International Moving to the Philippines: Things to Remember

Moving to the Philippines is a big decision that requires careful planning and research before the actual execution. There are so many things to consider and to process. Once you have finished all the paper works and documents, and ready to move into your new country, you will have to prepare the things that you will bring with you.

International moving companies are a great help to make your move easy and hassle-free. There are several international moving companies that offer different services. When choosing a mover, make sure to have at least 3 options and compare their prices, services and insurance policy. You will need to check the documentation and licensing of the company to avoid any mishaps.

Packing your things is a dreadful activity that is why it is recommended to have this done by professionals. Most international moving companies provide packing for your items for an additional price. Before you pack your things, you must know first if you will have to bring all your items to the Philippines. This is an important step since there are custom rules in the Philippines that pertain to your shipped items. Electronics and household appliances must be checked since each country has different voltages and plug types. The voltage rate in the Philippines is 220V and the plug outlet is two flat, vertical pin plugs.

You can also research if Philippines sell the household appliances and furniture that you have and if they are cheaper. You can sell the appliances that you can buy in the Philippines at a cheaper cost and use the money for your shipping fees.

Clothing and wardrobe is another area that you need to check. Remember that the Philippines is a tropical country that only has two seasons: sunny and rainy. Bringing your winter clothes may not be a good idea, but if you plan on using them for your future trips to cold weather countries, then you can keep them.

Once you have decided on what items to bring and packed them, you can decide whether to get storage for your things. This is ideal if too many things to bring and fear that they might not fit in your home. If you will arrive later than your shipment, storage is a good place to keep your items safe and secure.

Getting insurance for the things that you will bring to the Philippines is a wise idea. This is great for expensive and luxury items. You also need to do an itemized inventory of the things you will bring plus its exact value. You can also add the shipping fee you paid for the items. This is required by the Philippine customs once you and your shipment will arrive in the country.

If you plan to bring your car to the Philippines, you must need to check with Customs if your car is prohibited or restricted. Expect to pay some taxes and permits for your car or automobile. Other things you need to look into are whether you are licensed to drive in the Philippines. If your car has a right hand driver seat, then you must consider practicing driving a car with a left hand driver seat and purchase one in the Philippines.

Here are some of the things that have restrictions in the Philippines. This means that bringing such items will cost you to pay taxes or acquire permits and documents.

1. Pets, Animals and Plants – common household pets like dogs, cats, and birds are not restricted. Please note that exotic pets can be restricted. Race horses and game fowls are dutiable and restricted. When bringing an animal to the Philippines, make sure to bring with you the documents of the animal. This includes ID of the pet, pedigree certificate, original vaccination and health permit and should be issued within 10 days of importation. You must show proof that your pet was vaccinated between 60 – 180 days before your flight.

2. Films, videotapes and disks – these items are restricted and you must pay certain fees and taxes.

3. Medicine – if you are bringing prescription drugs, make sure that you have necessary prescription and documents from your doctor that states that the medicine is for your well-being. If you or a family member is receiving ongoing medication, make sure that you get an extended supply of prescription. Always declare the medicines that you will bring, some medicines can be restricted and may have taxes or fees.

4. Telecommunications equipment

5. Color reproduction machines

6. Motor vehicle parts

Here are the things that you MUST NOT bring to the Philippines. These items are prohibited and you may face charges once you are caught in possession of these items. Prohibited importations are generally those not allowed to be brought into the country except when given permission under high controlled conditions as provided for in the laws prohibiting them. Some of these prohibited items are the following:

1. Dynamite gunpowder, ammunitions and other explosives, firearms and weapons of war, and parts thereof;

2. Written or printed articles in any form containing any matter advocating or inciting treason, or rebellion, insurrection, sedition or subversion against the government of the Philippines, or containing any threat to take the life of, or inflict bodily harm upon any person in the Philippines.

3. Written or printed articles, negatives or cinematographic film, photographs, engravings, lithographs, objects, paintings, drawing or other representations of an obscene or immoral character.

4. Articles, instruments, drugs and substances designed, intended or adapted for producing unlawful abortion, or any printed matter which advertises or describes or gives directly or indirectly information where, how and by whom unlawful abortion is produced.

These are the things that you need to keep in mind regarding Customs regulations.

1. You must be present for Customs clearance.

2. Your shipment must not arrive before the approval of your visa.

3. Your shipment must arrive within 60 days before or after your arrival in the Philippines.

4. All your shipments are subject to 100% inspection upon arrival in the Philippines.

5. All your household goods and personal effects must be in your possession for at

Some Tips For Foreigners Who Thought of Staying in the Philippines

Many foreigners had moved to the Philippines for different kinds of reasons. They would thought moving to the Philippines because they find the place wonderful, good for business, unexploited nature and beaches, hospitable people and many move to marry Filipinas and settle permanently.

Most Americans are the ones who tend to stay longer and some stay permanently right after they got married to Filipina. Koreans move to Philippines to take english lessons and eventually venture to business such as Travel Agency and Korean Restaurants. Japanese find the place like home sweet home for them and they tend to stay and enjoy diving on an exotic beach resorts.

For whatever reasons those foreigners have, don't you think it would be nice to know and learn the places they are thinking of moving like the Philippines? Here are some tips for foreigners who thought of staying in the Philippines.

1. The Filipino Culture - it is very important to learn about Filipino culture. Filipinos are family oriented and respectful to their elders. They speak a number of dialects such commonly used are Tagalog and Cebuano. Filipinos like foreigners a lot and they love imported goods rather than their own products. So whatever what foreigners brought, I'm sure they would love it. Filipinos like to go out with families, friends and even the entire community for a special gathering. So if you are thinking of going out for a date expect someone close comes along.
2. Learn a few native words - learning to speak a few words isn't that hard and it is a plus to learn a few like "Salamat", "Mabuhay Filipino", "Magandang Gabi" and "Magandang Umaga". But the first thing you should know is to learn how to speak "Salamat" means "Thank You" and "Magandang Gabi" means "Good Evening". They would definitely love to here you speaking their own language eventhough you sounded terrible. It would also be nice to have an interpreter beside you to quickly learn the dialect.
3. Get to know them - hospitality are among the great qualities of Filipinos and you would never had a hard time of knowing them infact Filipinos are very friendly to foreigners. One way of knowing them is to get along with them during occassions and gatherings. You will have all the attention.
4. Familiarize the place that you want to stay - the only way to familiarize these places is simply going there. Stay in a hotel or pension house in a couple of days and move around the city. Bring along with you a Filipino guide or friend. If you find place that you think its a good place to stay, rent an apartment for a couple of days to see more of that place. Take a bike and stroll around the places. You will enjoy and will be amazed of what you'll discover.