Explore feed

Deluded foreigners

I've been reading a few posts on this subreddit lately, and honestly it's pretty funny how foreigners get deluded because of their expectations and sense of entitlement. The Philippines is just a country with real problems of its own, like any other. Expecting developed-country-level accommodation in a developing country and then complaining that it's different? Different country, buddy. What did you expect, a free sex party where your money decides everything and you get cheaper lodging? No. It's a real country with good sides and bad sides, dealing with its own problems.

And before you come here to complain, do some research first. It'll save you a lot of time and money, instead of coming to Reddit to whine.

I'm thinking about retiring in the Philippines within the next few years. Which banks do you use for retirement living and for receiving Social Security payments?

Went with a double... now a tampon (opened) too... Unfortunately, condoms still haven't gotten any cheaper.

Hello, I'm Ken, and I'm planning to move to Roxas City in the Philippines. I've heard there is a VA (Veterans Affairs) medical center in Manila, and my disability rating is 90 percent. I'd like to transfer my medical records to a healthcare facility there and wanted to know the address of the VA medical center. Alternatively, can I register with the VA center after I arrive in the Philippines? I would really appreciate any information you can share.

Hello everyone, what's your favorite food in the Philippines? So far, I really like sisig and bagoong-sauced dishes. What else should I try?

Looking closely at each sound... all the way to the final jump

Do you think the Philippines is safe?
I wanted to go travel in the Philippines, but what I heard online worries me. Apparently foreigners who have done nothing wrong get locked up in Philippine jails because of police corruption, and some wait years before they even stand in front of a judge. Is this actually true, or is it something you all worry about too?

For Korean residents in the US, please check whether you qualify before enrolling in the Medicare Giveback program. Before I joined, I was paying over $200 a month for Part B premiums — more than $2,400 a year. Since I'm a military veteran, my agent introduced me to this program a few years ago. At $18 a month, it's far cheaper. The Medicare enrollment window (the period when you can make changes) is coming up, so find out whether you're eligible. Start today so you can finish everything within the open enrollment period. If your permanent residence is in AZ (Arizona), I can send my agent's contact information to anyone who needs it.

We took Grandpa sightseeing in the city for a day trip, and the "sunglasses" he insisted on bringing turned out to be 3D movie glasses.

Do American men living in the Philippines avoid each other?

I'm American and have been married to a Filipino woman for almost 14 years, and I've lived in the Philippines for four years now.

When I'm in an elevator here with another American guy, or we pass each other briefly, we hardly talk. I mean hardly at all. Even when I think we've recognized that we're both American, we don't really make eye contact.

Have other Americans living here noticed this too?

The reason I'm curious is that when my wife and I are in the US, especially in San Francisco, things go completely differently when she meets other Filipinos. The moment she recognizes someone as Filipino, they start asking personal questions right away, like:

Are you Filipino?
Is this your husband?
Where do you live?
How many kids do you have?
How long have you been married?
Where do you work?
What are you going to do while you're here?

It just goes on and on.

But here, when I'm in an elevator with another American...

Crickets. 🦗

I'm curious about this difference. Is it a cultural thing? Because people value privacy? Is there something unique about Americans living abroad? Or is my experience different from yours?

How have you felt about this, and why do you think it happens? Thanks in advance!

I'm trying to get a ferry ticket from Manila to Coron, but online booking doesn't seem to work well. I'd like to know the departure times and days, and whether I can go to the port and buy a ticket before boarding. Is 2GO the best option?

If it were my kid, they'd have run off shouting "Goal!"

Hello, I joined this group not long ago and have only been to the Philippines once.

I have a question. Is there a professional expatriate community in Manila? Or are most of the foreigners there retired men?

I'm trying to understand how likely it is to find a job in the Philippines.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.

I took a 2-hour bus from the province to the city to get to the hospital, then rode a jeepney and a tricycle to get there. I could have taken a Grab once I arrived in the city, but I saved 630 pesos 😁

Hiding snacks from my best friend! 🙂🫠

Is there anyone in this group who can help set up a Firestick load?

Hello, could anyone recommend a travel agency that can help extend a tourist visa? I arrived from the US on Wednesday, 10/14. Right now I'm staying with relatives in Cuenca, Batangas, and I'd like to get things prepared in advance instead of going all the way to Manila.

Update/Correction:

Thank you to everyone who left helpful comments. I have a friend at the BI (Bureau of Immigration) who can help.

Yes, I know there is a visa-free extension after 30 days. What I meant was the first extension after the visa-free period, and I also know about the BI office on the 3rd floor of the airport. I was talking about the BI in Cuenca, Batangas, and I'm sorry my explanation was unclear. At first I heard that our area doesn't process tourist visas. I don't know where the misunderstanding came from, and it's my fault. Let's move on 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

I'm still learning, but I'm doing my best.

I'm flying into Manila in November with my 70-pound (#70) dog, and I'm looking for a decent hotel near the airport that allows dogs to stay with me. I'll need to book a separate flight to Davao the next morning... Do you have any places you'd recommend?

Hello, is there consumer protection law here? I bought a new car six months ago and have had a lot of problems since then.
Now it won't start at all, and when I turn it on, a warning alarm goes off. The dealer keeps sending technicians, and they say the problem is different every time. Now they're saying I need to order new parts.
I'm fed up with all of it and want to return the car.
It's still under warranty, but every time a technician comes out, I'm charged for gas, tolls, and meals.
What rights do I have, if any?