United States to Philippines Currency Converter
USD-PHP
Time Chart: Select Currency to Sell from the drop down option, and then click on the flag for the country to Buy.
Tag: Expats
Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV)
As at 2015, over 27,000 foreign retirees from 107 countries have already chosen to live in the Philippines through the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) of the Philippine Retirement Authority.
A Visa for Retirement in the Philippines
The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Republic of the Philippines under the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to foreigners and overseas Filipinos. It entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to stay permanently/indefinitely in the Philippines.
As at 2015, over 27,000 foreign retirees from 107 countries have already chosen to live in the Philippines through the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) of the Philippine Retirement Authority.
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) Schedule of Fees
The SRRV allows all its foreign retiree-members to retire and live in the Philippines for as long as they want.
An SRRV holder may come in and out of the country as often as he desires, and enjoy privileges such as
exemption from securing the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Immigration Card) from the Bureau of Immigration;
exemption from paying local income tax on your pension and annuities;
exemption from paying the travel tax at the Philippine Airports;
exemption from getting a Study Permit or Student’s Visa for their dependent-children who intends to pursue education in the Philippines.
exemption from Customs Duties and Taxes with regard to the importation of household goods and personal effects up to US$7,000
PRA retiree-members may also use health cards issued abroad in Philippine hospitals/clinics accredited by selected health card companies.
A Principal Retiree must be at least 35 years old to enjoy the above benefits that only SRRV holders are privileged to avail of.
Through the Philippine Retirement Authority, foreign retirees who want to make the Philippines their international retirement destination can now choose from 4 SRRV options:
-
- SRRV SMILE – for active / healthy principal retirees 35 year old and above who would just like to maintain their Visa deposit of US$20,000 in any of the PRA designated banks;
- SRRV CLASSIC – for active / healthy principal retirees who would opt to use their Visa deposit of US$10,000 or US$20,000 (50 years old & above) or US$50,000 (35 to 49 years old) to purchase condominium units or use for long term lease of house and lot. The SRRV CLASSIC allows the retiree to convert the deposit into into a Ready For Occupancy condominium or long-term lease of House and Lot. However, the Investment, if converted this way, must be at least US$50,000.
- SRRV COURTESY – for former Filipinos (35 years old & above), and foreign nationals (50 years old & above) who have served in the Philippines as diplomats, ambassadors, officers/staff of international organizations. The visa deposit is US$1,500.
- SRRV HUMAN TOUCH – for ailing principal retirees, (35 years old and above), who are shown to have medical/clinical needs and services. Under this option, the retiree only needs to have a Visa deposit of US$10,000, a monthly pension of at least US$1,500 and a Health Insurance Policy.
To avail of the reduced visa deposit for those with a pension, they must show proof of monthly pension remitted to the Philippines of US$800 for a single applicant or US$1,000 for married couples)
The Fees for these options are:
Application Fee: US$1,400
Annual Fee: US$360 per year.
Banks listed as at April 2015 that are authorised to hold SRRV deposit funds:
Allied Bank
Banco De Oro
Bank Of China
Bank Of Commerce
Development Bank Of The Philippines
Korea Exchange Bank – Manila Branch
Philippine Business Bank, Inc.
Philippine Savings Bank
Tong Yang Savings Bank Inc.,
Union Bank Of The Philippines
For more details about the SRRV, please click here.
One Year Tourist Visa for Philippines
Is there a 12 month Tourist Visa for the Philippines
There are a number of Philippines Embassies around the world that offer a 3, 6 or 12 month Tourist Visa for the Philippines, but, is it what you first think?
This is copied from the Philippine Embassy in Norway which covers Filipinos in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
C. Below are different types of Entry Visas for Tourists and their respective fees:
Single ENTRY valid for three (3) months (270 Norwegian Kroner or 1,492 Php 14/4/2015);
Multiple ENTRY valid for six (6) months (540 Norwegian Kroner or 2,984 Php 14/4/2015); and
Multiple ENTRY valid for one (1) year (810 Norwegian Kroner or 4,420 Php 14/4/2015)
D. The above-mentioned visas are for ENTRY purposes only. Period of stay (which will not exceed 59 days) will be determined by the immigration officer at the point of entry in the Philippines.
