Retired on Social Security in the Philippines/My First 30 Days
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Retired on Social Security in the Philippines/My First 30 Days/Was it Boom or Bust? There are many Challenges Facing us as we Transition over from or working life and into our retirement years.Some of us decide that a complete change, in a new country, is our way to possibly discover ourselves, and begin a journey that will not only test us, but also lead to a much more rewarding and fulfilling life in the winter of our lives
We subscribe because we are envious of your lifestyle while we are trapped in boring careers and mortgaged to the hilt
I feel ya
You don't have to be envious of anyone remember you have the same opportunity as anyone and no one is forcing you to have mortgage and job you don't like it's your choice dude😅😅😅😅
@@addictcar69 true that, do something about it
Bro you just told yourself that you need change in life.....do it!
@@boondockswokandgrill8459well aren’t you just a ray of sunshine today! SMH.
I got lucky my first trip there. I went to Tubigon Bohol and rented a fully furnished pension house near the town center. Near the market. It had Wi-Fi and free coffee and breakfast included. It had a full kitchen and was run by a USA expat and his wife who were able to give me LOTS of helpful hints. Wandering the streets downtown at night and eating street food, drinking beer, and going to local small disco /ktv places was great fun. I was under no pressure, and had a great time while learning a lot.
Hey Buddy. My name is Patrick Ginn. I'm in Alabama USA. I'll be headed to the Philippines in Around 3 years. I ran across you channel and did subscribe. I can't thank you enough for dropping some Great knowledge on us. The guys that have no idea what the heck we are doing. I helps more that you know brother. Your New Friend: Patrick.
Yes, I watched numerous videos from expats in the Philippines for about 3 years before making the move to Cebu in May 2023. The info really helped me prepare, especially about having multiple financial resources to obtain my money from the states while in the Philippines. I also utilized the info regarding what to expect when arriving at the airport and about the visa extensions. Already made my first visa extension. I pay an extra $100 per month to use my USA phone here in the Philippines. I also have a Philippines phone with the Smart SIM card. I have found it easy to communicate with my family in the states as well as take care of business in the states using my USA phone. I purchased 10,000 Philippine pesos while in the states that was express delivered to me and carried $9,000 cash. Yes, whenever I try to exchange the US hundred dollar bills they are very picky but have only rejected one so far. I got that heads up from watching the expat RUclips videos. I used Expedia to book and pay for my hotel and I used Expedia to hire a SUV to pick me up at the Cebu airport. All was worth every penny. Keep up the great videos.
Paul there are many channels but you are the only one that sounds honest and fun to listen to. The rest are either boring as heck or don't know what they are talking about
Agreed 👍 😊
I subscribe for the entertainment value😅. I am retired and am too old for the Philippines. Enjoy your story telling ability!
Thanks for saving me from making costly mistakes in my first 60 days in PH.
good info: when i moved to p.i. i lived in 2 hotels, one in manila (malate) and one in angeles city. great monthly rate, security, 24/7 electricity(they had generators), swimming pool, never ate there, but just outside sidewalk eatery, breakfast usuallly $1. made a lot of friends , employees of the hotel, still in contact with a few of them. always tried to befriend a local cop, never know when it might come in handy, and it did. take care.
Thanks for sharing
Before traveling to a foreign country you can get foreign currency before you leave. Just ask your bank. You typically have to wait a week. There is probably no rate advantage but it is one less thing to worry about when you arrive at your destination.
😎👍🇺🇲
All sound advice.
I like the idea of staying in a hotel for a while.
I could get by with a small fridge and a kettle for coffee.
Or an Airbnb for a few weeks.
I was finally able to return a few months ago. Stayed for only 2 weeks.
We traveled to several cities and spent some time on busses.
My friend had a death in the family so that threw a wrench in the vacation.
Nevertheless, we dealt with the situation the best we could.
Overall it was a great "get my feet wet traveling" experience.
I learned a lot.
It was merely a practice run.
I also got the chance to meet my long time chat mate. Chatting for 6+ years and never met in person)
We had a great time hanging out.
I walked a lot to soak up the environment and teach myself to watch my feet.
I may retire there. Not positive yet.
I'll certainly stay for awhile and skip around.
The Philippines is a great place to adventure. But only if you have an open mind and a keen eye for weird stuff.
Cheers ✌️
If you are planning to get a bank account in a foreign bank, don’t underestimate the difficulty of doing this. It may not be as easy as getting an account in the US. Find out what you are going to need in the way of documentation, visas, and home address to open an account.
