⌛ New to Dumaguete

Hi all.

Names Chuck and I am a new resident here in Dumaguete.

I was wondering if some of you long term residence could answer a couple of simple questions for me.

What are the rules here on driving?

Does my USA drivers lisc work here?
Am I legally allowed to purchase a scooter in my own name?

What other things might I need to know, before I find out the hard way?

I appreciate all your help, and look forward to meeting all of you.

Chuck

 

Hi Chuck, welcome to Dumaguete and its friendly forum. Some of the members here who live long enough in Dumaguete might be able to answer some of your questions. In the interim, enjoy your life in the city of gentle people.

 

thnx

thnx for the welcome Swany.

So far i love it.

 

Great to hear that you love your lifel in Dumaguete.

 

Great to hear that you love your life in Dumaguete.

 

Hi chuck ,welcome to the forum.

I think your US driving license will do in the Philippines ,but can't speak for certain as i am not american.But having UK license can drive there.

Yes,you can legally own a vehicle ,I can only speak for my hubby who bought a used vehicle more than 16 years ago when there.If buying used vehicle have it checked by another independent party or like a lawyer just incase documents might be flawed or with hidden problems like the owner bought it by installment and have unpaid dues on the work top for the vehicle.It can be a problem in later time.

PS Driving there can be like mad, where many motorists seem to ignore the rules (driving with no rules) , just be careful .

 

thanks newt

thanks for the heads up newt.

i will remember the advice if i look at a used vehicle.

 

Motorcycles

Hi Chuck,

I'm new too (to forum).

Basically a foreign licence is good for three months from date of arrival. International licence is better as traffic police understand it better. Carry a photocopy of your passport with details and arrival stamp pages.

No probs owning a bike. If second hand, just make sure you get a deed of sale verified by an attorney, seller will usually know about this, both must sign (think it's based on USA system, was all new to me [UK]).

Documentation can be a bit of hassle as takes time transferring and registering.

If you're staying long term then get a Filipino licence, allow at least a day to get this and expect to run all over town fullfilling little requirements here and there. All pretty difficult without local help but can be done with perserverance.

See my post: When talking Cebuano is not so good :-) in general forum for my last experience.

(Just realised some points cover by pickled_newt.. don't want to appear rude )

Good luck.

John.

 

Hello Chuck,

Hi There. Nice to hear that you love bikes. Definitely you can own bikes. But i think you need also to get a license here in the philippines. Just go to LTO and follow their instructions. Many people are applying so you have to expect the place to be crowded. Also it is not a 1 time application. You need to fulfill all the requirements first before you can apply and waiting for you your license takes 1 month. But you can have temporary Receipt so that you can drive already.
Bikes are good but be careful. Think safety.

 

Welcome Chuck

You'll find 2 wheels is really the only way to get to see around Negros. I've been riding a motorcycle here for quite a while, and I've seen some foreigners take some heavy hits with riding bikes here.

Just wanted to remind you of the 3 basic things to remember on Philippine roads.

1) The first rule is there are no rules...whatsoever.

2) Rule number 2 is anything, absolutely anything can happen at any time. And it will.

3) Its cheaper to pay a "Watch your bike Boy" than to buy a new spark plug cap.

Enjoy Chuck, you're in the right place.