What New Expats Need to Prepare to Come to the Philippines !!!

[@donphilipclayton4885]

Steve, I've only comment once or twice but I have learned a lot from you. You are just a wealth of information. Thank you so much.

[@norrisbethke7770]

Worked for an airline so traveled Intl a fair amount..actually had a money belt, used a pouch with a strap for passport and wallet, made copies of passport and itinerary to put in checked luggage...a bit of care can prevent a lot of disruption...thx for the vid 🙏🏻✌🏻👍🏻🕊

[@scottmunro4250]

Good stuff. You just saved me a bunch of headaches with the magic app info. Thanks.

[@johnspielberger518]

Another excelente video on a concrete aspects during a transition .

[@jameslonergan5840]

The Magic Jack works great. Also make sure your cell phone is unlocked from your US carrier. I have also set up an additional ATM card from my bank in case one gets eaten by a machine.

[@marites68]

I use TEXTNOW and it is totally free WIFI telephone number. Been using it in the Philippines. Works great for me.

[@richardchandler7370]

I opted for the passport card and that is what I carry when traveling in the Philippines. Good at the exchanges, hotels etc. Never had a problem using it. I keep the regular passport hidden.

[@franciscofletes1948]

That’s good. Foreign drivers license is only good for 90 days so if you will be here longer you’ll want to convert your foreign DL into a Philippines DL. That will give you another valid ID that you can use without having to carry your passport around

[@douglaslaturner9685]

Nice to know thanks..

[@fruitloops3718]

Hi Steve. If you have a destination you can ship bilak bayan boxes to the Philippines rather than carrying on the plane. It's about a two foot by two foot box for around $100. Much cheaper than the airlines and there's no weight limit.

[@mkrampits]

Good advice on the passport card. In Thailand, you need a passport to exchange money. I used my passport card instead of my passport. No one questioned it. They seemed used to seeing it,

[@nickscomputerfix]

Good info. Good video.👍😎

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 👍

[@ronaldocastillo2630]

🇵🇭 I’m Pinoy watching from Montreal. 🇨🇦

[@vincentgray870]

Thanks for the great info, Steve.

[@philipjanek3864]

Bring blank checks plenty so that you can write a check to your Philippine bank for your budget. It will take approx 1 month to clear then you withdraw that amount and write another check to your dollar acct at your Philippine bank BDO etc. Cheapest way to transfer your USA funds to the Philippines

[@jmfarrell5]

Great episode. 👏🏻👏🏻 Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. A big help. 👍🏻

[@williamhornsberger9499]

Another great video Steve! Thanks.

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@thomasspravka1370]

Great advice for traveling anywhere! Thanks!

[@djdg1973]

You sir get a subscribe. Very informative, thanks.

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@johnreinhartmusic3328]

Awesome information as usual. Great to see you walking after the bug bites 👍

[@MrSteven5975]

It’s healing slowly but the Cellulitis is still causing issues. If I didn’t walk daily I’d be in bed from my Sciatica unfortunately. Mornings is when my pain meds are strongest and I’m able to exercise even though it’s still painful on some days. Sucks getting old !! Lol

[@jillesguzman3333]

Chief, those two girls at the store were not checking your pockets, they were just mesmerized by your good looks :-D

[@MrSteven5975]

When girls here are checking you out together it’s not for your awesome looks unfortunately.

[@franciscofletes1948]

They wanted your foreigner money 💴 because in Philippines all foreigners are rich. Lol

[@offhamsterwheel2789]

Thx for sharing yur info. Please do a vlog on dealing different voltage being used in Phil and how to prevent Equipment damages from Power Surges. Thanks

[@MrSteven5975]

I cover this little in an upcoming video. Coming within a week.

[@browningslifeinthephilippi7791]

Good advise especially telling your bank to unblock your credit card, also is far as shipping you can go to your local Asian store and get some balak byun box there pretty big with no weight limit on them, when you get here you can call someone in the states and tell them what you need, they cost around 100 dollars and takes around 60 days to get here, you can fit alot in the boxes.

