Personal checklist copy. Suggested dates are editable planning prompts, not legal, tax or immigration deadlines. Confirm requirements with the responsible authority.
☐ Decide what to bring, ship, buy or leave
List the things you actually use. Compare carrying, shipping, local replacement and storage costs. Mark the items you need immediately and leave unknown quotes blank until confirmed.
☐ Get a complete shipping quote
Ask about collection, insurance, packing, customs handling, delivery and storage charges. Put items sharing one shipment into the same group so its quote is counted once.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Close or transfer your home contracts
List your lease or home arrangements, utilities, subscriptions and insurance policies. Record notice dates, final readings and confirmation numbers. Check what should remain active while you are away.
☐ Check restrictions before packing
Review current import restrictions for the items on your packing list, including food, plants and regulated goods. Ask Customs about uncertainty before packing or shipping.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check chargers, voltage and luggage rules
Read the voltage label on each device and check plugs, airline battery restrictions and baggage limits with the relevant provider. An adapter does not change the voltage.
☐ Choose an arrival mobile data option
Compare a travel eSIM with buying a local SIM after landing. Check device compatibility, coverage, validity, voice/SMS needs and activation instructions before buying.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet
☐ Plan the trip from the airport
Confirm your arrival terminal, accommodation address, check-in instructions and a transport option. Keep an offline copy and a backup plan for delays.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/transportation
☐ Make an offline emergency contact sheet
Save your accommodation, emergency contacts, insurer assistance details and consular contact. Confirm local emergency numbers from official sources and keep a paper copy.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/healthcare
☐ Check and complete the official arrival registration
Use the official eTravel website to check whether registration applies to you and its current submission window. Keep the confirmation accessible. This planning date is a prompt, not a statement of eligibility.
Philippine eTravel: https://etravel.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Pack your first 72 hours separately
Keep essential documents, permitted medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and arrival information within reach. Mark these items as essentials in your belongings list.
☐ Reconfirm the first night and flight
Check schedule changes, baggage, check-in, accommodation arrival access and the contact for any delayed arrival. Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
☐ Confirm your HMRC departure steps
If you may have UK tax obligations
Read the HMRC route for your employment and filing situation. Ask which notification or return applies; do not assume everyone uses the same form.
HMRC · leaving the UK: https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Gather records for your UK departure tax year
If you may need a UK departure-year return
Keep employment, income and relevant residence records. Confirm submission methods and dates with HMRC or your adviser, especially if you use Self Assessment.
HMRC · leaving the UK: https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Plan your NHS and healthcare handover
If you use UK health services; check your UK nation
Discuss your move with your GP and the relevant health service in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Confirm records, continuing care and how your absence affects access.
NHS · planning healthcare abroad: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/moving-abroad/planning-your-healthcare/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Tell your local council about your move
If you have a UK council account or home
Contact your council with your move details and forwarding address. Confirm the account changes and final charges for your housing situation.
GOV.UK · moving abroad: https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange Royal Mail redirection
If you receive mail at a UK address
Check overseas redirection availability, identity checks, start dates and exclusions. Update banks and other important senders directly as well.
Royal Mail · redirection: https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Review your UK pension and National Insurance
If you have UK pension or National Insurance questions
Ask the appropriate pension service about your payments or future record. Check the current National Insurance rules for your circumstances before making contribution decisions.
HMRC · leaving the UK: https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check each UK benefit before moving
If you receive UK benefits
Tell the relevant benefits office about your intended move and ask how it affects that benefit. Record the reporting steps and confirmed outcome.
GOV.UK · moving abroad: https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Update the Student Loans Company
If you have a UK student loan
Check overseas contact, evidence and repayment requirements with the Student Loans Company. Record what you submit and the next review date.
GOV.UK · moving abroad: https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad · source checked 2026-09-09