CAN I AFFORD TO RETIRE IN THE PHILIPPINES. SOME OTHER CHOICES!
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- čas přidán 17. 04. 2024
- Has Retirement in the Philippines become too pricey. What countries in South East Asia can you retire as an Expat. Cost of living in Southeast Asia. Best Country to find Beautiful Girls to Date.@mikesphilippineretirement @DumagueteRentals
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The one thing you have not talked about is stability of government. You touched on it but so much more involved. China is also an issue in the pressure it put on SE Asia countries. Thailand for example is now taxing expats money earned in the home country. There is one place where the food is amazing and plentiful. Where health care is first rate like any place in the world. Cost of living there is higher than some but it's still affordable and much less costly than a Western country. You want first class it costs more. The visa process is easy and affordable. That place is Makati?BGC. I know everyone will have something to say but I find it to be the answer. If I need province time (which I don't) I can go find it.
yes stability of the local Government in a big factor
Spoken English is important to me. Food is better in Thailand. I am heading to the Philippines.
Nobody says you have to live somewhere full time. One thing you have to ask yourself is do you need all the amenities you had in the west? Do you need that car or motorcycle and the costs that come with it? Transportation is cheap. Do you need that washer? Having your laundry done is cheap. If your housing becomes too expensive and you can get it cheaper somewhere else don’t be afraid to move consider it an adventure. Some of the points you mentioned Cambodia sihanoukville used to be an expat hangout then the Chinese moved in tore down historic buildings and built high rises and a lot of the expats moved onto kampot. Now they ruining a lot of the skyline in Phnom Penh with their high rises but I still like to visit Cambodia. Thailand it seems is full with Russians, Indians and Chinese. Russians have taken over Phuket that it has been nicknamed saint phuketsburg.
@@vgshwk I would go as far as to say that the Chinese have ruined everything from Sianhoukville down to Otres Beach. It was amazing ten to fifteen years ago...now, I don't think I'll go back other than to leave on a fast boat to Koh Kong.
You are kidding..food in Thailand is vastly superior..no contest man.
Considering the low cost of living, the prevalence of the English language, the Christian culture, and of course the age gap relationships with beautiful Filipinas, it's hard to beat the Philippines!
The reality of life in the Phillipines is frustrating. The ammount of incompetence you run into on a daily basis grinds your spirit to dust.
come to Indonesia, it's mind blowing worse on incompetence.
@@ajw9377 good point!
Very true,you just gotta roll with the flow,or you will go nuts!!!!
We visit Cebu every year to see family and friends. Been doing so over 25 years now. Prices in Cebu have gone up significantly each year the past five years. Many things are cheaper in the US than Cebu. Rent for a small nicer condo start at $400 a month quickly going over $1,000.
We did notice that price jump in the last year as we did rent in Cebu for a short time?
The traffic is murder. Noisy, Smelly and inefficient.
How silly. In SoCal, I'm retired and paying $3,100 Rent and over $500 for electricity. I'm looking forward to my move to the Philippines this summer.
why wait
Get out of Commiefornia, I did and am happy to be living in America now.
Sir I'm not joking your rental in your country worth 3,100 dollar if you spend it here, you will live a decent and comfortable life. You can choose to live in the high end district of Metro Manila or if you still want a decent and comfortable life with lesser expenses you can choose to live in the city in the province like Cebu, Davao, Ilo-ilo, Dumaguete, etc.
Sir I'm not joking your rental in your country worth 3,100 dollar if you spend it here, you will live a decent and comfortable life. You can choose to live in the high end district of Metro Manila or if you still want a decent and comfortable life with lesser expenses you can choose to live in the city in the province like Cebu, Davao, Ilo-ilo, Dumaguete, etc.
I am from San diego and my condo is 3400 a month plus 600 hoa fees. In cebu I live for around 1800 a month. The rent alone pays for my life and investing. The constant visa renewals is a pain but nothing to complain about. I can go to any island for under 250.
Thanks Mike. This info is going towards my research for destinations. Very useful.
Glad it was helpful!
The exotic countries are interesting and Thailand appeals to me the most because of good infrastructure, interesting culture and amazing food quality and choice. However, I cannot see living in any of these countries full-time. I need my seasons, snow for skiing, mountains for outdoor fun. So, if you can swing it, keep a modest place on the American continent and go for long trips to Asia, South America and Europe.
Mike, you're topics are so good. GOD BLESS you and Janet.
Glad you like them!
I was there last year
I thought it was expensive
Gas gasoline electronics food
Electricity land etc did not see any bargains
Many other countries less expensive less hassle immigration
Better food reliable Electricity cleaner more quiet less poverty
Etc
I found such a place
Keep searching and comparing 😊
Thanks Joe keep up the good work
When I think of moving the single most important factor, in any place, is the Visa system. It can be the best place in the world but if the Visa is crappy it's a no go, for me of course.
I’ll stay with the Philippines, and the “just good enough” mentality and culture. It will take decades to change that mentality.
Fortunately, my Family and most of my friends that I’ve made in the Philippines (excluding ex-pats, like yourself) are more ‘western-thinking’, and those who haven’t been exposed to western ways are willing to learn, and we exchange our cultural thinking and methods with each other.
Food? If I get tired of Filipino foods, I cook my own western dishes! My Family and friends are always happy to get a break from their traditional foods.
