So, you've made the decision to move to the Philippines. What should I bring? What are the costs? What should I leave behind? What do I do with all my "stuff?"
I would need a generator, a reliable internet satellite system and reliable transportation capable of surviving the terrible roads in the Philippines. It is the obvious problems found over there that made me decide to remain here in Michigan. At this stage in my life I prefer to be more comfortable, not less and do not even get me started on healthcare over there. Good luck! I hope everything goes well for you two.
@faronray5765 - Check into the Carefree Chris Community on Facebook. We get together from time-to-time at the Starbucks Reserve, Ayala IT Park. In fact, there are usually two or three that meet there daily in the morning.
Bring cash. Establish a bank account, before coming here, if possible. I set up an account with a Philippines bank while I lived in HK. Buy property. Have an income. I sold up/gave away everything, apart from pieces of art and an antique table, but apart from that I started wholly anew vis-a-vis furniture, appliances, etc. (I like the books! I brought mine with me). I met my wife 3 years prior to relocating. We had already bought property before relocating and bought more once we had arrived.
A little info for anyone reading this regarding electronics. Dual voltage or not you need to check the frequency. Europe and Australia etc are 220v but 50hz frequency. Philippines frequency is 60hz. That's the reason a lot of dual voltage appliances get hot and burn out. If shipping anything. Always check the frequency. On the tag you will see 220-240v 50-60hz.
Good channel 👍 I've been living here in the Philippines for 13 years best thing i did is at first find a nice place to live, a DR. You need to take care of your health here then start traveling around see this beautiful country just enjoy your life you will learn to be a minimalist stuff/thing's become a problem here. 🙂
Good job on the video Jack! I am going over to the Philippines in October. Its funny I have a brother Jack and he is 70 years old. I would love to have him come with me over. I have even thought about buying his tickets just to see how he would like it. His Girl friend of many years died about 6 years ago.
@FoundingRU-vidr-2005 - Not sure I made that clear; $10,000 USD (NOT PHP) is the maximum declarable amount of cash IN TOTAL that you can bring into the country in your pocket.
You are a forever young at heart kind of guy. I respect that and totally identify. Peter Pan syndrome I think they call it. I am also a reader and I love history! And I am also poor as heck! At least in USA standards. So, you are almost exactly the same as me! Scary but true. You have much better hair than I do. Looking forward to meeting you soon in person. Keep putting out videos. It helps the world to get to know you. Thank you.
@@dannystravelvlog Looking forward to meeting you, Danny! The hair definitely sets me apart from the other expats here! LOL. You will do well here. Just remember to put money into savings first. No less than 10% of your monthly gross.
to Philippines..passport money at least 2 different atm cards (condoms) a good insuranse and ALOT of patience. Most things like clothes and shoes and small electronics and gadgets are cheaper to buy in place both in markets malls and online
Yes. Also, a credit card as an emergency fund. Don't use it and put it in a safe place. Should you need to leave due to some problems "back home" you can use it to buy your ticket at the airport.
Thank you, Jack.A lot of us are not pulling the trigger because we have more than one concern. I didn't realize we can get Filipino pesos here in America.That was a big concern for me upon arrival.Cause I know cash is King
Exchange rates will vary by bank and will be somewhere between 0.1 to 0.2% of the total, along with a flat charge. Talk to your banker about the costs. It may benefit you to "shop banks" for the best rate. That said, you may also want to buy some items to "hide" the money from hotel staff. I got three from Amazon; one that was a hollow brush, another that was a fake lint roller, and a third that was a shaving cream can. Lastly, make a budget and stick to it! It's just far too easy to spend, spend, spend here because "everything's so cheap!" Keep in mind that having a monthly fixed income of, let's say, hypothetically, $2000 does not translate into that amount here. There is the exchange rate vs the bank rate, then the transfer fee. Set up a Remitly, Western Union, or Wise account to transfer cash. If you have an investment account, change it to Schwab or Fidelity and see if you can get a debit card for it. I won't go into it because there are over 100 videos I've watched on the subject.
Good job Jack. That should keep you heart healthy. Please give my regards to her and congrats on escaping Hoosier hell and keeping it real with a 42 year age gap !!!
