Retiring in the Philippines is a big decision in life. Some of us may not be prepared for it and there’s a lot of circumstances which we need to consider. Rest assured, Philippines is such an amazing country to live in.
My husband and I lived in the Philippines for three years and what I can tell anybody who plans to retire there is - ADAPT - like everywhere else in the world. He learned to love our lifestyle there and believe it or not that's where we're headed in 18 months.....for good.
there is only one way to say this. ADAPT. that's the key. you can go anywhere in this world. even if it's Antarctica or the Sahara Dessert. just remember you have to adapt to the changes. if you are the kind of person who wants the world to adapt to you, then don't go anywhere else than where you are living right now.
You are absolutely correct. Had a tried another area, maybe there may have been less encounters. The maintenance record at my condo is horrible. I guess I may have pay extra in order to get work resolved here. I not sure if that would have gotten my water leaks in the condo resolved. When someone in charge tells me they are going to have an no skilled maintenance workers in my condo building. So paying extra money is not something I would attempt at this gated community.
When the administration office states that an engineer will address the problem of a toilet leaking water. I know I needn't to pack my suitcase and move. I have laugh..
Hi Paul in my opinion Iloilo is the best place to retire. It is a great location for everything. House rent between P6k($111)2 bedroom-20k(374) 3 bedroom)around in the city but if you want outside in the city is way more cheaper. Also farming, hardware and real estate like condos and apartment, and buy and sell is the best business i can recommend. I am native from Iloilo and currently living in Virginia USA. Iloilo City is safest place to live. My husband loves Iloilo. Planning to retire in Iloilo after our children graduate in high school.
Its very common the blackout in the Philippines especially in the province area. But normally we used to it. It takes only a few hours. But there is some option. We used generator if you live outside the city or solar panel for $400 for every 2 panel to be intalled.
I am so glad Miss Pea had you on as a guest speaker! Now I am subscribed to your channel and appreciate you insight into life in the Philippines! I just returned from 4 weeks and I learned so much also! I cannot wait to get back there and learn some more.
What I've learned from living as foreigner here in Mexico and also in Thailand is to be adaptable and flexible in order to be content . What's great about getting to live in a different culture is to see and experience first hand how the local people live and adapt in order to live. I have friends here in Mexico that live on $400 a month or even less and they work hard and still somehow manage to survive and enjoy their lives. I think that they compensate for their hard life, and economic situation with relationships with family and friends. I'm sure the same is true there in the Philippines and I look forward to seeing what it's like to live there. I think if you can appreciate the people and I feel a sense of awe that I'm seeing and living in a place with so much history and that many Americans will never see.
Great vlog Paul,from another Paul.Your information Will save a lot of people ..if they heed the invaluable advice. I am also thinking of heading there...probably to Davao.Currently in The south of Thailand.Been here 6 years,so fairly experienced with a lot of the issues...patience being a huge one.The infrastructure between the 2 countries is worlds apart.I have visited Philly numerous times,and know I would adapt.Hopefully do the move sometime this year.Maybe buy you a coffee sometime. :)
Well done, helpful video. Perspective, indeed. Paul, you are a great guy. Smart and very genuine. Because of this, I see you growing your channel immensely. Good luck, kind sir, I root for you.
Great advice Robert. I lived in Thailand from 2006 to 2014 and foreigner food is rare there as well. McDonalds the fries taste like fish because they fry it in the same oil as the McFish. Three places to eat were Burger King, Sizzler and rare find Hooters. KFC is there but doesn’t taste the same. Blackouts were real in Thailand but maybe once a quarter. Excellent internet. I had a business in Thailand and wasted a large amount of money. Land of smiles sure but land of knives and tea money with business. I’m looking forward to moving to the Philippines to retire and appreciate your videos. God bless
@@PaulWorldZoom Hey Paul! Apologize for calling you Robert you remind me of a friend I have in the states. Yes it was almost an American salad bar. LOL
Very honest observation. You mentioned several things that would be very hard to adapt to. Noise would be an issue for me, as would be the dangerous traffic problems, and the power outages. Good job.
