Best Posts in Thread: Few questions about life in Dumaguete

Regarding bring animals from US: I bought two persian cats, Imp and Uggy. I was recommended by others not to do it but I figured if they could life in the US in AC, they could live in the Philippines with AC. One of the best decisions for me I made here. I have had them here for 3 years. They are primary inside cats but go outside everyday also. The heat, surprise, does not seem to bother them. They live in AC house in southern California but only AC one room here on an occasional basis as I have had very few heat problems with them. My biggest problems with them is getting good cat food for them here, They like fancy feast at about $ 1 USD a can. It is not the expense it is just not available at time so I generally have two week supply on hand. The cost is $525 P a Kg., while fish at the fish market sells for 20 to 60 P per kg.... of coarse they refuse to eat that but all the Filipino cats I have outside (13 cats) eat the fish, smile and smile too. The other problem I have with them is stomach parasites here when they go outside. I worm them regularly and the problems have gone away.
As far as the process of getting them into the Philippines, it is difficult but not impossible to do. There are internet sites to help you understand the process, and they were even pet "forwarders" in the Los Angeles area. I gave myself 6 months to get ready, and focused one of my employees on the project for 6 weeks before departure. Many task such as vet reports can only be done a short time before they leave. So you can not do somethings in much advance.
I estimated all costs to bring the two cats here including air fare at about $1,800 total. Best decision decision I have made.

Regards to woman here: I would suggest the best tool to find a good lady here would be a lie detector. No matter what you paid for it... it would save you lots of money and time and frustration. o_O Learn how to spot gays (men dressed as woman) and transgenders, and giving up any marine survival training that you have learned.

 

Raffle, I recommend you keep a U.S. bank with an ATM Card and also open a local bank. Banks have lock boxes for a low cost for your valuables. You should not count on working here, particularly in Dumaguete unless you are an internet wizard and an expat would hire you. I brought two small dogs to Manila, quite a hassle and my company paid the urgency, and they need air conditioning and electricity is quite expensive in the Philippines. You would also need to decide on which type of visa if you are going to stay here permanently. Finally, if you are single and want to hook up with a girl here, proceed with caution. Good luck.

 

OK, You will no doubt get many more answers this is just my little bit.

1. Banking. Your preference, Me, I maintain a UK bank but have a Filipino bank for ease. (Dumaguete has literally a bank on Every Street and Corners, Opening a bank A/C is relatively easy.
2. You may NOT Bring A GUN NOR can you own a Gun.
3. Unless you have a Special occupation that can't be done by a Filipino you will find it hard to obtain work (Certainly you may not work, as a Tourist)
4. Precious metals may not be Brought into the country ( very Strict Controls are in Place for Wealth Movement in this and Hard cash. I will post again the customs page a little later for you. [You may only bring $10.000 cash. Over this has to be reported to the Central Bank for Clearance.] { on arrival anything customs find over this amount will be confiscated
5. Not Advisable to bring Animals (Heat and Health risks to Animals should be a big factor) many do and many regret it. No doubt you may get answers on this from a few that I know have brought pets.

Hope this will give you a little to work on.

Welcome to the forum.


Jack P.