These days, a lot of people use Paypal or other online money transfer methods for transacting business online. I personally have been using Paypal since they first went online, which, as I recall was in about 1997 or so.
Paypal was not an option in the Philippines, though, when I first moved here, in 2000. About 7 years ago, or so, I don’t recall exactly when Paypal opened up its doors for the Philippine market! Since then the freelance work market in the Philippines has exploded! A lot of people here work online taking on projects for businesses abroad on a freelance basis. This type of work pays well and is not too hard for a Filipino to get.
For myself, I use Paypal for taking payments for many of my businesses. It is an easy solution for me in terms of accepting payments. Recently, I decided to try out a Philippine Company called “PayMaya” in conjunction with my Paypal account. With PayMaya, I can easily transfer money from my Paypal account to my PayMaya debit card. With PayMaya I can also pay bills with my cellular phone and such. It is very convenient and saves a lot of “waiting in line” time when paying bills and other financial transactions.
Additionally, in this week’s Vidcast, I answer a viewer question from Jonathan. Jonathan has a problem because he
Have a look at my video and see what it is all about.
Do You Have a Question?
If you want to send a question for inclusion in a future Podcast, just use the app below, click on the button below, where it says “Start Recording”.
Questions submitted by email will no longer be answered, you must submit through the voice message above.
Thanks again for watching, everybody!
Hi Bob,
I like the intro and outtrow music you have been using recently. I use a 60 watt pioneer amplifier and UK Tannoy Speakers for most of my internet listening.
Thanks, Bob! I switched music a few weeks ago. I like it too! Glad that you do.
I’ve been using Xoom, an international money transfer service, and Paypal for several years. Sometime back, Paypal acquired Xoom, and the latter can now be accessed directly from Paypal’s site. Pretty convenient.
Yes, I have used Xoom as well, many times. This is a completely different animal though. I have a US Paypal account and a Philippine Paypal account. This PayMaya is used to transfer money from my Philippine Paypal account, which is the one I use for the majority of my Paypal transactions. Xoom would have no role for that account.
I might just give PayMaya a try.
I strongly believe in having as many options as possible to get to my money. In my years of being an expat I have had several times when one option would no longer work here or something of that nature. Having multiple choices is the most flexible way to go in my view. So far, I have had no complaints with PayMaya, although my use of their service has been only a short one so far. Today, two of my sons are setting up their own PayMaya accounts too.
The following does not apply in this case because the person mentioned a U.S. passport. There is a type of resident visa that does expire. People from countries that require a visa to enter the PHL as a tourist can only get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) when married to a PHL spouse. A TRV needs to be extended and will expire if not extended on time. The person would have to apply again for a TRV. http://www.immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-resident-visa/conversion-to-trv-by-marriage
Yes, Gary, you are exactly correct. When I was thinking out my answer, though, I was considering that he was an American Citizen, and as you say the TRV would not apply to him. Good thought though.