I'm Brazilian and I have a tip for those who aren't from a tropical country, buy clothes that have technology, I don't know if they sell there but they've been selling them here for a while, with UV protection, that are breathable, don't get wet, they evaporate the liquid and also it doesn't pick up odors or wrinkle, you can buy UV sleeves normally used for riding a motorbike, apply a higher grade sunscreen, preferably one that doesn't stick, it has a spray and if you are in areas with mosquitoes use a repellent, there is an ultra sonic repellent on bracelet. Protect your head if you're going to be out in the sun for a long time, wear a hat and don't forget the back of your neck. I don't know how it works in the Philippines but here there is SUS, a single health system, it is public, some cities are great, others are not, it depends on where you live and where you have medicines where there is a popular pharmacy, there will be cheap medicines, generics too which are unbranded but with the Same formula, Brazil doesn't sign patents on medicines, so for example diabetes which I know has a high cost, here it's cheap but the government provides medicines that you need to use for life. Of course, it has an evaluation but it does provide it. health plan here covers great locations, medical service here is much better and cheaper, dentist, medicine has public and private, in the 60s they put dentists in place, it helps a lot in health prevention, as well as preventive exams avoiding expenses.
@@amazonseller-yf8vv - Formal dress here is a white linen shirt and black slacks. I don't think it's been cool enough to wear a blazer since I've been here... except for the air conditioning on the ferry. Everyone packs a light jacket for those trips. But, no ties. 😅
One thing you will really need is a small fan ..but get one of those fan you put ice in to make cold air .you are going to need a Adapter too..these fans are small and cost about $25 ...
Hey Jack and Sheila just found your channel I’m just over 40 days out from landing in Cebu and living in Mactan , Personally I would say you need a minimum of $1500 reoccurring income flowing in each month and you need 40-50k back up or emergency money readily available , too many videos say 600 or 800 and yes it can be done on that as long as nothing goes wrong but they day something goes wrong 600 dollars isn’t going to cut it !
Thanks for the intel mate. I just moved out of my house (divorce) and it took me 6 hours for basics: bed, mac, bike and other exercise equipment, clothes, and -$15k in weapons/ammo (I’m a Texan 😂) plus two cars. Except for clothes I think it’s all going for sale (or maybe give to my kids). Start new and minimal. That was heavy about what you leaving across the globe from children. I have two young boys. The only thing that helps is that dad died when he was forced out of the house. Sure, father forever, but when dad died I feel that I was let go. Can I really get down to 2 bags of clothing and shoes? I’m size 12 and told they are hard to get there 🤷🏽♂️ One more year and I’m deciding. Boring life here in America or take my adventure. I’ll do the money spreadsheet but looking at about a retirement stream of 70K USD annually and I think I can have a good life there. Are you worried about turning 80 or 90 there? I’m healthy and fit at 61 but man, who knows about a decade or two from now???
@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x - I agree. You could live large here on 70k! I have several friends with that sort of retirement money, and the only mistake they make is in thinking the really good women are "impressed" with that wealth. They aren't, and think you're more likely to cheat on them. If you come here, live well, but act modest. They will be happy going to Jollibee or McDonald's on a date, and probably more comfortable.
Well, I think if it's just a short stay for a month or so, just one backpack will do fine for me with camera and accessories, very few clothing and toiletries. Anything else or extra can be bought very cheap locally and it's easier to travel around. For long term stay, I honestly would not add much more. But I have to admit, I easily feel that things weight on me. Doesn't give me joy and overall is just like a block of cement on my legs I carry along or have to keep somewhere, I guess I am a minimalist. A light traveler :)
Nope, you have the right attitude. More than one person advised that I bring everything I could carry in a backpack. It was difficult enough to sell, gift, and give away 90% of my possessions. But, to paraphrase Henry David Thoreau, "If you can't carry all your possessions on our back, you have too much!"
Good info on the 50,000 pesos limit entering the Philippines. I was surprised the other day when I entered the country and that was the limtit. Luckily, I only had a few hundred dollars worth of pesos to get me started. The money exchange at the airport gives great rates and it is one of the safest locations to comfortably exchange excess of $1000 in public.
@cecilwampler8733 - The airport does offer good rates, but it is a bit of a drive. Given the cost of fuel, and your time, there is very little (if any) savings. I'd suggest using Remitly, Wise, Western Union, or other apps and pick the money up at Cebuana/mlehuillier. ATM'S usually limit you to 10k PHP per withdrawal, with a 250 PHP fee. At the MLehullier, especially the one that's open 24/7 at the IT Park in Cebu, they have much higher limits. One of my friends withdrew 50k PHP at one Crack. And it's still a 250 PHP fee, so an even greater savings. Keep in mind that, if you are exchanging ANYTHING other than crisp, brand-new $100 USD bills with no folds, tears, writings, markings, or imperfections, they will either offer you less PHP for your money, or just not take it at all. ☺️
@cecilwampler8733 - True. Depends on how much you feel safe walking around with at any given time... as well as your own personal safety after leaving the airport. As far as bringing in money, there is a $10k USD limit as well.
Nice video coming here from the uk last month i had to get rid of a lot of stuff.. my cd and vinyl collection ive kept some in storage with sister but ive joined spotify. In the end the only thing really important is photographs which cant be replaced they are stored online or on hdd. Living a minimal lifestyle is so much easier. Hope it works out for you
Good-looking couple! Congrats on the new channel. I'd add these channels: Jasper, Fly Me to the Philippines, Chad Foster, and "That Philippines Life" with Mike, the guy who started the Canadian Beaver bar. My ship might have visited the PI about when you did. I was an officer aboard the BLUE RIDGE in 1972-3. I do like your shirt!
@KutWrite - No, your ship RELIEVED my ship! Uss Paul Revere, (LPA 248). As an E-3 at the time, I had some good conversations with the admiral and Marine General while off the Coast of 'Nam. Captain didn't like it because I had no filter! 🤣
@@JacktheCyberspaceCowboy I had none either! That was the main reason I didn't stay in, despite a great billet on the BLUE RIDGE and the shore duty afterward, at NTC San Diego. Ahoy and all that!
@markjohnson3616 - It's a lot to give up. If it'd the distance that bothers you the most, then try Puerto Rico, or Costa Rica. Same vibe and weather, but closer to home.
Hi Jack and Sheila. I just found your channel and subscribed to it. I'm planning to visit the Philippines next year and be in the Cebu area,..it would be great if we could meet up for a coffee and a chatt. Thanks for a great 👍 video and keep up the great work.
One thing I have to disagree with. Longest flight ever took was 3 1/2 hours but I used Eva Airlines economy 15 1/2 hours to Taipei Taiwan four meals military Precision of the flight attendants I was totally relaxed how the hell did I do it I don't know but I loved it
@jimbohi3648 - I also flew EVA Air and I was impressed. Made the mistake of flying Delta the second time and the last leg was on a Korean Cattle Call airline called Jing, even though I paid for Economy Plus. In the future, I will fly either E+ with EVA, Singapore Air, or Cathay to avoid that situation. US Domestic Airlines just can't compete anymore.
Hey, 👋 Just found your channel, great content & to the point with no fluffing for more time, love it. Now question, 2 of my meds are controlled, I can only bring 1 month on 1 and 60 days on the other. How hard is it to get prescriptions from doctors there? I'll do more tests there and will pay $$ a month no problem. Without either one I'm dead, been on both for decades.
@Kacv-dc1tx - That depends on the meds. Not all the same meds are available here (Cebu) from what I've heard. Manila probably would have them though. I'd get health insurance here or have 30 to 50k USD set aside otherwise, though many hospitals take credit cards. A lot depends on where you live. Doctors visits are fairly inexpensive, even for specialists. Total is about the same as the co-pay in the US. I'm in fairly good health and don't see doctors that often, but my last trip to the emergency room for stitches cost me less than $275 in total for the visit... without insurance. Major medical can run up into the tens of thousands here (vs hundreds of thousands in the US). But you need to pay before you are diacharged.
Good seeing you again. I met you at Ayala Central Bloc Starbucks about a month ago with Carefree Chris. You seemed like a real cool guy. Just to remind you who I am, I'm the guy who was visiting from South Korea.
How big are the boxes because in Northern California, it's closer to 3 hundred a box @ anyways, everything is dirt cheap on Facebook marketplace and if you have the right connections
@@fdwaller - I got quoted $135 for the small box and $155 for the large... and I would have had to haul them up from West Lafayette to Chicago to the shippers. Then there would have been storing everything here until I decided where to live.
@jimbohi3648 Congratulations! Leyte girls are the best Province Girls! Just remember that the first few years will either cement the trust you've both built or will reveal the faults. Make sure she knows that, as the old song goes, "I Only Have Eyes... For You!" Do that and you will have a very happy marriage.
