I’m caucasian married to a Filipina I met during our graduate studies at UBC. She holds a PhD in food science while mine is in electronic engineering. We both are currently gainfully employed. When the time comes to retire, we intend to retire in her province of Laguna. Just like any country, the Philippines is not perfect but what is important is how you can adjust to any given situation.
It's ok to get negative comments. That's quite expected when you're a vlogger. You're just being honest and truthful about what to expect when someone retires in the Philippines. You may be talking about a different country as well and people will be making comments. Thanks for the infos/warnings. It's good to test the waters first before taking the big plunge!! Keep doing what you're doing. Always looking forward to more vlogs!!
Yes it’s nice to be in the Philippines the only thing that frightens me is the medical I’m on my senior years now if I will be hospitalised more than a week I don’t think I can afford the cost while where I am now is free
That, too, was my number 1 concern. However, I found a solution to that and I have a vlog about the kind of medical insurance to get: Advantage Plan! Without this, I would never venture to spend time in the Philippines.
I want go to the Philippines but only for vacation. I just retired and have very few relatives in the Philippines now after 43 years establishing in Canada. Great info to have.
Oh my, I remember one time when I was trying to get a special power of attorney certified at the Philippine Consulate in NYC. A Filipino told me, "Kahit sa Amerika, parang Pilipinas pa rin. Mga pagong." 🤣🤣🤣. I was lucky because they saw my grandfather's name on the document. It was processed quickly. Then after I sent the document to the Philippines by FedEx, I took a wrong turn and got lost in NYC.🤣🤣🤣
I am here in the Philippines, we retired way before retirement age in 2019 which I could have not done in the USA. I am happy being home despite the fact that we were hospitalized with Covid in 2021. We spent a huge amount of money despite Phil Health and Private insurance. It is true health care is costly. We have a few more years before age 65 when we start getting our Medicare benefit. Our biggest concern now it the extremely hot weather which makes us rethink our decision. Also the South China Sea uncertainty is a huge factor. Honestly we live it all to God. We are so blessed to be very active with our church and be more grounded than we were before. God will take us to where He wants my husband and I to be. May God bless you grandpa and thanks for your video.
The good thing about retiring in the Philippines, it’s cheaper. Caregiving is also cheap, labor is cheap like househelpers and drivers. Philippines is not perfect but you need to balance the good and the bad. Retiring in the US, for sure your kids will send you to a nursing home and you will not be allowed to go out. Unlike in the Philippines you can hire caregiver who can accompany you where ever you go.
I agree w you 100%, I don’t plan in washing dishes and doing my laundry for the rest of my life. Time to love myself, done helping my family and my only child done w the best college in NYC, now it’s time to love myself.
If you are really serious to retire in the Phils. b/c of those reasons and afraid to go to the Nursing home here in the USA, I will suggest don't get trapped before you go home. I have a cousin who worked for 30 yrs. as a nurse in the Nursing home and so against to end up in the Nursing home, now guess where she is now, she got trapped and can't travel yet. I do visit her once or twice a week now less than before.
Agree ! I never stay here in US when I get the old enough. I worked in assisted living, senior day care and some nursing homes, but I knew the people who were taking care of the elderly😢not all of them , but I prefer to hire a home health aide than to send my love ones or me to the facility. In the Philippines , we could hire a relative or neighbor that we knew for a blood.Here in US, it is good for staying while we are below senior age for work. We can afford what we wanted to buy except those airplanes and whatever needs use a lot of money. In the Philippines if we were retiring there, we will have healthy foods , aside from traffic, we can build a nice simple house with even the electric bill is higher , but more higher here in US.That's my own opinion about retiring.
Well done video Grandpa. I think that doing the "snowbird". Maybe 4 to 5 months at a time, but keeping my place here. My Filipina wife seen the places you went....they are now on her list to visit. You make lots of great points people should learn. Love your videos.
Stayed for a half a year in the Philippines with wifey after retirement. Vlogger Grandpa is right. We know Filipinos abroad who bought or built dwellings there while they were working but had to sell of them and return overseas. Unwise to have relatives and friends occupy residences for years while away.
@@TharaLetzISLANDERthat's because your relatives or friends might refuse to leave your property - there are cases like that. If you have real property in PH (house or apt), it's best if you rent it out to (paying) strangers. You'll probably need a property manager/ caretaker - who's your friend or relative, someone you can trust.
In USA we have experience of headache of trying to kick out my wife’s brother and the professional homeless squatter that just broke the locks and moved in. So we just sold it and enjoy our remaining retirement years by traveling.
US Healthcare is way more expensive compared to the Philippines. Private hospitals and medical services are comparable to US standard. I would choose Philippines if I reached certain age where I need more medical care/assistance, because I still have relatives there that can recommend/supervise a private aide to assist my daily needs, for a much affordable rate. I can have 2 aides 24/7 if needed. That’s how affordable services there in the Phil. I just can’t imagine myself staying in a nursing home or senior care facility in the US.
Hello from Maryland Vlogger Grandpa! Your insights are very helpful that’s why I tune in to your channel. It helps me with what things to weigh on and work on in preparation for retirement. All the best to you and your family! God bless you!😊
Grandpa is right. If you have lived in USA for a long time it will be hard to shake the conveniences of living there. I retired and bought a house in a gated community near Iloilo city. It has all the amenities of association security, code enforcement, and club fitness center with gym,swimming pool, restaurant. close to ports to take ferry to travel in different islands in visayas region. We have Costco type but the stock of American food products are inconsistent and the same price in California which is expensive. But with the high US dollar exchange rate in Asia and Philippine you can do a lot more to enjoy your remaining retirement life.
Blessed working in the 🇺🇸moneyed till rest of life no worry peace of mind esp.having nice house there all comforts beatiful yard and can travel anytime the Clark Air base now a big Airport thanks God ♥️🇵🇭🇺🇸
I’m a lowly ranked US navy retiree. I can use my navy health insurance, and medical part b reimbursement in the new private US approved hospital here in Iloilo but I find the hospital always short in doctors, nurses and prescription medicines so I just fly to nearest US territory like Guam, Saipan or country with US military base hospital like Singapore, Korea and Japan with cheap airline for my yearly medical checkups and medicine and travel tour vacation. If I retire in US. I would be among those homeless veterans you see in the streets instead of living like a king here in Philippines with my lovely young wife to take care of me..
thanks Grandpa for this reality check. Ill test the water first before jumping in. I forgot how Phils. is now compared to my younger years. Also my adaptability. Its different when it is on vacation compared to living there. Salamat for these helpful videos. Mabuhay po kayo.
Hi VG, this is great information contained in both videos about living in the PI. I lived in Quezon City as an American for one year. You’re correct that going for a short vacation for 2 weeks one month is not a good example of how things will be as a resident. When your on vacation it’s all fun, beaches, good food. Living there as a foreigner long term is a whole different experience. I am considering retiring there. I know what to expect already. Not everyone has the advantage of experiencing living there for one year and then returning to the US. Your video is definitely helpful to the guy who is considering it as you’re one of the only Filipinos speaking about this. Might I also add that you’re not sugar coating it. Thanks for these videos.
