No close friends, no family, no house, no car, no boat, a little debt..been invisible to women for 20+ years..at 61, it's time to start a new chapter in life..🇩🇴🏝

I lived overseas for years and one thing I noticed when I returned home was that no one ever asked one question about what i was doing in Bangkok. Americans often have such little curiosity about things outside of their present situation. It was always strange to me.

Medicines, that's a big one. My favorite experience was on a business trip in Kuwait. I went into the pharmacy across the street from my hotel and told the pharmacist I was diabetic and had pneumonia, which att I would get a few times a year. He came out with a grocery-sized bag of medicines including cough syrup (w/opium derivative for sleep), ciprofloxacin and other meds. All in one go and for a total cost of $42 US. It not only cured me but I used the leftovers for the rest of the year. My best healthcare experience ever! By comparison in the States it takes at least 3 weeks, $400 and several days of missed work to get the same end result even using a dedicated doctor and health insurance. That's the system in the States

After living overseas 27 years, one uncomfortable truth is -you’ll never be accepted as a local no matter how long you stay there.

I've been living alone for 8 years now on my 8 acres farm here in South Carolina. I love it.

What about the loneliness in America of going to a job you hate… buried under a mountain of debt. Stuck with a wife you can’t stand …who’s too expensive to divorce. You have no idea how many men are in a situation like that in a western country.

I worked Overseas on rotation for 40 years in the Oil industry, traveled to mid east and far east, lost everything I had in common with friends growing up as they couldn’t relate and it was difficult not to sound like showing off, in the end grew apart from previous life. Sadly wife passed after 47 years and I need to travel as that’s what I relate to. Currently a work in progress. Age and health become a major consideration yet the mind and drive is still present.

Hi, Guys great insights that ex-pats should be aware of. Sorry, not being around for the past four months. I was fighting for my life and spent 3 months in the Intensive care unit and two weeks in high dependency ward. They have labelled me the miracle man as no one in the history of the hospital has ever survived what I went through. Living on borrowed time now living as each day could be my last. Once I regain strength I still intend to come to the Philippines. Everyone says I'm crazy. I want my last days on a beach. Then a local funeral. I just hope and pray I get fit enough to travel. I still enjoy your videos they give me hope and something to me a goal and Purpose. Thank you, keep up the great work. Take care GOD Bless you and yours. M

What I really appreciate about you two is that you always give us pretty profoundly thought-out content. Your thoughtful approach is very flattering to a viewer

You two are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing! My advice for overcoming these is to invest in the people, community and friendships you make. Invest in learning the language and the culture. invest in yourself by trully allowing yourself to fully experience it all!

I love how nuanced your points and sub-point are. Original, as usual. It’s interesting how one can be simultaneously traveling and feeling so stimulated but also may experience difficult feelings like loneliness and alienation. I think many people underestimate how important having a sense of community is to them, and also how important is it to spend time - IN REAL LIFE AND ON A REGULAR BASIS - with people you know and love, and who know and love you. Especially when one of you is going through a hard time like depression, identity crisis, relationship struggles, financial hardship, illness, death of a loved one, etc. ❤ I think a lot of travelers also end up self-focused and neglect their family and friends at home, and end up feeling surprised that many of those relationships may atrophy due to distance and/or neglect. It can actually go both ways if friends and family at home don’t make an effort to stay in touch and express care and interest in you once you are traveling. I also think it can sometimes feel exhausting to be in a country where you cannot easily connect and express yourself in your native language, which is also embedded in your native culture. It can take a lot more energy to bridge that language and cultural divide.

Excellent advice! I retired overseas and I agree! You definitely have to make room in your budget just in case of emergencies! Me personally I recommend 10 thousand and up if you are single! 20 thousand and up if you have a wife and kids!

I suffered reverse culture shock when returning home having lived as an expat for 13 years in Asia. In some ways there is no going back after living abroad for extended periods. Going back to your old life isn't always an option. I'll probably live abroad for the rest of my life, just spending a few months of the year with family and friends back home.