I live in Ortigas and Western products are available in most major supermarkets. Rustan's Supermarket has high quality Sourdough and German style bread baked in-house and European cheeses. There is also fresh milk in a bottle, plastic containers or cartons
Thanks for the great information good video. The long lines I compare to my license branch in the US low number on the board high number in your hand. Keep up the good work
Thanks Jim, it really isn’t that bad but makes for a fun story. The grocery, however is irritating. I have been customer watching and making up back stories to keep myself entertained 😜👍
Paul, we appreciate you being a straight shooter with us about the Philippines because you may have saved us from a grave mistake. I was considering retiring there in a couple of years with my Filipina wife but with my personality, it might be a better choice to visit rather than stay.
Hey Horace, I would never want to be the guy that dissuaded you from trying the Philippines. I see you were/are a US Marine, thank you. Since you were a Marine adaptation is built into your character. You would be fine here. Past US Navy myself
@@PaulWorldZoom Marines are trained to Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome so we might just give it a try. Also, I would like to thank you for your service, Sailor.
Philippines is not adjusting to your needs. Foreigners should be the one to adjust because your living here. Its just like we go to your country we adjust but we dont complain. We are contented to this simple life.
My gray - white hair gives me away. Ive been approached when waiting in lines at the airport, at malls(lines awaiting taxis),etc. and sent to the front of the line. Almost embarrassing, but I'll accept it! Everywhere I go I am referred to as 'sir' or 'po'. In addition, my wife has a senior ID card which gives her a govt. funded 20% discount at many places, including groceries, taxis, busses, tricycle rides hotels and restaurants. Most also grant me the same discount!
Another excellent post. These folks have enough stress in their daily existence and don't need extra by rushing around. Relax. You'll adjust to the weather in a few weeks. Make eye contact, give a genuine smile and show thanks... even for the smallest gesture.
Mate saw your interview on the philipina pea and loved it. Really enjoyed your opinions and experience. I'm from Australia and looking to retire in Asia (was Thailand), and will be travelling around to have a proper look now. Definitely more options now. Really appreciate your time and knowledge. Very grateful 🙏👍👍
I 100% agree with you! I live in Florida and love hot weather been to philippines a lot not sure exactly where I want to live there! Dumagette so far is very nice lot to do. Iloilo I think traffic is better but and organized but nothing to do there being single but love the philippines people. Manila to crazy for me. Never been to Cebu but Dumagette so far is nice. I have small retirement 1300 so difficult to make final jump lol
I'm glad you are addressing the issues in the Philippines. I own a condo in Q.C. I arrived here on Nov. 4th 2022. It's march 2nd. I'm ready to go back to the USA. Too many obstacles for me personally. Although filipinos are wonderful people. Do your research before arriving here. Bring lots of cash.. you're going to need it.
Paul excellent content. Looking forward to my boots on the ground in September for 28 days. See if I can scratch the surface or peel back a layer of that onion called the Philippines. I will pack that extra bag… Patience. Always hitting the like button before listening lol so much reason and common sense spoken by you Paul.But this one got me to subscribe🇨🇦
Hey Paul, Great Informative video like usual, keep it up! If somebody wants to live as close to a western lifestyle as possible, I think they will have to live in the Manila area. Even Cebu doesn't have all of the western restaurants that there are in Manila. But you have to pay for it in both increased cost and traffic. And even in Manila you will still get the standard "Out of Stock, Po". And it's IMPOSSIBLE to stay away from chickens unless you live in a condo. Even in some of the nicer gated communities in Manila there are roosters.
Hello Paul. I also found your channel after watching your interview with Pea. Question about the noise as unfortunately, it is a pet peeve of mine especially at night... Are there any quiet(er) areas away from Karaoke, dogs, roosters and loud mufflers? Maybe a subject for a future video? Thank you for your VLOGS.
