My biggest fear is being arrested for breaking the women and child abuse law a Filipina can use that if you break up with them they can arrest you for emotional abuse or financial abuse and not just the Filipina but her family can press charges my wife threatens me with that all the time
I am 54 years old, from Spain, and will be traveling to Dumaguete in three weeks (september 29). After watching hundreds, maybe more than a thousand videos from Mike and other TH-camrs (Paul, Janet, Vagabond, Awake, etc.), I have decided to take my first steps. I will visit Dumaguete for several days and then tour the rest of the country as a tourist. Later come back for at minimum six months, but that will be more quietly and finally is I like it, for long time. Thanks to the quality of the information you provide (like in this video), you make everything much easier and help us understand all the situations that might happen to those of us who want to retire in Valencia or Dumaguete. I hope I can meet you in a bar or restaurant, but if that's not possible, I just hope you keep making great videos like these. Thanks, guys!
62? After 35 years of employment I retired at 55 with a pension. Landed full time in the Philippines a month before my 56th birthday. Now that is the way to go. Now at 71 tears old I have 3 pensions which give me a comfortable living.
I'm with you My Brothers :) Moved here to Cebu City when I was 67, now more than 2 years under my belt, now 69 and every day I feel like this is a dream I don't want to wake up from :) I'm over here in IT Park and there are a some travelers of course because of the amount of vacation condos, however, only a tiny few permanent expats. You are correct with the misnomer / assumption that there are expats all over the place. I was in Ayala Center all afternoon with my girlfriend and not once did I see anybody ! For me, coming from the San Francisco Bay Area since birth, acclimating and assimilating here in "Shangri - La" was a "Walk in the Park" :) And yes, I do have one complaint, why did God produce the most beautiful people on earth here :):):)
What I see is a couple of guys who have become friends, kicking it and shooting the bull. Both guys have done well in the US and the Phillipines and have met wonderful ladies. Gentlemen, what it comes down to is this. If you weren't happy and successful in the US, then you likely wont be successful and Happy anywhere. Take care Gentlemen, I am going to a Retiree Breakfast this morning.
Hey Paul and Mike. Took my asawa to the states for 40 years. We both said let’s get the hell out of here and came back 4 years ago. We love it here. Bought 1.2 hectares in Tagaytay and built a 3200 sq ft house. Was watching all the bloggers in PI that I could find, still watch all you guys.
Great video. I have some of those thoughts, too, especially about moving money from your home country and medical issues when they arrive. Also, is a laptop necessary? If a person will not be blogging or working, would having just a cellphone and/or a tablet suffice?
I would bring a laptop but if you can do all your business on your phone that is up to you. Question easier to lose a phone than a laptop. What if you lost you phone?
Being CLEAN is an obsession to many here In Their Homes. My wife wears my clothes out by washing them TOO MUCH. I am not complaing, as I appreciate her hard work very much. She also has worn the paint off our painted floor in the kitche, washing and scrubbing it daily! I have never SMELLED A BAD SMELLING FILIPINO, even those who work all day in the sun! HEY GUYS! Brush your teeth, put a mint in your mouth, cut your finger nails and trim the nose and ear hairs. Don't forget to wash your BUTT! The worst smells come from the foriegn visitors. I was at the Immigration office recently and there were hundreds of people there. NO ODERS , Except from the EUROPEANS! YIKES! 😱
I appreciate when you and Paul compare your experience and expertise. Very informative and worthwhile episode. Props to Janet -- running the camera and running to get the notes :) Peace and Love, B Goat
@11:00 I think I have a good solution for the small TV thing. I'm bringing a small portable LED projector that weighs less than my smartphone and about the same size, slightly shorter but thicker. I won't have any problem taking this with me from place to place.
@@mikesphilippineretirement ya but I already own one and it doesn't take up any space really and weighs next to nothing. But for others it'd be a good investment to get one there over a big screen TV they gotta haul around if they plan of traveling from place to place.
My opinion is that a car is needed in the Philippines, specially in the province which will save your life plus comfort when it rains or super humid weather.
A common mistake about average length of life for a given country : it is the one you have at birth. Once you get to 60, and passed all the infant mortality and youth accidents .... the average length is pushed up many years. You can surely google the charts showing "Average length per age". Hope this helps...
A great video, as always. I'm putting off a visit on health grounds, mostly complete exhaustion after a short period of activity. But is there a main hospital in Dumagete?
A great video guys! Many good tips, and although I have had a few setbacks, my 2025 move is still in play. And Dumaguete area is my destination. I live in a very rural area, with a small city, with not much to do, not many restaurants to pick from, so I will be thinking big things compared to where I am from. I have lived near Nashville, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, and even Montreal, and Burlington, Vt, so I know the differences with the big cities and smaller ones too.😊
Regarding interactions with police and such: It has also been my experience that I get treated better. When they see me, I usually smile and wave, they always smile and wave me right through. It does make me a bit self conscious.
I am not a specialist but this is what I do to send money to my Ph girlfriend : I load up my Wise account (online bank in my phone, specialized in multi-currencies and low fee) (instant and very easy with my credit card). Then I send Ph pesos from my Wise to her G cash account (the local E-wallet on her phone). It takes between 3 mn to 10 mn usually. So, for yourself, let's say you have loaded up your Wise account. Upon arrival at the airport in Manila, you go to a G-cash counter. Tell them you want to take out cash money. They will give you their G-cash number and you send from Wise to their G-cash. They will give your money and retain a small fee. I am sure there are many other ways but this is how I travel to Ph knowing that my Wise account is there for me anytime.
