First Time Travel Info For the Philippines

Before travelling to the Philippines one must be aware that this is a tropical country and therefore you need to have tropical gear and such. The Philippines is known history as the Pearl of the Orient and the Gateway to Asia. It is the only Christianized nation in Southeast Asia, most of its neighbours being Muslims or Buddhists.

Definitely before travelling to the Philippines you will need your travel documents in order. Should you be coming from another country which is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, then you will not need a travel visa and you can enter and stay in the Philippines from two to eight weeks without any visa. Tourists from Europe and from Australia and the United States may stay in the country for up to 2 months without a visa, but this is granted on a case to case basis.

Going back to the part where the Philippines is a tropical country, you can expect the country to be hot and humid, especially in the summer months of March to June. The monsoon months begin starting in July to December, but it usually rains strongest near August. Travelling to the Philippines around December to February is the coolest time when Siberian winds travel from Northern China and hit this island archipelago.

The medium of exchange in the Philippines is called the Philippine Peso. This is due to the country's almost four hundred years of being a Spanish colony and strong ties to Mexico in the past. Thus expects a lot of Spanish type architecture, traditions like the siesta and fiestas when you travel throughout the country.

When travelling in the Philippines, travel light. Bring along light clothing made of cotton if available. It is not uncommon to see tourists in the capital city of Manila wearing beach shorts and flip flops. The weather is more than agreeable to this kind of clothing.

Plenty of hotels of international quality are found in the main cities of Manila in the north, with Cebu and Davao in the south. These three cities are the main hubs of tourism and commerce so they should always be included in one's itinerary. There are adequate bus and air systems to ferry you back and forth within and through these cities.

Within the main cities the traditional jeepney is a popular mode of transportation, much like a small bus invented and adapted from the World War 2 soldier transport. However due to the heat, it may be more convenient for the new visitor to take a taxi around the cities. Taxi fares begin at roughly 50 cents for flag down rates and 25 cents for every kilometre.

The main cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao are centers of tourism where you can book your other travels to the 7,000 islands of the country whether you want to go to beaches, forests and the like. One is encouraged to visit the museums, shopping malls and nightspots to get a taste of a country that some have called the only Latin American country in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Hans Christian Tesch is a full time professor and lecturer in Cebu City, Philippines and writes on various topics and subjects relating to the academe, management and education. More details on Doctor Tesch are available on http://www.drtesch.info

Travel in the Philippines - Few Simple Tips For a Memorable Experience

Travel to any new destination becomes easier if some preparation is made prior to your departure. Travel becomes more comfortable if you travel as light as you can. Your luggage must have only what is essential, and preferably something you can carry around yourself. This not only helps you get around easily when you travel in the Philippines, but also saves you money which you having to spend on luggage charges and porterage. Further if its luggage you can keep with you, the chances of loss are minimised.

Any tourist destination is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, and travel in the Philippines is no exception. Beware of strangers who might pretend to help and try to befriend you.They could be confidence tricksters. This is particularly true of Filipino women. It is better to be cautious and travel in a group as far as possible. If you have children with you, make sure you carry everything that you might need for their use, including medicines. Ensure you carry drinking water as potable water may sometimes be difficult to get at short notice. Do not drink water which is not potable as you may well come down with a stomach ailment.

The rules for Visa are straight forward for travel in the Philippines. Those traveling from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and a return ticket, or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines are allowed to enter without a formal visa and stay for a maximum of 21 days. If you plan to stay longer, it is better to obtain your visa prior to your travel or a Visa Extension from the Bureau of Immigration on entry. Customs allows you the usual duty free two cartons of cigarettes and a litre of alcohol. There is no limit on bringing in foreign currency.

On departing from the country ensure you have a certificate from the National Museum for any antiques you carry back. Also ensure that you take out of the country only less than five thousand Philippine pesos. Foreign exchange rules are strict and money must be changed only from authorized agents and banks when you travel in the Philippines.

Philippines has a tropical climate, so it never really gets cold. Casual wear is sufficient. Men can wear a T-shirt worn with slacks. Women can wear light blouses and skirts. If you need to attend a formal function, men can buy locally a baron tagalong - which is an embroidered shirt.This is both comfortable and colorful to wear.

