Another Aussie Kidnapped

[Gene and Viol]

Originally Posted by seram

Hi, Wingnut..Thanks for Zambo report..

The Aussie that was kidnapped was not kidnapped for ransom. He was held against his will.

He met a girl on an internet chat site. Met her in Zamboanga and on the first night there went with her and two male companions to some bars and that was the last thing he remembered until he woke up a day and later owing some friends of this girl over 250,000 peso from losing at cards.

They threatened him with his life if he didnt pay. He withdrew the money and payed them up.

The story came to light when he checked out of his hotel 3 days early and told the reception what had happened. He left that day for Manila..cheers

That guy was lucky to get outa there! Makes me glad my biggest problem where we are is noisy kids and dogs!
Always amazes me how these things happen. As I said before many times, us foreigners are just too darned trusting and they are out to get us like a worm on a hook!

Gene

[wingnut22]

Jon,

Thank you so much,

You've givin me a alot of great information. You covered just about all my concerns. Good internet is a must. I want to stay in touch with my kids and grandkids. I'll definitely check out subic when I get there. Sounds like I can afford to have a comfortable life in the Philippines and still afford to travel around asia. As for purchasing a vehicle, I remember how terrified I was driving around as a passenger 30+ years ago, so I can't imagine driving there now. It has to be even worse now with so many more drivers on the road.

Are you on an SRRV or another type of Visa? I have been reading up on the various visas and the requirements for each. Can I apply for the SRRV while state side or do I need to be in country. I've found several banks here in California that have branches in the Philippines. If I open an account here and set up a direct deposit will it work for the visa process? I was also wondering if having a direct deposit to a Philippine bank would help me or hurt me when it comes to currency fluxuations? How do most expats handle this?

Thanks again for all your help.

Originally Posted by jon1

Wingnut,

In the freeport zone (Subic proper), rentals (duplexes) can go as cheap as $500/mo and as high as $1200/mo. It varies depending on condition, furnished/unfurnished, etc.

If you sign a lease, you will need 2 months deposit and typically the landlords want a whole year up front. The other option is to purchase the long term lease on the rental. These duplexes are still owned by SBMA but are leased out in 50 year increments. The landlord owns the lease "rights". That is what you as a foreigner can purchase, the rights. I live in Binictican (is about 1.5km from the golf course and .5km from the International School/pool). The lease rights in this area are averaging 3-4Mphp. Also, if purchased the lease rights there is a 5% one time tax that has to be paid to the SBMA plus 3-5% commission for the broker (processes all the paperwork). I have been unable to find any local banks that are willing to finance these lease rights purchases. So that means you either work out an installment plan with the landlord or pay it all up front. Take me for example, I am purchasing my lease rights for 3.9Mphp + SBMA/Broker fees. I am putting half down and 6 months later the final balance. My lease rights will be good for 42 more years. That essentially has enabled me to lock my rent in as a fixed cost for the next 42 years (purchased in advance) at approximately $200/mo.

Power in these houses is 220V/110V AC. Another advantage of living within SBFZ. There are relatively few brown outs (i have only had 2 this whole year, 1 due to a Tropical Storm (kinda expected) the other due to a down line). I am averaging about 6000php/mo ($140) on my electric during the hot months (Jan-May) and around 4000php/mo ($100) the rest of the time.

If you want to get internet, you will have to get a local landline (for DSL internet, only option). The most expensive plan is 3000php/mo ($80) for 3MB. It's very reliable and rarely down. The landline is 603php/mo ($14). Do not have long distance enabled on it as the rates are horrid (a $500 phone bill could be quite common). L/L to Cell is considered long distance. Most people use GSM cell phones here with prepaid loads (similar to TMobile in the states). I am averaging about 500php/mo ($12).

If you live within SBFZ it's best to have a car or truck. Taxis are pretty expensive 300php/3KM. There are some small trucks (not jeepneys) that are cheaper but lack A/C and roll around every 30m. I have a diesel pickup and am averaging $200/mo in fuel (I frequently take trips outside of Zambales).

If you shop primarily in the "duty free" markets on base you could easily spend $400/mo. I tend to buy all my seafood on the economy (out in Olongapo) as it is fresh and decent priced (Tuna 250php/Kilo ($2.70/lb), Large Tiger Prawns 350php/Kilo ($3.75/lb))...

Tap water is averaging for me around 800php/mo ($19). I don't trust any tap water in this country and drink only bottled water. I have a water dispenser in the kitchen and buy the 5 gallon bottles down the street (40php/5 Gallon bottle=$1). I am averaging about 4 per month ($4). It's well worth it to mitigate risk of food poisoning, parasites, etc...

