Why I'll Never Move Back To America... 

Moving to BGC: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Relocation www.thesavvyexpat.com/

I’m getting my 100% VA pension this year, your videos solidify my decision to move back home and never look back. USA is getting crazy…TOO crazy

It certainly WAS the best country. But those times are long gone.

As a 26 year old black expat, I knew the Philippines was going to be better than my time in America, but I was not expecting this place to be full of people I consider homies! I walk down the street, I get shout outs, fist bumps, women call me "Kobe!". I go to my barber, suddenly the place turns into a Tupac party, people start dancing and become classic hip-hop historians. Don't get me started on the fried chicken and Filipino street dishes. They remind me of soul food on Sundays. THIS. PLACE. IS. AMAZING.

Living in the Philippines only works if you're making USD.

Part 2 please..Thank you, Evan!🙏🏼God bless

Excellent information. Lets see part 2.

Insightful & an eye-opener

Its probably because of the virtues and values of people, even if a country is well developed, you cant replace the the value it has in its people

Your analysis is 100% on point. And it's still going in that direction, 6 months later.

Another great video Evan 😊

Always stay safe and God bless you Evan, your loved ones and friends☺️

Yes looking forward to part 2. I live in and grew up in Los Angeles and agree with everything you said.

Good video. Your spot on. My wife and I went back there last year for 6 months and it was great. We are moving there in 3 years.

Very well said. Watching from Houston TX.

Thanks bro. Welcome back. You belong to the Philippines.

We Agree!!! Yes Part II please 😁

Yes looking forward to episode 2 👍🏻

Good points Evan! Well said. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of "crazy" going on here and you'd do best to just avoid it! Keep your great videos coming!

Dawg came to this conclusion by only living in Chicago and then moving in an area like BGC? Wtf lol

Hello Dude! I have experience going to the Philippines. (I was also born at Clark Air Base) And recently I went to Thailand. What I would like to do is have some multiple income streams to support myself, while I would love to go back to Thailand and the Philippines. I can't even afford a house in America. The American dream is out of reach for many people. I'll be turning 50 years old this year. I don't want to get to my 60s and being position that I am in now. I think going back The Philippines or Thailand is pretty much my only option for survival. And I agree with the crime. Its ridiculous. As someone who used to live in Chicago and worked in the suburbs way back in the 90s I can see that it has changed drastically. So sad! I'm glad that you made this video so that you can express how you feel about this situation... That it is much more dire than people realize.

My wife's sister has lived in Manila for most of her adult life about 15 minutes from BGC. Air pollution is her biggest problem. She is only 55 but has respiratory problems. Unfortunately, like most Filipinos she has no air conditioning so has to keep the windows open. The first thing I check when in Manila is the air filtration system of were I an staying. All 5 star hotels will have great HVAC systems with undated filtration. However, most middle to lower level hotel and buildings do not. People from the US or other country with clearer air and proper air filtration, may find it difficult to breath once arriving. I was in Cebu and Manila May of last year with the mask restriction still in place so that actually helped. Also, the air is much better in the early morning but pollution will start to build throughout the day peaking about sunset. Leaded gasoline was ban in 2021 but diesel fuel is still widely used due. Also, outside of BGC, you will see some homeowners burning there trash in large pit so not sure if they have sanitation truck that pick-up.

If you got $ or solid income for life, no problem migrating to PH. If you don't, best of luck!

