The Expat Retirement Dream is a LIE (Expats, Retired Life & YOU) 

Basic economic rules apply to The Philippines as they do anywhere in the world. Supply and demand in rental housing is pretty basic. With that said it’s still a LOT less than the US.

Crazy. Paul I was the other Aussie who walked up to you with my Filipina girlfriend in front of Tom Tom’s a few days ago and introduced myself and thanked you for your channel. Sadly there are Aussies (like all nationalities) that are an embarrassment for all. I was at Ground Zero yesterday and had the good fortune of having to break up a fist fight between two Americans. Sadly some of us need to remind ourselves that we are a guest in this Country, regardless of our visa status. In fact we are actually ambassadors. Thanks for sharing! Adrian. 🙏

Chinese and Korean foreignors have a lot more economic impact on the Philippines than most of us from the West with moderate retirement incomes.

Wow, this was a real good one. Statistics do not lie. Thank you for bringing this video. Enjoy your content. Keep them coming.

The Aussie I’m thinking is not happy with his life. So what’s in your heart comes out of your mouth. So I would say the word ( Toxic) comes to mind. Just brush it off and stay on your path of happiness Paul. Thanks for the story

RU-vid has become the BEST way for a Filipino to support themselves-especially those without a college degree. And we all know how much Filipinas like to talk and see themselves on social media. Have you and other expats contributed to the dramatic increase in RU-vidrs in Duma and throughout the Phils? 💯 Is this a bad thing? Not at all. You have also helped lift countless Filipinos out of crushing poverty by encouraging and supporting locals to start a RU-vid channel and work diligently to improve their skills and provide interesting and relevant content. Have expats contributed to a higher cost of living in Duma? 💯 BUT, there are far more regional and worldwide reasons for the bump in living costs on a national level. Thank you for another interesting vlog, Paul.

With the influx of tourism and Expats, I think locals take notice when people leave the waitress, big tips, the owner of the restaurant or whatever business notices that they can charge more because you’re willing to leave a big tip for the service. And then as a western, you’re walking around going oh my God that’s so cheap! Which ruins it for everyone in the future that wants to come to the area. I noticed that in Cuba I was tipping too big I was tipping like I was in America. My friend said no no no no don’t leave so much you’ll raise the prices by leaving too much.. that made a lot of sense. As western we come in and ruin places constantly around the world, drive up the prices, and make it worse for the locals. Where I live, is a big area in the summertime. The tourists have come in and raise the price of real estate and the cost of food at restaurants, the locals can barely afford to eat out or own a house. Never tell owner of a shop or a restaurant that their product is cheap! Keep that shit to yourself!! Or I feel you will ruin the last of the inexpensive places to live! Just my opinion.

I agree with you Paul about you having a disproportional number of bloggers in Dumaguete. I watched a guy that was blogging from someplace else in the Philippines and he came right out and said he was where he was because he couldn't turn around in Dumaguete within bumping into another blogger. Also, love your easy laugh & your ability to laugh at yourself too. Enjoy man!!

Paul you're providing great value. Never thought you'd become the Phil Donahue of RU-vid on Expattin' did ya'?

Happy birthday Paul, I’m celebrating my 80th birthday tomorrow with my beautiful Philippines princess (wife), here in Australia, the Australian who spoke to in that manner is what i and many others in Australia call a low life, Enjoy your channel mate 👍

Happy belated Birthday to you, Paul. I enjoyed your very informative video on the cost of living changes in the Philippines. Take care.

Now I see why people would pay him for his advice.This guy is very knowledgeable and very good

I think you’ve got it exactly right Paul. There are a bunch of expats that believe we have an outsized influence on life in our adopted country. In fact, us long stay expats are a tiny portion of the economy and culture. I would blame changes on various waves of tourists who way outnumber us. For a while, here in Thailand, it was Indian tourists and now it is Russians. Tourist businesses rush to accommodate the new tastes.

I totally agree with you Paul . Inflation is happening every where.