Sure, there are inconveniences in the Philippines. But those are outweighed by the numerous advantages that I find, living in the Philippines! The friends and relationships I’ve made are so much better than the superficial ‘acquaintances’ I had in the U.S.!
I never paid as much attention to the deterioration of the U.S., and values, until I came back to liquidate! 😲 I can’t get back to my Philippine home fast enough! 🇺🇸✈️🇵🇭🌴❤️
So sad to see the Country that I dedicated my life to, bled for, be in such a place, now 😢
As a 20 yr career veteran, I agree, the Country i fought for is not even recognizable!
Thailand is 1st pick for me. Why? The vloggers there are more ap to show you place to go and things to do. There are numerous videos on where to stay, condos to rent, or buy, what to do, and where to eat. Many of the vloggers in the Philippines are static. They film in one spot and talk. The topics have been done. I want to see what there is to do, where to stay, what does the malls look like. Are you feeling me?
there is only one subject PH Vloggers talk about. Come to Philippines it is a paradise, what are you waiting for? which I think it is mostly false advertisements just to get more views because they have nothing else to talk about. Then when masses show up they complain why prices are going up. Because uneducated foreigners show up with pockets full of money and over pay for everything. I was there last year and it was nothing like they described.
you can find that on the Philippines also but your to lazy to look?
need to look closely Frank and find the nice places to visit not just the bars and malls
@@mikesphilippineretirement Hey Mike, I am planning a longer trip next time for at least 6 month, so hopefully I will figure this out.
@@mikesphilippineretirement Also, I am not much of a drinker so I don't do bars and I never been or planning to go to places like Angeles city.
I stayed in Marikina in a fully furnished aircon apartment for all off October 2023 for about $450. All utilities including cable tv and wifi. My filipina fiancée and i shopped at public markets and ate very cheap. Some of the best seafood you will ever get. Shrimp, squid, Pompano, mussels. It was all so very good. It was also very clean in the streets.
I saw a video - $320 studio in Eastwood - very nice place in a great complex !
I am the odd ball, I actually prefer Filipino food.
it is ok. Better than Denny's
I appreciate your videos. I've been to Thailand twice I really like the Asian culture I'm wanting to know more about these places. Also I'm fairly new at video CZcams and what do you use to edit your videos? I'm looking for something simple. Thank you.
doing a video on that in the next few days for my members only " rock stars" you tube for dummies series bcome a member and check out everything
From my observations, Phnom Pehn is a very modern city with pretty good infrastructure. The main roads are in excellent condition, no brownouts, no wifi problems. I haven't seen a problem with stray animals, just a few cats here and there. Only occasionally have I seen homeless people. I see more homeless people in the US, and I live in a red, prosperous state, than I've seen in Cambodia. The food is really good and diverse, anything I can get in the States I can get there.
Monkeys running around makes me a bit nervous; they can be aggressive.
No such thing as a red prosperous state anymore.
Everywhere is getting expensive and inflation is everywhere. For me I'll have a budget of 3k-4k a month so not worried about the cost going up in the Philippines. Plus the Philippines is really similar to my birth country so Philippines is best for me. Also Philippines welcomes us and make it easy for us to stay the other southeast Asians countries like Thailand is come spend your money and leave you are tolerated not welcomed.
Good morning everyone the cost of living is lower supposedly in countries like malaysia and stuff! Videos i've seen so nice highway travel systems. Roads occasion groceries were lower i think gasoline was like equivalent to i may be wrong but 40 pesos here maybe here is more like 60 pesos.
Mick your pretty good and Steve likes you from info channel so you can’t be bad 👍 keep the good videos coming
thank for your comments
I really don't want to learn to speak a different language for me the Filipino people have been The United States allies for years they stood with us during time of war we had a lot of bases they are very giving people I really liked it there These other countries hated us in Japan we could not go in to town they were protesting in front of the gate i admire Filipino people that is why I want to live there
Another big reason, huge reason, is it doesn't get cold.
so true. no plowing snow
I paid $3.49 for 80% fresh ground in store ground beef today. at Market Basket. Beef prices are always going up and down. Was $2.99 last Fall and almost 4 bucks a year ago. If you're starving and 30% of your peers are stunted from starving, you'll "fall in love" with anyone with relatively deep pockets. Easy fishing if you're fishing. Make sure you call it something else though so it soundspalatable.
I have also lived in Cambodia for a short time. I would take Cambodia ocer the Phils any time.
As an American only doing research for 2 years - - - I suspected that !!! 🤔
❤ Great topic
thanks for your comment
Well pricey is relative, my wife and I just spent $55 (3,200 pesos) for two cheeseburgers, two drinks and one fry here at a 5 guys in California.
Wow, that must be Newsoms $20 minimum wage jacking the prices up.
Gotta love those 20$ per hour fast food workers,,my sis will leave Cali the month she retires,,don't see how folks survive there.
@@ricksdestinationcebu I wish it was just the $20hr issue. We have the highest Work comp insurance, one of the highest property insurance, the highest transportation costs, some of the highest land acquisition costs. Business owners have to get their return somehow.
We have two years left in this state. We already have our property in Iloilo, but for pension reasons my wife has to put in 2 more years.
