Along with the reliable helper could include the Age laws. Some of us have had accidental legal problems hiring a neighbors under age child as a helper. Which goes along with another subject of Popular SCAMS on Foreigners. I have often wondered if a Cleaning lady service could work here. When I was Ill and incapacitated in the States I hired twice a week cleaning service. Even here my wife would like to have that kind of help but finding a helper twice a week here is impossible.
The basics for handyman or repairs. Like plumber, electrician, Aircon tech etc... Also where to buy Items like furniture, household goods, Aircon, kitchen appliances, pots, pans, bedding etc. etc. Something new people settling into the area would find useful I would think. Also a very basic introduction to Cebuano/Visayan language for tourists and first timers and tourists. like C.R. is for bathroom, washroom, toilet etc... Things that we who live here take for granted but new comers are unaware of. That sort of thing!
For moving or retiring to the Philippines, it would be very helpful to have a checklist of things that need to be done in proper order. In other words, you have to start with XXXX, first. Then, you can do this: XXXXX. Once you have those things in place, you are eligible to do this: XXXX. It's especially important to know what necessary steps need to be taken BEFORE expatriation, and links to get those things done. Another section should include: What you take for granted at home, but is non-existent in the Philippines. Thank you for developing this idea. Once in place, it should be "pinned" so that it is always at the top of the forums.
Thanks for the ideas. I've been dealing with server and email errors the past week or so. Preventing me from getting on this.
Yes! Yes! Yes! to ALL of the "How To/Where To...?" recommends, tips, and legal basics on Page 3 on this thread. I know I'll be needing to know "the basics" in order to settle in as quickly as possible when I arrive to Duma with my three-year ACR/VISA in hand. You may also want to add a list of ACTIVE expat groups in the area (websites, etc.) so newcomers can get plugged in to where they feel is the best fit for them when they first get here. Example: Name of organization/group, their focus/hobby, primary language spoken, web site or other POC. V/R, nwlivewire
If this is was on a hidden forum, couldn't we have a list of reliable tradesmen that also included telephone numbers, or do we only contact each other by PM, as a privacy issue.
It wouldn't need to be on the private forum. Contact numbers for tradesmen can be posted on the forum so long as they don't have a problem with that. I've also given up on the rule about you guys not posting your contact information on the forum. If you want to do that feel free to do so....just don't get mad at me if random people start calling/texting/emailing you.
Skimming through this thread I don't see reference to list of doctors, especially specialists - this would seem to be highly desirable.