Newbie/Kumusta

[Daryl.T]

Hello/Kumusta,

I found this forum and wanted to join and say Hello :smile:

Next month I will flying out to Cebu :airline: to meet my girlfriend for the first time [feeling nervous] and wanted to find some friends here in the Midlands that are Filipino and to find local communities :smile:

A friend of mine who goes to church has told me that there are local Filipino communities around and wanted to discover more :smile:


PS Would love some advice of where I can learn Cebuano, trying to learn from books but finding it a bit difficult.

[Michael Parnham]

Welcome to the Forum Daryl, you will soon learn a lot of things from your girlfriend and she will be your best tutor. Good luck on your trip to Cebu - enjoy! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

Welcome Daryl.

How did you meet your gf? And how long have you been talking? I wish you luck, but just be careful and streetwise. :smile:

[Terpe]

Hi and a warm welcome to Filipino UK :welcomex:

Have a great time.
Enjoy the Philipinies.
As has been mentioned take care and be very wary.
Means be careful how you spend your time and money

Hope all is wonderful

[Daryl.T]

Thank you for all your warm welcomes :smile:

We have been communication since October everyday via Skype and Facebook; I have met her family on Skype too :smile:

I met her on a dating website, there were a couple of time wasters on the dating site but I believe that she is the real deal as the conversation just flows between the two of us :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Any advice for my first trip would be very welcomed, please feel free to PM me too :smile:

[grahamw48]

Tip one:

Limit her 'chaperones' to ONE, otherwise you may find yourself financing a whole village. :cwm25:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Welcome to the forum.

There is a small community of Filipino's in Bartley Green, not too far from you. (A lot of them work in the Q.E).

As for your trip across....

You're only meant to bring 10,000 Philippine Pesos into the country (£150 approx)

If you're staying on Cebu Island only you won't need malaria tablets but use protection (spray/wipes) against the threat of dengue fever from mosquitoes.

I can't think of anything more at the moment apart from don't send any money to your Filipina.

[Ako Si Jamie]

Tip one:

Limit her 'chaperones' to ONE, otherwise you may find yourself financing a whole village. :cwm25:That reminds me.

If you're invited to a family meal at a restaurant, Daryl, you'll be footing the bill. All of it. :wink:

[grahamw48]

I think you meant Php10,000 Jamie. :wink:

[Ako Si Jamie]

I think you meant Php10,000 Jamie. :wink:That's the one. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I better edit it now to avoid confusion.

[Rosie1958]

Welcome to the forum Daryl, I hope that the first meeting with your Filipina goes well and I'm sure that she will be just as nervous as you :xxgrinning--00xx3: . Whichever way you travel, it's a long and often uncomfortable flight so make sure you get plenty of sleep in the "sleep bank" before you go. :NEW5:

Unfortunately, you won't be able to exchange PMs on the forum until you have made a certain number of posts ...... sorry, can't remember how many.

[Arthur Little]

Daryl ... :welcomex:! Lots of good, well~meaning advice for you to consider ahead of your trip. :smile:

Enjoy when the time comes. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Daryl.T]

Welcome to the forum.

There is a small community of Filipino's in Bartley Green, not too far from you. (A lot of them work in the Q.E).

As for your trip across....

You're only meant to bring 10,000 Philippine Pesos into the country (£150 approx)

If you're staying on Cebu Island only you won't need malaria tablets but use protection (spray/wipes) against the threat of dengue fever from mosquitoes.

I can't think of anything more at the moment apart from don't send any money to your Filipina.

Only PHP10,000!!! That's not a lot, what happens if you take more?

She has never asked for money from me :smile:

[Daryl.T]

Welcome to the forum Daryl, I hope that the first meeting with your Filipina goes well and I'm sure that she will be just as nervous as you :xxgrinning--00xx3: . Whichever way you travel, it's a long and often uncomfortable flight so make sure you get plenty of sleep in the "sleep bank" before you go. :NEW5:

Unfortunately, you won't be able to exchange PMs on the forum until you have made a certain number of posts ...... sorry, can't remember how many.

