Retire in Philippines

"I just want to add that anyone who visits me near Laguna, but in Silang, Cavite, they have to visit Tagaytay with us. It is a touristy town, but small enough not to be too crowded. That term is relative, traffic can be hell on the main roads. I love the zoo, the parks, the shops, and got married at Estancia resort, a great place. Nowadays I run two restaurants near my house, and try to spend my free time in Quezon City which is a wonderful big city, known in some parts as Little Manila. QC is very popular for its jazz clubs and many sites, sports clubs and Aranetta Coliseum," said one retiree in Philippines.

"I think the two most important attributes you MUST have is a thick skin and a sense of humor. If I have to explain why, please stay home," said one retiree in Philippines.

"The life here is somewhat chaotic and unorganized. I miss the clean streets and organized living of Canada. I find the poverty disturbing. The Filipino men can be abusive to their wives and drink way too much alcohol. Last week an out of town family group abandoned a little 4 year old girl where we sit at the beach. She didn't even have clothes. That bothers me," commented one retiree living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City, Philippines.

"I think it is not for every one. For example, I think older women may not enjoy a place like Cebu as much as I do..," explained one retiree living in Cebu City.

"The most challenging aspect of retiring in the Philippines could be the lack of resources for expatriates. Another challenge could be the lack of access to specialized health care services, as well as the cost of adequate medical insurance coverage. Additionally, the language barrier could be a difficulty for retirees who are not native speakers of Tagalog, the national language. Another challenge could be the cultural differences, which could make it difficult to adjust to living in the Philippines. Furthermore, the cost of living could be more expensive than other countries, and shopping for monthly necessities can be difficult to find. Finally, the climate and tropical storms could be a nuisance for those used to more temperate climates," said one retiree in Philippines.

"The lack of infrastructure, heat & humidity, stark grinding poverty, and the increase of price for Westerners," commented one retiree living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City, Philippines.

"Retiring in the Philippines can allow for a laid-back beach lifestyle, with many lovely weather opportunities to explore. The post-retirement budget can go far in the Philippines, where the cost of living is generally lower than other countries. Personal safety and security is arguably higher in the Philippines than in other countries, especially for retirees, which can help ensure a peaceful transition into retirement. The Filipino nation is welcoming to foreign visitors and retirees alike, with vibrant modern cities and lush countryside to explore. The local cuisine, culture and music are sure to entertain retirees looking for a more relaxed and less hectic lifestyle. Finally, the filial and cultural respect for the elderly makes retirement in the Philippines an all-round rewarding experience," said one retiree in living in Philippines.

"An affordable 2 bedroom home 5 minute walk to the beach. Very minimal property tax. Cheap transportation and food costs. Friendly people. Loving wife. Not having cloudy, wet & cold weather. Not having to shovel snow and ice and pack firewood for my wood stove," explained a retiree in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"For me, just the relaxation, and avoiding the cultural shift that has happened in the US over the past decade," explained one retiree living in Cebu City.

"Healthcare services in the Philippines are widely available and generally of a high quality. The country has both private and public hospital systems, with public hospitals providing cheaper services. Most medical practitioners are foreign-trained and specialized medical services are widely available, including obstetrics, surgery, cardiology, and neurology. Additionally, many of the public hospitals have a wide network of rural health centers for access to basic healthcare services in the countryside. The Philippines is also a leader in telemedicine, with several hospitals and clinics utilizing video conferencing and other modern technologies to bring medical services to remote areas," explained one retiree living in Philippines.

"There are many decent hospitals all over Philippines, with their staff trained to work in other countries. Fortunately so far I have not required much care," said one retiree in living in Cebu City, Philippines.

"Expats in the Philippines often join clubs and activities that cater to their specific interests or hobbies, such as photography, sailing, cooking, and language learning. Expats may also join local sports teams, visit local concerts and events, or volunteer at nearby organizations. Additionally, expats may explore online forums and social media networks to connect with like-minded people. Through these networks, expats may discover meet-up groups and expat clubs, which provide opportunities for socializing, networking, and learning more about their new city and culture," said one retiree in living in Philippines.

"On the weekends most people go out shopping in the huge malls to socialize and then go out to eat in one of the many restaurants and fast food places. Along with the Filipino restaurants, there are franchises from every corner of the world, so there is something for everyone. Everyone goes out Friday night after work, so there are traffic jams all over Manila," commented one retiree living in Manila, Philippines.

"I live outside of Butuan in the province area on Mindanao, it's very nice and quiet. My asawa and I are taking short trips around Asia. We just got back from Indonesia a few months ago and will be going to South Korea. Our electric bill runs around 4,000 php to 4,500 php (80-90 USD) a month, internet - 1,700 php (about 34.00 USD) a month. Would love to hear from others on how they are doing. I'm 73 and ready to take on the world Lol," explained one retiree living in Philippines.

"Living as an expat or digital nomad in the Philippines is an attractive option for many people due to the country's tropical climate, beautiful beaches, hospitable people, and relatively low cost of living. Expats and digital nomads tend to be welcomed with open arms and quickly integrate into the local communities. Due to its popularity, the Philippines has enjoyed steady and fast-paced economic growth and modern infrastructure. This provides expats and digital nomads with a comprehensive choice of activities, conveniences, and a relatively well-connected transport system. The Philippines also offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, having inherited flavours from different eras of its history, allowing expats and digital nomads to enjoy the freshest seafood, the most exciting spices, and the best choice of local and international dishes," said one retiree in 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," said one retiree in living in Philippines.

"Swimming can be done in the public pool of a sports stadium rather close to where I am living. Golfing in a nearby golf course by members of the golf club. Hiking in a public park nearby," remarked one retiree in Manila.

"In the Philippines, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place for picnics, jogging, and other outdoor activities. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and badminton. Other recreational facilities include amusement parks, zoos, and museums," explained one member in Philippines.

"People living in the Philippines typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, there are many street vendors and small shops that offer a variety of goods," explained one member in Philippines.