Truth about living in the Philippines as an Expat

Рет қаралды 16,093

Күн бұрын

Some truths about living in the Philippines as an expat. The food in the Philippines. The Cost of living is probably higher than what you think. Living in the Philippines as an expat has pros and cons.
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Пікірлер: 125

@rickmitchell7835 9 ай бұрын

I'm returning to the PI next month for the first time in 45 years. Of all the places throughout the world I've been lucky enough to visit, the Philippines has the best combination of natural beauty and people that will never leave your heart!

@piacash5216 9 ай бұрын

WOW 😂😅✌️✌️✌️45 years Why take So Long To Go Back 😅😂👍👍👍👍👌

@jetd9716 9 ай бұрын

Welcome back! Hey, it took me 30 years but I left when I was just 8yrs old, and boy did the old neighborhood change when I got back to the Philippines, some places I could not even recognize. But good thing it was a change for the better.

@sraj9420 9 ай бұрын

1982 was the last time I was there. Still my favorite place on earth with the kindest people on earth

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Welcome back!

@barrysrcdump3557 9 ай бұрын

I live with my Pinay wife in Carcar. We rent a two bedroom house near the beach but my wife does all the cooking and shopping at the local market. As we are well set up now, we easily live on $1300 to $1500. Our budget is $2000, so we can have evenings out and save a bit as well. When I made my first LDR visit two years ago, I spent nearly double that in two week holiday mode. The longer you are here, the cheaper it becomes.

@MatabangUtak_ 9 ай бұрын

Haha its filipino custom, im a filipino, born in the province and works in manila, when i go home to Iloilo, neighbors think im a superstar and expecting me to feed them or give them money. But if you dont buy to that, they wont really force you. Just spend for your own and youll be ok.

@piacash5216 9 ай бұрын

Yes Coz You Learning How To Budget and Where you Can Buy a Fresh Vegetable and Fruits, Or Fish and Meats…. The Only Thing I Like it in The Philippines The Fresh Produce Coz The Farmer’s Don’t Use Chemical’s or Intsectecide or Hormones For The Meats….. Not like Here in The USA They injected The Chickens With Hormone’s To make it Plump or Bigger meats… That’s why we Stop Eating meats 😂😅😂

@barrysrcdump3557 9 ай бұрын

@@piacash5216 It's much the same in the UK with the water and chemicals. I think some ex-pats make the mistake of expecting to settle into a lifestyle here within weeks, it won't happen. They also expect the locals to adapt to their western ways, that's definitely not going to happen. 😂

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Agreed. The longer you are here the less money you spend. All about learning the local ways

@LeahandBlair 9 ай бұрын

Just down the road! 🎉

@garyhughes4529 9 ай бұрын

I am currently in midsayap cotabato with my fiance i am overwhelmed by the friendliness and the love poured out by her family and friends the philippines how old is very special place in my heart i love these people

@beachtrash 7 ай бұрын

That's beautiful man

@darrinelford1473 6 ай бұрын

because they want your money

@Metarig 6 ай бұрын

From my experience, the Philippines isn't a great place for foreigners to live. It's tough to buy a house or start a business here without a local partner. As an Iranian, I don't have any connection to the government back home, and I don't follow Islam-I'm Christian. I got married here, but they still won't give me permanent residency or let me open a bank account. In Manila, the police often stop the car I'm in for no reason, probably because they can tell I'm foreign. Then, in a not-so-obvious way, the driver slips them some money, and they check the amount against the light. It's not about traffic violations; it's just how things work here-they stop you to get money. And honestly, Would you even consider driving in this situation, let alone living here? If you run into any legal issues, chances are you'll end up on the losing side because the other person likely knows how to bribe the judge, and you don't. It might be different if you were a U.S. citizen, since there's a perception that they're favored here, but that's certainly not the case for me.

@floydaaron9744 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing the truth. Some people show their true feelings about foreigners.

@dumbmutts.7758 9 ай бұрын

Whilst I agree with most of you advice there are some points I feel I need to comment on. I have lived in Philippines for 25 years, I'm English, and Davao is my home. I currently stay in Angeles City, as I work in construction, and I live in a brand new apartment, fully furnished with a swimming pool and pay 15K per month. Sure if you are only here for a short stay you pay the agoda rates for a hotel but if you are here for at least 6 months you can find rent at a very affordable price. Please remember that the happy smiling Filipino who wants to help you may also be looking at you as a cash cow. Whilst you are correct that most will help you, there are some who will try and rip you off. Just have your wits about you and you will be OK. Reach out to expats who have been here a long time, these are the people who can give you the best advice.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I would guess that Davao is less expensive than Angles City. But I have never been there. How do you find the cost between the two?