Filipino is the national language, but English is spoken throughout and it is easy to get by with it - it's the second language. Most of the travel facilities are similar to other Asian destinations, but it is always better to check fares and rates before utilizing any service. This will ensure you don't get fleeced and prevent any arguments later. Finally remember if you are in doubt, then avoid it, and when dealing with officials, speak politely and courteously. Enjoy your travel in the Philippines.

Thomas Haley loves to travel, and he especially likes to share his experiences about Philippines. Visit his website for more information about travel in the Philippines or Filipino women.

Dual Citizenship - Philippines

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If you are considering traveling to the Philippines for the first time you can expect to have a wonderful time as it is one of the most beautiful countries when it comes to natural beauty. Many people travel to the Philippines for a short vacation and end up settling there on a full time basis but when deciding that living in the Philippines is something that you want to do there are many things to consider before jumping in.

Always contact your local Philippines Embassy before heading out as the weather in Philippines can be extremely bad at certain times of the year, especially in the northern islands. Also make sure that you find out where the nearest DFA Philippines office is located (Department of Foreign Affairs) just in case you need to extend your stay, it is not advisable to stay beyond your visa date.

Dual Citizenship is available to most foreigners and below is an up to date list of the requirements that you would need if considering Philippine dual citizenship. If you are considering applying for dual citizenship then you need to make sure that you are qualified before you pack everything up move to Philippines, although living in the Philippines can be fairly cheap not planning ahead can be disastrous. You have probably sent some Philippine flowers or done some Philippines shopping sprees and think that your dollar goes far, it does, but you need to consider how to make a living in the Philippines when you get here.

Philippines Dual Citizenship Eligibility-Exactly who can be Philippine citizens within this current Constitution?

The 1987 Constitution, Article IV, Section 1 gives you:

Section 1. The list below can be citizens in the Philippines:

- People who happen to be citizens in the Philippines at the actual moment of the adoption of this specific Constitution;

- Those people whose fathers as well as mothers happen to be citizens in the Philippines;

- Those people born prior to The month of January 17, 1973, with Filipino mothers, which choose Philippine citizenship on attaining the age of majority; as well as

- People who are naturalized with compliance of legislation.

Who's a real natural-born Filipino citizen?

Natural-born individuals will definitely be individuals who are citizens by birth and never have to execute any kind of deed to obtain as well as perfect his or her Philippine citizenship. Individuals who choose Philippine citizenship in compliance with this Constitution will certainly always be considered natural-born citizens.

Just what tend to be the actual modes regarding obtaining citizenship?

There are four (4) usually accepted modes associated with obtaining Philippine citizenship, specifically:

1) By means of birth; as well as

2) Jus soli (right of soil) and that is the actual lawful principle that the individual's nationality at birth is actually based on the actual place of birth (ie, your territory in a specified state).

3) Jus sanguinis (right regarding blood) that is the actual lawful principle in which, from birth, a person receives the particular nationality associated with his/her biological parent/s. The Philippines adheres to this particular principle.

4) Through naturalization specifically the actual judicial act associated with adopting a foreigner and clothing him with all the rights associated with a native-born resident. The idea suggests the actual renunciation of your previous nationality and also the fact of entry within a similar relation when it comes to a new body politic. (2 Am.Jur.561, par.188)

Exactly what will be the actual bases associated with obtaining citizenship?

There are actually A few bases with regard to obtaining citizenship through birth, specifically:

1) Jus soli (right of soil) that is the actual lawful principle which the individual's nationality from birth will be based on the actual location regarding birth (i.e., the actual territory of your given state).

2) Jus sanguinis (right associated with blood) that is the actual lawful principle in which, from delivery, a person receives the actual nationality connected with his/her biological parent/s. The Philippines adheres to this particular principle;

3) Naturalization that is the actual judicial action associated with adopting the foreigner and clothing him (or her) with all the rights regarding any native-born resident. It again suggests the actual renunciation of your former nationality and also the actuality associated with entry into a similar connection toward a brand new system politic. (2 Am.Jur.561, par.188)

Exactly what individuals can be eligible as Philippine citizen by means of naturalization in this specific Revised Naturalization Act?