I fly ANA Airlines from Los Angeles to Tokyo then a 3 hour layover then 5 more hours to Manila I use to fly Economy deluxe but since i have reached 70 years old also I now fly Busyness class Yes its about 2times the cost but to me its money well spent .You get not only better food but you get a SUPER LARGE seat that lays flat and makes into a bed 21 hours from Los Angeles to Manila to far to long to be in a small cramped seat I flew PHILIPPINES airlines once and would NEVER fly them again seats are way to small for someone who is 6 foot 200 lbs that was the worst trip I have ever had .SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AND YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT AND BE GLAD YOU MADE THE CHOICE Best of luck
@kevinbuckley4507 - Great advice, though I'm not a big fan of flying into Manila unless you live there. Too bureaucratic and crowded. Cebu Mactan is much less stressful and accessible.
@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x - I sort of wish they would bring back ocean liners for family trips. Much more relaxing! But yes, not a fun trip in the cattle section. And, add another 4 hours flying from Chicago!
@@JacktheCyberspaceCowboy That would be GREAT A nice long relaxing ocean trip from the USA to the Philippines would be super cool The only Ocean trip I ever took from the USA to the Philippines was when I was in the Navy in 1972 -1975 32 days to cross the pond Long Beach to Subic that's when I fell in love with the Country and a few Filipinas too LOL
I won't say "no" but it may be better to have Sheila interview you for the Palompon Princess channel. She's my wife and does a better job of interviewing. I'm trying to do something a little different that what 90% of the other expats are doing.
@jp2059 - I got back on Facebook after being off it for 8 or 9 years, "because it's how everyone communicates in the Philippines." Having ended my third LDR from a dating site, I was simply looking for friends, not a relationship. I began chatting with Sheila about her engagement. Seems her fiancee did things a little backwards and got engaged to her before his divorce was final. That, and one or two other stupid things he did that she found out about, sort of put the final nail in that coffin. I let her rant to me, and she told me she was moving to Cebu to live with her aunt & uncle so she could look for work. I asked if she would be willing to show me around the city, no strings attached (still wasn't looking for a relationship) and offered to pay her 1000 PHP per day, plus meals and entry fees to tourist sites. For the first week, I had one of two male cousins acting as chaperones, but they were fun to hang out with, and I got invited to a family birthday party, where I guess I earned a seal of approval because I laughed, sang karaoke, ate their food, and had fun. From then on, we began to talk about our hopes and dreams, what I wanted from a girlfriend, was I planning on dating just for sex or for a long-term relationship. I guess I answered everything correctly. I paid her for her guide services and we continued to chat online. I was very concerned about the age difference, and told her so. It led to some deep conversations and the relationship just developed from there...
50k PHP (@80 to 90 USD) or the equivalent of NO MORE THAN $10k USD. You can access additional money with apps like Western Union, Remitly, or Wise. Or you can use your debit card at ATMs. You'll pay a $5 fee per transaction and are usually limited to 10k PHP per withdrawal.
I appreciate the idea, but honestly there is nothing in Texas I need here. The woman fulfills the desires, point blank, I'm good 🎉! I still need to liquidate my estate in the USA, but if I just never went back again and my stuff forsaken, I wouldn't mind. The one thing I have not found here is my injectable testosterone.😢 So I keep going back for that and other stuff I can fit in the baggage allowed by EVA Air. But, yeah, the woman makes me happy, so that is that.
That’s my primary motivation. Being over 60 in America is an invisible place to be. Woman have fallen apart and gotten fat. I’m not dating grandma 😂 I have money and comfort but no woman (divorced) so this is no way to live my next 30 years.
14 Work/+21 Vacation/ 48 Calendar Days to Civil Service Retirement/ 93 Days to Cebu City for a Six Month Vacation. Getting ready for the Heat, I've lost 50 pounds & gone from 2x/3x shirts down to 1x... I have 11EEEE Feet. I''ll Bring Sandals & an extra pair of Shoes. Assuming I decide to stay, my Son will ship Balikbayan Boxes to me with more... stuff as I need it.
Sandals and/or flip-flops are the norm here. I'm 5'7" and 180 lbs and I wear XLshirts in the US. Here, it's either 2XL or 3XL, depending on the material (they don't pre-shrink their cotton or linen shirts here, so buy 3XL)
@fruitloops3718 - Maybe that's what attracts them to each other. She's looking for maturity and wisdom. He's looking for maturity and someone that keeps him young.
One of the best places to stay in Manila is a hotel called the MANILA LOTUS Its right next to the CITY STATES Hotel I always spend my first and last nights there when i fly in and out of Manila
@simplysocial7383 - Well, like everyone else that asks that question, you don't provide an itinerary or budget amount for your stay, and I hate assuming that it's unlimited. My best advice would be to sign up for Air B&B and check out rates there for the city or cities you want to visit. They are generally 1/3rd to 1/2 less than hotel daily rates.