I’m a FilAm born and raised in the Chicago burbs. Also went to uni and lived in the city for a few years. wish I could’ve experienced college in the Philippines. Student loans and tuition are just not it. Literally relate to this video so much! I feel like nowadays I can’t walk around the city as freely as I used to because of the crime. I love traveling but was disappointed seeing this issue in other cities too. crime is everywhere yes, but I feel like it’s a different kind of feeling that we have to constantly worry about vs in the ph Philippines is such a vibe!! Feel like Manila is too big for me, though I love BGC. I’d love to try out Cebu sometime bc I love being closer to the other islands. it’s the next growing hub! That’s the biggest thing I notice once I come back to the US from traveling there. I feel like the culture here is more hustle and tbh kinda isolating. unless you really put yourself out there. ✨ target trips, Amazon buys, fall Starbucks drinks ✨ it’s so materialistic. and overall the vibes with people there are just different. each country has its own culture, but everyone’s more chill and happy sa Pinas despite whatever hardship. I also feel more comfy embracing my religious beliefs in the PH vs in the US I feel like I have to hide it sometimes. The rent here is also way too much, even in the burbs. I’d miss my Portillo’s and ChickfilA though. My only concern for people my parents’ age are healthcare and for sure the need to have that consistent income. Had a great experience going to the dentist and the salons though! Figuring out my remote work is my next step rn bc I wanna move for sure even for a bit

Philippines has a lot of poverty but less crimes. US is super rich but not safe anymore. By the way, Philippines economy is now booming and it takes time we will be better

Good job Evan.

Keep ‘em coming young man ! The Filipino people are some of the friendliest people on planet earth .

Hi Evan, when you left US for Phil, did you have to sell everything before the move? Ty

Great ideas! Remote workers and business owners are moving out of popular cities like Chicago, SF, LA and NY. They are bidding up housing prices across the states. I got the highest bid for my previous house from a California family. Meanwhile my neighbor sold his house after thieves stole his stuff and moved a thousand miles away to Oklahoma. I would choose Philippines over Oklahoma but I can't live in a high rise condo like BGC. I tried Eastwood City for a few weeks and condo life was too confining.

As much as I love the Phils I could never live there permanently. I love UK summers too much, ending of the football season, Wimbledon tennis and other British sports that Americans and Filipinos don’t understand 😁. Late summer nights eating and drinking outside til 10pm. Playing tennis at 9pm in sunshine. I lived in Makati when it was the No 1 city now overtaken by BGC, not sure if I could afford there now on a £3k pension. But I do love my 3 months there avoiding UK winters 👍👍

While I do agree with you on many points, one thing that is different is the foundation from which you and your family started at the point of migration back to the Philippines. In other words, the wealth that you and your family amassed in the US is your starting point. It is, by far, much easier to amass wealth in the US than there because of the structure of opportunities here. You can start from nothing and still get financially set in a shorter amount of time here in the US. I can personally attest to that. The time that you and your family took to build that wealth took time, unless they left the Philippines already wealthy. Sadly, many who are originally from there, on the average, will most probably not as easily reach the level of "luxury" you are experiencing right now. What will be telling is how your children and subsequent generations will fair with the level of wealth that they will be able to maintain. When you live in a bubble like in many affluent compounds (e.g. Corinthian, Alabang, Forbes etc...) or metros like BGC, the challenge sometimes comes every time when you leave the periphery. The vast majority of people don't live as you do or like those who live in the aforementioned compounds. For some, the stark contrast can wear on your soul after a while. I really like the Philippines but the stark contrast of have's and have not's can be tough to take.

Oh man oak brook was nice😂😂, I grew up on 67th and halstead(you know the area). Hands down since getting here life has been amazing. Also chicago is scary so you said it direct🤷🏽‍♂️🔥. We've got to link for a coffee🙌🏾

Totally agree with you

There are pros & cons to living either in the U.S. or Philippines. You can live like a king in both if you’re smart with money and finances. There are many Filipinos moving to Canada, U.S., Japan, HK and Middleeast for jobs and a better life. It’s become a migratory exchange. Still with everything being equal like the high cost of BGC condos equal to U.S. prices, it’s better to stay in the U.S. with more modern conveniences, a house and cars. Perhaps BGC and new developments will be the expat capital of the world some day.

Absolutely true.

As someone still doing the “two countries” thing, indeed my homeland is calling me more and more to be ‘perma-balikbayan’. But I have not given up on USA yet . It gave me so much, as a new immigrant. I still feel I owe her something. so I don’t think it’s an either/or thing for now while I’m still fairly healthy & can contribute to both re: public service/community-building. EDIT: perhaps that is another dimension that you could be covering in your work. ie target also those that aren’t necessarily making the big move to PH , but rather the subset of Fil-Ams who wish to take a ‘lighter step’ back to the homeland, either for regular visits, or living just part-time, etc.

