I'm the new guy, so be easy on me! First post beyond intro.
I'm moving from Las Vegas to Cebu in November. I will be filing for Social Security after the 1st of the year.I have money in my bank, a small credit union. I've done wire transfers with them via phone but that's because I have a template set up already to go to my fiance's bank. I get a good exchange rate with them because we wire in USD. But the fee is $35 each time.
We will be living in the province 2 hrs from Cebu City.
I'm going to bring max cash but we'll need more soon. I'm going to get dental implants in CEBU then we have some work to do on the house. Like new roof, bedroom expansion, inverter AC. To name a few.
Advise on how you would handle everything? Including filing for SS at Consular office and where to send it. Thanks!
Larry
[emailprotected] Fisher
Wow . . . . Las Vegas my previous home, actually Henderson.
I would be a little more conservative because of Murphy's Law (Every that can wrong will go wrong). There are many things you will have to do before moving.
(1) Don't come to the Philippines until your first SS check is direct deposited in your account.
(2) Open an account at a larger bank that has 24/7 customer service, use this bank for your ss direct deposit.
(3) Make arrangements to have a mail forwarder, so you will have a US address.
(4) Notify the Post Office of your new mailing address so they can forward your mail for the next year.
(5) Notify your credit union and credit card companies of the change of address. Set up everything to be paperless in advance.
(6) Ditch wire transfer. . . too costly, there are several companies that have low transfer related cost and have good exchange rates.
(7) Have your fiance' open up a Peso account, you can do your transfers of Dollars to Pesos.
(8) Don't bring Max Cash, bring Min Cash, enough to cover incidental purchases. You can always transfer cash as needed from the states.
(9) Keep your money in the states where Only You have control of the money.
(10) Get a US internet phone number.
(11) Go to Seafood City Market (big Filipino grocery store in Las Vegas & Henderson) and purchase Balikbayan boxes to send your personal stuff & housekeeping stuff in advance. Many of your favorite things easily available (US) cannot be found in the Philippines.
(12) Buy extra clothing & footwear, most of the men's clothing (larger sizes) is not available in the Philippines.
(A) Be ready for cultural shock.
(B) Don't make babies.
(C) If you want to get married do it by internet in Utah a US legal marriage.
