×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Received my 13a

1 year ago
I got my 13a visa on Monday, but I hit a little snag. After getting my probationary approval, I needed to wait for my ID card. My problem was I had reservations to fly out of Iloilo to Hawaii in two days and I couldn't board the plane in Manila without the ID or a waiver. I could only obtain either of those in Manila. My initial itinerary didn't have enough time between flights to get that card. So, I moved the first leg of my trip up a day and got my ID card at the Manila BI yesterday and will be connecting to the rest of my itinerary today. The problem was just a set of circumstances, and although frustrated initially, I made the changes and rearranged my schedule to comply. The Iloilo immigration made sure my paperwork was ready for pick up in Manila and they stayed in touch with my wife to reassure us.

It all worked out and I'm in Manila ready to go to the airport with all the proper paperwork. I'm headed to Honolulu for my stay, so the fire in Maui will not impact my vacation. For that, I consider myself lucky.

I now have a Probationary (1 year) 13a visa and my temporary driver's license (waiting for my plastic card in 2 months). When I return to the Philippines in a couple of weeks, I'll apply for my Phil Health card.

I'm really starting to settle in.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Philippines GuideLiving in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute to Philippines Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in PhilippinesHealthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in PhilippinesCost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to PhilippinesMoving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in PhilippinesReal Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros Cons of Living in PhilippinesPros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in PhilippinesRetiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Philippines Network Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides