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Retire Philippines??

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mchrismsw
  7/26/2017 20:01 EST

I am new here and Maybe I can get your two cents as I am in the midst of a major transition in my love and is excited and scared as hell!!

Background
52 years old this Jun 29th!
I am retiring on October with a small pension from my government job as a Child Abuse Investigator and Manager for Social Services in Alameda County in California.

I am single and no longer have any real ties to the San Jose Bay Area. All my family has passed away over the last 10 years.

I am Italian and Spanish, I speak a little Spanish but open to embrace the language of my host nation.

Masters Degree in Social work and besides social work, I have over 15 years of teaching experience and a local college.

I been dreaming of moving to Asia, Latin America or the Caribbean for 17 years. In the mean time,

I have spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Columbia and some Asian countries like Philippines and Thailand. My heart has always been over seas rather than staying in the USA.

The DR is in my top 3 so far but I wanted to give Philippines a chance. and enjoy how much slower it is compared to the USA.

Now I am 3 months away from early retirement so it's getting REAL!! LOL
I am looking for a place that has the following requirements:

Meduim sized city vs a capital city. I am tired of the crowds living in the Bay Area California.

Access to fresh and healthy food, a good gym, tropical weather. I have degenerate bone disease in my shoulders and the tropical weather really relieves arthritic pain for me and allows me to have little pain and still be active and workout.


Affordable housing. I have budgeted about 1500 USD per month for living expenses and about another 300 USD if I need to go over. I still got 1 years to wait before SSI gives me a bump to my pension.

Ultimately were and when I land safely, I have budgeted up to 200, 000 USD max for a house or apartment. I am not rich but just a poor civil servant LOL :)

Eventually I would like to add value to my host community. Maybe teach English part-time or start a small business or invest in some rental property for passive income.

I spent my whole life as an educator and social worker so giving back and adding value to my host community is important to me

Overall, I am simple man, easy to get along with and make friends, looking forward to and really enjoy and value a simple life (We in the west have gotten so far away from what really matters). And time to recover from a career of seeing some of the worst imaginable things happen to children,10 hrs a day everyday over my career.

Any advice based on my criteria would be helpful. Blessings and thank you!

Michael
[email protected]

0bieone
  12/25/2017 20:24 EST

Hello, Happy Holiday's, My wife is a State sider and we have been here in Davao City since 2002. Spent 5 years in Lanang then moved to the other end of town. We lov it here. We sold every thing.. It's nice to have no morgage or insurances, taxes!! Have any questions ask me!! O'Bie

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draks
  12/24/2017 22:52 EST

Most of the things I was told would happen in Mindanaou, have as yet not happened thank god.
If you are thinking of going to Mindanaou check the advice given by your country. If you go to Davou, by all accounts it's fairly safe I think, but to wander outside the city limits puts you at a degree of risk I have been told. I would not go to Zamboanga, south Cotobato, and up in the mountain areas. Personally I am still staying out of Mindanaou. Palawan unfortunately is a risk also. I know of two guys who were murdered there.
Philippines is in a bit of a state of unrest. The president is still popular with the people but he holds the names of hundreds of corrupt officials, there are an awful lot of people who want him dead and disgraced. If you choose carefully where to live keep a very low profile, Philippines is an ok country to live, just be careful of areas etc. Typhoons are a problem here and some places are more prone than others.
Check your area is not a flood area, lots and lots to think about before you move here. As others have said, come here for an extended period, see what area you prefer, and see if you even like it here. I know several guys who just gave up after a few years and went home.
I have been in the middle of a typhoon and a 6' flood, lived very close to a river that burst it's banks. 120 people lost their lives, our lives were saved by a local man who led us up to high ground in the middle of the night. Up to my waist in water. I consequently got typhoid and pneumonia. No Ambulance available hade to go to hospital in a bumpy old tricycle, thought I was going to die. Not the paradise that some will have you believe.

JWShortridge
  12/23/2017 18:09 EST

Hello! Saw your message and I'm looking to connect with someone living in Mindanao. I have plans to visit in the coming months and I'm trying to do "due diligence" and also make any connections I can..........Would you mind sharing your thoughts on living there......?