Thanks Chris, that would be a good video. I think condominiums would be a great option. Larger condominium complexes have a large footprint so the noises, roosters and dogs, and motorcycles are further away. If you can get a high floor that would be better In the province much less options beside an air conditioner and fan very close to mask outside noise. Thanks
A lot depends upon where you live. I have no problems living here. I reside in the suburbs of a city about 2 hours from Manila. My wife and I were together for 5 years before we relocated to the Philippines. We own a few properties, have a decent income and live a comfortable life. We have no problems with the power supply, there is not a lot of noise - less so than in Hong Kong or any major city for that matter. I personally have had no problem in sourcing foodstuffs, we have no issues with power supply or internet connection or anything else really. We own a coffee shop/restaurant as well as a sari-sari store, but we spent a lot of time considering the location. They are both profitable since they are located within 200m of a hospital. You are spot on when you say if you don't have cash, don't come. Our family income is around USD3000 pcm and we have substantial savings which means we can take holidays and generally treat ourselves to anything we want. I had a great life living in Hong Kong. It is a very modern city with all the amenities and facilities one could hope for. Unfortunately, Hong Kong is an unforgiving and expensive place to live. If you don't have a decent income you will not live well, which ,means that you need to work constantly. As suchI lacked the balance between work and leisure. I reckon that moving to the Philippines has added another 10 years to my life!
Wow, I really loved this comment. You covered all the great points. Congratulations on your success and life. Sounds fantastic. I too spent 2 long years in Hong Kong. My 1 bedroom, 23sq meter apartment was $3000 US monthly in 2010
If you own property in HK it is a cheap place to live. Mortgage rate was 0.48% to 0.68% from 2003 to 2010. Even after the interest rate hikes in the past two years our variable mortgage rate is only 2.65%. People that rent in HK say the place is expensive but people that own think the opposite
I used to have a good internet connection on my mobile (Cell phone) to use as a backup (tether / hotspot) in case of power outages or when working at a place with no WiFi. This was working online in Thailand where power outages are rarer (but still happen in the rainy season) and the 4g/5g is better and cheaper there but I'm guessing you could still make it work for emergencies in PH too
That is what most students use. They don’t have Internet at home. They buy load then in Globe telco line, they dial *143# then enroll in unli surfing promo. Connect the laptop and smartphone (pairing of devices; turn on mobile data and hotspot on the smartphone). Voila! You have Internet access even during brownouts.
Hi Paul, I appreciate your perspective of the way life is there in Dumaguete. Back in 1994 I resided in Cebu City for 1 year but in all fairness I was out of the country for most of that up in Norway earning a living offshore. My Filipina wife and I plan on visiting Dumaguete somewhere in the March to May time frame to see if we would like to live there. As a young man between 15 to 30 years of age I took up the hobby of playing pool or as some countries call it billiards. I was wondering if by chance you knew of a place or places where a person could play pool or billiards there in the Dumaguete area. Even a bowling alley would also be entertaining if available as we plan to be there around 30 days. Many thanks in advance.
@@PaulWorldZoom Thanks for your prompt reply! That's encouraging for as a young man I was an avid participant in the sport. I usually enjoyed practicing alone as a challenge to myself to improve my potential skill level. 👍
Thanks for a great informative video. I'll share a tip I got from another RU-vidr. Get your personal issues taken care of before moving to The Philippines. I'm amazed by the high percentage of Expats who display signs of untreated drug and/or alcohol addiction. A common fantasy among untreated addicts is everyone else is the problem and things will be better with a geographical move. Then after the move the addict still seems to have issues. Nobody likes a raging alcoholic in the middle of a meltdown.. You'll adjust to The Philippines much more easily with a sober mind.
Steven, I definitely see that here. I often run at 10:00am and earlier and see the guys in the bars and restaurants hitting the beer, mixed drinks, and cigarettes early and often. Even the Valencia market on Sunday has a big crowd hitting the beer at 900am
Sadly it is a fast way to grave in PI my first visit 1983 was young Sailor last visit 2008, I prefer Thailand, had to face my alcohol problem and im 60, not drinking, but it would be harder in a warm climate , after the first beer it would unleash the beast.
I'm really enjoying your videos. Sort of binge watching. Great content and simple real life day to day topics. Milk un-refrigerated in a box ???? I'm dreaming of the 'Simple-Life', time to read, go to the gym maybe even take up painting of wood working. Just a simple life that allows me to see and think of my surroundings. All I hear is how natural and nice the people are. I guess I'm doing my home work. Thanks
Don’t be too worried. You will have a great time. I spent 8 days in a hotel until I found something nice. It takes a little time. Please reach out if I can help
Angeles City has Subway. Burger King. KFC, Wendy’s, and there is a Taco Bell in Manila. Many of the items you mentioned are available in Clark or Subic Duty Free stores. It really depends upon where you live in the Philippines.