Honestly 5 guys was over priced since day one. A bag full of fires is why people go. The burger is not that good. @streetracingmiscreant8589
Thank Newscum
Hello Mike follow you from Eastern Europe -Bulgaria.I'm also eximigrant from US. During Soviet time in the 70-80 in my country we're here to work not only in the construction , but also to study and became good doctor's and dentist from Vietnam. Hard working people.They left in the 90's. Never been in Vietnam but I'm sure they still have those qualities doctors from Soviet era.Like you said never mind the poltics ,but the People. Price's un EU everywhere went higher.
And I like your vlogs about Filipina women do's and don'ts . Hopefully I will visit this year Philippines (trying to save some dinero 😅).. 17:14
Having lived there and stationed there if money wasn’t an issue I certainly would pick South Korea 🇰🇷 for the food, infrastructure, almost zero crime and beautiful destinations there. Plus you have 4 seasons. But it comes at a high cost compared to most places in Asia. Definitely more than I would be willing to pay with the constant threat of the North.
Thailand has changed it position on taxing foreign income brought into the country and has slowed this country as a preferred option. Also the rents in Thailand are at or above the Philippines.
many say rent is cheaper in Thailand
Hey Mike, I’ve only been to Japan Thailand, and the Philippines and I am thinking of retiring in the Philippines things I like about everything was it was very clean. It was very organized things. I didn’t like about Japan extremely expensive or no space it seemed like you couldn’t turn around without somebody being there, and they look down a little bit foreigners, Thailand things I like about Thailand love the food. The people are very nice and friendly. If you’re in the tourist areas most of them speak a little bit of English and you can get by if you know a little bit of the women in Thailand are very beautiful same thing with Japan. They’re very beautiful and so the cost of living in Thailand to me seemed just a little bit lower than what I was used to hear. By far in my own opinion the Philippines is the best choice. I haven’t been to Malaysia or Vietnam or Cambodia or any of those other places over there not that I wouldn’t like to go, so I cannot comment on those, but the Philippines is where I will wind up. I’m sure.
thanks for sharing
Thailand is my first choice because of the best food in my opinion, but it’s not easy to get a retirement visa financially compared to the Philippines. Vietnam has great food and most things are affordable but I do not agree that real estate is affordable in Vietnam compared to the Philippines. Surprisingly many young people in Vietnam do know English, but the over 50 population does not know English. Vietnamese people are very friendly in my experience. Malaysia is supposed to have a good cost-of-living, but I’ve never experienced it myself so I can’t say. I find the Filipino people to be very friendly just as the Thai people are very friendly. The poverty in the Philippines, especially with young children can be heartbreaking. I decided to retire in the Philippines, and live out in the Maguindinao province, but I visit Thailand twice a year as a compromise. Filipino food is the worst in Southeast Asia as far as I’m concerned. Philippine infrastructure has a lot to be desired, but I’m so used to it by now. I like the Philippines and am comfortable here but if I made about 1000 more a month, I would be living in Thailand and visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines for variety. Thank you for the video as always.
So Thailand is the best place for you. Would your GF or wife be from Thailand?
@@mikesphilippineretirement no from the Philippines, no bias here, except for my experience
I have the same situation, except I will live in the Philippines and travel to other Southeastern Asia.
Vietnam I heard the other day that no countries import vietnamese food because they burn tires and garbage and distribute it on their farm land I heard this from a vlog who lived there 15 years
@acaciomadeira5147 Ya the fish grown on farms in Vietnam is terrible, won't eat it...yuck
Good honest value mike your correct the Philippines is a lot more expensive now thanks for sharing 👍
Very true
Prices have definitely gone up and will never come down. I don't think the Philippines is as popular as it once was. A lot of expats are going to Thailand.
I think you really have to look at South and Central America Costa Rica very easy to get in very low cost of living wonderful weather beautiful women mostly from Colombia and Brazil, so you can get way younger women there. But like the other parts of Asia those countries you are not talking English you really do need to know Spanish for South America I did a few months in Belize that was beautiful, rent's unfortunately are not cheap but they do speak English and the street food is not bad 15 American dollars you can get a whole lobster anytime you want that's not too bad really and you have to love a country where the street food is lobster
Come Indoneisa and not Bali..... Indonesia seems to get forgotten I
think because its just not promoted correctly.
Please tell us why we should come to Indonesia
Have you ever been to Manado City Indonesia?
@@USA2Brazil like little Philippines.
My concern to find a filipina and move to Thailand?? How long will she stay till she gets homesick and wants to be cloder to family in Philippines. Good luck on that one
If your married to a filipina most don't want to move to another country with few exception maybe your country it not optional what country you live in with most of them it her way or high way happy wife happy life.
Agreed, makes no sense marrying a Filipina and going to Thailand.
Why take her out of her environment to go to a place that's not a western country
I'm off to Bangkok 1 May for medical tourism; leaving MN. for three weeks. It's cheaper to fly from here to there and get all that I want taken care of in first world hospitals and much much much cheaper that what it would cost me even if I did have health insurance; which I don't. Food is exceptional in Thailand also. The apartment that I will be renting down in Jomtien, to the South of Pattaya will be $270 for the monthly rental fee. If I were to live in that area, it could easily be that cheap to live there and it is first world living with no brown outs. Thai chicks are quite friendly from what I find when I am over there...well people in general are friendly from what I find.
