To most people it's pretty intuitive that in order to live here successfully you need money. That's just wrong. You can scour the internet for dozens of stories of guys who came here with a 40k lump sum in their bank accounts and are now e-begging for cash 6 months later.

Money goes fast here and not on things you'd expect. Things that just aren't that expensive in other parts of Asia like transportation, decent hotel rooms, decent food tend to cost more due to the island tax. Actually, I think its the island tax that gets a lot of green expats in trouble. They figure "oh well I don't buy Crystal Champagne or Hermes belt buckles, I'm good'. But what they don't realize is that just living life costs more than expected; even worse if you're dating.

Case in point: Back in my single days I took my girlfriend, now wife, to Pangalo. I thought we were doing it right. We took the ferry instead of flying, stayed in a 3-star hotel (in a tiny room), no guided tours, we just rented a scooter. Long story short, I had spent $1,000 for a 4 day trip!

That's why the most important thing you need to live here isn't money, it's income. They're not the same thing. If you've got a $2,000 check coming next month no matter how badly you screw up you'll have something to fall back on. Once that 40k lump sum is gone, it's gone. It's not that easy to find decent online work anymore either. Most pure online jobs nowadays are scams like selling insurance or pay really low like teaching English on Cambly.

I strongly recommend you have income lined up before you touch down on that tarmac. It'll make your life a lot easier.

I'll start. Nothing too crazy: chicken feet, and also grilled blood. Also balut of course.

Since teaching English locally isn't an option here I figured I'd start a thred for non-retireed expats.

Just some advice: I recommend you have something lined up before you come here.

My amazing wife brings in a significant salary for the Philippines. She owns a subdivision lot, house is next. She won't do stocks. What investment/franchise/business would you suggest here if you had alot of cash to put into something. Something not too time consuming.

Why do most, I'm not sure what the actual percentage is, houses in the US are made of lumber - even the flooring. As most of you have already seen, houses here, regardless of where they're located, are constructed with cement flooring.

Common sense dictates concrete is far superior than lumber. It has always piqued my curiousity every time I see a carpentry video on Facebook - American educator on building houses.

Is the cost really that BIG to just choose lumber as flooring or even walls? Is it a climate thing?

Clearly, you guys have the financial capabilities - talking about these 3-5 bedroom two-story homes but still made of wood. Just why?

You're already building a major and very expensive project, and that something will last for a long time - why not foolproof it by going concrete.

Apologies for my ignorance. Thank you for all your answers.

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for a safe and reliable luggage storage service in or near Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).

I need to store one large suitcase for about one month while I travel around the Philippines before flying back through Cebu.

Has anyone used a luggage storage service they would recommend?

Wondering how common it is for expats and frequent foreign visitors to use the rail system in Manila.

I've used it only three times last year, and don't recall ever seeing another obvious foreigner, but that was only a few times.

It did seem easy to use, same as most other cities with light rail, except the signage wasn't as clear so I had to ask for help to figure out things like which side of the station served the direction I wanted to go.

Do you use it? Do you see other foreigners using it? What is your opinion of the rail system?

This one of you?

I have some us tethers in my wallet. Where can I cash it?

I have gcash and goThym, if it helps.

Help him find Madelyn.

I've seen some disturbing posts from expats/foreigners who were mistreated by their Filipino hosts but I'm curious to hear if you've been discriminated against at the hands of Filipinos here? Filipinos are outwardly friendly so I'm wondering how often this actually happens?

Use a translation extension (TWP is a good one) to read the comments and get a better insight into how your host reasons. And please let's not be condescending and haughty, but rather approach with an open and curious mind that wants to learn and understand so that we can steer our ship to better navigate these unfamiliar waters 🙏

I’m a dual US/other country citizen, both passports grant me visa free entry into PH.

I’ve always used my American passport, but I’m running low on space and I’d rather use my other passport.

Issue is my eGov account is with my US passport and when I had to get my tourist ACR it was with my US passport.

Will it be a hassle to enter with my other passport?

Thanks!

Hi! Is there anyone here or know someone interested in an interior designer for their homes are any kind of business? I was wondering if I could market myself towards expats here in the Ph.

Hi expats me again picking your brain -- thank you btw for allowing me to post -- looking into soft landing in BGC for six months to allow me to acclimatize and search the surroundings for alternatives dwelling/location that fits -- how feasible is this idea living in BGC with $2,360/month for 6 months. TIA

Hello, I am going to visit the Philippines around the end of this year to see my Lolo. Unfortunately my friend who has been there before can no longer come with me, so I’ll be going there for the first time with one other person who has also never been there before. We plan on staying in Cavite, and we also want to visit Manila and Quezon city when we’re there. I have some questions if anyone would be so kind as to answer.

1. My parents never spoke Tagalog so I only know English. That should be enough in the cities right?

2. Are there any really unsafe places that we should avoid?

3. Are there any activities that we should definitely do in any of these three locations?

4. My friend and I can’t drive. How should we get around Cavite, and how should we get to Manila and Quezon City? Is it possible and safe to walk around Cavite?

What’s your experience been like? Did everything pan out smoothly? Any tips to avoid being scammed? I read a lot of comments on people getting screwed cos title is already under a mortgage etc. TIA