One vlogger said if you want to become a millionaire in business in the Philippines start off with 2 million lol. Always an exception but rare . Good info keep it up
PAUL, you are great, for been honest and helping advising people before the make a move in the Philippine. I been coming to the Philippines for the last 12 years, I been having so many girlfriends, I got enough, I'm in Cagayan de Oro, right now, I'm planing go back to California and live like a king, I'm retired with high income. I see everything in ASIA, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME IN THE ALL WORL , I'm proud for been AMERICAN
Exactly because Philippines is for those foreigner with patience and those who embrace sacrifice to live with a very simple life it is not recommended to those above the average salary foreigners.
Love the honest videos. Far too many bloggers just pushing the lovely stuff and not outlining realistic issues people will face. One thing I find hard is the animal cruelty - this really drains me and I find it hard walking around seeing it.
Very Informative VLOG Paul. I have lived in two major European Countries and the USA. Retired USAF. One update, homelessness is very serious in many states in the USA. The support mechanisms aren’t what they might have been when you lived here. Just wanted to keep you up to date as you provide information over RU-vid. Enjoy your life in the PHI..
@@PaulWorldZoom Seattle, Portland and SF. The 3 most woke, democrat/communist run cities in the US. You would probably be safer and happier in the poorest part of Manila.
You don't want to wait in line for groceries. Get the maid to do the shopping. Growing up in the Philippines we have maids/helpers. When I return back to the Philippine to retire definitely will have one.
You forgot about Chow King 😁 Exactly! The weather is just like Florida during the summer. I lived in Florida for a decade, so I do not consider PH to be too bad. But don't forget about the Philippines being top 5 in natural disasters EVERY year. Typhoons, tsunamis, volcanos, earthquakes, mudslides and many other things that I cannot think of at the moment. You need patience to deal with all of this. The Philippines is over 7000 islands and that is the pro and the con of living there. It makes it a literal tropical paradise, but it also makes it extremely difficult to build an effective infrastructure. Having said all of that, I love the Philippines. There is something magical about the country, the people and the culture.
I find it hard to believe that an older guy with his sights on retiring in the Philippines would choose to live in Manila but I guess people still do if they like that sort of hustle and bustle lifestyle. While much of what you have mentioned in terms of noises, customer service, patience, and other nuanced tidbits related to life in the Philippines it's always good to get different perspectives. I for one will never get tired of the reminders as this will be a lifestyle change and a daily part of things, so thank you for the reiteration. It's always interesting to hear individual takes on various mundane tasks and other scenarios and experiences to learn and to better enjoy their retirement.
Why wouldn't an older guy like Metro Manila? Better hospitals, doctors, closer to Manila Airport, which you have to use flying internationally, wider range of stores that import USA foods, fewer brown-outs, closer to embassy, etc. Yes, it's more expensive for rents, less for electricity than many provinces and more transportation options. Everywhere in the Philippines, you will have dogs barking, motorcycles, tricycles, and loud karaoke where they can't sing. It's all part of assimilating here, and if you can't, you leave. Many look at differences here like an impossible challenge, but it's all doable if you have the patience.
@@PaulWorldZoomI’m gonna retire in HK. I live in the New Territories along Shing Mun River. Many of my friends live in Sai Kung. Can’t get any more relaxing living in these areas.
I had a gf over there, it did not add much to the expenses. Maybe an extra 100-200 a month. She was mid class. Definitely could live over there off 1,200 a month in Manila, unless youte over spending or drinking and going on dates all the time.
Thanks for that. I am always very interested in how people can budget and the quality of lifestyle. Thanks a lot. My friend says a gf helps him save money monthly. Cooking, buying groceries, cheap entertainment
My first trip there it took me awhile to get used to the different noises at all hours and to me the dirty Ness also took me by surprise. But I adapted to there invironment. My second trip was much better because I knew what to expect. The people are the friendliest. God bless
its all about location i have no problem getting stuff i want S&R stores sell just about anything you want but it will cost you as for power and wyfy here in laguna ive never seen a brown out or have any problem with the internet its all about location
It sounds awesome. Last girl I went on a date with didn't understand what I meant by hating variety. I eat a pound of ground beef a day and a fish on Friday. I really want to try to live a super ascetic type of vacation there with just travel and daily Mass and reading.
