5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To The Philippines... 

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I can relate to that. Once they know you’re the “go to” person for borrowing money, it becomes a habit for them. I do help once or twice but only up to certain amount but on the 3rd time if they ask for $$$, no way!! They need to learn how to help themselves.

From someone who been to the Philippines MANY times, married to a Filipina going on 16 years. Learn to say NO!! If you are an impatient person, you will not like being in the Philippines. NOTHING get done fast here.

Mr. Evan, bad apples among Filipinos do it also in their own kind and not only Filipinos do that kind of thing but also other kinds of people. My husband and I host an exchange student from Vietnam and she told me about Vietnamese attitudes that makes their people shamed, and I told her that there are bad apples in every race. It is a human nature, so just be careful who you be friend with. stay safe and God bless.

It’s a good list. Honest and to the point. Those who can get mad at this video are the individuals who can’t handle the truth.

Been there 19 times I am ready for the big move next year. Philippines is amazing.

What I wish I would have known before coming to the Philippines was the bathroom situation. I had never left the U.S.A. before I find out that the toilet seat is missing off of every single toilet in the malls and that they don't have toilet paper in the stall (You are supposed to bring your own).

Evan, you nailed it! I'm sure you stepped on toes but I couldn't agree with you more. Yes, the #1 on the list is SOOOOOO true. The worst problem is the "can I borrow" and you know dare well, they will NEVER pay you back and they will TOTALLY forget they owe you and if they ask you again and you mention that they still owe you from before they take it as an insult. UNREAL!

Well said Evan! This information is very helpful to expats who could easily be taken advantage of.

Great list. I live in Makati and always have my bill separated when out with friends. I still see a lot of tables at restaurants where you see the foreigner picking up the entire bill for a table of mixed couples.

Outstanding advice and video, as always. Ty Savvy Expat!

Evan, this video is why I follow your channel. You tell the truth and don't sugar coat anything while not being caustic unlike a certain FB group that describing it as toxic would be very generous.

We have come across several moochers in my time in The Philippines. I have seen ladies take advantage of men. I have seen relatives try to take advantage of my Filipina wife's generous nature. The price of meat and some other food stuff seems to be close to that of our home city. Other food is much cheaper. International bank accounts are not that difficult to set up. Homebase... I will reserve going there. Safety sjould always be a high priority. Poverty takes something to get used to. I have been able to deal with the poverty issue, but it took some getting used to. The people and the beauty of the islands outweigh the negatives and you video was very honest. Thank you for sharing a dose of reality.

Thanks for the valuable and honest info! Much appreciated! 🙏🏼

Amazing video thank you so much for this content 👌🏾

Thanks for the honesty. You’re doing great!

Your content is on point, truly appreciate your honesty and credibility.

The issues that you talked about that I deeply understand and identify with .Do not asking where I came from to the US.haha .Your honesty will be respected by the vast majority of people.

You’re the man! Going to look more into BCG thanks you so I really appreciate it!

Evan, glad to see you back presenting again.

Dude, I love your videos. This video is a little different, but Keep them coming!

Great video, Thank you 🙏

Great job and great info, especially about not being the human atm for all!

How about just say NO? Nobody's obligated to acquiesce to any one.

Great content, I especially love the knowledge about an international card. I had no ideal. Salamat. I’ve been living here for a little over a month now. I’m from San Diego, Ca.

Great video, really well done!

Although I have seen comments on these negative topics in other videos, none were as objective and cruel as this one. Great video. I believe topic 1 is the most disappointing because it reaches your confidence and hope for a better life.

Nice Video Evan. Shout out on your next video. Love from Bulacan. ❤️❤️❤️

Good job on this one, Evan. I will definitely look into living in BGC...thanks.

Great wisdom and advice!

Always good info from TSE, thanks!!

My son never complained the traffic, humidity, beggars he just loves being there

It’s very helpful, thanks for sharing

You convince me that I was very lucky in having my beloved for years before I came there. He had set up the house I was renting for us in Sibonga. He was and is incredibly protective. I stayed for six months and while we helped with poverty stricken kids often (his family feeds many dozens at Christmas and gives out over a thousand kilos of rice divided into 10 kilo bags to the families and do other things as well), he never let me go anywhere alone, and even still, he left me looking at phones in the mall while he ran into a store to pick up something he needed, he wasn't gone 5 minutes and by the time he got back three people - two young women and a young man had tried hitting on me - and let me tell you, I am and always have been oblivious and I knew what they were doing - but, to their credit and the credit of the culture, the moment he came back and took my hand, they melted away. So I think you are giving out very good advice. It is also true that the poverty is grinding - you could see it in Cebu, if not as badly in the town we were or the town where his family is. Out in the country - the people at least have a place to live, there were homeless all over in Cebu, and I think they are trying there. I've been thinking of sending money to the big Roman Catholic orphanage there that is run by the Little Servants of Christ the King - and if we do not do it before we get him over here - we certainly will after he is here. I have to admit, no one from among his friends ever tried to take advantage of me - but to be fair, I love entertaining, so normally I cooked a meal and we invited them to come and share it, so that's somewhat different I guess. Thank you for what you do.

