Have you decided you want to live in the Philippines? Still trying to decide if you want to live in the Philippines? Or maybe you do live in the Philippines, if so, do you enjoy your life in the Philippines?
I choose to live in the Philippines about five years ago. It took me another two years or so to make it happen. I had never been outside the USA, other than to Canada for a 10 day stay.
When I went to Canada, I went to see a woman. A woman I later married. When she learned of my plans to go to the Philippines she stated something like “Can’t you find an American woman?” I found that humorous. Maybe the answer is no. Well, I could. But I wasn’t looking forward trying to date on my retirement income.
The cost of living in the Philippines is much lower than the USA. In my homeland, I would be broke. I’m not rich in the Philippines
Sunset on The Bay of Bogo
but my money goes a lot further here. The exchange rate is a big factor in that. If the dollar falls enough, it would be much more difficult for me to continue to live in the Philippines.
I’ve written a lot on the exchange rate so I don’t plan on doing it again, not at this time but when speaking of the cost of living in the Philippines, it is the number one factor one must consider. It usually plays a much bigger role than inflation does and high inflation in the Philippines would usually weaken the peso and put upward pressure on the dollar.
Why I Live In The Philippines
I can’t really say that I came to the Philippines to find a woman. Though I had one in mind and she played a big part in my deciding to move to the Philippines.
However, when it came down to it, I realized that making such a major change for any one person might be taking a big chance. It set me up for failure so I broadened my expectations just in case that one failed.
I came for the lower cost of living and for an adventure. To expand my life. To experience another part of the world. And to hopefully find a great woman. I didn’t know enough about the Philippines to know that my being able to find a good woman was very likely.
Wow did it change my view of the world! A change for the better. I gained a lot of knowledge about what life outside of the USA is like. No, I don’t know what life in England compared to the USA would be like. There would be changes but not as drastic as the changes I found moving to the Philippines.
While I came to the Philippines because I was looking for an adventure and a lower cost of living, I live in the Philippines because of Jessie. Jessie is my girlfriend. She was the woman I had in mind when I left but there was no way to know if it would work out.
This month, we start our fourth year being together in person. She’s certainly treated me better than any other woman I’ve ever been involved with.
Happy Valentines Day Jessie! Thank you for being so awesome!
I’ve known some expats that have nothing but trouble with women here and I’ve known others that are very happy with the women or woman they are with. I’ve seen some get married and I’ve seen some get divorced. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t divorce a Filipina. You can, you just can’t do it here. A foreigner can return to their home country and divorce. American’s can go to Guam. Hopefully, that want be necessary as it is never pleasant and it isn’t cheap.
Happy to Live In The Philippines
So I am very happy about my choice to live in the Philippines. What about you? Where are you in your path toward living in the Philippines. How long have you been planing on moving to the Philippines? Why do you want to live in the Philippines? If you are here, why did you come and are you happy with the outcome? How have you changed since you moved to the Philippines? I look forward to hearing from you so please let me know!
If you’re serious about moving to the Philippines check out my eBook, The Basic Expat Training Manual. It will show you how you to could be living in the Philippines and arm you with the information you need to live in the Philippines.
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Tagged with: Basic Expat Training Manual • Cost of Living in The Philippines • Exchange Rate • Expats • Living In The Philippines • Moving To The Philippines • Retire
Filed under: Cost of living in the Philippines • Expats in the Philippines • Living In The Philippines
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I have often dreamt of wealth but have never made it a huge priority. I have done fairly well for my age, background, education and family’s upbringing. But I am by no means wealthy or rich so the idea of not having to work is a very powerful one for me these last few years. I am still quite young and no where near retirement age, but with the exchange rate in PI and the whole economy there I definitely see the possibility for an easier life. I live in the US and plan on taking a trip to PI in about a year and that will have a huge impact on my decision. I think you need all three of these factors (financial freedom, relationships and modern convinces) to make up a good quality of life and live happy. The financial situation is a bit part of it but for me it’s only 1/3 of the reason to go. The other 2 factor are modern conveniences and relationships with friends and family. Family is a tough one as it’s not like they can be replaced as easy friends in your life, but for me there is a possibility at least in my head that I can get them to follow me or visit if I choose to stay in PI. On the friends side I would pretty much lose them as it would not ever really be the same over such a great distance. You can try to keep the relationship going but the lack of time together will have it’s toll for sure. To offset the loss of friends you will have to make new ones in order to be truly happy. I think this may be a difficult task for me as the things I like to do and enjoy most with my friends don’t happen to be mainstream activities and the difference in culture between me and Filipinos may be to much to overcome. On the Modern convenience side it would definitely be different for everyone and those that can go without certain things do far better in PI and supplement their life in other ways. But for me this would not be possible I am far to attached to my lifestyle and I cannot see myself enjoying it over there with out much of what I have here. Some examples for me would be hot water, water pressure, good plumbing, great TV channel selection, constant power, reliable fast internet, big city convinced (ie able to travel a short distance to get whatever I want or nee with ease.) I think that I could fix most of these issues for myself but it would have a large initial cost and thus hurt or slow down my 1st factor of cost.
