Hi Marco.
What about childhood education?
I have two children of elementary school age yet I'd like to retire in 1 to 3 years in the Philippines. They have dual US/Filipino citizenships, but neither speaks Tagalog yet. I know there is a top-notch but costly International school on Luzon, but what about other private schools or the public schools in the Visayas or Baguio? Would they be eligible for them? Must they be fluent in Tagalog at the outset? How do those schools compare to a US public school?
Thank you kindly for your attention.
Ray

Hi Ray,

Honestly, kids aren't my expertise. But I'll share what I know.

One thing I always caution expat families with minor children is to have a plan for their education. If you don't plan on homeschooling, you will want to enroll your child in a private school or one of the international schools. A private school will cost between $8000 to $17000 per child per year. Some of the more selective International Schools can cost over $25000 per year.

The answers to your questions depend on your thoughts on future education. Even the more renowned international or private schools in Manila don't have as much clout outside the country. Comparisons against a US public school mostly matter if you plan on sending your kids to university in the US.

Might be worth scheduling some time to talk to the international schools in Manila and Visayas and ask about their college placement statistics for international universities. How they answer could give you a good indication of how they compare to US schools.

Cheers,

Marco

Salamat po.

Hello,
my friends and I would like to hire a sailing boat to have a 7 or 14 days holiday trip in the Philippines on April 2023. Where can I hire a cheap sailing boat?

Hi Alberto,

That is going to depend on where you set out from and what you want to see. As I am unfamiliar with all the ports and sailing options, I suggest checking with Manila Yacht Rental for contacts on other islands in the Philippinens.

https://www.facebook.com/manilayachtrentalsandevents/

Good luck and have fun.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi; How expensive is it to own a car, ie. insurance, registration. Also I have a 1923 hot rod, what are the laws on loud exhaust ect

Hi Bruce,

I can get shockingly expensive. Here is my article on why I don't recommend shipping cars to the Philippines.

https://nomadicfire.com/ship-your-car-to-the-philippines

Cheers,

Marco

Hi Marko,
I have a question about SRR Visa deposit. Since there is not mentioned anywhere "what will happen with it" after SRR Visa is approved. Must stay in this A/C or can be withdraw immediately or else?
I assume that after one year when need renew visa, must be there again full amount. Is it correct?
Thanks

Vaclav

Hi Vaclav,

I have an entire article dedicated to the SRRV process and requirements. I suggest reading that article for additional details. But the answer to your specific deposit question is the SRRV has the flexibility to use your deposit to pay for a primary residence or condo purchase. Otherwise, the money must stay in the account, you cannot withdraw it for living expenses. You can withdraw the full amount if you decide to withdraw from the SRRV program.

If you want help with the SRRV process or have additional questions, reach out for a consultation with a Philippines immigration and visa specialist.

Cheers,

Marco

My son went to the Phillipines from the US to marry a girl from an online romance of 3years. She immediately got pregnant. He can’t get a job and we are at wits end. They are trying yo get paperwork for the baby from the Embassy and also to put things in order for her to come back to the States with our son. They would love to stay there,,, but he can’t work there.

Do you have any suggestions of how he can get any kind of job there. From what I’m reading, it’s impossible. Is this correct thinking?

Hi Melody,

If he gets married and applies for a 13a marriage visa, then he can work in the Philippines. But be prepared, local wages are much lower than in the US. Does he have any unique skills (coding, digital marketing, video editing, etc.) that could get him a remote work job? A remote job earning US dollars (like this online teaching job) is better than working as a local hire in the Philippines.

Good luck,

Marco

Can I apply for a srrv visa while visiting the Philippines

Hi Wilbert,

Yes you can. Actually, that is really the only way you can do it, as the PRA (Philippines Retirement Authority) has an in-person requirement to finalize the SRRV application. However, there are several legal documents that are easier to get in your home country (background checks, marriage licenses, etc.), so I suggest gathering all the necessary paperwork before you arrive. If you need help with your application or if you have specific questions, contact us for a Philippines visa consultation.

Cheers,

Marco

How to transfer money or get a bank account in the Philippines without the excessive paperwork.

Hi Edwin, it depends on the dollar amount. Are you talking large amounts (over $10,000 USD) or smaller transfers?