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1st World to 3rd World Relocation
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Why do Americans from USA move to third world countries like the Philippines?
wilbert45Visa
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For me and a lot of the other American expats I know, here are the high points: Cost of Living Cost of living 1/3 to 1/4 of the USA. My Social Security income goes a loooong way here. It enables me to eat well, live in a modern furnished western style 2 bedroom condo with “to-die-for” panoramas front and rear; and travel pretty frequently.Inexpensive Travel A hotel room on a scenic beach can be had for as little as $25/night. Or upwards of $300/night in a luxury resort.You can fly to anywhere else in the Philippines for less than about $100 per round trip. Or to elsewhere in SE Asia for $300-$400 round trip.If you take local transportation rather than owning a car or motorbike, a 30-minute ride (exclusive of Manila, Cebu and Davao) might set you back the equivalent of $3–$5.Climate I and my American friends find the climate fairly pleasant all but a couple months of the year, when it gets pretty hot and humid. Time to go to the beach or take an afternoon nap in air conditioned comfort. (Beats the hell out of snowy winters!)Natural beauty Natural beauty unparalleled in the USA – mountains, deserted white sand beaches, beautiful clear water, coconut groves, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Clear mountain springs with naturally purified water. Gorgeous, scenic rice terraces in different parts of the country. Over 7,000 islands – each unique; and most are remarkably beautiful.The people Filipinos tend to be friendly, gentle people who, if they discriminate at all, positively discriminate toward foreigners. In other words, they seem to respect and honor “white people”.Even though the average Filipino gets by on the equivalent of a few dollars a day, they will offer food, wine, beer, or whatever they have to a foreigner. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been invited into a total stranger’s house to share a meal. During fiestas, it’s common for people to invite anyone who walks by to share their food.People of the Philippines are generally pretty darn happy: PH third happiest country in the world – Gallup survey Filipinos smile and laugh and sing more than people anywhere else I’ve been.The deep family orientation of the Filipino people; and their deep respect for elders is a refreshing breath of air. It’s not uncommon when I’m walking for a Filipino child to take my hand and put it to his/her forehead. It’s called “mano po”; it’s a request for an elder blessing.Most Filipinos speak English. Even those in rural areas understand enough English to get your point across, or ask for directions.I and my friends consider Filipino women to be among the most physically attractive in the world. They are fastidious about physical hygiene and cleanliness. They don’t see a difference in age to be the least hurdle to deep loving relationships. And the way they care for the home and their partners is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced in the USA. Speaking personally, being in a committed relationship with a fun, wonderful woman nearly 30 years younger keeps me young.Physical Safety Outside of a few pockets where there’s some terrorist activity; and large cities where there’s common big city crime, I and most of my expat friends find it very safe. We don’t visit those areas – except to fly into/out of with as short a layover as possible.Even the terrorist activities are directed toward other native Filipinos. Very few incidents involving foreigners.And the extra added benefit is that we can watch the slow-motion train wreck that’s happening in the USA from our own little safe, secure paradise. Namaste!
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It’s a no brainer. Your USD is translated to more Philippine pesos, which can afford you a better lifestyle. Of course, you got to be smart to figure that out, which in the manner you asked this question can give doubts to anyone reading your question out. Mind you, replace the country ‘Philippines’ with China, India, Mexico, or even Albania. Or name any other country where the USD translates to more, value-wise and numerically. It will turn out similarly.