At minute 12:00 you and Paul discuss if a single woman would be able to make it there. I have a sister who is seriously considering moving there for retirement. She has no interest in having a relationship just a pleasant retirement. She will be going to Dumaguete for two months in Oct/Nov. I'll be sending this video to her. Thanks!
For me the biggest thing would be the culture shock of seeing the living conditions that many are in. My family seems to have this thought that it’s not safe there and that I would be kidnapped or robbed. I told them it’s just like here in that there are bad areas and you have to be careful not to appear to have a lot of money on you or show you are rich. Good/bad would be I’d be in awe of the lovely Filipinas there and I’d most likely be staring too much and make them feel uncomfortable.
I've heard not to mention when arriving you plan on staying for more than a short trip ,and as long as you have an onward flight your good? Thing is, I'll have a lot of things which will suggest im staying a good while and will be obvious. Also I have say 10+ KG of silver, mainly in one ounce coins which is my life savings if you like, I dont plan on selling , im keeping, they mean a lot to me, not to mention if silver reaches the value it should really be!. ive seen i can get large enough safety deposit boxes from banks in Manila cebu etc... but can i bring them?? will i get them through the airport (both ends) im in UK and would apreciate any advice.
Hey gentlemen great episode. My one question and it's something neither of you addressed is the climate. Do you find it to be oppressively hot? Where did you come from previously? I am currently in Atlanta Georgia but lived in Pensacola florida, both pretty warm and humid places so I'm wondering if this would be a shock to my system in the Philippines. I'm planning on moving there with my family sometime in 2025. Any response from you or any other commenters would be appreciated.
If u can survive the weather in FLA, youll be good to go as far as weather in PH. I live in Houston TX area, & our humidity is to DIE for lol. SE Texas weather will definitely prep me for PH year round!
When we moved to Philippines for retirement I promised myself that we would have the same things in life that we had back home. We bought 2 cars, about 2.8m pesos in total, a new expensive computer, buy best meat we can find (S&R), not cut back on AirCon but with rent it was amounting to about $2,400 a month. Not complaining but that is what we were spending back home, but infrastructure was so poor in Philippines. Brownouts, Internet down for days at a time and that was something I needed, medical issues were not often dealt with properly even at a brand new hospital close to where we lived. I just find that comparing to years ago the changes are too much and the cons are now outweighing the pro's. At the end of the day most of us still have a choice - 'Shall I stay or shall I go, uh huh?" (as the old song goes)
@@mikesphilippineretirement thanks Mike, it would be better all round if spending a few months a year there. I could never adjust to the slow pace of life for living there permanently
Mike my last time in PH i was in Makati with my wife. I forgot my phone in a Grab taxi. We went to the guards thats seen us get dropped off and with in 30 minutes i had my phobe back.... absolustly unbelivable. Wont never happen in canada lol
I don't regret moving here. I just wish there were a few things that I had done differently. I should have saved more in my bank, and sold off everything sooner, instead of trying to get rid of my possessions in a hurry. Otherwise, it's not a bad place to be. Tell Paul congratulations on his milestone, for me, Mike?
Hey Mike and Paul, great vid as always. Im 57, in Canada, my filipino gf is 44. I have been over there 3 times to see her and we are very much in love. I plan to retire in 3 years which by then all her kids will be in college so we can spend winters there, and summers in canada . Whats your thoughts on the SRRV, im cosidering it ?
@@mikesphilippineretirement This is what I found. The commercial banking system includes three U.S. foreign-branch banks: Citibank, which operates six full-service Citibank branches in key locations in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; Bank of America; and JP Morgan Chase.
If you live in fear, don’t come. You can find a woman if you’re in that condition but you must A) Be a good, easy person to live with and B) temper your expectations
My 2 favourite guys , hi to you both, great topics and answers, and I must say you both look younger today , your most relaxed and happy cheers guys , enjoy and stay safe😊
So my fear is it's already too late for the Philippines, why move there and have to move back as prices rise to point that living with quirks is no longer worth it? Happened in Mexico, Belize...Florida.
I am easily influenced by what I see. I bought a camper because I was watching TH-cam videos. Van life seemed like an exciting adventure and carefree living. I did go on a 3-week trip out west but ended up selling that camper because that was the only time I used it.
When you guys were talking about the 60 year old woman and her 25 year old boyfriend it suddenly dawned to me that, from a purely physical perspective, this makes more sense than the other way round. How do I put this without sounding vulgar ...? It is easier for an old woman to open Heaven's Door than for an old man to operate the old battering ram!
I agree but with the impending and existing medical issues I have and the time frame to “take your time” as has been discussed over and over, if it takes 3-4 years to find the right companion, I’ll be in my early 80’s, agree make the decision earlier. Just my two cents worth.
Speaking of budgets . I hear of some complaining about the exchange rate - well, if your budget is so tight that rates changing a few peso's is an issue, you don't belong in the Philippines.
Just wondering about medications over there - Is it possible to go to a pharmacy and get whatever you want without a prescription? I'm guessing there's a lot of over-the-counter meds there, the same as here, but are there things that would require a prescription here, but not there? I'm thinking about Mexico, the things you can get there without a prescription.