Do you honestly believe the average westerner can survive on just a 1000 bucks a month ? I’ve been living in Mexico for the last 6 month and I need around 3500 - 4000 dollars each month. I’m thinking of visiting Southeast Asia next year, traveling through Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines for roughly 7 month. I would like to know how much money I should consider spending if I want to live comfortably without being afraid to run out of money. Obviously the more you bring the better it is, but would 6000 dollars a month cover me safely ?
S&R membership store in Mandaue City is owned by Costco. It is not a discount store like in the US. It is an import store. You can find many of the Western foods you are used to eating.
Great advice, all very true. My main concern before making the big jump ? is also Food, Its great to be a nice place, but if the food is just 😞, then you quickly would be tired of it. So I/we would look for a Place near the Sea/Beach (cool down/swim) with some Shopping/Malls not to far away, some nice restaurants with a variety of food. (if you miss something from home?, you could get it shiped by BB Box to you here fx Tuna in water,oatmeal,sauces,sweets,bread(dried),jam,and more). The patience thing has never (over 16 years and many months in ph) been a problem, but the i leave all official stuff to my wife and dont say a word, but then I have never been in an BI office to renew visa (now it should be possible to online incl. paying), so that would not be a problem, i dont work, and have all the time in the world. not even the crazy traffic can make me mad . I also love that you see many smile on the street, you can talk to anybody and have a littel conversation, i love being nice to the nabour kids i buy them food (jollibee) or icecream, great to see faces explode with smile and happiness. I hope we can make the move this comming summer.
Wow fantastic. I think you have it figured out. Close, but not too close. I love the ocean. I was really searching in Dauin or Bacong. Actually I’m still looking. I agree about the food. It is important. The gym and outdoor running keeps me happy. Thanks for taking the time to write
Very insightful...just what I've been hearing in general. Seems like I could personally do it as an adventure. A Lifestyle? Perhaps. Depends on how disgusted I get with "civilization" as I know it here.
Regarding supermarkets, look for a lane with a sign "10 items or less". You won't have any problems with the internet anymore when Starlink becomes available. You can purchase a portable Lithium-powered generator or portable solar powered generator. I've seen an American vlogger who brought a portable lithium powered generator to the province where he settled with his Filipina wife. You can purchase a pre-paid mobile internet provided by Smart and Globe. Living in Metro Manila may be your best option if convenience is the #1 factor.
Hi Paul, this is Jay and Carmela we just saw you at our complex and I wanted to share with you our experience renting our unit. They wanted 23,000 Passos and 60,000 security and 3 month contract. I offered 20,000 rent per month, 10,000 security and month to month lease and they accepted my offer. So haggle 😊 is my recommend. Take care brother!! Love your channel !!! Jay
I'm 62 on SSDI and on a pension. I get around pretty good on my feet. I'm dating a Filipina LDR, she's working over in another country. I plan to visit in the next couple years when she is visiting her family. Since you've been there, is there any gradual improvement in efficiency, in how they are doing things?
Been watching expats for about 4 years now seeing if I can pull the trigger and get over there . Your the first to be real about it .. sick of hearing they live in " Paradise " thanks for the great video..
I’ve been to the Philippines many times I actually married a Filipina after I brought her to the states unfortunately she was only after money luckily and being smart I had a prenup so that saved me. Unfortunate but that’s part of life and I’m not gonna let that get me down I’ll be coming to the Philippines and staying in Dumaguete probably in April I’ll bring my wife’s son who I adopted he lives with me and we will do mini adventures together and enjoy the warm weather as I am from the northwest in the winters here really suck. Once my son starts next fall and trade school I will probably move over there and then come home during the summers here. Yes patience is the key to happiness, and I will enjoy my time in the Philippines traveling and exploring. I’ll probably call Dave and set up an apartment for at least a month as a homebase and from there my son and I can enjoy the waterfalls chocolate hills the whale sharks Cebu and Palawan And other places I have on my list to explore. Looking forward to meeting you and my other friends in Dumaguete and other islands to visit friends. Love your channel I’m glad I found it, you give great information for travelers
Hey Scot, I will welcome you to Duma. Congratulations on your son and bringing him for a visit. Your itinerary looks awesome. I have only tried a couple of those things. Enjoy your trip and say hello if you can. My family is in Seattle
I’ve grown more amused at the Philippine grocery checkout, ritual than frustrated ( in Batangas.) I especially find it curious when the person ahead of me has 100 or more packages of ramen to be scanned. They are individually scanned then an additional recheck of each one to make sure all were counted. Hence the packing ritual begins where the groceries are packed in a box(s) then tied with twine in a pyramid shape so the customer can transport the tower of boxes via jeepney or trike. My Filipina wife gets super agitated at the practice of lack of toilet paper and paper towels in the ultra modern Philippine malls.They pay an attendant to clean the restrooms, but no supplies for toilet paper or paper towels.Madness!
