When money is involved, do not trust anyone in the Philippines...even your relatives. 'You can not change the Philippines, but Philippines will change you".
When I lived in the Southern part of the US, most Black folks were always late for a meeting. People would even joke about being late or on Black time. If you use Airbnb you are protected and have 48 hours to report a problem.
Nailed in Evan! Inconveniences are very much location dependent. I have not visited BGC or Makati yet but I have heard, once you get there, they are as you have stated. It's getting there from outside Manila that is the biggest issue. As you mentioned, depending on the time of day and weather conditions, driving in metro Manila could take anywhere from 30 mins to 3 hours over the same distance. I'm really looking forward to when mass transit will reach BCG and Makati to relieve some of the congestion and also when the connection from Clark International Airport to Manila are complete. Just curious, have you visited Clark International Airport? If not, you really should.
6. Medium to small businesses do not accept credit cards. Even you go to 7-11 and they don't take them there. They want you to pay in cash. Unlike in Brazil where they just use a credit card acceptance app on their phone. 7. If your bills are too big, many people and businesses have no change. Even with 500 pesos, it is often a struggle to get change. Coins are in wide use. Get used to having a pocket jingling with coins. 8. Many items are not available even though they are listed as available. Esp. in a restaurant. So, you need to ask. 9. Western foods are often prepared the Filipino way which means they add sweet stuff to such things as potato salad, sandwiches, pretzels, bread, etc. You need to find stores that sell Western foods. Also, genuine milk and cheese are hard to find. 10. It is hard to find cherries, raspberries, peaches and plums. They are only at some huge, upscale supermarkets and are expensive. Could you please make a video on these next inconveniences? As far as Filipino time, it is the same in most ex Spanish colonies. And in most warm countries. Italy, Mexico, etc are the same way.
you forgot about the ridiculous and oftentimes needless time-sucking bureaucracy of almost everything dealing with the nosy but inutile government. Filling out the clunky and intrusive "e-travel" first coming in to the country is a very small appetizer.
Dont deal with banks here, its a nightmare of paperwork and waiting for hours. I was surprised how quickly they service my car at Toyota though compared in the states. Also, don't even try to go into metro Manila on weekends, it could take you hours sitting in traffic. Public toilets, non existent. 😂
Excellent video, Evan. I’ve been critical of you not covering the negatives, so I really appreciate you doing this again. For me, the single worst thing about living here is the Filipino time that everyone operates on. To me, it’s so disrespectful to not care about anyone else’s time. I work remotely and internet here has been surprisingly reliable. I’ve been able to work in Cebu, BGC, Baguio, Moalboal, and Boracay with internet connections even reaching 1 gbps in Moalboal haha. Finding rentals is a nightmare. I wish there was a “Zillow” here that showed available units like in the US. You’re absolutely right that listings stay up for literally years so the agents can generate leads.
I appreciate the kind words Steve. I see your comments and I know you've been a long time follower of the channel. I always appreciate your input and I do my best to take it into account as much as possible for my uploads 🙏
That’s why I don’t stop by Manila my flight straight through Cebu then to Leyte island, I have patience but I try to avoid Manila, thanks for the info, I’m originally from Leyte and that’s where my family at but I’m still living here in Oklahoma, planning to rent a house in Leyte someday
Senators and politicians have an interest in keeping WiFi hard to access with their dumb need to have citizens purchase SIM cards where they make their money. Forgot about electricity mafia
Depends where you live in the West. I’ll use the USA as an example. Alabama minimum wage is 7.25 basically a bit more fancier than the Philippines not by much at all. Now if you’re in New York City the minimum wage is 16 dollars an hour. Minimum wage even in Manila is not even 16 dollars a day. So from there perspective it does grow on trees.
1) Filipino timing doesn't bug me at all. I'll just have a couple of beers. The only occasion that it actually mattered - not to me - was when we rented out a property. The potential renter was 2 hours late for an initial meeting so my wife called up another interested party who met us immediately and signed a contract. The first guy was annoyed but as my wife said, you had a good deal but you started taking the piss - we were doing you a favour but you blew it. 2) Buy don't rent. 3) No skin tax for us! My wife engaged in all our negotiations for property, whether it was buying or building. One seller saw me and added an extra PP1M to the selling price. My wife said no and we bought a different property. He lost out since it was just before Covid hit and he sold at a much lower price than he was asking. 4) only one brown-out in 5 years, and that was during a typhoon. We live in Rizal province. Manila is convenient but life is provincial.