I subscribed to a great friend whom I have never met, but seems as though we think a lot alike. Paul, I always enjoy your content, subject matter, and your delivery.
Hi Paul,
Hindsight is 2023! Excellent tips and advice here!
You, Reekay and Gio and have done a remarkable job!
Thanks to you….future expats who watch should benefit greatly from the experience and lessons learned, good and bad.
Gracias! 🙏
Wow, a very sound advice. To answer your question why a nut like me listen to your blogs 😮, because your advice in moving to the Philippines 🇵🇭 makes a Very Good Sense and how to stay out of financial headache 👍🙏❤️.
101st Airborne Screaming Eagle Veteran … saluting you
I arrived here (PHP)..May 12, the 13th, bought a 2023, BajaJ Maxima, for transportation. Living in Airbnb's for $11.00usd daily since, (monthly rates)..."Duma" & Valencia, great area. Been at the Valencia Plaza for Sunday walkabouts and Produce deals. HyperMart & Robinson's...Hope to "bump" into you Paul & BabyMae....some day.
Ooppsss, forgot to mention, information from your videos in the past, were very helpful.
Very nice!
Good advice Paul. I've been with T-Mobile for about 20 years. I've been very happy with their service and pricing. I recently looked into the international plan and it's still an additional $50. However, they didn't mention any additional fees like the $15 activation fee you mentioned. I believe that fee no longer exists. I definitely think it's worth the extra 50 bucks. Especially for the first few months of being in the Philippines.
I have been with T-Mobile also for many years. I use the $15 month pre-paid plan. 3gb of data and unlimited talk and text.
When in the Philippines I can always make and receive calls to the USA with the wifi-calling feature turned on. I also can send and receive text messages.
Just an FYI.
Jim
@davidstryker7379Ditto. I just prepaid for a full year with Mint. For that very reason. For use in Thailand in my case.
you may find that things like text verification codes just sent via text by your home county supplier cost nothing extra. It may be all you need for the odd code for banks ect..i use this from the uk supplier and it works fine with no cost..i dont even have a contract in uk...just a number that i have to add credit to if i want to make calls...
I just got back from my 3rd trip there seeing my new house being built. I am on T-Mobile's 55+ plan for $30/mo. When I turned on my phone after landing at the airport I received a text from T-Mobile. It said I had free text, cheap calling, and slow unlimited data for free. It worked fine, and seemed to be Globe. This was on an unlocked Samsung a14 USA phone.
Hi Paul.
Thanks for another great 👍 informational video,.. I'm "taking notes" for becoming a future expat.
Keep up the great work and take care.
One comment, things are changing in the Philippines. There are a lot of hotels, even condos that accept credit cards now and you won't have to pay in cash. But I agree that you on having a bunch of cash with you, just for emergencies. My normal cash access is through ATM's using the Charles Shwab debit card.
My Charles Schwab debit card was compromised the first week I was here. I haven't been able to replace it yet.
@@dougm643 I use fidelity, and I opened 2 accounts, thus 2 separate atm cards with different numbers. Make sure they both work before you leave the States. I also use remittly if needed.
@@dougm643 Please provide more details as it would benefit a lot of expats that use that card. How was it compromised?
@@oahuguy3918 I first tried to make an ATM withdraw from a machine in Robinsons mall Dumaguete with 2 fails probably due to my own ignorance. I stopped at two. I then used the card purchasing lunch at San Ravel. That went through. A couple of days later I tried a bank ATM and asked for too much. That did not go through. Later I was contacted by Schwab that the card had been used to make a purchase at an animal facility in Colorado for a minor amount and they shut down the card. I used the card once at Publix before I left the U.S. a month or two earlier.
That’s my plan too. The only thing I’m not sure about is the US phone number and address.
I’m out on the road full time now after selling my house, so I haven’t been able to catch many of your vids lately. Glad to catch this one and hope you’re doing great, Paul! Take care!
All good
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 awesome! This is global Greg by the way. Looks like RUclips changed what name they are displaying for some reason.
Paul This is very good timing for this video since I am now 39 days away from flying the way
Good video Paul. I am coming next month for 6 months. I am budgeting $5000 my first month to buy a vehicle as soon as I land in Cebu for around $3000. I am too big and spoiled to take public trans and I want to be in my own air-con safety cage not on a dangerous motorcycle. I plan to travel all around to the normal places like Iloilo, Dumaguete, etc and end up in Butuan City before settling down and getting an apartment for the remainder of my time there. I will get month to month only. Once domesticated and not a tourist I plan on about $1500 a month which should be plausible because I prefer to eat healthy at home, rent is cheap there and I dont hang out in bars or expensive places, just want to drive around and see things and go to the beach. From there I might drive down to Davou or go up into the mountains which I hear is a lot like Baguio (cool).