@dumbmutts.7758 9 ай бұрын

@@DrLawaytravels Don't bother visiting here , I am only here for work. As I own my own home in Davao I am not too sure about rents. Here I rent a brand new fully furnished studio apartment with security and we have a swimming pool for 15k per month. Electricity is about 60% of the price in Davao so that's a bonus. Getting around if you don't have car is more expensive. In Toril a trike ride is 15 pesos. Here the usual rate is 100 pesos. Generally though your day to day stuff is comparable in price.

@Quid100 6 ай бұрын

I'm an American expat living in Davao City with my wife and son. I've been here since 2010. The best information you provide in this video, that I find lacking in most other expat vloggers, is that the Philippines is not as inexpensive as people may think or being broadcasted by many YT vloggers. Yes, you can live here on $1000 a month - but "can you?" should be the question. Also, you're spot on about the food here. Those that are short stay here may never try kinilaw, sisig, sinigang, pork belly, crispy pata, or bistek which are all great foods.

@KiaNgan-ni9ud 9 ай бұрын

This is what I always reminded people looking to expat somewhere more affordable than Western countries. First, they have to make sure they have at least $2k US because the Philippines is NOT as cheap as before. 2nd, it all depends on where they want to live province or city. 3rd, food is very subjective ( I lived in Thailand and their Food is great) but once I discover Filipino foods, they're underepresented, in my opinion. 4th, very easy to adapt in the Philippines. Lastly, before moving to the Philippines, know what you want and what kind of lifestyle you wanted to live. Especially when you plan to stay long term.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Planning for what kind of lifestyle is key! You are correct, inflation has hit the Philippines and it is not as cheap as it was several years ago.

@archstanton9182 9 ай бұрын

I like Filipino food like pork Adobo, lechon Baboy and lechon Manok and the breakfast foods as you mentioned. I also liked the Middle Eastern food that some restaurants had. Seafood is also good here. You don't need to go hungry here.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Where I am currently at you can also get good Indian food and Middle Eastern. Love both kinds of Lechon!

@randallforrest7683 9 ай бұрын

I got my wife and me an Air Fryer! So much better not eating oily fried foods 😊

@constantine_posted 9 ай бұрын

Always helpful & great tips. Thanks 🙏🏻

@ginav.2910 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for appreciating the Filipinos and the Philippines as a whole. God Bless.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Always!

@mattdragonrider7888 9 ай бұрын

I've been here two weeks mostly in the province with my gf, s family, I'm happy with the costs down here, the key I think is finding a phillapina who is not out to gouge you, the Philippino is such a happy person

@KC-in9px 9 ай бұрын

Filipina, Filipino

@KiaNgan-ni9ud 9 ай бұрын

@inteland2734 that is if have been looking for a girl from all the wrong places. Please do NOT generalize all Filipinos/Filipinas are out to get you. Been with one for almost 14 years now and to be honest she's even making more $$$ than I do.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Costs here in the South are much better than Manila and Cebu. The right girl can for sure make or break a budget!

@WilliamFluery 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the informative videos Dr. I hope all is well with you and your family.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@edgarbaldivino6073 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Dr. Laway for the appreciation of the Filipinos and The Philippines...God Bless Sir

@ChimpsAI 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for all the great information. I am enjoying your videos. Glad I subscribed. You and I are from similar areas in the United States, and I can relate to you.

@parischristner8799 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your honesty. It still sounds like a wonderful place to vist.🙂

@user-kc5nk4xn1f 9 ай бұрын

I've been to the Philippines or three times each time a month and I finally found apartment one bedroom with pool and I'm getting married over there I am very happy with the Philippines and their culture and I am all in living in the Philippines

@tobywebb6452 9 ай бұрын

For me, the food is great here. Most of the time we buy seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables and either chicken or pork from the wet market, and then cook ourselves - so much more tasty than supermarket food in the UK. However, as a tourist, then of course the eating out options are not great - some of the main resorts have decent western style restaurants, but it's more limited.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I always wonder what the tourists that complain are eating.

@25Soupy 9 ай бұрын

I agree with all Dr. Laway's points. Compared to Thailand and Malaysia you get a lot less for the price in the Philippines quality wise. I find there are 3 reasons people pick the PH over other countries: Great tourist visa with up to 3 years without having to do a visa run. English signs and culture and at least some English speaking person everywhere. And the last but not least the kindness and happiness of the Filipino people.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I find that value for money in terms of rent is better in Thailand than the Philippines, especially short term less than six months. Looking forward to exploring recent costs in Malasia soon.

