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08/12/2005 03:00:11 PM · #1 |
Hey everyone - I have a question to ask for any Americans or otherwise 'foreigners' that might be living in the Philippines (or have had experience staying there). My dad is currently thinking of moving to the Philippines because he says the cost of living is much lower there and it would make it much easier for him to get by on his retirement/current money that he has.
I'm worried for a few reasons: 1) The obvious loss/lessening of contact between him and everyone else.
2) Is the medical care over there generally good? My dad has a heart condition, and I'm not so how the medical care would be over there.
3) Will he stick out like a sore thumb? I hate to imply this, but I'm afraid that he may become a target of cons/thieves/etc. He's a 6'0" white guy who definitely dresses like a typical American would. I don't know how true rumors/preconceptions like this are, but I've always heard that tourist types can become targets of people like this.
4) Is it really that much cheaper over there?
5) How is everything else that you can think of?
He seems to be pretty set on going there, but I'm trying to convince him not to. I'm asking you guys to either 1) Help me convince him.. or, if my fears are unwarranted: 2) Help ease my mind.
I'll appreciate any help/opinions you may be able to provide.
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08/12/2005 03:29:26 PM · #2 |
From what I understand the Philippines is not a bad place to retire and I'm not just saying that because my parents grew up there ;) There are many who do it and are really happy about it. English is still predominant; you can find excellent medical facilities because the education system there was based upon the US system and the reason there are so many filipina nurses; the terrorism you hear about is very very rare and is pretty much contained within the southern islands (your father will most likely not be staying there); there will be many other expats like him over there so he won't stick out and I'm sure he'll make friends; it is cheap, your father could probably hire a maid to cook and clean for him and a driver when he wants to go out; I've heard some about cons and thieves, but nothing a smart person can avoid. I considered working there for a contract once but that fell through. A good place I got answers from when I was looking into it was the Yahoo group //groups.yahoo.com/group/LivingInThePhilippines3/
And to keep everything photo-related, I hope to go there next year to get some really good pictures.
Fred |
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08/12/2005 03:48:01 PM · #3 |
| Think of the upside, someone to stay with in an exotic (for us) location |
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08/12/2005 03:48:17 PM · #4 |
Hey Brian. There are lots of ex-pats in the Philippines. I was born and raised in Manila and have lived here since 1989. It's a great place to retire specially if you're looking for where the dollar can stretch out a bit more. Americans are a staple in the Philippines and it is not uncommon to see a "Joe" every now and then. Is it cheaper? Hell ya. I went to the Philippines after 15 long years and found it extremely affordable. Let's put it this way: I can live in the Philippines, hire a maid and a driver, rent a house and only pay about $1000 per month.
The southern portion of the Philippines has always been a "no-travel zone" for me.
Medical care is great but obviously depends on where you are located.
As in any other place, whether here or another country, cons and thieves abound. It's a matter of dealing with the situation and not promoting an image that you are indeed well off.
My parents are thinking of retiring there as well but once the grand kids showed up, they ended up just thinking of having a vacation home over there. |
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08/12/2005 04:07:31 PM · #5 |
Thanks for the comments so far guys - I'll make sure that he knows not to head to the southern portion of the Philippines. Is there a clear point that he should not go south of? I kind of assume that he will stay in Manila most of the time, but I'm not really sure.
It's good to hear that good medical care can be found there, because that is probably my biggest concern.
Any further thoughts/opinions would certainly be appreciated, as this whole idea is rather sudden and new to me still.
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08/12/2005 04:10:59 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by brianlh:
Thanks for the comments so far guys - I'll make sure that he knows not to head to the southern portion of the Philippines. Is there a clear point that he should not go south of? I kind of assume that he will stay in Manila most of the time, but I'm not really sure.
It's good to hear that good medical care can be found there, because that is probably my biggest concern.
Any further thoughts/opinions would certainly be appreciated, as this whole idea is rather sudden and new to me still. |
The Mindanao Islands would not be an advisable travel destination. I've been as far as Cebu Islands where it is just gorgeous (a lot of ex-pats too).
If he'll be in Manila, try looking at Makati City. Rockwell (condos and apts.) tend to cater to foreigners and dignitaries. |
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