Pros and Cons of Retiring/Living in the Philippines

@Franktexas I enjoyed visiting Chang Mai. But, to me the benefit of English Language, especially on street signs and building signs being far more prevalent in The Philippines is always what tips the scale for me.

@Moon Dog I agree about Huatulco. I spent a few months there actually renting in Tangolunda . Walking 3 minutes to the beach, a $3 taxi ride to La Crucecita and Santa Maria. 40 minutes in any direction could take you to any number of hidden beaches that only the locals know, remote restaurants or coffee plantations in the mountains. La Crucecita is a hidden gem town. Don't tell anyone it's there…..Shhhhhhhhhh…….

@Lotus Eater totally agree, my friend!! We'll stated. I have only one problem, the woman I love lives here and doesn't want to leave the family nesting grounds

@whackerdog123 in 9 yrs NEVER used a fixer ,my wife did all the buraucratics and as she is very patient it all worked out fine ,and as to get new ideas around it is the way these ideas are pressented that do the trick diplomatie go's a long way here .in sted of saying do it this way ,say i havee seen on you tube there is an other way of doing it and it looks great but i am not sure maybe if you look it up you can inproove your way of working and get more and better paying customers .

i asure this hint will be taken . as i say bfore diplomatie ,do not think you are smarter or superior but ceep in mind ppl can be so proud they get stuborn or even offended in the way some things are sayed . this comes from expieriance ,it took a wile before i realised were i went wrong and how to do it right .understanding a culture is very useful he

@dirk.c.

An astute observation Dirk. Yes it's often not what you say but the way you say it. My sense is that perhaps you were a Diplomat in a previous life

My statement was in the wrong blog. Sorry just removed it.

@Lotus Eater 20yrs military and i was hated and feared becorse of always saying wath i was thinking hahahahahaha , but some (very few) highly apreciated it

My paternal grandmother was from De Panne. That's why I asked if you were Flemish or Walloon. I have fond memories of learning to ride a push bike on the boardwalk there and flying kites!

i lived in Oostende for 16 yrs and often we go to de Panne to go to the beach and to play hide and seek with the kids in the dunes there

@dirk.c.

We would take the boat from Dover to Oostende and one of my uncles would meet us for the drive to De Panne. We had a big family reunion in 2008. I have so many cousins there!

The Phillipines are beautiful, hot, sweaty, tropical with friendly natives. It is a nice place to visit for me knowing that I have a return ticket home to the good old United States of America. As messed up as things are over here right now, when it busts wide open, I want to be home.

Each to their own

when it busts wide open.

Oops...Did anyone else click on this topic expecting to find bulletpoints of actual pros and cons?

We all have free will...to live wherever and eat whatever. If they are forcing you to eat rice, then you better run to the nearest consulate or embassy.

We are in their country and should adjust to their way of living...not expect it to be the other way around.

    Oops...Did anyone else click on this topic expecting to find bulletpoints of actual pros and cons?
We all have free will...to live wherever and eat whatever. If they are forcing you to eat rice, then you better run to the nearest consulate or embassy.

We are in their country and should adjust to their way of living...not expect it to be the other way around.
   

    -@cjm_mgc

Perhaps you could bullet point your pros and cons from your experience living here.

The 130 odd posts on this thread to me are the crux of the topic based on members experiences good and bad, love our rice but we buy Basmati (choice) and no problems what we eat nor where we live, as you said free will and opinions no matter the country.

To me the pros and cons are in this thread based on members experience both good and bad but is really a small library of info shared and I certainly appreciate others views, opinions and experiences.

I have the odd whing but no different to my home country or those that I have visited, all have faults but we look to the better points and enjoy.

Cheers, Steve.

Perhaps you could bullet point your pros and cons from your experience living here.
The 130 odd posts on this thread to me are the crux of the topic based on members experiences good and bad, love our rice but we buy Basmati (choice) and no problems what we eat nor where we live, as you said free will and opinions no matter the country.

To me the pros and cons are in this thread based on members experience both good and bad but is really a small library of info shared and I certainly appreciate others views, opinions and experiences.
I have the odd whing but no different to my home country or those that I have visited, all have faults but we look to the better points and enjoy.

Cheers, Steve.
   

    -@bigpearl

Yes...perhaps I could...if I really wanted to do so. I'm sure you've heard of the old saying, "you can't judge a book by its cover." I haven't read every book, watched every movie, or clicked on every thread. Maybe you have. For most of us, it is those clever titles (clickbait) that either pulls us in or keeps us out.

As far as the rice thing: If all the aisles of every filipino grocery store had rice and only rice, then that would be a con (unless rice is your favorite food). The good thing about grocery stores is their variety. It is possible to live a long fulfilling life in heart of Philippines without ever eating a grain of rice.

Advantages:

Low costs: The Philippines is a relatively low-cost country with prices, housing, and services relatively affordable, which allows a retirement or pension to extend further over the cost of living.

Beautiful natural environment: The Philippines has spectacular natural scenery, including beautiful beaches, coral reefs, jungles and mountains. These environments provide abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and are conducive to recreation and relaxation.

Friendly People: The Filipino people are generally considered friendly and welcoming, and friendly to foreigners. This friendly atmosphere can make foreign residents feel welcome.

Multiculturalism: The Philippines is rich in cultural diversity and various religions and traditions can be found here. This makes life in this country more diverse.

Prevalence of English: English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, so it is relatively easy to communicate with locals, which is an advantage for people for whom English is a second language.

Disadvantages:

Healthcare quality varies: The Philippines' healthcare system may be less developed in some areas than in other countries. This can be a problem for people who require a high level of medical care.

Traffic Issues: Traffic congestion and road conditions can be less than ideal, especially in urban areas. This can have a negative impact on quality of life.

Weather: Certain areas of the Philippines may be affected by typhoon season, which can cause natural disasters and safety issues.

Acculturation: Adjusting to new cultural and social habits may take time and effort, and may sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or loss.

Visa issues: Regulations related to residence and retirement visas may be affected by policy changes and require ongoing updating.

In summary, living in the Philippines can be a financially attractive option, but individual experiences will vary based on personal needs and preferences. When considering moving or retiring, it is recommended to fully understand the local conditions, consult relevant experts, and weigh all the pros and cons to make an informed decision.