~Any incites comments or thoughts would be much appreciated
Bruce, those things are all valid though I personally wouldn’t put much weight on TV.
I’m not a huge social person. My family is not close and that might be an understatement. Filipino families are often very close and I get a lot of questions about Filipino about my family. Not something I really want to talk about.
You can find friends here, no doubt about it. Expats like to hang together.
I’m a bit of a loaner but as one X girlfriend pointed out “You are when you have that one special person.” That woman was a mess but she was right.
That special person I have found here and I’m confident if Jessie ever tires of me, I can find another.
I have a decent internet connection here but it is nothing like the business class Time Warner I had in the states but most people didn’t have that. It was better than T1 speed.
Living here now, thinking of spending $100 or more for a cable TV, I just couldn’t do it and with all those channels, I still had to use my DVR to see shows I wanted to see and remove all the freaking commercials too..
I remember when I first got here, I kept reaching for the remote to rewind a TV show when I missed part of iit. I kept forgetting it was live. LOL My TV died a couple of months ago, I’ve not bothered to get it fixed!
There’s about 60 channels even in my little jungle city.
If I spent that kind of money now though, it would be going to resorts, learning to scuba dive, island hopping and traveling. It wouldn’t be in front of a TV.
Most of the time my net is just fine but we were without a connection for about 2 weeks once. That was awful! I went to a cafe to do my web stuff.
It isn’t for everyone. You’ll have to decide for yourself.
I was there last year and I loved it… I am saving to move there.
I cant wait…
Good luck with your plans Brett.
Well Rusty I’ve been reading your postings on your blog for a while and find them to be down to earth and not sugar coated. I did live in Asia for several years, due to my job. I lived in Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan so I’ve had the expat experience and all the newness of being somewhere where you have to start anew. It’s both challenging but at the same time exciting. I will say that it’s not for everyone as you have often said before in many of your articles. The “we do it this way back home” attitude doen’t go over very well in someone else’s backyard. So I say if you want to start anew you have to let the old ways die. An open mind and a “we’re not in Kansas anymore toto” mindset will go a long way. A good sense of humor will also go a long way – you have to be able to laugh at yourself and just enjoy what’s around you. In my years livng overseas I learned that you do have to be careful but don’t be judgemental accept the new and adjust to the different ways. Don’t think that you’re going to change the way the locals live their lives or their cultural values YOU are the one who has to adjust and change to survive. Like you before me I’m thinking of retiring to the SE Asia area. Do I have to? No. but do I want to YES! I find that area of the world exciting and exotic. I’m back in the USA but I go to Asia at least 2 times a year since I do have many friends there.
As to Big MoneyBruce – I hear you but if what your looking for are all the conveniences of home you’re definitely going to have to move to a metropolitan area and that won’t be cheap. It will be cheaper than a major city in the USA but not by much. On the other hand I don’t want to live somewhere that is radically different and would require that I live dirt poor either. So yes the Philippines is a good option but there are other places in SE Asia that are worth a look at. Keep your options open and ALWAYS have enought $$$ for a fast getaway if you can’t adjust. Just my 2 cents worth.
Nick, those that complain about it constantly get on my nerves a bit.
Yes adjust it required.
A huge part of coming here for me was to see the world or at least this part of it. To see something other than the USA. It would be pointless if it was the same as the USA.
thanks for the comment.
Some of these guys need to learn the Tagalog phrase:
“Bato-bato sa langit ang matamaan ay wag magalit”
When you or anyone else is telling them how it is and they still argue and complain, then its THEIR turn to get hit by that falling star!
Thanks for your opinions and views.
