visa question

[DNHumbard]

I understand you have too put money in the bank before you come to the PI. The PI goverment wants a certian amount! How does that work ? When you leave do they keep part of it or all of it? What is the Voltage for a common house 120 or 220? Laoag is a very nice place but I've been looking at a place called Pagudpud North of Laoag City. Lets start there. Mr Jake

[Jake]

I understand you have too put money in the bank before you come to the PI. The PI goverment wants a certian amount! How does that work ? When you leave do they keep part of it or all of it? What is the Voltage for a common house 120 or 220? Laoag is a very nice place but I've been looking at a place called Pagudpud North of Laoag City. Lets start there. Mr Jake

Hey Dennis,That's the first time I've heard about depositing a certain amount as a prerequisite before travellingto the Philippines. As far as I know, there are no requirements in that regard. However, for extendedstay you may want to consider setting up an account prior to departure from Washington for bank tobank transfer. Start reading this thread: http://www.philippin...dpost__p__51724The common house voltage is 220VAC single phase. Most modern consumer electronics have poweradapters that are universal and will accept either 110/220. Bring plenty of extension cords and surgeprotectors with you.Pagudpud is located at the NW corner of Luzon, about a 90 minute bus ride from Laoag. I have neverbeen that far north but anxious to visit there some day. Banqui Bay offers a pristine coast line thatattracts many international surfers, kite and wind surfers. The latest attraction are the gigantic windmills:http://en.wikipedia....d,_Ilocos_NorteRespectfully -- Jake

[Steve & Myrlita]

I understand you have too put money in the bank before you come to the PI. The PI goverment wants a certian amount! How does that work ? When you leave do they keep part of it or all of it? What is the Voltage for a common house 120 or 220? Laoag is a very nice place but I've been looking at a place called Pagudpud North of Laoag City. Lets start there. Mr Jake

Hey Dennis,That's the first time I've heard about depositing a certain amount as a prerequisite before travellingto the Philippines. As far as I know, there are no requirements in that regard. However, for extendedstay you may want to consider setting up an account prior to departure from Washington for bank tobank transfer. Start reading this thread: http://www.philippin...dpost__p__51724The common house voltage is 220VAC single phase. Most modern consumer electronics have poweradapters that are universal and will accept either 110/220. Bring plenty of extension cords and surgeprotectors with you.Pagudpud is located at the NW corner of Luzon, about a 90 minute bus ride from Laoag. I have neverbeen that far north but anxious to visit there some day. Banqui Bay offers a pristine coast line thatattracts many international surfers, kite and wind surfers. The latest attraction are the gigantic windmills:http://en.wikipedia....d,_Ilocos_NorteRespectfully -- Jake

Hi Jake. Just an FYI. If he is from the US, don't bring surge protectors. The are 110V and will blow out if connected to 220V. Edited January 14, 2012 by Steve & Myrlita

[Jake]

I understand you have too put money in the bank before you come to the PI. The PI goverment wants a certian amount! How does that work ? When you leave do they keep part of it or all of it? What is the Voltage for a common house 120 or 220? Laoag is a very nice place but I've been looking at a place called Pagudpud North of Laoag City. Lets start there. Mr Jake

Hey Dennis,That's the first time I've heard about depositing a certain amount as a prerequisite before travellingto the Philippines. As far as I know, there are no requirements in that regard. However, for extendedstay you may want to consider setting up an account prior to departure from Washington for bank tobank transfer. Start reading this thread: http://www.philippin...dpost__p__51724The common house voltage is 220VAC single phase. Most modern consumer electronics have poweradapters that are universal and will accept either 110/220. Bring plenty of extension cords and surgeprotectors with you.Pagudpud is located at the NW corner of Luzon, about a 90 minute bus ride from Laoag. I have neverbeen that far north but anxious to visit there some day. Banqui Bay offers a pristine coast line thatattracts many international surfers, kite and wind surfers. The latest attraction are the gigantic windmills:http://en.wikipedia....d,_Ilocos_NorteRespectfully -- Jake

Hi Jake. Just an FYI. If he is from the US, don't bring surge protectors. The are 110V and will blow out if connected to 220V.

Whoops my bad -- thanks Steve!

[Bruce]

The money in the bank may be a miss applied requirement for a single Pinay to travel to the US. As I understand it, she, unless connected some way, needs to own land / houses or have a large amount in the bank in the Philippines as a reason to return.

[Jollygoodfellow]

What I believe you are referring to is the SRRV,info here, http://www.pra.gov.p..._program?page=1There are other visa options which do not require placing money in the bank, perhaps tell us your plans?Other Visa types are listed here, http://www.immigration.gov.ph/

Edited January 14, 2012 by Jollygoodfellow
-added wee bit

[Dave Hounddriver]

You need money in the bank to get a retirement visa to live in the Philippines but there are many other ways to do it. Perhaps that is what you heard?Most people start out as tourists and come for 21 days free.

[Art2ro]

In this little travel guide website and visa requirements, it mentions what DNHumbard was talking about when one is applying for a visa to travel to the Philippines while still in the U.S.! It's anyone's choice, but unnecessary, because one can get the visa extensions after their arrival prior to their 59 day visa's expiration! http://tourism-phili...a-requirements/5. Proof of financial capacity (e.g. travellers cheques, latest print-out of credit card account(s), latest print-out of bank statements, ownership of real estate properties, and other documents showing the applicant’s capacity to financially support himself/herself during his/her stay in the PhilippinesAll that stuff mentioned is usually not asked if one just decides to hop on a plane to the Philippines with a valid U.S. passport and with a round trip ticket, the new 30 day exempt-visa will apply upon arrival and can one can apply for another 38 days and every 2 months tourist visa extensions thereafter up to 24 months! If you feel a little insecure, bring whatever documents you may think you may need at another point in time, doesn't hurt! Also, it maybe best that your round trip ticket is open return and refundable just in case you decide to stay in the Philippines over 6 months or a year!

Edited January 14, 2012 by Art2ro

[Dave Hounddriver]

That's very good info, Art. I see that the financial info is only required for stays over 21 days and I know from experience that they seldom if ever ask for it, but what is very interesting to me is that Israelis and Brazilians are able to stay for 59 days without a visa renewal. I wonder why that is.

3. The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:1. Holders of Brazil passports; and2. Holders of Israel passports

[Tatoosh]

There are 220v surge protectors for sale in the USA but you have to ask, not just expect that they work on a 220-240v system. If you bring a laptop from the USA, a small laptop specific surge protector is worthwhile. I was never asked about my income until I wanted to get married and then again when I applied for my 13a visa. Never came up when I went for 4 years worth of tourist visa extensions. Tatoosh