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Philippines | What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines? | Expat Exchange
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What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?

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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," said another expat in Philippines.

"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," wrote a member who made the move to Manila, Philippines.

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Other Questions:

What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Jeepneys, a popular form of transportation in Manila, Phillipines
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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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