Quick question Evan. Can you help with finding a house or decent condo rental in areas like Dumaguete or Bacolod? I have seen alot of tiny condos that are overpriced for expats. Would love to find a larger one that is not on a flood zone.
Well, the sixth inconvenience is being naïve enough to send money to someone who promises to help you emigrate to the Philippines in return (with a programme called ‘Expat University’), but then just takes the money and does nothing.
That is why perpetual rotating countries (depending on the rainy season) in SE Asia, Australia Europe and North America makes sense. Keep the Phils as affordable hub (SRRV visa).
You are too critical about the Philippines? You are not living in the USA anymore. Adopt to the local available things you need. Stop complaining!!!!!!
Why you complaining you getting homeless in the Philippines 🇵🇭 we’re homeless here in America too did I compailning that I getting homeless no I did not tell that to any one that’s your choice to go there in the Philippines no body say that you have to go there and now it’s our fault Philippines 🇵🇭 fault that your homeless that’s unfair for us that you f tell and put in the cellphone and tell everyone and us here in the United States of America I’m homeless too did I say that to everyone to shout out loud like what you do right now ,you f put our country Philippines badly while me here try to proud of your country.
Coz first you know how poor Philippines are and now you pretend you go there and now that your broke you blame Philippines that’s f unfair coz we did not blame your country .america.
Well you bring your upbringing of America in the Philippines 🇵🇭 Regarding of WIFI, they had Data Usage included in your phone to avoid chappy Internet. Em here the US, they had no all area access internet. We know the truth 🤣. Many Foreigners adapted all the thing in the Philippines 🇵🇭 . Your a Filipino trying to bring western style, don’t it’s Philippines 🇵🇭 you should prepared and check before going to the Philippines.
"Filipino TIME!" The inconvenience is called Filipino TIME, *not* "Filipino TIMING". It's the loose relationship Filipinos have with being on time. Get your terms right.
I live in BGC with my Filipina wife and our daughter… After spending quite a bit of time in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and other non-SE Asian countries, we’ve realized that the Philippines almost never measures up to anywhere else. BGC is nice and I don’t regret living there for two years, but we are moving onto better things. This country is so inefficient at just about every level. From immigration to store employees constantly being in the way because they’re stocking at peak shopping hours… The transportation and traffic… The housing being more expensive and lower quality… Infrastructure never maintained. Even malls and stores opening at 11am?? Seriously?
@@stevem437 In the very early 1970s, South Korea and the Philippines were at about the same level economically. Then South Korea worked hard and they are now one of the richest countries in the world. The Philippines is still nothing.
✈️ Expat Relocation Services (Book a Call) - sw54nqalsay.typeform.com/to/p80XN5gG
Things don't move slowly there, they move backwards/
Patience for sure ..we all need it😊
You got that right!
Please don't overuse the "clip" effect :)
When money is involved, do not trust anyone in the Philippines...even your relatives. 'You can not change the Philippines, but Philippines will change you".
philippines does change. it just takes decades. very slow change
they say if you want to get somebody out of your life in the philippines just lend them money.
Patience. Tolerance. Quick to forgive.
When I lived in the Southern part of the US, most Black folks were always late for a meeting. People would even joke about being late or on Black time. If you use Airbnb you are protected and have 48 hours to report a problem.
Nailed in Evan! Inconveniences are very much location dependent. I have not visited BGC or Makati yet but I have heard, once you get there, they are as you have stated. It's getting there from outside Manila that is the biggest issue. As you mentioned, depending on the time of day and weather conditions, driving in metro Manila could take anywhere from 30 mins to 3 hours over the same distance. I'm really looking forward to when mass transit will reach BCG and Makati to relieve some of the congestion and also when the connection from Clark International Airport to Manila are complete. Just curious, have you visited Clark International Airport? If not, you really should.
6. Medium to small businesses do not accept credit cards. Even you go to 7-11 and they don't take them there. They want you to pay in cash. Unlike in Brazil where they just use a credit card acceptance app on their phone.
7. If your bills are too big, many people and businesses have no change. Even with 500 pesos, it is often a struggle to get change. Coins are in wide use. Get used to having a pocket jingling with coins.