I tried it for 1 year as nice as it was it was not for me. Too much pollution and garbage on the ground no food safety to speak of inadequate Medical in case of emergency and too many brownouts and water outages but I will definitely be back there for a vacation just I'm looking for more in retirement
Hi Vlogger Grandpa we missed you! Anyhow, 100% agree on you and if ever we decide to retire, we might be staying in the Philippines for 3-6 mos and back in US. due to medical reasons and maintenance. We live in the city - a condo in Araneta Cubao, QC. which is a little bit expensive for us compare living in the suburbs. Currenly, we are from Queens, NY since in the 90’s and looking forward to retire in 4 yrs. from now . Last year, my husband start receiving his monthly pension but still working. You are correct and having the same outlook about retiring in the Philippines. So for now, we are just enjoying ourselves like you and we give everything to God and His plan for us. Thank you for bringing up this topic, very informative. God bless.. looking forward to your next blog.
All good point, I received my Philippines Permanent Residency Visa the 1st of April this year and am very excited to be living in the Philippines part-time for now. I do have a home in the USA but I consider the Philippines my forever retirement home now.
Sir Vloger Grandpa. I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines 🇵🇭 back in 1991 at age (28). I have lived in Japan, Korea 🇰🇷, Kuwait 🇰🇼, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, Marshall Islands 🇲🇭 🏝 and of course my favorite the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤️. Now I am age (61), widower and getting close to retirement. I am planning to eventually utilize the American Military 🪖 Philippines sponsored SRRV program. I hope by end of 2025, next year to retire in CEBU City or Makati area of Manila. Thank you for sharing straight forward 🙏 information. GOD SPEED
Thank you so much po. I shared your channel to my friends who are undecided to shed a little light of their dilemma to go home to Pinas or stay in the US, when the time comes.
For me grandpa the fact that I’ve been here for 36 years in the USA yet my plan long time ago when I retired I will live in the Philippines because by the time I will be by myself without a husband so everything came true that it happened that my plan will be finalized. The truth Philippines is not listed as the low cost for retirement but Thailand is one of the top 10 a retirement countries. The reason why some of the Filipinos wanted to go back to Philippines because they have relatives in the Philippines . I can sacrifice living in the Philippines without a car as long as im retired and no need to get up early and rush for work and im in good health i can survive with my pension without a partner
Best healthcare insurance coverage is found in the USA. Part A Part B medicare and senior advantage is inexpensive so keep your coverage. Retired people want to live in the philippines can still have the coverage. And when you need the medical care, remember its only a 12 hour flight back to the USA if you need Serious Medical care .
Thanks for sharing the negatives in the Philippines; The positives outweigh the negatives always in the Philippines. Beautiful country. David in Texas."Houston"
Thank you for the Pointers of living in the Philippines. I’m near to retirement and debating if I will retire in the Philippines , i better do what you have said , test the water first , if is really for us before selling everything and totally moving in the Philippines
👏👍 We’ll thought, great Grandpa😁. Grandpa has great advice, we’ll experienced (well, what else you think of, 54 years in the US, who else you believe in?)
Good to talk about both sides of the same coin so people can make their own decisions with eyes open. There are positive's and negatives of retiring in any country.
Thank you for your comments/info. Your forthrightness and realistic depiction of life in the Philippines vs. the life we currently have living overseas (US, Canada, etc) is exactly the kind of information we need to have an informed judgment before making any serious decision to retire in the Philippines.
EXACTLY! THE DECISION IS FOR US TO MAKE. THE ONLY ADVICE GIVEN HERE IS FOR US TO DO OUR HOMEWORK BEFORE MAKING A CONCLUSION AND FINAL DECISIONS. IF ONE REACTS, ASK YOURSELVES WHY YOU REACTED.
I don’t mind paying a little bit more taxes in US coz my budget is earned there in, besides, not as corrupt as in Philippines. The US climate is cherish able beautiful or nice but not in Philippines which has a scorching weather. I love my favorite dishes in Philippines but could not enjoy eating them in the ordinary life, coz it’s too hot. Nothing to worry on msg coz it’s in use it no matter what place I stay. Finally, use of even local, otc oh, you’ll end up with more allergies especially of dust and heat or mites, you’ll buy none that will solve this problems
Thanks for the video. I think the biggest downside is that people generally can not use their Medicare Health Care benefits, and secondarily, the quality of health care is lower.
I learn more from grandpa,yes he is right if you plan to retire in the Philippines test first if everything is ok,really I realize that because my husband has so many medical issues now,we are thinking we can live in the Philippines if ready,but still as long you can travel back and forth to US to the Philippines in Order to visit your doctor.it’s like one or two times in every year that’s fine you know.Thank you grandpa keep giving updates.
Vlogger grandpa pls make a video regarding long term care in the US vs Philippines. I heard that Medicare has minimal coverage for this . This is an issue for retirees in the US.
As for specialized high-end medical care, e.g. open-heart surgery, a short flight to Singapore is possible. Of course it will cost $$$$, but it won't cost you $$ every month on useless Medical Insurance, am I right? Thanks
I agree with your take on the current health care situation in the Philippines, particularly the lack of modern technological machinery. I was involved in a motorbike accident last year and had emergency surgery. And while the Doctors were knowledgeable, they simply did not have the latest machinery/hardware to properly repair my injuries. I will be splitting my time between the Philippines, Thailand, and Mexico with crossing over the border from Mexico into the U.S. for 1 month only in any given year. My Federal Blue Cross/Blue is good in all of the above countries, plus I have the option of traveling to Guam for medical care if something happens while I am in the Philippines as Medicare is accepted in Guam.
I think the most underrated reason to retire in the Philippines is the christian culture. It is so refreshing to be driving down the freeway, getting your luggage at the airport, going out to eat, shopping at a mall and seeing bible verses everywhere. We have lost that in the US or at least in my section of the country. Even in the Muslim parts of the Philippines I've been to, they are very courteous to our beliefs.
Yes, it depends on the area. That's why I am happy in a small town. Reverent diocese and two Churches that offer traditional Latin Mass, eleven Adoration Chapels, two Perpetual. The Catholic Churches in NYC aren't bad, though. Shrine of the Holy Innocents close to Penn.Station has good traditional Latin Mass.
We were there for two months Jan to March 2024. It is not lifestyle for us. Just for vacay. Sure your almighty dollars$$$ goes a long way but we still cannot exchange that for quality of life and healthcare here US🤗. Plus my kids and grandkids are here in US. We would rather be partime resident of Italy instead. Grazie
This info is good as I am about to retire from US govt. Definitely heading back to the my province of Cebu for a visit and see the changes. Thanks for the info.