[@mikelauersdorf2992]

Snowing & 10°F (-12°C) here in south Texas. We could use some of your warm weather.

[@franciscofletes1948]

I retired out of fort hood Texas in Killeen. I signed out of post and then took a taxi to the airport from post to come to the Philippines. Haven’t been back since. Only thing I miss is the Mexican food

[@Jbk8396]

Love your videos man keep it up

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@mrtoyotasupra87]

Nice

[@timcollins9406]

thanks for the good info

[@MrSteven5975]

Any time!

[@wayneclose5299]

The magic jack thing really sounds like a must

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes it helps

[@steveburch5113]

thanks

[@peterking1134]

Thanks for your great advice & insights!

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@guillermomontoyo]

That magic jack is a great idea👍

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks

[@shagwellington]

Good tips there Magic Man.

[@MrSteven5975]

Glad you like them!

[@steventhomas5783]

I remember a video were the advice was to always carry paper copies of IDs or documents. Keep all originals at home in a safe or hidden.

[@MrSteven5975]

That was once your settled to carry copies of you US Identification and have originals at home. I believe that’s what you are referring to. Such as carrying a copy of your Passport in the Philippines always.

[@southbound1969]

@@MrSteven5975 Also, as a backup, I scan and email important documents to myself.

[@racheysdad]

@@southbound1969 Yep, keep scanned copies backed up on the cloud. (dropbox, google drive, etc)

[@mikevaldez4895]

Steven my number one thing that help me. Was have someone in the states that watch over mail and other issue. And cosigner on my bank account. So if anything happens like illnesses or death. Or You want to Bug out . God for bid you get mugged .at lease someone in states side send you back up through DHL delivery over night

[@fendermon]

What would DHL deliver? Thanks

[@stevesmith1127]

Did you download Magic jack to your phone when you were still in America:)

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes

[@clyderiddle6850]

Dude. You have a good channel and give a lot of useful information. The only criticism I have is you always have the camera pointed at yourself! Please turn the camera around so we can see the surroundings.

[@MrSteven5975]

Occasionally we do

[@kenmcleod8618]

Nice!

[@wolfe5047]

Keeping an old passport book works also. It shows you are or were an American citizen. Otherwise make copies of the passport photo page with the info.

[@jackrussell680]

Good suggestion on the ex-divorce papers. I looked into that last week. Something about me filling divorce, I didn't get an original paper copy and they are needed to get remarried.

[@franciscofletes1948]

I originally got a tourist visa when I came here in late 2019. About a month into lockdown I saw the writing on the wall about tourists visas being cancelled and I applied for an SRRV Human Touch. My was expensive because I’m 39. I had to put in a 10K USD deposit. A month after my SRRV was issued they closed the program. My visa is still valid and I’m grandfathered. But new applications are currently suspended.

[@MrSteven5975]

@@-whackd Yes, when you leave or buy a condo.

[@edwardgriffin6042]

Hello Steve. Where do I get the Passport card? 2. I want to be able to keep my U.S. number to call/text and to receive the same when there as well as to do the same in the Philippines. I left there a few weeks ago and this was a problem. Do you recommend Magic Jack and Magic App or a carrier like Verizon/T-Mobile/Boost Mobile/AT&T? Thanks a million for all the information that you provide.

[@MrSteven5975]

Hi, You get your Passport Card when you apply for you Passport. You can port your old number over on MagicApp or MagicJack. I love MagicApp but some banking security things don’t work on it.

[@southbound1969]

For those not in the know yet, a Charles Schwab ATM card is essential. They refund all fees at the end of every month.

[@franciscofletes1948]

Usaa and navy fed do as well. Also make sure you have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transactions fees. That way you can make purchases free of foreign transaction fee which for some can be 1-3% per purchase

[@jerseyinthephilippines1283]

@@franciscofletes1948 Ok at the end of the month goes for USAA, but do they not charge international also? I have USAA. I just want to get this straight. I don’t want to change to Charles Shwab rite now. We’re fixing to come over very soon. I have heard about Charles Swab and what their atm do in PH by Tim K and Every man has a story Dude.