8. Many items are not available even though they are listed as available. Esp. in a restaurant. So, you need to ask.
9. Western foods are often prepared the Filipino way which means they add sweet stuff to such things as potato salad, sandwiches, pretzels, bread, etc. You need to find stores that sell Western foods. Also, genuine milk and cheese are hard to find.
10. It is hard to find cherries, raspberries, peaches and plums. They are only at some huge, upscale supermarkets and are expensive.
Could you please make a video on these next inconveniences?
As far as Filipino time, it is the same in most ex Spanish colonies. And in most warm countries. Italy, Mexico, etc are the same way.
Having to always find purified water for drinking was a problem for me
@@jamesrecknor6752
I order Evian mineral water in bulk online. Used to it since childhood 😊✌️
Filipinos are obviously not late for flights. How is it that they manage that?
flights take off late..
Good one..❤😂🎉
IMO, when there’s no consequences for Pinoys being late, it will keep happening. Flights will take off if you’re late.
Starlink and Solar panels with an 80k watt 48v battery bank! I'm good and in the province. Still gonna need you though, Evan.
How much does Starlink cost there for you?
you forgot about the ridiculous and oftentimes needless time-sucking bureaucracy of almost everything dealing with the nosy but inutile government. Filling out the clunky and intrusive "e-travel" first coming in to the country is a very small appetizer.
Good info to know! Thanks Evan! 👍
Very concise and good video. Thank you
Love the phrase "Authentic Phillipines Experience"
Dont deal with banks here, its a nightmare of paperwork and waiting for hours. I was surprised how quickly they service my car at Toyota though compared in the states. Also, don't even try to go into metro Manila on weekends, it could take you hours sitting in traffic. Public toilets, non existent. 😂
Excellent video, Evan. I’ve been critical of you not covering the negatives, so I really appreciate you doing this again.
For me, the single worst thing about living here is the Filipino time that everyone operates on. To me, it’s so disrespectful to not care about anyone else’s time.
I work remotely and internet here has been surprisingly reliable. I’ve been able to work in Cebu, BGC, Baguio, Moalboal, and Boracay with internet connections even reaching 1 gbps in Moalboal haha.
Finding rentals is a nightmare. I wish there was a “Zillow” here that showed available units like in the US. You’re absolutely right that listings stay up for literally years so the agents can generate leads.
I appreciate the kind words Steve. I see your comments and I know you've been a long time follower of the channel. I always appreciate your input and I do my best to take it into account as much as possible for my uploads 🙏
I see a business idea! WIFI towers!
I was there a couple of months ago and i used my AT&T roaming. It works fast and cheap versus having a sim card and loading a card…
That’s why I don’t stop by Manila my flight straight through Cebu then to Leyte island, I have patience but I try to avoid Manila, thanks for the info, I’m originally from Leyte and that’s where my family at but I’m still living here in Oklahoma, planning to rent a house in Leyte someday
Could you please do a video on how to buy a car, what steps you take, is there some type of government apporval, taxes, etc. ..)
Senators and politicians have an interest in keeping WiFi hard to access with their dumb need to have citizens purchase SIM cards where they make their money. Forgot about electricity mafia
Don’t even get me started about the Philippines SMH……..
Depends where you live in the West. I’ll use the USA as an example. Alabama minimum wage is 7.25 basically a bit more fancier than the Philippines not by much at all. Now if you’re in New York City the minimum wage is 16 dollars an hour. Minimum wage even in Manila is not even 16 dollars a day. So from there perspective it does grow on trees.
Try 10 dollars a day
1) Filipino timing doesn't bug me at all. I'll just have a couple of beers. The only occasion that it actually mattered - not to me - was when we rented out a property. The potential renter was 2 hours late for an initial meeting so my wife called up another interested party who met us immediately and signed a contract. The first guy was annoyed but as my wife said, you had a good deal but you started taking the piss - we were doing you a favour but you blew it. 2) Buy don't rent. 3) No skin tax for us! My wife engaged in all our negotiations for property, whether it was buying or building. One seller saw me and added an extra PP1M to the selling price. My wife said no and we bought a different property. He lost out since it was just before Covid hit and he sold at a much lower price than he was asking. 4) only one brown-out in 5 years, and that was during a typhoon. We live in Rizal province. Manila is convenient but life is provincial.
