biggles

I have read various TR saying that a lot of the BG in PP don't go, just want drinks. Not sure if this still applies, but be wary. 

Just a heads up for those flying to the Philippines You apply on line, it's free, earliest is 72 hours before your flight. Use the Govt web site, not a scam, charging site. 

Lots of questions, and you need to upload proof of vaccine shots and booster. Take a photo of your proof and download to phone gallery. They send u a QR code, and an approval page (both Yellow) Screen shot these also as you don't get an email. You can't check in without them. 

If you have to complete this at the airport you will be fine as long as you have the pics of the QR code and approval page. Most airports have free wifi. 

At NAIA Everyone, except transit, has to queue for BOQ before immigration. Long queues on Sunday, if you are 60+ tell them, priority queue. Show the QR code on your phone, they confirm on line, then off to immig. 

We always keep our tatty 20 peso notes and the GF gives them to the trike drivers. 

Perfectly true, my partner hasn't heard from her ex, who left her for another 18 years ago. She consulted several attorneys in Angeles city, within the last 2 years, and was quoted 150,000pp+ and around 18 months+ wait

Philippines is apparently the only predominantly catholic country that does not allow divorce. Duterte talked about changing it before he was elected but I guess the church and the lawyers got to him

Been there twice, last time with a group of Filipinas. They loved it, a great place for selfies. 

Yes, if the wind blows the smoke across the track it's impossible to see 

They usually waive the Day 1 fee but charge 1,000 baht if 2 days over. 

Well, this discussion was definitely not what I expected! For the record tho, never been a bottom 😁

The Thai public are very scared of Covid still especially after all the anti foreigner rhetoric. Govt wants to show they are being protected and proof of vaccination of the 'dirty farangs' achieves this. They may scrap it after they have been re elected! 

Yes, Thai pass doesn't ask for a copy of your ticket, only a flight number. Seems they don't cross check with the airline. 

17 hours ago, Bazle said:

and can make sure people have medical insurance, something they have long wanted.

No, it only requires you to have COVID cover. I am 76, with CV ins but not general travel insurance and I got mine. 

Some years ago my son, a Queensland resident, took me to a croc farm near Cairns. The highlight of the visit was when Mick, a rather chubby handler, rode the huge Salt water croc around the cage. Something you don't see too often

Yes, and if you drop below the 800/400k to pay a hospital bill you can be refused your retirement extension.! 

After 20+ years of travel and always being insured, at 76 travel insurance for a holiday has become unavailable/too expensive. I am in good health and have a very healthy bank balance so I'll be 'self-insuring' on my less frequent trips now. 

19 hours ago, Sangsom said:

It’s insane the number of tight arses that travel without it.

Perhaps a lot of them are too old to qualify? 

Leaving the head in can make you very sick so has to be done carefully

Nice one. One tip I will add if I may. On the first upload, passport page, I got Network Error. After trying for 2 days with no joy, I sought BM help. 

One BM advised to try another phone or a desk top. I have a Huawei Y9 but GF has an I8. Used her phone and each upload worked first time. Hope this helps someone else. 

9 hours ago, Golfingboy said:

So I’m actually hoping it will be long enough that all these conditions like insurance are dropped

The Covid insurance is very easy. I am 76 and it was only 650 baht for a month, 1050 baht for two. Took me 10 minutes to complete the on line form and cert back very quickly. Uploaded it for my Thai Pass and accepted. 

Partner and I arrive 10th July for 30 days. It's been 26 months and we have been paying rent on our room all this time. Going to let it go now, send personal stuff back to RP. A casual monthly stay is the same rate, without the need to use it. 

I did the Thai pass for us both a few days ago, not very IT savvy but pretty quick and easy. Took about 15-20 minutes to complete, 4 documents to upload and the pass and QR in around 1 hour. 

One problem I will mention, may help others. I have a Huawei Y9, great phone. Kept getting 'network error' and no progress. Sought help on forums and then tried using GF I6 and it worked perfectly first time. 

I never realized that it was  compulsory for people to race at the TT. I thought all the entrants knew the risks and accepted the danger. Many sports where people have died, same logic, they knew the risks and accepted them

Unfortunately no divorce in the Phillipines but foreigners can get a divorce overseas that is recognized in the Philippines.

An "dissolution" (Annulment) of the marriage is possible in the Philippines tho. This is an expensive and time consuming scam run by the church and the lawyers and can take upto 3 years. 

Just read that a Thai man has been arrested. 

Karon Steve, that was a great movie 

Maipenrai, pretty close. It's the first Nissan Sylvia, to me one of the nicest looking model Silvia they produced. My wife fell in love with it. 

A clue, I owned, and drove it, for 2 years in Australia, around 45 years ago. . Needed more space. A good guess. Not a Lancia, tho it looks like one. NO CHEATING! 

OK, I owned one of these a long time ago, a really nice looking car. WITHOUT Cheating, who knows what it is?