Be home in the 🇵🇭got nice house all comforts living in guarded subdivision my house fronting the park of the sub peaceful nice environment good family bonding taking care of elders not being put in nursing home we do cook at home nice travelling esp Baguio and Tagaytay ♥️😄🇵🇭🇺🇸
Very good, balanced presentation. I moved to the Philippines in June 2022, and I went back to the U.S. for a two-month visit with family last year. I'm a retired minister and I live with my Filipino wife in Baguio. We live in a safe, gated subdivision. I find that transportation is the biggest inconvenience, since neither my wife nor I feel confident to maneuver through Baguio's traffic. I also find it frustrating finding items that would be easy to get in any U.S. town. The dogs barking in our subdivision (even though continual barking is against Philippine law!) is very irritating to me, especially when it occurs in the middle of the night! But the low cost of living for an American paid in dollars is definitely a plus! As for medical care, I hear you. I'm concerned, too. We have four hospitals in Baguio, so accessibility is not the issue. But I question whether it is state-of-the-art. So far I have been healthy here, healthier, in fact, that most of my Filipino family and friends. I have kept my U.S. health insurance so I can return if I have major needs. My wife and I have considered moving back to the U.S. and visiting the Philippines periodically, rather than vice versa, but that is a difficult decision. I don't know if I can afford two house. And things are so expensive in the U.S. Thanks again for your insights and comments.
The only problem if you have a heartache you can’t fly or any major sickness. Cancer you can a lot of things you can’t fly back so you need to sort out the best hospital there that can deal with this.
We also have a summer house in a gated subdivision in Baguio. Just like Vlogger Grandpa, we are snowbirds, spending Jan to May in PH and then in the US for the rest of the year. Although we also have a family home in Quezon City, I consider Baguio as the best place for retirement. I share your pain with the barking dogs in the subdivision. But I found a solution in an app that emits a high-pitch sound that only dogs can hear. They stop barking when they hear it. Well, it works most of the time, anyway. I think your question whether Baguio General Hospital is state of the art can be easily answered by paying them a visit. According to news reports, BGH received a large infusion of upgrades during the Duterte administration, including an 8-story heart center, a six-story brain center, a kidney center and a lung center, a six-story trauma center. BGH is accredited to perform kidney transplants, catheterization, etc. They also recently received funding to increase bed capacity to 1,500, which will make it the largest government hospital in the entire country. Since these are recent upgrades, I presume their facilities must be state-of-the-art. But It’s only 15-20 minutes away for most residents, so go visit BGH yourself to check out the facilities and their medical staff lineup.
Aside native dishes, cool mountain weather, and the beautiful beaches, traffic and pollution is the issue I can't deal with. It's no use in buying a brand new car/sub/van. Also, cost of living in my opinion is on the rise. Gov. bureaucracy is another issue that is difficult to deal with.
Yes, the traffic and congestion in the urban areas is horrible ... and the government bureaucracy is on another level. Be prepared to spend an entire day getting your business taken care of at any government office. Real estate prices and other things are becoming more costly.
Oh i, so understand, i have made few trip back and here, just did, again. But i am just the opposite, i will do 9 months in Philippines and 3 months in USA . Main rhing far me is respect i get here, my three favorite restaurants in USA , have gotten rid of the Senior citizens discount and the retire Military too. Just the are still in . Greast video again grampa
The Philippines is a land of contrasts. As you have mentioned each place has its positives and negatives. My biggest reason to come here is the cost of living and having a maid is awesome, a luxury I can never afford in the US except for Molly Maid which back then was $60 an hour. My haircut is 70 pesos, my tip 130, everytime the barber sees me going to the market he says hi plus I get a great service with massage.
It will depend on your financial capacity. As you are aware, some people can't even afford to retire. If that is not in issue, retire at 62, or at 65 when you will have Medicare coverage unless that, too, is not an issue.
Some workers are good but some are rude regarding customer service in the Philippines. Cost of living is really very low, decent, or reasonable. Ordinary people/employees struggle to earn their needs in a daily basis , very efficient people survive but medical needs to some are not met. Many people or institutions are fond of soliciting funds to those they know are more fortunate person. Thanks sir.
I am comfortable living in the US as an empty nester with my wife. When she passed away, I’ve been fantasizing about living in the Philippines. I have visited the Philippines intermittently during holidays, and I enjoyed my stay as a tourist. In those visits, the value of the dollar, the cost of living, is the main attraction to live there. The negatives: The hot and humid weather, the traffic in Manila, and the poverty around you. The most notable is health care. Of course we will not live forever and if you are in your 80’s or 90’s, does it matter? Quality of life, of course, is essential. Your topic made me pause to think more about it before making this epic decision in my life. I have the financial resources, but happiness can be hard to find sometimes.
The important thing for me is "happiness". Yes, I will still worry about medical even if I am 90 as long as I still have my health physically and mentally. It is when I lose the quality of life that I will stop worrying about it. 😉
I am living in Cebu Philippines for about 80K per month for two of us. 80K is almost $1,500. My rent is 8K. My WiFi is 1K. My water in 300 pesos. My electric is 2K (I do not have air conditioner), but I pay 2K to park my car, I pay 2 pesos per km to drive my motorcycle and 15 pesos per km to drive my car. I budget 6K per week for food for two of us and about a third of that gets to extended family. Soon, I will have the a13 visa. My wife passed away and I remarried here. Being 72, I do not do that much here. I think there is more freedom in the Philippines flying under the radar than living in the US with its automated government in place. The cost of freedom, that cost to just comfortably live is roughly 45% of what the cost is in the US. The doctors scare me. Lots of needy people here. The legal system is a façade. I am from Arizona. The humidity was a problem when I first got here ten years ago. I like the weather more now. But no one has robbed me or hurt me.
Hello! What kind of health insurance did you use in USA? Did you use united healthcare advantage plus? Looking for your reply because we are considering retiring in the Philippines too soon in 3 year from now (2024). Salamat po
I would have preferred that, but it is not available in Pennsylvania. We have Humana. And even policies from the same company are not necessarily the same. So, you have to do what is available in your area and be sure to read the plans fine print and not rely solely on their marketing brochure.
I’m more with a Vlogger that tells the truth and straight forward like you Grandpa. Just accept the truth whether positive or negative reviews. It will teach you how to adjust and correct yourself. An example is availability of Garbage 🗑️ can.
Also the cost of living in Canada in 2024 is more expensive in Canada is higher than the USA especially with our carbon taxes and other provincial taxes as well as renting or buying a place to live !
In the 🇸🇽the doctors so smart too accessible and takes time to listen to patients not just giving meds not a medicated country most eating fresh foods not processed so not a lot of obese more walking and people resouceful not to have hard life always active thanks God we are bleesed 🙃🇵🇭🇺🇸
i enjoyed this video because Hubby wants to retire at 62 (in 2 years) and planning to go back to the Philippines. is there a place that you can recommend that's perfect for elderly or retirees?
