Why Some Expats Regret Moving to the Philippines
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
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Your videos are in my feed without sound so I don’t click on them anymore.
I only clicked on this one to leave this comment.
When in the Province, think very carefully before driving at night. Gotta experience it to believe it.
I am a Filipina and I can understand all of your statement. My step son was one of the victim of Filipino scammers. Be careful out there
Thanks!
Thank you very much 🙏
Guys, dont blame your failure to adapt or adjust on the country you are moving in. If you have frustrstions, narcissistic and anger issues, YOU CANT SURVIVE HERE.
Dont even try to come. Your negativity will just rub on n us, locals. Deal with it or the doors are wide open.
* This is an valuable advise from a Filipino. I hope this doesnt get deleted.
😂 seems like the truth from what I’ve heard.
I’ve been to Thailand and it took minimal adaptation to love. But I still wasn’t to see the Philippines - despite the “challenges” I’ve heard about.
Great people and some chill may be a hit ✌️
Exactly! You need to have a FUNCTIONAL HEALTHY lifestyle and demeanor. You will not survive ANYWHERE in the world without this. And especialy if you are focused on finding a Filipina girlfriend and possible wife your very life will depend on those healthy relational leadership skills you bring with you.
@@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x Yeah. And I think a lot of vloggers online are not being honest. The least thing the Philippines needs is a bunch of tourists who have unrealistic expectations and gets major culture shock when they arrive here -- then all they do is RANT, COMPLAIN AND BASH THE COUNTRY ONLINE, which shows their immaturity and arrogance.
There is a big difference bet Thailand and the Philippines. Thailand, whose major industry is tourism, gives you all that you want..comfort, convenience, infrastructure, women, d00mies, etc
In the Philippines, its the opposite. You need to adapt, live like a local, integrate with the community, adjust to the culture. There are no shortcuts here. Adapt to way or living or get out. In short, we dont spoil tourists here. This is our country, take it or leave it.
Most important to me. You better be a funny person..
If you are not, don't go to the Philippines.
I'm a joker, like to have fun, even silly kid like.
I fit right in with fun loving not too serious easy going Filipino's.
I can see both sides. Thanks for sharing your opinion. Depends on a lot of variables. Attitude is everything, but it can be hard to shape your own attitude.
Gio you are in a perfect city don’t tell anyone soon it’ll be crowded in there. Traffic will be congested.😃😄😁😆🤣 thanks for sharing
👍🏻 Great Advice Gio. Patience. Contentment. Find a good location.
💯 agreed with your take on this Gio. I wish I would have known what I know now before I relocated. Would it have made a difference? Possibly not, but I would’ve been mentally prepared to adapt much more. The Philippines benefit is that it generally has good women and it’s cheaper to live in than much of the west. But it does come with a hefty side of negatives and disadvantages as well. Must pick your battles.
I had some regrets.
Too much street garbage, trike drivers urinating in public, long pharmacy grocery lines up to one hour wait, ATM lines 30 minutes, ATMs offline or out of cash, ZERO party night life even in makati, BGC and cebu, overpriced housing compared to Thailand and Vietnam, low quality building materials, western restaurants can’t cook steak, street food is all salt sugar fat, smell of garbage burning and broken sewer pipes, gossip, shyness, obesity, WiFi and water outages, overrun with cockroaches even in a clean home, rats in condo stairwells, swimming pools always under maintenance, out of stock items always, street dogs covered in disease. That’s the short list.
I moved on to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand and I can tell you that NOT ONE of those problems mentioned exist in other Asian countries. So I’m happier and more comfortable. With housing being half of PH prices my budget is lower and I’m healthier, I have a huge modern cement home with 16 ft ceiling with mango trees now koi pond, for the same price as I paid for a leaking broken dump in the Philippines.
I won’t even return for a visit. Even BGC is just a designer shopping mall you can walk in 10 minutes. Makati is like 12 empty boring bars with questionable scary street walkers. All of Manila is quiet after 10pm. No nightlife. The Philippines is stuck in the past. Saigon is light years ahead, with healthy food, affordable modern housing, and yes all the girls in these other countries speak English. It’s 2025. Don’t believe the PH propaganda. Be open minded. Visit other Asian countries too and decide for yourself.
Thailand is unstable politically and Vietnam and Cambodia are communist countries.
If you like vibes of 24 hours bars etc…visit Angeles Pampanga?.. 😊
so which oversea country do you recommend now please ?