Certainly changed Duma 😩. I first came to Duma in 2005 before RU-vid got going. It seemed nicer then and I don’t remember seeing any foreigners along the boulevard at that time. But that could just be selective memory. I do believe RU-vidrs have helped to increase the number of foreigners there but not enough to change things. I visited there as usual in January, just avoided a few places to avoid other foreigners. 👍

Well said Paul, thank you for sharing.

When I was in Dumaguete in 1990 it was a nice quaint town. I visited there in January, 2024. The city is a royal mess and to the point that it is uninhabitable for a human being to live in. Not one traffic signal in the city. Thousands of motorcycles running around plus vehicle traffic. Small narrow streets. Condos being built that construction looks to be subpar. Motorcycles should be limited as should other vehicles. It is unorganized chaos. No traffic rules and it appears no zoning laws. Just build this and that with no thought process involved. Makes me wonder who, if anyone, is running the city. I sure wouldn’t live there. I married a Filipina there in 1987 and we live and will continue to live in the United States. Just my opinion folks.

Hey Paul thank u for ur comments they have helped me as an Australian travellers that has been too Philippines 🇵🇭 meany times an have much respect for them an won't blame anyone for the way the economy is its changing nothing stays the same expect risks an be prepared 😅

Most people seem to gloss over the fact that the entire world went through a major speed bump called a pandemic. Many businesses lost money and lost workers, many of who died or changed jobs for more money when businesses opened back up. Some businesses raised their prices because other businesses raised theirs and made up some of their losses. This entire disruption is often overlooked. 😊

Belated Happy Birthday, Paul!

very informal paul information on daily life is important

I don't know... I think I'd be proud to be given credit for having so much power over global economics. It would be pretty impressive having that much global influence and control over an entire country's economy. Yeah, global inflation is more likely the culprit, but knowing at least someone out there thinks you wield such POWER should at least give you a grin every time you think of it that way. I'm actually shocked that the Philippines hasn't shown the inflation that much of the rest of the world has been experiencing. The thought that someone would think that costs wouldn't increase in over a decade is still showing how shallow some people's financial knowledge seems to lag.

20 lbs (9.1 Kg) of Great Value rice at Walmart in Texas used to be $8 & change… it’s back down to $11 now, but it was $15 for a while. It has just been taking a long time for prices to come down after the Covid price spike.

Interesting topic! Retirement planning in the Philippines amidst expat influence is worth exploring.

Your 100% correct. Most who complain are very unhappy in general. Keep up the good work 👏

100% as I was one of those Exploratory guys Paul met with in December and am now moving to Dumaguete but because my Girlfriend lives there. And I only saw a handful in certain areas as 99% of the time you never see any expats. Prices may be up 25% as per my gf but we in USA have seen Over 50- 100% increase in just a year. Allot is based on Fuel prices as transportation of goods. And I Thank all the RU-vidrs as they show us mostly the good things and as I have traveled Several islands one of the Nicest places is Duma that is similar to the rural type city of South Bend, IN (106K pop) and if anything having some expats close by is a Good thing as My Best friend lives near Lapu Lapu and more up in Cebu area but everyone has to find the place They want. So Thanks Paul for being such a Great Ambassador and Positive Influence; I personally like Most Aussie's as one of my old Gf was from Brisbane but there is always one that can stand out. This shows how important it is for us to stay Positive.

Hey old dog that was a good way of handling it without getting too defensive, I do not have the knack for that probably why I don’t have a RU-vid channel lol but I do enjoy listening to others and I get a lot of wisdom from you guys and I’m thankful that people like yourself are out there !😊

Good Vlog, happy to come across it and subscribe.

Tourism does more good than bad in the philippines. There has always been a skin tax put on expats, and we are willing to pay for the better digs . Inflation has hit globally, and it all has to do with fuel and transportation costs. Some of the rise in prices has to do with wholesalers holding on to commodities forcing the prices up, and the philippines government has been going after these individuals using supply and demand to boost prices. Sure your imports are going to be more expensive and that's to be expected. If you go out into the provinces, you may not see a Cano for weeks as it just isn't really most of us cup of tea . Do expats affect certain areas of the philippines? Absolutely because we expect more, but you can find many nice areas that aren't as expensive and will serve all your needs.