That is a million dollar question. Questions to ask are: closeness to a hospital facility and quality of medical care (important at our age), mode of transportation, where to live, how to live (hobby and such), etc. It is a personal choice and you have to do a lot of evaluation and, maybe, some experimenting. 😉
It depends where and what you want.. my recommendation, outside of tagatay.. good food, cool climate, close to medical facilities for emergency purposes (St Luke), drivable to manila, ie., US Embassy (1.5 hr) , close to the beaches (2 hrs drive)
For me theres only one thing that will decide whether retiring in the Phils or not. . . your health status . If dont have a serious disease, staying and retiring for good in the Phils is a good idea.
So now they're going on student visas? I remember they were going on retirement visas, then the Philippines raised the age for the retirement visa. And in the US, they just cross the border.
I had the same affordable experience in the Philippine Province with nurses hovering all over us. You do have to pay in advance before expensive procedures. They are also stingy with toilet paper. In America the ER had free sandwiches, ice cream and smoothies buffet but the bill after insurance was $$$$
I'm allergic to MSG like your wife, I get headaches and also dizziness. It's a neurotoxin meaning it kills your brain cells and it also causes high blood pressure and diabetes. MSG is able to cross the brain barrier and it makes the brain cells overly excited that they end up dying. I share this with Filipino family and friends but they've refuse to believe me. I was able to eat safely in the Philippines back in 2011 to 2012. I just made sure they didn't use MSG. My favorite restaurants were Mang Inasal, McDonald's, Max's and Krazy Garlik at Greenbelt 5 which closed maybe due to the covid lockdowns. Our daughter is allergic to MSG so she has to have an epipen with her all the time and when she did eat something with MSG by accident, she had to use the epipen so she'll be able to breath and then we take her to the ER.
The truth will set you free!! I also plan to retire and live there 40% in PI and 60% in the US when I do retire. Yes, there is an advantage to living/working in the US and then going to the PI the cost of living/money does extend farther to US people. But living/working in the US the cost of living (taxes, insurance, property tax, etc.) is proportion to money earned unless you live very minimalist. Not working in the US means you're homeless unless you're retired. Even retired people still need to work to compensate for the SS income due to the cost of living, rent, etc.. So, people who live in the US do not live like king (unless you're a millionaire) as people think from PI or other countries. One of the reasons why we have expats living abroad is to extend the SS income.
Medical care is better in the US - that is a fact. St. Luke’s in BGC is probably one of their better hospitals in the Philippines. There have been many years of educated Filipino’s getting the heck out of the Philippines for a better life. If you offered a Filipino the chance of working in the US- what chance are they going to turn it down? Make your money in a 1st World country than go back to the Philippines like Grandpa says. People get all emotional from listening to the truth.
The ones that moved are poor. You're obviously ignorant about that. My friend owns several clinics in Manila. He has five maids and a driver and several properties. Why would he move to the US Dufus.
Most of the people leaving the Philippines are the educated ones-- some might be poor but smart. It is called brain drain of a country. My wife says “you can’t compare the USA 🇺🇸 a 1st world country to a 3rd world country 🇵🇭and think it is the same.”My wife is from the Philippines 🇵🇭 so I do know what I am talking about. Most people going back there to retire can afford real estate, a driver and a maid if they want to because it is cheaper. Average annual salary is USA is $59000 and the average annual salary in the Philippines is $10000 if that?? If someone gets a serious medical surgery one’s family might have to use their families lifetime savings to pay for one’s operation because Phil- Health and the medical insurance over there aren’t going to cover it.
It costs alot to live in the USA -- agreed. I think the Philippines 🇵🇭 has somewhat of a caste system in which if you don’t know the right people than one’s opportunities are limited. In the USA anyone can make it. There are obstacles here also but there are more opportunities to make a good life for oneself even with all the taxes.
@@robocop581 You called me a DUFUS. YOU are the DUFUS. You are always trying to put down the USA. The Philippines has a long way to go to catch up to the USA. It never will--- that is just being truthful. All your comments are trying to put down what people are commenting on which is true to their own experience. You NEVER lived in the USA. I can tell you way you talk. You should talk about the country where you immigrated to and came back from to the Philippines to retire???? Or have you been in the same barangay your whole life.
Please can you help me to understand how the SSI like example my mother she never work in the pilipines at all she was living in USA with us and all the sudden she decided to go back to her country and died in her own country. Now mother has passed away from COVID. Is she qualified for pilipines pension.
Please realize that SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is different from Social Security. Here is link regarding this: hdsa.org/disability-tips/understanding-social-security-benefits-and-living-outside-the-united-states/ Hopefully, this helps.
You can get the senior discount if you availed of the retirement visa and got the permanent residency visa. Not only grab but meals in restaurants, medicines, transportation, hotels and others
Retire in the PH and rent an apartment close to a private hospital in that locality cause private hospitals have better services than govt.then hire a housemaid or caregiver buy a car and hire a driver so that you will not commute a pension of 60-70k mo. Is enough for you to survive.
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I’m caucasian married to a Filipina I met during our graduate studies at UBC. She holds a PhD in food science while mine is in electronic engineering. We both are currently gainfully employed. When the time comes to retire, we intend to retire in her province of Laguna. Just like any country, the Philippines is not perfect but what is important is how you can adjust to any given situation.
It's ok to get negative comments. That's quite expected when you're a vlogger. You're just being honest and truthful about what to expect when someone retires in the Philippines. You may be talking about a different country as well and people will be making comments. Thanks for the infos/warnings. It's good to test the waters first before taking the big plunge!! Keep doing what you're doing. Always looking forward to more vlogs!!
Yes it’s nice to be in the Philippines the only thing that frightens me is the medical I’m on my senior years now if I will be hospitalised more than a week I don’t think I can afford the cost while where I am now is free
That, too, was my number 1 concern. However, I found a solution to that and I have a vlog about the kind of medical insurance to get: Advantage Plan! Without this, I would never venture to spend time in the Philippines.
I want go to the Philippines but only for vacation. I just retired and have very few relatives in the Philippines now after 43 years establishing in Canada. Great info to have.
Everything is slow over there I mean everything.
Oh my, I remember one time when I was trying to get a special power of attorney certified at the Philippine Consulate in NYC. A Filipino told me, "Kahit sa Amerika, parang Pilipinas pa rin. Mga pagong." 🤣🤣🤣. I was lucky because they saw my grandfather's name on the document. It was processed quickly. Then after I sent the document to the Philippines by FedEx, I took a wrong turn and got lost in NYC.🤣🤣🤣
you my man are the most truest most sincere person about your honesty that ive ever heard. i appreciate your wisdom and honesty... salamat
I am here in the Philippines, we retired way before retirement age in 2019 which I could have not done in the USA. I am happy being home despite the fact that we were hospitalized with Covid in 2021. We spent a huge amount of money despite Phil Health and Private insurance. It is true health care is costly. We have a few more years before age 65 when we start getting our Medicare benefit. Our biggest concern now it the extremely hot weather which makes us rethink our decision. Also the South China Sea uncertainty is a huge factor. Honestly we live it all to God. We are so blessed to be very active with our church and be more grounded than we were before. God will take us to where He wants my husband and I to be. May God bless you grandpa and thanks for your video.