JWShortridge
  12/23/2017 18:05 EST

Although its been a few months since this post originated.....let me offer my additional thoughts........Many of the Latin American countries are wonderful........ but many are not and you are asking for serious trouble by not doing your homework.......and I'm not talking about the BS advertisement comments from sites who are paid to promote certain locations........My advice to you......first, be a good guest and remember its only in the US that people are encouraged to be "tolerant" of foreigners and their idiosyncrasies..... Since our President was elected, Latin American countries generally dislike Americans and feel we have taken away one of their entitlements.......Second, learn Spanish or I would suggest you stay home. Latinos are not accommodating to foreign languages at all........ Third, do not violate their immigration laws or they own you.....no questions asked...... Forth....money talks....to everyone in Latin countries....... Police, Politicians, men, women (and it doesn't matter their status), etc.......... Unless you are sucidal, do not go to Mexico, Honduras, Gatemaula, of Nicaragua.......And I strongly caution you about Colombia and Brazil. They currently just don't like Americans right now.......... Compare this with the Philippines.....and the PI is heaven and the people are the best. Don't get me wrong, stupid is stupid no matter what country you are in....... but most people in the PI have a heart and a soul.........not necessarily the case in Latin America.......all this being said..... I love many places in Latin American, i.e. Costa Rica, Equador, Panama, and have many friends there........but when I finally hang up my traveling shoes.....it will be the PI at this point..... Good Luck and keep your eyes on the horizon.........Merry Christmas to all.

JWShortridge
  12/23/2017 17:38 EST

Hey Draks......I've seen your posts often and you have very unique and realistic thoughts and info to share......very thankful.........OK, enough of the sunshine.....it's be about 6 months since you posted your thoughts on Mindanao.....if you don't mind, share with me your read on that area now through April........I am considering spending some time their in the near future. Thanks my friend and Merry Christmas.

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charkee
  8/21/2017 18:29 EST

I used to live in Central America and I do not recommend it, except maybe for Costa Rica. Southern Mexico is very low in crime, lower than the US. I'm fluent in Spanish and am a translator. Yes, I could go anywhere in Latin America (I can go to Suriname too) and I was considering Uruguay or Chile, but I fell for a Filipina and now I'm here. Comparing Central America with the Philippines, Philippines is the winner. The Phils compares well with Mexico well away from the border. If I were to lose my wife, I probably would go to southern South America, but not Argentina. That nation is sadly 4th world, though in the past had the highest standard of living in the world.

ManWnoName
  8/21/2017 11:20 EST

As always, Draks knows where it's at <- regarding advice in the Phils! Kudos again to Draks and their in-depth knowledge!! I lived in the Phils for years and CAN ATTEST, OBLIGE, VERIFY that what they state is TRUE! Heed Draks' advice.

Also, regarding the original poster, if you know Spanish, I would think that you would be better off in Central Am, actually, Mexico. You're near the US border and trips back and forth are easy and cheaper too. I realize you have no ties to the US regarding family that is, but if needed, it's an easy exit back to the states from Mexico whenever. Rent in Mexico is cheaper than most of the Phils also, and all other costs regarding things like: grocery/food/restaurants, transport, vehicles, etc, are many times, lower than the Phils. Mexico does not rely so much on imports which keeps many materials and items in-check and low-priced as well. Also, if you like humidity which the Phils is saturated with (LOL), the eastern Mexico-coast/Carribean-side will be virtually the same in almost every respect to the Phils.

For example, Puerto Vallarta (west coast/Pacific-side); Merida, Cozumel, Yucatan (East, Atlantic-side); San Miguel de Allende, Chapala (more central); etc. are very nice and relatively safe areas for expats.

Truthfully, I actually feel safer in Puerto Vallarta (PV), Jalisco, MX, than anywhere else in the Phils and this includes: the Visayas (Cebu City), and the Luzon areas included. In PV, I have little to fear or better, little apprehension regarding scammers, beggars, wrong-doers, etc., here in this part of Mexico. In the Phils, it seemed that I was always checking over my shoulder for shady individuals.

