Retire in Philippines

"Life for a retiree in the Philippines and its surroundings offers a range of activities, attractions and services. The small and welcoming expat community is an ideal social resource for those looking to make friends in an unfamiliar country. With the country’s tropical climate, there is plenty of opportunity to get out on the water and partake in activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just simply relax on the beach. Cultural attractions are abundant with ancient temples and other historic locations scattered throughout the country’s islands. There is also no shortage of nature parks where retirees can appreciate the region’s unique wildlife and plants. For adventurers, the lively nightlife of the Philippines provides many dining, music and entertainment experiences. Those looking to stay close to home have plenty of options as well, with local markets and festivals offering shopping and activities throughout the year," commented one retiree living in Philippines.

"Cebu has expats, great nightlife, tourism infrastructure, networking, you name it. It is an inexpensive destination that has a broad appeal to visitors. Many new hotels and retail outlets," explained one retiree living in Cebu City.

"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 living in Philippines.

"Recreation is great for me as I am a swimmer. Nightlife is mostly at Hot Legs bars which offer temptations which are not supportive of my fidelity to my wife. A night out is mostly people watching or a restaurant meal," explained a retiree in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"I think the poverty one sees is indeed disturbing but that is the way the world is. There are a lot worse places. It also teaches me to be grateful for what I do have. What I worry about is that I see the bad situations so much that I will become callous to it. I try to learn from it and gain more insight, understanding and appreciation. There is bad and good here. I've seen some amazing and very interesting people here," remarked one retiree in Davao.

"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 a retiree who moved to 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," said one retiree in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"The challenges are less for me in Philippines because I have been visiting here regularly for over 20 years. I saved a fair amount working between the ages of 48-55. That, and social security in 2019 and I am set. The key for me is to be able to get away from some of the local nonsense, i.e. noise, pollution, scammers. I build a buffer from that," said one retiree in Cebu City.

"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.

"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 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," commented one retiree living in Philippines.

"To get involved right away, join the very active American Women's Club. It's also for men here who have to leave their wives at home in the U.S," remarked one retiree in Manila.

"Visit high-end malls such as Abrezza or SM Lanang that are frequented by foreigners and wealthier Filipinos," said a retiree who moved to Davao, 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 a retiree who moved to 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 a person in Philippines.

"I have lived on Palawan for over 20 years and that information is not up to date. We have fine hospitals unless you are looking replacements then go to Cebu. Shopping in 3 large centers plus the usual. I have never had any trouble except minor stuff. The police were good. Great place; for me at least," remarked one retiree in Palawan Island.

"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 retiree living in Philippines.

" Shopping for almost anything is plentiful, in excellent malls. Malls here can compete globally with both the Mall of America and the Dubai Mall. One HUGE caution. Pricing here is just as expensive as those malls. You can certainly shop cheaper in the smaller stores and in the provinces off the mainland, such as Ozamis and La Nao Del Norte where I am visiting, but the options are much less, though fresh veggies are in abundance. Next caution, many provinces do not accept credit cards, even for hotel stays. No such problem in Manila (for the most part). Lastly, the green peas here are not tasty, no lima beans in sight, and recently due to a corruption scam at highest levels no onions were available for a month," said one retiree in living in Philippines.

"There are large supermarkets dotted all around the city and there are numerous markets with fresh produce. Shopping malls, with all the latest gear, as well as nice affordable gear are found in most areas," wrote one person in Angeles City.

"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 retiree living in Philippines.

"Shopping can be done in malls or markets. They are located in practically all cities in Metropolitan Manila," said one member in Manila.