Your Guide to Living In The Philippines

american in the philippines

Expat retiree

Valuable tips and advice to foreigners in dealing with the transition to Philippine culture and society.

Tags: expat, Philippines, travel

The author

xpatinphils

I was born in Chicago, raised in Indianapolis, moved to California in 1964. I lived there until 2005 when I retired. At that time my wife and I relocated to the Philippines, her homeland. I'm satisfied with life here.

Comments

Rick, I enjoy your blogsite, I find it Very informative! I am still 18-24 months away from retiring to Pinas permanently. However, Can you advise if it is perfectly legal to arrange for direct deposit of my State Pension and U.S. S.S. into bank account to draw off over there without any legal problems. In Other words -- does the US govt care where I spend or direct my Social Security payments? And can I admit that freely when I arrange for S.S. benefits in the future? Thanks. I was just curious. I know those who reside elsewhere but was never sure if the govt. cared one wa or the other.
by Lonne Speer on 24/07/2009 at 18:50:55

Thanks for your kind words re my blog, Lonne. I recommend that you direct deposit your social security account at a bank in the U.S. rather than in the Philippines. If you already have an established checking bank account there, hang onto it. If you are here in the Phils before you start drawing your social security, you can still order your s.s. to be direct deposited to your U.S. bank. (There's a social security ofc at the American Embassy that handles these matters). Get a full service Visa debit card from your bank, and when you need funds here, you can use it at almost any local ATM, which converts and dispenses the money in pesos. How cool is that? However, be aware that most banks in the States charge a 3% foreign exchange fee for these transactions, and some charge an additional $1.50 for ATM transactions outside their network. The good news is that there is a remittance company called xoom.com, which is much cheaper (they charge on a sliding scale, maximum fee $7.50 if you have the funds transferred to a local bank); so once you arrive, open a peso savings account right away and set up an account on line with xoom. Finally, I suggest that you don't open a dollar bank account here unless it's absoulutely necessary. My wife set one up here for her social security, which is direct deposited there. So every month when the fs.s. funds hit her account, she has to go to the bank, withdraw dollars, and convert them to pesos. What a hassle.
by xpatinphils on 27/07/2009 at 14:58:39

No problem, Lonnie. The Company is Blue Cross Philippines. I've heard favorable comments about Maxicare which I think is a strictly an HMO. Hopes this helps.
by xpatinphils on 02/08/2009 at 09:48:53

Thanks Rick. I appreciate the information. One more question if you don't mind: Can you reveal the health Insurance co. that you mentioned you are happy with that has treated you so fairly and pays out reasonably well. I need a recommendation for a company I can trust not to just collect the premiums. If you prefer not to state it publically, you can contact me privately via e-mail: SpeerLonnie@yahoo.com. Thanks again.
by Lonnie Speer on 31/07/2009 at 18:32:37

Rick, We hope things are getting back toward normal around you there in Manila. I have had a concern come up that perhaps you might pme srovide me some advise: This might seem ridiculous but we are retiring & moving to the cebu area next year and have been in the process of getting rid of (and) liquidating all of our "stuff," however what did you do about any info you had filed away, previous income tax returns, legal papers, receipts, etc. I have been worrying about what to do with my filed info in my den, etc.!Did you keep your Tax return files for the previous 7 yrs. & forward them over there or did you just take a chance & dispose of everything. That seems to be my biggest concern right now. Thanks for any advise. I wish you well and continued good health & happiness. sounds like you enjoy your retirement over there as I am looking forward to it too! Take care, Lonnie
by Anglo boy on 11/10/2009 at 23:00:18

Hi Lonnie, Your concern is well placed. In my case I took (only)5 years of my tax returns and other papers with me in my luggage. I think for the former, that's all you need, but check with a tax professional on that. Alternately, just before you're ready to move, you can send your important papers via registered mail from the U.S. to yourself at your Cebu address. That way they're almost sure not to get lost. Still another alternative, especially if you don't need the original docs themselves, is to scan and copy them to a CD or DVD and take it with you while placing another copy in safekeeping. (However, I don't know the effect of airport x-ray machines on such a disc). I hope that these suggestions help.
by xpatinphils on 13/10/2009 at 04:14:35

Thanks Rick. Your advise is greatly appreciated. Take care Lonnie
by Anglo boy on 13/10/2009 at 18:09:48