My EXACT THOUGHTS on the Philippines. Can't stand the gross unhealthy food, and I cannot stand the garbage on every street. Thailand is better in every single category. Hotels and homes are so much better when leaving the Philippines. Everything you said is 100% correct.
Thanks for spending some of your time to advise others. Much appreciated.
Good points 😊 TY Sir
Hello GIO. Thanks for the videos you always provide great information and links not just dating like a lot of the vloggers especially the Filipina vloggers. You need to do an interview or video and tell your side of the story about what happened with you and Maya, she is having multiple interviews and doing videos making you looks like the villain/problem/clown and the vloggers that are interviewing her are agreeing and saying hope you fine someone better that is more emotionally available it. For a future divorcee and a single mother she does not seem in distress she is always smiling and looks so happy on their interviews/videos. Yes its not our business, but she is making you look bad and ruining your reputation also called emotionally unavailable
Wow, thats sick dude. I didnt know she was doing all that Narcisistic crap. She sounds like a typical western woman who is a narcisistic sociopath and so insecure they have to go after every man they have ever been with and convince themselves they are a victim. Actualy sounds just like my ex, lol.
In many ways I think Gio is better off NOT addressing it. Why you ask? Don't give a narcisist the satisfaction or the fodder to continue going after you. They are so insecure they love to beat a dead horse into the ground, resurrect it, and beat it down again, over and over and over, until it no longer looks like a horse, and they will convince themselves they are the victim and not the horse, even when the dead bones are scattered everywhere, lol.
Its really a reflection on their mental BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). By ignoring them they run out of things to say. And those that are MATURE and have HEALTHY functional relational skills will support Gio.
Once you walk out that door, NEVER look back. You have nothing to prove and everything to gain by ignoring her.
Another good one.
I have been to the Philippines 🇵🇭 and drove 🚙 there in Davao. There were not many Stop signs or traffic lights there. Motor Bikes Everywhere driving in and out of traffic making their own way. What an experience my friend.
Hey Gio, love your channel I'm a Kiwi, that moved to Australia when I was 7yo. and now live in the Great plains of the USA. Just sticking with the similar culture here, I thought moving from Oz to the USA would be a piece of cake, even moving to here there is a huge difference in what's on the grocery shelves in regards to brand names etc. but that was twenty years ago and now I've learned a lot of things and found that you can assimulate over time, but the USA girls are just the same as all western countries I've visited., too demanding and not really wanting to meet you a 1/4 of the way when it comes to resolving problems.
I'm feeling it's time to try something new, but at 60 not interested in young girls under 30yo.... so I'm selling everything I know should be able to have an exceptional life. and explore and if I run into anicw Filipina that's a bonus. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL MAN HOEFULLY WE CAN CATCH UP SOON.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
If of age, apply for Social Security and start receiving money in USA before moving to PI. There is significant slow down if you apply from PI. Instead of 1 month, it takes 5 to 12 months to start getting your money.
Exactly, great advice! Get you r retirement life in order LONG before you travel overseas anywhere. Get you HEALTH in order as well. Loose that damn American diet weight, exercise and get back into shape BEFORE coming to the Philippines or anywhere in Asia. Yu will ENJOY it so much better and not have to worry about popping pills and barely being able to walk down the street. You want to be able to explore and have fun with the time you have left in this world.
And expect a deduction to your benefits for pay medicare part d
Thanks Neil.
I appreciate your honesty Gio.
I live in the Dumaguete area and it sucks for a multitude of reasons. I'm only here because of my wife and her family.
Hey Bro how long ya been here and did ya meet her here? I live in Valencia ALONE for a reason and while i date not sure i would pull the trigger as after a year or two you see too much.. The odds are against you even IF you Think you found the unicorn as some reel you in and reveal their "Truth or intentions later" in the long game.. Right, Gio.. oops shouldn't spill any tea there as he went against his own advice HMmm
Great to hear you are from Bacolod. My future wife is from there. We have been going back and forth between our two countries, but she'll be moving to the states later this year. She is already a registered nurse here. I'm headed back over in April to help with the move.
Hi Gio you gave very wise valuable information about the Philippines thanks !
There is not “one Philippines”. Here in BGC, you cannot rent an upscale condo without agreeing to a two-month deposit, and two-months advance. In fact, I had to haggle to not pay the entire year up front!