Take special note of the item D: Each Period of stay will not exceed 59 days. You NEED to leave the Philippines before the 60th day, or apply for and get, a normal Visa Extension before the 59th day expires.
This is copied from the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles, USA.
The applicable fees for a tourist visa are as follows:
Single entry valid for three (3) months: US$30.00 (or 1,340 Php 14/4/2015)
Multiple entry valid for (6) months US$60.00 (or 2,680 Php 14/4/2015)
Multiple entry valid for twelve (12) months $90.00 (or 4,019 Php 14/4/2015)
NOTE: The authorized maximum period of stay granted by the Philippine Consulate to all temporary visitor’s visa applicants is fifty-nine (59) days. If the applicant will stay beyond 59 days in the Philippines, an application for extension of stay must be filed at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila, or the Immigration office nearest to the place where the applicant is temporarily residing.
Balikbayan 12 Month Visa
The Balikbayan Program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals.
This normally applies to a foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen who ARRIVES with the Filipino spouse, and effectively gets a 12 month visa at the airport. This allows the holder to stay for the full 12 months, before needing to leave OR apply for another type of visa.
The term “balikbayan” shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen and his or her family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.
The term “family” shall mean the spouse and the children of the balikbayan traveling with the latter to the Philippines.
PHP to AUD Currency Rates
The Value of the Australian Dollar to the Philippine Peso
With the value of the Australian Dollar dropping from around 42 Philippine Peso for each dollar to the current rate of about 32 pesos, it has been a harsh hit to many people relying on Australian Dollars in the Philippines. These may be relatives of Filipinos living in Australia who send support, or they may be Australians retired in the Philippines living of an Australian pension income. Both will suffer the same percentage drop in income.
The chart below, from www.xe.com shows how the PHP-AUD rate has changed over the last ten years.
There was a similar drop in 2008 where it went as low as 30 pesos to the dollar in September 2008, but the Dollar began to recover again in March 2009 and reached 44 again by October 2009.
It has hovered between 40 and 46 between October 2009 and September 2014 when the decline appears to have begun. The 14th September 2014 seems to be the last time the rate was over 40 pesos to the dollar.
On the 23rd January 2015, the rate went below 35 pesos to the dollar. On the 24th to the 26th March 2015 the rate jumped back to 35 again from a low of 33 on the 11th March 2015. But it was short lived and hit 33.5 on the 2nd April 2015.
These rates are the quoted Interbank rate, and NOT the actual rate that a person would get on exchanging.
An example of actual version Interbank is:
Current Interbank rate quoted at 33.86855 pesos to the dollar at 12:22 pm 7th April 2015 at www.xe.com
The actual rate that I can get at my normal FX supplier CurrencyOnline is: 33.37245 at the same time.
However the big banks are different with my Australian bank quoting $ 1.00 AUD = ₱ 30.96 PHP
This does not sound much, but the differences for a A$10,000 sum work out at:
Interbank rate of 33.83855 = 338,385 peso
Currency Online rate of 33.37245 = 333,724 peso (= transfer cost of 4,661 peso or A$140)
NAB rate of 30.96 = 309,600 pesos (= transfer cost of 28,785 pesos or A$929)
6 Month Tourist Visa for Philippines
6 Month Visa or Long Stay Visa for Visitors
Those two terms are actually the same thing, but many people think they can apply for this before entering the Philippines. They can’t.
This 6 month visa is an extension visa only, and the visitor MUST have already renewed the initial 30 day to have stayed for 59 days before applying for the 6 month visa extension.
The COST of a 6 month visa extension.
This is a subject that gets many answers, and many of them are different answers.
The OFFICIAL cost is: 11,500 pesos.
My cost, when I got my Six month Visa Extension in April 2015 was 8,250 pesos.