Totally agree Don't see myself going back. I don't feel I would fit in anymore. And the american dream is now here in Asia. Business opportunity wise the action is here in Asia, not just here in the Philippines.

Thanks for the video and the information. Hawaii is much more expensive as well. And just recently a fire basically burned down the entire city of Lahaina Maui. Lahaina is where I helped and met all those teenagers who one of them lives in the Philippines and is about 40 years old.

Fortunately, I bought my house in 1998 in Seattle, got the college education, worked for Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, etc., socked away for 401K. Retired at 55 last year and now traveling the world and spending my $ elsewhere as there is no value left in US. I don't try out new restaurants in the US as the prices are ridiculous.

So I am going to go in a different direction. I lived in Asia for 5 years 2010-2015 all over KL, Hong Kong, Jakarta. I am also from Chicago. Yes Asia compared to the USA is cheaper. Manila I have stayed in BGC. It was OK but nothing over the top. The shangri_la The Fort is nice tho. Anyway back to Chicago if you are talking the city yes it worse then it ever has been. The suburbs tho are perfectly fine. Nothing has changed. Chicago O'hare airport is just as safe as it was in 1970. The USA minus all the political BS is still pretty good. This is coming from a guy who will return to KL and retire. Saying that PH is better is an opinion. All of my educated Filipino friends with college degrees working in Manila cannot afford BGC. If your going to do videos about Manila show ALL of Manila! Not just for the rich :)

Evan , I agree with what you’re saying. I’m from california, moved from the Philippines at 5 , and can do a dual citizenship at anytime (I’m a naturalized citizen). One of my main concerns of why I haven’t made the move to the Philippines is nation wide security concerns, such as chinas influence and the philippines being in the middle of the crosshairs of two world superpowers. I just don’t think the philippines has any security/ food stock guarantees with both superpower nations. Taiwan is literally asias Ukraine in the coming future, and with the Philippines obviously playing both sides, I wouldn’t want my life to be hindered because of geopolitics… what would your comment be on that take? Nevertheless great video.

Between the years of 1960 and 2022 the Philippines had an average inflation rate of 8.5% per year, significantly higher than the US. Evan and his family are very fortunate. If they didn't live in BGC and lived in Pasay, Quezon City, or Tondo I don't think that he'd feel as safe as he does now. The real #1 reason that he's staying in the Philippines is that his parents pay for everything. The American Dream isn't dead but granted it's harder to achieve. There are still more opportunities for the average person in the US than most anywhere in the world, and definitely more than for an average Filipino in the Philippines.

There's no better location for a young entrepreneur than the US, but it's not the best location for a retiree of limited means.

Spot on

Hi Evan, I was born in the Philippines, but now a US citizen like you. Do you need to exit Philippines every 3 mos or 6 mos (if extended) to avoid overstaying? Or is it better to do dual citizenship? But I don't want to pay taxes on two countries. What is the best thing to do? And can I still go back and forth to US even if I stay for a long time outside US?Thanks!

I was born in Philippines raised in usa moved there in 98 now im offically going back to philippines and im excited also im thankful my time here in the US as well

A part 2 would be nice

Can't wait to make the move myself

It's nice to know Evan that you are now fully grounded to your parents country the Philippines beginning to discover about our cultures, traditions, the beauty of our country and our people and appreciating the many progress happening right now. I think some Filipinos born and raise in the US and in any other countries must trace their humble beginning and needs to reconnect the same and do some noteworthy things as part of our nation building. Thank you for your thought shared to us.