Being an expat is not new. I read a lot about it in W. Somerset Maugham’s short stories. I moved to USA as a teenager, now retired. I can choose to find a nursing home there and move back as an option. It does feel like life circling back. I moved to US with 2 suitcases. To move back, I may have to reduce my life down to 2 suitcases again. It feels so much harder after decades as an old lady.

The Philippines has a potential for major natural disasters. From cyclones(hurricanes), earthquakes, flooding even volcano eruptions. I already live in a hurricane prone area in the US and after experiencing a few damaging hurricanes I live in fear each year of the next one. It is no way to live but I can't afford to live anywhere else. The US is reduced to worse than a developing country after one hits and we only then appreciate all the things we take for granted. I have had to go without electricity for 6 weeks and it was unbearable in the middle of summer. I would reach out to a fan, unable to sleep and realize I don't have any electricity. I used to go to the mall to take a nap and charge my phone. I would sit in lines for gasoline with the few gas stations that were open. When you get to the pump they would run out of gas. It was frustrating. Getting repairs done was impossible. Unless you go through it, one would not know. I experienced a 5.4 earthquake and it shook me up for months. Thailand has a potential for tsunamis on their western coast, but no cyclones or earthquakes.

Thanks for sharing. Great advice. I've found the most important thing is to form social friends based on particular things we like to do. In my badminton, squash, sports and entrepreneurship. Facebook groups are a good source of local connections.

Re: medicines, my traveling partner (and husband) is a pharmacist and navigates foreign drug stores for us. I don't ever take that for granted.

Great topic today! I finally felt like SOMEONE understands. Thank all of you for your comments 💌 This really made my day! (People in SC aren't even aware that other countries have their own currencies...Lost in the South)

To me, the worst, most awkward thing about visiting a foreign country is listening to a local venting at me in resentment over the U.S........Especially when they're right.

Hello. I’m a Canadian expat living in Japan. One uncomfortable truth here in the Japan countryside is social isolation. I’ve been living here for over 12 years now and do not have a single Japanese friend or even fellow expat friend here. Several people I met and made friends with over the years have all returned to their home country or moved to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. I’m planning in leaving Japan for the Philippines 🇵🇭 once I sell my house here. Important topic today. Thanks!

Great points made - both by Dan & Qiang as well as in the comments. My uncomfortable truths: being in new surroundings (both exciting and a little anxiety inducing), sorting out my essential needs once I decide where to be, and social engagement. Some family/friends give a perplexed look when I tell them I'm considering retiring overseas, with comments like "why would you leave?" or "I could never do that!" I would surely miss loved ones as well as some conveniences and efficiencies in Western world living, but there's much to discover out there and the experiences mean more to me than material "things." What may work well for someone else may not be ideal for you. Just find your happy place as soon as you can and enjoy your new life.

Great video, looking to experience all those and grow while traveling! New experiences, new adventures, new wonderful people!

"I'm not as drawn to it as before" Yes! that's exactly what happened for me also.

I have the feeling, when you are both talking, that the two of you have merged into one entry. Such wonderful agreement! Congratulations!!! May your love last forever.

That's our goal. To live simple and moderately at the same time not having to work til we are 70. But our situation is different from some others at that my wife is a Filipina who's been working and contributing to her retirement and SS here in the states. So we won't be solely living off one income/retirement when we move to the Philippines in 3 years.

I am looking forward to that big adventure, i am explorer been too 27 states and 2 countries, i am frugal and considering i am living on 1100 a month atm i think i can survive on that over there lol. I rarely drink except for coffee that's my addiction hahaha and considering i have been single over 20 years i think loneliness is the least of my worries.

Exxellent guys. On relationship glue, I don't adhere to this either at home or away. It gives me total freedom.

You two are wonderful. Your videos are excellent. Keep it up. Thank you very much for your awesome content. I hope to one day join you in your exploration of this beautiful world.

thanks for visiting us again enjoy!👍👏🇵🇭

Love this style of vlogging! Love this channel! Thank you for all you both do! ❤

I ❤this couple, Their teamwork and perseverance were impressive.keep it up guys!