The downside for me in Mexico, I know little Spanish and this can be a problem with the locals for one. And/also, like all countries that an expat visits, there will always be that "Expat-Tax" that "SOME" locals tend to charge foreigners more, simply because you are what you are... This happens even in the Phils too, so it's to be expected and you can always say "No" if the "tax" is too high... (LOL)

seernai
  8/13/2017 00:54 EST

When I said keep it real I meant ordinary expats getting kidnapped not mining executives with an expensive boat which just screamed cone and get me I'm a rich foreigner

ACEPoolPlayer
  7/28/2017 08:15 EST

Ponching,
Your advise is good except the Filipino view of retiring in the Philippines is much different than the expat view. I don't think hanging around with Filipinos in California or anywhere in the states will get you that proper prospective that an expat sees when living in the Philippines. Unless a Filipino grew up in the U.S. , is not fluent with the language and doesn't have family and relatives in the Philippines the prospective is much different.

MCYRCPA
  7/27/2017 22:51 EST

$1,500 adequate to live very comfortable.
Work is unlikely without a permit.
Self employment is possible once you marry a Filipina, very possible.

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GoldWarrior
  7/27/2017 18:35 EST

Today's News :

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/159117/crime-global-nation-simon-rawlinson-naval

GoldWarrior
  7/27/2017 17:26 EST

seernai ~ Keep it real? So the 4 kidnapped on Samal don't count? Your "reality" is far different than their reality.

robert1947
  7/27/2017 13:32 EST

My advice is the same as Robertdavs, you need to come to the Philippines for a couple of weeks, stay well clear of Manila.
I am in the University town of Los Banos,which is a nice location, been here since 2011, built our own home in the wifes family compound, and no you cant own land, and you can only own 49% of any Business.as for a teaching job the wifes sister is a professor at a local college and the jobs are well protected and are usually taken by graduating students.
Being a foriegner i stick out like a sore thumb with my grey hair.securiy wise we have 3 dogs
And a 24 hour CCTV system with 3 cameras. , but im always wary when we go shopping, i dont drive so we use a brother who drives our car , and we use his tricycle for local shopping.
Never had any problems.

ponching1986
  7/27/2017 12:38 EST

Michael. Choosing a place to retire is very subjective, there is no such thing as one size fits all. There are so many elements to consider, specially, you are moving to a 3rd world country like the Philippines. DR and South America as a whole is totally different from the Philippines. Hek, Thailand, China, etc (Asian) are different from the Philippines either, how much more of DR. BTW, I'm Filipino who has been away from the Philippines for over 30 years. My advise, there are so many Filipino in CA, join one of their social club and get acquainted and ask questions. Maybe you can tag along on extended vacation and you look at places which suits your needs. DO NOT DISPOSE ANYTHING YET. TAKE EXTENDED VACATION AND ENVISTIGATE. Best wishes.

seernai
  7/27/2017 05:53 EST

Well those of us who actually live on Mindanao are obviously aware of what's going on and have taken appropriate action to assure our safety here

seernai
  7/27/2017 05:49 EST

Gold warrior when was the last kidnapping of an expat in Davao ? Not Samal mind ordinary expats, it's one thing to warn people about the dangers here but to scare the crap out of people is something else keep it real and in perspective

GoldWarrior
  7/27/2017 00:39 EST

Go to the Southern tip of the Peninsula of Belize and there is no crime, as in zip, Nada, zero, zilch. 2 year old children are safe on the street in the middle of the night. The only crime is pot smoking and everybody is too stoned to commit crimes ;-)

GoldWarrior
  7/27/2017 00:30 EST

Yep...Its so safe here. The warning goes on to talk about street crime and robberies after saying this...There’s been an increase in kidnapping of foreign nationals, including attacks targeting foreigners and tourists since late 2015. Terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals in the Philippines. This threat extends throughout the Philippines, both on land and at sea, but is particularly acute in the southern Philippines (Mindanao, Palawan and central Visayas, including Siquijor and Dumaguete). See Terrorism

Snowy29
  7/27/2017 00:06 EST

Looks like things are hotting up around the Cebu area. It was bound to happen with the cockroaches leaving Marawi. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines

charkee
  7/26/2017 23:35 EST

Having lived both in the Philippines and Latin America, The advantage of the Phils is the people are friendlier, crime is lower, You won't get sick off of the food as often (I only got sick once in 4 years off some bad peanut butter). I find the Phils cleaner, but then I lived in some hell holes in Latin America. The morning traffic jam on the 101 would be considered light traffic compared to many cities in the Philippines

The Philippines are crowded, there are no "open spaces", Every hill has a home on it and if it doesn't, you may have guerillas as neighbors. Look you are cramming 100 million people into a nation the size of Missouri.

