Run and Hide - American Retirees Coming

We are two Americans who will be retiring to the Philippines in August 2013 or 2014 (I want 2013, she wants 2014). Dumaguete is currently our #1 choice with Iloilo and Bacalod in #2 and #3 place. We will be getting the SRRV but getting information from PRA is like talking to a dead fish and expecting answers. Maybe some of you can help.

First question: We are supposed to come to the Philippines with our passport which will be stamped as a Tourist, but the Exit-Entry people will want to see a return airline ticket. Duuuhhh.... we are retiring to the Philippines so our ticket will be one way. How do we get INTO the country legally? The airline will want us to have a round trip ticket because they cannot transport us as tourists without an obvious way out of the Philippines.

Second Question: PRA wants us to set up a bank account, but no bank on their list will respond to our requests concerning how to do it when we have no address in the Philippines (yet). How do we open a bank account?

Third Question: We are not coming from the USA, we are coming from China where we currently live. Is there any way to do the SRRV from China through the Philippines Consulate in Shanghai?

We plan to actually visit Dumaguete, Iloilo and Bacalod next Spring Break (January/February, it changes) to make the final decision on where. We sure would like to meet some expats.

 

Plenty of expats around town.

You just need an onward ticket that takes you out of PI, not a r/t. Someone told me about a cheap Asia based airline that refunded 80% of that already cheap ticket that can be bought online. Some people just print a fake ticket, but that could see you forced to buy a ticket at a higher rate if it's discovered at the check in desk in China

Keep in mind your SRRV visa does not prevent PI Customs from charging you a fortune for any containers you ship to PI.

I'd keep your money in your pocket until you've spent 6 mos or more here and know for sure what you want to do?

 

SRRV procedure has to be done in The Philippines.
Some papers you can't get in a consulate or Embassy,Police Clearance and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance for instance.
Once you have started the procedure, you will receive a list of banks where you can deposit.
Requirements for SRRV you can find here:PRA: Philippine Retirement Authority

 

I live around the BACOLOD area mail me a bit nearer the time.
Why dont you get a 13A Visa [Filipino Spouse } all info on the Philippines Immigration website, No ty up of money involved, Its what most people would have here.
regards.......

 

My non-Filipina spouse is liberal, but not THAT liberal.

Besides, I am not a Mormon so bigamy is not part-a-me.

 

What is required is an "onward" ticket. You can buy cheap throwaway tickets from Tiger Air;

Welcome To Tiger Airways.

You can also buy an onward ticket from many airlines, such as Cebu Pacific, and eventually you can get most of your money refunded, although it may take some patience and perseverance.

Larry

 

Flyingifr,
You've already received other replies to your Immigration questions.
To meet expats, just go to McDonald's ("downtown") across from the park in the AM or at lunch time. They are usually sitting off on one side...kinda like a separate space ..but it's not. Most any one will chat and try to be of assistance.
Or..if you care too, walk the ocean front promenade towards evening time and talk to any of the sober foreigners sitting around and sloshing down their beers! LOL!!

But as in any country, do NOT necessarily completely trust your new "friends" - there are as many foreigners scamming newcomers here as well as local Filipinos.
Hope you ave a nice trip.
Ayo ayo = Take care
Don

 

Pretty sad considering you got quite a few nice places to hang out down by the Boulevard...

 

Go to McDonalds before about 10am to meet expats, later in the the day you would find more expats at businesses along the boulevard.

 

Not the wisest place to go to get a balanced and sensible opinion !!!