I am a Filipino living in a middle class house. We have rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. We normally don't use toilet paper after we poop. We use the water bidet. We use the toilet paper to wipe dry the water after washing our butt. Only western people use toilet paper to wipe away the poop. Use the water bidet to clean your anus, then wipe dry with toilet paper. Almost all Japanese toilets in Japan have built-in bidet
So true. Robinson’s Mall makes you buy your own toilet paper or Kleenex. Also the 5 peso machines are broken. I already mentioned the grocery store lines. So really having to go is a real problem. Could you imagine a Mall in Canada or US not providing toilet paper
@Evral Tatum-Mcfield well we had visit the local hospital in Thailand and no toilet paper or water to wash your hands. They had a little kiosk where you can buy a roll of toilet paper. That’s in a hospital 😠😩
Hey Brother Paul, I had to laugh when you mentioned the food products and fast food chains (not restaurants) that Americans might miss in the Phils. I just spent 3 weeks in Valencia/Dumaguete/Dauin, etc. and found it really refreshing to NOT have all that present. I actually came to Asia (15 years here) to get away from all that junk (political as well,) and to my surprise, in your area, I found really good local restaurants where we could go to eat on a daily basis for the price of 2 or 3 bags of Doritos in the US. Sure, they have their own versions of junk food galore, but since I don't know those products, I found that I only ate good stuff the whole time. My Filipina (who knows all the local eateries and shopping marts) and I went to Hypermart or Robertsons and brought home good food to cook/eat, but when we went out to eat, we had everything (for two) from delicious seafood to Thai or Italian food within a 20 minute drive at less than half the cost of a single meal in the US. We'll take you to some of those local places next time I'm in (if you don't know them already... But you are absolutely spot on about inefficiency and lines. :)
Haha, so true. I hadn’t even realized I was listing all fast food. I’m so American 😜😜 Weird what you miss. I am a terrible cook but I am good at ordering from Grab 👍👍👍 Thanks
I've been out in the Philippines quite a few times I think the best thing if anybody is thinking about retiring out there is to go out and stay half a year or a year and see how you like it cuz it is totally different then the US
Into my 6 year now one of the places when I first arrived I visited was Baguio fell in love with the cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain scenery Couldn’t move here for 2 years because of covid but moved to Baguio in May and absolutely love it We live in a village out near the airport karaoke is banned and it’s very quite after 9 pm of course there is always the dogs and the roosters 😂
@@thaidawg9231 Baguio is said to be one of the wettest places in the Philippines We arrived in May and from then until the start of November we got lots of rain but mostly at night lots of sunny days too Since the beginning of November it’s been wall to wall sunshine but it never gets much above 24 What do you mean by workable?
One possible source of income for foreigners is to buy a condo unit that is ready for occupancy and on a rent-to-own basis, then lease it via airbnb or to other foreigners. Whaddaya think?
If someone has a thousand a month, and decides it’s not quite enough, then where do they go instead? A thousand might be a little tight, but where they are coming from would require 3x that amount.
@@PaulWorldZoom From the Filipina Pea, Cebu does not have the power or internet problems as Dumagueti, she has expressed that for that reason she would move there if she could afford it.
You look military, thanks for the advice, and if you're military, thank you for your service. Light and noise when you get older. I think roosters there are on drugs. I use to wish l could sing , now l wished they could.
Having money for unexpected medical care and for a round trip airplane ticket home is a good idea. Not to mention the cost of living while you are back in your home country.
