What They Don't Tell You About Moving To The Philippines

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Need assistance with your Philippine move? Apply to work with me here: sw54nqalsay.typeform.com/to/p80XN5gG

[@josephharlanschmitz]

I live in Cebu. I paid 2 months up front and that is normal. no problems, been here 1year. I'm from the US

[@JamesTumbucon]

As a filipino-american expat, even with dual citizenship. I still had to 2+2 with PDC’s😢. The struggle was so real

[@LosPeregrinosdeCamino]

I’m a third gen fil-am, last time we had a reunion, there were almost 50 of us. No one mentioned retiring in PI. everyone knows PI still has a long way to go when it comes to healthcare, infrastructure, safety and perhaps confidence in the govt. there’s more than 7600 islands and it’s understandable that it’s gonna be difficult and rightly so. Who knows? As they say, Rome was not built in one day. Manila has BGC but other than that, a lot of Filipinos can hardly get by with their everyday meals.

[@JunRoss-pp3mv]

The gap between Pinas & US or other developed countries is a long way. Save for the future & retire in developed country.

[@mvttjacob]

eyebrow scar adding +100 aura

[@tobywebb6452]

Re opening a bank account, I tried this year, the ACR card needs to list you as a resident, and not as a tourist, and for that you need the right type of visa, such as spouse or retirement visa

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Yes, without converting your tourist visa, it is going to be very difficult to have a bank account or establish credit. Only an immigrant visa will essentially get you those privileges. That's why I tell people that unless you are getting married, it's not worth it to live long-term in the Philippines. You lose out on the advantages of Philhealth, Philippines credit cards, car loans, mortgages, etc. Unless you want to dish out cash all the time.

[@ryanr10106]

I opened a saving account with PNB Bank as a tourist on my ACR card and passport february 2023. BPI declined because my ACR card has tourist. Please check PNB.

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

why would u want to open a bank account, the country is so unstable. I have lived in cebu city for 7 years, i just used ATM machines and never had problem. If u cannot afford the ATM fees then should not be traveling.....I also would never marry, or buy any real estate in the PI. Just be ready to move when u want,,,,

[@Robert-ho1ie]

​@@dsrrellgriffith1161that's my exact sentiments except maybe and depending on what credit card you use. I have a Charles schwab brokerage account who reimburses all ATM fees at the end of the month. Not 100% sure I can have this account if I'm living permanently in the Philippines. I don't trust banks in the US and hell no would I trust a Philippines bank. I know how the loan process works in banks at least I do in the US.

[@craigfine4261]

Try Union Bank as it is affiliated with citibank now after the merger.

[@wesgraham2262]

Thank you very much for bringing this news to our attention. Most vloggers would never reveal this. Kudos to you! 👍

[@joedoe-sedoe7977]

I went there for 1 month just to decide if I wanted to retire there and I decided not to. The reasons were mainly due to the overall quality of life living around poverty, the quality of goods,the lack of modern stores, the lack of upkeep across the board of sidewalks,utilities,transportation, it seems everything is thread bare dog eared or held together with baling wire and bubble gum, the other reason was over crowding in the cities and lack of goods and services in the provinces and its like youre camping 24/7

[@glidden67]

Did you stay in Manila?

[@joedoe-sedoe7977]

@@glidden67 No ,I went to Cebu and a near by island province (Camotas island) and back to Angles city and then the mountain city of Baguio ,I did not stay in Manila but passed through it a couple times and used its airport on arival and departure but its pretty much the same conditions everywhere

[@JunRoss-pp3mv]

@@joedoe-sedoe7977 Left Pinas 54 yrs ago & nothing really changed except new condos everywhere where regular Pinoys can't afford, new high end restaurants that's more expensive than in the US & the glorified BGC. That's it.

[@paxxop]

It's not for everyone, that's for sure. I've seen what you've seen and I agree with how run down it all is. But the pluses, like the friendly culture and a warm, English speaking country with cheap cost of living, outweigh the negatives for me.

[@JunRoss-pp3mv]

@@paxxop You'll get those if your in California. California feels like a developed Philippines. 2 million kababayan, including about 400K TNT.😆

[@johnstuart9965]

Mr. Evan, I'm so glad you are addressing these cons as compared to Pros about the Philippines, I understand most KZbin BLoggers want to make lots of revenue, so they constantly make the Philippines a paradise of Sunshine unicorns, and butterflies, But some of that is fantasy, I been watching you and you are informative, I'm glad you are showing some of the negative, so Expates can make a better decision in not have in their mind going to a country with a mind of super paradise. And even those men that are 60 years of age and older retired going their thinking age is just a number and a 25 year old would be pining to be his girlfriend is also fantasy, it;s money, yes that's it, "MONEY." but that's OK if expats realize that truth as well.

[@GroundUnderMedia]

Services like yours, seem to really be a godsend.