Hai. . . .im planning on moving to phillipines soon. . . but im confused if i’ll ever get a job there and steady myself with a rent house and etc. . . Can u tell me if how much would it take 4 a wik vacation stay there. . . if u can,plz recommend a nice hotel not necessarily a 5 star to stay in. . . Tq/ /
Steve no one can tell you what it will cost you to live or visit here. I spend between P2500 to P5000 on average when I’m in travel mode. It depends on where I go but it has been as high as P10,000 a day. Figure $25=P1000 as a round number.
You can probably forget getting a job here. You question screams that you need my eBook or you can search this site and find what you need to know.
Well Steve it looks like u have decided to travel to PI before making the move that is a great idea and one that Rusty and posters here always suggest. But it does appear as u are not fully reaseached and prepaired for a move. U can save yourself lots of time, money, and grief by buying Rusty’s Expat book and or doing a lot more research this site has tons of helpful info.
Thank you very much Bruce!
Yeah but I didn’t follow my own advice. I sold everything and took the plunge.
I lived in Cebu City for a year. I originally came to meet a girl from Manila I met online and conversed with for 9 months. I stayed with her for almost a year, (breaking up several times). It was during the break ups that I realized how many nicer girls were available and that there is no need to rush to meet anyone. I learn because of the poor conditions, the girls were looking fore financial security. That is not a problem, but some girls are strictly “goldiggers”, but many can turn out to be wonderful, thoughtful, caring girls. They dont care about your age/looks as much because the finances takes front stage. So, in some respects, its a business proposition, but with a good chance to have a loving relationship. I married that girl and brought her back to the states for 3 years. She stole money, sending it back to her family. After many chances and forgiveness, nothing changed and I finally ended it. However, it didnt sour me on meeting another Filipina. I will just be more careful/selective next time. And, always keep my options open. I love the malls, the food, casino and generally the people. There are some compromises that need to be made but, you get a lot in return. I am planning currently, to return to Cebu City. I am renting my home in the USA and going to make the journey. It is a bit scary to make such a major move, but I still think lower cost of living; improved social life and a new life experience are worth it. I have a beautiful home in the states, but I am also alone and I am not too thrilled about going out with 60 year old women. When I walk in the malls here in the USA…(I am 64), anyone I am attracted to wouldnt give me a second look. But, in Cebu…big difference!!So, it is a compromise. I am now just talking to a girl who is telling me she got robbed in a taxi. She was bumped by another car and they held a gun on her and took all her stuff. She also got dengue …as well as my ex and a few other people I know….
This kind of stuff is not fun to hear….but..again……I can stay in my safe home in Florida and die a slow, but uneventful death.
Life is about choices..and how you learn to deal with what happens and your stressors. Its not the stressors that are the problem, its how you deal with them. I am a careful person. I dont like to live on the edge.
But, sometimes, you just need to take the risks to live a life.
I enjoy your column. Thanks for your effort….
Rich S
Hi Rich! Sorry, I’ve been out of town since Sunday and pretty much took a break from the PC while away.
Yeah, I know suggest that guys talk to their girls about sending money back to their family. Need to bring it up after things get serious and decide on a monthly amount. Bank accounts in the Philippines are USUALLY not joint, so just kept the separate if you take her back. Jessie usually has all my money though. Sending money back to their family is usually very important to them. I was kind of slow catching on to that and I’ve not been doing it. when I first arrived it felt like everyone had their hand out and I didn’t have deep pockets at all.
I’m going to start having Jessie send something back most months and as I increase my income she can send more. I talked with her about it and I could see that it was something she wanted to do. Things are not as tight for me now as they were but I’m far from well off. 
I have a good life, better than I can in the states, that’s without question.
Your assessment of the ladies is right on. I just really wouldn’t want to take my girl back to the states permanently have her thinking changed that dramatically. She’s a pretty strong willed and independent woman when she wants to be. Usually she prefers that I lead and follows what I want. In fact, that can be a problem because she’s Filipina and sometimes she’s not very good at telling me what is bothering her. Even before I got here, I’d have to ask her if I needed to get the pliers out to extract information from her.
She’s got that serving type thinking that is not uncommon in many Filipina. That’s why your girl wanted to send money back to her family. I don’t think most Filipina will put their man before their family.
Hi Rusty,
Thanks for your reply.
I had supported my girl while she lived in Manila for almost 8 months until I arrived there myself from Florida.