You won't get a job teaching English, period, forget that notion.

I taught Spanish and music, there is a shortage of qualified teachers in these subjects.

Belize is English speaking, though it will take some getting used to their particular dialect. Belize is hot and steamy, but Orange Walk or Dangriga (if you don't mind 80% of the people are black and voodoo) are not too bad. Properties along the coast will be expensive, but the best reefs in the Americas. It's so laid back in Belize the people are prone, but crime is about like Detroit in many areas.

My recommendations for Latin America are #1 LEARN SPANISH. In many areas people don't speak a word of English.

First choice: Chile. then Costa Rica, followed by Uruguay or Panama. Argentina, Brazil and northern SA are too crime ridden. Stay out of Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua is a hard toss up.

Crime is very low in southern Mexico and the people are friendly.

draks
  7/26/2017 22:57 EST

I would stay away from Mindanaou just right now many will now say it's perfectly safe, but I am not so sure, at this moment.

mchrismsw
  7/26/2017 22:26 EST

Your absolutely right about property ownership. Sorry, And great advice. I have been to PI before and I completely agree with you. I loved CDO and Daveo but that was way back in 2009.

seernai
  7/26/2017 22:14 EST

Cebu Safe ?? have you not heard about the Scots guy sitting outside a bar in the morning with his Fiancé and best man as they were discussing last minute wedding arrangements when a motorcycle came up with 3 guys and one guy shot the Scotsman and stole his wallet , he was also lucky his Fiancé helped to stop the bleeding from the gunshot wound which just missed his heart , now he is in Hospital recovering

Robertdav298
  7/26/2017 21:47 EST

My advice would be to come to the Philippines for a visit, say 3-6 months and see if it suits your health, lifestyle etc. Your income would be enough depending how you budget and how frugal you are. But a word of CAUTION, do not make the mistake that so many guys make which is coming here and falling in love with the first lady they meet and then it all goes bad from there.
I do not suggest METRO MANILA, crime and traffic are rabid. I do suggest Dumaguete, Cebu, Moalboal, Camoates, these are safe places that you could enjoy life here.

GOOD LUCK

draks
  7/26/2017 21:39 EST

Whoa slow down
You can't own a house and land in the Philippines as a foreigner, you can buy a condo unit. Only a Filipino national can own land. If you buy a few condos to rent out your expenses may overtake your income, non payment of rent, damage to property etc.
Wherever you decide to live rent for at least two years, you may hate the area you have chosen, you might even hate Philippines. It's not for everyone. $1500 a month equates to about 75000 pesos that fairly good. All depends on where you want to live. If you want a gym etc you will have to live in a largish town.
As for teaching you could ask at the local school if you could volunteer to teach english, but I think that should wait untill you are comfortable here.
You cannot run a business on your own you have to have a Filipino national, you have 40% stake your Filipino partner has 60% but you will be expected to invest 100% and all the running costs. Healthy food is not a real problem fresh fruit and veg from the market is quite cheap, buy as lean pork as you can grill not fry like the Filipinos do, they fry everything.
Words of warning Philippines is going through a bad time at the moment with Muslim rebels who have associated themselves with Isis. They have threatened attacks on Davou and Manila, you cannot ignore these threats. The NPA, communist rebel group have been told to step up attacks so living in a remote area might not be a good idea. If you want to work the best thing at the moment is online English teacher.
Working in the Philippines requires a work permit, and jobs not easy to get and salary is low.
So, rent don't buy for two years,
Live in or very near a largish town
Don't trust anyone
You will be charged more for everything because you are a rich foreigner.
Be careful with the girls very many know what to say and do to get you hooked then fleece you.
Don't tell ANYONE how much your income is
Don't go out and get drunk and walk home alone especially at night
Keep your wits about you at all times be aware of who is around you.
Do NOT lend money to anyone for whatever reason,
Do NOT invest in any business
Rent don't buy, untill you are really happy where you are.
Philippines is a great place to retire, but it is not for the faint hearted or the naive.
I wish you luck.
Ask questions in this forum there is a lot of experience here, some good advice to be had.

GoldWarrior
  7/26/2017 20:32 EST

mchrismsw ~ Check out Belize, you can retire very comfortably there.

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