Within Section 2 of the actual Revised Naturalization Legislation the particular applicant should have the actual following accreditation:

* He or she must never be under twenty-one years old at the moment of the actual hearing for this petition;

* He or she must currently have resided within the Philippines for any uninterrupted time period of not under 10 years;

* He or she must always be of great moral character as well as places importance in the actual concepts underlying the particular Philippine Constitution, as well as should have conducted themselves in a very correct as well as irreproachable fashion throughout the full time period regarding their residence within the Philippines in their relation with the particular constituted government in addition to according to the particular local community in which they are residing;

* He or she must possess property within the Philippines valued at never under five thousand pesos, Philippine currency, and should have some recognized beneficial trade, occupation, or legal profession;

* They should have the ability to speak and write English or even Spanish or any one of the particular main languages;

* He or she must have enrolled their minor small children of the school age group within any of the particular public or even non-public school choices identified by the Bureau of Public Schools belonging to the Philippines in which Philippine heritage, government as well as civics will be taught and recommended as a natural part of the school curriculum, throughout the full time period associated with the actual residence within the Philippines expected of him or her before the actual hearing of the actual petition for naturalization as Philippine citizen.

Exactly who are usually never authorized to be able to make an application for naturalization connected with the actual Revised Naturalization Law?

Within Section 4 of the actual Revised Naturalization Law, the subsequent individuals are not able to be eligible to get Philippine citizenship:

* Individuals opposed to structured government as well as connected along with any kind of organization as well as group of individuals which support as well as illustrate doctrines opposing all structured governments;

* Individuals defending or even instructing the requirement or propriety of violence, personalized assault, or even assassination to make the success as well as predominance associated with their particular ideas;

* Polygamists or even believers in the actual practice associated with polygamy;

* Individuals convicted regarding crimes concerning moral turpitude;

* Individuals being affected by psychological alienation or even incurable infectious medical conditions;

* Individuals which throughout the time period regarding his or her stay within the Philippines, have not really mingled socially with all the Filipinos, as well as that have not really evinced any genuine wish to understand as well as take hold of the particular customs, traditions, as well as ideals belonging to the Filipinos;

* Residents or subjects associated with countries with which the Philippines is at war

* Residents or subjects associated with any foreign nation apart from the United States, in whose laws and regulations usually do not give Filipinos the actual right to end up as naturalized citizens as well as subject thereof.

If you are in a relationship with a Philippine woman and are considering moving permanently to stay in Philippines you need to consider two of the biggest mistakes that foreigners make. Firstly making a living in the Philippines is not that easy for a foreigner and getting dual citizenship Philippines can be a long drawn out process.

Visa and Residency Requirements to Retire in the Philippines - Three Options Are Available

This is one of the first questions asked by someone considering retirement in the Philippines. The Philippines is very visitor friendly, and permits a citizen of just about any country to enter the country and stay for 21 days without a visa. For those intending to stay longer, in particular those intent on semi or full time retirement in the country, the following 3 options are available.

1. The Special Resident Retiree Visa (SSRV)

Although not widely known, the Philippines has a foreign retiree program. It is called the Special Resident Retiree Visa (SSRV) program. It entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the option to reside permanently in the Philippines. The younger you are, the higher the financial requirement, but anyone over 35 can join.

With a pension:

o 50 years old and above: $10,000 time deposit in a Philippine bank for the duration of your stay. Single applicants need a monthly pension of $800; $1,000 for couples. Note however that the time deposit can be converted into equity in a real estate investment, and this can be counted at the required deposit.

Without a pension:

o 35 to 40 years old: $50,000 time deposit

o 50 years old and above: $20,000 time deposit

2. Tourist Visa

Provided you have no plans to obtain employment or to own/operate a business in the Philippines, it is also possible to retire on a tourist visa. Many Expats follow this course; especially those who do not qualify for a retirement visa.

This is how that process works. All visitors to the country must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period they plan to stay. They are permitted to stay for up to 21 days provided they hold tickets for onward or return journeys. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices overseas.

Visitors intending to extend their stay from 21 days to 59 days should contact the Immigration Office for an extension and pay a nominal fee.

By this method, you can stay indefinitely, provided you leave once a year, for at least one day. Most people using this option fly over to Hong Kong, Thailand, or Singapore for a few days once a year and then re-enter as a tourist for another year.