Something which should have been mentioned is that foreigners’ needs and taste made it necessary for stores, restaurants and medical facilities to improve their service and choice of products to meet demand

Darn, i would have bet I was subscribed and just discovered RU-vid had unsubscribed me. I've been watching your channel for years and NEVER thought to make sure I was still a subscriber.

so many have moved here, that view of the Embassy onsite was crazy, Thank you for your years of vlogging.

Thanks for your videos, I always find them informative. Unfortunately, most youtubers don't put out informative videos. Honestly I really don't care about other people's stories unless there is something informative about it. I do like information about rentals, restaurants, places to go and see. Unfortunately, most youtubers don't really show what there is to do there other than make bad videos. Don't see much about golf, diving, beaches, motorcycle trips, ect. So for me there are only 3 channels that I watch.

Great video, I agree with all you said, thank you. I think I met the same guy you did at the hypermart.

Thanks . Appreciate you digging up the facts . Very interesting, put everything into perspective 😊 Love you and baby mae videos

thanks for all the good you are doing. many people are happy for your information. wish you and May the very best.

I pretty much learned to leave those "groups" alone. I did have one creep harrass me until I blocked him, then he made a false account & started in again until I showed him this... Report to Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). They have the technical capabilities to trace IP addresses and investigate such crimes. Didn't hear another peep from him. Great content Paulie, send lechon😁

0.56% is approximately 1 in 178. First year economics would teach one that adding that percentage of individuals with financial resources far above the average native population will significantly warp the market, especially the real estate market. It's exactly what we have seen in the US with large corporations purchasing single family homes.

Happy belated Birthday Paul!! A hundred more years to you!!! I’m looking forward to buy you a coffee at Ground Zero. Still working at the moment, but my plans are to take a 28 day visit to see if the Philippines would be a retirement place for me. God Bless, and thank you for the great content!!!

Thank you for this very important information!

Haters will be like haters. Keep doing what you are doing Paul👍🏻

I'm glad I don't have to deal with EXpats here (PH) we shop in Baliuag, Bulacan, nice SM mall, all the fast foods, I am a novelty here, love the attention and and when I see a foreigner it is a rare and happy event! We are here for a few months a year and it's all about our family.

Have been listening to American expats in PI for the last 7 years and you are the best Paul. Thank you for your patience in putting such informative vdo's out.

Good video

I use to hangout on the boulevard 2 or 3 evenings a week, NO MORE, to many expats. I come to town, get my groceries and leave.

I don't have rent and my monthly expense is an average of $1000 a month in Ormoc. 🇺🇸🇮🇱🗽

Hi Paul, great vid. It was nice to meet you the other day. I’m the guy who went Granada HS.

Hey Paul, I´m 64 living in São Paulo/Brazil and I would like to say that you´re not alone on this...I also hate shopping, I also do not have facebook account, do not have instagram account e and I also don´t even have whatts App...and I´m happy and proud of that...I just hate social midia in general. Congrats.

Interesting & realistic analysis & commentary, as usual. And I presume Baby Mae likes your new Colonel KFC look. Great match with your chicken on the couch.

Good video, Paul.. I just looked at same numbers last week.. Also spent 4 days on the road traveling around t Luzon and only saw one white face in four days.. Cheers, Joe

Your blog yesterday was really helpful concerning S.S. changes in the horizon. My perspective is different and I have resubscribed , I will give thumbs up and make comments as a small support towards your new Home. Prayers for you and Mrs. McGill.

ya got some grit Dog, calling out that Aussie fellow thru out your video . lol .. another good video by you. prices are going up everywhere.

Don’t worry Paul, same here in San Francisco, that’s why California homes are high not only that people have money but also wealthy foreigners are also buying investment homes too to be rented, anywhere you go it’s about similar factors.The world will inflate no matter what we do or do not.

GOOD ONE PAUL! misdirected argument. What's influenced the change is the shrinking gap between the rich and poor. The growing Philippine middle class has something to do with it along with global inflation.

Love that your attitude and intellect is better in wisdom and understanding which is why I followed you since the early days

I have to say it was so nice visiting the Philippines 20, 25 years ago. It was the opposite of "picked over." The dregs of the world have now found these shores.