The price I was quoted by Visa Agencies in my area varied between 16,000 and 18,000 pesos, and their charges for doing it for me ranged between 2,000 and 2,500 pesos (included in the previous figure.)
NOTE: These figures are for Non Visa Required Nationals. ie: People who are allowed to get a visa on arrival at the airport etc in the Philippines.
Why was mine cheaper?
I already had an ACR-I card, saving of 2,600 pesos
So that should be down to 8,900 pesos. still a difference of 650 pesos.
So there are still a few other differences:
The application was 900 and not 910
The certificate fee was 500 and not 510
The Extension fees came to 3,000 and not 3,010
The ECC was 700 not 710
Here is a breakdown of expected costs and actual costs:
| Stated Cost | Cost breakdown | My Cost |
| PHP 3,010 | Monthly Extension Fee | PHP 3,000 |
| PHP 910 | Monthly Extension Application Fee | PHP 900 |
| PHP 1,010 | ACR Re-issuance | PHP 250 |
| PHP 250 | Head Tax | PHP 250 |
| PHP 710 | Emigration Clearance Certificate | PHP 700 |
| PHP 510 | Certificate Fee | PHP 500 |
| PHP 2,100 | I-Card | |
| PHP 1,500 | Express Lane Fee | PHP 1,500 |
| PHP 1,000 | Express Lane Fee(Certification) | PHP 1,000 |
| PHP 500 | Express Lane Fee (ACR-I card) | |
| Legal Research Fee | PHP 50 | |
| Visa Sticker Fee | PHP 100 | |
| PHP 11,500 | TOTAL | PHP 8,250 |
Actual Cost Quoted in April 2015:
Bureau of Immigration – Cebu
Bureau of Immigration Offices in Cebu
Bureau of Immigration – Cebu District Office
2nd Level J Centre Mall,
A.S Fortuna St.,
Bakilid,
Mandaue City,
Metro Cebu 6014
Contact:
Tel: 032 505 4166
Bureau of Immigration – Gaisano Immigration Satellite Office
Ground Floor, Gaisano Mactan Island Mall
ML Quezon National Highway
Pajo
Lapulapu City
Metro Cebu 6015
Contact:
Tel: 032 495 2852
The Old Cebu Bureau of Immigration office.
Bureau of Immigration – Cebu
P.J.Burgos
Mandaue City
Metro Cebu
Contact:
Tel: 032 345 6442
Cost of Living Comparison Manila v Brisbane
Manila or Brisbane, which is the cheapest cost of living
Calculation of Comparative Cost of Living in Two Cities comparing costs to the Average Income after tax
More Expensive in Manila
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) is 1.01 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre is 1.08 times the Brisbane cost
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) is 1.16 times the Brisbane cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant is 1.2 times the Brisbane cost
Water (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.23 times the Brisbane cost
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.31 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre (per month) is 1.47 times the Brisbane cost
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) is 1.69 times the Brisbane cost
Tomato (1kg) is 1.76 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Restaurant (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.87 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.89 times the Brisbane cost
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) is 1.9 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre is 1.99 times the Brisbane cost
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat is 2.06 times the Brisbane cost
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) is 2.11 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Market (0.33 liter bottle) is 2.16 times the Brisbane cost
Rice (white), (1kg) is 2.29 times the Brisbane cost
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) is 2.31 times the Brisbane cost
Eggs (12) is 2.55 times the Brisbane cost
Water (1.5 liter bottle) is 2.6 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre (per month) is 2.64 times the Brisbane cost
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) is 2.73 times the Brisbane cost
Potato (1kg) is 3.12 times the Brisbane cost
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) is 3.42 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) is 3.57 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes is 4.04 times the Brisbane cost
Cappuccino (regular) is 4.1 times the Brisbane cost
Lettuce (1 head) is 4.15 times the Brisbane cost
Monthy Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment is 4.25 times the Brisbane cost
Gasoline (1 liter) is 4.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apples (1kg) is 4.37 times the Brisbane cost
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) is 4.46 times the Brisbane cost
Local Cheese (1kg) is 4.51 times the Brisbane cost
Oranges (1kg) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) is 5.23 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes is 5.39 times the Brisbane cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult is 5.47 times the Brisbane cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter) is 8.05 times the Brisbane cost
More Expensive in Brisbane
Monthly Travel Pass (Regular Price) is 1.98 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) is 2.36 times the Manila cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) is 2.37 times the Manila cost
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) is 2.48 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) is 2.72 times the Manila cost
Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) for Brisbane and Manila
PHP 25,096 Manila, Philippines
A$ 3,808.50 Brisbane, Australia
Original data figures taken from www.numbeo.com, and then compared against each City.
