20,000$ US for soon to be expat

[Arizona Kid]

13 hours ago, Lordtariq83 said:

yes i meant in the bank lol...no way will i ever carry this much cash around ANYWHERE.....i am not a person looking to spend foolishly....i want a 2 br apartment perhaps a vehicle eat out maybe once a week and cook the rest of the time. I am coming by myself so i have no other mouths to feed...do you feel that 20,000$ is enough to live comfortable for 6 months?

Curious about why only 6 months. Maybe a pension will kick in after that? 20k is plenty unless you're planning on partying every night at the bars.   

[Dave Hounddriver]

16 hours ago, Lordtariq83 said:

i work as a welder here in the USA would it be possible to find work welding in the philippines to supplement my income?

It is hard to get a work permit for a job that many thousands of Filipinos think they can do.  When you see how they weld you will be amazed and as a safety conscious American there is no way you would want to work alongside them.  However, if you are qualified to teach it then you may find a position.  Just my humble thoughts on that.  Better to just budget yourself to 100K to 150K pesos a month for the 6 months and not worry about working. That will leave you with a couple thousand dollars left for emergencies.

[Lordtariq83]

Curious about why only 6 months. Maybe a pension will kick in after that? 

 

No I have no pension I just figure that should be a decent amount to hold me over comfortable without stressing about money....i do not drink or smoke and I cook my meals most days... I am just ready to experience a different culture. Americans always seemed so competitive and I would like to be in the country where family always comes first

[Guy F.]

Do a search or 2 of the forum. An impressive amount has been already been written which would answer your questions.

And welcome to the forum. You have made a wise choice in picking this particular one.

[Old55]

1 hour ago, Lordtariq83 said:

Curious about why only 6 months. Maybe a pension will kick in after that? 

 

No I have no pension I just figure that should be a decent amount to hold me over comfortable without stressing about money....i do not drink or smoke and I cook my meals most days... I am just ready to experience a different culture. Americans always seemed so competitive and I would like to be in the country where family always comes first

It’s awesome you’re in a position to get away from your life and try something different like this. Frankly I’m excited for you.

 

Filipnos are competitive as well but in a different way.

[Jollygoodfellow]

17 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

Why?  Mindanao is not the safest of places to live, although I know nothing of that place.  Generally speaking, Davao is the only safe place in Southern Mindanao.

This is not really true. There are only certain areas that are not safe in Mindanao.  Its a big area and probably some of the nicest mountains and countryside. If you view youtube you will see a Canadian traveling in many areas of Mindanao and the people are friendly. Of Course no one goes into terrorist  or war torn areas but most people just get an opinion that the whole island is unsafe. 

[GeoffH]

I feel as safe in the north-east of Mindanao as I do in other parts of the Philippines.

I’m more cautious in the west, but mainly because it’s a lot of hours from western type medical care than because I feel unsafe.

There are some very pretty areas in the provinces.

Edited January 16, 2019 by GeoffH

[Lordtariq83]

i am not really worrying about the crime..i am from New York City by way of the Bronx...there is nothing the Philippines can show me that i have not yet already seen as far as crime.

[Gratefuled]

1 hour ago, Lordtariq83 said:

i am not really worrying about the crime..i am from New York City by way of the Bronx...there is nothing the Philippines can show me that i have not yet already seen as far as crime.

Good to know that you are "street wise".  It really helps in survival anywhere.  Knowing how to take care of your money and possessions and who you can trust.  

Remember the song, " smiling faces show no traces etc. etc..."

[OnMyWay]

5 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

This is not really true. There are only certain areas that are not safe in Mindanao.  Its a big area and probably some of the nicest mountains and countryside. If you view youtube you will see a Canadian traveling in many areas of Mindanao and the people are friendly. Of Course no one goes into terrorist  or war torn areas but most people just get an opinion that the whole island is unsafe. 

I have no doubt that the average person down there is nice, but the doesn't make it safe.  I did say Southern Mindanao but in the North, they recently had the huge war in Marawi City.  My wife has been wanting to visit Cagayan de Oro but I said "it is less than 100 km from Marawi".  Our new maid is from Zamboanga and she convinced my wife it is not safe in most places.  The reason is not the Muslim insurgents that get most of the news, it is the NPA.  They are active all over, especially in the "nicest mountains and countrysides".  She said it is very common for buses to be pulled over by them so they can collect "taxes".

If I was a single guy, I might venture into more of Mindanao.  However, I have to go by the test of "Would I drive my family through XX area and feel comfortable doing it?"  No, I won't.  There are also a few areas in Luzon where I won't take the family due to NPA activity.