Vietnam I've only traveled in a number of times so I don't know much about a visa beyond the tourist one. It is beautiful and the food is exceptional also. Language could be a big barrier and I would think it is once one is out of the touristy areas or large cities. When I look at the rentals as I walked around, I found the prices to be quite cheap, similar to Thailand and less than the PI for what you get and the location.
Cambodia is great to visit but I wouldn't probably retire there. Too many Chinese have come in to the country and have ruined it in many ways already. They've corrupted the government and stolen choice land from the local nationals, over-built cities and put casinos everywhere. The people are very friendly and the food is good with plenty of choices of international cuisine in the larger cities. Dollars come out of the ATMs. The younger folks under say, 40, seem to speak English from what I've found in many trips there.
The Philippines is where I will find myself in a few years and use that as a base to fly off to see the other countries in the area. Filipinos are the happiest and nicest on the planet from what I have found in all of my travels. Plus, I've been stationed there for years back in the 80s and I get back often. The food choices aren't quite as abundant on the street as they are in the above countries but filipino food is plenty good to me. And yes, if you're looking for a younger woman, this is the place to find her.
I lived in Thailand for over 20 years, after a few weeks in the Philippines, arriving in Bangkok always really was a breath of fresh air, Thailand is upper 3rd world, the Philippines is lower 3rd world, everything is extremely inconvenient, people are starving to death, people still do laundry by hand, people taking advantage over the less fortunate, people are forced to run drugs or prostitute to get access to food, hotels are worn out and overpriced, food is disgusting, Manila is creepy and dangerous.
Bangkok is safe 24/7, there are no dangerous areas. Visas are no problem in Thailand if you know the system and the tricks, even without money on the bank. There's no harsh poverty, hotels are cheap and great, everybody has an electric washing machine, streetfood cost nothing and is clean and delicious.
But... In the Philippines I found an amazing (remote) place where you get a brandnew, beautiful two story concrete house for less than three thousand dollar.
I think your observations are accurate. The poverty in the Philippines is brutal in too many parts of the country. That reality I could not get past and to this day, it is the worst poverty I have personally witnessed. If a guy does not want to deal with the language barrier and loves the beach, I can understand why the Philippines is a good option.
I don't see Philippines as bottom 3rd world. I have been to India twice as well as Nepal. It's worse there. I can't speak about Thailand from personal experience but the signage and language issues outside the tourist areas would be a deal breaker for me.
All true, Thailand in talks to tax expats finances if stay more then 6 months.
Don’t rip on the Philippines like that, you wanna know lower third world, go to any place in central or southern Africa that isn’t either Botswana or South Africa. Try Sudan if you want real Third World.
I prefer to have a stable government. Also, as a former Navy Sailor, the military retirement visa is a great deal. I plan to move to the Philippines after my mother passes away.
SRRV is a great visa for ex military
Yeah . . You got Thailand wrong. I've lived in Thailand over 7 years. Six years in Bangkok and 1 1/2 years in the countryside. Thailand is a monarchy but so is Great Britain. The laws don't change frequently. Who told you that? Even if a law changes it is done through the elected parliament. Have there ever been changes to immigration requirements? Sure but nothing you won't find in every country. The monarchy is largely invisible unless they are in the news when they participate in some cultural ceremony. I have yet to ever hear of the monarchy being involved with the day-to-day business of running the country. Certainly nothing that affects expats.
Anyone over 50 can easily retire in Thailand. There are no 90 day border runs (like I think is the case in Vietnam?). You get your visa and can then extend your stay yearly for about $52. You can do this indefinitely without leaving. If you do leave there are no exit clearances required. You cannot stay in Thailand long term on a tourist entry - advantage Philippines. If you are over 50 and have a proper visa then there are financial requirements as there are for the long term retirement visas in the Philippines. The Thai retiree financial requirements are probably more expensive than in the Philippines. Many expats use agents (I've never done so) to get around the visa financial requirements for a yearly fee to the agent. In the end though there is a cost to staying long term.
Thailand IS friendly to permanent retirees. Just be over 50 years old and get a proper visa. In January 2023 I switched to a 10 years pensioner visa for $1,350 for 10 years. I will admit that the total visa environment in Thailand is a bit complicated but that also opens up entry to the country to a wide variety of people with different wants and needs. When it comes to retirees though it is fairly straightforward and the are plenty of resources available to help you out. One thing required of long stay expats is that they are required to report their presence to immigration if they stay in the country a continuous 90 days. You can do this online. It's free. If you do it in person at immigration it an be a long wait but once you get to the counter it takes just a couple of minutes. Every time you leave the country the 90 day clock resets. I don't have to do 90 day reports with my 10 year visa.
Russians - there has, for a long time, been a significant Russian presence in the Pattaya/Jomtien area. You can always tell where they are when the restaurant signs are also in Russian. Since the war there has been a large influx Russians to Phuket. Otherwise I never encounter Russians in Bangkok or the rest of the country.
thanks for sharing
If you can't afford some place like PH then your life in USA is a disaster.
thanks Shawn
Many people living in vehicles. That why the CHEAP RV LIVING CZcams channel has blown up. He teaches people how to survive financial disasters.
I believe that the very least expensive place to live in S E Asia,,is Siem Reap,Cambodia.,
poorest of the poor
Probably is to be honest.
Not a bad choice/location. I've been there four or five times and there is some infrastructure but I'm not sure about the health cares options in that place.
