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Simple and sensible advice yet so difficult for many. I have been in the Philippines for 21 years and south east Asia total of 38 years. I have seen countless expat wannabes (not only Americans) come here and fail losing EVERYTHING by not following simple and sensible logic like this. They arrive thinking they already know everything because they watched those RU-vids or think there is something special about themselves. I could tell you story after story that would scare you naked. These people despised taking advice from expats who had been around for a while thinking they were all jaded and bitter. Many come thinking they were going to change everything refusing to accept the way things are. The best thing is to not move too fast, don't make any commitments for at least 2 years, listen and observe and learn. Humility before pride expecting your throne as a king will be automatically given to you.
This applies to all countries not only Philippines. No country is perfect. Everything you go, you always have to adjust with culture, time, money, environment.
Good Video, The Philippines can be a wonderful place if you enter with an open mind and are willing to try new things, food, culture etc ...etc... I find it quite nice to experience new things and you make friends along the way. Take care
I left the USA 15 years ago for only 1 reason, to stop working, and my original plan wasn't the Philippines. I'm retired military, I can adapt to pretty much anything, and I found adapting to the Philippines to be very easy. I cringe when I see these RU-vidrs telling people that they can live here on X Dollars. Everyone is different and I didn't retire to the Philippines to turn my life upsidedown. P50,000, about $1,050 a month was my magic number. We're talking February 2007, the Philippines was in fact extremely cheap. P50,000 was more than I could spend, so I travelled to other islands. A liter beer was P48, stamped on the cap, and so was the exchange rate, more or less. $500 a month was very doable back then, just not for me. 15 years, a wife, and a teen daughter later, that magic number is now P100,000, about $1,960, and climbing. The major difference being, P100,000 isn't more than I can spend.
Here’s another one. As a foreigner you don’t know when a Pinoy smile is about to turn to deadly violence. Complaining about noise from a karaoke can be unpredictable in outcome
It takes me a year or so to really feel comfortable in a country. I am a seasoned traveler and have lived In many different countries. He’s right if you stick it out for Atleast a year you will feel much better and the stuff that irritates the hell out of you will barely bother you. I have been in Mexico over a year been coming here for 20 years. This is the first time I stayed for over a year and lived here. It’s way different then visiting and staying for a few weeks or days in the hotel areas.
Exactly Jerry. The experience of visiting vs staying hardly compares. The beauty about traveling is the more you experience these discomforts, the less things tend to phase you.
Always a good idea to allow your filipina wife or girl friend (if you trust her) to handle the money and shopping. She will pay much less at the markets than the white guy will and she knows what's too expensive. When my wife first got here in the US 7 years ago she was shocked at how expensive things were because she was thinking (still does) in pesos / Philippines cost of living.
😂 we have friends from the Philippines that went to the states as well and they experienced sticker shock too. That's great advice though, leave it to the locals to get the deals.
@@waterheaterservices Filipinos are born in Asia and most have the delusion that they are Asian but in reality, most have very little Asian ancestry. Most are mutts just like Americans as in they are mostly a blend of European ancestry.
One thing: Never directly insult a Filipino to the point where he feels he has been degraded and insulted so much that he has nothing left to lose. The motto "Going all-out for broke" is particularly applicable to those who have a lot of prestige that they feel they have to defend, even if it's because he's a bad-ass king of the hill or sultan of the streets. They have many contacts they can draw on and it will be very easy for them to get somebody unknown to hit you because you're looking the other way. Also, during combat with a Filipino, overkill is one of their favorite tactics.
I think one of the differences which was somewhat pleasing to me, since in my childhood I had lived in a rural setting, was to see clothes hanging on a line and farming activities everywhere. The markets were not strange to me, seeing fish prepared from just or fresh-caught to on the grill is nothing new. But, thanks be to God, I don't have to do it! Filling stations were different in that Filipinos leave the vehicle's engine running while gassing up. But I guess the biggest issue for me is size. I am tall and climbing in and out of that little side car on a tricycle is difficult. Seats on buses are not wide enough for my big derrier - I usually pay for 2 seats 😜. I have to let jeeps pass by unless I can get someone in the seat by the driver to take a "bribe" to sit in the back, or get people in the back to move forward so I can sit close to the door (Right now, none of those options are available due to social distancing.) I prefer the slower pace. That might be from 2 experiences I have had - living near Mexico and living in Europe in the 1960's. I like to be frugal, which I never did in the US - frugal does not mean cheap. And, to agree with one of the comments I saw here, if you have a Filipina, or Filipino, friend, they are very good at finding "real" bargains and dealing with vendors. Let them handle purchases and money. It was the same way in Mexico and probably almost anywhere a foreign national from the US might live. Thank you for your videos!
