Guides for Living
in the Philippines

A plain-English guide to the Philippine ACR I-Card: who needs one, the day-59 rule, applying and renewing, BI's posted fees, the Annual Report and leaving.

A practical comparison of where to live in Bohol for expats and digital nomads.

What foreigners can legally own in the Philippines: condo caps, land leases, marriage and former-Filipino rules, purchase taxes and fees, and moving the money.

Cebu IT Park vs Business Park for expats — walkability, condos, PRA access, Sugbo Mercado, and which district fits nomads vs retirees.

How to convert your foreign driver's license or get a new one in the Philippines — the 120-day rule, LTO requirements, fees, and what the process actually feels like.

Compare Dumaguete city, Valencia in the mountains, and Dauin on the coast — SRRV counts, hospitals, vibe, and who each spot fits.

How to compare school places, curricula, full fees, calendars, and homeschooling options before an expat family moves.

The Emigration Clearance Certificate explained: who needs it, ECC-A vs ECC-B, timing, and how to avoid getting stopped at the airport.

Build a realistic Philippines moving budget for your first 90 days, including housing, deposits, monthly costs, visas, and setup.

What actually works for foreigners on GCash: the 30-day GTourist route, the resident ID list, real wallet limits, and where each path breaks down.

ISP comparison, speeds, reliability, backup options, and how to get connected as an expat.

How expats in the Philippines keep a US number for bank codes: carrier Wi-Fi calling, Google Voice, NumberBarn, costs, and 2FA backups.

How friendships actually form in Metro Manila, where they happen, and why the first easy connections rarely turn into real barkada.

How to bring a dog or cat to the Philippines: BAI SPSIC permits, vaccination rules, airline cargo policies, fees, and arrival quarantine.

What you can legally carry, the 30-day controlled-drug limit, and how to keep a US or UK prescription running once you're based here.

How US Social Security and UK, Australian and Canadian pensions reach the Philippines, how they're taxed, and how much you need to retire here in 2026.

A plain checklist for retiring in the Philippines: visa, healthcare, pension income, housing and budget, plus how to test a town before you commit.

What the crime data actually says, where risk changes by region, the scams foreigners run into most, and what to do if something happens.

Buy or skip SafetyWing for a Philippines stay: Essential vs Complete, honest World Nomads comparison, island medevac reality — plus trial stay, Wise rails, and budget next steps.

Compare Wise, bank wires, and remit apps. Why Wise is my default for Philippines transfers in 2026 — plus FBAR, domestic fees, and the paper trail.

A practical, opinionated comparison of shipping a container, sending balikbayan boxes, or buying new once you land in the Philippines.

How to get a Philippine SIM as a foreigner, register it under RA 11934, pick Globe, Smart, or DITO, and link it to GCash or Maya.

Foreign ownership rules, SEC registration, the 60-40 rule, and practical steps to launch a business.

Whether foreign nationals owe Philippine tax, BIR TIN registration, the 180-day rule, current tax brackets, and how US/UK/AU/CA treaties apply.

Driving, Grab, jeepneys, ferries, and domestic flights — how to get around as an expat.

A renter's guide to Philippine utilities: who supplies power and water, recent electricity rates, bill deposits, submetered units, brownouts and internet setup.

Tourist extensions, HK/Singapore/KK visa runs, and when SRRV or 13(a) beats the treadmill — plus insurance, overnight stays, and money rails.