Notes:
These comparisons are based on the percentage cost of each item when compared to the average income for each country.
Example:
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
- Brisbane is $5,716.67 or 1.5 times the Brisbane Average salary
- Manila is PHP 75,021 or 2.99 times the Manila Average salary. Therefore more expensive in Manila.
The fact that the Manila cost is the equivalent to only A$2,143.46 (as at March 2015) is not relevant in this comparison, but would be if the person in Manila was earning an Australian wage.
Registration for Visitors to Philippines after 59 days
Special Security Registration for Visitors to Philippines
In October 2014 the Immigration department of the Philippines Government created a new policy with the Alien Registration Project (ARP), and the need for a Special Security Registration Number (SSRN).
This very simple means that almost anyone staying over 59 days needs to register with Photo and Fingerprints and about 700 pesos, at almost any Immigration Office in the country. A personal appearance is required. You must be dressed in Trousers and Shoes at most offices. It is NOT possible for a Travel Agent or Visa assistance agent to do this for you,
If you also need an ACR card, then this will be a further 500 pesos + US$50 or US$20 for an ACR-I card renewal.
It also appears that you must also have a mailing address for the sending of the SSRN certificate.
Those visitors who stay over 59 days will now need both the ACR-I card (Photo only) and the SSRN (Photo and Fingerprints).
One report stated: “Foreign nationals who have valid alien registration cards or I-Cards are exempted from the program. However, the official site states: “Those valid ACR-I-Cards (Except for Tourist ACR-I cards) are exempted from the program.
Alien Registration Project 2015
The ARP shall be held from 01 October 2014 until 30 September 2015. Aliens may apply at any authorized BI Regional Office
1. Bring a duly filled-out ARP form (form and additional information is available at www.immigration.gov.ph) and any valid identification (e.g. passport, driver’s license).
Registered aliens under this program may be primary beneficiaries of future social integration/legalization programs of the government.
Tourist Visa Holders can stay for 3 years in Philippines
How long can a Tourist Visa Holder extend a visa for in the Philippines?
The answer is either 24 months or 36 months depending on the country you come from.
Information from www.immigration.gov.ph states:
Under Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2013-003, non-visa required national may extend their stay up to thirty six (36) months while visa required national may extend their stay up to twenty four (24) months.
Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM 2013-003
23 December 2013
Services
Honorable Secretary of Justice (SOJ) Leila M. de Lima approved Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM 2013-003 on 23 December 2013 which was recommended by Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison. Said issuance provides for the policies and guidelines on the extension and updating of temporary visitor’s visa (TVV).
Allowable Extensions
Foreigners admitted under Section 9 (a) of the Philippine Immigration Act (PIA) of 1940, as amended, or Executive Order No. 408, as amended, may extend their authorized stay every two (2) months for a total stay of not more than:
a) Twenty-four (24) months for visa-required nationals; and
b) Thirty-six (36) months for non-visa required nationals.
The said periods shall be counted from the date of applicant’s latest recorded arrival.
Foreigners with Derogatory Records
Foreigners included in the Bureau’s derogatory list shall be allowed to extend/ update their authorized stay as temporary visitors; Provided that, their inclusion in the derogatory list is not on the ground of having overstayed in the country.