So where are you now have you returned to the us
Hi Vlogger Grandpa, thank you so much for this very informative info. Everything you said is true and it is a fair comparison. Good Job!!!!!
The good thing about retiring in the Philippines, it’s cheaper. Caregiving is also cheap, labor is cheap like househelpers and drivers. Philippines is not perfect but you need to balance the good and the bad. Retiring in the US, for sure your kids will send you to a nursing home and you will not be allowed to go out. Unlike in the Philippines you can hire caregiver who can accompany you where ever you go.
I agree w you 100%, I don’t plan in washing dishes and doing my laundry for the rest of my life. Time to love myself, done helping my family and my only child done w the best college in NYC, now it’s time to love myself.
100% agree with you.
If you are really serious to retire in the Phils. b/c of those reasons and afraid to go to the Nursing home here in the USA, I will suggest don't get trapped before you go home. I have a cousin who worked for 30 yrs. as a nurse in the Nursing home and so against to end up in the Nursing home, now guess where she is now, she got trapped and can't travel yet. I do visit her once or twice a week now less than before.
@@marievelasco5967same thoughts
Agree ! I never stay here in US when I get the old enough. I worked in assisted living, senior day care and some nursing homes, but I knew the people who were taking care of the elderly😢not all of them , but I prefer to hire a home health aide than to send my love ones or me to the facility. In the Philippines , we could hire a relative or neighbor that we knew for a blood.Here in US, it is good for staying while we are below senior age for work. We can afford what we wanted to buy except those airplanes and whatever needs use a lot of money. In the Philippines if we were retiring there, we will have healthy foods , aside from traffic, we can build a nice simple house with even the electric bill is higher , but more higher here in US.That's my own opinion about retiring.
Well done video Grandpa. I think that doing the "snowbird". Maybe 4 to 5 months at a time, but keeping my place here. My Filipina wife seen the places you went....they are now on her list to visit. You make lots of great points people should learn. Love your videos.
Thanks !! You talk real one and really true.
Stayed for a half a year in the Philippines with wifey after retirement. Vlogger Grandpa is right. We know Filipinos abroad who bought or built dwellings there while they were working but had to sell of them and return overseas. Unwise to have relatives and friends occupy residences for years while away.
Why
@@TharaLetzISLANDERthat's because your relatives or friends might refuse to leave your property - there are cases like that. If you have real property in PH (house or apt), it's best if you rent it out to (paying) strangers. You'll probably need a property manager/ caretaker - who's your friend or relative, someone you can trust.
In USA we have experience of headache of trying to kick out my wife’s brother and the professional homeless squatter that just broke the locks and moved in. So we just sold it and enjoy our remaining retirement years by traveling.
US Healthcare is way more expensive compared to the Philippines. Private hospitals and medical services are comparable to US standard. I would choose Philippines if I reached certain age where I need more medical care/assistance, because I still have relatives there that can recommend/supervise a private aide to assist my daily needs, for a much affordable rate. I can have 2 aides 24/7 if needed. That’s how affordable services there in the Phil. I just can’t imagine myself staying in a nursing home or senior care facility in the US.
Thank you po for your truthful assessment for returning retirees. Looking forward to more of your blogs. Take care and God bless po.
Thanks for the info, Sir.❤
Hello from Maryland Vlogger Grandpa! Your insights are very helpful that’s why I tune in to your channel. It helps me with what things to weigh on and work on in preparation for retirement. All the best to you and your family! God bless you!😊
Grandpa is right. If you have lived in USA for a long time it will be hard to shake the conveniences of living there. I retired and bought a house in a gated community near Iloilo city. It has all the amenities of association security, code enforcement, and club fitness center with gym,swimming pool, restaurant. close to ports to take ferry to travel in different islands in visayas region. We have Costco type but the stock of American food products are inconsistent and the same price in California which is expensive. But with the high US dollar exchange rate in Asia and Philippine you can do a lot more to enjoy your remaining retirement life.
Blessed working in the 🇺🇸moneyed till rest of life no worry peace of mind esp.having nice house there all comforts beatiful yard and can travel anytime the Clark Air base now a big Airport thanks God ♥️🇵🇭🇺🇸
I’m a lowly ranked US navy retiree. I can use my navy health insurance, and medical part b reimbursement in the new private US approved hospital here in Iloilo but I find the hospital always short in doctors, nurses and prescription medicines so I just fly to nearest US territory like Guam, Saipan or country with US military base hospital like Singapore, Korea and Japan with cheap airline for my yearly medical checkups and medicine and travel tour vacation. If I retire in US. I would be among those homeless veterans you see in the streets instead of living like a king here in Philippines with my lovely young wife to take care of me..
Wish you all the best! Thanks for your service ❤
Ingat po kayo jan at enjoy po your vacation .watching po from Texas 🇺🇸
thanks Grandpa for this reality check. Ill test the water first before jumping in. I forgot how Phils. is now compared to my younger years. Also my adaptability. Its different when it is on vacation compared to living there. Salamat for these helpful videos. Mabuhay po kayo.
Honestly of those gaps you shared very important
Thanks For telling the truth,both ways…Ingat kayo and stay heathy..
Very informative 👍
Thanks for the information.
salamat sa iyong honesty God bless u
Hi VG, this is great information contained in both videos about living in the PI. I lived in Quezon City as an American for one year. You’re correct that going for a short vacation for 2 weeks one month is not a good example of how things will be as a resident. When your on vacation it’s all fun, beaches, good food. Living there as a foreigner long term is a whole different experience. I am considering retiring there. I know what to expect already. Not everyone has the advantage of experiencing living there for one year and then returning to the US. Your video is definitely helpful to the guy who is considering it as you’re one of the only Filipinos speaking about this. Might I also add that you’re not sugar coating it. Thanks for these videos.
Thank you for being honest.
I tried it for 1 year as nice as it was it was not for me. Too much pollution and garbage on the ground no food safety to speak of inadequate Medical in case of emergency and too many brownouts and water outages but I will definitely be back there for a vacation just I'm looking for more in retirement
Hi Vlogger Grandpa we missed you! Anyhow, 100% agree on you and if ever we decide to retire, we might be staying in the Philippines for 3-6 mos and back in US. due to medical reasons and maintenance. We live in the city - a condo in Araneta Cubao, QC. which is a little bit expensive for us compare living in the suburbs. Currenly, we are from Queens, NY since in the 90’s and looking forward to retire in 4 yrs. from now . Last year, my husband start receiving his monthly pension but still working. You are correct and having the same outlook about retiring in the Philippines. So for now, we are just enjoying ourselves like you and we give everything to God and His plan for us. Thank you for bringing up this topic, very informative. God bless.. looking forward to your next blog.
Same
thinking retiring in P.I.thank you for the info.
All good point, I received my Philippines Permanent Residency Visa the 1st of April this year and am very excited to be living in the Philippines part-time for now. I do have a home in the USA but I consider the Philippines my forever retirement home now.