I don't mean to sound chauvinistic but I personally think foreign non-western women are much more traditional when compared with American/western women (exceptions Koreans/Japanese), something that older men strive to get. Another words, less maintenance. As long as you provide their basic needs such as physical security, love, economic security, you'll get a 2nd chance in life (marketability/sense of appreciation/love). Many will contest but okay.
the real fear for me is dealing with bureaucracy over visas and licences etc and falling sick requiring extended medical services and caring at home. quite happy to employ a maid or carer to assist in this.
I went to Haiti for over two years when I was 24. In those days, you could not even call to this country yourself, you'd ask for a 'hand connection' and wait up to 2 hours, and pay 12$ per minute. That cured me of any culture shocks for my whole life. These, mostly poor people have better hygiene than what I saw in people in Europe, where I grew up. 😅
I’m turning 70 and want to go. I’m just concerned about being bored with too much time on my hands. I have failed twice at retirement in the US. I feel like I need a sense of purpose to live a longer life.
I know the feeling! I was working 6 days a week with 1 day off, now everyday is a day off. Sometime I don’t even leave my home. I try to make my shopping trips smaller so I have to go more just to get out.
You want a sense of purpose? There is plenty of charity work that can be done.....off the books of course because a foreigner isn't even allowed, under their labor law, to do charity.....but we are and have been doing it for decades. I haven't met a human being yet that would turn someone in for doing charity work ;) Plus, there are over 7000 islands. There is no time to get bored in my experience.
My wife does all the negotiating so skin tax is never a factor for me (us). I never buy from stores/shops that don't have posted prices. And if I still feel the need to purchase an item/s without prices, I make a decision on whether the price is fair for what I'm purchasing
My concern is getting my money from the U.S.. I never used western union before or wired money to me so that's my only issue. I was in Cebu city this past Dec and will visit again this coming Dec to Angeles city. So traveling to the Philippines doesn't scare me at all.
Paul, when it involves TVs as “bigger is better”. No, Sir. Not ego. Simply blindness 😅. I too (when getting started) will use my laptop with a Bluetooth speaker
First time in phili was 2013 and didn't like the relentless huksters and people living in cardboard boxes in manila but then went to El Nido and then camiguin island and started liking it Been going back 10 years Discovered duma 3 years ago Kind of funky but like the golf and olimpic size pool downtown But expats and philipinas are completely insane
Number ONE is SMELL..... I used to go to the Philippines back in the 1980s... Filipina's told me, they could "SMELL" when Americans are nearby.. I asked 'what do Americans smell like' this girl told me.. 'soap' You shower with soap, shampoo, shaving cream even has a soapy smell.... then add to that, deodorant .. so Americans... pretty much smell like a 'soap shop' so many mixed smells of fragrances.. US military has known this for years... Before going into a foreign area of conflict, they would stop using soaps, shampoo, shaving cream... even change their diet to the local country...
Bingo. The Asain girls used to tell me my sweat smelled like "meat." American meat & potatoes boy here. Quickly learned to lay off the red meat before deployment - smelling like "meat" in the jungle just might make you "dead meat!"
Hi guys. Having lived a number of years in southern Florida the weather in the Philippines isn't so concerning. My biggest fears are best places to live, the cost of housing and where to look, getting a cellphone and other services. Also a major concern is banking. I'm collecting social security and currently have direct deposit at my local bank with plans to transfer money as needed to my business PayPal account. I've learned that process can get expensive so if there's a better idea I'd love your input. I think I pretty well understand the visa and immigration part.
Take a trip over for a month, get around, check out some islands. My friend and I are doing just that. To be fair, we were both stationed there back in the 80s, so we know how to get around, what to expect, etc. But we are now traveling to different areas to do just what you are talking about....find a good place to settle for a while. Me personally, I have been back to the PI many times since the 80s and my friend only once last year with me. Even place he went he thought that he could live in....ya gotta be on the ground and get around to check places out in my opinion.
Make sure your bank reimburses ATM fees because you can only pull out about $170 at a time and you won't be able to get a local account until you have been there several months.
@@hnorthcutt There are so many videos about almost all of your questions. As to best place to live that’s a hard one because it depends on what you want, can afford and also are there any things you can give up,or do you absolutely need.
Smell seems to be important to Filipinas. On my first visit over my new girlfriend, unbeknownst to me, had kept one of my shirts. She used to sleep with it because it had my smell on it. On my second visit she gave me the shirt back and then wanted a replacement when I left. That’s the little thing we share on all my visits. Hope to move over full time in 2025
When are you guys going to do a Vlogger of the Clark Hospital. You guys need to use a Dome for the bird Eyes views. It has been 37 years since I've been to the Clark Hospital and I've heard that there is so much Development been done around the Clark Hospital. Please do show us the fully full developments that has been done for all viewers on both of your guy's Vloggers O.K. Most important is the roof as Back in my day we've used to have hot meals and cold snacks on the roof of the Clark Hospital. Back in my day life to live was so very much Different styles to survive in survival mainly for those girls, Those girls struggled--struggling just to earn a few pesos... Cheers for now, Many Thanks..