Don't OVER-PLAN ! Be flexible . . . PLAN ON being flexible and adapting. Be open to experience each day . . .
@@Dean-b2f if you dont plan and budget your money then your a fool that will go broke fast. Ive planned my whole life out including this trip and its been working so far hehehe.
@@leftyinhesperia1662have fun driving there.
Wise words Paul, slowly slowly, I’m sure that will be heeded by many, thank you 😊
Thanks Paul for the general information on any subject matter, it's always up to the individual to make his choices , but, still do their own research in the Philippines,
Thank you for this most enlightening video. I'm moving to the Philippines in less than two months and I hadn't even considered some of the information that you provided us in this video. The texting for example... I would've been screwed for real without this information. Thank God I have many friends there already who have also given me particular insights into moving permanently to the Philippines. Thanks Paul. You saved me many heartaches and headaches in a 30 minute chat. You have the information: keep giving it to us. Cheers...
Thanks Paul, for sharing lessons learned. Other lessons provided by your subscribers are an added bonus.
Great rewind Paul. Congrats on 6 years. We are coming in on November 27 and have a hotel room booked at the Florentine for 10 days. Would like to take you and Baby Mae to lunch or breakfast. Within a few days.
You're smile makes me subscribed! People like you should stay young and live longer. How you talk is very inspiring.
I subscribed coz Rick introduced your channel to me. He likes watching your channel. And i absolutely like to listen and watch your video's. Very informational, explaining things clearly and in a very detailed way. No hanging questions after watching your video. Very detailed and specific. ❤
This is a great video. I would not have thought about negotiating with the hotel for a 30-day stay for a better price than the daily rate and then I'd have the time to look around for an apartment. The T-Mobile information was quite useful, especially since MagicJack wasn't accepted at some places. I think I'll look into switching my Verizon # over to T-Mobile when I upgrade my phone in the near future since it's over 5 years old (original iPhone SE).
You gave great information in this video. Thanks for doing it.
The only thing I would add is a bugout plan.. I see so many youtubers now all talking about budgets here. You can not make a budget for a limited income. Keep in mind there is an exchange rate. It's been up for some time now but what goes up could very well fall down. For example if your budget is based on 1 to 50 what will happen if it goes to 1 to 25? Something to think about'
Really appreciated that video. I'm going through the process of moving in the future. So I did find value in it. Don't expect a check in the mail though. Take care!
Paul, as always love your videos and subject matter.
I've told my wife, she's Filipina; that one of many things I like about you is; you moved to Philippines to live 1st and ended up making youtube videos 2nd versus the many that come there to make youtube videos 1st and live there 2nd.
Your Priority and thinking is same as mine.
You're there to live first, not just milk money from videos like so many others are doing.
Your videos are always helpful and you show the real life in the Phils, not just sugar coated like so many others telling everyone how cheap it is here and just short of Shang-rila.
You give an honest perspective and leave drama out of any thing you video about.
We hope to see you next year when we move back.
Great Channel Paul, Been watching for a couple weeks but it was from my TV. Finally got on my phone so I could add ya and like. Great Videos
Greetings from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪 Paul me auld 🌼 flower I love your speaking voice it
Helps me 😴sleep just kidding
Your humanity shines through brother thats why we subscribe
Good information on here..
Wonderful!
Excellent Paul, I too dealt the phone issue my first trip to the Philippines. Was unable to receive a verification code to use my credit card.
Anyway best wishes for you & Mae and thank you for sharing.
Me too
Appreciate this Paul. One of the things I'm worried about when I come over is the 2 step verification and the one time passcodes I may need that are associated with my current number.
Great video Paul 👍. Sharing your experience and what to do once us expats arrive are priceless 🙏. Great information to know!Valencia is definitely a place I can see myself living one day in the near future 1-2 years? Will try to visit next year for sure. Blessings 🙏🌺🌸🌼
Glad you enjoyed it
Great info Paul, just what I need to hear to get planning to travel to and from the Philippines. Thanks for sharing😊
Hi Paul, thanks for making these blogs I've learned so much from you and some of the other guys, now I'm just waiting to get the courage up to pull the trigger! Stay well my friend
Paul I've been watching your videos for a while now but this one is the best. In a 28-minute video you managed to answer most of my questions that I've been having before making the big move. So I know you've heard it before but I'm going to say it again thank you and keep up the great job you're doing.
