Hey man thx so much for your insight in the Philippines. Just wondering about health care in the Phillies. How much is the insurance there? Things like health insurance can effect the bottom line when living anywhere in the world. also what is the quality of medical care there?
Hey Sun, I share similar story. I'll be there on 16th. I'm in Mobile, Alabama. I'll be there 3 weeks in Cebu, Butuan, & Surigao. I'm building house now in Surigao & have small pigery there.
In the philippines during the month long effects of a calamity and covid, no electricity, no gas, no internet, people are just peaceful and orderly. No looting no chaos. The energy here too is so much different. You’re depression will almost get cured. Just go under the sun Your house is nice
I tell my friends over here in the States about your channel because I want them to see another side of a Brother doing Good instead of the negativity that is always spread by the American media.
My advice as a Native N.Y.C. Boy, I am a Expat Holder of a 13A Visa, married and living in the Philippines for 3 years is.... "Leave that *RAH RAH N.Y.C. ATTITUDE back in the U.S.A.". -> It will get you nowhere fast over here. Try and enjoy your stay here.
I haven't watched your video yet, but I did read the title.. 1 thing I couldn't bring with me was my New York attitude and thinking. I learned that my 1st full day in the Philippines. All 9xs I was there after that I learned
My advice to foreigners going to ph. Make pilipino friends in your country BEFORE you go to ph. The pilipino friends you make in your own country can help you connect with their family/friends in ph, so you'll have local connection and a guide in ph. This will also give you and help you with safety and emergencies just incase. You can also join FB groups in your country that are full of pilipinos and make friends that way. I joined a pilipino fishing group, pilipino business group, pilipino dating group ( tho I only use it to make friends). All these connections will give you a much better experience in your travel. Pilipinos will invite you to live/stay with them, eat local home cook meals, take you places only known by locals, and they will tell you about, "do's and don't". This method will save you time, money and give you a much better experience than just showing up in ph not knowing anyone.
I love the Philippines. Went all over lower Luzon. Many different provinces, even in the jungles. I tipped my driver (friends mom hooked me up with a driver for my whole trip) 5000 pesos and he almost cried. I'll never forget my time there 😢Still haven't tried balut. My friends there (who are native Filipinos) don't like balut. 🤷🏿♂️
Or just eat penoy (basically a boiled egg) still with spicy vinegar. And yes I agree, you don't have to eat it. But my suggestion, try it at least once. Ask for one that is young so the chick is small. Whether you like it or not, at least you've tried it, imo
You seems a very genuine and kind person. I could feel your beautiful energy and there’s no bad one in your body. More power and God bless you always.💐🌷💕
All great advice Calvin, but the greatest thing I learnt in the Philippines is a sort of taboo topic, yes the bucket and pail in the CR. The thought of it terrifies most westerners, well it did me at first, but the cleanliness of it set me free. Most guys are tied to the CR in their hotel (the safe place to go), or always carry TP, or worse, "wipes". TP is ok I suppose but their septic systems cannot process wipes and they clog an already dodgy system. The bucket and pail will liberate you, don't worry about damp shorts it's the tropics, and if you can get past that you're ready for balut.
@@calroach1 I like to be able to go anywhere, that includes eating local food and employing local standards of hygiene, as I said it's liberating. I know a few expats who build an impenetrable western bubble around themselves, which kind of defeats the purpose of retiring here, their biggest bill by far is for all the imported food.
I work in the water industry in the UK, and the sewers here can't cope with wet wipes either. I don't care if the label says they are "flushable", they are not. I certainly wouldn't even consider using them if you have a septic tank, which most Filipino houses do. You are risking a very expensive plumbers visit. Much better to invest in a bidet, if you have room in the CR.
Calvin, your advise is most sure a great seminar full of information. We all need that type of reality to make a great stay in the Philippines. All those broke, busted and disgusted dudes should have watch your videos. With D Day approaching on February 10. No one can never say that Calvin never told them, because you constantly help us. Thank you Calvin brother. Many blessings during the cremation of brother John Wales. Wishing you and family Calvin brother continued great times in the Philippines.
Hello again Calvin and lovely family Another fantastic tips video!. Thank you very much for sharing! Good luck, warmest wishes, and best regards/Ned 👍🤝👍
Cal. Condolences to John's family. I always enjoyed his humor wit personality character and above all the bond that you had together. John will truly be missed. RiP mr Wales.
Very good advice! Agree with the previous comment to bring half the clothes and twice the money you think you'll need. Long pants, overcoats, hiking boots - won't need them. Some things you *will* need to bring are cargo shorts and sunscreen. The typical American will find it hard to find pants that fit in the Philippines. Beyond that it's t-shirts every day, and they are plentiful and cheap. Sunscreen is available, but hard to find the higher SPFs. And don't think you're immune from sunburn if you have dark skin. My brother-in-law is full Filipino but grew up in the US, and on his first trip got the mother of all sunburns the first day at the beach. Chocolate is a good suggestion. I'd also add whiskey and cigarettes, also very welcome gifts. I always do even though I don't drink or smoke myself. They can be purchased at the airport for less than you might pay back home. I also take glow sticks and balsa airplanes for the kids. Both are easy to pack, and things like that are new and fun for kids of all ages over there.