The problem with America is that nothing is an issue while it is only in black or brown communities. It becomes an issue when it starts effecting white or 'affluent' communities. Almost every problem in the American society has been and continues to be caused by politicians. From the first laws and policies to the current inhumane laws being created in certain states, politics have caused more suffering and anger than even religion. It was politicians that approved of crack cocaine being poured into the urban/black/brown communities. It was fine until white kids started getting hooked, then came the war on drugs. Politicians created redlining of city districts by way of the census, which in turn they used to decide where funding would go for communities. When freed slaves started their own thriving cities, criminal laws were not enforce as groups of white men and women went from neighboring cities to burn the black cities down. The politicians created a welfare system for the pure reason of causing urban areas to depend on the government, while limiting loans for black businesses in their own communities. When you use political power to make people poor, it will eventually spread to those upper class communities. The US is currently seeing the effects of decades of policies and lack of caring for underfunded communities, while those very people see the wealthy benefiting from state and federal policies. When you have people that can afford to pay $250,000 for a 6 min ride into space, but an elderly person dies because he/she cannot afford medical coverage... You are bound to see an explosion of emotions and people lashing out... Its will almost always be those that have been held down through politics that will be the ones that lash out. Most things in America have become political tools to win votes or to control easily controllable minds. Case in point, the justice (JUST-US) system was praised by the masses, until Trump said it was corrupt, then the masses wanted to target judges, DOJ employees and their families. But while the black population spent decades complaining about the system, we were being told how fair and honest it was. Politics.... Florida politicians are passing laws to take books on great people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr out of schools, but are allowing books about the Confederacy to remain. The American dream was NEVER meant for black or brown people and if a certain political party has their way, it never will be. Yeah, some of your viewers may feel the need to scream like demons about my comment... I welcome it...

Evan, A part 2 would be great! Thank you! Continue the great work!

"Bata ka pa, marami ka pang asin na kakainin" - one of those Filipino idiom. Ask your mom or Dad. You need to take a walk on all the neighborhood first all around Manila not just BGC or Makati. But anyway make the best of it while you are there. Be safe and head on the swivel when walking around.

There are some unsafe places in the Philippines, but nothing like some of these cities in the US. I left the US 10 years ago, and lived in Germany. I now live in Colombia. There are some crime issues where we live in Colombia, but with the proper precautions, you're OK.

Good. Stay there.

Part 2 please

While quality of life is much better in the Philippines, opportunities for financial success are much better in the US.

Food experience is your biggest setback moving to the PI? Even in the BCG? So roads are not a massive problem or public means of transport precarious?

New subs from Baguio City Philippines....mabuhay!!!

Hey Evan I hope you do a video on recommended shots and vaccines (not covid) before going to the Philippines. Just wondering before you went there did you get any hepatitis or malaria or any other type of shots or vaccines

Yes friend, part 2😂

Same like in my beautiful Country France I emigrated from France to Philippines already in 1988 with my Wife who is from Philippines.We went to work in Middle East for 20 years and we retired in The Philippines since 10 years and we never regret our decision to leave France who is also declining so quickly these last 20 years . Even living in the Provinces is so much well secured than to live in France !

What is the cost of healthcare, private school (for kids), and how reliable are the wifi, utilities like electricity (do you still get brown-outs), water, etc.?

100% American back then was Great! But nowadays is not no more!!!