You're just being realistic which is very honest..thank you
Sir Vloger Grandpa. I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines 🇵🇭 back in 1991 at age (28). I have lived in Japan, Korea 🇰🇷, Kuwait 🇰🇼, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, Marshall Islands 🇲🇭 🏝 and of course my favorite the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤️. Now I am age (61), widower and getting close to retirement. I am planning to eventually utilize the American Military 🪖 Philippines sponsored SRRV program. I hope by end of 2025, next year to retire in CEBU City or Makati area of Manila. Thank you for sharing straight forward 🙏 information. GOD SPEED
CHECK Philippines, information vlogger, Steve .
Watching from Canada 🇨🇦
I'm an Old Fart also, 61, and can't wait to go Fishing and Scuba in Philippines 👍
Thank you so much po.
I shared your channel to my friends who are undecided to shed a little light of their dilemma to go home to Pinas or stay in the US, when the time comes.
Thanks for sharing!!
❤ Another GREAT video! We can't eat MSG as well! Good to know 👍 Thank you for the Truth!
For me grandpa the fact that I’ve been here for 36 years in the USA yet my plan long time ago when I retired I will live in the Philippines because by the time I will be by myself without a husband so everything came true that it happened that my plan will be finalized.
The truth Philippines is not listed as the low cost for retirement but Thailand is one of the top 10 a retirement countries. The reason why some of the Filipinos wanted to go back to Philippines because they have relatives in the Philippines . I can sacrifice living in the Philippines without a car as long as im retired and no need to get up early and rush for work and im in good health i can survive with my pension without a partner
I so agree with you having lived in the US for almost 30 yrs...
Thanks for sharing
Best healthcare insurance coverage is found in the USA.
Part A Part B medicare and senior advantage is inexpensive so keep your coverage.
Retired people want to live in the philippines can still have the coverage.
And when you need the medical care, remember its only a 12 hour flight back to the USA if you need
Serious Medical care .
Thanks for sharing the negatives in the Philippines; The positives outweigh the negatives always in the Philippines. Beautiful country. David in Texas."Houston"
Well said
I love you grandpa. Just saw your first video yesterday and subscribed. What is your profession. I am guessing lawyer❤ God bless🎉
CPA and ex-CEO of a NYSE company subsidiary located in Mexico City.
The exchange rate is better too!! But be wise in spending!!
Thank you for the Pointers of living in the Philippines. I’m near to retirement and debating if I will retire in the Philippines , i better do what you have said , test the water first , if is really for us before selling everything and totally moving in the Philippines
👏👍
We’ll thought, great Grandpa😁.
Grandpa has great advice, we’ll experienced (well, what else you think of, 54 years in the US, who else you believe in?)
Good to talk about both sides of the same coin so people can make their own decisions with eyes open. There are positive's and negatives of retiring in any country.
Thank you for your comments/info. Your forthrightness and realistic depiction of life in the Philippines vs. the life we currently have living overseas (US, Canada, etc) is exactly the kind of information we need to have an informed judgment before making any serious decision to retire in the Philippines.
EXACTLY! THE DECISION IS FOR US TO MAKE. THE ONLY ADVICE GIVEN HERE IS FOR US TO DO OUR HOMEWORK BEFORE MAKING A CONCLUSION AND FINAL DECISIONS. IF ONE REACTS, ASK YOURSELVES WHY YOU REACTED.
You’re right grandpa.. some people have a different opinions. 👏❤️
I don’t mind paying a little bit more taxes in US coz my budget is earned there in, besides, not as corrupt as in Philippines. The US climate is cherish able beautiful or nice but not in Philippines which has a scorching weather. I love my favorite dishes in Philippines but could not enjoy eating them in the ordinary life, coz it’s too hot. Nothing to worry on msg coz it’s in use it no matter what place I stay. Finally, use of even local, otc oh, you’ll end up with more allergies especially of dust and heat or mites, you’ll buy none that will solve this problems
Thanks for the video. I think the biggest downside is that people generally can not use their Medicare Health Care benefits, and secondarily, the quality of health care is lower.
It's good to hear both sides the pros and cons. Nothing wrong with that.
👍Tks sir
@Vlogg'er Grandpa A young man's experience does not trump a old man's wisdom and knowledge. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I learn more from grandpa,yes he is right if you plan to retire in the Philippines test first if everything is ok,really I realize that because my husband has so many medical issues now,we are thinking we can live in the Philippines if ready,but still as long you can travel back and forth to US to the Philippines in
Order to visit your doctor.it’s like one or two times in every year that’s fine you know.Thank you grandpa keep giving updates.
yes its fun in the Philippines, however hot hot weather today in the philippines is not anymore comfy used to be.
Vlogger grandpa pls make a video regarding long term care in the US vs Philippines. I heard that Medicare has minimal coverage for this . This is an issue for retirees in the US.
As for specialized high-end medical care, e.g. open-heart surgery, a short flight to Singapore is possible. Of course it will cost $$$$, but it won't cost you $$ every month on useless Medical Insurance, am I right? Thanks
I agree with your take on the current health care situation in the Philippines, particularly the lack of modern technological machinery. I was involved in a motorbike accident last year and had emergency surgery. And while the Doctors were knowledgeable, they simply did not have the latest machinery/hardware to properly repair my injuries.
I will be splitting my time between the Philippines, Thailand, and Mexico with crossing over the border from Mexico into the U.S. for 1 month only in any given year. My Federal Blue Cross/Blue is good in all of the above countries, plus I have the option of traveling to Guam for medical care if something happens while I am in the Philippines as Medicare is accepted in Guam.
I think the most underrated reason to retire in the Philippines is the christian culture. It is so refreshing to be driving down the freeway, getting your luggage at the airport, going out to eat, shopping at a mall and seeing bible verses everywhere. We have lost that in the US or at least in my section of the country.
Even in the Muslim parts of the Philippines I've been to, they are very courteous to our beliefs.
Yes, it depends on the area. That's why I am happy in a small town. Reverent diocese and two Churches that offer traditional Latin Mass, eleven Adoration Chapels, two Perpetual. The Catholic Churches in NYC aren't bad, though. Shrine of the Holy Innocents close to Penn.Station has good traditional Latin Mass.
My husband is from the Philippines. He talked about us retiring there but I don’t do heat.
We were there for two months Jan to March 2024. It is not lifestyle for us. Just for vacay. Sure your almighty dollars$$$ goes a long way but we still cannot exchange that for quality of life and healthcare here US🤗.
Plus my kids and grandkids are here in US.
We would rather be partime resident of Italy instead. Grazie
Just getting out of America (before it collapses) is in and of itself a dream!
I agree. But where to go?
Yes!!!
This info is good as I am about to retire from US govt. Definitely heading back to the my province of Cebu for a visit and see the changes. Thanks for the info.
Any info on Medicare Health Insurance if it can be use there? I have Part A&B. Your advice is highly appreciated.
I don't think they take Medicare but I believe Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield can be use anywhere in the world but I could be mistaken.
Not over there, just visiting.