This is Philippines 101. Practical advice for guys coming over. Loved "don't bring water to the ocean". Stay safe and healthy brotherman. Were those goats that I saw near the end of your vlog?
Watching you from the start but never made in comments. Your home is beautiful. Congratulations to you and the family. Of course so sad about John. That life my friend let’s make the most out of it. Limited time. We just do not realize how short it is. A blink. Take care and make the videos rolling. From the States also buddy.
Couldn't agree more with your tips Calvin, spot on brother.Btw, gated fence looks really nice, like the style 👌 I'm hoping to be in cadiz July, looking forward to being there soon. Regards to you & family Calvin, enjoy your vloggs much. Cheers 🍻 from down under Australia 🇦🇺
My wife’s family is in Cadiz and Bacolod. I spent a month there in 2020 just before the lockdowns due to covid. Enjoy, I’m going back in December for Christmas.
All good advice,. You will save a lot by Installing a Solar System what you pay the power company for a year will pay for the Solar System than after that you can put that monthly bill back in your Pocket.
It is never a question of whether or not I am going to bring my wife over to the Philippines, the question is whether or not she is going to bring me back home to the Philippines when she visits. 😁😁😁😁 Unfortunately she is going to have to make the next trip in two months flying solo, to visit her very ill mother. Having me with her would just stress her mom out a little bit more than she needs to be at the moment. Mama still hasn't forgiven me for taking her daughter away even after 48 years have gone by.
Just seeing your show for the first time my brother. You have an awesome energy. Beautiful family as well. I think am gonna have to leave Canada for the Philippines. Stay blessed see what the universe has in store for the new journey..
thanks for the refresher course. It good ot hear refresher couse of money wise. Can a persone use an atm> What do you do.?Is this the Atm U.S. $s and it comes out in pesos.? Thanks for showing the neigborhood.. You are in a good place.
Maayong buntag Calvin! I only made the mistake of using a money exchange once. Never again. They're an absolute ripoff, at least in Australia they are. I just go to one of the big bank ATM's at NAIA, withdraw a decent amount, usually around P20,000. Costs about 5AUD. Most of that 20,000 goes in the money belt under the shirt, change a P1000 bill at the airport and keep that in my pocket. That way if I happen to run into a mugging, I can throw whatever is in my pocket away and run. But that situation is unlikely.
If you use USD, the private exchange rate actually pays you more than the bank. When the bank rate was 58 pesos for 1 US dollar, the private exchange gave me 50 pesos per dollar. You should be making money on the exchange, not paying a fee. LOL You went to the wrong place.
@@draxxes1 hmmm you better do that calculation again mate! Foreign currency exchanges make money by charging for exchanging money. And there's no advantage at all to change from $AU to $US then to pesos, I'd get charged for both exchanges. Maybe it works differently in the US, but even my bank charges $22.50 if I get pesos from them. Like I said, by far the best way is to withdraw from any of the big bank ATM's in the Philippines. That way I get exactly whatever is the current exchange rate, plus a flat fee of about $5. Oh, and using a debit card avoids all the awkwardness of interest rates, extra charges for using credit in a foreign country etc. Plus it's my money, not the banks and that's gotta make sense.
And don't forget to tell them to make sure they're in a trusted place with their luggage before they pack up and go to the Philippines and it will not hurt to go through all your bags because when I got to cebu I flew all the way from Los Angeles and this lady was mad at me that was getting evicted out of my sister's house and she stuck a joint in my bag and then called the airport and told him that I had drugs. When I was in Cebu on my way back to America I was looking for something and I turned my backpack upside down so I can find it in a joint came out. And I knew right away who did it. I got searched at least four times before I got back to Los Angeles. Searched in Manila I got searched in Japan I got searched San Francisco and then I got searched in Los Angeles. And I thank God that I turned my backpack upside down.
Good one. Exact change for terminal fees and taxis with set prices. Plan it out before time. Tried a lot of different foods there but sorry brother couldn't eat the Balut. Never Before seen so many animals in your videos.
Hey LADETROIT. Back in the 70’s when I was stationed at Subic I had the opportunity try Balut. I was 19 years old back then. I didn’t do it. Couldn’t think about trying it. That experience of chickening out and not trying it , always stayed on my mind. And I promised myself if I ever went back there that if given the opportunity to try it again, I would. In 2018 I was sitting around the kitchen and my gf sister offer me some balut. I tried it and it was good. I had finally gotten over it. It only took me about 45 years. Hahaha. But don’t think about it. Think of it as a hard boil egg and just go for it. After you have finished one you will have a whole new point of view about it. Can’t wait to go back there and eat them again.