Yes she is, we have both admitted to each other how nervous we are :icon_lol:

The longest I've flown is about 8 hours before, how uncomfortable is it [I'm flying with Philippines Air]? In the past I have been able to sleep OK on planes. :NEW5::NEW5:

[Terpe]

Only PHP10,000!!! That's not a lot, what happens if you take more?


Hi Daryl
The P10k peso is solely a limit on the amount of pesos you can bring into the Philippines.

The limit on how much cash you can bring into the Philippines in other currencies is the equivalent of USD10,000.

I certainly wouldn't advise you arrive or roam around with large amounts of cash like that anyway.
There are plenty of ATM's around (although some may charge you P200 for withdrawals on a foreign card)
Plenty of places will also accept debit/credit cards for transactions.

You should easily be able to secure cash Peso's at your local bank or currency exchange at home. Allow time as many will need to order if they don't have any to hand.

Do not bring travellers cheques. You spend most of your holiday looking for somewhere to cash them.

When you arrive you'll fill in a Customs Declarations Form
Here's a link to the form (http://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/customsDeclaration.jpg) from the Philippine Bureau of Customs.

If you bring more than P10k without declaration and get caught then you're taking a big risk of confiscation at best and deportation and blacklisting at worst.

[Rosie1958]

The longest I've flown is about 8 hours before, how uncomfortable is it [I'm flying with Philippines Air]? In the past I have been able to sleep OK on planes. :NEW5::NEW5:

I find 8 hours a breeze ............ just add another 6 hours to how you felt after your longest trip to give you some idea :xxgrinning--00xx3:. I guess it depends on your tolerance levels and often the length of your legs versus the available leg room, particularly if you travel economy.

I haven't flown Air Philippines, been with BA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and KLM, The last time I went in 2010 (unplanned urgent trip) it was Air France Heathrow to Paris, Paris to Hong Kong with a 5 hour connection wait and then Cathay Pacific Hong Kong to Manila. It took 27 hours and I didn't sleep a wink! :yikes: I'm not tall but being cramped in the same seat for such a long time is a killer. I have also been fortunate to fly business class which certainly helps to make the journey a bit more bearable but I'd prefer to take a magic carpet any day! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Harry T]

Hi Daryl, learning the lingo: As someone has already said learning from your Gf is the best and most enjoyable way to learn.

I visited the Philippines back in 2013, and my first calling place was Cebu. The people of the Philippines are a friendly lot, so don't be nervous, there's no need. One thing I will advise is prepare yourself for the poverty that you see around you, especially the beggars wherever you go. As an example, on the 2nd evening I was in Cebu, I decided to take an evening stroll around the locality where I was staying (something I always like to do wherever I visit) and was approached by high double figures (ladies of the night) something that I have never experienced before. I admire Filipinos and there family lifestyle, something we have for the most part lost here in the UK. They make the most of what they have, and are lovely and friendly people.

Taking money with you. Yeah, take an amount you are comfortable with, but it's easy to get money from ATMs or Money Changers. There are, if i remember correctly, several of these at The Ayala Mall, which I'm sure your Gf will take you to if you are staying in or near Cebu City. But it's absolutely NOT a problem changing money in the Philippines.

One thing I will advise you to be aware of (and I was totally unaware of it) is when you eventually leave the Philippines, you have to pay an amount (is it 1200 pesos ?) as you leave the departure lounge. I was lucky as I still had some pesos with me, but it could have been embarrassing, lol.

Anyway Daryl, good luck enjoy your visit, and take in as much as you can. I don't know how long you have managed to get, but however long it is, it won't be long enough. :xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Only PHP10,000!!! That's not a lot, what happens if you take more?

Unknowingly I took 32K on my first trip and it was only when I was speaking to a fellow Brit on my stopover in Riyadh did I realise. I spent the second leg of journey deliberating whether to declare it or not and in the end I decided to be honest about it. The customs official at the NAIA didn't bat an eyelid and was more interested in the couple of watches I brought over as presents.

[Ako Si Jamie]

Another thing.

Remember to tell your bank(s) of the dates you will be in the Philippines or you'll have problems obtaining money from the cash machines. You may have to pay a fee too, to your bank in the UK and the one you are using over there. Most of us use a currency card like the Caxton which works out better for your pocket.

