7 Reasons Why Retirement in the Philippines is Your Best Choice
(in an American perspective)
Like glittering emeralds in a sapphire sea, the 7,107 islands of the alluring archipelago of the Philippines sparkle with attractions to entrance both overseas travelers and residents in search of spectacular natural wonders and a unique cultural heritage. Lofty mountain peaks, glowing volcanoes, lush, pristine rainforests, peaceful, azure bays and an iridescent underwater world combine to create a multi-hued canvas of breath-taking beauty. Asian, Spanish and American influences, together with the special qualities and customs of indigenous groups, have created a culture that defies comparison and is unmatched for warmth, hospitality and sheer enjoyment of life. Did you know you can retire here in the Philippines and bring your wife and family if you have one? We mean move here lock, stock and barrel! Just sell or liquidate and get rid of all that junk you have been storing all these years. Yes you can ship some of the things you really want here by using what is called a “balikbayan box” (6.0 cu/ft – 24″x18″x24″). You can put just about anything in them (except perishable foods) and the price is only about $100 for unlimited weight. We have shipped printers, bottles of juice, canned foods, clothing even a stage ready bass amplifier. These boxes come direct from the USA to your new location. They do not go through customs either. If you have no place to mail it to just send it to us and we will hold it here for you. Look for a Filipino supplier in your location who can ship, this should not take more than 2 months to get here via container ship. Did you know that a retiree with an average social security check can easily afford a maid, they only cost about $50.00 a month, and they do everything for you, cook, laundry, by hand, clean and baby sit if you have children. A friend lives on a $700 pension and he has a nice home and a maid. Also remember the Philippines is a 220V 60hz country this means your appliances will only work on a conversion transformer obtainable here in a variety of sizes. You can even get all your dental work done here, for instance a crown will cost you around $100, $7 to clean your teeth. A friend’s wife had a baby here the hospital costs were under $200 and that was in a private hospital. You can buy an economical car here for around $13,000 or P599,000 for a brand new on. Live your retirement and live like a king.
1. COST OF LIVING: The number one reason to retire in the Philippines is cost of living. We know a retired California police officer living on only $700.00 a month and he is making it just fine and that includes his rent, utilities, food and transportation. If he can do it, anyone can. Another friend rent a two story 2 bedroom townhouse for only $160.00 to $175 a month depending on the Dollar/Peso exchange rate. And this is not a bamboo building rather a Concrete and steel structure.
2. LANGUAGE: The Philippines is the only Asian country that speaks English, it is even taught in school as a second language from elementary school all the way to graduation. Most Filipinos can speak some English which makes it easier when shopping. The Official language of the Philippine Government is English. Street signs are in English and you drive on the right side of the street just like in the United States.
3. TRANSPORTATION: You do not need a car here as public transportation is plentiful and very cheap. Car is not a necessity here like it is in the USA. Transportation is so cheap here and you have so many different types of transportation and they are available just about everywhere in the Philippines.
4. INCOME: You can still get your Social Security benefits here. If you are married you can get additional benefits for your wife and kids. You can also start a business, you need to diversify some by including an internet business center.
5. MEDICINE: Are your medical expenses too high? Are you having to buy medical supplies with a credit card? Did you know in the Philippines you can purchase most medicines. High blood pressure medicines can be purchased over the counter without a doctor involved as can many others. You can use the doctor to recommend a medication then just buy it. A typical Doctors office visit will coast you around P 400 or about $10.00. Yes that is not a typo, ten dollars per office visit, Cat scans for P 5,000 or around $110. Dental work is equally cheap here. Get your teeth cleaned for $7.00 or a crown for $100.
6. R&R – REST AND RELAXATION: There are many fine beach resorts in the Philippines, most are very inexpensive. An average of week-long stay will usually run you under $300.00 and that’s including all you food and board. There are also some of the best diving spots in the world right here in the Philippines, beautiful orange corals and colorful fish.
7. THE PEOPLE: The Filipino is one of the friendliest people in the world, always have a smile on their faces, and they love to have their pictures taken. Most Filipinos welcome the Americans openly however you will occasionally run into a Filipino that does not like Americans but I believe this situation is very rare or they just keep it to themselves.