Thanks Calvin for the advice. I intend to do some money exchange prior to leaving the US. Will note to request denominations of 200 pesos or lower. Figure to have enough to cover a month's expenses.
How's it going brotha . My name is Sean and I agree with what your telling your subscribers. My wife and I have a house in Palo leyte . The Philippines is a great place to be if you let it be . And the does and don't that your talk about is really on point . Keep up the good work. 👍🏾 ingat!
I have always had to ask the money changers for smaller bills n sometimes they dont have them. Then you have to go to a mall or a chain restaurant n buy somthing to get change.
Thanks for the great information as always Calvin. I am going to miss that drink of Jack Daniels I was going to have with John. I hope I can meet you and have a cup of coffee with you. Is Kratom legal in the Philippines? I think it is because they grow it and ship it from Mindanao Island to Distributors All Over America. Thanks
I wish I could come so bad.. I've even learned Tagalog.. kinda lol thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you brother. I'm happy for you and you're family. I hope to stand on that island one day and shake you're hand. Magandang kapalaran kapatid
So, as a widowed female retired expat, who is NOT looking for love, I should NOT opt to retire to the Philippines for fear that my very presence will inundate the community with extra sand and water?!? OMG! I had no idea that wanting to live in a beautiful tropical land filled with kind, happy people would cause such an ecological catastrophe! Maybe if I just PROMISE to STRINGENTLY avoid any male expats, surely MY pension would be welcome in the Philippines as well….
No I'm not saying that at all. As a matter of fact you are probably more apt to be successful here than others simply because you have eliminated the relationship factor. You can fall in love with the country instead and reap the benefits that come along with it.
My idea of Philippines life is to truly be retired. That means no kids and place that needs to be kept up by myself.. Probably no pets.. Traveling 50-60% of the time. Using a place mostly as a base. No work no time constraints for anything. Not going to be having visits from (her) family and getting into any of their daily business. Beach resorts and mountains.. Island hoping and ferry boats. Hotels and restaurants. Not gonna be tied down by any thing or anyone. I'm not going to the Philippines to just sit around. There will be no working or trying to subsidise my income. No extravagant home or bills to worry about. Just going to blend into the countryside and enjoy adventure.
I agree with you 💯 Calvin do not bringing your wife or girlfriend, that goes to foreigners and balikbayans I’ve seeen my friends who got divorced after the husband found a younger woman 🥲 Will see we will be retiring in few years and planning to go back and live in Cebu and I will put my husband on a leash 😂😂😂 Btw I like when you said maayo buntag and some people said good morning 😃😍Have a good day Calvin
Ha ha ha, my pinay wifey knew not to leave me alone, when we went to cebu I was leaving back home first from bantayan and said I would go back to cebu by myself. And she struck that down right away lolz
Quick question OG.. just got my passport thinking about making a trip to the Philippines real soon and I guess I got family in a spot called Cebu also but my question is as far as food goes are they pork heavy over there. I don’t eat pork and I don’t really eat beef either but I’m asking cuz I don’t wanna offend anyone
Pork is a part of their diet but there is so much variety here. Chicken, beef, seafood, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't let that stop you brother. They have what you want here.
I am a fil/am so. I just have a regular bank account. Can foreigners open a regular bank account? For me I deposit my money into Wells Fargo Bank and they send it to BPI. I try to avoid carrying a lot of money in general.
Hi Calvin, Thanks for a good advise. I was wondering do people ever contact you with any questions? I didn't see an email address in your profile. Also I like to buy you a cup of coffee if I am in your area. Thank you Frank
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. Please tell me how much a moderate house would cost in the Philippines. Are foreigners allowed to own property??
You're welcome. Yes Foreigners can own property but land is a different subject all together. Materials and labor here are affordable and it just depends on how big of a house you build and where. I spent 20K dollars and I'm very pleased.
I would bring between 2000-2500 but if you don't have that much 1500. Remember the woman, the accomodations and the food will be your highest expenses. Don't overstay your money.
@@calroach1 i plan on getting an advance on vacation salary so then just order roundtrip ticket then find a place to stay then be aware of money spending, act like I'm at home😉 but have to live a little bit 🙂 finally Philippines open for vaccinated tourists I'm happy for that I get to meet my gwapa gf in person after 2years since I meet her online April 2020😁
Hey Calvin, Question about money! Should I order foreign currency from my bank state side before I come over to the PH? I'm wondering if I'd get a better exchange rate here vs when I'm already in the PH? Also, how much (rough guess) should I expect to have set aside for a 30 day stay?