Restrictions on Extension/Updating
The following applications for extension/ updating, accompanied by a sworn written explanation stating valid grounds and/or justifications with supporting documents, shall require the approval of the Commissioner:
a) Extensions of stay beyond the maximum allowable stay prescribed in Section 2 hereof; and
b) Foreigners who have overstayed for more than six (6) months but not exceeding twelve (12) months regardless if their stay is within the maximum allowable period.
Acquisition of Appropriate Visa/Permit
Foreigners may be granted an extension beyond the maximum allowable period provided that they shall secure appropriate visas/ permits during such extension and have not overstayed in any given period.
Overstaying Foreigners
Foreigners who have overstayed for twelve (12) months or less but have been in the country beyond the maximum allowable period already may be permitted to update their stay with order to leave the country within fifteen (15) calendar days therefrom and their names may be included in the Bureau’s blacklist upon the discretion of the Commissioner; Provided that, the Commissioner, in the exercise of sound judgment, may allow such foreigners to update and extend their stay taking into consideration their Filipino lineage, medical condition, minority and other analogous circumstances.
Foreigners who have overstayed for more than twelve (12) months regardless if their stay is within the maximum allowable period or those found to be overstaying by virtue to a complaint or Mission Order regardless of the period shall be referred for deportation.
Payment
In addition to the extension/ updating fees and other charges, the concerned foreigners shall be required to pay all immigration arrears imposed by Republic Act No. 562, as amended.
Secure Self Storage in Angeles City, Pampanga
Secure Self Storage facility in Angeles City, Pampanga
There appear to be only a few small scale self storage facilities in the entire Manila area, and trying to locate one in Pampanga was impossible, BUT…
Coming soon… A Storage facility in Angeles City, Pampanga, operated by an established American in Angels City.
For more details:
Tel: 0908 813 0109
But, if you are in Manila, then Aspen Storage is one that I found, with a charge of PHP 6,000 per month for their smallest unit.
Another, in Cebu, charges just PHP 1,853 for 7 square metres for 1 month.
Alien Certificate of Registration
What is an Alien Certificate of Registration or ACR-I Card?
Alien Certificate of Registration ACR-I Card
The ACR-I card is a requirement for foreign nationals to hold after a certain period of time in the Philippines. It is also required by those foreign nationals to be able to leave the Philippines, together with an ECC (Exit/Emigration Clearance Certificate) [not instead of].
The ACR-I card is issued at a Philippines Bureau of Immigration office.
The Tourist ACR-I card
The Tourist ACR-I card has a validity of ONE year, and must be renewed annually.
Originally, the ACR-I card had to be handed in at Immigration when leaving the Philippines. This has now changed, and you retain it now, and it is still valid if you come back before it expires.
Common categories of the ACR-I card would be the Permanent Resident, Tourist, Student and Voluntary. (Full category list is shown at the bottom of this page.)
Application for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
Who can apply for an ACR-I card?
All foreign nationals who are visa holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa who have stayed for more than fifty-nine (59) days in the Philippines, MUST apply for an ACR-I card.
The ACR I-Card application must be submitted together with the application for visa (Visa Extension).
Who MUST apply for an ACR-I card?
Who is required to apply for an ACR I-Card?
All foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas including holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa, who stayed for more than fifty nine (59) days in the Philippines are required to apply for an ACR-I Card at expiry of their first 59 days..
www.immigration.gov.ph/../faqs/acr-i-card
Some websites state: All foreigners who stay longer than 6 month in the Philippines on a Non Immigrant or Resident Visa, must have an ACR-I Card.
Renewal of an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
Who can apply to renew an ACR-I card?
All foreign nationals who are existing ACR I-card holders and whose basis of renewal is any of the following:
Expiration of the one (1) year validity of the card.
– Re-registration of alien upon reaching the age of 14;
– Change of visa status;
– Replacement of ACR as required under the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended.
How much does an ACR-I card cost?
USD 50.00 plus Php 500.00
Why is this price in US Dollars ? No Idea !!!