Thank you for being honest.

Thank you Evan, I really appreciate this video 👍

From my time abroad is that you run in to moochers in most of the developing countries outside the U.S.A. It really sucks, because I would think I was making friends with the locals and then after 15 minutes of fun conversation, they ask if I can give them some money.

Good content!

Damn he's on winter clothing in the Philippines! haha nice bro

Thanks for the honesty

Great video

Like your truthfulness

I would agree with all your observations. Seeing so many kids in poverty is very hard to get used to. BGC is very westernised, so as "nice" as it is, it's very different from the province. Ive lived in Cebu, a nice mix of developed and unspoilt, but if I was going back there I'd consider Batangas as its cooler and the beaches are near and somewhere like Santa Rosa has well developed green spaces but you can still get to MOA or the airport in an hour or so. Great video, I'll watch more. 👍

Great explanation video

Schwab and Fidelity have checking accounts with no foreign transaction and ATM fees worldwide.

My Filipino family protects me from scammers. I’m very grateful to them! Haven’t had any problem with moochers but I’m sure that’s an issue for most! Good vlog.

Its' been a while, but my agency sent me to Manila to observe and give training to the Filipino employees there. I arrived at the airport and a company driver took me to the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati where I was staying. The area around the Shangri-la was amazing, but when my driver picked me up to take me to work, I saw countless people literally living in cardboard houses and women would hold their babies up to the SUV window at every stop. I had never experienced such extremes in wealth. Unfortunately, I don't think it is better now.

Spot on! Harsh, rude, AND true. GB you dude.

Great channel

I just visited my family in Illinois and I was surprised of the 9% sales tax and 1.25%state tax!!! With the inflation and taxes, it's truly expensive 😢 can't wait to retire to the Philippines 😅😅😅

Good advice again Evan; my Filipina wife and I are considering Baguio for retirement- could you do a video on this? Thanks 😊

Ok bro,let's go...

Great 👍 content

Can personally relate !

Nice one 👍🇬🇧same in many countries asking for money I'm in Colombia

Phenomenal cost of living? Service, taxi and rent is cheaper. Actually alcohol too but that’s it. Meals are often half the size of US portions. Grocery stores are outrageous. Small rotisserie chicken 350 pesos. Same as NYC. Mango was a dollar each at Metro. Mango juice 120p a liter. The Philippines is the most expensive country in SEA. I still love it, and you can get good deals, nice resorts at a cheap price and SERVICE overall is cheap, but the prices of goods in the malls are often US prices. And don’t get me started with electronics… Malaysia, Vietnam and even Thailand is cheaper than the Philippines.

Thank you

Requesting a video on "how to" have a Maid, Driver and Cook (house help) on the payroll in the NCR.

hey Even....your previous video did not load into youtube

I make a good living as in the tech and research field. After the driver, cook and maid explanation…I’m thinking the Philippines may be my next destination for awhile. Lol

In 1973 I was a sailor and the first city I saw in the Philippines was Olongapo. I had never seen poverty before. Listening to you tell of the little girl with the baby brought it all back.

I am glad you brought up the sensitive issue of moochers. Unfortunately, I have had two LDRs with Filipinos and both turned out to be moochers. This has resulted in me being very guarded with any new friendships and being cynical about intentions unless proven otherwise.

Good vid. Are you wearing a fleece sweater? In the Philippines?

ive been and i found out just like you did and yes some of them will use you foe there own self and yet i am going back i learn to just not give and only then you will fine the good one just say no i will not they know how to make there own money so let them make there own way i have found thats the best way just say no and walk on and dont look back its not being mean do what you got to do ....

Sorry but your #1 is not exclusive to the Philippines. That exists everywhere in the world. Its a matter of knowing how to choose your inner circle. Its something that you have control of and highly avoidable. If anything that is on you and not the Philippines per se.

Moochers - this happens to everyone who are seen as "galante" or generous. just enforce the 'kkb' rule. that's 'kanya-kanyang bayad'.

Mr. Evan, I just watched the "Hello,United Philippines" vlog about the Philippines in the year 1974. Just a thought to suggest it to you to watch it because it interesting and it is spoken in English by the narrative.

The info you shared is invaluable. I feel much more confident about coming there now.