Either way because it won't be much difference but you will have Philippine currency when you land. Rough guess without knowing you or how you will spend your time I would say at least 3000 dollars
@@calroach1 Having local currency on hand would definitely be an advantage, so I guess I'll order some before I head over! I appreciate your insight, I'm always watching your videos! I'll be spending time with my girlfriend while I'm there, so she'll be able to help me avoid the skin tax ;)
From my experience I would say to not exchange US$s into PhPs in the US. You're exchange rate will be atrociously low. This is for both US banks and airports. I would advise you to exchange some of your US dollars at the Manila airport upon arrival. You will see the exchange kiosks as soon as you pass immigration. Choose the first one you see before stepping outside of airport. Surprisingly the rate they give is not bad as airports around the world. Hong Kong airport is a bad place to exchange. As of 4 March, 2022 which is the last time I exchanged my dollars I got P49.95 per US$1 and that included the exchanger's cut and tax. I've been living in the Philippines for 21 years traveling to US each year. I also traveled in and out of Philippines regularly for 16 years before that. Some may disagree with me but that is my experience of over 38 years.
I want to come over so badly, but I'm terrified. I am a minimalist. If there was a way to come over and live like I was born there. (living off the land and grid), I would be there in a heartbeat. I know it's just a dream, but I would like to do what the Mexicans to to us here. Just get a ticket, go over and never be seen again back in this horrible place. Guess I would stick out like a sore thumb though. 🤪
Zipline is what I was thinking about on the video 😆
Hey man thx so much for your insight in the Philippines. Just wondering about health care in the Phillies. How much is the insurance there? Things like health insurance can effect the bottom line when living anywhere in the world. also what is the quality of medical care there?
Hey Sun, I share similar story. I'll be there on 16th. I'm in Mobile, Alabama. I'll be there 3 weeks in Cebu, Butuan, & Surigao. I'm building house now in Surigao & have small pigery there.
In the philippines during the month long effects of a calamity and covid, no electricity, no gas, no internet, people are just peaceful and orderly. No looting no chaos.
The energy here too is so much different. You’re depression will almost get cured. Just go under the sun
Your house is nice
I tell my friends over here in the States about your channel because I want them to see another side of a Brother doing Good instead of the negativity that is always spread by the American media.
My advice as a Native N.Y.C. Boy, I am a Expat Holder of a 13A Visa, married and living in the Philippines for 3 years is....
"Leave that *RAH RAH N.Y.C. ATTITUDE back in the U.S.A.".
-> It will get you nowhere fast over here.
Try and enjoy your stay here.
I haven't watched your video yet, but I did read the title.. 1 thing I couldn't bring with me was my New York attitude and thinking. I learned that my 1st full day in the Philippines. All 9xs I was there after that I learned
My advice to foreigners going to ph. Make pilipino friends in your country BEFORE you go to ph. The pilipino friends you make in your own country can help you connect with their family/friends in ph, so you'll have local connection and a guide in ph. This will also give you and help you with safety and emergencies just incase. You can also join FB groups in your country that are full of pilipinos and make friends that way. I joined a pilipino fishing group, pilipino business group, pilipino dating group ( tho I only use it to make friends). All these connections will give you a much better experience in your travel. Pilipinos will invite you to live/stay with them, eat local home cook meals, take you places only known by locals, and they will tell you about, "do's and don't". This method will save you time, money and give you a much better experience than just showing up in ph not knowing anyone.
Great idea.
Keeping an open mind is #1 thing to bring with you. My first trip to the PH I ate Balut... I tried everything... and the balut was good!
I love the Philippines. Went all over lower Luzon. Many different provinces, even in the jungles. I tipped my driver (friends mom hooked me up with a driver for my whole trip) 5000 pesos and he almost cried. I'll never forget my time there 😢Still haven't tried balut. My friends there (who are native Filipinos) don't like balut. 🤷🏿♂️
time to balikbayan my friend
Balut, it's nice with some spicy vinegar and maybe some salt
Good and Drunk, late at night and hungry, Balut is Delicious. Definitely with the spicy vinegar !
You don't have to force yourself to eating balut bro but the broth is worth the try haha
Or just eat penoy (basically a boiled egg) still with spicy vinegar.
And yes I agree, you don't have to eat it. But my suggestion, try it at least once. Ask for one that is young so the chick is small.
Whether you like it or not, at least you've tried it, imo
You seems a very genuine and kind person. I could feel your beautiful energy and there’s no bad one in your body. More power and God bless you always.💐🌷💕
Thanks
All great advice Calvin, but the greatest thing I learnt in the Philippines is a sort of taboo topic, yes the bucket and pail in the CR. The thought of it terrifies most westerners, well it did me at first, but the cleanliness of it set me free. Most guys are tied to the CR in their hotel (the safe place to go), or always carry TP, or worse, "wipes". TP is ok I suppose but their septic systems cannot process wipes and they clog an already dodgy system. The bucket and pail will liberate you, don't worry about damp shorts it's the tropics, and if you can get past that you're ready for balut.
