@MinimalistJourneyman
American expat in the Philippines
Forum
67 posts
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in Lapu-Lapu City, Central Visaya
Speaks English and German fluently Spanish conversation
Registration: 17 February 2019
Activity
Retiring with family to philippines by Gregsdigitalpics
Just really looking for pointers. My wife is Filipino. We have two children ages 5 and 8 and plan to retire in late 2026. i plan to buy (in my wife’s name) a piece of property in Dumaguete, build a nice house. Have trusted contractors already ...
The biggest consideration, as someone already mentioned, is the education of your children. I have researched the school situation in Dumaguete quite extensively, as I’m considering a move from Lapu Lapu to a place that is less urban but ... Read More
How much will it cost to build a house? by dimplesz14
Hi there, please advice - we're wondering how much would it cost to build a 120sqm house with 3-4BR and 2BA (bungalow/ranch style) doesn't need to be expensive but decent/strong enough materials to live for many many years. I just want to ...
I would say the range is between 1,000,000 to 5,000,000. Not very helpful right? The biggest variable you will face is location...a 150 SQM lot in a desirable gated neighborhood in an urban area can already cost upwards of 1.5M. From there it ... Read More
Relocating to the Philippines by Parvaze
Hi all - Just a quick introduction. My name is Parvaze, I was born and grew up in Scotland and been living in Southern California, USA for the past 30 years. I'm looking to move to the Philippines by the end of 2022 so currently gathering ...
Like you my work requires a very good internet connection so that makes picking a location much more limited than for most. I live in Lapu-Lapu and while a bit congested it does offer resorts / beaches and is still close to all of Cebu City. The ... Read More
Trying to decide where to retire in the Philippines by Jackson4
I am trying work up a plan to retire in a few short years. Likely wintering in the Philippines or maybe more. I am still torn which region would be more appealing: the Visayas area or the Ilocos region. I never cared for big city, forget it. ...
If your wife is from Luzon she may feel more comfortable in that region...there is a cultural difference that you need to consider. Perhaps spending some time in the Visayas In different parts with your wife so you can make a better assessment. I ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in the Philippines by Loïc
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts the Philippines, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
Just one comment, folks. In order to count the number of infected persons, tests must be carried out. (no test - no infection). As of April 11, there had been 33,814 tests carried out in the Philippines (Population 105 million). Compare to Finland, ... Read More
COVID-19 and expatriation in the Philippines by Loïc
Hello everybody, The COVID-19 crisis inevitably impacts the Philippines, between closed airports or periods of containment in some cities or even the entire country . We would like to hear from you during this unusual period, to find out what the ...
Total lockdown , annoying and disturbing. Aside of dictatorship, in my province we have prohibition as well, liquor banIf you fear going through withdrawal buy plenty of mouthwash, most is about 40 proof.Ha ha....back five years ago when I was a ... Read More
Getting clearance from doctor by Okieboy
I have been self quarantine after my arrival from USA even we had no case of Coronavirus in my place the other day the counselor sent a message all foreigners who have returned from their countries need clearance from a doctor , they sent me to the ...
Common flu has a foothold already and its spread is well understood. Coronavirus is just getting started. Every time I look at the numbers and the possibilities it is scary. There are a lot of factors that could make it better or worse. On the ... Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
OGot tickets to return USA, gonna try to move if up from 4/21/20 to 3/22/20 or whatever they can do for us. Got a PAL Manila phone number to call, now I gotta find a phone which can make the call, wife's phone no can do. Need to have my nephew ... Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
No visa extensions going forward but there is no penalty for overstaying...so wait it out. I just extended for six months but hen I’m also getting close to my three years. Seems they will be flexible considering the difficulty in travel. Read More
Coronavirus: Stay in RP or Go Back Home? by moonunit0103
Hi, Curious to see what happens with being able to fly back to the US if the coronavirus continues to spread. Almost every Asian layover airport is in a country with an epidemic. I am supposed to be getting elective surgery when I return, putting ...
State Department in US has basically said come back immediately or stay put where you are...but your on your own if you do. Obviously with family and baby here I’m not going anywhere. My only concern is with limited health care capacity ... Read More
2 Koreans Suspected of Wuhan Flu in Ormoc City by moonunit0103
Hi, Sources from City Hall tell me 2 Koreans are at FMC-OSPA with suspected Wuhan Bat Flu. I guess it is time to start isolation, since nobody can tell us which hotel they have stayed in, what malls they have visited, or what ferries, taxis etc., ...
I wouldn’t panic just yet. The spread in Thailand and Singapore has been relatively benign compared to Europe, Korea, China, and the US. Humidity and heat offer natural mitigation. Not to say it is not transmissible here but it is not as ... Read More
In Cebu, BI Suggestions by moonunit0103
Hi, In Cebu, due to inlaws hospitalization. I usually go to Tacloban BI, where there is no waiting, but when I went to the Mandaue BI, it was a zoo, full inside, with 50 waiting to go inside. Is there a time of the day or day of the week that is ...
I go to the Lapu-Lapu BI and I’m in and out within 15-20 minutes each time. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to the Philippines? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in the Philippines, would you heartily say "letÂ’s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do ...
Many interesting stories...some sad...some good. I have lived in Lapu-Lapu now for over one year full time and previous to that three years of seasonal six month stays. I married in 2017 and last year I became the proud father of a daughter. ... Read More
Relocate from Thailand to The Philippines by Powder1
hello everybody, i am John from the Netherlands and i live in Thailand. i am single, retired and 60 of age. I have serious thoughts about relocating from Thailand to the Philippines. One of the reasons is i not feel the joy anymore, because changing ...
I too lived in Thailand for 1 1/2 years. May I suggest,,,,as it sounds like you are flexible...that you just stay here first on a tourist visa with extensions. It runs about $600 a year in fees and you can stay for 36 months. You can always extend ... Read More
Homeschooling in the Philippines by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Homeschooling your children as an expat in the Philippines will definitely come with its load of challenges. Here is a special call to parents who are already homeschooling their children or who plan on doing so to share any ...
Thank you Alltojah! Your nformation is hugely helpful. My daughter is only five months old so I still have plenty of time. I am especially encouraged that you are able to use a US based program...I was uncertain about whether that is permissible ... Read More