Which country for first in-person meeting

[Stevephoto 230]

I agree in principal with all of the commentators above: chances of her getting a tourist visa are slim to none; go meet her in the PI (you are potentially marrying a Filipina, so this is also a great chance to get to know her culture too). The chance of a scam is real, but to be honest, I (now) know a good number of Pinay-Kano couples and 99.99% (or more!) are honest, true couples with normal ups and downs. I started my crazy journey almost 4 and 1/2 years ago with a friend request on FB from Joan. My initial reaction was, "OK, you come here and we will check it out" I soon learned that that was not going to happen (no way for a tourist visa). To make a long story, I made four trips to the Philippines in about 12 months, brought her here on a K1 visa, and we are a month away from a very happy third wedding anniversary. Go to the Philippines. Manila sure is not my favorite, but you could meet her there and then go somewhere else. The Philippines has some of the most beautiful places in the world. Joan and I have been to Boracay (first trip), Bohol (second trip--and the "engagement" trip), Manila (3rd and 4th trips--4th trip was the "interview" trip where we canceled a a trip to Cebu to take care of the embassy stuff), and recently Zambales (with the family) and El Nido. Each trip has its special memories for us and for our family in the PI. Go. Embrace the Philippines and get to know your future wife on her turf. Best of luck to both of you.

[denali1022 26]

Be prepared to have a backup plan after you land in phil. I know two people that have flown there to meet someone they met online only to find that nobody was at the airport to meet them. Online scams are rampant and is viewed as a means of income now im sorry to say. Watch out for the "i live with my cousin and my neices and nephews" story as well. I hate to be a cynic but ive met so many people that have been burned. Even my fiance will warn you to be extremely careful with your money.

[Terapin 10]

Have to echo what others have said. Plan yourself a little vacation. Stay in Makati,do some sightseeing, buy a local sim card and call her. If she is real you can book a cheap flight on cebu pacific. Take it from there, take it slowly.

[Boiler 45,558]

Have to echo what others have said. Plan yourself a little vacation. Stay in Makati,do some sightseeing, buy a local sim card and call her. If she is real you can book a cheap flight on cebu pacific. Take it from there, take it slowly.

I agree with this, and if this one does not work out it will give you an opportunity to look around.

[Backpackers 19]

Definitely meet in the Philippines. If you do end up flying her to meet you in Cebu or Manila, you can book her airfare for her online. I recommend not sending cash.

If you consider flying her to another country, google "offloading Philippines".

[djw54 0]

meet her in manila, its safer there…and just be careful, know her deeper and try to go on video chat…sadly some can just be setting you up, hope i have not offended you

No offense taken. I do need to know her better. Posters have suggested Cebu as safer and nice place to visit. Thanks.

[djw54 0]

If you are worried about scams then definitely take your time and get to know her or any other person you meet.

Also, if she is desperate to come to the US then that may be the bigger goal rather than asking for a few bucks for you to send her every now and then.

It does seem that she is anxious to come to the US. She brings it up everyday. So far she mentioned that she will need some money to go to Manila for passport and visa. Thanks

[Boiler 45,558]

ROFL

Have you suggested she pays her own way?

[djw54 0]

Definitely meet in the Philippines. If you do end up flying her to meet you in Cebu or Manila, you can book her airfare for her online. I recommend not sending cash.

If you consider flying her to another country, google "offloading Philippines".

Good advice and thanks for "offloading" info. too.

[djw54 0]

ROFL

Have you suggested she pays her own way?

Have thought of this, but based on what she says about her financial situation she could not afford it. I don't have a problem with paying her airfare to Cebu or Manila, but definitely will not pay for a trip to the US until I have met here in person and things go well for us. Thanks

[Boiler 45,558]

She can not afford a trip, so how is she going to get a visa?

[djw54 0]

Be prepared to have a backup plan after you land in phil. I know two people that have flown there to meet someone they met online only to find that nobody was at the airport to meet them. Online scams are rampant and is viewed as a means of income now im sorry to say. Watch out for the "i live with my cousin and my neices and nephews" story as well. I hate to be a cynic but ive met so many people that have been burned. Even my fiance will warn you to be extremely careful with your money.

Wow. Yeah, she's said that she lives with her grand parents. She sent me a photo of herself with them, of course they could be just anybody. Going to be very cautious. Thanks

[djw54 0]

She can not afford a trip, so how is she going to get a visa?

I would have to pay for here visa process, but based on my gut and advice here, I've decided no-way I will pay to fly her here. I will pay for airfare to meet her somewhere in Phils. Thanks

[djw54 0]

Have to echo what others have said. Plan yourself a little vacation. Stay in Makati,do some sightseeing, buy a local sim card and call her. If she is real you can book a cheap flight on cebu pacific. Take it from there, take it slowly.

Good plan! Thanks

[djw54 0]

I agree in principal with all of the commentators above: chances of her getting a tourist visa are slim to none; go meet her in the PI (you are potentially marrying a Filipina, so this is also a great chance to get to know her culture too). The chance of a scam is real, but to be honest, I (now) know a good number of Pinay-Kano couples and 99.99% (or more!) are honest, true couples with normal ups and downs. I started my crazy journey almost 4 and 1/2 years ago with a friend request on FB from Joan. My initial reaction was, "OK, you come here and we will check it out" I soon learned that that was not going to happen (no way for a tourist visa). To make a long story, I made four trips to the Philippines in about 12 months, brought her here on a K1 visa, and we are a month away from a very happy third wedding anniversary. Go to the Philippines. Manila sure is not my favorite, but you could meet her there and then go somewhere else. The Philippines has some of the most beautiful places in the world. Joan and I have been to Boracay (first trip), Bohol (second trip--and the "engagement" trip), Manila (3rd and 4th trips--4th trip was the "interview" trip where we canceled a a trip to Cebu to take care of the embassy stuff), and recently Zambales (with the family) and El Nido. Each trip has its special memories for us and for our family in the PI. Go. Embrace the Philippines and get to know your future wife on her turf. Best of luck to both of you.

Wow! Thanks for sharing your journey and advice. I think you make an especially good point about learning the culture. Congratulations on your almost 3yr anniversary!!