The ones with the negative comments are simply the racists that have never lived here. They're just jealous of those that do, and can get a beautiful young wife.... something that can't be done in most Western countries anymore.
@tigermanmccool4037 - I could if I were up that way, but I'm in Cebu. The VA is at the US Embassy and will only treat you for rated disabilities. Best to purchase medical insurance here. Otherwise, you have to pay in cash before they will discharge you. Health care costs and quality varies from hospital to hospital. Get private insurance if you can (I'm going to do that soon) and go to the private hospitals for the better care. I had the "opportunity" to visit the emergency room in April (I cut my finger while cutting up an avocado) and the entire cost for the emergency room visit (3 stitches) was less than my deductible and co-pay in the US. (IT was a little over $250 USD total! Including follow-up visits!)
Yes. Bring ₱50.000 (@ $850) and the rest in crisp, new $100 bills (but keep the total amount of money under a total of $10,000 USD). Believe me, the money changers won't take anything else. And, if they do, you won't get a good rate.
They work at malls and some restaurants in the big cities, but cash is king otherwise - especially in the Provinces. You'll want a credit card with a healthy open balance for emergencies though... such as if you end up in a hospital due to an accident or health problems. No payment, no discharge. And the billing will continue until you are either arrested or deported. And you do NOT want to be arrested here!
@johncook2924 Dude! What happened? Sheila was all set to meet you at the airport and just needed to confirm your flight & arrival time and you ghosted us! Glad to see you made it though! Are you in Cebu? Did you meet anyone?
What to bring? money..money..the look on her face & in her heart$$$..which woman on this planet doesn't need money? Malls in the philippines are not free..
@BB-dp4kh - Well, thankfully she doesn't shop the malls often and is very frugal, knowing where the fashion bargains are. And money doesn't buy loyalty like hers. If it did, I'd have lost her long ago.
@ByronWatts - True, if you want to take that chance, then you do you. I personally like it here and wouldn't want to do something to violate my hosts rules and get deported. The cash limits are there to prevent money laundering and accessing cash is easy through apps like Remitly, Wise, or Western Union. Nor would I suggest or recommend doing something illegal on social media.
Just don't bring in more than ₱50,000 (about $850) in Philippine currency, and no more than the equivalent of $10,000 USD. You need to declare the latter. More than the former will get confiscated and/or you won't be allowed in the country. They are really strict about money laundering here.
A lot of that depends on the lifestyle you're going to pursue here. If you're going to live "like you've never left the [Western country you're from], then yes, bring a lot of money and a large pension. Buying imported goods (and all Western goods normally available in the grocery store are imported) will put a big dent in your budget. Buying local goods will reduce that cost. The key word is "BUDGET." If you don't put one in place and adhere to it, then yes, you're going to need a lot of money.
Good Luck. Yeah they have Umbrellas 🌂 in the philippines 🇵🇭. And I mean Good Luck. I have a 40' container in my yard with more SQFT than your WONDERFUL HOME 🏡. Are You Sure You have thought 🤔 this through..???😅
@KaliBahayKubo - Does your container come with a pool, convenience store, library, 2 viewing decks with a view of Cebu and the ocean, trash collection, and within walking distance to malls and restaurants? Yes, I thought about it and about how much I've spent hauling around and storing "stuff." Think about it: How much money and time have you wasted hauling around your "stuff?"
Meh. If all you do is throw your money around, I guarantee you won't find a GOOD Filippina. I WILL guarantee that it will put a target on your back for scammers, pickpockets, and junkies/thieves. The populace also doesn't take well to loud, abrasive, and entitled "ugly Westerner" types here.
@@JacktheCyberspaceCowboy lots of money in sense for your personal needs. Philippines the commodities are not that cheap. Also the prices depend on where you live. Living in the Province is quite cheaper but in highly urbanized cities are not. When is your first time to be here for sure you cannot eat Filipino foods. You have time for adjustments. Finely cut steak is very expensive here.
@maypupa4840 Yes. Western foods carry a premium. A burger at Alberto's is $3 USD and $20 at TGI Fridays. I'd been here in the Navy and had Filippino clients so I was already familiar with the food. Also recommend bringing pro-biotics in case your system reacts badly.
...said by someone that doesn't produce any content of their own and probably doesn't live here. My advice? Stay in your own country, please, and keep your parochial attitude to yourself. Penicillin can cure illness, but you can''t cure ignorance.
