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.
☐ Prepare your US tax questions
If you may have US tax obligations
Gather income and account records and ask which US federal and state obligations continue for your situation. Leaving the country alone does not answer tax residency or filing questions.
IRS · international individuals: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-individuals · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Keep access to your IRS records
If you use IRS services
Check how you will obtain your tax records and contact the IRS from abroad. Confirm any address update and follow-up needed for your circumstances.
IRS · international individuals: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-individuals · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange your USPS address change
If you receive mail at a US address
For international forwarding, check the USPS instructions and visit a Post Office before departure for the required identity process. Separately update organizations that send important mail.
USPS · change of address: https://faq.usps.com/articles/Knowledge/Change-of-Address-The-Basics · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check Social Security payments abroad
If you receive or expect Social Security payments
Use the SSA screening tool and contact SSA about your specific benefit, citizenship and proposed stay. Record any reporting steps; do not assume every payment continues overseas.
SSA · payments abroad: https://www.ssa.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Request your US medical records
If your records are held by US providers
Ask each relevant provider how to obtain the records you need for continuing care. Confirm delivery format, timing and any permitted charge.
HHS · medical records: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm your US bank’s overseas account policy
If you will keep US financial accounts
Ask each provider about an overseas residential address, account restrictions, card replacement and verification. Record its answer before relying on the account abroad.
US State Department · living abroad: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/living-abroad/retirement.html · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Review your state and local arrangements
If you retain state or local obligations
List your state tax, vehicle, home insurance and licensing questions. Confirm the rules with the responsible state agency or provider for your own move; there is no single US departure procedure.
IRS · international individuals: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-individuals · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm your US coverage handover
If you currently have US health coverage
Ask your current insurer what applies during the move and on return visits. Coordinate replacement cover before changing an existing policy, and record the confirmed dates.
US State Department · living abroad: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/living-abroad/retirement.html · source checked 2026-09-09