Be home in the 🇵🇭got nice house all comforts living in guarded subdivision my house fronting the park of the sub peaceful nice environment good family bonding taking care of elders not being put in nursing home we do cook at home nice travelling esp Baguio and Tagaytay ♥️😄🇵🇭🇺🇸
Very good, balanced presentation. I moved to the Philippines in June 2022, and I went back to the U.S. for a two-month visit with family last year. I'm a retired minister and I live with my Filipino wife in Baguio. We live in a safe, gated subdivision. I find that transportation is the biggest inconvenience, since neither my wife nor I feel confident to maneuver through Baguio's traffic. I also find it frustrating finding items that would be easy to get in any U.S. town. The dogs barking in our subdivision (even though continual barking is against Philippine law!) is very irritating to me, especially when it occurs in the middle of the night!
But the low cost of living for an American paid in dollars is definitely a plus! As for medical care, I hear you. I'm concerned, too. We have four hospitals in Baguio, so accessibility is not the issue. But I question whether it is state-of-the-art. So far I have been healthy here, healthier, in fact, that most of my Filipino family and friends. I have kept my U.S. health insurance so I can return if I have major needs.
My wife and I have considered moving back to the U.S. and visiting the Philippines periodically, rather than vice versa, but that is a difficult decision. I don't know if I can afford two house. And things are so expensive in the U.S.
Thanks again for your insights and comments.
The only problem if you have a heartache you can’t fly or any major sickness. Cancer you can a lot of things you can’t fly back so you need to sort out the best hospital there that can deal with this.
We also have a summer house in a gated subdivision in Baguio. Just like Vlogger Grandpa, we are snowbirds, spending Jan to May in PH and then in the US for the rest of the year. Although we also have a family home in Quezon City, I consider Baguio as the best place for retirement.
I share your pain with the barking dogs in the subdivision. But I found a solution in an app that emits a high-pitch sound that only dogs can hear. They stop barking when they hear it. Well, it works most of the time, anyway.
I think your question whether Baguio General Hospital is state of the art can be easily answered by paying them a visit. According to news reports, BGH received a large infusion of upgrades during the Duterte administration, including an 8-story heart center, a six-story brain center, a kidney center and a lung center, a six-story trauma center. BGH is accredited to perform kidney transplants, catheterization, etc. They also recently received funding to increase bed capacity to 1,500, which will make it the largest government hospital in the entire country. Since these are recent upgrades, I presume their facilities must be state-of-the-art. But It’s only 15-20 minutes away for most residents, so go visit BGH yourself to check out the facilities and their medical staff lineup.
@@92646snake@92646snake Yeah, I think snowbirding is the best solution for someone who can't afford not to give up US healthcare benefits.
Aside native dishes, cool mountain weather, and the beautiful beaches, traffic and pollution is the issue I can't deal with. It's no use in buying a brand new car/sub/van. Also, cost of living in my opinion is on the rise. Gov. bureaucracy is another issue that is difficult to deal with.
Yes, the traffic and congestion in the urban areas is horrible ... and the government bureaucracy is on another level. Be prepared to spend an entire day getting your business taken care of at any government office. Real estate prices and other things are becoming more costly.
Oh i, so understand, i have made few trip back and here, just did, again. But i am just the opposite, i will do 9 months in Philippines and 3 months in USA . Main rhing far me is respect i get here, my three favorite restaurants in USA , have gotten rid of the Senior citizens discount and the retire Military too. Just the are still in .
Greast video again grampa
I think I will also be a Philippines snowbird. 4 months per year.
I enjoy disabled transpo here in LA
The Philippines is a land of contrasts. As you have mentioned each place has its positives and negatives. My biggest reason to come here is the cost of living and having a maid is awesome, a luxury I can never afford in the US except for Molly Maid which back then was $60 an hour. My haircut is 70 pesos, my tip 130, everytime the barber sees me going to the market he says hi plus I get a great service with massage.
Idol vlogger grandpa, in your opinion, what is the specific ideal age to retire to the Phils? (watching from Ohio)
It will depend on your financial capacity. As you are aware, some people can't even afford to retire. If that is not in issue, retire at 62, or at 65 when you will have Medicare coverage unless that, too, is not an issue.
Some workers are good but some are rude regarding customer service in the Philippines. Cost of living is really very low, decent, or reasonable. Ordinary people/employees struggle to earn their needs in a daily basis , very efficient people survive but medical needs to some are not met. Many people or institutions are fond of soliciting funds to those they know are more fortunate person. Thanks sir.
I am comfortable living in the US as an empty nester with my wife. When she passed away, I’ve been fantasizing about living in the Philippines. I have visited the Philippines intermittently during holidays, and I enjoyed my stay as a tourist. In those visits, the value of the dollar, the cost of living, is the main attraction to live there. The negatives: The hot and humid weather, the traffic in Manila, and the poverty around you. The most notable is health care. Of course we will not live forever and if you are
in your 80’s or 90’s, does it matter? Quality of life, of course, is essential. Your topic made me pause to think more about it before making this epic decision in my life. I have the financial resources, but happiness can be hard to find sometimes.
The important thing for me is "happiness". Yes, I will still worry about medical even if I am 90 as long as I still have my health physically and mentally. It is when I lose the quality of life that I will stop worrying about it. 😉
I am living in Cebu Philippines for about 80K per month for two of us. 80K is almost $1,500. My rent is 8K. My WiFi is 1K. My water in 300 pesos. My electric is 2K (I do not have air conditioner), but I pay 2K to park my car, I pay 2 pesos per km to drive my motorcycle and 15 pesos per km to drive my car. I budget 6K per week for food for two of us and about a third of that gets to extended family. Soon, I will have the a13 visa. My wife passed away and I remarried here. Being 72, I do not do that much here. I think there is more freedom in the Philippines flying under the radar than living in the US with its automated government in place. The cost of freedom, that cost to just comfortably live is roughly 45% of what the cost is in the US. The doctors scare me. Lots of needy people here. The legal system is a façade. I am from Arizona. The humidity was a problem when I first got here ten years ago. I like the weather more now. But no one has robbed me or hurt me.
thanks Grandpa
Honor thy father and mother. It has not been hard to support due to the high rate of the dollar and it gives us joy
Give info about internet with DITO…. Please grandpa ❤
Need additional info please
Always appreciate your feedback po. Salamat.
Hello! What kind of health insurance did you use in USA? Did you use united healthcare advantage plus? Looking for your reply because we are considering retiring in the Philippines too soon in 3 year from now (2024).
Salamat po
I would have preferred that, but it is not available in Pennsylvania. We have Humana. And even policies from the same company are not necessarily the same. So, you have to do what is available in your area and be sure to read the plans fine print and not rely solely on their marketing brochure.
I’m more with a Vlogger that tells the truth and straight forward like you Grandpa. Just accept the truth whether positive or negative reviews. It will teach you how to adjust and correct yourself. An example is availability of Garbage 🗑️ can.
Also the cost of living in Canada in 2024 is more expensive in Canada is higher than the USA especially with our carbon taxes and other provincial taxes as well as renting or buying a place to live !