There was a time when there was no help from cell phone, atm, internet, or bank for that matter. But somehow we got the info we needed and prepared accordingly. Today's information age has surely made it easy for the less informed and clueless. Not sure if that is necessarily a good thing.
Paul, thanks for this video Man I really relate! Just one of my first experiences includes my rip-off by the property owner who took all my up-front deposits, 1st & last, blah blah blah and split! Thank my God I was rescued, really. That was April 1st week . I'm in Lapu-lapu currently
Did they catch the guy? Was it ever resolved? And is there a way to avoid that?
Amazing. The things that you covered ive nvr heard spoken of and they are basic but essential. If you could do a part 2 if you have any other information regarding the first 30 days, itd be much appreciated 🙏🏽
Hi Paul , all close friends of mine is very jealous of you, they were watching your vlog , and learning how you manage to live comfortably in the Philippines, while they are struggling here in the US, I told them just to watch you constantly, in order to learn more from you , thank you for your educational vlog, I am not quite enough time to retire, but I have a lot of my friends that are struggling here in US for the money they get for retirement, you gonna have more subscribers coming up , thank you, “GOD” bless you always
A bit of advice to interject. Don't exchange money at the airport, you'll lose at least 30% from the terrible exchange rate and commission. There are ATM machines in the airports. Choose the option that doesn't have the conversion (your home bank will give you the actual official exchange rate). Before leaving the US set up an account with Charles Schwab.... it's easy and they don't have a minimum to open an account. They don't charge any fees for international ATM use and will reimburse you 100% for any fees incurred at the foriegn ATM. I hope this helps.
fidelity does the same
@@todd7756 Yes Fidelity allows free cash withdrawal from an ATM but they charge a 1% foriegn transaction fee for purchases (hotels, airline tickets, etc purchased while overseas). Charles Schwab has no fees whatsoever.
Thank You 🙏 great video I am moving to Vietnam from Hawaii but everything you are saying is terrific! Mahalo
Thanks for all your little bits of information Paul please keep them coming, they are invaluable as I want to visit in November with a view to living there eventually. Love to you and Baby Mae. ❤❤
You are absolutely right on everything you mentioned. I've been watching you for a while and asked you questions when I came for the first time a year ago. I stayed 29 days days to see if I liked the Philippines as well as my gf. I enjoyed it so much I sold my home in CA and moved here. Its been two months now. I'm in a small farm town in Mindanao which I enjoy very much. the people here are so very nice. I got an apartment $120.00 month but had to buy everything for it which was okay as I will have this as my base as I explore other places to find my perfect place to call home. Hopefully soon I can go to dumaguete and meet all the vloggers who gave me great advice.
Thank you Paul for all your help
Hello Paul and much appreciation you give for those seeking a move to the Philippines. In my case. I have a Thai Fiance and will be taking my second trip in October to be with her and spend some time with her family. Have a great rest of your weekend!
Great vid Paul, thank you! I’m preparing for my first trip there in August, you’re prep advice is much appreciated! 😊
Excellent, Paul.. Thank You!
Most useful and informative video Paul. Thank you. Plane tickets, taxi and hotels are absolute essentials for smooth landings. I need to know more.
Paul, Thank you so much! Very good video, and now because you mentioned it, I have installed Viber, So I'll be able to get calls from my other cell phone on my main cell phone as well as keep in touch with family efficiently. I'll also call my provider to confirm whether the international plan allows calls from the Philippines as well as to Philippines for no extra charge. 😎👍
Once again, great information! Hopefully some will gain the knowledge they need to make the transition to the Philippines smoother.
That was a good story. Also good insight for the guys thinking seriously about making the jump. Most of the guys think to themselves "how can I be sure, what if something is different and I am not ready for it?" All your information was solid, you covered most all of the unknowns.
You came over within a few months after I got here. I remember having trouble telling the difference in the colors of the paper currency especially between the P50 and the P20 notes.
I also watched Reekay on his channel before I came over. I started watching him from shortly after the time he was hanging out in the jungle in Bohol which was about two years before I came over. He would go places and had a good talent for explaining what he observed and also showing what he was observing. These last few years however it became just him sitting at the table droning on and pontificating. I am glad he waited for a few years before ending up in that mode.
These days, you are one of the main guys and I applaud you. People can just look through your library of videos and find most all of the topics. Steve Johnson and his channel called The Philippines Info Channel is another good one. He is an independent guy doing the city life with a lot of friends, he perspectives and experiences are valuable.