CZcamsrs talking about how cheap Thailand is? Ha!!! That's getting likes and subs. Most Tuber's trying to make some money puking up the great life here in Thailand. It's not all that, it's very expensive now, the Russians/Chinese and Indians are bringing in a lot of money for investment, retirement or cost of living compared to their "home town" Don't get sucked in to the BS. You have to come here and experience it for yourself...Thai women are nice, but quite different than the traditional ones you might be thinking, the modern young 20-30 something Thai's are not like their older sisters or mom's, they are as modern as the women you're leaving, but more traditional in a light case comparison. the more comforts you want, the more expensive the area will be. You can't own property only lease, factor that in. you can purchase and lease for 30 years, if you're 65 and in reasonably good health you might make that 30 year lease. but please don't fall for the "cheap cheap crap" that you keep hearing about... it costs more and more every day to live anywhere in the world. If you have a Thai wife or soon-to-be... that would be a major decision maker, that alone will save you thousands a month... Face it, you know NOTHING about Asia and that is enough to ruin your life. Take it slow. pick and choose after extensive research... Don't get fooled.
thanks for sharing Brain
I like what you say meet a nice pic lady and travel with her, the main thing is comuneacatian so u can talk and enjoy her company .plus the Philippines lady's arnt Muslim like Indonesia. Cheers❤❤😊
some Muslim here and they seem very nice
I have been to Thailand and the Philippines. I found in both places you can get what you need speaking English. I had no problems in Thailand. The Philippines they speak English, however with some of the younger generation you can sit and have a conversation with. The middle aged and older crowd , many will know some basic English, and run out of english as they tell me. Food in Thailand has a wide array of choices and is much better quality and taste. The food in the Philippines is very repetitive and frankly gets boring. If you are not ex military, the retirement visa is pretty similar in that you need to put a sizable amount of money in a bank that you can not touch. Infrastructure in Thailand is much better since it is not a third world country. They both have their pros and cons and it boils down to what makes you happy and comfortable. I could live in either, but I have a filipina so this is my home in the Philippines.
Philippines 3 days I'm tired of same food boring
Supermarket selection very poor
@@joebidet2050 What I also miss, is the diverse restaurants to choose from when dining out. Unless in a bigger city, all the local restaurants serve basically the same food. Carbon copy menus.
@@kevink1214
Supermarket
dairy products scarce expensive
1 brand ketchup
1 brand mustard
No chewing gum
But 200 skin whitening products
I visited iraq 3 years ago carrefour
Supermarket freakin awesome
Huge no lines no loud rap music playing
Great prices food from Iran iraq Turkey Europe
6 kilos potatoes 1 us dollar
Philippines 1 kilo potato 2 us dollars
But if you like Filipinos
No worries
Iraq was full of them
Hi Mike, there are pros and cons to living anywhere. For me Thailand is a bit cheaper than the Philippines. As you said the food, medical and infrastructure are better than the Philippines. But hands down the Philippines is the best for dating a younger woman. The sweet spot is to meet a Filipina and move with her to Thailand. The visa process for Thailand is definitely harder but not a deal breaker. Just hire an agent, and they will assist you with the process. You do not have to invest or tigh up a lot of money if you use one. It will cost you an average of $600 a year with an agent to stay here.
ok thanks for the info
I was in Bali in Nov23 and I might consider it. I’m retiring Dec 31, 2024 so its starting to get real
dec. will come fast
Consider elsewhere in Indonesia, Bali is a rip-off.... loads of other cost effective good places Java, Bandung, Batam.....list is endless, Bali is just money pit.
@@btkindonesia137thanks for the input and I will certainly consider others. I was thinking Bali would be a first stop to decompress after a lifetime of work. Then I’ll start my exploration for a good place to live
@@papadougpapadougsadventures good idea, sounds like a plan
Guam (for amenities), if you can afford it. Otherwise Malaysia for low cost of living! 🌴😎
I was stationed in Guam for my last 3 years. Extremely expensive, didn't find it to be very scenic, especially the beaches. Not much to do there except party, which I definitely partook in!
high cost of living in Guam is a killer
The biggest negative here is healthcare for an expat of retirement age. If i didn't have so much medicine and things like that i'd be much better off here and could probably handle even something like manila or something. I would say if you are 65 to 70 years old whatever and you have chronic illnesses or anything you will need at least $2500-3000 us monthly. You'll find no country on earth that's 100%.
I would think northern Mariana or Guam would be a good group of places to get info about especially for the social security people and the once every three year people that don't want to deal with other languages. American Sonia is another one. I wasn't able to find good housing prices through Airbnb.
Guam is really expensive, think Hawaii expensive even though the apartments are cheaper.
Guam is expensive from what I saw while I was there for work.
What you don't realize is most men who have already chosen the Philippines as their expat destination have been planning this for months or years ? You yourself obviously do not have any money issues but most Americans who want to live in the Philippines have chosen it because of several reasons, the cost ,the language ,the climate and economic reasons! Other countries don't offer what the Philippines has. The Marcos family added the English language to the educational system back in the 1970's. The cost of living is considerably less than the USA. Medical care is cheap housing is cheap , entertainment is cheap, sight seeing and nature is everywhere , I know I enjoy hearing karaoke singers singing a song in English sometimes and popular songs from the US.