@lkabong5529 9 ай бұрын

Very good and timely information (for me anyway) on Google Fi. Thanks 👍

@caleblawrenceriainc.7600 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info about Amazon etc. shipping and delivery, very useful.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Lawrencerice 9 ай бұрын

I have seen Temu is now delivering to the Philippines too.😊

@concernedcitizen12577 9 ай бұрын

Having lived in Cagayan De Oro for a number of years. I would agree with you especially hotels, now as far as I am concerned a hotel is just a bed to sleep in, so for me, I have stayed in pension houses and 4 star hotels as well and yo be honest I perfere the Prnsion houses, again I would agree the Tocino with egg is a great breakfast but one of my favorite meals is Kari Kari, as for the fruit I tend to steer clear of Durian and Jack Fruit

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I am not a fan of Durian or Jack Fruit either.

@Zsofija5933 9 ай бұрын

I like your videos because its not only events or way of life you’re talking but it is supported with data! Philippines has been reported a million and one times but mostly based on impression. I understand but impressions are not always the truth

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@andrisstanga5938 9 ай бұрын

You are so right about needing more money than you think when you first come here. Even the locals may be unaware of the extra expenses you find yourself having to deal with. I remember after 2 months here telling my girl that my outgoings were a lot greater than my income 2 months in a row and that this is totally unsustainable. I had to ask her and her family to help me budget to live within my income (probably about $1600 per month, or more as the pound is stronger against the dollar at the moment). The third month I broke even and the fourth month I finally hit a healthy target. But now I have moved a couple of times and got a good value long term rent. I have got used to food shopping here. I have got used to drinking Red Horse with the local lads and not paying for every round (its easy for a foreigner to accidentally be taken advantage of in this regard). I have got used to local cooking methods and recipes. I have got used to the scammers that frequent immigration offices to catch unsuspecting foreigners, and so now avoid paying over the odds. And so on... And yes, the people are lovely.

@KiaNgan-ni9ud 9 ай бұрын

Good for you to set the boundaries as soon as you can. Because Filipino culture has no boundaries, and once it's set though it so much easier after because you just have to explain to your GF and or her family that we expats don't have unlimited funds. Hence, going to the Philippines is a better choice to have a better life. Kudos to you

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

So easy to overspend when you first get here.

@KiaNgan-ni9ud 9 ай бұрын

@@DrLawaytravels exactly especially when you came from the US or Canada. You find things more affordable out there and spend before you realise you bank account is getting lower faster than you wish 😂😂😂 been there 😂😂😂😂

@piacash5216 9 ай бұрын

Nice Videos Dr Laway very informative ✌️ Thanks For Sharing……. 👍👍👍👍👌🙏👍👌

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@pearlcoviello5471 9 ай бұрын

Your very much welcome Sir

@BePositiveCOG 8 ай бұрын

The main problem I see with moving to the Philippines or any other countries is dealing with banks and credit card companies. People can't login and get locked out of their accounts because they turned off their US phone. The bank wants to send a access code to your US phone number and when you don't respond, they lock your account and it might take months to fix it. I've heard that many times you can't use a VoIP or a VPN. I don't know if Google Fi would work.

@zinkszinks4555 9 ай бұрын

Good info W-Thanks

@james.kidsplaygroundandfun6795 3 ай бұрын

Thinking about living in Philippines with my family.

@ronaldheberling2226 8 ай бұрын

I would like to know where this place is at Davao. Looks absolutely beautiful

@Praxiszooms 5 ай бұрын

thatis true - living here for 2 years now- I basically get everything from germany...I pay double...but - I have it! So no homesickness there.

@Praxiszooms 5 ай бұрын

And to live a normal life I pay roughly 2000-2500 € a month to live a normal European live (without a car)

@clarkpaclibar6631 9 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤

@user-bg2uk7qq5b 3 ай бұрын

tHE FISH IS SOME OF THE BEST WAHOO-MAHIA- JACK CRAVELLE ETC

@kevink1214 9 ай бұрын

When I am there, the fiance is in the province and find it hard to get certain foods. For instance, I had a recipe I was going to make, and the store had no canned soup what so ever. Needed cream of mushroom. I usually end up losing 4 to 5 pounds while there. Also, as you said there are a lot of really tasty foods and some things I can not get used to such as the sausage, its sweet, same as the spaghetti sauce. Pasta salad is very sweet since there is a lot of condensed milk in it. Hot dogs are just not good either. Almost never see any beef sold, so end up eating a lot of fish and chicken, and once and awhile pork.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Harder in the Province for sure. I cannot stand the local hot dogs, but I find Angus beef ones are available at pure gold

@kevink1214 9 ай бұрын

@@DrLawaytravels I had not seen the angus beef ones...thanks. I will have to keep an eye out for those.