Mike i am planning to fly over from Sweden early next year, I am only 48 so it is disability money. If found what seems to be a perfect match for me. An educated single mother who works, only 36 so I hope she can continue to work until my pension. My dilemma is of course first trip when I plan to get to know her I only have like 800 USD per month after expenses back home. She knows all this so she is under no illusions I am rich even if I have a lot more than her. So even if I marry her I won't be able to bring her into Sweden cause there is not enough money needed by Swedish immigration to claim I can support her here. I want a family and yeah get that in Sweden when you are 48 and find a good fertile woman who wants a child with you, easy math :) I am not only doing this for the woman, I would have come even if not for her. I have no fancy lifestyle, my apartment is a small nice one but that's it. My disability is affecting my skin so sun and saltwater are the treatments :) It's on the low end economically what you tubers recommend I know, am I daydreaming this?
That really depends on you. Are you going to treat her right, learn to like the food she likes? Yes there is sun and ocean but the sun is really hot here and the beaches are full of rocks just off the shore.
Actually I had no fears about the Philippines until we were hit directly by a fear we should have had. We were hit directly by Typhoon Youlanda--HORRIBLE. Not a fear until it hits you.
My biggest fear is being arrested for breaking the women and child abuse law a Filipina can use that if you break up with them they can arrest you for emotional abuse or financial abuse and not just the Filipina but her family can press charges my wife threatens me with that all the time
That is what you fear? we all have are own fears
@@allenlockett7449 ohh yaaa !
Unfortunately a similar situation happened to a guy I know.🤦🏾♂️
@@mikesphilippineretirement Sounds to me Mike, there's more to the story than we care to know...
If u have money a lawyer can always bail you out. Everything is negotiable.
I am 54 years old, from Spain, and will be traveling to Dumaguete in three weeks (september 29). After watching hundreds, maybe more than a thousand videos from Mike and other TH-camrs (Paul, Janet, Vagabond, Awake, etc.), I have decided to take my first steps. I will visit Dumaguete for several days and then tour the rest of the country as a tourist. Later come back for at minimum six months, but that will be more quietly and finally is I like it, for long time.
Thanks to the quality of the information you provide (like in this video), you make everything much easier and help us understand all the situations that might happen to those of us who want to retire in Valencia or Dumaguete. I hope I can meet you in a bar or restaurant, but if that's not possible, I just hope you keep making great videos like these. Thanks, guys!
have a safe and fun visit to the Philippines
I love Paul...he talks to us guys like we are normal
great guy
What is great about him? Does he have any convictions?
62? After 35 years of employment I retired at 55 with a pension. Landed full time in the Philippines a month before my 56th birthday. Now that is the way to go. Now at 71 tears old I have 3 pensions which give me a comfortable living.
I'm 53 and hope to be retired in the Philippines within one year...
Im 58 & hope to be retired to PH by the "ripe" OLD age of 75!!😮😮😅😂😢
You two make a good team
😯❗️You will live longer than you think 🪦
Retired at 43 living the dream
I love seeing the two of you together. Please continue these joint discussions. Truly great.
we will try
No culture shock. But leaving home in the middle of winter where the temperature is -35C and landing in Manila where it is +35C--now that is SHOCK!
a good shock
Wow from freezer to frying pan!
😂😂😂 yeah, it takes your breath when you step into it first.
Yes tough one to get used to for sure!
It would probably be worse going the other way!🥶🥶🥶
I'm with you My Brothers :)
Moved here to Cebu City when I was 67, now more than 2 years under my belt, now 69 and every day I feel like this is a dream I don't want to wake up from :)
I'm over here in IT Park and there are a some travelers of course because of the amount of vacation condos, however, only a tiny few permanent expats.
You are correct with the misnomer / assumption that there are expats all over the place.
I was in Ayala Center all afternoon with my girlfriend and not once did I see anybody !
For me, coming from the San Francisco Bay Area since birth, acclimating and assimilating here in "Shangri - La" was a "Walk in the Park" :)
And yes, I do have one complaint, why did God produce the most beautiful people on earth here :):):)
Thanks for sharing
You guys rock together you always provide valuable and real life information. Thank you for sharing 👍🏾!
thank you
This was a great video. Like seeing Paul and you together in a video. Lots of good information given. Thank you Janet and Mike...Jim
thanks Jim
Seeing both of you happy and content with your retirement makes me envious.
thank you come and join us!
What I see is a couple of guys who have become friends, kicking it and shooting the bull. Both guys have done well in the US and the Phillipines and have met wonderful ladies. Gentlemen, what it comes down to is this. If you weren't happy and successful in the US, then you likely wont be successful and Happy anywhere. Take care Gentlemen, I am going to a Retiree Breakfast this morning.
Thank you so much for the comment
@@mikesphilippineretirement My Pleasure Mike. You are a good man and I am happy you and Janet found each other. Take care
Thanks guys. I’ll be 62 in about four months. This gives me lots to think about. I have visited there twice and I eventually plan on landing there….
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the good show with good 👍 information 😊
Our pleasure!
Hey Paul and Mike. Took my asawa to the states for 40 years. We both said let’s get the hell out of here and came back 4 years ago. We love it here. Bought 1.2 hectares in Tagaytay and built a 3200 sq ft house. Was watching all the bloggers in PI that I could find, still watch all you guys.
That is awesome!