Idd been there for holidays a few times loved it went there in 2018 had to leave in 2022 at end off covid as I had health issues so went back home had a few operations Ill go back but only for 6 mounths stays health system there is pretty primative in province areas u can get good hospitals but in my home country it's free and great standard of care Yea I liked it there I got used to liveing there but getting back home I could eat what I liked and food is cheep so I told my wife she could stY in philipines and I'll go back for 6 mounths stints still thinking about it but I won't stay for good
Good question. We have BALIKBAYAN boxes arriving in the Philippines from all over the world. Before leaving Dubai I shipped 2 huge boxes. One was 100 lbs 😜
@@PaulWorldZoom Thank you for replying. I turn 65 next year, I was going to apply for my retirement then. SS says if I don't apply for supplements B, I will be penalized. I am prepared to move to the philippines as soon as get my check I'm not going to apply for a retirement Visa, but live there on a extended Visa. So, is there anyway to not pay that $164.90/mo
Way to go Paul, you’re content today is excellent, it’s a necessary one. I’m was born in the Philippines & spent nearly 4 decades in the States, good to great with few ups and downs. I’m greatly acclimated to the lifestyle here, I worked hard, frugal, (not cheap). Retired during COVID & gave my motherland a stabbed last summer. The people are extremely friendly and generous. Unfortunately, I was annoyed with plenty of things, the banking systems, the manana mentality, roosters noises, karaoke, no road rules, drivers used their horns for passing & most of all the heat. However, my husband loved it there. He’s a water whore, former Water Polo Olympian. So, to mitigate my issue we are backed home where everything is within reach. Foods are not a problem because I enjoy cooking and baking. I know many have issues with foods in PI, the ingredients are available there and cooking western foods are achievable. Yes, cooking alone can be wasteful (did it for 20 years when I became a widow at 35.) Philippines has many to offer, I missed my siblings and my elders. So, we’re giving it another try next winter. My Mum and few others currently reside in our newly built home. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and found Philippines a great country.
That is all so very kind of you to say. I also love the Ocean and enjoy being in it as much as possible. I’m amazed by the shore diving in Dauin. Sorry about being widowed at 35 but sounds like you’ve been great since. Hope you make it back
Hey Ron, I didn’t mean to sound negative. Just providing food for thought. I actually love it. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I hope everyone comes 👍👍
As usual U are right on as usual. I have been here for 4 yrs. and I like the PH but it isn't the paradise that some think it is going to be. Some get here and hate it. I only came here to be with Ne. The noise in the province is terrible. Roosters crowing @ each other all night & pissing off the dogs. We had a couple that got drunk every night & sang until they got really got drunk & then she would come over and tell me how sexy I was because of my white lags. It. drove me nuts. We live in a condo in Davao now & don't get any of that. If U r visiting to see if you like it don't just stay in a resort u will not see the real PH there.
I think the question is .... when will the Philippines emerge from this developmental state ? Before c-19 they had huge dollars from tourism every year but still even now developing !
As an Economist, I don’t see it happening. The law of inefficiencies and corruption is too widespread. I am seeing pockets of prosperity. Clark Air Base, Iloilo, and BGC to name a few. I hope so. It is a great country
I like your channel. I see you said $1200 is a good budget to have. I disagree. I would put it at $1500 to start. At $1200 I don't think you would have much of a life. I'm coming there in 2024 and my monthly will be $2000 and I also have a pretty good savings account and some investment income 😎
@@johnclark7973 Ok, fair enough. I guess it still depends on your lifestyle. I just wouldn't like to do it under $1500. $2000 a month is my happy medium 😎
@Evral Tatum-Mcfield Most Americans can't live like a local. I know I can't. Like having a/c there's no way in hell I can live in the Phils without a/c 😎
Almost all of the food items you are saying you miss are things you should not eat if you want to be healthy. Living in the Philippines will probably extend your life.
On cereal, I've found no Cheerios, wheat thins, or grape nuts brands....just bran flakes or corn flakes, or choc-o cereal. Same with soda...only Coke, Coke Light, or Sprite, never found Dr Pepper or A&W.
All i here is the fear factor, i have a girlfriend that lives and runs a little store, we constantly are on video chat and for what i see is no different than the united state when in comes to the noise level, and for the food items just yesterday she took me shopping with her, she needed stock for her store, the fresh vegies, fish, and other groceries, i did not see any shortage. I hear alot of expats try to convince people to not move abroad, i say make the jump and dont listen to others oppinions, you be the judge....good luck.