One thing to keep in mind and thinking about this video that you did here about your initial experience(s)....a lot of guys come over here like a fish with a hook in their mouth being reeled in by a fishing Filipina sweety. Apparently they can be sooooooo sweet on the dating channels and when the guys get off the plane sweety is waiting for them and their whole initial experience is whatever sweety has set up and provides for them and it's usually touristy stuff and it's usually expensive. One of the tests is to see if you actually have money. Many of those guys (I would say all of them) are completely blindsided in terms of looking things over objectively and taking any kind of advice at all.
One other small piece of advice regarding the two-step security that most financial institutions do where they transmit a one-time-password (OTP) would be to communicate with those companies before coming over and find out exactly what their processes are and insist that they have included the ability to send the OTP via email. If they can't or won't do email OTP's then consider getting set up with another company. Using U.S. phones internationally is expensive and coverage is not guaranteed. These days doing Voice over IP (VoIP) outbound phone calls to North America is both easy and inexpensive. I recommend Skype for this and will note that just recently (within last couple of years) Skype has begun doing text for a nominal fee (like .012/160 characters). Also keep in mind that the financial institutions can send texts at no additional cost to you to an international phone number. Things have progressed, talk to them before you leave.
Really thorough synopsis Paul! Thank you sir!👍
Thank you for sharing your first 30 days story. Hope this will help guys. All the best to you and BM.
I am making the move in October! I have been watching a few different channels for advice, but this video answered a lot of the questions I had for arriving. Thank you!! Hopefully I can buy you a coffee one day when I get settled.
Thanks Paul. Good info .. Great recap on your first 30 days.
This video is why I'm going to subscribe to your channel, sir!!! Excellent, Excellent, Excellent video of what the do's and don't's are when traveling to the Philippines. Especially having T-Mobile for the phone service. Thanks so much for your information and do's and don't's when going to the Philippines. Much appreciated sir.
Thanks Paul picked up on some of your points how to get started even after being in Dumaguete 3 or 4 times but next time my home base with be all sold up and what a nightmare that is but for me bikes are out of the question I will need driving tuition yes I come from right hand drive vehicles be strange sitting on the left but I will need a car pretty quick rent or buy let’s see,hope to find a storage place for a suitcase and then take of with a very very small backpack to visit folks I know.
Great information Paul, making my move in the next 2 years, Cebu or Dumagate. Finally getting out of NYC.Thanks for all.
Hell yeah old dawg ... I finally subscribed
I’m 10 months away from moving ! Can’t wait to get the hell out of here!!! And I live where most would consider paradise in America
I love the information you give out Paul. I am going to have to write it down so I don't forget
Good advice paul . Something to look into before i come over 👍
Nice shirt Paul. Justin . is doing real good. At his dive shop. Happy for him.always good videos. And always helpful. Thanks.
Thanks 👍
super helpful video and perfect timing for me personally. appreciate it
Paul thank you. 2 things
Live and learn
Never rush anything
Comprehensive and to the major points, good information!
Much appreciated!
Awesome advise. Thank you Paul.
Yeah on the motor rental I rented a little Honda beat for 3 months in ormoc Leyte ended up costing me damn near $1,000 dollars I would have been much better off just to buy one for slightly more but I've learned my lesson I land back in Manila on the 8th of October and the very first thing I'm doing is going to the Honda dealership and picking up a brand-new xr150l
I am currently on my first trip to the Philippines, in Cebu (I live in U.S.) and got an international plan from Verizon so I can use my phone here without roaming charges. It costs $10 per day or $100 per month. Since my visit is 2 weeks, I went with the $100. It has been VERY nice to not have to deal with sim cards, to be able to receive calls, and to get my text codes for multi-factor identification.
very informative ! thank you Paul !
I've watched Ned from Philippine Dreams, Rikay,My Philippines Journey (RIP), and Bud Brown for years. And now you for years. I'm now ready to retire in the Philippines in September. Friends here in Florida say they might follow in my foot steps. I don't know whose channel to tell them to watch regarding the visa/renewal process, getting a Philippines drivers license, registering a vehicle, all the LTO stuff. Unless they go back years in their videos. But it's not up to date.
A lot of great info Paul... I miss the Philippines, we are back in the USA and I'm back on the Hamster Wheel... We have a house in the Bukid in Mindanao, and after building the house we then moved to Dumaguete, my favorite place in the Philippines. We rented a 2/1 for 12K in Amigo Sub. behind Nevas Pizza, rents have now gone up. I'm in hopes of being able to come back there.
