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.

"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," commented one retiree living in Cebu City, 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," explained one retiree 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," said one retiree in living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City, 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 living in 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 a retiree in Cebu 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," explained one retiree living in Davao.

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

"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.

"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.

"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," commented one retiree living in Cebu City, Philippines.

"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.

"Visit high-end malls such as Abrezza or SM Lanang that are frequented by foreigners and wealthier Filipinos," explained one retiree living in Davao.

"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," commented one retiree living in 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.

"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," said one retiree in living in Manila, Philippines.

"Electricity still the major issue - install a solar panel. Communication and internet is improving - StarLink is already available. Road Network is improving - new roads open and cemented," said one retiree in El Nido.

"Be patient. Learn to accept "indirectness" as a form of communication. Just because someone doesn't tell you something, it doesn't mean they aren't telling you something. Listen with all your senses," commented one retiree living in Manila, 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," explained one retiree living in Palawan Island.

"There's a great golf club and driving range in the CutCut area and it's patronized by expats and locals alike. All top hotels have swimming pools that offer daily rates to casual visitors and many have a kids play area. All suburbs have a football/ sports pitches, but are not always well maintained. Unfortunately, there are few sports clubs," explained one retiree living in Angeles City.

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

"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 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," explained a member in Angeles City.

" 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," explained a retiree living in Philippines.