Be careful when going out to the bars in GreenBelt Mall. Always bring a friend, a buddy with you when going out for drinks. The single Filipinas will creep up on you when you least expect it when you are drinking alone. They will take advantage of you.
I live across Greenbelt. I not only agree, but many of these girls have multiple expat bfs. Some who will cause trouble to you if they see you even chatting her. Most of these girls are much more streetsmart than the expat guys.
Good info my little brother. You got some great insight.It is said that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. I enjoy living here because we prepared years ahead of time to come here. 7 Years now and still going strong. I set a boundary line and said I would not think about returning back to there USA until I stayed here 5 years. It took about that long to adjust. So glad I did.
Tuli, A great and awesome video. People can never run away from problems Happiness does come from within. Tuli, l am sure that most people think they could manage the islands better than the locals. Yes love is blind. I avoided marriage until l was a college graduate. Expats can and do overspend. Tuli, you are very wise beyond your years. I like the part about thinking with the wrong head. Thank you for sharing such an awesome video.. Stay well.
@@TheSavvyExpat hey Evan. I drove up to a resort in Bolinao, Pangasinan from SJDM. Google maps stated 5 hrs. That's a lie lol....its more like 6.5 - 7 hrs.
Thank You, Evan, for this valuable video!! I already signed up for your Savvy Guide. I plan on visiting SE Asia sometime in 2024. I hope to meet you when I get there!!
Another Good Chat Evan... You certainly are bang-on with all 10 Mistakes, without getting to over the top about them... most made me Laugh, well done again Cheers 🍻
I definitely agree that people exaggerate the low cost of living. Western luxuries are on par or more expensive than the same thing in the west. Sushi, for example, is more expensive in the Philippines than the US in my experience. Electronics are often lower quality and with higher prices.
It costs me on average $4000 per month to live in BGC. Half is rent. Sure, you could find cheaper rent, but if you’re interested in living a luxurious life in retirement, you’ll have to spend.
@@manilamartin1001 Let’s face it. Most Americans who live in the Philippines are trying to stretch their meager retirement funds. Fortunately I’m not one of them.
I agree about mistake #10, waiting to be approached. You have to break the ice. It may be too intimidating for them to initiate it. If you make just a little effort it can open up another world for you.
I'm good at sticking things out. I've been there atleast 10 times for a month each time. My wife has family spread out around the 🇵🇭. So their are places to go & people to visit.
Good points for someone who has never been there and just moving there. I have been there 3 times so I am already aware of these points. City life there is expensive so will be finding a better place in the province. My plan is to travel to several places that I think would be good places for me to live then decide which place is best. There is too many good choices to just go to one place and stay there.
Gave you 👍been in mexico for 6 months next trip will be to the Philippines at the end of May with an srrv thx! I'm on a military pension and I adapt to a slow pace, women watching and having a coffee, but I smoke so idk if I'll stay in Bagiuo city 👌very good review some guys are only going too find a young woman 😆
Hey Savvy Running away. Skeletons in closet. Deep emotional travails. That allure of escaping to islands and palm trees and beaches!!! We all get tempted to run away from our own foibles. Life's challenges are ever-present, even in BGC and even with tennys lessons and ooni pizza ovens---- Good work on these vids--you're gaining traction and going into more compelling stuff----
For 2 retired people living in a 100 sq.mt. Clean title condo in BGC. Fully furnished including washer dryer etc. With car and parking . Simple Western style living. Its about 1800 usd/month.
Hope you get to 500 likes. Like Button ✔️ Being from the States, you’re aware about living near water is a good thing. How about ranking Ocean Towns/Cities. For research purposes 😆
you do a great job.i am 65 ,in Canada and your info is so valuable ,to so many. What are the rules to work or start employment for locals ,just exploring idea's Thank you
Another great video. Have you recorded anything about salaries? I wonder what the minimum or average salary in Manila would be for an expat to demand and later live on...
Are you expecting to get a job here? I suppose you have looked into getting a work visa and all that entails. Minimum wage here differs from region to region. In a province it may be around P450 (around US$8) PER DAY FULL TIME - not per hour. In Manila where things are much more expensive minimum could be P500 per day. I live in a province and bring in P120,000 per month for household of 3. I live well according to local standards. If careful I can manage to put a little away for savings. But things here are changing. Inflation is cutting our buying power. Since I have been here rice has gone up from P19 per kilo to now P55. And don't think you will escape the price if rice because you get your carbs from bread, potatoes or pasta - those prices are even higher. Get use to eating rice. And if you can not eat rice 3x a day for every day then this is not the place for you. I have seen expats pack up and return to their countries based on they couldn't eat so much rice.