11am MST USA
Thanks Paul ... Very valuable to me ... I have a sailboat, and have no need for rental units ... But, it's valuable to know nevertheless (for future reference) ... Best wishes
Great vlog Paul. You touched on a subject that is of concern to most expats making the initial leap, and some don’t make it as it’s too daunting a move for them. Having been through it myself, my process was successful like yours as I planned every detail within my control and took the attitude that I needed to be flexible with things that I couldn’t. Lot of lessons learnt but that’s part of the process 😊 Take care 🙏
Absolutely
I wear size 15 shoes. Its a chore finding them here in Canada. I'd be walking bare foot after a while there lol. Good informative video Paul. Happy 6th anniversary in the Phils.
A great video with much information that is so valuable. I have taken notes and will take the advice you gave to heart
Marty
Excellent!
I want your life so l will watch all your videos before
I come out in December, great advice
Great advice, Paul., that's going to help me when I get there in the beginning of the year. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for including crazy people paul !!!!🤟🤟🤣🤣🤟🤟
Paul, I have watched so many videos about moving to the Philippines over the last few months. They are entertaining and informative for the most part, but what you just recommended is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you so much for posting this. I can assure you, I will follow every piece of advice you just gave if I do indeed make the move to the Philippines.
I'm so happy that you are there to show us new guys what's it like . Would like to pick your brain as I will be arriving in Dumaguete next May. Please reach out to me if you have time. Regards!
I enjoy watching and listening your vlog sir
Great new couch very nice 👍
Good show Paul really useful info to know saves a big headache
Very informative video, thank you Paul 🙂
Thanks for all of the videos over the years. As I approach
I have a year and a half till I go there. I appreciate you.Thank you!
Exactly! Thats my plan. Hotels for the first 30-90 days. I plan on basing in Angeles City... I'm a Vet and AC has an Airport, Medical, VA assistance, etc...I might move someplace like Cebu later, but AC and hotel is my plan for now. I will not rent a condo/Apartment until I am sure I want to remain in the area I'm at. Freedom! Idk, but I would disagree with you on buying a bike right away. If you don't know where you want to go or how to get there, say you're wanting to look at a place to rent once you decide you want to stay in town, I think it would be less stressful to take a trike. Atleast until you are settled in your new place. Angeles City, Cebu, Manilla, etc.. is a different than Dumagute ofcourse. Just my opinion.
VA ONLY treats service-connected conditions in the P.I. The only VA facility is in Manila. Best of luck to you. The VA thing is NOT a "deal-breaker'!
Great video Old Dog!!😁😁
Hello Paul. I’m Jeffrey and I’m living in Baguio and enjoy the cool weather. I did my homework before landing in Manila. I’m in my 8th month and love it. I really enjoy your channel ❤
Sounds great!
Hi Jeff…I thought about Baguio…just curious I heard it rains a lot there….do you get very many sunny days and can I get a nice place for $300 or $400. a month.
@@marcrichard7251 I’m paying 25000 pesos a month for a nice two bedroom. Rain every afternoon April to October. But the trade off is no A/C needed. I invested in a dehumidifier that I love
Great job, keep up the good work!
Thanks, you too!
Good things to know before I retire there in a few years! Thank you
As a veteran expat living in the philippines, I would highly recommend NOT driving in the Philippines. If you rent, they will pin any damages on you when you return it. Ditto if you own a bike. You get in an accident and the cops will always hold you liable. Bikes are dangerous everywhere. I've lost lots of friends in Canada or seen them crippled. You are not a 911 call away from hospital and it's hard to try and figure out the road chaos in the Phils. I'm happy Paul has avoided any problems of driving in the Phils but I think he is one accident away from swearing off driving there, especially a motorbike. And, it's not like transportation is expensive there, so what is anyone saving ? 20 pesos to go across town. You get an opportunity to help some poor guy feed his family and school them. Plus you get to meet more people and learn more about what is going on in the community. I could see if one was living in Valencia Negros the handiness of owning a bike but I'd still skip it and go public transport.
Really interesting and very relevant for me Paul.
One way ticket booked for January and I expect a few hurdles - maybe ESPECIALLY as I’ve already spent 3 months there over two separate trips.
I’ll be heading for Leyte but I’m sure I’ll get to Duamaguette some day.
Thanks again.
Excellent advice. All things I wished I knew before I hit the road, in Latin America, 18 months ago.