[SimonH]

One thing i will advise you to be aware of, and i was totally unaware of it, is when you eventually leave the philippines, you have to pay an amount (is it 1200 pesos ?) as you leave the departure lounge, i was lucky as i still had some pesos with me, but it could have been embarasing lol.

Departure tax is php550, well it was when I paid it on Thursday :biggrin:

[Terpe]

....
Remember to tell your bank(s) of the dates you will be in the Philippines or you'll have problems obtaining money from the cash machines.....


Yes good point.
In fact trouble all round as the card may get blocked/locked so not just cash machines but shops and hotels too.


....You may have to pay a fee too, to your bank in the UK and the one you are using over there. Most of us use a currency card like the Caxton which works out better for your pocket.

I've not paid any ATM fees with my Caxton card since I arrived last November :xxgrinning--00xx3:

These pre-paid travel cards like Caxton are pretty good, however take note on the limits on cash withdrawals and limits on ATM use

[grahamw48]

Another thing.

Remember to tell your bank(s) of the dates you will be in the Philippines or you'll have problems obtaining money from the cash machines. You may have to pay a fee too, to your bank in the UK and the one you are using over there. Most of us use a currency card like the Caxton which works out better for your pocket.

That is a very good point. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

You MUST notify your bank (for debit card) and credit card company of the dates you're going to be in the Phils, to avoid problems using your cards there...as it's considered a 'dodgy' place. Just phone them.

[Ako Si Jamie]

She has never asked for money from me :smile:I don't mean to put a dampener on anything and I'm speaking from my own experience and from the stories I've heard but that can lead to a false sense of security. My ex didn't ask me for money until after two years, then it gradually escalated and the rest is history. I'm not saying this will happen but you need to be aware of it.

Also, you need to be aware, that if you bring your Filipina to this country, she will most likely have to support her family. Whether she's prepared to do it herself or expects you to do it is the big question. Can you or are you willing to provide for them? What if you decide to have a family of your own?

Enjoy your time in the Philippines with your woman. It definitely beats dating a bird down the Red Lion on a Friday night, that's for sure. :biggrin:
It's new, it's exciting and kind of daunting and I definitely don't regret doing it myself even though things didn't work out for me last time.

If you do get on, just don't rush into anything and take your time. What with the expense and red tape involved bringing her over plus the points I made previously, it's a decision that can't be taken lightly. :wink:

[robbie bobby]

I don't mean to put a dampener on anything and I'm speaking from my own experience and from the stories I've heard but that can lead to a false sense of security. My ex didn't ask me for money until after two years, then it gradually escalated and the rest is history. I'm not saying this will happen but you need to be aware of it.

Also, you need to be aware, that if you bring your Filipina to this country, she will most likely have to support her family. Whether she's prepared to do it herself or expects you to do it is the big question. Can you or are you willing to provide for them? What if you decide to have a family of your own?

Enjoy your time in the Philippines with your woman. It definitely beats dating a bird down the Red Lion on a Friday night, that's for sure. :biggrin:
It's new, it's exciting and kind of daunting and I definitely don't regret doing it myself even though things didn't work out for me last time.

If you do get on, just don't rush into anything and take your time. What with the expense and red tape involved bringing her over plus the points I made previously, it's a decision that can't be taken lightly. :wink:

Completely agree with you there Jamie :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Completely agree with you there Jamie :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks Robbie. Welcome back by the way :Wave:. Long time no see!

[Harry T]

By the way Daryl, until 12 months ago I lived just up the road from you, born and bred Old Hill, more recently Netherton and a life long Cradley Heathens fan "Ommer Um Cradley". Yes I forgot to mention - as other guys have mentioned - it's important that you do inform your Bank/s of the dates you will be in Phils so that they are aware you will be withdrawing money from your account.

[andy222]

Welcome Daryl. Your first trip to the Phils will be a learning curve. You should be ok if you're with your girlfriend. I doubt whether you will want to come back once you have got used to their way of life. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I know Cradley well, Harry. I too was a Heathens fan. Used to spend many happy evenings at Dudley Wood.

[Daryl.T]

I find 8 hours a breeze ............ just add another 6 hours to how you felt after your longest trip to give you some idea :xxgrinning--00xx3:. I guess it depends on your tolerance levels and often the length of your legs versus the available leg room, particularly if you travel economy.

