630]

Can you use the mail forwarding address as your U.S address? Looking to select a state that has no state taxes for tax purposes. Or maybe this doesn’t matter for tax purposes if in the Philippines as a permanent residence.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

I don't think it will work for that.

[@Randal86]

I've used google voice in Asia for 2 years. No problems with text verify for banks or anything.

[@bruce3462]

Yep, same here. It's the only thing I use for both text verifications and calling to the US.

[@mikesimpson9997]

Get motorcycle insurance on a cheap bike stateside and keep it around 100 a year. If not You come back and find your insurance rate is crazy high because they won’t consider insurance on a car in Philippines as having insurance. It’s like your a teenager again with rates

[@ckilr01]

I switched to Citibank which has a branch in Manila. I was surprised Wells Fargo isn't in the Philippines anymore. It used to be all over. I have 3 credit cards just in case and my daughter will forward mail here in the Philippines and has power of attorney

[@ghostshell438]

With spectrum I pat $14/m to keep my phone number and then I use Airalo and get a PH e-sim for $30/m

[@AzerPaul]

Very interesting. I got along for 12 years in Russia, Vietnam and Thailand (and many short trips to other countries) with just my USAA atm and credit cards; no US phone (I get local SIMs and immediately inform USAA); and no mail forwarding (everything is online). What mail I get goes to my daughter. Every two years I came back to the US and got new cards. But diring the last two years fraud detection has gotten overly strict such that USAA has been shutting me down, decining payments, and making me call them to get reactivated-almost every month! So I think the international living thing has simply gotten more troublesome now, and we just have to cope.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

That happens to me with USAA also.

[@anonymousperson2345]

Starting 05-07-2025 US Travelers must use "Real ID" to board domestic flights and access certain Federal facilities.

[@tjbailey3609]

You dont need real id if you have a passport.

[@groupgrpllc8765]

Many companies are rejecting or denying opening new accounts. I have 2 friends had that issues.vand they are located in the u.s. and financially well of. Still happened.

[@Hicks-g1m]

Good luck with everything back in America Gio yeah things here in the Philippines can be very difficult

[@cecilwampler8733]

I wish there was a organization that would make all of this easier for expats. I'm in Cambodia and I also have an expired driver's license and dread doing the test and driving test again. I might just do the state ID. Not sure.

[@GiointhePhilippines]

My PH license is good for 10 years and I can drive on it in the US so I will just get a state id.

[@FinstaDaMinsta]

What about a passport ID? I got one when I renewed my passport and it’s been great it’s as good as using a license or birth certificate.

[@donbxman7080]

Do they make paying your taxes easy?

[@oceanearth2243]

Get a good lawyer in both countries for notary services to avoid needless overseas travel. I’ve been getting screwed too with a phone that won’t receive texts! It’s a bad situation

[@jonb3189]

Only place I know of to get a notary while living abroad is the US Embassy, and they charge a fortune ($50 each as I recall).

[@ulyssesfewl1059]

In Australia, it is IMPERATIVE to notify your bank of any overseas travel. I always maintain at least one prepaid SIM that roams. I have no problem receiving one-time-passwords on my Australian number when in the Philippines.

[@HD-bq8pw]

I recently applied for an account with PNC AND used my Google Voice number in the application. It was rejected, but they couldn't tell me why. I applied again with my wireless carrier number and the application was accepted.

[@doesntmatter3068]

I got the Charles Schwab thing covered. Looking for suggestions on the cheap Phone service from the USA.

[@bruce3462]

Google Voice. It's free and it works. Been using it for many years.

[@RayConner-s6y]

hello GIO i was in the Philippines from November 2021 and i use my magic jack as long as you have wifi i could make calls to anyone in the USA i could call my mom sister my friend i just payed 39.00 dollars a year make all the calls to anyone in the USA i appreciate al your news there thanks

[@pcbondart]

do they have places in the Philippines that you can rent something like a PO box?

[@vernondavis561]

Gio, You are 100% correct about limiting the use of your debit card. In the event you are skimmed, you are at the mercy of the bank to refund your missing funds in a timely manner due to fraud. Secondly, always have a least two credit card accounts….Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a good one to have overseas. Lastly, things will become exponentially more difficult for expats once CBDC’s are the norm.

[@keith-kb1zl]

I use Citibank and chase debit cards 💳 only one incident of fraud- the ATM didn’t work the first time, second time it did , my bank charged me for 2 withdrawals- I called my bank in the states asap and they did credit me the money back next day I’m always kinda leery about the banks here, tho it could have been my banks mistake? thinking now of just using western union 😀 same problem with my roommates wiring their rent money into my account, with Zelle , took 5 days after it was sent to show up in my online statement 🤦‍♂️ I use messenger too, and FaceTime, for my contacts in the states, plan on keeping my house in the states, having a U.S address ensures my SS check being direct deposit it still difficult for a dinosaur like me to get the hang of the internet age 😂😂

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

Do I need to bring a laptop from here in America? Plus do you receive VA disability check each month and if you are how do receive their notice or mail their for appointments. At the VA in Manila

[@DDK997]

Hey Gio. Skype was acquired by Microsoft a long time ago. Microsoft has since shifted from Skype to MS teams. Skype while still working is no longer supported or upgraded. It will eventually be phased out.

[@itsjustanotherday2328]

About your phone. I have a magic jack that gives me a USA phone number. I use the app on my iPhone so I receive call and call back to the states. You can receive text, but my T-Mobile give text and data as part of the plan so I use it.

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍🇺🇲 Food for thought. I'm just a vacationer so I've never needed to set any of this up. I would think. As things change or the tracking, security and scammers get more resourceful. The requirements will change. If someone is overseas they may not be aware and get caught out. You would think the Philippine government would help keep retires in cash flow by reducing some of these road blocks? I realize it's American companies with all the security measures. Seems like the Philippine companies aren't helping. IDK. Cheers from the PNW Seattle WA.

[@jamesballard6564]

The Philippines caused these added measures for their baked in corruption. You have no such hurtles in Western Europe.

[@jannarkiewicz633]

I live in Eastwood and I have multiple T-Mobile call center employees in my building. I always pretend to ask them "Hey, I need this done to my account." Nice idea on the mail forwarding service. BTW: how did you have Google Voice with no U.S. phone number?

[@GiointhePhilippines]

I just used my sons US number to sign up.

[@marianeil6630]

You have to set up Google voice as long you have Gmail account. You have to do this before leaving USA, they will assign you a USA telephone number, you can use this to 1800 number. You have to have icon place in your cellphone when you turn on your cellphone.

[@marianeil6630]

And it's free, but they will offer you some, plan to pay, but I want free. I'm glad that I did it. Very useful, but you have to use this in separate US phone.

[@marianeil6630]

You could 2 verification or authentication by using Google voice

[@marianeil6630]

You could receive I mean the 2 authentication, verification.

[@garrymiller2769]

The only sure way of having money to spend in the PH is to send it ahead to someone you trust and having them dole it out to you, from their bank account, as you need it. Of course, you know the problem presented with that. But at least you won't have your home bank locking you out of your account, questioning some little issue and needing you to come home to clear it up. I wouldn't go to the PH for any trip over 3 weeks if i couldn't do that.

[@Expat_in_Moises_Padilla]

Yes maintain the illusion is the perfect description you hit the nail on the head