Which is precisely why most ex-pats do dont choose to live permanently in BGC. Its wildly OVERPROCED with the average condo around $1,700-$2,000 USD per month. Just to show you how overpriced BGC is compared to the USA, I am paying $1,300/month for my condo in Florida right now. My Internet is $19.99/month for 500mb on Fiber, and in BGC I believe you pay $35-$55 per month for 100mb if that.
BGC isn't the real Philippines , might as well stay home if you want to live like that.
Pros and cons to every place. People and their preferences are different, and can even change over time. Good info. Cheers.
Damm!! Gio good job I’ve been following you for a long time and this video was so spot on you told it just like it is and everyone out there That’s reading Gio’s comments just know he’s spot on. I just returned from my second trip within 12months I spent one month there each time just returned January 28, 2025 from second trip so his information is not dated info, the Philippines is not for everyone my only issue was health care and food so as soon as I can figure that out I will strongly consider the move but remember guys pack your patience and you’ll be fine also get your health in order and have your medication set up in order too, just plan even seek a consultation with Gio or some other expat that has significant time there. If you have no health issues you’re ahead of the game in my humble opinion.
Gioooo, I ESCAPED THE MATRIX ! I love it here in Makati people are overly friendly. Thanks for the info
That's great to hear.
Always good advice
I live in ormoc tge last year with my filipino woman.
We build a house here about 30 mins out of the city .
It does take time to adjust.
They say the Philippines is the 2nd most expensive country in SE Asia after Singapore. It is not longer a bargain place to live.
Agree what you have said Geo, am filipina. The best thing to do, take a vacation and study and feel if Philippines way of living is for you, take your time, don't be carried away with women in the 1st place.
Just be humble philippines is peaceful 🎉
Living in the Philippines is hard like any other country. Its depends the situation you have or what lifestyle you choose. Spend your money nice and wise. Thanks and have a good day.
Honestly Gio in retrospect is it for you? Will you start teaching again? You are a fine communicator. Cheers
No, I won't teach again.
Wow😮
Just bought our tickets. 3 of us. We will be in Bacolod on June. Hope to meet you. It would be an honor.
beginning of June I will be in the USA , when in June will you be here?
@@GiointhePhilippineswhat State in the USA?
Definitely don't recommend selling everything and moving out here blind like some TH-camr's did. I've been bouncing back and forth from Hawaii for the past 5 years and yet to find the city to settle down in, but I've committed to get my SRRVisa this year. With all the nuances, the people here keep me young.
This budget thing and staying or not is always been about preference and what you can or cant live without. People don't do enough research and plan/hope to do a one and done thing it works for a few and others not. Its okay to move on that's part of the journey find what you want or can afford nothing wrong with it, hopefully planned for and not because of mistake after mistake. Be mobile, stick to a realistic budget, adjust to the unknowns, take your time, and most of all your number 1 in all this take care of that first.
Good points Gio... I will also mention this 4-5 year crisis. Many expats leaves Asia after 4-5 years. Including me, from Indonesia. Got tired of all visa things and had a restaurant open 24/7 in Kuta, Bali. 16 employes. Theres loss. I have been visiting Luzon the last 12 years. Have a house there so that will be my retire place... in 2 years.
congrats on 70k subs Gio.
Thank you!
Thank for the realistic guidance. It's much better knowing what you are really signing up for. The Philippines does have its pluses but it is a developing country and you are always going to be a foreigner no matter how long you live there. If you can make some adjustments it may workout well.