I haven't flown Air Philippines, been with BA, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and KLM, The last time I went in 2010 (unplanned urgent trip) it was Air France Heathrow to Paris, Paris to Hong Kong with a 5 hour connection wait and then Cathay Pacific Hong Kong to Manila. It took 27 hours and I didn't sleep a wink! :yikes: I'm not tall but being cramped in the same seat for such a long time is a killer. I have also been fortunate to fly business class which certainly helps to make the journey a bit more bearable but I'd prefer to take a magic carpet any day! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I think that we would all like to travel on a magic carpet ride :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I have now amended my holidays at work so that I have a day off before and after travelling, I think that I was being too ambitious :laugher: with the time off work.

[grahamw48]

You will have jetlag for several days (each way) , so take that into account. Drink plenty of water on the plane and while in the Phils.

[Daryl.T]

Also, you need to be aware, that if you bring your Filipina to this country, she will most likely have to support her family. Whether she's prepared to do it herself or expects you to do it is the big question.

Thanks for the advice, sorry to hear about your bad experience, we have discussed this and she would get a job to support her family back home.

[Daryl.T]

By the way Daryl, until 12 months ago I lived just up the road from you, born and bred Old Hill, more recently Netherton and a life long Cradley Heathens fan "Ommer Um Cradley"

Very small world, previously I lived in Brierley Hill.

[Nick30]

Wishing you a safe trip Daryl.

I'm sure it will go very well for both of you.

Please don't get nervous as it's a very exciting time for the both of you.

God bless you both :)

[Daryl.T]

Please don't get nervous as it's a very exciting time for the both of you.

:laugher: We are both excited, and nervous for our first meeting :smile:

[Daryl.T]

One thing I will advise is prepare yourself for the poverty that you see around you, especially the beggars wherever you go. As an example, on the 2nd evening I was in Cebu, I decided to take an evening stroll around the locality where I was staying (something I always like to do wherever I visit) and was approached by high double figures (ladies of the night) something that I have never experienced before.

I have read that there is a lot of poverty in the Philippines, but also Filipinos are very hard workers too [my GF works on the family market 7 days a week when not babysitting for her sister]. I will be with her all the time so I shouldn't be approached by 'ladies of the night', but that's not an issue as when I lived in Coventry that use to happen when I walked home from work when I missed the last bus home :doh , I was polite and firm in declining there services and had no trouble.

[Daryl.T]

Hi Daryl
The P10k peso is solely a limit on the amount of pesos you can bring into the Philippines.

The limit on how much cash you can bring into the Philippines in other currencies is the equivalent of USD10,000.


Taking money with you. Yeah, take an amount you are comfortable with, but it's easy to get money from ATMs or Money Changers.


Unknowingly I took 32K on my first trip and it was only when I was speaking to a fellow Brit on my stopover in Riyadh did I realise. I spent the second leg of journey deliberating whether to declare it or not and in the end I decided to be honest about it. The customs official at the NAIA didn't bat an eyelid and was more interested in the couple of watches I brought over as presents.

Glad I found that out now, I was going to bring over 32K PHP cash, what would be the best to use then?

I will take 10k PHP cash and should I just use my Visa Debit Card [Barclays], or get a travel cash card???

Would like to hear peoples experiences as I don't want to be worried about not having enough money whilst I am there.

[SimonH]

Hi Daryl,

Cash points are abundant out there so withdrawing cash isn't a problem, but it might be wise to advise your bank before you go as you don't want any problems when there.
You can withdraw up to php 10,000 at a time but depending on the bank you may get charged php 200 for the privilege :cwm25:
As with anywhere in the world always keep your money tucked away and never bring out a wad when paying :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Buy and use a money belt ! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

I've remembered a few other points which I'll elaborate further when I've got more time but if anyone wants to jump in, feel free.

Travel insurance
What to do, if God forbid, you get robbed
The wearing of jewellery and watches
Crossing a busy road in the city, especially at night :yikes:
Accommodation

And this......

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmDnr4dC_iDopDWyVk_3gjamCTzhT010Qa25V6Kp95Y98mdYEn

[grahamw48]

Yes, who wouldn't want to be in her shoes ? :smile:

[Terpe]

Glad I found that out now, I was going to bring over 32K PHP cash, what would be the best to use then?