You will encounter that mostly in private homes and a lot of restrooms by the road. It is something to behold in 2022 😅
@@calroach1 I like to be able to go anywhere, that includes eating local food and employing local standards of hygiene, as I said it's liberating. I know a few expats who build an impenetrable western bubble around themselves, which kind of defeats the purpose of retiring here, their biggest bill by far is for all the imported food.
I work in the water industry in the UK, and the sewers here can't cope with wet wipes either. I don't care if the label says they are "flushable", they are not. I certainly wouldn't even consider using them if you have a septic tank, which most Filipino houses do. You are risking a very expensive plumbers visit. Much better to invest in a bidet, if you have room in the CR.
@@mickstafford456 It's a massive problem in Australia too.
Your on the money
Oh man! This is 💯% on point. I went there and I did not want to leave. I also experience what you said. It's very true. Stay strong Calvin.
Calvin, your advise is most sure a great seminar full of information. We all need that type of reality to make a great stay in the Philippines. All those broke, busted and disgusted dudes should have watch your videos. With D Day approaching on February 10. No one can never say that Calvin never told them, because you constantly help us. Thank you Calvin brother. Many blessings during the cremation of brother John Wales. Wishing you and family Calvin brother continued great times in the Philippines.
Sorry for your loss. 👍
great vid
Hello again Calvin and lovely family
Another fantastic tips video!.
Thank you very much for sharing! Good luck, warmest wishes, and best regards/Ned 👍🤝👍
Wise words indeed brother and to the other folks listen to his good advice and keep safe
Great vlog brother, #1 is golden! Be well
Nice talk Calvin. I like your walk and talks …..
Excellent video thank you for your advice watching from California
Cal. Condolences to John's family. I always enjoyed his humor wit personality character and above all the bond that you had together. John will truly be missed. RiP mr Wales.
Another awesome 👏 video. Thank You 🙏
Very good advice!
Agree with the previous comment to bring half the clothes and twice the money you think you'll need. Long pants, overcoats, hiking boots - won't need them.
Some things you *will* need to bring are cargo shorts and sunscreen. The typical American will find it hard to find pants that fit in the Philippines. Beyond that it's t-shirts every day, and they are plentiful and cheap. Sunscreen is available, but hard to find the higher SPFs. And don't think you're immune from sunburn if you have dark skin. My brother-in-law is full Filipino but grew up in the US, and on his first trip got the mother of all sunburns the first day at the beach.
Chocolate is a good suggestion. I'd also add whiskey and cigarettes, also very welcome gifts. I always do even though I don't drink or smoke myself. They can be purchased at the airport for less than you might pay back home.
I also take glow sticks and balsa airplanes for the kids. Both are easy to pack, and things like that are new and fun for kids of all ages over there.
This is Philippines 101. Practical advice for guys coming over. Loved "don't bring water to the ocean". Stay safe and healthy brotherman. Were those goats that I saw near the end of your vlog?
Watching you from the start but never made in comments. Your home is beautiful. Congratulations to you and the family. Of course so sad about John. That life my friend let’s make the most out of it. Limited time. We just do not realize how short it is. A blink. Take care and make the videos rolling. From the States also buddy.
Thanks for sharing important content Brother Calvin 👍
*No bring sand to the beach*
That was a wonderful walk threw the neighborhood love seeing the homes
I enjoyed this video 🇯🇲
Thanks
Thank you for the information, have my trip booked and will be landing on the 27th of this month
Couldn't agree more with your tips Calvin, spot on brother.Btw, gated fence looks really nice, like the style 👌
I'm hoping to be in cadiz July, looking forward to being there soon.
Regards to you & family Calvin, enjoy your vloggs much.
Cheers 🍻 from down under Australia 🇦🇺
My wife’s family is in Cadiz and Bacolod. I spent a month there in 2020 just before the lockdowns due to covid. Enjoy, I’m going back in December for Christmas.
All good advice,. You will save a lot by Installing a Solar System what you pay the power company for a year will pay for the Solar System than after that you can put that monthly bill back in your Pocket.
It is never a question of whether or not I am going to bring my wife over to the Philippines, the question is whether or not she is going to bring me back home to the Philippines when she visits. 😁😁😁😁
Unfortunately she is going to have to make the next trip in two months flying solo, to visit her very ill mother. Having me with her would just stress her mom out a little bit more than she needs to be at the moment. Mama still hasn't forgiven me for taking her daughter away even after 48 years have gone by.
Wow 48 years congratulations 🎉
Just seeing your show for the first time my brother. You have an awesome energy. Beautiful family as well. I think am gonna have to leave Canada for the Philippines. Stay blessed see what the universe has in store for the new journey..