Always a good video when you got old dog on the channel.. Thanks for all the great information.. ❤
welcome Herb
After 40 days in the Philippines, when i returned home, i noticed how quiet it is.
noise is a very small problem
Great video. I have some of those thoughts, too, especially about moving money from your home country and medical issues when they arrive. Also, is a laptop necessary? If a person will not be blogging or working, would having just a cellphone and/or a tablet suffice?
Thanks for sharing Thomas
I would bring a laptop but if you can do all your business on your phone that is up to you. Question easier to lose a phone than a laptop. What if you lost you phone?
IMO, there are only 3 main things to worry about in life = Health, Money and Safety .
ok thanks for sharing that info
@@mikesphilippineretirement And a fourth: Woman….. as she can greatly affect your “Health, Money and Safety” 🤔
Being CLEAN is an obsession to many here In Their Homes. My wife wears my clothes out by washing them TOO MUCH. I am not complaing, as I appreciate her hard work very much. She also has worn the paint off our painted floor in the kitche, washing and scrubbing it daily! I have never SMELLED A BAD SMELLING FILIPINO, even those who work all day in the sun! HEY GUYS! Brush your teeth, put a mint in your mouth, cut your finger nails and trim the nose and ear hairs. Don't forget to wash your BUTT! The worst smells come from the foriegn visitors. I was at the Immigration office recently and there were hundreds of people there. NO ODERS , Except from the EUROPEANS! YIKES! 😱
I appreciate when you and Paul compare your experience and expertise. Very informative and worthwhile episode. Props to Janet -- running the camera and running to get the notes :) Peace and Love, B Goat
Thanks Billy
@11:00 I think I have a good solution for the small TV thing. I'm bringing a small portable LED projector that weighs less than my smartphone and about the same size, slightly shorter but thicker. I won't have any problem taking this with me from place to place.
you can buy them here.
@@mikesphilippineretirement ya but I already own one and it doesn't take up any space really and weighs next to nothing. But for others it'd be a good investment to get one there over a big screen TV they gotta haul around if they plan of traveling from place to place.
Great discussion from my two favorite vloggers!
thanks Gary
My opinion is that a car is needed in the Philippines, specially in the province which will save your life plus comfort when it rains or super humid weather.
maybe what if the roads are all dirt like many in the province
@@mikesphilippineretirement Than best is a scooter right hahaha 🤣
Nice, informative video, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Paul and Mike you both I trust and enjoy.
Thank you very much but trust and verify
A common mistake about average length of life for a given country : it is the one you have at birth. Once you get to 60, and passed all the infant mortality and youth accidents .... the average length is pushed up many years. You can surely google the charts showing "Average length per age". Hope this helps...
Thanks for sharing
A great video, as always.
I'm putting off a visit on health grounds, mostly complete exhaustion after a short period of activity.
But is there a main hospital in Dumagete?
thank you
A great video guys! Many good tips, and although I have had a few setbacks, my 2025 move is still in play. And Dumaguete area is my destination. I live in a very rural area, with a small city, with not much to do, not many restaurants to pick from, so I will be thinking big things compared to where I am from. I have lived near Nashville, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, and even Montreal, and Burlington, Vt, so I know the differences with the big cities and smaller ones too.😊
hoping your plans work out and see you soon
Regarding interactions with police and such: It has also been my experience that I get treated better. When they see me, I usually smile and wave, they always smile and wave me right through. It does make me a bit self conscious.
Thanks for sharing
Strong interview guys!!😊
thanks
Just another beautiful day in paradise 🥳
yes sir
Mike how do I send myself money from here to the Philippines upon arrival? What are the mechanics of that please.
I use world remit get the app sign up and send money to yourself. you will be the receiver
I am not a specialist but this is what I do to send money to my Ph girlfriend : I load up my Wise account (online bank in my phone, specialized in multi-currencies and low fee) (instant and very easy with my credit card). Then I send Ph pesos from my Wise to her G cash account (the local E-wallet on her phone). It takes between 3 mn to 10 mn usually.
So, for yourself, let's say you have loaded up your Wise account. Upon arrival at the airport in Manila, you go to a G-cash counter. Tell them you want to take out cash money. They will give you their G-cash number and you send from Wise to their G-cash. They will give your money and retain a small fee. I am sure there are many other ways but this is how I travel to Ph knowing that my Wise account is there for me anytime.
At minute 12:00 you and Paul discuss if a single woman would be able to make it there. I have a sister who is seriously considering moving there for retirement. She has no interest in having a relationship just a pleasant retirement. She will be going to Dumaguete for two months in Oct/Nov. I'll be sending this video to her. Thanks!
For me the biggest thing would be the culture shock of seeing the living conditions that many are in. My family seems to have this thought that it’s not safe there and that I would be kidnapped or robbed. I told them it’s just like here in that there are bad areas and you have to be careful not to appear to have a lot of money on you or show you are rich. Good/bad would be I’d be in awe of the lovely Filipinas there and I’d most likely be staring too much and make them feel uncomfortable.
It is safer than the USA for the most part.
much safer
Great informational video
Good video!, Thanks.
thank you
I've heard not to mention when arriving you plan on staying for more than a short trip ,and as long as you have an onward flight your good? Thing is, I'll have a lot of things which will suggest im staying a good while and will be obvious. Also I have say 10+ KG of silver, mainly in one ounce coins which is my life savings if you like, I dont plan on selling , im keeping, they mean a lot to me, not to mention if silver reaches the value it should really be!. ive seen i can get large enough safety deposit boxes from banks in Manila cebu etc... but can i bring them?? will i get them through the airport (both ends) im in UK and would apreciate any advice.
be safe
Hey Mike. Just got through watching y’all on Paul’s channel. You guys are full of information today. Thanks 🙏🏼 great video!