Gio, maybe you can do a Bacolod series on how to get things done there. You have some videos of the topic but they're scattered or included in other videos and not a topic by itself. For example, how to get your grocery shopping done there. What are the places you can shop for food (local wet markets, supermarkets, warehouse stores)? Where are the places (show in google maps)? Why do you shop for particular food there (cheaper, fresher, quality or hygienic, western food availability, etc.)? How to get there and transport your grocery (tricycle, old style jeepney, a/c minibuses, grab, your own transportation, etc.)? Cost of transportation? Another example, how to get healthcare. What are the names and where are the hospitals located (again show maps)? How do you choose your doctor or doctors depending on the care you need? How is the care and how are the facilities? Another example is how to get around Bacolod and surrounding area. What kind of transportation is available? Where are the ferries and airport? Does it have a ferry port or airport? Where do they go? What do they generally cost? Do you need your own personal transportation? Advantages or disadvantages? Another example is how to take care of visas or other government documents? Where are the agencies located (again show the map location)? Another example is how to look for places to stay (maybe limit it to condos for long term and hotels for short term). Where are the location of the condos? What do the units look like? What amenities are available (not just pools, gyms, etc. but also the utilities, backup generators, internet, security, etc.)? Another topic is how to entertain yourself or what activities are there to do. What are the restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs (show their names and locations on map)? What kind of food or drinks do they serve (and are they any good or at least it's something you personally like)? Where are the parks? Where can you jog or swim or walk? Are there libraries or bookstore? There's a whole lot of things you can cover from simple to complicated. Some information you can acquire from the internet, from other expats, from locals, from your own legwork. It depends on you on how much time and energy you want to devote to cover a topic. How to take care of your laundry should be an uncomplicated topic. Maybe your condo unit has a laundry or the condo building has a laundry mat. Maybe there's a laundry shop nearby. How to get internet is another topic. What are the companies that provide internet service there? What are their speed and their cost? Is Starlink available? What is their area of coverage (does it only go to a certain distance from the city center)? Is it a different company outside the city and nearby town? How do you pay for the service? Etc.
Those are great ideas, thank you.
Ares, thanks for taking the time to specifically request a lot of info on Bacolod that is not easy to obtain from outside. There is a need for good, specific info out here. I'm sure you took note Gio. Sincere good wishes for you in a new city which is currently uncharted for the most part.
If expats choose Iloilo, there will be no any regrets. Iloilo is vibrant and very convenient
Over the 12 years I’ve been here the biggest problem I see amongst the Expat community is ultimately the ones that eventually go back home are the ones that came here without a large enough savings they had enough coming in every month to live usually around 2000 is the average but the problem is once you become around 70 years old you’re pretty much have to self ensure your health insurance because premiums for health insurance at that age are pretty damn high and usually as you get through your 70s and maybe make it into your 80s all those hospital cost get pretty high over here and eventually at a certain age. You just have to go back home because you run out of money to pay for your medical expenses. No one knows when they’re going to die and if you live to be 80 or 90 there’s a lot of accumulation in medical expenses at that age and that’s what I find over here is that once you get too old this place becomes unfordable if you didn’t come over with a really big giant savings account because at least back in the United States for example you have Medicaid part a and B if you didn’t drop it and that takes care of 100% of your medical bills over here it’s all cash so a lot of guys have no choice but to get back on that plane and head back to the home country
Hey Geo, this is Billy from Southern California. I plan on leaving this hell hole the middle of this year. Gonna give Mactan Island a try and see how long it takes me to acclimate and go from there. I enjoy your videos, thanks.
Mactan is a beautiful place, enjoy it!
Be careful, Sir. I have a friend who left the US in 2022. He said the US was a hellhole and the worst place in the world to live. After 3 years in Phils, he says he can hardly wait to get back in the US. Ironic, his dream was moving to Phils., now his dream is getting back to the US.
@@inclover780 Just going for traveling SE Asia for who knows how long.
Spent a month in the Philippines 11/23. Had a wonderful time in 7 cities/towns. If moving, I would have to rely on the variety of public transportation. I’ve never had a motorcycle, and late life lessons on them did not go well. That is my main consideration if retiring there.
Its a valid point aht many ex-pats overlook. Do they really want to be traveling around on a scooter at 65-70 years old? Is that a good time to start learning? Or, is it better to buy a car? Or just forget transportation all together and either walk or take a bus or trike? Getting around is a choice and one you must think about if you want to get around and visit places or go to the grocery store for example.
@@MichaelBuckI learned to be flexible. In my travels I used an overnight ferry, a 2 hour ferry, large buses, vans, jeepneys, motor trike cabbies, bicycle trike cabbies, Grab taxi, and a lot of walking.
Hi Gio, I wanted to ask is if Amazon prime is good to keep while over there? Any advantages?
Amazon prime doesn't get you free shipping here, you get free shipping over $49 regardless. Prime does get you the movies and music though but you will need to use a VPN.
@@GiointhePhilippines thank you for the response
Nice cap Gio... Do you have the link where can I buy one? I'm struggling with the cap 🧢 size in Asia.... Is too small for me. Congratulations your channel is the best one
My major regret moving to the Philippines is the heat and humidity. The first time I came was in the month of December and had no problems with the weather at all. I thought that there was one season here. I am 76, I have no heart problems and no diabetes. Everyday I have to stay in the house in our aircon bedroom, I have been here almost 3 years, my muscles and joints are weak from lack of execise. There are no aircon gyms where I live, the thing that keeps me going is my Filipina wife, she has all the good qualities attributed to Filipina's
The heat and humidity is my concern as well. I am considering Baguio.