Paul the Aussie was right about youtubers causing the high increase in rents. Mark with every man has a story is always boosting on how low his rent is for a 3 bedroom house on the beach. I'm sure all these owners see that and raise the rents.

WOW ... didn't realize you were that powerful.

Great video. Take care.

Hey Paul, Excellent point and analysis. I live in the Bicol region Cam Sur, Naga City and the expat population is very small here yet prices mainly foods and property prices/values have skyrocketed due to global inflation definitely not a cause of expat infusion in the population but a product of inflation. Keep up the great work. Thank you brother.

I'd say that the Korean tourists have caused the bar fines to increase substantially in Angeles City

Tell your Aussie friend "Have a nice day, someplace else"

Happy belated birthday! One valid point is that of that 600K American citizens living in the Philippines, a good portion of that number are likely to be Filipino Americans! So the number of blood-born Americans is much smaller, and we have been screwing things up since the Vietnam war era! 😉 Actually, we make up such a small portion of the country's GNP it is almost negligible. Since I first arrived in Calbayog City 10 years ago, the expat population there has increased ten-fold... and I'm sure it's all my fault. 🤣

Great video, Facts don't lie. It's easy to blame others for your discomfort. I lived in Olongapo for 6 years last left 30 years ago. I came back 2 years ago. I can't believe all the changes. There was about 3 malls in all the Philippines. There were very few private cars. Now there are 3 malls in every small town. And so many cars. It's hard to believe that there has been so much growth in the Philippines. You are absolutely right about financing. The people with all the money figured out if they provided better financing they would make so much more money because they would have some many more customers. A growing economy and inflation is what's driving the prices up. That's why they call the Philippines a developing Nation. Some people are only happy when they complain. Great video Paul.

Thats one thing I noticed my last visit, all the cars. Example, when I first went to my now wifes home, no vehicles in the family. Now there are three, in five years, their incomes have went up enough to have something other than a scooter.

Land appreciation is 12 percent a year in the Philippines now. 🇺🇸🇮🇱🗽

Such a spot on video Paul! I smiled, laughed and thoroughly enjoyed all of your observations! I've been here 4+ years now (2 of which I had to return to the States) and I couldn't wait to get back! As hectic as life can sometimes seem here in Dumaguete what with the traffic and the hassle of getting some things done, I go home everyday to my rented house on the beach in Dauin, take one look at my incredible beautiful wife and tell God "thank you for giving me my little slice of Paradise"! Yes I hang out with some foreigners who love to tell you all about the problems. And yes I guess I do my share of complaining too. But I've also made so many close friends, Filipino and Foreign, all of whom have made my life happy and exciting. Wouldn't change a thing! Great video Paul!

Paul you nailed it on your facts. And your right on the amount of Chinese lots . And on the apt's you nailed it again.. Thanks for giving everyone the facts.

If a group of people come in with more money than the local group people will naturally try to make more money but you are spot on with a lot of your info

Nice video Paul. Thanks for the information. Things look a bit toxic lately over there. Keep up the good work. It's appreciated

This was a good one Paul. Very well done

G'day mate! Sounds to me like the guy from down under had some kangaroos loose in the top paddock! Maybe you should invite him for brekkie and let him put his tucker on the barbie, but tell him to bring his own billie! But I don't know if the Aussie will accept your invitation, because from what you're telling us, I have the inpression that when he met you he was mad as a cut snake. But I think your assessment of the facts are fair dinkum! I like your dry humour, Paul!

It is not really the % of population, but the impact of the group on the economy. Filipinos in large number are poor, and it is just discouraging to see all these foreigner coming with money and driving the prices up. This is what motivates a lot of Filipinos to go to other countries to find fortune.

I think we like subscribing to your channel and everyone else's is, you give us hope.