US THERE A LANGUAGE BARRIER HERE NOW MORE AND MORE
Infrastructure vs spoken English. I will retire to the Philippines. I am much too old to learn another language.
Learning another language keeps brain agile young
Defends against alzheimers
The united states just had that trilateral with the philippines and japan. United states is agreed to spending 100 billion dollars over here in the next 5 to 10 years in infrastructure updates and military capability. Of course united states wants this area for china.
Retiring in Thailand is very easy if you have ฿800,000 or ~$23,000. Retirement visa requirements are that you to have this $$ in a Thai bank. One year extensions are done annually. No border runs required. The 90-day thing you might be referring to is a 90 day check-in. This can be done online or in person at immigration. I usually pay a visa agent to do the annual extension, about $200. I do the 90-day online myself. I think Thailand has everything (infrastructure, medical, food, cost of living) over the Philippines except for 2 factors. 1) English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and 2) Age-Gap relationships is more acceptable in the Philippines. These two factors are huge for some people. I'm in Thailand right now and I love it, but these two factors could sway me to retire in the Philippines. I'm planning an exploratory trip in the near future.
Age gaps are acceptable in Thailand. My wife is 26 years younger than me and I have plenty of expat friends with 10-20 years age gap in their relationships. You are correct though in that I don’t see the obsession with 20 year olds here in Thailand. It helps that there is divorce in Thailand and women of all ages are available.
Don't retire in the Philippines if you value your health
Why is that?
yea why is that
Hey brother Mike
The recent summit of the US, Japan, Australia and the Phillipines signed an agreement to invest in the PH and make it manufacturing center to compete with China in Chips, Motorbikes, and consumer goods that will increase locals wages. Good for the residents but will increase prices maybe 30-40 percent. It might make the Phillipines untenable for Expats. Cambodia is getting better in infrastucture and western style living. Dating with age gap is acceptible.
What city in Cambodia is best for expats?
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Kampot probably. More expats and english speakers.
Mike, do you plan on building or buying a house in the future?
great question?
I love Thailand. The food is second to none, the women are awesome, but it’s probably my religion that will have me ending up with a Filipina.
Who knows, I may end up going back and forth between the two countries.
why travel back and forth pick one and enjoy your life
@@mikesphilippineretirement The reason why I would travel between the two countries, is the fact that Thailand recently changed their tax laws, and if you live there for more than 180 days, they will beat you down for extra tax money if you are taxed less than their rate in your home country.
I do truly enjoy Thailand, and have not yet experienced the Philippines. Once I have the opportunity to truly experience and enjoy Philippine culture, maybe I can settle for just one location.
I do know that the fact that Filipinas are predominantly Christian appeals to me greatly, and the fact that the English language is spoken far more widely in the Philippines is a great thing for me personally.
I don’t know… once I have the opportunity to spend time in the Philippines, Thailand may not have such a grip on me. One thing though… the Thai food is ridiculous. If I choose a Filipina, she truly needs to learn to cook, and least some Thai food, just because I enjoy it so much.
With the Philippines tied so close to the US,,well in the last 3.5 years at 70% inflation(using actual math,not govt math) they were bound to reflect the massive price increases here in the US,,countries not tied to the US is not as affected by our deflated Dollars..
70% hmmm
Indonesia is where I’m going
English is good and culture is amazing. And a lot less Americans, I am one so I can say it lol
more from Russia and China
@@mikesphilippineretirement - loads from Australia / NZ and were not in Bali, when we lived in Jakarta I met only 4 guys from Russia, and they were building something for the Indonesian gov.....all secret squirrel.
S0 5.08 is the cruncher, whole epsode is based on hearsay you haven't actuallly gotten out of the chair and done any groundwork, I guess then it's about the views and income, oh well if it makes you feel good, good luck to you..........
From what I've learned, the Philippines is #1 when it comes to women, with Thailand #2.
Vietnam is cheaper, good food, but dating is more difficult, and you wont see large age gaps in relationships.
Cambodia is a no go for me. No interest.
As the Philippines drops it's third world stigma and keeps evolving, prices are going to go up. Supply & demand is driving up the rent prices, but its still a bargain compared to the U.S.
Rentals in Thailand are probably better. Same for Vietnam
Thanks for your input Brent. Why is Cambodia a total no go for you?
The only positive thing I've heard about Cambodia is cheap living. Everything else is kind of ......yuck.
Vietnamese 20 to 25 year old girld do not want 60ish men. Thailand great for a guy that wants 10 flingz a year 90% are not wife material 50 to 65, only speak English, want an 18 to 25 year old wife, Phillipines is perfect.
Much less poverty fewer beggars in Malaysia compared to the Phillipines. Like Mallaca better than KL
Good, beautiful girls in Thailand, there is lots of rich competition, foreign and local.
If someone can't live in the Philippines on a $1,500 budget, then my friends rethink. Don't wife up or gf single moms and don't support your gfs or wife family. If you're going to support only mom and dad and budget, it should be only $100 a month. Move away from her family area or province, maybe an hour or island, it's that simple. I live between Cebu and Bohol, and my budget with my gf no kids it is $800 -$1,100. I have savings of $580k in the state, and my monthly salary from my state job through CalPERS is $3,500. I'm 54 years old, and I have no social security yet . My gf works as a bookkeeper.
I'm taking my CalPers Retirement the end of August & heading to Cebu City in mid-October. If can swing it, I won't touch Social Security for three years.