What is an ACR-I card
New ACR-I card Issue
ACR-I card Renewal
What are the Benefits of an ACR-I Card ?
I liked this one from the Dept of Immigration:
4: Achieves higher revenues for the Bureau and the national government through increase in number of aliens who will register and improved efficiency in collection of fees.
However, they are needed if a foreigner wants to open a bank account.
Some websites have stated that a Tourist cannot get an ACR card, eg:
However, they can…
Categories of the ACR-i card
Colours of the Philippines ACR-I card
Requirements for an ECC – Exit Clearance Certificate
Requirements for an ECC
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stated that the following are needed to get an ECC – Exit Clearance Certificate (also called Emigration Clearance Certificate)
- Completed application forms. (They supply numerous forms for you to fill in !!)
- 6 pcs. colored photo (size 2×2 ) white background. (NOTE: SIX were needed, not the FIVE that web sites say.
- Photocopy of passport (3 Pages: biopage, latest arrival stamp and last visa extension stamp).
- Photo of both sides of Alien Certificate of Registration ACR card. (Must be Current NOT Expired)
- Photocopy AND Original of the Receipt for payment of last visa extension fees. (To be issued with an ECC, you need up to date valid visas)
- Current ACR-I card
- A personal appearance is required for fingerprinting, both electronic scanning and manual ink, and photograph.
There are various forms available for download at: http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/downloads/application-forms but… not for the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) as it is now called.
More Information on the Exit Clearance Certificate
Who needs an ECC Emigration Clearance Certificate or Exit Clearance Certificate
An Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC] is needed when Foreign Passport Holders are leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months or more.
Your passport may be stamped like this, when you get a visa renewal that takes you past 6 months after entry.
Any child, born in the Philippines, but travelling on a Foreign passport, NEEDS an ECC to leave the Philippines. A notice to this effect is on display at a Bureau of Immigration office.
Requirements for an Emigration Clearance Certificate [ECC]
To be issued with an ECC, you need up to date valid visas, and an ACR-I card.
Cost of an ECC Emigration Clearance Certificate or Exit Clearance Certificate
Cost of ECC-A
The cost for an ECC-A in 2014 was 500 pesos. There has been some recent talk about it being free, by some people, but two recent comments shown below, show that there is still a charge being made.
- ken hogan on January 17, 2018 at 12:52 pm
i just got my ECC today 17/1/ 2018 at J Mall Mandaue 500 php total - Edward on November 2, 2017 at 5:15 pm
I just got my ECC and the total cost was 710 pesos at the J centre mall on the second floor in mandaue
Cost of ECC-B
The cost for an ECC-B in 2015 was mentioned by one person at 2,850 pesos. The cost was mentioned again in October 2018.
- Friendly Citizen on October 30, 2018 at 5:37 am
I paid 2,860 + 500 (express fee) = 3,360.
ECC-A for Visitor Visa Holders
The ECC-A may be secured at the BI Main Office or in select District Offices, Satellite Offices, Field Offices, One-Stop-Shops.
ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Tourist Visas who have stayed for 6 months or more. A valid ACR-i card is required for this when the Visitor visa holder has been in the country for over 2 months.
ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country permanently.
ECC-B for other Than Visitor Visa Holders
The ECC-B may be secured at the BI Main Office or in the airport upon departure.
ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
Update:
Confusion between ECC-A and ECC-B for Tourist Visa Holders
There is confusion on whether a Tourist Visa holder, leaving the country temporarily, and holding an ACR-I card, requires the ECC-A or the ECC-B.
Tourist Visa in the country over 6 months: ECC-A with no confusion. (ECC-A is issued to departing holders of Tourist Visas who have stayed for 6 months or more)
Tourist Visa in the country under 6 months: This is where the confusion arises, as the Tourist Visa holder must also have an ACR-I card (after 2 months) and the rules state: ECC-B is issued to departing holders of Immigrant and Non-Immigrant visas with valid ACR I-Cards and are leaving the country temporarily.