Great video, Paul! I’ve been here a year and a half now and noticed the same changes you have. RU-vid is a worldwide trend. It’s the new economy. Great points about supply and demand and inflation too. However, last year I was looking at a place here in Cebu and the landlord went up on the price 5,000php, right in front of me, when I told her I was American and I get a pension. LOL Anyway, great video. And, yep, I’ve got a channel now too. Hahaha! Take care, Paul.😀

I just recently found your channel and am enjoying the interesting content. This was a very informational episode for anyone considering a visit or migration move. I'd be interested in one more demographic. How many of your viewers are retired females? Many of the other channels highlight the "mail order bride" scenario/bonanza but your channel is well balanced. Thank you. Have a great day!

There 600,000 us citizen in the Philippines and I’m sure large portion of those are like my wife a Filipino that went to USA became citizen and return to the Philippines. With that being said the American expat represents 0.56% of the population. Lots of reasons why prices going up and not too hard to find out why

You crack me up . Love your honesty and insight. You are a class act . Subscribed 👍

I live just north of Cebu City and go to SM grocery about once a week. We always play "spot the Foreigners" when we are out shopping at the mall. On average I think we see 2 to 3 per trip. I believe most foreigners live at IT Park/Ayala Mall and/or close to there like with Makati. The condo prices here still seem reasonable for rents.

You can't ruin something that is already damaged mainly by it's own people.

I couldn’t agree more about Facebook. Once I get my Filipina here I’m strongly considering ending that. But I do like messenger. Great video Paul

Happy birthday my brother , another year just whizzed buy. I think I forgot to blink it went so fast. Hope you had a great time. Love all around and God bless ya'll peace out brother

Thanks Paul Life's is still great in little Dumaguete and i fill blessed 😊 Dave

Screw that Aussie I was here in 2010/2011 and there were plenty of foreigners here. I have a friend who has been here 17 years and was present at my wedding in 2012. This guy is just a miserable old crow, don't pay him no mind. He's probably just jealous that u have a utube channel. Hope u had an awesome birthday. Thanks for another video Paul.

Good video. I will give you an honorary PHD in Economics.

Thank you for your talks. Happy birthday to you, from an old dog to another. Love your comment about Chippy!

'Too many guys over here with nothing to do and all day to do it - except complain' 100% correct

Let them blame Forbes magazine! In 2014 they voted Dumaguete- One of the best places around the world to retire.

I have been here since 2004 and there were foreigners saying the same thing back then. Its all about where you want to live. I moved from the city where there is no foreigners. Seeing guys acting like that makes me ashamed to be around them. We are helping the economy here and living standards are better now than they were when I came here. You could not even get our foods back then.

Happy birthday Paul 😊😊😊😊

There were plenty of expats long before there were vlogers. It's always been part of the Philippines.

Paul wherever I go I see condos being built and not just one, dozens of condo buildings!

You are right Paul inflation everywhere Where I am in Las Pinas Manila I don't see foreigner's and probably in eight years seen about 3 or 4 .

Some landlord do not care who their tenant is. I would hate to be living next to a crazy, drunk, annoying expat. As a landlord, i screened my tenant very well. I would rather have my units empty than to have a problematic tenant. If I was looking for a place to live in the Philippines, i would really choose wisely. Most likely, cheap rent attracts problematic tenants.

I started my SS at 62 1/2, my wife who is 20 months younger than me started at 62. With my pension for working 25+ years we’re doing just fine.That was over 3 years ago & we never looked back. Haven't touched our investments other than to travel. I had two brothers die of cancer 3 years apart. One died at 62 & never drew a dime of his SS. The other died at at 65 & drew 10 months. Let's be honest here, the reason the Government is offering you a bigger payday at 70 is because they're banking on you not making it!

There's a lot of mixed race children now in dumaguete

I hate shopping too lol I do the same , I hand her my wallet and I go sit down.. the prices went up here and there isn't many Foreigners here .

Paul, Thailand especially the tourist areas have seen significant price increases..do to many factors..one from the covid effect. For instance the ladies , the younger pretty ones all work online..the question has been where are the 8 9’s an 10s ? They make huge dollars online with tourist.. the price for company has doubled.. not to mention rent food.. it’s a little better in the boondocks.. good grief..three years in Thailand

I missed my flight, canceled from bad weather and then I got really sick, in and out of the hospital. God willing, I’ll make it there someday.

COVID screwed up everything