That is the area in the Philippines that I would like to retire.

Sometimes a restaurant or bar can be a total different experience depending on when you go in. One night there might be a birthday or wedding party and you enjoy the music and the next night you might not like the music or experience.

Great observations. I have experienced much of this (but to a lesser extent) just moving from small town midwest to other parts of USA.

Some good points made here. Of course, as an American, living in America, it's very easy for me to solve any kind of a problem because I know how the system functions and I know who to contact. Being somewhat technical, I can also solve technical issues, such as phone, TV, computer etc. on my own, without having to call tech support. Dealing with bureaucracy is also easy, when you know what is expected. Even abroad, if I need answers, I can Google them or go to KZfaq for answers. When I am traveling, I don't usually hang out with expats unless I need an answer to some specific question that I can't get from locals. Part of understanding different cultures is hanging out with locals and eating their foods. I certainly wouldn't go to Macdonald's. I don't go to Macdonald's when I am in the States. I think their burgers suck. Give me Fuddruckers any day, What's funny about Macdonald's is that in the States it's considered poor man's food but when you to China, for instance, it has a Starbucks vibe and is visited by middle class Chinese and the prices are three times higher compared to good Chinese food. As far as communication is concerned, one has to be on the same frequency to communicate well, even speaking mother tongue. If you don't speak other languages, you can still communicate with people that are on the same frequency. You may need a few hundred words in that language, but it's ok. As to the past, it's about having established roots. People that grow up together and stay in the same community normally understand each other better but even that changes with time. People change and get immersed into their lives and new problems. The key is to have an open mind and be curious about the world and others. Learning is a never-ending process. The thing about loneliness is that you have to believe in yourself and your ability to stay busy and have enough interests that you have no time to feel sorry about yourself. Sure, it's more enjoyable to watch a sunset together but I rather watch it by myself rather than share it with just anybody. I rather be alone but I am not lonely. When the right person comes along, I'll be happy to embrace that new role. If you move around a lot, you learn to be a sponge and a chameleon, you develop certain routines, no matter where you are at and you will be fine. Half of my life I spent with women and the other I have spent alone (not chronologically) and I feel just fine. I just watched Arnold, the documentary, and was reminded how an extrovert can become an introvert. As far as medicine is concerned, in most of Asia and South and central America, you can get stuff over the counter, as long as you know what you need. Tylenol is a brand but all you have to say is the generic root for it, paracetamol ( Spanish speaking countries ) or acetaminophen ( English speaking countries ). No matter where you are, it's good to find an affordable health insurance and you will be covered for more serious things. Anyway, no fear, face into the sun and the wind and Bon Voyage!

I know EXACTLY what you mean with the imposter in your own life thing when you go back home. You explained it very well and it's good to hear someone else talk about it.

Great video thank you. I found when I returned home to Australia recently after 2 years and 7 countries a reverse culture shock. I had been in no western countries and realised things are not quite as great at home as I thought before I left. Inflation, politics and social norms were fairly negative from my point of view. For budget we have savings at the moment but live as though we're on the Australian pension which is very low. We live in the countryside south west of Bangkok out with the cows and chickens. I found the topic of personal care and medicines very interesting too. Each country finding the things that you need and make you feel at home anywhere 😊

Love your content but the background dog barking is the biggest reason I couldn’t live there long term. It’s just too noisy for my preferences. I could maybe do a high rise in Cebu or Manila.

Retotrd expat from the US. Lost my Wife of 44 years to cancer 3/2017. Had to regroup. Moved to Thailand 7/2018. Met a great Thai women, we've been together ever since. Haven't missed the US for a moment. Every day is great and an adventure.

good advise, one thing that I would like to add is having pets. We all love our pets, but sometimes there is a big problem, lots of countries have rules and regulations regarding transport of animals on public transportation which can be a major pain. A good friend of mine here in Thailand is heartbroken ,that in order for him to return to his home country he would need to abandon his beloved dog. this is actually a common problem quarantines etc. Another thing that people need to think about is gardening, it's hard to leave yourplants behind also! As soon as my Thai retirement visa expires in November I will be coming Dumaguete, how is the walkability? Would Valencia be better

Love the blue that you guys were wearing in the video 😊

I just got back from the US. I brought aspirin with me. You can’t get aspirin in Thailand.

