Jon Richard sets a foot into the world of Filipino mystery!!

[jon richard]

So I met a girl on a dating site and Im going to visit for a month.

Should be pretty over there...the photos look good !!

Ive travelled the world but not in that direction.

I have asked Frey to sort out something we (she) would realy get excited about for the first week and lets see after that.

Yes, at the end of the trip i would like a girl waiting for ME to go back to and everything that entails........
there does seem a lot of paperwork involved!!!!!!!

So i throw myself into the lions den and await the good and other replies !!!

Look forward to chatting to you all

Jon Richard

yours in Anticipation

[Terpe]

Hi there Jon, welcome to the forum.

I'm sure you'll get plenty of comments, advice and stories.
Which part of Pinas are you heading for? and When are you heading out?

[Dedworth]

Good luck in your mission - you should find plenty of advice and tips on here

[Terpe]

Jon, if you have a chance why not consider getting a 59 day visa from the Embassy in London?
Arrival in Pinas gives only 21 day visa. I have heard someone mention that the 59 day might be available at the airport upon arrival but I have no experience or other knowledge on that.
Hopefully someone who has actually done it might reply.

[les_taxi]

We are nosy on here so lets have some more details

[jon richard]

hi guys
thanks for some replies........................there are people there!!!
I am going for a visa on monday .................probably a long one.it wouldnt take much to make me stay longer!!

Im landing in Manila and then i dont have a clue....??
Magical mystery tour...............for those of you who remember

[jon richard]

Heading out 16 august..

[jon richard]

Les taxi...is that French....thought it was filipino humour here !!

[Terpe]

Heading out 16 august..

That allows time for you to think about money and access.
Have you considered how you intend to fill your pockets when you are there?
You don't want to carrying significant amounts of cash.

[jon richard]

please advise me Terpe
had just thought of trav. cheks

[jon richard]

There are some other ways.......if you saw ..Papillion....the film that is ......bit messy though

[Jimbojac]

Mate!! do not take travellers cheques that was the big mistake when i first went to the Phils. Hardly anywhere cashes the things, stick with credit cards showing visa or Mastercard but once out in the middle of nowhere cash is king, just be careful with it!
So many beautiful places to see everywhere there but please be mindful it is now a very poor and over-populated country and can also be very hot and uncomfortable at times.
Accomadation and services are woeful away from the major cities but if you like adventure and extremely warm, generous and helpful people you will have a great time!
Just be careful and keep your wits about you and you will be ok.
ENJOY!

[jon richard]

Thanks for that Jimbojac
you weren't in Oman were you ? Knew a jimbo there.
No tcs then. How much can u draw out in one go then.
In the old days it was a wad of dollars that were swapped on the black market for much better rates.
is there a better currency or is it just get bat the airport

[jon richard]

at a bank at the airport..............

i know the bat is the currecy of cricket !!!

[Jimbojac]

If i remember rightly 10,000 pesos just under £150. which goes a lot further there than it does there LOL!
You can get slightly better rates on the streets of Manila in the tourist districts but i really wouldn't reccommend flashing a wad of cash there mate.
{Wasn't me that you met in Oman.}
See your from Guernsey just across the pond, no donkey /bean jokes eh!

[stevie c]

Hi jon welcome to the forum

have a great trip hope everything goes to plan like jimbo says just be carefull & dont wear any jewellery as you could well have it snatched also try not to carry too much cash around with you

where in the phils will you be visiting & staying?

[stevewool]

hi there jon, wow what a trip you are going on enjoy it all,

[Englishman2010]

Welcome to the forum Jon
As the others have said, you'll get some good advice on here, most of us have spent plenty of time in the Pina's and we're always happy to share our knowledge.
Good luck with your trip, as it happens I'm also heading that way in the middle of Aug, but I'm having a few days stop over in Honkers.
As Jimbo has said, cash is king in the pinas. Lots of money changers in the towns and cities, they all accept Sterling, so no need to change it to USD first.
There's nothing to worry about if you're sensible, but petty crime and muggings can be a problem in Manila:
Don't carry too much cash on your person at any one time.
Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches (I always wear a £5 LCD watch I bought in HK)
Dont flash your smartphone around too much
Don't carry anything of great value around with you
The biggest crooks in Manila are the taxi drivers, always tell them to use the meter. FRom Manila or Makati to the airport should cost no more than 150pesos, if they tell you upfront it's 400 or 500, walk away and flag down another taxi, there's no shortage and someone will take you for a reasonable price.
You're a rich westerner in most Filipino's eyes, and a fair target for a scam because you can afford it, keep your eyes and ears open

[grahamw48]

Ayup Jon.

I take some cash....maybe 2 or 3 hundred quid in 20s (50s can give them a fright), and a Visa or Mastercard or both.

ATMs everywhere in the Phils, but more secure inside the banks where possible.

A tip for you:

Contact your bank/credit card company beforehand and let them know that you will be using your card in the Philippines, as sometimes they can put a block on it, seeing it used in an 'unusual' (meaning dodgy) location. :(

Only happened to me once in over 20 years, but when it does, it's a real pain in the .....

[worthingmale]

good luck and enjoy this new path you are taking

[Jimbojac]

Great advice from the crew!

[Steve.r]

Jon, if you have a chance why not consider getting a 59 day visa from the Embassy in London?
Arrival in Pinas gives only 21 day visa. I have heard someone mention that the 59 day might be available at the airport upon arrival but I have no experience or other knowledge on that.
Hopefully someone who has actually done it might reply.

Yes, you can get a 59 day visa on arrival in Manila Airport, I did this last time I was there back in April. Have a greatr trip, I am off again for September my place is 4 hours north east of manila. You will have an exciting time, just try to be streetwise, and let your lady do the talking as you will be the target for over inflated prices given a chance.

Ask your Mahal to buy you a few Balut to eat, if you have never tried them... you are in for a treat .. Yummmm

[les_taxi]

Ask your Mahal to buy you a few Balut to eat, if you have never tried them... you are in for a treat .. Yummmm

Don't listen to him Jon

[Steve.r]

Don't listen to him Jon

[grahamw48]

Oh yes, don't forget the Balut....

[jon richard]

After 24 hours there are so many useful and +ve replies
Thanks to you all
Sitting here in Meadowhall Phlly seems so distant

In a poetic way !!!!!
Me and my trav. Cheques.......ha ha
So my new Rolex won't travel well. ??......hoho
Thanks for the thumbnail
What do filipinas prefer as gifts. ??
You girls out there.........your thoughts please!!
I don't see Chanel no 5 replacing insect spray !!!

[grahamw48]

Chocolate.

[Steve.r]

Chocolate.

yes lots of Cadbury's choc. My asawa always asks me to bring as much as i can. Has to be Cadbury's though

[jon richard]

Very good about the C C block
Graham I have had problems like that in
England. !! Not good
Does a cadbury Flake bend before the mouth
Due to heat ........???

[stevewool]

meadowhall is like your corner shop compared to the mall of asia