I am also a Chicago fil am, just a few years older from a different generation, im probably very young gen x being born in 1980. I lived through the 80s 90s Chicago when it was GOOD. I cant begin to explain the pure joy it was to live in the city while we were winning. For you nba fans out there it was a dream come true, for 6 short seasons. Then the 00s and 911 came and everything changed after that. And we were in considered a "good part" of Chicago in the nw side Jefferson park. But even there, our house got robbed. We left the city for the burbs, Schaumburg in 1997. Now after living in the burbs last 25 years i think its time to wrap it up and head home to the Philippines where my $ buys the way it used to in the 80s 90s in America. Back then it was cool. Now, not so much. And when i say cool, i mean Chicago was in front of the house music scene. Gas was still cheap, and most if not all the good food places Chicago ppl remember n talk about were still open back then! Duuuude kings gyros and toots hotdogs were unbeatabull lol (joke intended). I still remember all the 3 peat memorabilia on the wall. Its like the place never left 1993, like how i remember pulling up on my bmx bike since i was a kid in 1988, i was biking over to Milwaukee/central/foster by the Walgreens for years as a kid. Years before they even put the 16th precinct police station in on Milwaukee. Even now as i type this im eating a morettis sausage pepperoni n cheese crispy crust pizza, and even 2 days old its still really good after heating it up in the oven. Also enjoying their vodka sauce ravioli dish i got to go. Chicago really does spoil you with the food. And its not fake either. Legit legit AUTHENTIC ethnic food from many dozens of cultures both in the city or the burbs. Chinese? You can get the different kinds, szechewan, sichuan, cantonese, or mandarin. You want polish for real like European style deli? Its here. Greek style cooking where they do the real saganaki flaming cheese at your table? You got it. All kinds of pizza, deep, thin crispy, detroit style burnt cheesy corners.. yes its here. Even the different styles of traditional Mexican and Chicago chicano style Hispanic cooking is plentiful and you dont need a Tuesday or holiday to get birria style extra juicy tacos or suizo extra cheesy burrito. From your local michoacana to your carniceria jiminez to your local la fiesta grocery, Chicago has your latino cooking or food needs covered. Even our own kultura is wellll represented here with uncle mikes tapsilog breakfast on the west side, or hong ning in the burbs, to savory crust empanadas in Skokie/niles, subo and bayan ko, there's more than a few filipino places here to try, if you can afford Chicagoland prices. But there is no lie, the food is very good, and also interesting to note, unlike phillipines, not really too much of a line to wait. But, in bgc one could eat very well, have even more selection of asian foods at their disposal for less than half the cost. Its really up to the expat what theyre willing to give up. But after traveling back so many times, it seems more n more likely ill eventually end up moving there. Why not? I mean cuz its either you stay in America and live a so-so ho hum and rather boring life, because all the fun stuff is big $$, or live in the phillipines and have more fun and a better quality of life. Im 43 and i dont see us getting better or all of a sudden having more quality women to date.... Pilipinas ako ka na!

You are making USD. You will have a different opinion if you are making pesos

When I get my SSS retirement money,I will move back to my mother Land the Philippines born and Raised.

I’m new to your channel. Have you ever disclosed your family’s info? From your parents careers, number of family members, your profession? I think moving to the Philippines will be vastly different as a retiree vs a non-retiree.

I’m definitely interested in part 2. These videos are great for me to show my wife by the time I retire in 2 years. So how does the medical and dental insurance coverage there if I have covered through retirement ?

I'm a 34 year old living in BGC now. I'm originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, still Cook County. My experience is almost identical to yours. Criminals in Chicago are now migrating out of the city and into the surrounding areas. Politicians and people like Kim Foxx refuse to prosecute or let these people right back onto the streets. Couple that with some of the highest property taxes in the country as well as moderate-high taxes everywhere else, it's no wonder people are fleeing Illinois by the thousands. I have lived all over the US and now overseas... The food in Chicago IS the best haha.

I think you are rich that's you don't need to go back to the states

I left, too. And will likely be starting a family here soon in Philippines with a native. No interest in returning to the U.S. I'm mid 20s.

Before it’s the best. But nowadays. I live at Las Vegas Nevada United States 🇺🇸. And work there. But I leaving the States. I will transfer at Australia 🇦🇺 next year it’s better.

Thank you so much for the awesome guide! Your videos are great for us ex-pats looking for a change.

Good video, Evan, but my experience in the Philippines has been less than stellar. Maybe it's my age, maybe it's where I chose to live, maybe it's something else, but I'm heading back to the US because I'm just not happy here. (Edit) You said in one of your videos that people with chronic health conditions shouldn't live in the provinces and probably should seriously consider not moving here at all. That's two strikes against me before I even got off the plane. I don't know what the future holds, but I will be optimistic. Life here just doesn't work for me. God bless.