It's good that your gf also has a job
Hopefully you are leaving Cali Leftist BS in Cali!
Great video. Nice talking points affordability, language and meeting a girl in the Philippines then go to Thailand👍. On a side note, am not sure why, all the girls have met from Cambodia were 'pretty hot'. Believe there's more there to be found, did not know it was so impoverished. Never have been interested in visiting a communist country like Vietnam. Thanks for posting, Mike...Jim
thanks Jim
I stopped going to PHils in 2016. Did not feel safe there in the south of Negros. Have been going to Vietnam and love it here. Yes its very different from the Phils but Im ok with that. I lived in Thailand 3 years before going to the Phils and have no plan to ever go back to Thailand. Also lived in China from 2004 to 2009. At that time China was a great place to travel in and I lived in Sanya Hainan the last 4 years in China, that was before any stop lights were in the city of Sanya. Not the same place now, would never live there again.
My first trip to the Philippines was in 2016, I was visiting a widow for the first time. We have now married and have a nice life together. We have what we want, not a town but a farm. You must decide what you want before going anywhere
Viet Nam has a fresh water shortage .
so does Philippines in the mountains
I chose Thailand over 7 years ago. I'm married to a Thai and I like the country for all the usual things - culture, infrastruction, cost of living, food, national parks, etc. I'm fine with the negatives which is basically the language barrier. There are Thais that speak English but approach Thailand as a country with a foreign language. I can speak enough Thai to get by but I am by no means conversational. I have yet to meet a westerner/Thai couple where the Thai wife didn't speak English. Money is not an issue for me in the US or anywhere else so that is not a determinant for me in choosing a foreign country. After watching several of you Philippine CZcamsrs over the years there are a couple of negatives, for me, of the Philippines. One is culture. I feel weird saying this but I prefer being in a Buddhist culture rather than a Christian culture. I'm non-religious but I find Thai culture to be more different and interesting than the west and the western influences I hear about in the Philippines. Number 2 negative - no divorce allowed. I assume this a Christianity influence policy. Nobody wants to anticipate a divorce but it is one of those western practices that I want available to me. It has to distort the dating market in a negative way. And then there are all the other usual negatives of the Philippines. The Philippines visa policies don't matter to me so that just leave English language and that doesn't bother me much but I can see how it can be very important to others.
Thailand is better by far
enjoy Thailand and thanks again Job for the great job you're doing
You cannot begin to know how much better Thailand is in quality of life by watching Philippines lying bloggers. They leave out all details and they are self selected for low standards. The Phil is also double the price of Thailand for quality food and accommodation.
Hi Mike this my comment, before you use to have beautifull backround or places, people like to listen to the story but they like to see backround.
it is so hot ( Summer heat wave) and we are just settling down here in the new house. We will be getting out more soon
Americans are welcome in Vietnam... as long as they don't bring with them their B52, napalm and Orange Chemicals agents. 😉
living in the past
To be fair, Thailand is a Monarchy, but it’s ruled by the military.
Thailand recently had an election and most of the previous military regime was peacefully swept from office. I’m sure the military are still in the background and it is early days for the new government but you can’t label the current government as military.
enjoy Thailand
By the time I get to retire, none of these places will be an option anymore. Foreigners flooding in from all over the world. Indigenous populations are eventually going to have their fill of it and say enough is enough.
It's still a not cheaper then the us. Mike u need a budget.
I understand that budget stuff but i'll tell you trying to do this youtube and stuff he's got an initial outlay in this in money time and effort that is huge for someone 70 years old. Just all the traveling and stuff is doing cebu everything else like that to bring information to the page is costing him out of pocket i don't believe the youtube reimbursements are breaking even for him maybe.
I have a budget, I just can not stick to it ..I spend to much and enjoy my life
1400US per month is more then enough for me and my Filipina wife in Baguio City
Phillipines is heaven for a near 60 expat that wants a 20 to 30 year old girlfriend or wife Easy to get if u can spend 2500 to $3000 a month
My opinion, Thailand is cheaper and better quality than the PI but an old pensioner has zero chance of a nice younger girl friend (not rented). The PI has great relationship minded women but I feel like I'm in the third world. I found Cambodia poverty about the same as the PI. Saigon was very inexpensive and developed but not really my style. Thailand's visa situation isn't terrible if over 50. I'm in the meet a girl and bring her to Thailand crowd.
thanks for the info
I’ve lived in Thailand 7 years, Bangkok and the Isaan countryside. I have yet to meet a westerner/thai couple where the thai women wasn’t 10-20 years younger. My Thai wife is 26 years younger than me. I don’t see westerners here in Thailand chasing 20 year olds. I think the no divorce factor in the Philippines complicates and distorts the dating scene.
Another factor to consider Russia responds to new US missile deployment in Asia The deployment of American intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines is another blow to global stability, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has said
I have stopped listening to the Russian point of view on global issues
@@mikesphilippineretirement just thought it was interesting as it is not even mentioned locally that the usa is deploying missile bases here guess its better just to listen to the us propaganda and be fat and happy enjoy
The US drives people to get out of it. It's in so many aspects not on the right side of things, nor are its allies.