3. Balikbayan Status

This visa status is designed for former Philippine citizens, and their spouses, who are visiting the Philippines (referred to as "balikbayans"). This entry is valid for one year. After one year, the balikbayan (and his/her spouse) has to pay monthly extension fees, on top of fees for Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), Head Tax, and Certificate of Temporary Residence Visa (CTRV). Most Balikbayans and their spouse enter the country with their one year status, and then leave the country once a year for a weekend trip to Hong Kong, Singapore, or Thailand, or to their home country, and then re-enter for another year of stay. This method avoids having to continuously extend one's tourist visa, and run the risk of forgetting and then being in an "overstay" category, which could get you deported.

Do you want to learn more about visa and immigration requirements? I have just completed my new book on "Retirement Living in the Philippines", which has a special Appendix dedicated to this subject matter.

Download it at http://www.retirementlivinginthephilippines.com

Will Irwin is a powerful entrepreneur, and business and life coach. He has started many online and offline businesses both in the USA and in the Philippines, residing in both Hawaii and the Philippines.

Philippines Entry Requirements

The Philippines make it easy to enter the country for most people. If you are from the US, The UK, Australia and many other countries the only thing you need is a valid passport.  The passport must have two blank pages and more than six months before it expires. This method of entry is referred to as a "Tourist Visa."  You can stay up to 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you will need an extension.  You need to get this extension within 21 days. This will extend your stay up to 59 days. 

If you wish to stay longer, you must get your passport stamped by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) every 59 days.  To do this, you must go to (BI) within 30 days before your latest extension expires.

It cost on average, about $50 or P2000 a month.  I budget P2000 a month even though the amount is often less.  This amount helps to build a cushion of the more expensive months. Your second extension will be more than $100. I've been paying P3000 or about $75 for most of my 59 day extensions.

While I'm on the subject, if your last day falls on a non-working holiday or weekend, you are expected to renew your extension on the last working day prior to your extension expiring.  If you fail to do so, you'll be required to pay  fines and additional fees.

Within 16 months of your arrival you are required to leave the country.  I've read on the BI site that it must be three days and I've asked a travel agent that confirms this.  Many expats living in the  Philippines however tell me its not required to stay out for three days.

The BI offers a one year re-entry visa.  I got one before I entered the country but if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't do that.  It will save you some money and time if you plan to leave the country many times within a year.  Otherwise, I can see no reason to obtain this and I wouldn't get it.

These are the main requirements.  You should consult with a travel professional to make sure you have what you need. I have lived in the Philippines for more than a year.  I consider it the best decision of my life.

Rusty Ferguson

More information on visiting the Philippines:

Expats Living In The Philippines

Expats Living In Cebu

Philippine Love - So You Want To Marry A Filipina?

Getting married to a Philippines woman is a great thing but not always great for everyone, it's that old story, a Philippines girl can be all things to a man, but not every Philippines lady can be all things to every man, in other words it's not a good idea to stereotype Philippine women.

Very often Philippine girls are shoved in the same pigeon hole as all other ladies from the South East Asian countries, such as China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea.

The ladies from these countries, tend to have totally different languages, different religions different cultures, different ways of eating food, the only thing they portion is the Pacific Ocean if they can travel to their local beach.

In that sense, if I am honest, I really ought to deter British Men from marrying Philippine ladies simply because they are 'Filipina' perpetuated by most mythical notion that Filipina's are wonderful, submissive wives that never answer back, and are fantastic in the bedroom!

So I have set a little test for the prospective husband to see if he really knows anything about his possible future wife, country, culture and customs. There are no fixed answers to the questions, but they will assist you to see beyond the tunnel vision of love.

The Test:

1. Can you find the Philippines on a map?

2. Do you know what is the Capital City of the Philippines?

3. Do you know what are the main regions of the Philippines?

4. Do you know who is the President of the Philippines?

5. Do you know what are the main languages spoken in the Philippines, and your potential wife's local dialogue?

6. Do you know what the main religions practiced in the Philippines?

7. Do you know why innumerable Filipinos have Spanish names?

8. Are you prepared to have children, if so, are you prepared for many and various children?

9. Are you prepared to provide 'Sustento' (alimony) for your extended Philippine family for education and other expenses, if they need your benefit?