I interned with a company that had a major production facility in Cebu. Man who owned the company stated that Philippines likely had unemployment of app 50%. That was more than 10 years ago, so things may have changed.

Lived in Naperville IL. (another suburb of Chicago) and I remember the Oak Brook Mall crimes. I gotta say, this video is 100% accurate. My wife is Filipino and every time we go home to Manila we experience the difference. Especially the people. Filipinos are WAY nicer then most people in America, prices are WAY better, and like he said in the video, no snow. If you're worried about the food, he's also right about the food here in Chi-Town compared to the Philippines, but know this, a lot of the American restaurants are also in the Philippines. McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, you name it, they're in the Philippines. The crime rate is DRASTICLY lower in the Philippines as well. Great video and very spot on. Where's that Subscribe button.... there it is. . Click . Now I'm a subscriber. 🙂

I understand why your family and you moved from the chaos that is Chicago to the Philippines, you do in fact have such a way, way better life now. Way to go! 👌 I'm extremely fortunate to have an amazing life in the USA's Northwest, far from any big city crime or crime at all for that matter. I wouldn't trade it for the world. However I am interested in spending some time every year in the Philippines for pleasure going forward, specifically BGC, Makati, Boracay, and Palawan. 👍

Good episode - similar reason apply when moving from UK !

How easy is it to renew your passport when you are outside the country of issue? That would be one of the reasons I go back to the UK to renew my passport. I know if I was in the UK it would be quick, I wonder if it would take twice as much time me trying to do it overseas.

Id be interested in seeing a part 2 of this video

Hey man, would you mind to make a video about retirement account if you have a retirement account in the US ? What you need to do to move it overseas.

So true that the USA has been going downhill for years now. I’m a few years from retirement & plan to split my time between both countries for 3-5 years then eventually move to the Philippines permanently

apprecaite you and keep the gym up

I'm moving to Philippines in January.

part 2 pleASE

Thank You for this video, Great comparison and analysis. I will be retiring in Cebu from California in Nov 2023, based on many of the issues you mentioned. I was in Cebu for 30 days (May 2023) and "Loved it". I can't wait to get back and enjoy an active lifestyle in Cebu with my Filipina girlfriend!! Keep the videos coming.... Subscribed!!

once I reach 30, I will leave the US for a better and happier life

Exactly right 👍🇵🇭🇺🇸Sacramento California 🇺🇸

I'm a 60+ white woman and have lived in Chicago for over 30 years. I had a house in the suburbs (Naperville) and various apartments in the city (Streeterville, Lakeview, Rogers Park). I've also worked or lived in 40 countries since 1990. Now I'm retired and planning to move overseas because the cost of living will be far lower and I can enjoy a better life without the level of homelessness, mental illness, drug use and crime here. BGC seems like a nice place to live, affordable and safe. I'm looking forward to checking it out!

People move for......the weather. Living in summer all year long......it's luxury.

Lived in the US for 5years and ngl the pay was good but the life’s pretty sad. Offered to process my PR but I wanted to move somewhere else.

Its a very interesting privilege you have, able to fix your future pathways as an american by relocation through planning. Im amazed by these passport bros inspired videos popping up on YT. How are you able to fix your remote usa tax?

So, if everyone that were in better neighborhoods in the USA, moved to a better city. That place will go up and be too expensive to live for the locals. Similar to Florida (some other places like Hawaii) during covid. Now they ( the locals) can't afford it.

Do a part 2 please.

Most of my favorite restaurants in Chicago have gone broke and closed.

Do a part 2

Now we need a video on crypto friendly businesses in the Philippines!!!

Your family must had been rich. And still or, because I don’t think you have ever had it hard in life. If that good my friend. And watching your videos I think you are still rich. But I love watching your videos. And still have a lot of respect for you. So don’t get me wrong my friend. I still love you

👍

Thank you for sharing your story evan I appreciate you and your team I definitely need to contact y'all when I touchdown in the Philippines 🇵🇭 keep up the good work dude 💪😎