Dan and Qiang, that was just a great vlog; such important points you mentioned. And who would have thought you were in PH? (didn't hear any crowing roosters or barking dogs! well done!)

You both are giving great content and advise for people like myself now 67 years old who want to make the changes in my life for the future to enjoy with a life partner. This is one of your best videos that I’ve seen that will directly relate to me and my planning purposes. I wish you both the best for your futures, and hope to see you both one day and and share this time to cherish together. Best always Steven

Great video as usual! How flexible you are will determine how easily you transition living in a new country and culture. Living in Thailand I think there must be a mountain of paperwork somewhere as everything is multiple pages signatures etc. Just go with the flow give them what they want and accept it's just a different way of doing things. Then enjoy the wonderful benefits of living in a new country.

SHOUT OUT FROM GERONA TARLAC I DONT FIND IT DIFFCULT WE BUILT A HOUSE AND RETIRED HERE LIVING THE DREAM HAVE NO REGRETS WE DID OUR RESEARCH

Hi Mike here from Uk. Have been travelling short holidays for 12 years. This time 6 weeks away. Learning on the way new tricks. I jot down on my phone every day my experiences, not everything just the big things.And each time i exchange cash or ATM. now in ubon spending spending 800 baht a day. Also gives me a record of my travels.

Great video guys- definitely challenges when you travel let alone move to a foreign country!

I lived in India for five months. My (at that time) fiancé was working six days a week and I did get very lonely. I decided to go to a school there to learn Tibetan. It gave me a purpose and a little social experience. I spent a lot of time on my own. I loved it though. I am back in the states and my (now) husband arrived last year.It's been an adjustment and we miss India. I like living in Asia.English with Hindi accent is really difficult so Learned simple words that helped. I do agree that if you see new countries as an experience of adventure and curiousity, you will do better. I have found the world is a friendly and welcoming place once you open up.

I've been watching you for a couple of years now. Just turned 40. 5 more years and I'll be on the move. Thank you for all the information, both of you.

You missed one topic: healthcare. You mentioned medicine but not healthcare. The Philippines is currently no. 89 in terms of healthcare in the world. Plus, it's expensive to get treatment for serious conditions. I know some Filipinos in the States who are holding back from coming there to retire, because they have friends or family members afraid of or actually bankrupted by the steep costs of healthcare treatments there. If I am correct, you have to pay upfront when going to an emergency room before a doctor can see you. I don't know if that is still true. So I would like your perspective on this. Healthcare checkups are cheap there, but that's different from an actual sickness or accident where you need to spend more. It's the only thing holding back some Filipinos from retiring there.

Thanks for sharing. I have experienced some of those uncomfortable truths, even for short trips. Like you said, trying to find a replacement for Tylenol. I take my own now. It can be a little ruff sometimes, but you have to take a deep breath. Every thing will be fine.

I recently got into a hard time in Mexico: At a "drug" store, medicine, not drugs, are sold. USA has medicare part d: Drugs, not medicine. Perfectly understandable, except it was me traveling. it was on me to have known culture.

You are right about which perspective you choose upon entering anything, such as retiring abroad. Regardless of situation we have a choice how to perceive it and there are really only 2 ways. They are either positive or negative (or intoxicated as I have witnessed so many time with expats) And that creates no change except organ failure. 🤕 Learning the art of perceiving change in positive light means you can make it enjoyable. The fact is living stress free and in contentment with what is rather than complaining must create for you much more curiosity, wonder, delight, joy. If one isn't familiar with how to employ things like "feel the fear and do it anyway", gratitude, self-forgiveness, patience then it's probably time to learn as it reveals your existence the miracle that it is. The world awaits💚🤩😍

If I was you, I would go to the intended retirement place many times before retiring there. Spend significant time there first before you commit.