You need to make some changes my friend. You are not going to live very long with no exercise. It is very important as we get older.
If you can survive on the mainland, you can easily live in the pi .
If you have a pension and social security, you can live like a rockstar 😎
Hi Gio👋 that's the Philippines, whether you like it or not. Thanks for the vlog, luv the apple green shirt 🍏👍🥰
Luv the Philippines my birth counry, but mainly for holiday now.
Geo, you say they arent in any rush to do something on time. How do they feel about you paying rent late?
Lol! There are actually landlord that are good like what i had before. Really depends how your relationship with your landlord.
except that lol
😂😂😂😂😂
is it the condo you live in that has the generator or is it you that has it Gio ?
The condo
@@GiointhePhilippines TY Gio :P
Gio
U have good utube channel
Godbless
I lived in IloIlo for a year as a consultant for a US company, and though I really enjoyed the Philippines, a few things that bothered me, that I don't believe were mentioned, were the following:
Pollution- both noise and physical. Some people can get used to the chickens, motorbikes, and dogs, but for me it was draining. Also draining was the way people just tossed trash onto the side of the road. You would be walking in beautiful places and look to your right and see garbage pushed to the greenery.
Dengue Fever- definitely a potential threat every year.
Earthquakes- I was in 4 in 1 year. One was to the point the building had to be evacuated.
Blackouts- not fun, especially when you are working.
Snakes- way too many Cobras in certain areas (I traveled all over)
Hawkers in the tourist spots and the malls. Boracay has tamed it from what I understand, but it was bad.
Anyway, just a few things I thought I'd mention. Any plans on starting a Rumble channel? There's a need there for good content.
Blame your budget. You're obviously low income living in a low income area
I've always said that you have to get your boots on the ground and do your recon missions. Do your research on the customs and culture as well as the legal system and how it operates. Many people get to the philippines, and it's not what they expected after the honeymoon is over . If you have an issue like alcoholism then you will probably drink yourself into a box . Many bloggers paint a picture of rose colored glasses and that women will be falling all over you, which is just not the case . You need to live in reality and understand that it will take time to acclimate to the philippines in so many ways and you will need to be very flexible on just about everything. Gio has been in the philippines for a long time and has been around people who have been in the country longer than him so he can give you common sense information. Listen and learn before you make the best or worst decision of your life.
I've always lived in condos. Except for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I rented a lovely Villa. Theft is unheard of in Saudi.
Hi Gio, could you suggest condos that have a generator working the way you describe in the video? I am interested in Dumaguete, Bacolod and IloIlo. I need the wifi and AC still work even during a brownout. Thanks a lot
Gio, you’re the first blogger I followed on this topic , I’ve visited plenty of times , still in the exit stages of leaving the states , with my sites on Cebu , when it comes to condos, having power when the power goes out is an important factor for renting? Plus you’ve said that one of your condo managers allowed you to pay using wise, is that the same situation with your new condo ? Because I would like to see if I can also pay that way as well, saves on the trouble of going to an ATM and getting out cash every month, my opinion about the tightening of the visas, it may be that a lot of expats are winding up homeless and I heard another blogger that lives in BGC say, they asked for his banking information, to see how much he has and the sources of his income. Maybe since the POGOS thing has happened, they might relax the restrictions due to rental income will impact the Philippines economy and may want more foreigners to stay and rent units .
What are some good websites to use for contacting Expats in the area to live in or looking at living in?
Just FB
HI GIO , You give us an HONEST view of life there , some may say , as you did, thats your view point , but reality is reality.
I also think that a few bad FILIPINAS , meaning scammers etc , should not be taken as ALL FILIPINAS.
As you may know , I am ITALIAN , yet AMERICAN BORN , both my parents came from ITALY . I have lived in ITALY , back when it was considered a THIRD TYPE COUNTRY , thus I see things there in the PHILS. EXACTLY like italy , MINUS the scammers.
TY GIO for sharing your life , BTW , I don t watch ANY female VLOGGERS.
GOD BLESS CIAO
P.S. I DO WATCH 2 FEMALES BOTH MARRIED TO EXPATS
I got the travel bags. They are great.