However, even if the Tourist Visa holder is only leaving temporarily, their visa will normally expire on leaving, meaning it is a permanent exit on that visa, and they will return on a new visa, automatically given for most nationals, for a 30 day period, with the same conditions applying for a new temporary visa entry.
If the Immigrant or Non-Immigrant visa can be used for re-entry, then it could be classed as ‘leaving the country temporarily’, and selecting the ECC-B.
It is possible that some Tourist Visas may be able to be used for re-entry under those circumstances.
When the ECC was enforced in 2013, the reason for this certificate was given as follows:
Immigration Commissioner Siegfred Mison said that the ECC is being issued to departing foreigner nationals to prove that they have no derogatory records in the country or any accountability with other government agencies.
There are two types of ECC:
The ECC-A is being issued to foreigners who have tourist visas extending for more than six months. (A tourist visa holder in the country for over two months will also have a tourist ACR-i card)
The ECC-B, on the other hand, is given to holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas with valid alien certificate registration I-Cards.
Singapore Embassy, Manila
Singapore Embassy, Manila
No. 505, Rizal Drive (cor. 5th Avenue)
Bonifacio Global City,
1634 Taguig City,
Metro Manila,
Philippines
Tel: 02 856 9922 (General Line)
Tel: 02 856 9922 Ext 110 (Consular Services)
Tel: 02 856 9922 Ext 113 (Visa Services)
Web: www.mfa.gov.sg
Visa Requirements
All visitors to Singapore must meet the following entry requirements:
Valid travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)
Onward or return ticket (if applicable)
Entry facilities to the next destination; and
Sufficient funds to stay in Singapore and visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)
Retirement Visa for the Philippines
The Philippines is a popular place for people from many countries to retire to, mainly because of the lower costs of living when compared to their home countries.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration provides the (SRRV), Special Retiree’s Resident Visa for this purpose.
This Visas comes at a cost, but is available for those aged 35 upwards.
It does have the main advantage of SRRV holders being exempt from ACR, I-card, exit clearance and re-entry permit requirements.
For the younger retiree, aged between 35 and 49 years, they must make a US$50,000 time deposit. (SRRV SMILE)
For the older retiree, aged over 50, they need to make a US$20,000 time deposit. (SRRV CLASSIC)
Retirees with an overseas pension of at least US$800 per month, are able to apply for the SRRV with a reduced time deposit amount:
This is only available for the older retiree, aged over 50, and they only need a US$10,000 time deposit.
You do have to ensure that the the proof of your pension is in an acceptable form to the Bureau of Immigration.
The SRRV CLASSIC allows the retiree to convert the deposit into into a Ready For Occupancy condominium or long-term lease of House and Lot. However, the Investment, if converted this way, must be at least US$50,000.
The Fees for these options are:
- Application Fee: US$1,400 (PHP56,000)
- Annual Fee: US$360 per year. (PHP14,400)
This information is current at July 2013.
Updated information can be seen at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website: http://immigration.gov.ph
Search for “Special Retiree’s Resident Visa”.
Philippines Long Stay Visa for Visitors
Philippines Long Stay (6 Month) Visitor Visa
Foreigners intending to stay longer in the Philippines can now apply for a six-month, long-stay tourist visa that has been created by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Previously, the BI granted foreign tourists a maximum stay of two months each time they apply for visa extensions.
A spokesperson said: “Through long stay visa, we expect lesser crowding in our offices due to the decreased volume of visa extension applicants”
This will be more beneficial for those who do stay longer, and will avoid the waiting every two months at the Immigration office. However, there appears to be no financial savings.
| ALIENS ADMITTED AS TOURIST VISA (9A 59 DAYS) |
All aliens who will stay for more than 59 days are required to register with the following fees:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The six month Visitor Visa extension is available at:
Bureau of Immigration at Manila, Luzon
Bureau of Immigration at Mandaue City, Cebu, Visayas
Bureau of Immigration at Davao, Mindanao
It also appears to be now available at:
Cagayan De Oro office, Mindanao. Although this may only have been temporary.