@rodeloperez5138 9 ай бұрын

It depends where u eat. Lots of great food and healthy in the Philippines . Those people who complained they haven’t to a great resto in the Philippines .I’m a American citizen the food is not great also that’s why people are most fat and obese coz of bad and unhealthy food . Ty

@cielitaladiocan1558 9 ай бұрын

Philippines is a good place to retire.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Agree!

@JamestaylorTaylor-dl5hc 3 ай бұрын

Is it a easy process to get a retirement visa

@kenfoster1508 6 ай бұрын

Go Cats

@MrWaterbugdesign 9 ай бұрын

Oh good, another "truth" video. That makes 1,382,786 truth videos YT suggested today.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Did you watch them all?

@vondoromal7016 9 ай бұрын

Who is willing to assimilate will!

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

True got to have the desire to do so! Makes life easier for sure.

@kevinwelsh7490 9 ай бұрын

Is it practical to live in Davao without your own vehicle? Is it walkable/enjoyably walkable?

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

For the most part yes, depending on how often you go out. I have a scooter for daily drives but still take taxi's for grocery shopping.

@jetd9716 9 ай бұрын

C'mon don't lie, I know you dig that "BALUT and our Halo Halo", can't get them anywhere. LOL. To be honest the most areas where one will end up saving the most here in the Philippines compare to the states are your phone bills, internet and all services included haircuts, house repairs and pet services, they are like 3x less than what I paid back home in Phoenix. Talk about humongous savings man!! Haleluyeah!!

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

Save on anything that has labor inputs. Love Halo Halo not so much Balut

@frankcentofanti9317 29 күн бұрын

Every point is accurate i just disagree about food its not healthy and very limited in good foods. Thailand and Vietnam 10 x better

@jayha7071 9 ай бұрын

The only problem with barbecue, is they'll take a perfectly good piece of rotisserie chicken and slather oil all over it

@OhNoItsJohnny 5 ай бұрын

Its really ironic that the PH immigration is friendly with foreigners but not with fellow Filipinos.

@RoganJames 9 ай бұрын

thought you were leaving ,

@garrylafferty100 9 ай бұрын

The biggest reason people live there is cost of living or maybe it a filipina wife who give you no choice which country to live in. Bud Brown lived Philippines 13 years happy wife happy life that what he says that why he lives in California today that what she wanted

@kitakitzFarm 3 ай бұрын

My best advice is to take an online TAGALOG language course. Do NOT come here or any other country unless you understand the language. If you plan on being a permanent resident HIRE A PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU MAKE THE MOVE. No matter your country of destination LEARN THE LANGUAGE. Don't be a sucker and simply trust people. Learning the language, it could save you tens of thousands of dollars!

@Jammer411 9 ай бұрын

What type of Dr. are//were you???

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I explain in this video enjoy! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qdCBgNma0Je8qac.html

@Blue-investing-and-adventures 9 ай бұрын

Lol swordfish and tuna are loaded with mercury there don't eat it everyday like once a week is ok

@boydbroadcasting 9 ай бұрын

A Vanderbilt hat?!? Oh my gosh. There goes your credibility... 😂😂

@user-ld4kr9fo8q 24 күн бұрын

Are there many cockaroaches there some of those cheap apartments look pretty skeevy to me

@frankkirkpatrick4452 9 ай бұрын

You're right but 10% of the Filipinos are scammers and they're very good at it but I'm from Baltimore city and I saw right through I still love the country I will be there permanently in January

@Manila-sb3sn 9 ай бұрын

The food in the Philippines is salty and greasy most. But the grilled fish is good for me. A lot of people like fried fish in the Philippines. Not healthy.

@NeoKrypton21 9 ай бұрын

Hahahahaha. So true, especially vegans cannot last long in the Philippines, because the culture is more of a meat(pork,beef,goat,fish) cuisine. Hehehehehehe. Yes we eat vegetables too. We have variety of vegetable dishes, but it normally has some mixtures of meat in it. Sorry tourists, prices are now high in the Philippines these days. Even us simple locals could not afford touring our own tourist destinations as well, because it is too costly for us as well. So sometimes we just enjoy watching foreign vloggers visiting and making their experience or adventure. In short, you need to have a handsome amount of money when you tour here.