I have watched some other "retire cheap" channels and they are not nearly as comprehensive or open as you are. I do not spend spend spend when I travel to more affordable places. In fact I save up money so I can afford to travel back to the US and visit/help family. Thank you Dan for all your down to earth realisic videos that don't mislead people into making bad decisions. I too have found that by being away I am disconnected with friends and family. I am not always up to date with currentl local affairs.

Good info. Anything and everything maybe suit or good for anyone but not for everyone.

Good info! Y’all make a great team

Good Food for Thought as We plan to Retire in PI in 4 to 5 years from now!! I will have an adventuristic attitude and with some of my Wife’s family around lean on for advice. But im prepared to have fun being immersed intoa new culture. Life’s A Garden, Dig It!

I love your honesty. It’s very refreshing and insightful. I feel imposter syndrome even when I go back to Kentucky after living in Las Vegas for 30 years…can’t imagine what it will be like when I retire (soon?!) and travel the world!

Good content thanks for sharing 👍

Ciao. Nice video. honest and helpful. Thank you. I am retired and with my wife we ​​love Asia, We have been to Asia many times but never for more than 3 or 4 weeks We would like to live part of our retirement in Asia, but one of the things that worries us is our basic and poor English. Our English is good for short conversations, but not good for having relationships or not good for something serious for a native English speaker it is never a problem, but for others mediocre English language can be a restraint Grazie del video. Ciao from Italy

For instance I'm Spanish speaker as a mother tongue. I've been in most south America and Central, and now in Cadiz (deep Andalusia) I had to learn Spanish from scratch Great content All the best to all

I'm an American expat sitting here in Vietnam (18 years away from California) watching this, and re learning some gems from you guys. Thanks for these vids.. I hope I will one day meet a lady like Chung. She's a really intelligent openminded and hip lady, as well as beautiful. ;-)

Lot of good points Dan and Qiang

Great video, thank you. 💚

Thank you two for leading this topic to consider. It helps me to frame some of the things I notice as I travel and see that I have to adjust in different circumstances. Big help🎉

Setting up a budget is key, but at times it's challenging to stay within it when you are a couple and the other half have different points of view.

You two are looking fabulous. Looking 28 and 48 respectively, lol. Life is good for you like always. I look forward to meeting you again whether there or another local. You there two months, that's great. I will likely meet you in Dumaguete. Loneliness won't be a problem for me as I make new friends every day when I travel abroad. Flexibility and adaptability is key. See you soon! As you know I will be in Manila, Makati and Baguio first, then Puerto Galera, all based on your recommendations! then perhaps south to your area by the end of July. So radical that our Bali interview has nearly 500,000 views so far. Amazing!

I’ve thought about moving overseas for years but never pulled the trigger….one of my friends in the USA insisted that if I moved and became an expat I would have my social security payments rescinded…..

Thanks Dan... BTW, curious what type of camera you are using ⁉ It is excellent video quality...

Awesome- love ❤️ Dumaguete mate!

Great format, love the experience shared from you! I also made it to other countries a lot and have now family ties to South America - right now I live still in Europe and over there, same time. But the next step planned is to completely move over. So it's very interesting to hear your experiences.

Great information folks! It's good to see you back in the Philippines again!

Welcome to Dumaguete! - from Sibulan, Negros Oriental

Hi Dan, have you ever visited England? I’ve looked through your videos and couldn’t find anything on a visit to the UK. I live on the south coast of England in the seaside resort of Worthing. The cost of living here is quite high, but I have found a flat where all the bills are included in the rent. My parents are living in my house and I have said they can stay there until the end. I don’t want to live with elderly parents so renting suits me fine as we both have different schedules. I retired at 55 and love living by the sea. The good deals are out there, you just have to look for them and I think that applies to anywhere in the world. Very often the best deals are not advertised and sometimes you can find them by accident. Thanks Alan 😊

Pleasure to listen to your comments and mutual respect for esch other. Yes, native country friends/relatives unable to understand your experience living overseas due to inability to see outside their reslity. After 40 yrs marriage to Thai I blessed that she was wise enough to tolerate my slow learning on relationship. You two are great. My buddy married to Filipina also shared common sense afvice: "Remember where you are" on my confusion visiting PI. So do not judge reality overseas to your original country ! Easy does it?

