Thinking of moving to the philippines.

Where in Thailand? It makes a big difference. Very generally speaking, the transportation and other infrastructure is better in Thailand because it has a higher per capita GDP. Hospitals and health services are better. The food is much better, and more healthy in my opinion. On the other hand, the beaches and resorts in the Philippines are less developed, and less expensive, which is great in my opinion. It's like Thailand 40 years ago. And the people are warm and friendly, live closer to the land, and most speak some English. It all depends on what's important to you.

Agree pnwcyclist, Thailand is a great place to visit and probably live but omo I wouldn't live there and each to their own, cost wise as a visitor to Thailand I see very little difference cost wise as a visitor/tourist to either country. I suppose it really depends on your personal and economic reasons for choosing  one particular country over another.

For me it was a no brainer, a Filipino partner, A Thai partner and I might be living there. Visas and living costs are cheaper and easier in the Philippines and yes pnw, 90% of Filipinos speak English and communication has never been a problem.

For the OP's question on pension law? wouldn't that be a simple email or call to the government department concerned or my best friend google?

Very happy in PH but I will never see a pension so not a problem for me. Sour grapes for me as I worked my tits off for 45 years and don't qualify for a pension (means tested in Australia) because apparently I worked too hard, have too many assets and cash, who cares for a 20K pension?

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearlVery happy in PH but I will never see a pension so not a problem for me. Sour grapes for me as I worked my tits off for 45 years and don't qualify for a pension (means tested in Australia) because apparently I worked too hard, have too many assets and cash, who cares for a 20K pension?

Means tested. I have heard that being the case in Australia before and that is terrible imo. That is an example of what the US left calls "equity" (looking for equal outcome for retirees) as opposed to equality of opportunity to achieve maximum benefit. You work too hard, save and get penalized for doing what is right. Leftist socialism based on equity alone is a moral hazard.

bigpearl said . . . . and yes pnw, 90% of Filipinos speak English and communication has never been a problem.

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Just the opposite for me, many Filipinos think they are speaking English.

It seems some accent the wrong syllable and their voice sounds singy songy. Also it seems either the first or last syllable goes up an octave. Imagine this for a whole sentence.

Part of the problem is on me, what once took a microsecond to comprehend now takes several seconds. So one or the other (me) gets some dumb looks.

"What we got here is a failure to communicate."

Actually when dealing with professionals, their English is on a whole different level.

@nonngratum

The UK pension for expat Brits living in the Philippines is inflation index linked. Only 3 weeks ago it was increased by 10%. Imagine if it was not. The UK govt is considering raising the pension age to 68. Unlike in the States there is no option to take a reduced pension at an earlier age.I won't get my state pension until I'm 66 but I suppose I should be grateful I'm not an Aussie citizen

Lotus Eater said . . . .

Unlike in the States there is no option to take a reduced pension at an earlier age.I won't get my state pension until I'm 66 but I suppose I should be grateful I'm not an Aussie citizen

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Taking it early like I did is a two edge sword.

In the States there is an earning cap of $21,240 when taking early ss at 62. When you reach 62 for very $2 you earn over the cap, you have to give $1 back. So if you plan on retiring at 62 and supplementing your income by working take the cap into consideration, You could be stuck in this catch 22.

@bigpearlVery happy in PH but I will never see a pension so not a problem for me. Sour grapes for me as I worked my tits off for 45 years and don't qualify for a pension (means tested in Australia) because apparently I worked too hard, have too many assets and cash, who cares for a 20K pension?
Means tested. I have heard that being the case in Australia before and that is terrible imo. That is an example of what the US left calls "equity" (looking for equal outcome for retirees) as opposed to equality of opportunity to achieve maximum benefit. You work too hard, save and get penalized for doing what is right. Leftist socialism based on equity alone is a moral hazard.
-@danfinn

I care little dan, a 20K pension and reporting to the government? I don't need that cr@p but get pissed off all the tax I paid for 45 years and no pension as promised.

Cheers, Steve.

@Lotus Eater  In the U.S., one can start getting a smaller Soc Security benefit at an earlier age (62), OR one can wait til 65 or 67 & get a larger benefit.

@bigpearlVery happy in PH but I will never see a pension so not a problem for me. Sour grapes for me as I worked my tits off for 45 years and don't qualify for a pension (means tested in Australia) because apparently I worked too hard, have too many assets and cash, who cares for a 20K pension?
Means tested. I have heard that being the case in Australia before and that is terrible imo. That is an example of what the US left calls "equity" (looking for equal outcome for retirees) as opposed to equality of opportunity to achieve maximum benefit. You work too hard, save and get penalized for doing what is right. Leftist socialism based on equity alone is a moral hazard.
-@danfinn

I care little dan, a 20K pension and reporting to the government? I don't need that cr@p but get pissed off all the tax I paid for 45 years and no pension as promised.

Cheers, Steve.
-@bigpearl

The next big lefty idea is of course ‘ Universal Basic Income' where we all get a basic guaranteed wage just for breathing.  So much for incentive.

Then again if AI does take over we're all gonna be redundant anyway.

@bigpearlVery happy in PH but I will never see a pension so not a problem for me. Sour grapes for me as I worked my tits off for 45 years and don't qualify for a pension (means tested in Australia) because apparently I worked too hard, have too many assets and cash, who cares for a 20K pension?
Means tested. I have heard that being the case in Australia before and that is terrible imo. That is an example of what the US left calls "equity" (looking for equal outcome for retirees) as opposed to equality of opportunity to achieve maximum benefit. You work too hard, save and get penalized for doing what is right. Leftist socialism based on equity alone is a moral hazard.
-@danfinn

I care little dan, a 20K pension and reporting to the government? I don't need that cr@p but get pissed off all the tax I paid for 45 years and no pension as promised.

Cheers, Steve.
-@bigpearl

The next big lefty idea is of course ‘ Universal Basic Income' where we all get a basic guaranteed wage just for breathing. So much for incentive.
Then again if AI does take over we're all gonna be redundant anyway.
-@Lotus Eater

In the places where UBI has been tried, such as Finland, UBI has failed. Small wonder, pay people for doing nothing and you must print money to sustain the program. The idea of UBI is to supplement worker income so they can try new entrepreneurial pursuits and be more productive adding to national GNP. But alas, most people just tend to spend it.

As far as AI taking over, making humans all redundant is thought to be one of several possible outcomes. What you mention is possible but not imminent. Economics is not a zero sum game; it is possible that the combiation of human drive and ingenuity with super AI could result in a vastly increased standard of living globally. For example, what if AI helps humabs to create vast amounts of almost free energy by solving the issues with fusion? What if it helps scientists finally find and harness anti-gravity which would result in all sorts of implications for ftl space travel?  It could help in farming, reducing the need for Klaus Schwab (yay) and the need for eating bugs. So that is another possible direction, or, somewhere In between. Also, it is not necessarily the doom of mankind should suoer AGI simply take control. As Elon Musk indicated, the data centers for such an intelligence are large and few and far between. He says you can even seen their heat signatures from outer space. A few well placed bombs or missiles, off grid if necessary, could take them or their power sources down. Data centers in hostile countries would also be subject to attack by friendly countries. So, my point is, we do not need to assume the gloom and doom scenario but that one could occur if we are not careful.

@Enzyte Bob

Yes, but this goes away at 65, or your FRA?