Thanks for Checking out my Channel
I'm not even looking...however, warm weather, ocean, tropics...yeah I would love to visit to check it out...
You should!
1. Getting shot for no reason
2. Health care.
So many more shooting in the US than Here in Asia
@@mikesphilippineretirement I am armed in the US. Big difference.
don't shoot anyone. I feel no fear here
Hey gentlemen great episode. My one question and it's something neither of you addressed is the climate. Do you find it to be oppressively hot? Where did you come from previously? I am currently in Atlanta Georgia but lived in Pensacola florida, both pretty warm and humid places so I'm wondering if this would be a shock to my system in the Philippines. I'm planning on moving there with my family sometime in 2025. Any response from you or any other commenters would be appreciated.
If u can survive the weather in FLA, youll be good to go as far as weather in PH. I live in Houston TX area, & our humidity is to DIE for lol. SE Texas weather will definitely prep me for PH year round!
@@bhinbayoucity5691 thank you.
Yeah Mike, Paul is a big shot now that he broke 100K subs! 😜.
his fee when up
When we moved to Philippines for retirement I promised myself that we would have the same things in life that we had back home.
We bought 2 cars, about 2.8m pesos in total, a new expensive computer, buy best meat we can find (S&R), not cut back on AirCon but with rent it was amounting to about $2,400 a month.
Not complaining but that is what we were spending back home, but infrastructure was so poor in Philippines.
Brownouts, Internet down for days at a time and that was something I needed, medical issues were not often dealt with properly even at a brand new hospital close to where we lived.
I just find that comparing to years ago the changes are too much and the cons are now outweighing the pro's.
At the end of the day most of us still have a choice - 'Shall I stay or shall I go, uh huh?" (as the old song goes)
hope you find happiness
@@mikesphilippineretirement thanks Mike, it would be better all round if spending a few months a year there.
I could never adjust to the slow pace of life for living there permanently
Don't forget never any TP in the public CRs. Worse than dogs, bad roads, and roosters.
Mike my last time in PH i was in Makati with my wife. I forgot my phone in a Grab taxi. We went to the guards thats seen us get dropped off and with in 30 minutes i had my phobe back.... absolustly unbelivable. Wont never happen in canada lol
thanks for sharing. Would be long gone
I don't regret moving here. I just wish there were a few things that I had done differently. I should have saved more in my bank, and sold off everything sooner, instead of trying to get rid of my possessions in a hurry.
Otherwise, it's not a bad place to be.
Tell Paul congratulations on his milestone, for me, Mike?
we will tell him
If I get to retire my idea is just to blend in and just live in peace
as most guys do
Thanks Mike & Paul.
your so welcome
Hey Mike and Paul, great vid as always.
Im 57, in Canada, my filipino gf is 44. I have been over there 3 times to see her and we are very much in love. I plan to retire in 3 years which by then all her kids will be in college so we can spend winters there, and summers in canada .
Whats your thoughts on the SRRV, im cosidering it ?
Srrv is a good way to go Ask Heidi if you have questions HEIDI CAJES- C&G CONSULTING
VISA AND SRRV / 13A INFO
cgconsulting.ph/mike
You mention money transfers, does the Philippines have any US banks or credit unions located in PI ?
not that I know of. Check with your own bank
@@mikesphilippineretirement This is what I found. The commercial banking system includes three U.S. foreign-branch banks: Citibank, which operates six full-service Citibank branches in key locations in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; Bank of America; and JP Morgan Chase.
If you live in fear, don’t come. You can find a woman if you’re in that condition but you must A) Be a good, easy person to live with and B) temper your expectations
thanks for sharing
My 2 favourite guys , hi to you both, great topics and answers, and I must say you both look younger today , your most relaxed and happy cheers guys , enjoy and stay safe😊
Hi Guys thank you again for your support
So my fear is it's already too late for the Philippines, why move there and have to move back as prices rise to point that living with quirks is no longer worth it? Happened in Mexico, Belize...Florida.
I am easily influenced by what I see. I bought a camper because I was watching TH-cam videos. Van life seemed like an exciting adventure and carefree living. I did go on a 3-week trip out west but ended up selling that camper because that was the only time I used it.
Gotta have my coffee too Paul. Love the Arabica fresh brewed.
Fresh Brewed the best for me
Good information
thanks for watching glad it was helpful
When you guys were talking about the 60 year old woman and her 25 year old boyfriend it suddenly dawned to me that, from a purely physical perspective, this makes more sense than the other way round. How do I put this without sounding vulgar ...? It is easier for an old woman to open Heaven's Door than for an old man to operate the old battering ram!
hahaha that was funny
Even if no woman gave you a second look in your home country, over there they’ll go after you.
yes
Well said. I’m 77 and am realizing it’s too late for me to consider retiring in the Philippines
@@ArtHorton Health Reasons?
Never say never!!
I agree but with the impending and existing medical issues I have and the time frame to “take your time” as has been discussed over and over, if it takes 3-4 years to find the right companion, I’ll be in my early 80’s, agree make the decision earlier. Just my two cents worth.
