A comprehensive expat setup guide covering visa requirements, immigration steps, banking, money access, safety, security, and essential tasks to complete before and upon arrival in the Philippines.
Expat Setup Essentials: Everything You Must Complete Before or Immediately Upon Arrival
Relocating to the Philippines is an exciting transition, but a smooth start requires completing several essential steps before departure and within your first days in the country. This guide consolidates the core requirements every expat must handle: visas and immigration, banking and money access, safety and security, and foundational setup tasks.
Pre‑Arrival Essentials
Before boarding your flight, ensure you have completed the following mandatory and recommended preparations.
Visa & Immigration Pre‑Arrival Requirements
Understanding your visa category and preparing the correct documents is the first step toward a successful relocation.
Determine Your Visa Type
- Tourist Visa (Visa‑Free Entry) — Many nationalities can enter visa‑free for 30 days. Check your eligibility.
- Long‑Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) — For extended stays beyond 30 days.
- 13A Resident Visa — For expats married to Filipino citizens.
- Retirement Visa (SRRV) — For retirees under the Philippine Retirement Authority.
- Work Visa / Special Work Permit — Required for employment or contract work.
Prepare Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return/onward ticket (if required)
- Proof of financial capacity
- Supporting documents for work, marriage, or retirement visas
- Digital and printed copies of all documents
Immigration Expectations Upon Arrival
- Arrival card submission
- Biometric capture (for certain visas)
- Passport stamping
- Verification of onward travel (for visa‑free entries)
Money & Banking Setup Before Arrival
Access to money is essential from day one. Prepare your financial tools ahead of time.
Notify Your Home Bank
Inform your bank of international travel to avoid card blocks.
Prepare Multiple Payment Methods
- Primary debit card
- Backup debit/credit card
- Digital wallet (GCash or Maya can be set up later)
- Emergency cash (USD recommended)
Understand Philippine Currency Basics
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Common denominations: ₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500, ₱1000
Initial Cash Needs
Expect to spend on:
- Transportation
- SIM card
- Food and water
- Temporary accommodation
Arrival Essentials (First 24–72 Hours)
Once you land in the Philippines, complete these tasks immediately to ensure safety, connectivity, and legal compliance.
Immigration & Visa Compliance
Passport Stamping & Entry Validation
Ensure your passport is stamped correctly with the right number of days.
Visit the Bureau of Immigration (If Required)
Some visa categories require:
- Biometrics
- Additional documentation
- Early registration
Schedule Visa Extensions
Tourists staying beyond 30 days must schedule an extension.
Money, Banking & Financial Setup
Withdraw Initial Cash
Use ATMs from major banks:
- BPI
- BDO
- Metrobank
- Security Bank
Open a Local Bank Account (If Eligible)
Requirements vary but often include:
- ACR I‑Card
- Passport
- Proof of address
Set Up Digital Wallets
GCash and Maya are widely used for:
- Transportation
- Groceries
- Bills
- Online purchases
Safety & Security Essentials
Your safety is a priority during your first days in the Philippines.
Immediate Safety Steps
Secure Your Belongings
- Use hotel safes
- Keep passport and cards in a secure pouch
- Avoid displaying valuables
Choose Safe Transportation
- Airport taxis
- Grab
- Hotel transfers
Stay Aware of Common Scams
- Overcharging taxis
- Fake tour guides
- ATM skimming
Health & Emergency Preparedness
Related Guides
Know Emergency Numbers
- Police: 911
- Fire: 911
- Medical: 911
Identify Nearby Hospitals
Locate the nearest:
- Public hospital
- Private hospital
- 24/7 clinic
Prepare Basic Health Supplies
- Medicines
- First‑aid kit
- Hydration salts
Additional Arrival Setup Tasks
Beyond visas, banking, and safety, complete these tasks to settle comfortably.
SIM Card & Connectivity
Related Guide
- SIM Card & Connectivity Guide
Buy a Local SIM Card
Providers:
- Globe
- Smart
- DITO
Register Your SIM (Mandatory)
Provide:
- Passport
- Personal details
Accommodation Setup
Related Guides
- Cost of Living in the Small-Town vs City Prices for Traveler
- Cost of Living in Small-Town Vs City Prices for Expats
Short‑Term Stay
Choose reputable hotels or serviced apartments.
Long‑Term Housing Search
Refer to the Housing & Rentals Guide for:
- Lease requirements
- Typical rental prices
- Neighborhood recommendations
Transportation & Getting Around
Learn Local Transport Options
- Jeepneys
- Buses
- MRT/LRT (Metro Manila)
- Grab
- Ferries (for island travel)
Understand Local Driving Rules
If planning to drive:
- Convert your foreign license
- Learn local road etiquette
Related Guides
Explore the full Visitor & Expat Information Hub Silo:
- Visa & Immigration Guide
- Money, Banking & ATMs
- Safety & Security Guide
- Travel Essentials
- Housing & Rentals Guide
- Transportation & Getting Around
Start Your Expat Journey Confidently
Your move to the Philippines becomes significantly easier when you complete these essential steps before and upon arrival. Use this guide as your foundation, then explore the linked resources to fully prepare for life in the Philippines.