Expat Community > Philippines

beldog
Joined 2013
Posts: 6

Visiting tourist ;potential expat

11 years ago

I want to come to the Philippines to look around and make a decision regarding becoming an expat there. I plan on coming in April, 2013. I am widowed so alone for trip. I contacted the Consulate in Chicago, USA since I live in New Orleans, USA. I was inquiring about a visa that would allow me multiple entry since I may want to go to Thailand et al while there in the Philippines. I was told they could issue a visa good for 59 days and that I would need either a round trip ticket or a ticket onward to another destination before my visa expired.
I understand I can enter the country for a 21 day period without an initial visa as long as I have a plane ticket from there to another destination (ie Thailand). I can show a proof of income sufficient to cover all my expenses while there. Please help with the following questions.

1. Do I need to get a visa here for 59 days or can I request an extension of my 21 day entry without a visa for 39 more days after I get there?

2. If I get an extension approved do I have to use my purchased ticket to leave the country or just change travel date for extra cost. and use later?

3. Is three or four months sufficient time to see enough areas of interest to make a decision about retirement there? I have no particular starting point and am in no hurry but want to visit as many places as can while there, spending time in all three major regions sufficient to make a knowledgeable decision.

4. Are there sufficient banks/ATM's available for VISA/Mastercard use for withdrawal of cash as needed. I will arrive with a small amount of cash initially.

I am certain will have other questions but this is a beginning. Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
beldog

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