I hired a local to take care of my lawn for only 2000php/mo ($50). He comes 3 x /week and trims the shrubs/plants/grass, waters and sweeps up the leaves.

In summary, I am averaging around $900 in expenses (not counting the pre-purchased long term lease). If you want to eat out, there are plenty of decent restaurants in the area (on/off base).

I believe that the rent will continue to go up as these two malls come online and more people start coming here.

Travel from here to SE Asia is not too hard. Just drive up to Clark, and fly to Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia. There are also a few domestic flights (Davao, Cebu, Boracay).


If you chose to live in Olongapo, the prices are much cheaper for rentals but the security is not there, nor reliable power, stable water pressure. The SBFZ is pretty secure and each housing area has guards at the entrance/exits. Also, in my subdivision they have roving guards at night.

Hope this helps...

[jon1]

Wingnut,

It is not a problem. I am hoping that my post helps others out as well. Coming over here is quite the culture shock and I think a lot of people come with unrealistic expectations...

As far as driving goes, if you stay in the Subic Freeport, you will find it is similar to driving in the states. Traffic rules enforced a little stricter than outside, less traffic, zero trikes, 1 or 2 jeepneys. I was recommending a vehicle for at least on the base. Everything is fairly spread out (housing areas at least 2-3KM away from the markets/restaurants) and those on base taxis can be expensive in comparison.. Just something to think about

I recommend (like others have) that prior to you committing to staying long term, that you come out and try it for a couple of months and see if it is your cup of tea. Also, I would buy a VOIP phone in the states and get it activated before you come out. That way you can get/make calls to the states for free (something like MagicJack is great). I bought my MagicJack for $210 and got service for 5 years ($42/yr).

Visas.. That is always a convoluted issue. I was looking at the SRVV and the Quota visa. Both do not work for me in my current situation. I am a freelance contractor and work 60 days out of country at a time. So I went the tourist visa route. When I am 100% done working I will get the 13A (Spouse of a Filipino visa). I recommend that you contact the Philippine Consulate in LA and see what they tell you about your SRVV questions.

Banking... Another cloudy spot without definitive answers when it comes to Philippine Banks. Banks over here vary their policies (depends on the branch manager). I would reach to the Philippine banks in your area and see what their policies are on funds/availability of $ deposited stateside from the Philippines. Also ask about any fees that may be applicable. The banks over here only insure up to 500,000php/$11000. So it is highly adviseable to NOT have more than that in a bank over here. Another reason is that the IRS is cracking down on people that have more than $10,000 in overseas accounts. The Philippine banking system is slowly getting to where it should be (convenience wise). You can now deposit $ in an account in another branch (wasn't possible a few years back). So there is hope that the stateside branches are tied in.

I wanted to add to my previous post about power. You won't find 110V outside of SBFZ. So whatever items you bring with you, I recommend that you bring 110-240V compatible. You can always use a downconverter but they tend to use double the power for the 110 device hanging off of them.



Once you have an ACR (Alien Certificate of Registration), you can open a bank account over here (another incentive to pursue the stateside branch/access questions). Most banks offer US $ or Philippine peso. I usually write myself a check for deposit (US $) in my BPI account the month prior to expecting to have access to the funds. BPI holds your check for 19 business days, even though it will clear your stateside bank in about 3-5 days (depends on your bank). So it essentially takes 30 days to clear when you add in holidays/weekends. When you withdraw your $ you have the option to change the $ right there in the bank (you have to check the rates before you go in, sometimes it's better/sometimes not). I usually use the bank as my branch is always competitive with the online rate, plus there is security there (inside/out). I write myself the checks as it saves me transfer fees, and any ATM fees (international transaction fee, conversion fee, etc..). Also, I recommend you get a VISA that has Verisign are Secure Mastercard prior to coming out here. Also, you need to notify your banks that you will be out here for whatever period and to have the credit cards/online banking unblocked for your account(s)...


As far as fluctuations go, I tend to watch the rate daily and when it hits a threshold that is acceptable I convert as much as I can. The exchange rates can be quite cyclical (lower at the beginning end of the week, etc..) You might want to look at the rates online (I use oanda.com) and look at a 90 day performance to get an idea.

Let me know what you find out from the stateside branches...

Jon

[Gene and Viol]

Originally Posted by jon1

Wingnut,

It is not a problem. I am hoping that my post helps others out as well. Coming over here is quite the culture shock and I think a lot of people come with unrealistic expectations...

As far as driving goes, if you stay in the Subic Freeport, you will find it is similar to driving in the states. Traffic rules enforced a little stricter than outside, less traffic, zero trikes, 1 or 2 jeepneys. I was recommending a vehicle for at least on the base. Everything is fairly spread out (housing areas at least 2-3KM away from the markets/restaurants) and those on base taxis can be expensive in comparison.. Just something to think about

I recommend (like others have) that prior to you committing to staying long term, that you come out and try it for a couple of months and see if it is your cup of tea. Also, I would buy a VOIP phone in the states and get it activated before you come out. That way you can get/make calls to the states for free (something like MagicJack is great). I bought my MagicJack for $210 and got service for 5 years ($42/yr).

Visas.. That is always a convoluted issue. I was looking at the SRVV and the Quota visa. Both do not work for me in my current situation. I am a freelance contractor and work 60 days out of country at a time. So I went the tourist visa route. When I am 100% done working I will get the 13A (Spouse of a Filipino visa). I recommend that you contact the Philippine Consulate in LA and see what they tell you about your SRVV questions.

Banking... Another cloudy spot without definitive answers when it comes to Philippine Banks. Banks over here vary their policies (depends on the branch manager). I would reach to the Philippine banks in your area and see what their policies are on funds/availability of $ deposited stateside from the Philippines. Also ask about any fees that may be applicable. The banks over here only insure up to 500,000php/$11000. So it is highly adviseable to NOT have more than that in a bank over here. Another reason is that the IRS is cracking down on people that have more than $10,000 in overseas accounts. The Philippine banking system is slowly getting to where it should be (convenience wise). You can now deposit $ in an account in another branch (wasn't possible a few years back). So there is hope that the stateside branches are tied in.

I wanted to add to my previous post about power. You won't find 110V outside of SBFZ. So whatever items you bring with you, I recommend that you bring 110-240V compatible. You can always use a downconverter but they tend to use double the power for the 110 device hanging off of them.



Once you have an ACR (Alien Certificate of Registration), you can open a bank account over here (another incentive to pursue the stateside branch/access questions). Most banks offer US $ or Philippine peso. I usually write myself a check for deposit (US $) in my BPI account the month prior to expecting to have access to the funds. BPI holds your check for 19 business days, even though it will clear your stateside bank in about 3-5 days (depends on your bank). So it essentially takes 30 days to clear when you add in holidays/weekends. When you withdraw your $ you have the option to change the $ right there in the bank (you have to check the rates before you go in, sometimes it's better/sometimes not). I usually use the bank as my branch is always competitive with the online rate, plus there is security there (inside/out). I write myself the checks as it saves me transfer fees, and any ATM fees (international transaction fee, conversion fee, etc..). Also, I recommend you get a VISA that has Verisign are Secure Mastercard prior to coming out here. Also, you need to notify your banks that you will be out here for whatever period and to have the credit cards/online banking unblocked for your account(s)...


As far as fluctuations go, I tend to watch the rate daily and when it hits a threshold that is acceptable I convert as much as I can. The exchange rates can be quite cyclical (lower at the beginning end of the week, etc..) You might want to look at the rates online (I use oanda.com) and look at a 90 day performance to get an idea.

Let me know what you find out from the stateside branches...

Jon

Just a quick note--really enjoying your posts and very factual.
Two thoughts: In Subic (SBMA) if one has the time, the public transit bus is pretty easy to use and not expensive at all. And it's fun to visit with the locals while on the bus. In banking, not all banks require the ACR card. Personally-I would refuse to provide the ACR to or for anyone other than immigration due to ID theft and invasion of privacy issues--period. China Bank is one that does not require the ACR card. Just my two cents worth.

Gene

[jon1]

Thanks for the positive post Gene.

Just trying to lay things out for whoever is seriously coming over here. I thought that I was truly prepared and wasn't even close.

I have not seen the public transit bus in my subdivision. I have seen a service called "Winstar". They charge something like 40p to go to the local areas but you are traveling in the back of an unairconditioned L300 (not for me). I prefer the freedom to go whenever I want wherever I want.