Then, of course, I continued to provide her with her needs.
At that time, she told me she didn’t like her family, (mom or dad) but, did care for her brothers/sister.So, she never discussed anything about sending money to her family.
From the time I met her and beyond, she was not an appreciative woman.
By that I mean, I would get her something and she would always insist on something more expensive.
Then, if I caved in, she would want 2.
If I got 2, she would want 3 and so on.
We lived for almost a year together in Cebu. I had problems with her attitudes continuously. As you know, its not a black or white situation….just shades of gray. There were times she was a wonderful companion.
When we came back to the states and got married, I gave her an allowance and supported all of her needs.
If she wanted to send her allowance to her family, that was her business and could use her allowance money.
But, when she went to my wallet, without my consent, took my ATM card and went to the ATM and took out $400 about 5X, it was crossing the line.
I sent her back to Manila in Jan. 2011.
I decided to give her one more chance and along with almost $5,000, I gave her a very clear message, to get her teeth fixed, but to make sure that EVERY peso she spent, on anything, was accounted for.
Long story short.
She didn’t keep accounting. Spent it all. Not on the teeth and just continued her taking advantage ways even calling me 2 days before she was to return from Manila to the USA for another $500!!
She took advantage. She knew what my reaction would be and apparently, she didn’t care.
She has sworn to me that everything would change. She would make our marriage her number 1 priority and that she would prove herself trustworthy.
She just couldn’t do it.
I asked her why she would do that, and of course, she would avoid providing any form of answer.
But, that was her way.
Do wrong….beg for forgiveness and then proceed to do it again.
Anyway.
I sent her back in May this year and in my mind it’s over.
I am heading back to Cebu the end of Nov.
I am busy trying to rent my home, getting rid of all my furniture/belongings…and all the other details of what it takes to leave the US to go to the Philippines.
I was told that since I am entering the Philippines with a one way ticket, (since I intend to make Cebu my home permanently), that I need an onward ticket to demonstrate to the airlines that I am ready to leave the country before my 21 days that my passport allows expires.
Of course, I will get the visa waiver/extension for 38 days which will give me 59 days and then extend every 2 months. Eventually, I can join the Phil. Retirement Assoc. (PRA) and apply for an SRRV visa.
My question: Do I need to show proof of my intention to exit the Philippines every time I extend.
A blog spot called http://www.silent-gardens.com, said for me to get the onward ticket initially to enter the Phil and then just to either use it or just toss it since I would not need it again.
Is that your understanding as well?
Thanks Rusty,
Rich S.
Florida, USA
You will need the onward ticket. The airline that brings you over will want to see it. It is unlikely the BI will ever ask you for it. If you don’t buy it before hand the airline that brings you over will charge you whatever they wish for your onward ticket. You’ll have to leave the Philippines every 16 months for three days if you don’t get the SRRV. This can be extended 24 months and up to 36? months I think with permission but its a pain after 16 months. I just exit. When I came over, I bought a fully refundable ticket to Thailand and took the refund.
Many expats call it a throw away ticket.
If you search this site for visa run you should find a couple of articles about exiting the country and onward ticket.
The SRRV is nice, I would get it if I had the deposit required. If you deposit $50,000 instead of $10,000 (if you meet the age requirement for $10,000) then you can pull the money out and buy a condo with it.
I met a nice young lady from Estancia, in the Iloilo provence,,and we have been talking everyday for almost six months via instant messenger,,i was just wondering if u had been there before?
No Sam, I have not been there. It is close to Cebu province though. It won’t be as modern as Cebu Province. If you’re worried about safety, I’d be willing to say you’ll be safer there than most any place in the USA.
Hello Rusty,
Thanks for the info. I have been offered a job at a prominent university in Cebu at 65k/month. I have been considering if it is really enough for me to be happy. I visited Cebu last December and did some research on cost of living there and tried to be exposed to all the positives and negatives of living there. I live in San Francisco, CA now and make nearly 4x that salary but want to make a change in my life while I’m single and have no children. I have some student loans that I have to pay off and want to save to travel back to the US and around Asia once a year. I’m 31 yrs old and I enjoy mostly outdoor activities but once in awhile will do some nightlife. I think I can live a more simple life but do enjoy some of the basic luxuries ie AC, high speed internet, cable TV, etc. Do you think that salary will be enough for me to live well? Thanks!
