So Much Easier Than the Expat Forums Say
If you spend some time in expat Facebook groups or forums, you might think living in the Philippines means endless waiting lines, confusing bureaucracy, and constant “mañana” delays.
Well, after my first three weeks in Davao City, I can tell you – that’s not what I’ve experienced at all. In fact, many things here turned out to be way easier than I expected.
✈️ Visa Extension – Done Online in Minutes
One of the first things I had to handle was my first visa waiver. I was ready for paperwork and long queues at the immigration office. Surprise – I did the whole thing online. Filled out the form, paid the fee with my Revolut card, and that was it. Smooth and simple. No office visit, no lines, no stress.
💳 GCash & Maya – The Future of Payments in the Philippines
Everyone talks about GCash, and it’s definitely useful. But here’s something many people don’t mention: you need an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) for full access to all features, like receiving larger payments or sending money.
Since my ACR I-Card is still in process (I’ll get it in mid-December), I looked for an alternative – and found Maya.
It’s basically the same kind of service, but the great thing is: foreigners can sign up with just their passport.
A few minutes later, I had my own verified Maya account. Now I use it to pay bills, top up my phone, and even handle online payments.
👉 Pro tip: Skip the waiting game and set up your Maya account today. It takes less than 10 minutes, and you can start paying, transferring, and shopping right away.
➡️ Sign up for Maya here and get started instantly!
⚡ Fiber Internet Installed the Same Day
I ordered fiber internet in the morning, and by the afternoon, the technician was already at my door.
Installation took about an hour, and I was online before dinner.
The first bill I paid in cash directly to the installer (which is still pretty common here), but from the next month on, I’ll be paying through Maya – fast and hassle-free.
🏦 Opening a Bank Account – 100% Online!
The biggest surprise came during my third week.
On October 18, 2025, I applied for a BDO savings account online. I uploaded a photo of my passport and a quick selfie holding it.
A few days later, I completed the verification via MS Teams video call with a BDO representative – and boom 💥, I had my Philippine bank account and debit card!
No branch visit, no waiting for hours, no piles of paperwork. Just smooth, digital onboarding.
🌅 Final Thoughts – Davao Makes It Easy
Looking back, I’m honestly impressed at how smoothly everything worked out.
In just three weeks, I went from living in a small provincial house to having:
✅ my visa extension done,
✅ a working Maya account,
✅ high-speed fiber internet, and
✅ an active local bank account.
So if you’re reading all those horror stories online, take them with a grain of salt.
Yes, the Philippines has its quirks, but here in Davao City, things are modern, digital, and surprisingly efficient.
💡 Quick Tip for Digital Nomads & New Arrivals
If you’re planning to stay longer in the Philippines:
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Extend your visa online (it really works!)
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Open a Maya account with your passport
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And don’t stress about the small stuff – most things here just work
Ready to make your life easier in the Philippines?
👉 Get your Maya account now and go cashless from day one!
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