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What’s it like to retire as a foreigner in the Philippines?
Lindendavis
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What’s it like to retire as a foreigner in the Philippines?
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I have lived here in the Philippines almost 18 months now. But I have been visiting the Philippines yearly since 2005. Personally I love it here. The people are friendly and love to practice their English with you. Theres alot of things happening here that you just have to remember you are in a poor country and they are doing the best they can to survive. Most Filipino speak or at least understand English but are embarrased to try, just be patient with them, and you will be able to communicate can . Trash s everywhere, people dont know how to fall in line for anything, and scammers work hard to separate you from your money. It's best to dress more like they do, ( try to blend in) don't flash your money and if you are someplace that makes you feel uneasy, then leave immediately. On the up side, the malls are some of the best and largest you will ever be in. I love the street food, theres plenty every where and its cheap. I live in a place where we are totally laid back. The local market will have everything you need to survive, I like to use them as I'm supporting a local who is counting on their business to survive. I ride a tricycle or Jeepney every where I go. It's very inexpensive and it's a great way to see the area as you ride along. Plus there are no taxis where I live. If you have to have air con or hot water, then you may want to invest in a hot water heater for your bathroom or comfort room as it's called, Filipinos dont have hot water baths, as for air conditioning, just depend on where you wish to live. Just asked the rental manager before you rent to make sure the place has the amenities you are looking for. i can go on and on about the Philippines as it's my second home and I'm proud to live here. There beauty everywhere if you just look. From the clear blue waters to the white sandy beaches to the mountains around Baguio , the modern sky scrappers of Makita and Manila, and the beautiful Filipina girls, im sure you will find living in the Philippines is as interesting as I do.
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I’ve been in the Philippines since 2009. Initially, as a system architect and eventually, running software development shops in Makati. I was 58 when I came here, and retired 2 years ago to a South suburb in Paranaque with my wife and family. I’ve spent the entire 10+ years in Metro Manila. You've got choices to make: you can be one of those sad retirees that you see sitting in the same stool in the same bar, day after day. You probably won’t last that long. Or you can embrace the people, develop hobbies, a family and circle of friends. In which case, it’s much like many other countries. If you have a sufficient pension, you can live in a decent condo building or a house in the suburbs. You can own a car, go shopping, go to restaurants and music venues, whatever you would do in other countries. Yeah, traffic is terrible, poverty and corruption are really, really bad, prices are different, you have absolutely no rights, you can’t own land, and you are NOT seen the same as a Filipino, but if you can tolerate those things, you ARE living in a tropical paradise, beaches and mountains are only hours away. The people are usually nice, for every 100 people I’ve met, there are only 1–2 assholes. The ration in NYC, LA, or Chicago is much worse. I’d come here once or twice to the area you want to retire in, and experience it. It’ll either drive you crazy, or you’ll adapt.