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

I have lived in cebu city for 7 years, mainly in IT park. Whats the problem of renting? I have never had a problem, i have always received my full deposit back. I pay 20k a month for new studio condo, why is everybody crying. I use Rentpad for my choices, and pick a condo that uses a well know agent. Water and sewer are only $6 dollars a month, some u have to pay the HOA fees. But most of my rentals the HOA is included in the rent, internet $30 dollars with good connection, electricity is around $60 dollars,,,,The reason so many people cry is they do not have income, they are vloggers or young guys with no money.

[@mikes6798]

It may take longer, But much safer then Chicago,,, i.e. O-Block. Nice video, thanks

[@ryanmonti4903]

Lived here over 2 years. I've paid rent from World Remit to BDO bank account, even did this from the States, paid rent on my place before I got here. I've never had an ACR card, used my SRRV to get bank account, drivers license.

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Good information Evan. Thanks for sharing!!

[@johnclark1469]

The PI is bigger than the Manilla area so in other regions, like the Visayas, you do have more negotiable lower deposit options on rents depending on the city. This As well as lower prices, less congestion and smoother bureaucracy. There are still cons but not as extreme. The Manilla area is for those who like the huge city vibe and western lifestyle - but that comes w more expense and rental demands.

[@user-zy1oh8jk7j]

7 rentals and never got even half my deposit back with no damage. And that's only because I bothered the landlord's constantly.

[@HunkyMan777]

Doesn't rental bond have to be deposited into a bank account with a government agency?

[@user-zy1oh8jk7j]

@@HunkyMan777 Hahaha no rules have to be followed in some places. Except the rule to be in good standing with the brgy captain I've never had that happen. Don't expect a copy of a legitimate company's receipt for deductions either.

[@abqcrutch]

I'm about 15 months away from moving to the PI. I'll be packing light, since I have no idea where I will be settling. I'm a scuba diver and want to be within a short distance of a dive spot(s). Places that interest me today are Panglao/Bohol, Cebu, and Dumaguete. Subbed.

[@paxxop]

I haven't dealt with the rent thing yet (been staying with friends to start) but I think it's very important to accept that in a foreign country, things are done in ways that are, ummm, "foreign"!! Find out how well you can handle it by making an exploratory trip first. Go for long enough to get out of the tourist mindset, see what "living there" feels like. Getting the expedited ACR is no big deal. They expedited mine as a routine matter, adding the expediting fee onto what I was already paying anyway. That and my passport was enough ID to open a bank account even though I'm on a tourist visa.

[@kahawaiihele]

I have a BDO account with debit card and I don't have an ACR. It can be done.

[@louiskatona7816]

They try the two months deposit in Thailand too but it is against the law here. When I confronted the landlord or agent they quickly backed off. I never paid a two months deposit in any country. I have been 4 times to the Philippines but I will not go there again. Problem solved. Welcome to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos. Mabuhay!

[@anthonyseo]

Good point about the extra costs of renting. In fact, there are many such hidden costs that increase how much money you need to initially setup in the Philippines!

[@paxxop]

What other hidden costs are there? Would be very helpful to know what else to expect?

[@ericemslie9870]

Good information The 2 and 2 is a scam. Most landlords will not refund your 2 months security deposit. If the renters turned down enough landlords they would have to negotiate

[@jessiesantiago7994]

Renting in Japan is more daunting than the Philippines. Poverty is a normal part of life in the Philippines Poverty is found in a lot of the Southeast Asian countries.

[@innerboostaffirmations]

Would it just be easier to avoid the rental nightmare by negotiating a long-term stay at an Air B&B or hotel?

[@stan1027]

Until now, I thought I could get a SRRV because I am retired military. But I just saw another KZbin channel that said you had to be a military officer, and I was enlisted. What's the real deal with that?

[@ADadSupreme]

Any serviceman can get it. Any branch. It's not just for officers. Not sure what channel you saw.

[@stan1027]

@@ADadSupreme It was a channel called Your_Lawyer. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@HunkyMan777]

/you should get any special treatment for having been in the military and spent your career killing people

[@vidong1704]

Can you pay in cash for the full year?

[@samquinn6427]

Good luck to anyone tiring to open a bank or checking account in The PH. My wife is a dual citizen and she still could not open an account because she did not have a a fixed PH address and a number other other things. We both have Brokerage accounts with Fidelity and BOA Merrill so pay no ATM or transfer charges while in The PH. Also, our accounts earn about 5 to 6 percent interest. My advice is find a landlord that will take 6 months cash in advance with remaining 6 months via Zoom transfer. I someone wants to rent their place they will work with you. Post dated checks are illegal in the US so I would never write one.