@@ArtHorton I’m 76 and doing just fine here. Lots to make you happy and entertained. It’s not too late if you keep an open mind.
@@larryestep4167 thanks. Will keep that in mind. Very helpful. As I move through this program I will again ask for your guidance.
Speaking of budgets . I hear of some complaining about the exchange rate - well, if your budget is so tight that rates changing a few peso's is an issue, you don't belong in the Philippines.
great point
Just wondering about medications over there - Is it possible to go to a pharmacy and get whatever you want without a prescription? I'm guessing there's a lot of over-the-counter meds there, the same as here, but are there things that would require a prescription here, but not there? I'm thinking about Mexico, the things you can get there without a prescription.
same as in the States
I don't mean to sound chauvinistic but I personally think foreign non-western women are much more traditional when compared with American/western women (exceptions Koreans/Japanese), something that older men strive to get. Another words, less maintenance. As long as you provide their basic needs such as physical security, love, economic security, you'll get a 2nd chance in life (marketability/sense of appreciation/love). Many will contest but okay.
Thanks for sharing
the real fear for me is dealing with bureaucracy over visas and licences etc and falling sick requiring extended medical services and caring at home. quite happy to employ a maid or carer to assist in this.
somethings to think about
I feel as though I'm there and part of the conversation, too.
come join us
I went to Haiti for over two years when I was 24. In those days, you could not even call to this country yourself, you'd ask for a 'hand connection' and wait up to 2 hours, and pay 12$ per minute. That cured me of any culture shocks for my whole life. These, mostly poor people have better hygiene than what I saw in people in Europe, where I grew up. 😅
Thanks for sharing
@mick-berry5331 that's meant to be a tough place
@1:05 I loved the nose touch.
an ant on my face hahaha
Too much worry relax and enjoy what will be will be😮😮
need to be on your toes and eyes wide open and enjoy your life
Im blender blend in when in rome do as the romans do of course u need to be wise to the situation thanka🤣
I’m turning 70 and want to go. I’m just concerned about being bored with too much time on my hands. I have failed twice at retirement in the US. I feel like I need a sense of purpose to live a longer life.
I know the feeling! I was working 6 days a week with 1 day off, now everyday is a day off. Sometime I don’t even leave my home. I try to make my shopping trips smaller so I have to go more just to get out.
You want a sense of purpose? There is plenty of charity work that can be done.....off the books of course because a foreigner isn't even allowed, under their labor law, to do charity.....but we are and have been doing it for decades. I haven't met a human being yet that would turn someone in for doing charity work ;)
Plus, there are over 7000 islands. There is no time to get bored in my experience.
see you two pretty soon !
ok see you
My wife does all the negotiating so skin tax is never a factor for me (us). I never buy from stores/shops that don't have posted prices. And if I still feel the need to purchase an item/s without prices, I make a decision on whether the price is fair for what I'm purchasing
Thanks for sharing
My concern is getting my money from the U.S.. I never used western union before or wired money to me so that's my only issue. I was in Cebu city this past Dec and will visit again this coming Dec to Angeles city. So traveling to the Philippines doesn't scare me at all.
enjoy and safe travels
Paul, when it involves TVs as “bigger is better”. No, Sir. Not ego. Simply blindness 😅.
I too (when getting started) will use my laptop with a Bluetooth speaker
we all seem to be going blind at times
Thanks for the video and the sense of humor...😇🤔
anytime Garry
🇺🇸🇺🇸🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸🤪😜🤪😜 I like when you and Paul get together. Good time... good info
it was fun
The Odd Couple ?? Ha ha ha
NICE naman 😉Stay well 💕
thanks
I love Paul lol he such a funny guy lol he like the old man we wish we all had
Thanks he is funny
First time in phili was 2013 and didn't like the relentless huksters and people living in cardboard boxes in manila but then went to El Nido and then camiguin island and started liking it
Been going back 10 years
Discovered duma 3 years ago
Kind of funky but like the golf and olimpic size pool downtown
But expats and philipinas are completely insane
Soon as western middle-aged women hear they can get a younger Philippino men that can go all night like a buzz saw, they'll come in by the boat loads.
They are all welcome to come
Number ONE is SMELL..... I used to go to the Philippines back in the 1980s... Filipina's told me, they could "SMELL" when Americans are nearby.. I asked 'what do Americans smell like' this girl told me.. 'soap' You shower with soap, shampoo, shaving cream even has a soapy smell.... then add to that, deodorant .. so Americans... pretty much smell like a 'soap shop' so many mixed smells of fragrances.. US military has known this for years... Before going into a foreign area of conflict, they would stop using soaps, shampoo, shaving cream... even change their diet to the local country...
Bingo. The Asain girls used to tell me my sweat smelled like "meat." American meat & potatoes boy here. Quickly learned to lay off the red meat before deployment - smelling like "meat" in the jungle just might make you "dead meat!"
we smell like soap
LOL, that's true, though. Most Filipinos are very particular about smell.
Hi grandpas
hi
@@mikesphilippineretirement go back to bed
I have a heavy day planned and lunch with a few hotties. What are you doing today cutting your moms toe nails
Mike it medical is the only problem I see here in Philippines
many guys worry about that
Hi guys. Having lived a number of years in southern Florida the weather in the Philippines isn't so concerning. My biggest fears are best places to live, the cost of housing and where to look, getting a cellphone and other services. Also a major concern is banking. I'm collecting social security and currently have direct deposit at my local bank with plans to transfer money as needed to my business PayPal account. I've learned that process can get expensive so if there's a better idea I'd love your input. I think I pretty well understand the visa and immigration part.
