It’s another episode of the Expat Answer Man Podcast today! I am happy to see you back here again, and I hope you enjoy the episode. Today is episode 8 of the Podcast, so we are really getting into the swing of things now, and I hope you have been enjoying the show and finding useful information. I have been enjoying doing it, and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from listeners, and also a few “constructive criticism” type comments as well, but those help me make improvements in the show!
Let’s get started!
What should I bring?
Bill called in today with a question for me, and it was nice to hear from him again. Bill’s question is on that I have heard dozens of times over the years, and it is a good one. Bill was wondering what kind of things he should bring with him when he moves to the Philippines. This would include thing that he might carry with him on the plane, and also bigger, heavier things that would be good to put in a Balikbayan Box and ship over for his use in the Philippines.
Well, the answer to that question today is much different than it was when I moved here, because 15 years have passed since I have been here, and a lot more things are readily available in the Philippines now compared to back when I moved here. There are still a number of things, though, that might be hard to find in the Philippines. Give the podcast a listen and see if you agree with my suggestions. Why not leave a comment below as well to make your own suggestions of things that might be handy for Bill to bring with him to the Philippines.
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Thanks again for listening, everybody!
Due to connection problems this is the first podcast I have been able to listen to.
Enjoyed it very much.
Thanks, LeRoy, I appreciate that.
Bob i am American married to a Filipina.
We are planning to move to the Philippines when my wife gets her citizenship here in the us. I do need information on paper work about living in the Philippines. Is there a email we can keep in touch with?
Thank you
Paul and Mary Woodard
Hello Saint,
Up at the top of each page on this website on the menu bar there is a link that says Contact Us. You can send me an email using that link. When you get my response you will have my email address. 🙂
Hey, what is the deal with this? I come on here every now and then to add a comment, but yet I never see it published. Have I been banned from this site? Or is there a setting that I am not using to prevent my comments from appearing in my browser?
Hi Chris – It is possible that you made some attack on somebody in the past or something, which could get you blacklisted. I don’t know why that happened. I have approved this comment, though, and if you refrain from leaving attacks and such your comments will continue to be approved. It’s all up to you.
Take care.
There are two major pharmacy chains that I remember from my visits that you may wish to check out are Rose Pharmacy and Mercury Drugs. I am not sure if they have websites but you can try a web search. One item that is sold in the UK and PH is Paracetamol ( not sure of exact spelling ) . Many here in the USA have never heard of it. After researching for quite some time I have been told it is the same as the primary active ingredient in Tylonol. It is an over the counter item but follow dosage instructions carefully. There may be other over the counter and prescription medications that are the same thing with a different name. Some hospitals in PH may also have in-house pharmacies accessable by the public.
From my experience on my visits concerning PC, Laptop etc. Yes I found things that I compared to USA equivalents to be more expensive because much of it is sold by small independent shops who Custom assemble PC’s to your requirements. There does not seem to be the abundance of factory made PC’s as there are here in the USA. Also they do not come with built in OS as store bought PC’s here in the USA usually come with. Laptops I believe do come with factory installed OS.
I feel one of the reasons for the somewhat higher prices is that there is not the fierce competition and huge retailers running specials, sales etc like there is here in the USA, especially major on-line retailers.
Hi Bob – On the pharmacies, yes, Rose and Mercury are the big chains. However, they are also the expensive places to buy drugs. If you can get it at Generics Pharmacy, it is much cheaper, and in many cases I am talking 90% less. So, the savings is very significant.
But, certainly Mercury and Rose are good places to get drugs, I mean the quality is high and such.
Watsons and Mercury are the big ones in Manila area. A lot of Generic brand shops in corners that you would not expect.
One issue to check for, found out that Mercury (am sure others as well) was selling expired medicines. Make sure to check the expiration date. Sometimes its hard to tell cause they sell it individually, so check the blister pack/box it came from.
Hi Don – It is a good tip to tell people to check expiration dates. I am lucky that I have never experienced that problem, but I have heard of others who got expired medication when they purchased it. Great tip, and I appreicate you bringing that up.
I agree with you Bob, I have heard nothing but great things about the Generics Pharmacy chain since first reading about it a few years ago. I was going to take a look at the Iligan branch on my last visit but they were no longer in the Gaisano Mall and I believe they are now in a non-mall location there. Did not have time to persue that one further. I mention the other two major chains as additional sources where things may be available in some areas where Generics is not.it would not surprise me if many medications name brand, generic etc sell for less there than they do in the USA.
Hi Bob – They currently have two branches in Iligan! I have been using them for the past 10 years or so, and have always been happy with their quality of medicine and their service too.
The Generics Pharmacy actually has a good business plan. Minimal capital needed to start a franchise. If I was moving here and wanted to brick & mortar business, would really consider it since its a necessity for a lot of people. Of course its all about the location.
You are right on that. The pharmacy business is really a great business in the Philippines. A consumable item that is universally needed, as ling as you locate a good location, you should have a winner!
Bob,
Once again! You didn’t disappoint! I can’t thank you enough for the valuable information provided. I packed much of what you talked about, but unfortunately, still waiting on my boxes though. haha
I did end up buying the laptop and bringing over tools as you suggested. I’m glad I took your advice. Thank you!
Bill
You are always welcome, Bill! I am glad that the advice was accurate in your eyes!
Very much so!! Thanks again!
Thank YOU, Bill.