Avoid Hidden Costs: Building a Home in the Philippines – Don’t Let Your Dream Turn into a Budget Nightmare
Building your own custom home in the Philippines is an exhilarating prospect. However, that excitement can quickly turn sour if you fall victim to misleading advertising tactics employed by some builders. This blog post aims to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the Philippine custom home construction process and avoid the hidden costs that can turn your dream home into a budget nightmare. Here's how we'll help you steer clear of the bait-and-switch and build your dream home with confidence: Unveiling Hidden Costs: We'll expose the common tactics used by some builders to lure potential homeowners with unrealistically low[...]
The 1% Rule: A Realistic Look for Philippines Real Estate Investments
The 1 Percent Rule in Real Estate: Why It Doesn’t Always Work in the Philippines The 1 percent rule is a popular guideline in real estate investing. It says that your monthly rent should equal 1 percent of the property's purchase price. Sounds simple enough, right? But when it comes to real estate in the Philippines, this rule can fall short. Here's why a more flexible and realistic approach is needed. Market Realities in the Philippines: Why 1 Percent Might Be Out of Reach The 1 percent rule works in some markets—but in the Philippines, it’s often unrealistic. Let’s break[...]
Overstay Your Philippines Visa? Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Fix It Legally
Overstayed Your Philippines Visa? Don’t Panic — Here’s What to Do Maybe you lost track of time while enjoying island life, or maybe your plans changed unexpectedly. Whatever the reason, if you’ve overstayed your visa in the Philippines, don’t stress. You’re not the first, and there’s a legal way to fix it. Here’s how to handle it the right way by working directly with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Why Ignoring It Can Get You in Big Trouble Trying to fly under the radar might sound tempting, but it’s not worth the risk. Here's why ignoring your overstay could lead[...]
Is Vlogging in Paradise Legal? Understanding Tourist Visas in the Philippines
The Philippines is a dream destination for travelers—crystal-clear beaches, welcoming locals, and colorful culture everywhere you turn. For vloggers, it’s also an ideal place to create content. But there’s a question many don’t ask until it’s too late: is it legal to vlog in the Philippines while on a tourist visa? Let’s take a closer look at what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to avoid visa trouble while documenting your adventures. What Travel Visas Are Meant For Travel visas are issued for temporary visits, and they come with clear limitations. The most common types include: Tourist Visa: For short stays,[...]
Health Insurance Solutions for Expats in the Philippines
Moving to the Philippines means enjoying stunning scenery, rich culture, and a friendly community. But like any international move, taking care of your health should be a top priority. That’s where expat health insurance comes into play. In this post, we’ll break down how to find reliable health insurance in the Philippines—made easier with insights from Michael Onstad, an insurance expert with over 35 years of experience, including six years focused on helping expats just like you Why Health Insurance Matters for Expats in the Philippines Making the move to the Philippines is exciting—but planning for your healthcare needs is[...]
Pre-Death Planning for Expat Retirees in the Philippines
The Philippines is a dream destination for many retirees—thanks to its tropical beauty, welcoming culture, and affordable lifestyle. But beyond the excitement of starting your new life, there’s one important topic many overlook: planning for what happens after you're gone. For expat retirees, pre-planning for death in the Philippines isn’t just practical—it’s a thoughtful way to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. Here’s how to do it with clarity and peace of mind. Understanding the Legal Side: Estate Planning in the Philippines Estate planning as an expat can get complex. Knowing how Philippine laws work, especially[...]
Building your own custom home in the Philippines is an exhilarating prospect. However, that excitement can quickly[...]
The 1 Percent Rule in Real Estate: Why It Doesn’t Always Work in the Philippines The 1[...]
Overstayed Your Philippines Visa? Don’t Panic — Here’s What to Do Maybe you lost track of time[...]
The Philippines is a dream destination for travelers—crystal-clear beaches, welcoming locals, and colorful culture everywhere you turn.[...]
Moving to the Philippines means enjoying stunning scenery, rich culture, and a friendly community. But like any[...]
The Philippines is a dream destination for many retirees—thanks to its tropical beauty, welcoming culture, and affordable[...]