Thanks
Good morning Sir have a blessed weekend.. Rest In Peace to your dear friend 🙏
Thanks and God bless
Calvin turned into the Hulk when he saw a dog go in his yard! Hahaha; good one. 🐕
😂😂😂
Cal your place is looking great and that nearby house with a top deck looks great as well
bring clean new c notes. no imperfections. no folded corners or pen or pencil marks. very very important.
if your foreign currency is rejected ask a local to convert on black market at 50%
Good video....
thanks for the refresher course. It good ot hear refresher couse of money wise. Can a persone use an atm> What do you do.?Is this the Atm U.S. $s and it comes out in pesos.? Thanks for showing the neigborhood.. You are in a good place.
Yes you can use your ATM card and it dispenses pesos.
@@calroach1
Thanx! saves me going to the bank.Just to verify, from $s to pesos?
Sorry to hear about John. RIP
Good info.
I do not drink, or smoke where are some places to visit or relax at coffee and tea spots.
Coffee shops have become popular here in the Philippines and there's no shortage of places to relax.
Nice house Calvin👍🏼👍🏼
👍
Maayong buntag Calvin! I only made the mistake of using a money exchange once. Never again. They're an absolute ripoff, at least in Australia they are. I just go to one of the big bank ATM's at NAIA, withdraw a decent amount, usually around P20,000. Costs about 5AUD. Most of that 20,000 goes in the money belt under the shirt, change a P1000 bill at the airport and keep that in my pocket. That way if I happen to run into a mugging, I can throw whatever is in my pocket away and run. But that situation is unlikely.
Funnnnnnny!!!! 😊😊 Just make sure you're running in the right direction. 😊
If you use USD, the private exchange rate actually pays you more than the bank. When the bank rate was 58 pesos for 1 US dollar, the private exchange gave me 50 pesos per dollar. You should be making money on the exchange, not paying a fee. LOL You went to the wrong place.
@@draxxes1 hmmm you better do that calculation again mate! Foreign currency exchanges make money by charging for exchanging money. And there's no advantage at all to change from $AU to $US then to pesos, I'd get charged for both exchanges. Maybe it works differently in the US, but even my bank charges $22.50 if I get pesos from them. Like I said, by far the best way is to withdraw from any of the big bank ATM's in the Philippines. That way I get exactly whatever is the current exchange rate, plus a flat fee of about $5. Oh, and using a debit card avoids all the awkwardness of interest rates, extra charges for using credit in a foreign country etc. Plus it's my money, not the banks and that's gotta make sense.
And don't forget to tell them to make sure they're in a trusted place with their luggage before they pack up and go to the Philippines and it will not hurt to go through all your bags because when I got to cebu I flew all the way from Los Angeles and this lady was mad at me that was getting evicted out of my sister's house and she stuck a joint in my bag and then called the airport and told him that I had drugs. When I was in Cebu on my way back to America I was looking for something and I turned my backpack upside down so I can find it in a joint came out. And I knew right away who did it. I got searched at least four times before I got back to Los Angeles. Searched in Manila I got searched in Japan I got searched San Francisco and then I got searched in Los Angeles. And I thank God that I turned my backpack upside down.
I had a hotel driver loudly demanded money from me, so I gave him a $5 bill. Screw him.
😆😆😆
Good one. Exact change for terminal fees and taxis with set prices. Plan it out before time. Tried a lot of different foods there but sorry brother couldn't eat the Balut. Never Before seen so many animals in your videos.
I showed the animals on purpose 🤣
Hey LADETROIT. Back in the 70’s when I was stationed at Subic I had the opportunity try Balut. I was 19 years old back then. I didn’t do it. Couldn’t think about trying it. That experience of chickening out and not trying it , always stayed on my mind. And I promised myself if I ever went back there that if given the opportunity to try it again, I would. In 2018 I was sitting around the kitchen and my gf sister offer me some balut. I tried it and it was good. I had finally gotten over it. It only took me about 45 years. Hahaha. But don’t think about it. Think of it as a hard boil egg and just go for it. After you have finished one you will have a whole new point of view about it. Can’t wait to go back there and eat them again.
@@georgepickett1884 My wife can get them here (L.A.and Vegas). Maybe one day I will man-up and try one..LOL
@@calroach1 No chickens. Or sounds of cockerels crowing. Just as everyone has dogs. Everyone, at least in my experience, has chickens too.
Thanks Calvin for the advice. I intend to do some money exchange prior to leaving the US. Will note to request denominations of 200 pesos or lower. Figure to have enough to cover a month's expenses.
I've heard the comment about small bill on a few videos this week. I'll have to remember that.
Hello Calvin can examples of things to bring that people forget when coming to Philippines, is the electric 220v or 110v.
Love your style man!!
Hey bro, consider doing more workout videos, you are good at it and may help grow your channel. Say a weekly workout, for example.