My SS is $1350/month - I try to live on that budget - and have done it a few times - but I end up supplementing around $200/month from savings. With inflation - I really think that $1,500 is the minimum cut off. I know - because I live on the line.
Be careful -- Elon Musk might be coming for your SS benefits. Better have a 3rd option.
People just need to visit the Philippines more than a few times, and maybe not live like a Western, but like very simple things. Going there on vacation is different than actually living in the Philippine life. Do your research, which takes more than one vacation trip.
So my question is this; If someone shouldn't move to the Phillipines with a monthly budget of $1,500 US then where can they live in the world on that? I mean if that's all you got and you have to live somewhere right?
@jayarthur
Half of the world lives under 1500 US a month without freaking out , only entitled white Americans have neurotic fits at having less then 2k a month.
I am living in Europe right now own my small flat all of my expenses for January was 250 US : utilities , food insurance.
Sure I also can live in 1500 but why??
I've always heard when you come here to bring a lot of patience but if you leave room in line a women may move there or the other day she sets a large item at the register and then goes shopping? Like wow!🙃
Another helpful video Gio…
You could put out a video covering this topic once a week, and once a month (or more), you’ll have someone who sent their entire retirement nest egg to some Filipina they never met in person 😳
As for me, I know I’m looking at my retirement next year, and my first long term trip to the Philippines, through rose colored glasses. But I I’m going into relocating to the Philippines with my eyes open. I know it will be a bit different than my vacation trips there, where I’m trying to squeeze as much out of each day. But that’s also part of what’s appealing to me. A trip to the gym in the morning, a trip to the market in the afternoon, relaxing around the house in the late afternoon, and watching Amazon or Netflix at night…
I don’t need to skydive naked, with my hair on fire 🪂 in order to have a great day!
Salamat…
HAHA I live here and have seen so many guys give it to their girl as her expectations rise and his bank account (finite thing) goes down all for some Hoochie pretty thing (Remember she is NOT Yours, it is just Your turn)
Hi gio I had great experience opening Bank account here with rcbc. Same day I was allowed to withdraw a large six figure amount no problem
That’s awesome. I’m glad you’ve had such a positive experience!
Hi sir. It’s a cash withdrawal over the counter??? Not with ATM withdrawal? Am I correct? Cos as far as I know all Philippines bank if you’re first time to open a bank account. You will wait for 3weeks to get the ATM and they will allow you to withdraw a cash at the same day, over the counter.
Gio did you watch the chinese new yr parade in lacson street?
No, unfortunately not.
3 years in. No regrets. Monthly budget is one thing but I prefer to make a Visa run every 5 months to avoid the exit clearance.
Go to Taipei, Hong Kong, Cambodia etc. I could live on $1500 a month but that would not include " trips " outside of the Philippine's.
I do the same
YUP I still keep a Business and house in USA so now I visit there like i used to visit here and also reinforces WHY i came here.. I look at it as a Super LONG Vacation here. haha and my budget is much lower then income as i personally think $2k to $2500 is sweet spot but have extra for fun, trips and emergencies as I like keeping the funds coming in as I really only spend $2k peso a day
It is definitely not for everyone. I've been here 3 years and even got married, When someone asks if I like it here, somedays yes, some no, but speaking of a limited budget I can juggle that easier here than in the states.
Great information Gio
Appreciate it!
Only thing i dont like is selfish neighbours.I live on a sub division and the neighbours dogs barking most of the day and night is unberable.
Sounds like another good reason to go with the Condo choice like Gio and avoid all the roosters, dogs and karaoke. Neighbor issues are a problem no matter were you live in the world, so always check with neighbors before moving in someplace, get a feel for the area before making any commitment. Like, take a walk around the place at different hours of the day and evening and watch and listen. I still think a Condo is way easier, no hassles, no worries.
Having a gripe about certain things is normal living here in the Philippines, it can frustrate the hell out of you for sure, but I don’t understand those that diss the country because it doesn’t suit them. I’ll bet that some places in your own country are places that you couldn’t live, but does it follow that the whole country is unlivable? No, of course not….so try another city u til you get a good feel for a place….just remember that wherever you go - you take yourself with you and you may find out that the problem is not the place - it is you.
I came here four times before moving here and I made it my goal to gauge if I could live here on that fourth visit. I remember returning home knowing that I would move there.