Keith
Wow Keith your decisions ahead are peaking my interest as I am considering a sightly similar option. I am 33 taking my first trip to the Philippines in less than two weeks to strongly consider a future move there. I have no debt and I am working really hard and living frugally in order to get some properties here witch can provide me with a decent income. Cheap living is definitely possible there but in order to have a life closer to what u have now luxury wise I think u need at least 5k for those extra initial costs.
Thanks Bruce,
I think I can either ask for 5k more or I can just shave off a bit from my budget. Good luck on your first visit. It must be nice to not have any debt.
Keith you can do that on that money. The thing that worries me are those student loans. I don’t know what those are costing you every month. I know they can be staggering.
It sounds like you would enjoy Cebu and the Philippines. To be young and in good health and to be able to head up these mountains and into the jungle would be a real joy for me. I love doing things like that. I’d love to get on a bike and peddle and motor all over. Get in the steams on a canoe and out in the sea. You could take up scuba diving, flying and many other activities that sound like they would fit you well.
And at 31, haha, the women will love you. Good luck on staying single, there are many very special women in the Philippines. You’d be in love within six months. The beauty and caring found in a Filipina is something dang hard for the states.
Though you’re income will take a hit, that international travel on your resume I think would be a big plus. Only four times as much in the USA? I’d say it is doable. You won’t be rich, things will be tight sometimes AC and DSL will be doable. I don’t know how much you’ll have left over for all those things you like to do though. If you have an online income you’d be in much better position. Keith, that’s about my budget for a month. The online income is what provides my extra money.
65 thousand pesos a month!!!! You would not live like a king, you would live like the Sultan of Brunei. My budget would be nothing like that but then I like to live like a lower middle income Filipino and eat street food and ride jeepneys and tricycles and walk through markets to buy essentials. The malls are great for window shopping but the markets and street vendors are the real Philippines
Hey Rick, most people would not feel like they are living like a king on that. Many Filipino would but a lot would not too.
I know I don’t feel like a king. If others do, that’s great. I mean it, no sarcasm intended. i just don’t want that to go unanswered. Quite a few people think $1000 a month is the minimum for a Westerner. Yes, I know some do it for less and are happy. I know others with much more and they hate it. Its not always about the cash as you know. 65000 peso is a bit over $1550 at this time. My budget is in the area. I live much better than most Filipino and many would consider me rich. Its not rich to us spoiled Americans. $5000 a month, now that would be kingly.
I hear what you are saying Rusty but when I travel around the Philippines I try to “go native” as I do in every country I have visited. I find that by doing this I meet the REAL people and experience the real culture. To go to a developing country and expect to live as you did in a developed country is, I believe, wasting the experience of a different country and culture. If I wanted to live in the Philippines the same way I lived in Australia I may as well stay in Australia. Anyway that is just my perception and I know that there are people who don’t think the same as I do but I think they are missing out on some real experiences.
Thanks for all the great advice. I currently pay $500/month to my studemt loans but will try to lower it to under $150/month if I choose to relocate to Cebu. I agree with Rick that living in the Philippines is all about being like a local. I have been on two trips to the Philippines and have been exposed to all the ways of life there. I avoid the rich and touristy areas and enjoy the steet foods, jeepneys, wet markets, etc.
I don’t need to live like a king but will hope to not live paycheck to paycheck. I would like to live in a furnished one bedroom condo, eat good foods whether cheap or expensive, and treat out my ladies to a fun time occasionally. So I guess that is the lifestyle I am hoping for.
In regards to the Pinays, I absolutely love them. My first girlfriend in high school was Pinay and have been dating several ever since. However, the girls I meet in the Philippines vs the Filipinas raised in the US are definitely more caring and less selfish. There is no sense of entitlement from these girls and they will do anything to please their man. What more can a guy ask for?
So I’m considering the move but its a difficult decision. As I feel like its a large paycut despite the cost of living. From $90k (gross) to $18k (no tax) with cost of living from San Francisco (highest in the US) to Cebu. But the reward of the Philippines will definitely be the women
Now if only I can find some fresh fruit juices there instead of Tang or colored sugar water.
I think you know what to expect and I could do it on that. Though I would probably run through my budget each month.
Keith if you want fresh fruit juices just buy fruit in the markets and get yourself a juicer and make your own, much fresher and better than buying in a bottle
Hi, so what is holding you back, why are you not yet living in the Philippines?