Thanks brother I will put a few things together.
How's it going brotha . My name is Sean and I agree with what your telling your subscribers. My wife and I have a house in Palo leyte . The Philippines is a great place to be if you let it be . And the does and don't that your talk about is really on point . Keep up the good work. 👍🏾 ingat!
Thanks for joining the livestream today.
I'm saving Sister already Beat me.She again you.Poor Farming Community .Payed her way to graduate June 6. I want these trying to meet her
THE HOUSE LOOKING NICE I LIKE IT
I like you , you tell it sensible, thanks man,👍
Calvin,
Listening to you yell at that dog going into your yard was the funniest part of the video. Blessings to you Brother! 👍🏾🙏🏾
😃
Best thing to carry is a first aid kit along with any medicines ur underprescription along with docs slip, as many drugs u will not get here.
She is going to be a great engineer.
I have always had to ask the money changers for smaller bills n sometimes they dont have them. Then you have to go to a mall or a chain restaurant n buy somthing to get change.
😄😄😄
Thanks for the great information as always Calvin. I am going to miss that drink of Jack Daniels I was going to have with John. I hope I can meet you and have a cup of coffee with you. Is Kratom legal in the Philippines? I think it is because they grow it and ship it from Mindanao Island to Distributors All Over America. Thanks
I wish I could come so bad.. I've even learned Tagalog.. kinda lol thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you brother. I'm happy for you and you're family. I hope to stand on that island one day and shake you're hand. Magandang kapalaran kapatid
So, as a widowed female retired expat, who is NOT looking for love, I should NOT opt to retire to the Philippines for fear that my very presence will inundate the community with extra sand and water?!? OMG! I had no idea that wanting to live in a beautiful tropical land filled with kind, happy people would cause such an ecological catastrophe! Maybe if I just PROMISE to STRINGENTLY avoid any male expats, surely MY pension would be welcome in the Philippines as well….
No I'm not saying that at all. As a matter of fact you are probably more apt to be successful here than others simply because you have eliminated the relationship factor. You can fall in love with the country instead and reap the benefits that come along with it.
Might want to leave the victimization mentality back in the states....
Wow very muddy! I guess bringing an umbrella is a must there hehehe
Hi Calvin
Keep safe always 😊
My idea of Philippines life is to truly be retired. That means no kids and place that needs to be kept up by myself.. Probably no pets.. Traveling 50-60% of the time. Using a place mostly as a base. No work no time constraints for anything. Not going to be having visits from (her) family and getting into any of their daily business. Beach resorts and mountains.. Island hoping and ferry boats. Hotels and restaurants. Not gonna be tied down by any thing or anyone. I'm not going to the Philippines to just sit around. There will be no working or trying to subsidise my income. No extravagant home or bills to worry about. Just going to blend into the countryside and enjoy adventure.
Terminal fee was included in my Delta ticket.
Two questions Calvin. What about prescription medication and how much would you say to bring for a 7 day vacation in Manila?
Your fence looks fantastic on your beautiful house
Calvin it sand to the beach. And another thing is if you get addicted to anything it bad you know that
my condolences
I agree with you 💯 Calvin do not bringing your wife or girlfriend, that goes to foreigners and balikbayans I’ve seeen my friends who got divorced after the husband found a younger woman 🥲 Will see we will be retiring in few years and planning to go back and live in Cebu and I will put my husband on a leash 😂😂😂
Btw I like when you said maayo buntag and some people said good morning 😃😍Have a good day Calvin
🤣🤣🤣
God Bless
Can one bring their medication for high blood pressure
Calvin thanks for all the great information and updates.
You know guys are still not going to listen🤣
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Ha ha ha, my pinay wifey knew not to leave me alone, when we went to cebu I was leaving back home first from bantayan and said I would go back to cebu by myself. And she struck that down right away lolz
Quick question OG.. just got my passport thinking about making a trip to the Philippines real soon and I guess I got family in a spot called Cebu also but my question is as far as food goes are they pork heavy over there. I don’t eat pork and I don’t really eat beef either but I’m asking cuz I don’t wanna offend anyone
Pork is a part of their diet but there is so much variety here. Chicken, beef, seafood, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't let that stop you brother. They have what you want here.
What country side are you located Sir? Nice and a Serene location. Really stressful to live or stay in the City.
I live on Negros Island
Man that house is sexy brother dame! Good information as always, shout this one from the mountain top, real talk good talk.
Thanks Bobby G! Glad to hear from you man and you're welcome here anytime you're in the area
@@calroach1 thank brother, I'll take you up on that for sure.
I am a fil/am so. I just have a regular bank account. Can foreigners open a regular bank account? For me I deposit my money into Wells Fargo Bank and they send it to BPI. I try to avoid carrying a lot of money in general.
Yes once you are here 59 consecutive days and receive your ACR card you can open a regular account. Thanks.