[@paxxop]

@samquinn6427 It's a bit odd how something that's illegal in one country is usual and normal in another. I guess getting used to such differences is part of the adjustment process when you relocate halfway across the world.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

You get a cold every 2 weeks. Change your diet or get some sleep. This isn't normal dude, and not a good look for BGC Evan.

[@sgtusa90]

EVEN, THANKS 4 ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO ( Always HELPFUL ) !!! I Asked BEFORE ( NEVER SAW a REPLY ), USING Ur SEVICES About HOW LONG .... Does It TAKE ( Ret Military ) Get an SRRV ??? IF, I SHOW UP With ALL My DOCUMENTS " APOSTILLE '' And READY to GO ??? THX !!!

[@MrGilperc]

Your video said "a postal." Did you mean apostille?

[@carlos7371]

I’m a parent of a Filipino citizen. Does the Balikbayan visa applies to someone like me?

[@rspcoach619]

Who's supposed to you if you want to move to the Philippines. It's on you to do your homework.

[@charlenezh]

Hiya, love your content but The clicks are very distracting and your music is too loud.

[@michaeloherlihy2418]

I have a bank of commerce account in Manila I not stay in Manila 6 months

[@pete531]

So basically: - problem nb 1 - problem nb 2 if you want to solve this, pay money to ME... how convenient

[@QuicknStraight]

Point 1 simply is not correct. I have been living here for more than a decade and the vast majority of rentals here are 1 month advance rent & 2 months deposit. And most landlords are flexible about terms if you are going to rent for 6 months or 1 year. Many will also accept electronic payment methods if asked.

[@darrylk808]

Evan, what happened above your left eyebrow? Shaving accident?😁

[@epicriosonlinemoney3654]

Choose Thailand

[@TheMuttonHeadDigest]

Been hearing about an extension crackdown?

[@paxxop]

Saw another channel talking about it. They're now enforcing such things as interviewing you before granting your visa extension, which apparently they always had the option but never bothered. It seems they want to crack down on criminals using the PH as a safe haven. Too early to be sure, but if you're in the PH legitimately, and not doing something you shouldn't (like working when you're on a tourist visa), it probably won't make any meaningful difference. Maybe a bit of a chat with the government official who is processing your extension whereas before they just did it with no questions asked.

[@DingusCirc]

Most landlords are horrible. Thank god I had a Fil-AM landlord who based the lease on US Standards. Weather is miserable also

[@bobwilson5041]

Hahahaha,not a big deal at all renting here,any forienger can help you out,easy pisy!!!

[@mv4463]

Alot of misinformation on both sides. But good lawyers solve this bs quickly.

[@maguilla]

So the key is don’t rent this places eventually the landlords will get hungry, people are overpaying for rent and everything stop stop going to the Philippines,Thailand,Brazil….. first year they will be ok second they will be begging for the money! Remember Covid times? They ask for 4 months keep moving don’t settle for nothing only move when is beneficial for you not for them!

[@mrbHanoi]

Forget all this bs A tourist visa is fine

[@stan1027]

Can you get a Philippine bank account before you arrive there in person?

[@JT-bk1gp]

Yes ..there's a KZbinr that shows you step by step!! PNB is the bank I went with and I live in San Diego

[@stan1027]

@@JT-bk1gp Thank you!

[@MrCathouse]

To TheSavvyExpat: I'm looking at your newer videos versus your 3 year old videos. And I noticed you have a lot more hair in your 3 or 4 year old videos. Your hairline looks like it's receding quite a bit. Is that the real reason why you cut your hair in a fringe cut?

[@pauls3075]

All I kept thinking was Austin Powers "Moley moley moley". What's with that horn sticking out of your eyebrow? Going to re watch the video with my eyes closed now.

[@djbomber9583]

4 months is nothing its probably like 1 months rent in your original country 😂😂😂

[@sgtusa90]

GREAT :)) I SEND Ya >>> The BILL , for the 4 MONTHS Of " NOTHING " !!! EACH TIME >>>> I NEED to PAY IT !!!!!! LOL

[@djbomber9583]

@@sgtusa90 idiot 🙄

[@Robert-ho1ie]

It's the principle not necessarily the money

[@sgtusa90]

@@Robert-ho1ie NO, ITs The MONEY $$$ !!!

[@Robert-ho1ie]

@@sgtusa90 your entitled to your own opinion. If it's a money issue then you probably shouldn't be living there. That's just my opinion.

[@waren3015]

It's cheap in the Philippines if you are just visiting for holidays,... but it is very brutal, very expensive, very complicated, very frustrating, very filthy and mostly slum environment (especially Metro Manila and other major cities) and very very very backward and dumb system which you will only realize when you stay longer!.. I rather live or retire in Serbia, Czech republic, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland or Russia! The Philippines is just a messup country were people doesn't tell the real DARKSIDE!

[@JunRoss-pp3mv]

Cuz they only care about cheapness. Any undeveloped country is cheap except healthcare you need as you aged.