I hear you bro. My outlaws even charged me 1,000 pesos for picking me up at the airport. And their all time favorite quote when it come to pick up the bill is “next time bro”

It's a hard knock life for us 🎶🎵It's a hard knock life for us 🎶🎵🎶 You give to who ever you think is honestly asking and those who you think are scamming you stay away from. I know its difficult to tell but just use your better judgement and know in your heart that you have helped someone. Now if you keep seeing the same people always asking for money then just say no and move on. 🚫

The one thing that got me when I 2st went to the Pelepens was the little kids begging for money was so sad and how dirty certain areas were. But like anything you kinda learn to adjust.

You mentioned surfing, I’m curious about the Cloud 9/General Luna area. I’d love a bungalow on the beach. Is that safe and doable in that area?😅

Is it easy to set up a fourenor bank account to transfere money to

FACTS regarding the moochers! You need to learn to pick your friends wisely! If my "friend" asked me to spot them while out to eat, I would've told them sorry 🤷‍♂️ but if you couldn't afford to go out to eat or pay for your lunch, you should've never gone out to eat in the first place!

Wherever you go there are people taking advantage and poverty. Just have a look at the documentaries on poverty in the United States.

Filipinos think foreigners are rich but fail to realize that even though you make a lot more money overseas you also have very high expenses and taxes, leaving little disposable income.

Great information. The last time I came to the Philippines for a month with my wife, I had a budget but it did not count on her family. They all needed something and wanted to eat out at different restaurants. I am now working overtime to pay off the extra we spent. As far as moochers, they would be the non family members (family friends) which would show up at a restaurant or party and just expect for me to pay or feed them. Honest, not sure how to handle this but may retire to BGC and do not mind treating once in a while. But my wife has 7 brothers and sisters with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Any suggestions, please let me know for sure many foreign men married to a Filipino woman have had the same problem.

Great video, Evan. I could listen yo you for hours. 👏👌

To rent a motorbike what kinda license do you have to have. Or do you.

Good advice. Where were you in Subic that you got robbed? I'm in the Freeport zone and it seems safe with lots of security guards. Our building has cameras and a guard too.

I was born in the Philippines. Your right don't let. Them borrow money . We been helping our family. They never appreciate they want more. 😢 that's the sad. We still the bad guys. 😢

Not just a lot of moochers....all are liars and thieves. Thanks for doing what you've done. It's helpful!

My best friend growing up was from Philippines, I fell in love with his moms cooking and I loved his family. I wish I knew what happened to him as we got older.

Im filipino but grew up in the US my whole life (Im 40 years old)... I look like a local filipino, but I dont speak tagalog, I dress differently, I obviously have an accent and carry myself liker a westerner... and same thing happens to me when I am in the philippines... they automatically think I am rich and treat me differently. Most local filipinos dont realize most people in the US are broke lol. Maybe a different type of broke, but we definitely dont have as much money as they do. We are planning on buying a house in the philippines pretty soon for retirement and dealing with local agents, contractors, etc, definitely will be handled by my wife, who is also dual citizenship, and im sure we'll be taken advantage of to some extent. Just have to be savvy and be firm and let people know from the start, we arent rich.

People will take as long as you are willing to give

My son never been to the Philippines & I took him there recently & he loves it there & he never mentioned culture shock

This was one of your best videos. Do you have a video that goes in depth on the best strategies for banking? Transferring money from the States to the Philippines, How to avoid fees? Getting the best ex hange rate? Thanks.,

Was the flight to siargao a special deal?? I've never seen any for 50$ please tell how

Used to go at Malongo Atelier Barista for a coffee time 🤙🏽 my Fav 💯 , used to live at Burgos circle, BGC and I feel you Bruh 🥺 about being used and abused ATM, sad but true story 💯 🇵🇭

Hot guy! Good video!

Good advice about a safe home base. Thinking BGC or Cebu IT park, condos should be aafe enough. Figure I will just visit both and decide. Big dogs in the province might work like Tim K, but, foreigners are certainly a target for some bad people.

it's difficult to trust even your closest friends when it comes to money

Good job Evan telling us the truth… yeah smoothers, everywhere even in Christian churches fellowship, I just recently wise up and managing my own money now since my American husband passed almost four years ago. Maybe if I wasn’t so giving to family and friends it would have been less stress for my husband, although I took good care of him in so many areas of our lives I could have done better in the area of finances, still learning at the age of 64, my husband and I was married 42 years. Live in Philippines for 26 years.

I will cover a drink, but I will only cover a meal if it's the friend's birthday.

This happens in every part of the world the only difference is that it may seem more prevalent in countries like philippines because they beleive all americans are rich

Yes u r absolutely right, Iam not filippino Iam old the the reason many specially girls my mother, brother and other sick family have problems I been living in philippines since late 90s so I figured it out

Big Dog is it cold over there what's up with the patagonia

And what are the laws for a foreigner to protect ourselves from muggers or snatchers?

@The Savvy Expat. My question a little bit off topic. Can you buy/own land in Philippines?

Oh shit I’m from Chicago too. Moving to Eastwood city in Quezon City early October. Let’s link bro.