[@robertt6327]

Hello my friend good to hear from you thank you for all the useful information. I am 76 years old I'm on Social Security and I draw veterans disability I do not pay taxes so I have no copies of my tax returns

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

Always great advise. Thanks. Hey could you make a Check list form or everybody? I have 5 years 1 Month and getting the white board this weekend. Yes I am listening and I am getting ready. Thanks.

[@MrSteven5975]

Each person is different but if you watch each video it will give you ideas on what to put on your check off list. Obviously some videos are not relevant for the check off list.

[@patricktraichal9287]

You may want to begin with categories: local research (which city?, rental rates, ...), official paperwork (visas, shots, ...), finance (international banks, forex, ...), medical (prescriptions, ), logistics (packing, shipping, ...), personal (hobbies, travel itinerary, ...). A mind map (like FreeMind) or a spreadsheet (like OpenOffice Calc) may be a good way to organize the information if you want a software record.

[@surfboy344]

@@patricktraichal9287 Good ideas Patrick thanks

[@ItsMe_Philippines]

13a visa is not expensive either. Not an option for a lot of people but those that can get it will benefit from it.

[@randygoossen3344]

What do you do to keep documents, passports, cash safe when away from your home for a few days travelling? Do most places have safes and if not, how would you suggest securing your stuff? Thanks for the great videos.

[@MrSteven5975]

I did a video on hiding things. But since my home I tell the neighbors to watch the house. But my area is pretty safe.

[@kennethrobinson278]

Like your videos. Very informative. Could you make a video on veterans travel. Thank you

[@MrSteven5975]

As in traveling where ? Veterans like myself travel no different than anyone else here.

[@kennethrobinson278]

@@MrSteven5975 I meant from the US. Are there any cost difference for veterans? Like for the Visa?

[@MrSteven5975]

@@kennethrobinson278 If you are 50 or older you can Geta SRRV Visa for much cheaper. If you wish to have more info I have videos on it or you can email me at [e-mail] for my US Phone number here.

[@kennethrobinson278]

@@MrSteven5975 Thank you. I'm 63. I'll email you when my phone charges up. I appreciate all of your help. I'm also 100% military connected and retired with SSD. Can still travel though.

[@kennethrobinson278]

@@MrSteven5975 Hi Steve, I can't get through to your email

[@fruitloops3718]

Also if you're traveling with your philippina and she's not strong. You can easily end up paying extra taxes and fines. I had to place my wife behind me in order to get them to talk to me. Sometimes it's a hassle like that. She would have never argued with the airport officials about paying an airport tax. I had previously paid the tax and they wanted to tax me again. I had the receipt in hand and still had to argue not to pay that tax.

[@johnmead1343]

I like your vlog. We are considering relocating to the Philippines next year. Waiting for my wife to retire. We will be selling our house in SC as soon as possible and auctioning off the contents. We have an existing apartment in the Tagaytay area to live in while looking to build a house. Can you give me some reliable info on health ins there? Also will be looking for advise on banking establishments. Not sure if I’m going to bring my retirement investments with me or not. Please respond when you get a chance. Further questions to follow. Thx John

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Lee-py6yt]

Do have a video on what's the best way to have a bank card mailed to the Philippines?

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes I do

[@marcrichard7251]

Is there a small international rate change for people in USA 🇺🇸 to call you?

[@williammedeiros6821]

Thank you Steve great advice?? How do you get a passport card if I have my passport already thank you

[@MrSteven5975]

Most Post Offices in the USA you can.

[@williammedeiros6821]

@@MrSteven5975 thank you Steve

[@derekbassett9083]

Can you get American t v in the Philippines are at least to watch football games

[@jjdenver1]

Have you figured out a way to keep a u.s. phone number that can get login verifications by text from banks? I’ve heard that phone apps like magic Jack won’t work for bank verification.