I will take 10k PHP cash and should I just use my Visa Debit Card [Barclays], or get a travel cash card???


Yes Daryl, take the P10k with you as cash.
You can also take GBP cash. The money changer desk at the airport has pretty good rates usually ( be sure you know the rates before you go and check from time to time.
Yes use your Visa Debit card at ATM's also hotels, travel and shops.
If you want to get a pre-paid travel card then do so. I'd recommend Caxton although there are others.

If you have the time and the inclination you could also try and secure a Peso Cash Card such as the iRemit Visa Card. It's been some time since I did that so I'm not sure of the current regulations. But worth a review.

As most folks have said, it's not wise to carry large amounts of cash anywhere in the world.
If you're planning on leaving the cities you'll want to stock up a bit just in case. Find different places on yourself and gf to secrete some notes just in case. Not trying to worry you, I've not had any scary moments or been in the wrong place at the wrong time but it can happen.

[raynaputi]

Another thing.

Remember to tell your bank(s) of the dates you will be in the Philippines or you'll have problems obtaining money from the cash machines. You may have to pay a fee too, to your bank in the UK and the one you are using over there. Most of us use a currency card like the Caxton which works out better for your pocket.

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I do hope you don't have a Nationwide card. Keith informed them about our travel to the Philippines and yet, it still didn't work. Good thing he has another card, Halifax, which worked even if we never informed them ahead of time. Keith's cousin who went to Las Vegas last year wasn't able to use their Nationwide card too. They talked to a Nationwide rep and told them that Nationwide cards would only work in a British ATM! :doh

[Ako Si Jamie]

I've remembered a few other points which I'll elaborate further when I've got more time but if anyone wants to jump in, feel free.

Travel insurance
What to do, if God forbid, you get robbed
The wearing of jewellery and watches
Crossing a busy road in the city, especially at night :yikes:
Accommodation

And this......

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmDnr4dC_iDopDWyVk_3gjamCTzhT010Qa25V6Kp95Y98mdYEn
Travel Insurance - Vital you get this. Usually costs me around £15-£20 for a month's cover. Read the small print and don't always get the cheapest quote.
If you get robbed - This can happen anywhere in the world of course but bear in mind robbers in the Philippines can be armed and aren't afraid to shoot their victim if you don't comply. Best to do what they say if you value your life.
Jewellery and watches - Leave these at home. If you need a watch, buy a cheapo one.
Crossing the street - The busy streets in the cities with multiple lanes can be tricky to cross especially at night. Imagine a wider version of a dark Hagley Road with evening rush hour and traffic going in the opposite direction to what you are used to with some vehicles not having lights on, and you'll get the picture.
Accommodation - Agoda is a good website where you can pre-book a hotel. Cebu will have a good selection of hotels on there.
Picture above - That is how you greet elders in the Philippines. You'll probably score some brownie points with the parents if you do this.

[Ako Si Jamie]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I do hope you don't have a Nationwide card. Keith informed them about our travel to the Philippines and yet, it still didn't work. Good thing he has another card, Halifax, which worked even if we never informed them ahead of time. Keith's cousin who went to Las Vegas last year wasn't able to use their Nationwide card too. They talked to a Nationwide rep and told them that Nationwide cards would only work in a British ATM! :dohI take three just to be on the safe side. Caxton, HSBC and Lloyds.

[Ako Si Jamie]

Yes, who wouldn't want to be in her shoes ? :smile::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

Thanks for the advice, sorry to hear about your bad experience, we have discussed this and she would get a job to support her family back home.I'd actually call it a good experience but one that didn't have a happy ending. :bigcry:

[raynaputi]

I take three just to be on the safe side. Caxton, HSBC and Lloyds.

I have my BDO and Citibank cards as well. One reason why I didn't close my bank account and credit card, as it's very handy whenever we go to the Philippines. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[johndavidc]

Hello Daryl.
I too have started conversing with a lovely Philippine lady whom I'm going to meet in April. I traveled around the phils for 3 weeks in May last year and went to Cebu. I wish you lots of luck, I'm sure the lady is genuine, you tend to have a feeling don't you? And meeting her now will hopefully confirm it for you. Good luck my friend.