Grandpa , you are right , I like to visit Philippines , but not to stay permanently
3:54 yup I pay 8K for taxes in the US and $85 for a year in the Philippines including my neighbors taxes because it’s not divided yet
In the 🇸🇽the doctors so smart too accessible and takes time to listen to patients not just giving meds not a medicated country most eating fresh foods not processed so not a lot of obese more walking and people resouceful not to have hard life always active thanks God we are bleesed 🙃🇵🇭🇺🇸
Correction blessed
i enjoyed this video because Hubby wants to retire at 62 (in 2 years) and planning to go back to the Philippines. is there a place that you can recommend that's perfect for elderly or retirees?
That is a million dollar question. Questions to ask are: closeness to a hospital facility and quality of medical care (important at our age), mode of transportation, where to live, how to live (hobby and such), etc. It is a personal choice and you have to do a lot of evaluation and, maybe, some experimenting. 😉
It depends where and what you want.. my recommendation, outside of tagatay.. good food, cool climate, close to medical facilities for emergency purposes (St Luke), drivable to manila, ie., US Embassy (1.5 hr) , close to the beaches (2 hrs drive)
Lipa Batangas and Sta Rosa Laguna, closer to Tagaytay and Makati, Alabang Mall
For me theres only one thing that will decide whether retiring in the Phils or not. . . your health status . If dont have a serious disease, staying and retiring for good in the Phils is a good idea.
Is it still safe now that many military age Chinese are now in Tugegarao studying?
So now they're going on student visas? I remember they were going on retirement visas, then the Philippines raised the age for the retirement visa. And in the US, they just cross the border.
We retired here from the USA medical services here is so cheap the co payment in the USA cost more! + Doctors are mostly graduates of the USA!
I had the same affordable experience in the Philippine Province with nurses hovering all over us. You do have to pay in advance before expensive procedures. They are also stingy with toilet paper.
In America the ER had free sandwiches, ice cream and smoothies buffet but the bill after insurance was $$$$
I'm allergic to MSG like your wife, I get headaches and also dizziness. It's a neurotoxin meaning it kills your brain cells and it also causes high blood pressure and diabetes. MSG is able to cross the brain barrier and it makes the brain cells overly excited that they end up dying. I share this with Filipino family and friends but they've refuse to believe me. I was able to eat safely in the Philippines back in 2011 to 2012. I just made sure they didn't use MSG. My favorite restaurants were Mang Inasal, McDonald's, Max's and Krazy Garlik at Greenbelt 5 which closed maybe due to the covid lockdowns.
Our daughter is allergic to MSG so she has to have an epipen with her all the time and when she did eat something with MSG by accident, she had to use the epipen so she'll be able to breath and then we take her to the ER.
The truth will set you free!! I also plan to retire and live there 40% in PI and 60% in the US when I do retire. Yes, there is an advantage to living/working in the US and then going to the PI the cost of living/money does extend farther to US people. But living/working in the US the cost of living (taxes, insurance, property tax, etc.) is proportion to money earned unless you live very minimalist. Not working in the US means you're homeless unless you're retired. Even retired people still need to work to compensate for the SS income due to the cost of living, rent, etc.. So, people who live in the US do not live like king (unless you're a millionaire) as people think from PI or other countries. One of the reasons why we have expats living abroad is to extend the SS income.
Well done grandpa
Medical care is better in the US - that is a fact. St. Luke’s in BGC is probably one of their better hospitals in the Philippines. There have been many years of educated Filipino’s getting the heck out of the Philippines for a better life. If you offered a Filipino the chance of working in the US- what chance are they going to turn it down? Make your money in a 1st World country than go back to the Philippines like Grandpa says. People get all emotional from listening to the truth.
The ones that moved are poor. You're obviously ignorant about that. My friend owns several clinics in Manila. He has five maids and a driver and several properties. Why would he move to the US Dufus.
Most of the people leaving the Philippines are the educated ones-- some might be poor but smart. It is called brain drain of a country. My wife says “you can’t compare the USA 🇺🇸 a 1st world country to a 3rd world country 🇵🇭and think it is the same.”My wife is from the Philippines 🇵🇭 so I do know what I am talking about. Most people going back there to retire can afford real estate, a driver and a maid if they want to because it is cheaper. Average annual salary is USA is $59000 and the average annual salary in the Philippines is $10000 if that?? If someone gets a serious medical surgery one’s family might have to use their families lifetime savings to pay for one’s operation because Phil- Health and the medical insurance over there aren’t going to cover it.
It costs alot to live in the USA -- agreed. I think the Philippines 🇵🇭 has somewhat of a caste system in which if you don’t know the right people than one’s opportunities are limited. In the USA anyone can make it. There are obstacles here also but there are more opportunities to make a good life for oneself even with all the taxes.
@@robocop581 You called me a DUFUS. YOU are the DUFUS. You are always trying to put down the USA. The Philippines has a long way to go to catch up to the USA. It never will--- that is just being truthful. All your comments are trying to put down what people are commenting on which is true to their own experience. You NEVER lived in the USA. I can tell you way you talk. You should talk about the country where you immigrated to and came back from to the Philippines to retire???? Or have you been in the same barangay your whole life.
What health insurance can we avail as a supplement besides Philhealth? Thanks.
In Thailand a lot of expats use Pacific Cross. It's based in Japan and covers medical care in most Asian countries.
Complicated subject. This is why I have a separate vlog on the subject. Please check my channel.
Please can you help me to understand how the SSI like example my mother she never work in the pilipines at all she was living in USA with us and all the sudden she decided to go back to her country and died in her own country. Now mother has passed away from COVID. Is she qualified for pilipines pension.
Please realize that SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is different from Social Security. Here is link regarding this:
hdsa.org/disability-tips/understanding-social-security-benefits-and-living-outside-the-united-states/
Hopefully, this helps.
I don’t particularly like the Philippine cuisine. But I do like its Filipina dish.
😘
At least in Phils we got Seniors discount and nob15% tax on every item you buy unlike in Canada😁
Some people take any criticism of the Philippines as a personal attack.
Yes they do, correct. 👍
Balat sibuyas ang karamihan sa pinoy. Ayaw makarinig ng katotohanang di maganda sa pinas. Wake up pinoy...
Not just the Philippines. A lot of Asians.
some Filipinos take criticism as a personal affront! Too bad.
Can an American citizen get the senior discount for grab in the Philippines
Sorry, it is only available to Filipino Citizens. You have to have that card.
You can get the senior discount if you availed of the retirement visa and got the permanent residency visa.
Not only grab but meals in restaurants, medicines, transportation, hotels and others
Retire in the PH and rent an apartment close to a private hospital in that locality cause private hospitals have better services than govt.then hire a housemaid or caregiver buy a car and hire a driver so that you will not commute a pension of 60-70k mo. Is enough for you to survive.
May I ask how you go about finding guides for your local trips, e.g. Baguio, Bohol, Palawan etc. ?
Thru travel agencies or in hotels. Be careful though. Do nit pay until after the tour. There are scammers out there.