Quick question Evan. Can you help with finding a house or decent condo rental in areas like Dumaguete or Bacolod? I have seen alot of tiny condos that are overpriced for expats. Would love to find a larger one that is not on a flood zone.
Absolutely Johnny. Would you be opposed to shooting an email out to me just to see if I can help? I appreciate it.
@@TheSavvyExpat I will contact you soon.
@@johnnyg7899 Will be on the lookout for that. Just so I can prepare, when do you plan on making the move Johnny?
Well, the sixth inconvenience is being naïve enough to send money to someone who promises to help you emigrate to the Philippines in return (with a programme called ‘Expat University’), but then just takes the money and does nothing.
Is there any free public Wi-Fi at the airport?
DO you cover Cebu/Mactan/Dumaguete areas
Yes we do
Prior planning prevents piss poor progress.
sounds like italian time as well
Great video, the clicking every couple of seconds, got me to click off after 4 mins
Familiar with SUNVIDA TOWER?
Stayed there last week..❤😂🎉
@@havenpersonalcare7968 Oh nice! I've been looking for locations. How did you like it?
@@jazzyg863 very nice area; close proximity to many ammenities.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
There is way more than 5
Dude, There are definitely more than 5 inconveniences. 😂
That is why perpetual rotating countries (depending on the rainy season) in SE Asia, Australia Europe and North America makes sense.
Keep the Phils as affordable hub (SRRV visa).
This will be a 10-part series.
real ones call it Filipino incompetence
😂😂
You are too critical about the Philippines? You are not living in the USA anymore. Adopt to the local available things you need. Stop complaining!!!!!!
buy bitcoin and live in the philippines.
thats my plan. cashing out next year and gona live fat in the philippines. lol
Why you complaining you getting homeless in the Philippines 🇵🇭 we’re homeless here in America too did I compailning that I getting homeless no I did not tell that to any one that’s your choice to go there in the Philippines no body say that you have to go there and now it’s our fault Philippines 🇵🇭 fault that your homeless that’s unfair for us that you f tell and put in the cellphone and tell everyone and us here in the United States of America I’m homeless too did I say that to everyone to shout out loud like what you do right now ,you f put our country Philippines badly while me here try to proud of your country.
America
Coz first you know how poor Philippines are and now you pretend you go there and now that your broke you blame Philippines that’s f unfair coz we did not blame your country .america.
i hear Elon Musk is buying property in Phillipines and theres something brewing there right now. for the good.
Foreigners can buy/ own land in the Philippines. Nice try
Can't
@@BlutoBlutarski-z3v American/Filipino corporations can
Because most Filipinos don't have 8-hour jobss, that explains why they are the No.1 Social media user.
Indonesia and India are where Elon Musk wants to explore next. Look it up.
Well you bring your upbringing of America in the Philippines 🇵🇭 Regarding of WIFI, they had Data Usage included in your phone to avoid chappy Internet. Em here the US, they had no all area access internet. We know the truth 🤣. Many Foreigners adapted all the thing in the Philippines 🇵🇭 . Your a Filipino trying to bring western style, don’t it’s Philippines 🇵🇭 you should prepared and check before going to the Philippines.
Tell me you are a third world country without telling me you are a third world country!
"Filipino TIME!" The inconvenience is called Filipino TIME, *not* "Filipino TIMING". It's the loose relationship Filipinos have with being on time. Get your terms right.
Woah so sorry I was far off there
@@TheSavvyExpat🤣
Expats, just don't go there. Everything and everyone is annoying.
Maybe with that user id you would suggest... Thailand 🇹🇭 😉
I live in BGC with my Filipina wife and our daughter… After spending quite a bit of time in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and other non-SE Asian countries, we’ve realized that the Philippines almost never measures up to anywhere else. BGC is nice and I don’t regret living there for two years, but we are moving onto better things. This country is so inefficient at just about every level. From immigration to store employees constantly being in the way because they’re stocking at peak shopping hours… The transportation and traffic… The housing being more expensive and lower quality… Infrastructure never maintained. Even malls and stores opening at 11am?? Seriously?
@@LootGoblin4510 I agree. High five ✋😂
@@LootGoblin4510 Chai kap.
@@stevem437 In the very early 1970s, South Korea and the Philippines were at about the same level economically. Then South Korea worked hard and they are now one of the richest countries in the world. The Philippines is still nothing.