"Say Hi" phone app is an awesome translator.

Wow! Qiang has never looked better! 🤗

In Jamaica an Avocado is called a pare and its a lot bigger ..😂

Hello Dan, Qiang！ I just subscribed, hit the like button！ Been watching you both on and off, and I appreciate your channel, clean, intelligent conversation, shared information is very accurate, and very helpful！ Tylenol, Acetominophen, very much available in the Philippines！ Thank you for sharing！👍

Hey Dan, love your content! I was wondering if you have a video or could make a video about your luggage and packing for slow travel? I know this can vary widely, but I’m planning an extended tour through Southeast Asia and am struggling with the right way to pack. I won’t be my first Trip like this, but in the past, I’ve traveled super light and ultimately regretted not bringing some creature comforts with me. Also wondering about keeping your passport, bank cards, computers and camera equipment safe when you’re out and about. Thanks in advance!!

Thanks for the soulful tips. And fresh way to frame things such as chaos vs fun and interesting Acetaminophen ✌️ is the generic

Have watched many of your videos and have not always greed with some things, but today the first thing that we 100% agree on is this notion of saving each month even 10% of a retirement income if for no other reason to offset inflationary costs or exchange rate fluctuations. I for one think this is a no brainer. Even renting a place that's 10% less is a way to save. Another thing to consider is say Thailand cooking home the cost of electric and gas versus eating out you may find it's cheaper to eat out than to buy groceries and have higher utilities. I think you have to have something to do to keep your mind and body occupied. For me I love the exercise/gym, learn the language, and find time to read books I always wanted to; that's plenty in any day. Forget gardening, golf, or fishing, limit your activities retirement is not a 100% holiday.

It depends how easily you meet people. How many interests you have. How good you are at learning languages and adapting to a new culture. Who cares about what goes on back home? I see men in America, married to fat, bossy women …who spend all their money. If they were in other countries they wouldn’t even talk to a woman like that. In lots of foreign countries there are younger women who are nice, feminine and easy going. In western countries they are like a unicorn.

Aguacate is sometimes "palta". Even 'verde pino' which is most fun!!!

Thank you guys, great presentation.

Really thoughtful and helpful video, enjoy your content 👍🏻

Fascinating, my Philipino grandmother used to pronounce Dumaguete as “Dough-meh-GEET-ee” 🤷🏻

I can’t wait to retire- in 2 years! Maybe we will even meet? My first stops are Bali, Cambodia, possibly Georgia?

Well said, past and future friends 😊That is a very smart lady you have found.

You 2 are 🪨Rock 🎸 Stars. I appreciate 🙏 you. Thx a Ton for the Post.

I am from Brazil and lived outside for 32 years and I have been back for 7 months. I used to come back every 2 years or so. Nobody asked anything about the US. If anything was interesting about some product I could bring it back and sell it cheaper.

wow that looks familiar Camlann Cottages at the back corner? My asawa and me were there in March awesome place

I saw you guys yesterday at the farmer's market in Valencia. 😊

Hi guys. Where exactly in Duma are you staying? I'm moving there late July. And how much is your rent? Thanks, been following you for a long while. I was going to be a vagabond until meeting a lovely philipina and as I have been going to PH for 40 years, decided to choose it as my new home

Another major concern is currency fluctuation.

Very valuable video! New subscriber! Thank You both!

*anti social behaviour and the ever present threat of crime* That’s what I see when I return to the U.K. . It’s incredibly upsetting. I’m glad I retired overseas.

This is an excellent video and thanks for making and sharing it. This is the best I've viewed to help me make my decision to live in two worlds,one outside my home country and another in a new in country. Your brilliant video is an extremely confidence builder and I highly salute you both. 😊😊😊😊. Thanks for your reality awakening 😊❤😊