I’m sure folks can live on 1k per month….IF THEY DID NOT HAVE TO PAY RENT! I had no intention of paying rent for the rest of my life and as my wife had a house(needed complete renovation) I decided to spend money to get the house how we wanted it…not just for then, but for the future. It means right now that I don’t pay rent and my pensions go a long way. If you do have to rent, ensure that your income is sufficient to live in a modest way at the very least. Meaning that you can pay your bills, run a car, eat reasonably well and have some for other things like doctors or a once in a while trip away.
Unless your income is big enough, I would not consider coming here to rent - there are very cheap rented accommodation, but you might not like what you get for your money.
It is a big move coming here and you need to check everything out because no doubt about it - there are challenges - it’s a different life to back home and you absolutely need to adapt to some degree…if you can’t, then the Philippines is not for you.
And if you think the US Embassy is full of Americans working in the various agencies ( i.e., social security, passports, ect.), it's not. You will go through the same slow bureaucracy as anywhere else in the Philippines. You only need to learn one word here, and it's PATIENCE. 😂
Sharing income brackets in Philippine households
Lower middle class: PHP 21,194-PHP 43,828 per month
Middle class: PHP 43,828-PHP 76,669 per month
Upper middle class: PHP 76,669-PHP 131,484 per month
High-income (but not rich) class: PHP 131,484-PHP 219,140 per month
Rich: PHP 219,140 and up per
I have a Filipina friend who is a elementary school teacher 3rd grade in a public school in Mindanao.. her earnings is 31,000 PHL pesos per month.. = $533.20 US Dollars.. before deductions.. she would be lower middle class.. I think what kinds of jobs is there in the Philippines that pays, middle class, upper middle class, high income, Rich wages.. ??
Maybe those in managerial and supervisory level..doctors , engineers ,architects ..business owners and politicians of course..@@Rick421
I would like to ask, if maximum period of 36 months which l am allowed to extend my tourist visa expired, can l switch it on spouse visa and continue my staying at the Phillippines without getting back to my country? If someone be so kind and give me this information ? Thanks in advance!
You look like you are losing weight Gio. You are too blessed to be stressed. Find great funny filipino friends. They will be your friends for life. Thnx for another great video
Eating better and working out a lot.
no more marriage stress 😀
And that's why Will Travelz TH-cam channel took his girlfriend out of the Philippines and since the Philippines is part of the ASEAN nation he was able to move her to Vietnam with him. Second life travels TH-cam channel took his Thai wife out of Thailand and moved her to Cambodia with him.
I saw both there videos as well and this seems to be a trend that many ex-pats are starting to adopt. My understanding is Thai girls really DO NOT like older retired ex-pats and will ignore you everywhere you go. Sure, there are exceptions, but not many to choose from. Many feel Filipina women are way easier to get and they love older ex-pats. Makes a whole lot of sense to find one there and then move to Denang, Vietnam and live the best life you can. Still, it concerns me about language as Vietnamese is a rough language to learn.
Thailand is 10000% better!
The Philippines is not for everybody. That’s the same thing for any country.
3:27 noooooo, not the German style sandals, please hell no 😱😂you're Italian, how could you do this, Gio 😭😆
I only wear those are the balcony. Otherwise I wear my Merrell shoes.
@@GiointhePhilippines thank God! 😄
Your videos have always been very insightful and informative. Thanks Gio.
Thanks! Glad you find the content helpful.
As I compare Philippines with Australia the only thing is worth visiting the Philippines for me is filipinas and cheap rent,thats about it. The place lacks cheap western food supply,lack of sports to watch in a stadium like cricket, football or AFL. Also missing health care comparable to Australia. A good pie.Laws which favour us at-home like owning land. Even if i buy a car in Cebu the roads are super congested so no enjoyment in driving like in Australia. Just few examples.
Sounds like you haven’t been to Nuvali, Makati and Tagaytay. If you want some dump in the province to live cheaply, you will be disappointed. The Philippines offers great Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Filipino cuisines and many good communities to live.
so stay in Australia,
@@Gregory-Masovutch Cheap means cheaper than Australia not province life. I prefer Mactan Newtown. I like to cook for myself for convenience not monetary reasons.
Philippines is okay to visit ,but I rather stay in Australia beautiful scenery and no drama .i’d say Philippines is not for everyone .if you don’t like hassle and noisy
And that's why Will Travelz TH-cam channel took his girlfriend out of the Philippines and since the Philippines is part of the ASEAN nation he was able to move her to Vietnam with him. Second life travels TH-cam channel took his Thai wife out of Thailand and moved her to Cambodia with him.