10. Are you fairly tolerant of superstitions?

11. Do you like fish products?

12. Do you know what eating implements are preferred? Chopsticks, cutlery or fingers.

13. Do Filipinos bow to each other?

14. Do you expect your Philippine wife to be submissive and obedient after the marriage?

15. Are you just getting married for sex? Be honest about this.

16. What is the difference between Tagalog, Filipino, Bisayan, Cebuano, Ilongo?

17. What do you think the differences are between a Thai woman, A Japanese woman or a Philippine woman?

18. Are you wanting to marry a Philippine lady because you think you dislike British ladies? Be honest with yourself.

19. Do you like hot climates or hate them? Mosquito's? Poisonous snakes & spiders?

20. Are you tolerant of Bureaucracy or are do you not suffer fools gladly ?

21. Are you prepared for the costs involved? At least one visit to the Philippines plus all the visa fees (UK presently over �1000).

22. How long are you prepared to wait to get her to the UK? It can be done within 6 months from original contact, but usually a year. If they are already wed, this can take as long as two years to get an annulment (usually a few thousand pounds). If they have children they wish to bring with them, and the farther is named on the birth certificate, this can cause further delay and costs.

Remember one very authorized point. A very small minority of Asian ladies are out to get money off you nothing else. If a Filipina ever asks for hard cash before you have met, move on, or you will find yourself with more problems you can handle. You can tell a true Filipina, they will NEVER ask for hard cash.

Keith Driscoll is the owner of Filipino UK, and runs a free forum and dating site to help others find love, and help with all things to do with the Philippines.

Traveling in the Philippines

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Philippines has 7,107 islands. It stretches from the south of China to the Northern tip of Borneo. The unique Filipino culture was molded by several mixtures of foreign influences like Spanish, Americans and Japanese. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups.

In the Philippines, a tourist can find a lot of international golf courses, luxury beach resorts, 5 star hotels, many large and modern shopping malls especially in Manila, Casinos, disco's and bars with live bands and karaoke.

Filipinos are fun loving people. Fun and laughter come naturally no matter what there station in life. Music and dancing are part of the Filipino culture.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Passport/Visa Information

A visa is required for some nationals except by transit passengers. For stays of less than 21 days, no visas are required, provided travelers have a valid passport, good for at least one year and onward tickets departing the Philippines.

For inquiries, contact the Visa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs (Telephone numbers 834-4854 to 53, 834-4961).

Currency:

Peso (Php); Exchange: Large commercial and central bank dealers in Manila. Always use authorized money changers or banks in Manila Metro area. Credit cards are accepted in larger cities. US dollar checks are the preferred currency at over 800 ATM locations.

Language:

The Philippines is considered the third largest ENGLISH SPEAKING country in the world. Filipino and English are the two official languages. Close to 100 other languages, not just dialects are spoken. Indeed, most of the major languages like Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano, Ilongo, Bicolano and Waray have their own dialects. Still, travelers will not find it difficult as many Filipinos still retain a handy comprehension of English.

Transportation:

Manila is connected to the rest of the country by regular flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Asian Spirit and Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR).

Public transportation like buses, taxis, jeepneys and tricycle are available throughout the country. Car rentals are also available and it's cheaper to rent it with a driver than without.

Communication:

Mobile phones are widely used throughout the country. Filipinos love text messaging. Pay phones are available especially in the malls and public places. Internet café can be found throughout the country.

Food and Drinks:

Fast foods are found along most major road intersection.

Weather:

Tropical climate. Jun-Sept is the rainy season, Oct-Feb is the cool dry season. Mar-May is usually hot and dry. Some typhoons between June and Sept.

Michael Ray Johnson http://hastravel.com/

Michael Johnson is a professional consultant and HAS TRAVEL pioneer. He began at MCI Communications, where he worked in the Western Region Control Center as a technical network troubleshooter. When the wireless revolution began, he moved to LA Cellular Telephone (now ATT Wireless), and developed one of the first ever, automated Network Management Systems. Later he accepted consulting positions in both Hong Kong and the Philippines, where he worked for 9 years as Project Consultant, managing the build out of two highly successful, wireless telephone networks. Mike?s responsibilities include Service Development, Technical Integration and Project Management. He is a licensed helicopter pilot, who studied Business Management and Information Technology at the University of Phoenix, Arizona and TJ College, Tulsa, Oklahoma.