Living in Philippines

"1. It is important to understand the local culture prior to retirement in the Philippines, as etiquette and lifestyle will differ from other countries. 2. Expats should research the cost of living in the Philippines before settling in, as certain locations will have higher living costs than others. 3. Due to the very humid climate in the Philippines, expats should invest in air-conditioning and fans in order to remain comfortable during hot days. 4. English is widely spoken across the Philippines, though expats may benefit from learning some Tagalog in order to converse with locals more easily. 5. Access to healthcare in the Philippines is generally good, with reliable infrastructure across major cities. 6. Expats may need to apply for a visa prior to retirement in the Philippines, so it is important to check all relevant visa requirements," commented one expat who made the move to Philippines.

"Be patient. Learn to accept "indirectness" as a form of communication. Just because someone doesn't tell you something, it doesn't mean they aren't telling you something. Listen with all your senses," remarked one expat living in Manila, Philippines.