Book a Consultation Call w/ Evan
https://calendar.app.google/AhraDquCnW7NVDzd8

Moving to BGC: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Relocation
https://www.thesavvyexpat.com/

FREE Guide For Moving to BGC, Philippines
https://dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/50a886fbc8

Timestamps:

0:00 The MOST IMPORTANT Thing To Live in The Philippines…
0:31 What is an ACR Card?
1:58 Who is Required to Obtain an ACR Card?
3:31 How To Apply For an ACR Card
7:30 God Bless

Current sub count: 32,729

Subscribe To Our Newsletter:
https://dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/50a886fbc8

Join Our BGC Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099556403572621/

Business Inquiries:
evan@thesavvyexpat.com

Tags:

Retirement in The Philippines, Moving To The Philippines, ACR Card, Moving To The Philippines, Foreigners in The Philippines, First Time in The Philippines, First Impressions in The Philippines, Philippine Visas, Philippines,

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty”

– John 6:35

50 Comments

  1. Thanks for this informative video. I do have a suggestion for a future video. I’m afraid it might be a bit sad or morbid, but how does one bring the remains of a loved one back to the Philippines? I think this is a situation that occurs quite frequently. I find myself in this situation now. My mother passed away in March in the US and her final wish was to have her ashes returned and placed with my dad in our hometown church in the Philippines. She and I were born in the Philippines but we have been US citizens (not dual) for many years. We visit our family now and again but we essentially live in the US. What is the process to bring home cremated remains? What paperwork is needed? Where do you get this? What happens at the airport between departure in the US and the arrival in the Philippines? Thanks for considering this suggestion.

  2. Regarding the tourist variant of the ACR card, you don't actually apply for it as such. You just get one by default (unless you already have one that is still within its 1 year validity period) at your second tourist visa extension. It's relatively pointless and is really just a money making scheme for the BI. Old ones are handy for giving to hotel or subdivision security guards who insist on holding your ID when you drive in as a visitor. Evan's comments really only apply to the resident variant of the card. Note also his comments about attire certainly apply to DFA offices (where locals have to go for their passport applications), but don't apply to any BI office I have been to where shorts are fine (including Intramuros and SM Aura). Also, never print the web version of the form in advance. The form version on the web site is rarely the current one and you'll be provided with another and have to copy everything over to it. Note also that the ACR card (tourist variant) is always done immediately and is usually ready within the hour (ymmv at other BI offices – go to SM Aura where they are fast, efficient and courteous – give Intramuros a big swerve). Note also that an ACR card is not needed to enter as a Balikbayan, and indeed you won't need an ACR card at all for a whole year (and 59 days) in that case. Evan is clearly in the country as a resident rather than tourist, so excuse his lack of insight into tourist ACR cards 😉

  3. “ You need to dress appropriately “. This neatly encapsulates the mindset of Philippines bureaucrats. Time to remind these jumped-up clerks that the citizens are sovereign and pay their salaries.
    Why insist on cash? Easy. It’s easier to steal

  4. Great video as per usual bro. I certainly would like to see more videos about these topics in the future. Question for you: what video editing software do you use to make your videos? I am visiting Cebu in Sept and will be starting my own youtube channel about travels. Thanks in advance and looking forward to your next one.

  5. It would also be very helpful if you can recommend the best Bureau of Immigration to obtain the ACR card. That will be the BI at SM Aura. The head office of BI in Manila is chaotic. The BI office in SM Aura is far far better.

  6. What about the Balakbayan privilage? I'm married to a Filipina and can stay up to one year (with showing proper paperwork). Would I still need an ACR card? Thanks

  7. Very good information. I would love to see a video on how secure the condo buildings are in BGC. How do you enter your building in BGC? I lived in NYC 20 years ago and no one not living in my building would make it past the door man or security. Now, most NYC high-rise apartments have elevator key-cards for security. I am not sure how the buildings like Uptown Ritz and others are able to control people coming in and out with most places renting short term through Airbnb. With new people coming and going daily, it would be impossible to know everyone living in a 45 floor building.

  8. Something else I came across the other day that no one else has talked about, and goes along with the ACR Card, since that is one of the requirements for this.

    Annual Report for Foreign Nationals: Annual Reports are something that every foreigner living in the Philippines has to go through. It’s done within the first 60 days of the calendar year. If you don’t comply, you will risk losing your visa or deportation.

  9. there are two types of ACR cards for foreigners: Temporary & Permanent. ONLY the Permanent gives priveledges to open bank account, and apply for driving licence. The temporary doesn't; I know, as I tried to open a bank account and apply for driving licence with my Temporary ACR card, wasn't permitted!

  10. So what if no text. I did all this june 26th. No text msg yet. Does it take a few months? It cost me 13,400 pesos for acr and 6 month extension here in cebu just fyi.

  11. Very informative videos, congratulations young man.
    My question is…..how easy can a senior female come to retire in the Philippines and which province would you suggest?

  12. Does card have an expiration date? And if I leave the Philippines for let's say a year is the card still valid or do I need to get a new one? Thank you for the great videos

  13. I have my acr card for tourist I tried to open a bank account but they wouldn't let me open one any recommendations for a bank that will let me

Leave A Reply