[@MrSteven5975]

I usually call the bank to get around this. Or put my Sisters phone number and they send the code to her and she texts me. Or change the verification to email. Most banks let you.

[@wmurphy62]

Steve I think you should publish a handbook for us. We’ll pay for it

[@MrSteven5975]

Lol

[@wmurphy62]

It will be easier than looking through all your videos, lol

[@throughblindeyesmyphilippi2015]

Hey Steve new to your channel here. Just a couple questions. (Well I got lots of questions but not trying to throw all that at you like that) First and foremost when do you think they will open to regular tourism? I'm only coming there for 2 weeks or so the first time whenever they open up so I don't need any type of visa for that right? I already let my bank know. I don't have credit cards so not worried about that. I have my Filipina there waiting for me so I know she can help with alot like she already said she would have a temp SIM card ready for me when I touch down and she is even getting me a money belt/strap to carry under my shirt or wherever. Or I could just get a backpack to carry in my front.. Nothing goes in the back pockets I have that pounded into my head now lol. Changing money at the airport is good right? Gonna have an RFID wallet just cus you never know. Bringing good ear plugs cus I already see the damn roosters being a problem plus I'm flying into Manilla and prolly staying my first night there so yeah fml... Damn I got 3/4 of the way through this short book of a comment and you drop your email during the vid....damnit 😂

[@MrSteven5975]

My educated guess on opening is between May and December this year. But....... It’s just a guess and nobody really knows. But I know they want the economy to jump back like everyone else.

[@Retire-py2yk]

Let's keep it simple... just make sure to be able to transfer money and US phone.. Everything else, there is Visa/Master cards :)

[@michaelfeehily5926]

Great Video Steve!!! looks like your loosing weight!!

[@MrSteven5975]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@horizonchaser6030]

I was wondering about Dental Care there. I've got some articles book marked I need to read but wondering if you've had any experience with Dental Work, how Prices compare to the States. I'm putting off some Dental work I need done. My friends go down to Mexico for top notch work half the price of the U.S, wondering if The P I would be like that.

[@MrSteven5975]

It’s half or less in most decent dental facilities here.

[@sweproductions1]

Did you visit the Philippines before you decided to move there?

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes and was married to a Filipina before too

[@sweproductions1]

@@MrSteven5975 I should have added did you visit as a civilian before you moved there I’m going there for a 3 to 6 month trip to explore business opportunities and marriage do you think this is a good plan even tho I’ve never been there as a civilian?

[@ChosingGod]

As an immigrant do you feel as though the Philippines are the best for you

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes, but in the current situation it’s a little rough but no regrets yet.

[@kenmcleod8618]

Stay home guys.....Trust me I’m a retired ex navy America living here... This is not the way of life that you’re dreaming.!

[@MrSteven5975]

The way things are now you are correct

[@dcollins217]

Is it because of the Pandemic or just life in general? Do you regret retiring there?

[@asrb246]

would digitized copies of important documents suffice or would I need to bring originals?

[@MrSteven5975]

Originals !!! I brought extras because I got a retirement visa and let them keep the original. Later it was returned.

[@snadgers-livinglifetothemax]

What health insurance do you use and what’s average cost per yr

[@MrSteven5975]

$770 a year for Pacific Cross.

[@caseyroskwitalski4647]

For the algo

[@andrewl7644]

Hello I’m a single man 48 have a small home paid off. My thinking is I rent my home out and come there but I’m reading I must marry a Filipina within 6 months or deposit 50k in a Philippine bank before age 50 or 20k after age 50 ? First off is this true ? Also a hostile is fine with me. Is that cheaper than a condo due to lot fees etc. I’m not picky . Where would u say is the cheapest safest places to look into …province and hostile fine with me . Thank you !!!

[@marites68]

I have been married to a filipina for 20 years. I would suggest googling about the 50k deposit. As of July, 2021, because of COVID19, I believe you would have to be locked down for 10 days in a hotel which cost about $100 a day and COVID19 test for $80. We are living in STA Rosa in a house.