@malousanta7274 7 ай бұрын

why do you make the house beautiful you give the owner idea one day they increase the rent make a contract sign for 5years

@alaskacpu 6 ай бұрын

Agree with your video. Bar-Bee-Q is great. I try to stay away from ("FRIED FOODS"), since the oil is not good for you. Steam Foods, Grilled Fish & Veggies, Mango's to die for

@travellolo 9 ай бұрын

Two things on food. Filipino food, for the most part, is very sweet and salty, so keep an eye on your diabetes and kidneys. Second, I cook my own meals but can't find limes anywhere. Can't cook some Thai and Mexican food without limes. Please don't say calamansi are limes. They are not.

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I am able to get limes in Davao, but when I lived in the Province it was pretty much Calamansi, which are wonderful but not limes

@zettielanphier7069 8 ай бұрын

Where are these other vloggers getting their bad attitudes lately? Ive heard several expets saying they're having all kinds of negative things starting to happen to them. Is this reality, or just a small percentage of normal life there?

@BillKennedy-or4ot 6 ай бұрын

Are you available to help me integrate into the life as a retirement man who prefers a simple relaxed life. If you have a interest, let’s find a method we can communicate without myself receiving a lot off unwanted replies, I only ask you for more knowledge to help me decide my future

@hillbillyinthephilippines303 8 ай бұрын

Why the click bait title

@kennethedwards1677 9 ай бұрын

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about money needs. First, it's not free to live in the Philippines and, with the exception of downtown Cebu or Manila, it's a lot cheaper than the states. If you are paying as much or more you are overpaying. So do some research while your there to find out how much things typically cost. As a single guy you should be able to do quite well on 1K peso/month. Even a reasonable partner knows this is plenty for you and her. HOWEVER, if you wish to do a lot of travel, eating out, and staying in nice hotels, you'll have to add much more. Also, if you agree to support extended family (it's NOT required, if you are told different, then you are with the wrong woman, and may soon go home bankrupt!), again, add much more to your bill. These women, who seem soft, are tough as nails in extracting money, and a weak-minded westerner will be fleeced in one way or another.

@user-ls7or5iu5o 3 ай бұрын

1k pesos a month to live in the Philippines is not possible, at all. You might have meant 1k dollars. Even 1k dollars a month is a little bit conservative. That is about 55,000 pesos. 10th for a two bedroom apartment, 25, 000 for food, 5th pesos utility, you just have 15th pesos left and that is not enough if you have kids and when you eat.out. That is tight. When you live in the province stay with your wife in her house, she.loves to cook, raises chickens and plants vegetables, then maybe you can even afford.to have a baby. Just saying. If you make $2,000 a month, you can live comfortably provided you are just feeding your family and not the family of your wife. You should choose a wife who never promised her parents to send her siblings to school especially when she does not have a job. It is not really your obligation to provide for your wife's siblings. Choose a wife who is smart in holding money. One who does not love buying jewelry and branded bags. Clothes and shoes. There, I have given you unsolicited advice. Filipino culture is different from US and.other places. They help their siblings until they finish school. They help their parents in their health care and medical bills. If possible they feed the whole family so no.one gets hungry. That is ok for as long as she has a job. Most women have jobs. That's because they were sent to school by a sibling or.parents. I hope you all read this.because this.is the truth as far as most Filipino women are concerned. I know because I am married to an American. I have a job but I only help the poorest.in my family. Not all of my family. Always have money for emergency. That is a must. You must always.have at.least 400,000 pesos saved for that like hospitalization. Our BCBS and Medicare do not work here.

@DaveD4v3 9 ай бұрын

I hate Thai food ,😂😂😂 I'm a stick in the mud 😮😅

@DrLawaytravels 9 ай бұрын

I love it but unfortunately my wife does not so it doomed us in Thailand

@billybaltes1855 Ай бұрын

I can tell you must be from Georgia. 😁

@user-bv1sq2kf9p 6 ай бұрын

Because of colonialism

@user-ey4qv3pe8j 9 ай бұрын

This is not actually true Dr. Laway

@user-mx5iz6hj1g 4 ай бұрын

What I don't understand is you look pretty able-bodied and you seem to have a brain why are you on social security because you don't look retirement age

@don19655 7 ай бұрын

Is there anywhere in the Filipins where it is QUITE ?. I've watched 1000's of Video's, and anywhere the video's are coming from there always so much NOISE !!!!!!. Don, California. 12-11-2023.