You are correct about not needing an ACR in all the banks. For me, I was able to secure one during my previous job in the Philippines prior to termination of that contract. So I maintained that and will for a while. Generally most banks require 2 forms of ID and $500 balance (cash deposited at time of opening), plus 2 passport sized photos, to maintain a US $ account. I was able to use my Stateside and Phil Driver's license when I opened mine. That is why I am curious if the stateside branches are linked now to the ones here. If so, he could get away without the ACR requirement (most likely since he isn't here). I am with you on the privacy issues/identity theft. Not one piece of paper goes to my trash prior to being shredded and I have zero paper statements coming to me.

Also, irregardless of whatever Visa you are here on (Tourist, 13A, Resident (non-immigrant), SRRV, etc..) we are all required to have one of the ICard ACRs. If we are here at the end of a year, we have to go to Immigration and have an NBI check also (irregardless of Visa status) by Mar 2nd this year. I am not sure if that due date fluctuates every year or not.

I forgot to mention in my posts also, that US Letter mail can be received (no more than 14oz) at the RSO in Barretto. This is documented in other threads on this forum. Current annual cost is $50. More than worth it for important mail (i.e W2).

Another thing that is mentioned in other posts, is if he has a filipina wife or girlfriend, have her do the inquiries on big purchases without him present. Otherwise, the white skin tax is automatically applied and no savings are made on the purchase..

Jon

[wingnut22]

Jon,

You and the members on this site are extremely generous with your help!! I believe that with the help I receive I won't be quite so unprepared when I get to the Philippines. After reading through the various threads I realize that I will not know every thing I need to know, but at least I won't be totally unprepared when I arrive.

I'm single and not looking to rush into a relationship there or any where else. I'm planning on traveling in asia and europe/east europe befor settling down. If I am lucky enough to find a good woman along the way I won't be dissapointed though.

Thanks again,

Originally Posted by jon1

Thanks for the positive post Gene.

Just trying to lay things out for whoever is seriously coming over here. I thought that I was truly prepared and wasn't even close.

I have not seen the public transit bus in my subdivision. I have seen a service called "Winstar". They charge something like 40p to go to the local areas but you are traveling in the back of an unairconditioned L300 (not for me). I prefer the freedom to go whenever I want wherever I want.

You are correct about not needing an ACR in all the banks. For me, I was able to secure one during my previous job in the Philippines prior to termination of that contract. So I maintained that and will for a while. Generally most banks require 2 forms of ID and $500 balance (cash deposited at time of opening), plus 2 passport sized photos, to maintain a US $ account. I was able to use my Stateside and Phil Driver's license when I opened mine. That is why I am curious if the stateside branches are linked now to the ones here. If so, he could get away without the ACR requirement (most likely since he isn't here). I am with you on the privacy issues/identity theft. Not one piece of paper goes to my trash prior to being shredded and I have zero paper statements coming to me.

Also, irregardless of whatever Visa you are here on (Tourist, 13A, Resident (non-immigrant), SRRV, etc..) we are all required to have one of the ICard ACRs. If we are here at the end of a year, we have to go to Immigration and have an NBI check also (irregardless of Visa status) by Mar 2nd this year. I am not sure if that due date fluctuates every year or not.

I forgot to mention in my posts also, that US Letter mail can be received (no more than 14oz) at the RSO in Barretto. This is documented in other threads on this forum. Current annual cost is $50. More than worth it for important mail (i.e W2).

Another thing that is mentioned in other posts, is if he has a filipina wife or girlfriend, have her do the inquiries on big purchases without him present. Otherwise, the white skin tax is automatically applied and no savings are made on the purchase..

Jon

[jon1]

Wingnut,

You are welcome. I am glad that I was able to enlighten you.

Please let us know what you find out about the stateside branches (requirements, costs for transfers, availability of funds, etc.). One disadvantage of being over here is, that unless you are able to find it on the internet or hear about it from family/friends, you won't be appraised of all the constant changes going on stateside.

Some axioms that I tell myself to help keep my cool here are; never be in a rush (especially when driving), always expect something simple to be complicated, and most especially the old "If it's too good to be true, it is" (this one will be reinforced monthly). Always listen to your gut as it is right more times than not.

And bottom line is, even with a 13A or resident non-immigrant visa, you are still a 2nd hand citizen (a guest who's priviledge to be here can be revoked at any time). You can't vote, so you really have no right to b**** (only suggest). If not for the $ that we bring into the economy a lot of Filipinos would have no interest in us.

With the women, don't be in a rush. Apply the axioms i mentioned to that too (along with some common sense). There are many desperate women that want to leave here for more prosperous surroundings/opportunities. Most don't understand that your $ goes a lot further here than it would in the states or elsewhere. Especially if you are already retired on a fixed budget.

Keep in touch,

Jon