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It appears the prices have gone up some too. When I went to extend last week it seemed that the cost was over a 1000php more than normal. There was any add ons like ACR or anything like that. I didn't question it because one way or the other you still have to pay if you want to play here.
I went to get my 6 month extension about a month ago. Tugeguerao office of BI. They were very nice, but only gave me 2 more months, because I got an extension at the airport in Manila. My card is ready for pick up, but it is 5 hours drive. I will go back and get my card, and apply for 6 months this time. It was 9000php this time, but I was assured that it would only be 4000php next time???Different rules in each town with a BI Corruption is still alive and well here. I have 4 boxes being held hostage in Manila by Foerx. They want 26000php to deliver???Anyone know how to report these people? I am sick of the corruption here. It is rampant!! The new President should look at the small businesses that steal from us Americans here. Nothing I can do but pay because I do not have an AK47???Sacalait
WHAT ARE ALLOWED IN “BALIKBAYAN BOXES”?Non-commercial goods or goods not in commercial quantity strictly for personal use only, such as: wearing apparel, clothing, foodstuffs/grocery items/canned goods; the value of which must not exceed US$500.00 and each sender is only allowed to send one (1) box during a six (6) month period.Canned goods, grocery items and household effects must not exceed a dozen of each kind, while apparel, whether used or new must not exceed 3 yards for each cut.Home appliances are not allowed unless these are consigned to returning Filipino residents and overseas workers.The US$500.00 amount as mentioned above is based on a conversion rate of $1=Php 7 or P3,500.00 when the Presidential decree from President Ferdinand Marcos was issued which is subsequently raised to P10,000.00 as mentioned by Customs Chief Alberto Lina in one of his TV interviews.For me, this amount is too obsolete compared to the prices of goods nowadays. ARE BALIKABAYAN BOXES TAXABLE?Balikbayan box is for shipping personal goods only and is not taxable with some amount limitations as mentioned above which is Php 10,000.00. Philippine customs may impose customs duty if they inspect your box and feel that your items are intended for resale. Electronic items and appliances are taxable. The recipient is responsible for paying customs duties.As quoted in ANC’s Headstart interview with the Customs Chief,“Overseas Filipinos can list the items and present it to a broker, which will present the list to Customs. Lina, however, noted that brokers and freight forwarders do not submit these lists to Customs “so they would not have to pay duties and taxes.”“[If you live abroad], you can bring anything but you will be taxed. There is no exemption. If you are a balikbayan with the intention of coming back to our country, with your passport and everything, like people who have studied abroad or returning OFWs, these are the only people given the privilege to bring in goods and that will not be taxed if the value of the goods is P10,000 and below,” he said.http://pinoy-canada.com/articles/allowed-balikbayan-boxes-supposed-taxed/
I went to get my 6 month extension about a month ago. Tugeguerao office of BI. They were very nice, but only gave me 2 more months, because I got an extension at the airport in Manila. My card is ready for pick up, but it is 5 hours drive. I will go back and get my card, and apply for 6 months this time. It was 9000php this time, but I was assured that it would only be 4000php next time???Different rules in each town with a BI
IMHO Lee you will always have the ones who will turn up their noses at the foreigner. All in all, I think the government realizes that foreigners in general (not only expats) spend a hell of a lot of money here. They understand they will be shooting themselves in the foot if they continue making it too hard on visitors.
I was in Cebu 6 months last year and this year, back home in May. We live in southern Cebu and driving to Cebu city to the BI is a strain on me. I prefer to put my clunker car on the 30 minute ferry to Dumaguete. The BI there is getting crowded now and you must return in the afternoon to complete your visit. What can be done in Cebu city at the BI can not be done in the Dumaguete office..................go figure ! Third world country is so true. I wish I knew why it is so difficult to understand a simple thing, ie... Common Sense is UNCOMMON ! After 6 months there, I can not wait to get back to the US. Snow falls I come back to the Philippines !
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Topic: New long stay 6 month visa (Read 15144 times)