[@michaelfeehily5926]

to get married there. but from your own country.

[@iveneverhadabadday]

PLEASE send a link to an Agent/Agency Thank You, Much Honor and Respect

[@MrSteven5975]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opzIknSwd5alhsU. Please wait till they reopen the SRRV Process before contacting. The contact info is in the description.

[@iveneverhadabadday]

@@MrSteven5975 Thanks a MILLION !!!!!

[@allenplatt8334]

Hi; you still have American bank account and Philippines bank account I'm thinking retired back to my home town but I'm thinking keep my bank of America or open another bank with international ? Thank you

[@MrSteven5975]

I recommend Charles Schwab account

[@spartacus6662]

Hi Steve do I need to bring my sword and shield and some armour

[@TheMobiledoll]

Make sure all of the above are enchanted. Rookie mistake not to.

[@dougcallahan171]

Does T mobile work there well?

[@MrSteven5975]

Not sure

[@teresarafols328]

Do you think with retirement visa , an american person can be here even it is pandemic?

[@MrSteven5975]

It is possible in some cases now

[@cavemansee7110]

Mate what it’s that visa for vets over 50 years and also does that pertain to Australia Vets ?

[@MrSteven5975]

Not sure.....I believe it might be. Call the Philippine Retirement Authority or email them.

[@wmurphy62]

What are you talking about agents

[@MoorDragon]

What special preparations for those of us who are moving to the PI with a Filipina wife? Different visa?

[@MrSteven5975]

Does she hold an American Visa ? Philippines Visa? Australian VISA ? I don’t have enough info to know

[@MoorDragon]

@@MrSteven5975 My wife still has her Philippines visa and a Green Card.

[@johnandrews7379]

I have a Skype phone number. It's similar to magicJack. I have a permanent local US number for $33/year. I have unlimited calling to any US phone #. If app is on, it will ring just like regular phone for incoming US calls. So far it has worked great for me as I only call international to the US.

[@justmusic8166]

Can you bring animals thanks

[@MrSteven5975]

Yes with proper papers and shots

[@jonh8488]

why do you need to bring tax papers ?

[@MrSteven5975]

Just to have last years papers in case of an audit or if you need any info from it.

[@jeffbrandenburg5319]

Can you provide your Agents name and email address? Awesome video!

[@MrSteven5975]

For Insurance? Or SRRV VISA ? Email me at [e-mail] and Ask and I’ll send you the information

[@donaldmosher9420]

do you go to sm Dasma

[@MrSteven5975]

Very Often !!!

[@wmurphy62]

What’s a pra

[@MrSteven5975]

The Philippine Retirement Authority

[@marcrichard7251]

At least 5 copies of your birth certificate..l

[@michaelfeehily5926]

ceramorny certificate

[@chechokiko7904]

"Bahstan"

[@jackredman7200]

Hello steve good vid , I got a question, i am gonna have to find a mailing address for my ss is their a service you know off in USA to have a mailing service that’s good

[@MrSteven5975]

Automatic Deposit might help. UPS stores will accept mail and sometimes forward. There are other services in the Dakotas that do this online too. Not sure of the addresses or number.

[@teresarafols328]

Can you give me your email? I just need to know how is srrv visa? I have a an ameeican visa and he cant get here. Maybe you can help us. Thank you

[@MrSteven5975]

[e-mail]

[@meh4062]

Tipping makes me laugh not suppose to be a concept in the Philippines but im oddly so against it there than in America just because its your job to do X. Why do I have to incentivize you more and be blatantly abused. Mostly legal issues my family dealt with in the PI. Hated how we paid everyone and lawyers took their sweet time to get more money from us. Delaying process etc etc.

[@Rick-ls6zo]

Old white guy=target.

[@Grandpawillie]

I have T-M .

[@MrSteven5975]

T-M ?

[@caseyroskwitalski4647]

@@MrSteven5975 t mobile?

[@phatboied]

Magic app got bad reviews. Got another app with better reviews

[@MrSteven5975]

Magic App works great