What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Philippines, they said...
"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," remarked another expat 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," said a member in Palawan Island, Philippines.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Philippines?
- How do I find a place to live in Philippines?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Philippines?
- What is the average cost of housing in Philippines?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Philippines?
- What should I pack when moving to Philippines?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Philippines?
- Why do people move to Philippines?
- What are healthcare services like in Philippines?
- What are medical services in Philippines like?
- What are typical rents in Philippines?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?
If you live in Philippines, newcomers to Philippines would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.