I transfer the funds to my Philippine bank I have also done cash pick up
Take a trip over for a month, get around, check out some islands.
My friend and I are doing just that. To be fair, we were both stationed there back in the 80s, so we know how to get around, what to expect, etc. But we are now traveling to different areas to do just what you are talking about....find a good place to settle for a while. Me personally, I have been back to the PI many times since the 80s and my friend only once last year with me. Even place he went he thought that he could live in....ya gotta be on the ground and get around to check places out in my opinion.
Make sure your bank reimburses ATM fees because you can only pull out about $170 at a time and you won't be able to get a local account until you have been there several months.
@@hnorthcutt There are so many videos about almost all of your questions. As to best place to live that’s a hard one because it depends on what you want, can afford and also are there any things you can give up,or do you absolutely need.
@Mikeyyyy_L you're so right about there being a multitude of videos and I've seen most of them. I still have a number of unanswered questions though.
Smell seems to be important to Filipinas. On my first visit over my new girlfriend, unbeknownst to me, had kept one of my shirts. She used to sleep with it because it had my smell on it. On my second visit she gave me the shirt back and then wanted a replacement when I left. That’s the little thing we share on all my visits. Hope to move over full time in 2025
HaHa…… are you sure she was not using it for a …… Voodoo Doll 😮
Thanks for sharing
You & Paul make good videos together. I just miss the pretty faces of Janet & Mae.🙂
Mae and Janet need to make one together
Paul is fit n charming
hahaha he will enjoy your comment
Hey Mike what happens to you and Jenny
Janet was busy taking video of Forest Camp
Thanks to my pension,I'll be there at the age of 57.Im 11 months out now
Gentlemen, thanks for all the advice.
you're welcome
Good guys.
it was fun
My atm card works fine anywhere in Asia. Just a Capitol One ATM .
My biggest hold up is money moving. I have a chronic head infection that gives me slow downs some times..
Talk to your banker about it many people travel and move money.
When are you guys going to do a Vlogger of the Clark Hospital. You guys need to use a Dome for the bird Eyes views. It has been 37 years since I've been to the Clark Hospital and I've heard that there is so much Development been done around the Clark Hospital. Please do show us the fully full developments that has been done for all viewers on both of your guy's Vloggers O.K. Most important is the roof as Back in my day we've used to have hot meals and cold snacks on the roof of the Clark Hospital. Back in my day life to live was so very much Different styles to survive in survival mainly for those girls, Those girls struggled--struggling just to earn a few pesos... Cheers for now, Many Thanks..
I do not live near Clark. Different Island
This is EPIC FROM BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!!!!
thanks
Mike i am planning to fly over from Sweden early next year, I am only 48 so it is disability money. If found what seems to be a perfect match for me. An educated single mother who works, only 36 so I hope she can continue to work until my pension.
My dilemma is of course first trip when I plan to get to know her I only have like 800 USD per month after expenses back home. She knows all this so she is under no illusions I am rich even if I have a lot more than her.
So even if I marry her I won't be able to bring her into Sweden cause there is not enough money needed by Swedish immigration to claim I can support her here. I want a family and yeah get that in Sweden when you are 48 and find a good fertile woman who wants a child with you, easy math :)
I am not only doing this for the woman, I would have come even if not for her. I have no fancy lifestyle, my apartment is a small nice one but that's it.
My disability is affecting my skin so sun and saltwater are the treatments :)
It's on the low end economically what you tubers recommend I know, am I daydreaming this?
best of luck safe travels
That really depends on you. Are you going to treat her right, learn to like the food she likes? Yes there is sun and ocean but the sun is really hot here and the beaches are full of rocks just off the shore.
@@dumaguetedreaming Of course i am gonna treat her right friend, i want to settle down live a quiet life.
@@mikesphilippineretirement Thank you Mike
Good topic, I've got another idea on how to some at it and it is in each of your email inboxes.
very long e mail.
I agree with Paul, I was at the SSA office on the day I turned 62, no regrets...SS benefits have increased 800.00 in 11 years.
really 800 a month increase in 11 years?
Good to see you and Paul together.
Thanks Bruce it is always fun
My biggest fear is Kamala Harris......
then you have no fear. no need to fear anyone do not fear Trump or Harris. Just vote
I’m scared of giving up what I worked for here for over 45 years to get, even tho I’m miserable and it doesn’t make me happy. It doesn’t make sense.
Cuddling with a 27 year old - as you fall asleep each night - will trump any excuse you can throw at the dart board.
I would hope you can be happy someplace. alone and rich is not living
Actually I had no fears about the Philippines until we were hit directly by a fear we should have had. We were hit directly by Typhoon Youlanda--HORRIBLE. Not a fear until it hits you.
That was a very bad storm. It was Horrible
Mike how hard would it be to register my harley there?
shipping it to the Philippine not hard at all but getting it here will be very costly. they sell them here in the Philippines
@@mikesphilippineretirement Thany you Mike, I was questioning on registration fees. The Harley is paid for.
my Scooter 155cc cost less than 1k peso a year
My wife says that everyday‘ mmm you smell so good’😅