All you have to do to live anywhere in the world is to live responsibly within ur means instead of like a love crazed teen age alcoholic. just saying.
thanks for your insight as always James..hahah
Thailand has a Parliament and then the king can approve or disapprove.
thank you for the info
Does Dumaguete have Pool/Billiards leagues?
not that I know of but they have pool tables in many bars
Darts league apparently
Sir Mike, you are right, old foreign gentlemen have been able to find much younger women but most of them are extremely poor, uneducated, jobless or single mothers. Most of these expats' wife up or pair up with the lowest strata of The Philippines. Taking your filipina gf/wife to live to TH or VN might not work out as your gf will be totally isolated from family and friends. Heck, even taking her 2 or 3 islands away in PH is problematic. I believe Reekay Valdez is having problems retaining his wife in Cebu as she’s constantly travelling to her hometown of Davao.
Retired expat from the US livjng jn Thailand six years.
Have a great Thai Wife. She owns her hkme. We iwn two cars, two motorcycles.
Low cost of livjng, no jnflation, people great. We eat out every day, travel each month. Plenty to do, weather great.few expats where we kive. Not missed. We visit Vietnam thre times a year, go to the uS twice a year to visit.
Every day great. Havent missed the US for a moment, would never go back.
My feelings is it’s simply just expensive to be alive today anywhere. Seeing my wife and daughter were born there, having a house there and family along with the English language generally spoken by most and let’s not forget about the Philippines having services for Veterans and Social Security Offices. Living there in the Philippines is still best and just travel periodically to other destinations on vacation.
Exactly the way the powers that be want it to be. They want everyone to be financially strapped and struggling.
Minute 2:35 he said Viet my knees
really watch again
The prices in the USA keeps skyrocketing ground beef at Kroger is 6.99 . Rent has also skyrocketed in the USA so if rent is higher in the Philippines it’s because so many people are leaving the USA to be able to afford living. Plus still the number 1 reason will always be the women if you want a real chance at a new life with a woman who you both can fall in love Philippines will have a huge advantage over all the others countries with older men .
so the ladies #1 reason most men come to the Philippines
See you in the Philippines in 2025.
we will see you soon George
@@mikesphilippineretirement Travel two months from Cebu to Davao, with a week or two Dumaguete is planned for the last 2 months 2025!
These are all talking points however,the entire planet is seeing increases in everything..I say retire make adjustments,live a life worth living ,and stop running from yourself..yourself..end of story
what your saying. Live the best life you can and enjoy your life
Over the past 30 years I have lived/worked in and travelled to many SE Asian countries. I currently live in the Philippines, which is at the top of my list for places to which to retire. HK was a great place to live and do business but it is expensive and due to the CCP influence on the socio-political scene I am discounting it. So, 1) Philippines. My wife and I own property and have a profitable business and a decent income here. If you jump through the bureaucratic hoops, pay your taxes and abide by immigration rules, everything is fine. 2) Laos, surprisingly. It is laid back and peaceful. There's not much opportunity to make money, but if you have an independent income and savings and just want a quiet life it is perfect. 3) Thailand, if you stick to the Isaan region in the north, which is linguistically and culturally similar to Laos. Bangkok is a tourist-trap, as is Phuket, Pattaya - in fact anywhere in the South. 4) Indonesia. I only have experience of Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya but I was working in Jakarta and on a business visa. The other locations were holiday destinations. 5)Vietnam. Very hard work. Interminable bureaucracy and erratic to say the least. 6) Malaysia. You need a decent income. 7) Singapore. A great place to live for convenience, amenities, cleanliness, food but way too expensive unless you are earning
thanks for sharing Josh
Good summary, Singapore is still the most favorable if you have the income/money available.
I have to disagree about Bangkok. I lived there for 6 years. It is a huge modern international city. You can find whatever you want. That can include not hanging out in the major tourist sites. It's not less touristy than any other major city in the world. Pattaya though . . . that is a true fantasy land and not typical of the rest of Thailand. The islands are also tourist hot spots so, while the islands can be nice, they are not very Thai in my view.
@@martypoll Bangkok was great did a year there stayed in On nut area Soi 50, far enough away from the crowds, but still easy to get to anywhere. Foods great, beer bars, parks, gyms, ya right for me BKK has got it.
Not pricey but not good value for money.
Malaysia is a tip, good err just the food, bad pretty much everything. Did 5yrs there, best thing moving out.
So you did not enjoy your 5 year stay in Malaysia?
@@mikesphilippineretirement not really.....it was convenient at the time, cost of living and close to my office in Singapore.
Malaysia, as good as west for roads, buildings, food everything really, most speak English.
problem is as a muslim Country dating not so easy. Do not wear yellow illegal as its a symbol of protest $1000 fine. Don't talk about religion or culture. Show No real affection in public places.
thanks for the info
Yes, I agree. And definitely don't get romantic with a cow in public. It can get awkward...
I also heard Malaysia is more expensive by far as compared to Thailand, Philippines and VietNam
@@SlimGlynn1 Agreed, especially if you are wearing swimming trunks whilst riding it wearing a yellow stetson holding a copy of satanic verses😹
Many of my mates/westerns married into Malaya family/culture....it's not a big deal, the locals do like to integrate and party. Yellow ? the football teams home kit was yellow in 2022/23 ......I use to wear it sometimes at the gym, out running....all you got was 'bagus boleh'' lol.
People starving?
Not too pricey too unhealthy more like it
To Pricey is spelled too. Or is it two pricey
thank you