#6 thing not to bring to the Philippines is .....a coat
Hahaha that's hilarious 🤣
@@calroach1 love your channel, keep tossing out the advice you do it will most definitely help a lot of people.
With money, i jsut flag my bank to let me use it over seas and remitly money to myself. id never travel with cash.
Great point
Calvin I just noticed it. Your place got a lot of mango trees. Who owns those mango trees?
Neighbor across from us.
Good info bro I think I want to come there ,am single lol .if I visit your area hope maybe meet up with you
Sure brother it will be a pleasure
Hi Calvin, Thanks for a good advise. I was wondering do people ever contact you with any questions? I didn't see an email address in your profile. Also I like to buy you a cup of coffee if I am in your area. Thank you
Frank
Calvin, you spoke a lot about carrying cash. Was wondering the credit card situation. Is it uncommon to purchase goods and services with credit cards?
I use my credit card in the major malls and grocery stores. There is a place for credit and debit cards here.
I miss the ESQ rum....
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. Please tell me how much a moderate house would cost in the Philippines. Are foreigners allowed to own property??
You're welcome. Yes Foreigners can own property but land is a different subject all together. Materials and labor here are affordable and it just depends on how big of a house you build and where. I spent 20K dollars and I'm very pleased.
Yes you can own a property, condominium. But a land is prohibited for foreigners, if have filipina wife it would be named to her.
Question, for 3 month stay how much should I bring? Because I went to Hawaii and spent 28,000 in 2 months.
Wow that's a lot of money. Depends on what you are going to do and where. 4-5 thousand and you're set here for 2 months.
No one ever became poor by giving 👍🏻
Nice advice on your video, and I'd second everything you say.
Where you located? How to contact you?
Cheers 😀😁
Here's my email calroach1@gmail.com and I'm 4 hours north of Dumaguete
@@calroach1 awesome, email sent.
Sorry brother love my wife, she has to come. Hell, she’s the only reason I’m retiring there. Can’t give up the 10 years she’s changed my life!
Well don't say I didn't warn you 😂
@@calroach1 I’m fully aware after my visit to Bacolod. It will be tough! Lol
yes bring new 100s dont fold
Man you really tempting me to book a trip
Come on over man!
How much should one bring in cash to get started
Depends on how long you stay and what you plan on doing while you're here.
Yeah TSA gonna see and smell the weed. Only place they will be going is jail.
I'm planning on staying 3 to 4weeks or just under the visa requirements of 30days how much money should I bring?
I would bring between 2000-2500 but if you don't have that much 1500. Remember the woman, the accomodations and the food will be your highest expenses. Don't overstay your money.
@@calroach1 i plan on getting an advance on vacation salary so then just order roundtrip ticket then find a place to stay then be aware of money spending, act like I'm at home😉 but have to live a little bit 🙂 finally Philippines open for vaccinated tourists I'm happy for that I get to meet my gwapa gf in person after 2years since I meet her online April 2020😁
Hey Calvin, Question about money! Should I order foreign currency from my bank state side before I come over to the PH? I'm wondering if I'd get a better exchange rate here vs when I'm already in the PH? Also, how much (rough guess) should I expect to have set aside for a 30 day stay?
Either way because it won't be much difference but you will have Philippine currency when you land. Rough guess without knowing you or how you will spend your time I would say at least 3000 dollars
@@calroach1 Having local currency on hand would definitely be an advantage, so I guess I'll order some before I head over! I appreciate your insight, I'm always watching your videos! I'll be spending time with my girlfriend while I'm there, so she'll be able to help me avoid the skin tax ;)
From my experience I would say to not exchange US$s into PhPs in the US. You're exchange rate will be atrociously low. This is for both US banks and airports. I would advise you to exchange some of your US dollars at the Manila airport upon arrival. You will see the exchange kiosks as soon as you pass immigration. Choose the first one you see before stepping outside of airport. Surprisingly the rate they give is not bad as airports around the world. Hong Kong airport is a bad place to exchange. As of 4 March, 2022 which is the last time I exchanged my dollars I got P49.95 per US$1 and that included the exchanger's cut and tax.
I've been living in the Philippines for 21 years traveling to US each year. I also traveled in and out of Philippines regularly for 16 years before that. Some may disagree with me but that is my experience of over 38 years.
my first trip i didn''t know better and brought too many shirts/pants, shorts and toilettes, next trip i know to just bring fewer items.
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I want to come over so badly, but I'm terrified. I am a minimalist. If there was a way to come over and live like I was born there. (living off the land and grid), I would be there in a heartbeat. I know it's just a dream, but I would like to do what the Mexicans to to us here. Just get a ticket, go over and never be seen again back in this horrible place. Guess I would stick out like a sore thumb though. 🤪
This place makes minimalist out of a lot of us me included.