worth getting an ACR card?

[JJJ]

I had an ACR card but it expired. Is it really worth having these cards? They are not cheap.

Thanks

[Possum]

Nah just roll the dice. Let us know how that works out

[Mike J]

Getting an ACR card is not an option, it is the law.  

[RBM]

43 minutes ago, Mike J said:

Getting an ACR card is not an option, it is the law.  

Depends on his status

[Mike J]

2 minutes ago, RBM said:

Depends on his status

True, but I think forum members are all aware of the 59 day rule.

<snip>

If you stay longer than 59 days in the Philippines, you will need to get an Alien Certificate of Registration Immigration (ACR-I) card. An ACR-I card holder enjoys certain benefits, such as the privilege to open a bank account and to get a local driver's license.

<end snip>

[hk blues]

5 hours ago, Mike J said:

True, but I think forum members are all aware of the 59 day rule.

<snip>

If you stay longer than 59 days in the Philippines, you will need to get an Alien Certificate of Registration Immigration (ACR-I) card. An ACR-I card holder enjoys certain benefits, such as the privilege to open a bank account and to get a local driver's license.

<end snip>

Yep...and I don't think there is any scenario where you can choose whether to have one or not so I agree with your 1st post.  

[gbmmbg]

Is he here on a balikbayan visa waver? if so an ACR card is not required.

[hk blues]

18 minutes ago, gbmmbg said:

Is he here on a balikbayan visa waver? if so an ACR card is not required.

It's not so much if it's required as if it's optional.  I don't know that it is optional in any situation although it may not be required in some situations. 

[Viking]

On 11/17/2023 at 12:04 AM, Mike J said:

 ACR-I card holder enjoys certain benefits, such as the privilege to open a bank account and to get a local driver's license.

Does this mean that if I arrive on a Balikbayan visa and then apply for the ACR-I card, that the bank can't deny me to open a bank account?

[Mike J]

2 hours ago, Viking said:

Does this mean that if I arrive on a Balikbayan visa and then apply for the ACR-I card, that the bank can't deny me to open a bank account?

Probably not the case,  There have been multiple posts about the challenges of setting up bank accounts here.  The bottom line appears to be that "it depends" on the bank and the bank's rules.