1. Running away? I'll be running 2 my problem; wanting 2 meet this teenage angel making this video. #2. Too slow pace? You can't get any slower than Hilo, Hawaii. LOL
I haven't been to Hilo but wait until you try to withdraw money from inside the bank. You're lucky if served within 4 hours or, try to get a drivers license. Its an all day event.
How to buy a new car (Toyota) in the Philippines. For the past 2 years, I have visited several Toyota dealership only to be disappointed with price of the vehicles - they are asking for the full MSRP... Any suggestions?
My wife is very frugal & we're not snooty. I've been a blue collar worker my whole life. I'm very comfortable wearing shorts and sandals & am not interested in parties & night life.
I Think $1,000 Month's Expenses Is Enough If You Don't Pay Rent...If You A Buy A Condo And All Paid Off, All You Have To Pay Are Electric And Waterbills And Internet And Foods...!!!
Pretty much. I did what a bunch of expats did. I sold my house in the USA and bought a couple of condos. I live in one and the rent from the other one is my living expenses. It does help to be able to eat local food. Making lasagna and luncheon meats gets expensive.
The weather forecast a couple of days ago called for snow and sleet at temperatures of 57 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit! They weren't able to pull it off, but I am sure they tried. We got a little ice and less than an inch of snow. What's interesting is if if took the snow to a lab to be analyzed the lab is required to report me and I would be arrested.
@@TheSavvyExpat My wife has a silicone cup that fits under her masks that allows her to breathe better and talk. I have not worn a mask in a long time. When they first started this masks BS I would sometimes wear my respirator. But since the filters were over a month old they didn't work, but it was kinda fun. In the past I have looked at suits designed to withstand nuclear fallout. They were about $3,500. I guess they have gone up lately as it's looking more inevitable. It's the best way the career criminal politicians can explain the collapse of the dollar without getting hung.
@@TheSavvyExpat The silicone cup was designed by a team of grad students at Stanford and one first place in a contest for best way to breathe. It works.
I watch many different youtubets with these issues some say tge same but many say different things I'm planong on doing 1500 to 2000 a month BUT I'll try to live cheap enough I want a good but simple life I font want a lot of technology have internet a phone TV and a 3 br home I want my money to last but within all that I'm still figuring it out
This is my reply to your episode: Ten reasons why expats leave the Philippines. This is my opinion about your thoughts savvy. After reading all the exchanges of replies you and readers of comments on display (because replies needed click first to show up). You live in the Philippines and you enjoyed it in some degree..however, of course there must be some negatives anywhere in the world including the Philippines. But would you take responsibily ...to appease/minimize the many extreme negative thought about this country they are trying to imply generally? Because you are the one they ask!! ...Not all the Filipinos are expecting/waiting all the time for a 'hand out' from any foreigner their family member/relative involved with, you can oftenly see relatives feed by their foreign partners but mostly only on special occations/celebrations. More often they're just having curiousity & wanting to be friend to you. Many of us are farmers, fishers, sellers, drivers, mechanics, artist/painters, carpenters, decorators, beautician, technicians, musicians etc. Of course there are some lazy individuals everywhere, you even have machines even on simple dishwashings.. there are some do always thought of money in their minds, gamblers, drunkards, addicted to dangerous drugs, psychopaths, Godless..Now tell us, where in the world not having some individuals like these? America? Nope. You are the one to correct them because you started all these..but instead, you allow them to mock Filipinos and adds futher points in agreement to their saying. Be true to your conscience and experience! Do you really a witness or actually witnessing, that generally as I read all your exchanges of thoughts.. Filipinos are robbers/ lazy?.. if you are unsure, Say it to them. I know you are still young but you started this. You even suggested go ahead signal to a query to take Filipina fiance/wife just to spare them the hassles of life here in Ph.. that's Ridiculous. You victimized us with Asian hate crimes in your country not to mention other difficulties.. still you'll pursue us in our own land? And still we treat you right and respect you. Of course we know Government has issues of corruption and mismanagements! And that sincere/voluntary/unconditional love/help to needy.. that is the thing what we welcome from anyone, thank you. God may bless us all.
Hi,I hope you are well ,I here that philippine ladies are very jealous and they give you silent treatment alot,can you explain on your podcast please, thank you very much
Just found this channel..."Three places to retire in the Philippines" but you look under 30. What's your story on retirement? In the Philippines? I want to retire in SE Asia...wife says "No! Too HOT!" 🤣 Can foreigners buy real estate? Most Asian countries don't allow it, or only allow condos (no land). And the condos are usually priced for foreigners...more expensive.
