Is the Philippines, a good place to retire for a westerner?

by admin on June 4, 2009

I'm looking to reitre in the Philippines because I met a lady friend. I was told the country was the best to retire to because it is clean and cheap to live their and safe and supposidly it's the friendliest nation in Asian…what do you think?

You are asking this in a location where the retired people will be prejudiced, Travel Thailand.
Why don't you ask it at the Travel Phillipines.

http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/;_ylt=AkIlfeeRwsXYLhq.ep7YhlgV7RR.;_ylv=3?link=list&sid=396545493

This is my help from Washington, D.C. United States of America and Pattaya, Thailand.
Please pick an answer as the best answer, even if it is not mine.

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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

camillechickab00 June 4, 2009 at 8:35 am

well they have so many good tour sites there and is really hot there except for on place that is cold and that city is called Baguio.
References :
ive been to the philippines

Dawgz June 4, 2009 at 8:47 am

It depends on what you are looking for and what you will tolerate in a place that you want to live. It also depends on where you are coming from and how different a place you can put up with. The last time I was out there was in 2001, so my info might be dated.

For me, I don't know if I'd actually retire out there but I can see myself owning a Townhome or Condo there.

There are lots of Westerners living in the Philippines and I've seen them riding their Harley's in the Provinces well away from Manila and other major cities. For reference in that region, there are probably many more Westerners living in Thailand.

There are many positives if you are open-minded. It's definitely a slower pace of life. Everyday people are extremely friendly and willing to talk to you. It is definitely a Service Oriented environment. Just about everyone out there will have a Housekeeper.

Family is a big deal there, so if you plan on living in Manila then plan on that city being deserted during major holidays and festivals as people travel to their home towns to be with relatives.

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to everyday things you are used to.

Many people complain about the heat and humidity, but it's not any different than Florida…the biggest difference being that in Florida even the local 7-11 has A/C but in the Philippines many places will not have it if you're looking to cool down. Big Malls, banks, restaurants and such will usually have it.

If you are English-Speaking, you're in luck. Many there are self-conscious about their English, but schooling is taught in English so you can converse if you're patient and understanding.

I don't know if I'd call it clean. My best advice is to take a vacation there. Spend some time in Makati and maybe take some time in Boracay or Cebu so you know what the upscale side of life is there.

Take the time to notice your surroundings as you travel between…if seeing poverty up close in outlying areas isn't your thing you'll know right away if you can live there.

As far as safety, my rule of thumb for travelling internationally is if you can feel safe in NYC, LA or SF then you'll be fine in most places of the world. The key is, don't make yourself a target anywhere. Flashy jewelry, overly dressed and pulling out wads of cash to pay a taxi aren't advised anywhere in the world.

Good luck with your choice, I think you will like it there! ;)
References :

afrhscott6055 June 4, 2009 at 9:18 am

You are asking this in a location where the retired people will be prejudiced, Travel Thailand.
Why don't you ask it at the Travel Phillipines.
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/;_ylt=AkIlfeeRwsXYLhq.ep7YhlgV7RR.;_ylv=3?link=list&sid=396545493

This is my help from Washington, D.C. United States of America and Pattaya, Thailand.
Please pick an answer as the best answer, even if it is not mine.
References :
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/;_ylt=AkIlfeeRwsXYLhq.ep7YhlgV7RR.;_ylv=3?link=list&sid=396545493

Sex Gun June 4, 2009 at 9:26 am

No, the muslim rabels to love kidnapped westerner.Cheap yes, but not clean, they are friendly because you have money.
References :

spanky June 4, 2009 at 10:12 am

I am retired in Thai – most of my friends who have been to PPI consider it dirtier, more dangerous and less pleasant than Thailand – people will surely be friendly in both places, ladies will be beautiful… the buddhism here, I think, presents a much more cooled out atmosphere.. visit both places; you will know what is right for you –

I had a friend w/PP wife who lived here – good luck!
References :

nmint1982 June 4, 2009 at 10:58 am

Yeah i have met few Filipinos and they are nice people. Never been the country so I dont know.

Perhaps ask in the "PHILIPPINES" Category as well.
References :

mendyou June 4, 2009 at 11:37 am

yes.. because it has low cost of living.. the temperature is just fine… the people are friendly..
References :
http://www.manilatd.com
http://www.bnac.com.ph

George Jones July 12, 2009 at 10:47 pm

I HAVE BEEN TO THE PHILIPPINES SEVERAL TIMES. THE PHILIPPINES IS A PHYSICAL & SOCIAL PUBLIC TOILET. IT IS THE DIRTIEST COUNTRY IN ASIA. THE PHILIPPINES IS A GIANT catholic PUBLIC SEWER FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER END. IF YOU ARE A SEWER RAT THIS THE PLACE TO LIVE.

Joann Marin August 18, 2009 at 12:07 pm

The Philippines is nothing like a Public sewer for your information. Every country has its’ Ugly & Good side, but to say such harsh comments is unacceptable!!!

Marisel August 22, 2009 at 2:56 am

Yes . I am considering to retire there too.

Try to get a place in Boracay,Palawan,Bohol ,Cebu ,Baguio or Tagaytay.

All the best!

Dan September 6, 2009 at 5:19 pm

The Philippines would be a great place to live! I have been there several times and my wife is from Mindanao. There are some dirty areas of any country, but the Philippines has some of the best scenery and beautiful beaches in the world. I also felt like a king while I was there, everyone was so respectful and happy. I also felt safe even in Southern Mindanao. I would reccommend visiting Cebu, Davao and Surigao.

juanita March 4, 2010 at 5:07 am

are you looking a place to live in the phillipines?northern luzon is not famous like boracay to the tourist at the present part of laoag city.if you plan or thingking going there let me know i try my best to give a good service to all.we can give you a good value to your money.
my place is between vigan and pagudpod.if you think we can help you please dont hesitate to email me.im looking forward to hear from you.

juanita December 31, 2010 at 1:52 pm

i live in london myself at the moment and i want to help if i can i have a property in the philippines,so if you want more details please dont hesitate to email me or used yahoo messenger

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