Multiple channels have already squeezed everything out of this issue.
Its a good point. But all to often people FORGET what they have learned and need to be reminded. Also, there are hundreds of NEW Ex-pats every day looking for info and many have not seen the previous videos you mentioned. I have been watching these types of videos for 5 years now and preparing myself for the day I make the move. Until then its good to be reminded and reinforce this mindset. Its NEVER to late to help others out no matter how many times you have heard this.
Exactly there’s new people thinking about going to the Philippines every day. He can repeat the same conversation in four months and still be interesting.
You have to try and understand, accept or embrace the culture if you want to last in the Philipines. My american husband and I love to visit, but we can only stay for so long before it gets too much lol. We are too used to the American way of life
Absolutely how I feel, after 3-4 months I’m ready to leave. Yes the USA has problems but the Philippines is lacking in infrastructure, too much red tape to get a simple thing done. Condos are not well maintained, western foods are expensive and I’ll each Filipino food but after awhile it is too much.
The Philippines is what you make it and your Expectations and I came several times over 3 years before moving here and it also has Allot to do with Where you choose to live. i live in dumaguete where Gio used to live and outsie the city where i have adjusted adapted and accepted that they have a different culture as MOST vloggers never tell the truth and Gio is telling the truth near end of video. I have no problems and LOVE Filipino food and make my own and big thing is at night i eat the Fuits and veggies to compensate. The typical budget is $2k usd to $2500 as a good minimum. Best to assimilate as he is right it one of the reasons i chose an area with lots of expats as in struggles there are always a guy to talk to and get our western understanding as some have been here for decades and are willing to share the info and help each other. I agree as my best friend from states is now retiring here and I feel he will have a harder time then myself as a single guy who chose this verses him married to a Filipina..
Every expat will have there own thoughts, own ideas and life style..
There is know one answer.
Do your best as a individual, where ever you decide to live, retire...
great explanation multu beni bella ITALIA ok have been on various comparison expenses plus social advantages disadvanteges tables of the s.east asian areas!!!!!!! the Philippines rates as less economic than the others plus girls in other south east areas are more amenable less financially grabbing minded visa procedure in some aspects less burocratic
Im coming.
😎👍🇺🇲
Personally.
I would never plan on being anywhere permanently.
I like the idea of traveling light and being able to pack up in an hour and moving on.
Even if it's living out of hotels most of the time.
If I don't like the area, move on.
I also like the idea of seeing the rest of southeast Asia.
I think the Phils is a good place to get the feet wet and learn how to travel efficiently.
Get acclimated to new and unusual situations, weather, foods and so on.
Just random thoughts😁
Angeles City traffic is very bad also
Well Spoken I Cover a Lot of Things people Need to No
I love it here. Laid back cheap living. Better then America because of cost of living
Yup 😊
If you're going live a good life in the you need 2-3 k a month, don't let the guys say they live on $500 a month is not telling the truth.
Also, alwasy have at a minimum 50-75K in savings, preferable 100-150K USD in savings is best. $1000 per month is realistic but its better done on $1500/month fairly well. The issue is LIFESTYLE. If you dont drink and smoke and dont have alot of health issues and are relatively healthy and of sound mind, and no girlfriend or wife, you can enjoy yourself on $1,500/month easy. Single bedroom Condos in Cebu go for $400-$800 USD, and that includes water, electric, cable, pools, and indoor gyms.
Food is also flexible depending on your diet choices. Average food budget for one person is around $250-$350/month and thats when going to the westernized grocery stores and getting items you are used to in the West. That totals around $1,150/month on the high side and $650/month on the low side. It really comes done to LIFESTYLE choices and what you are willing to compromise on or not. Gio has a similar budget in Bacolod and he is doing just fine.
Having 2k-3K budgeted per month just means you have some leeway and a backup, You DONT have to spend that much to feel comfortable. Only the RICH live in BGC and spend $1700-$2000 per month for a Condo and all the above mentioned amenities. Most ex-pats really dont NEED that lifestyle and will be belter off in Bacolod, Iloilo or Cebu.
I'm ok leaving my home country behind. Too much craziness going on there. Now, it is assuming no major health issues that is, if that happens I'd probably go back, if possible.
Before I left for SE Asia I watched some of the YT:ers and, of course, only a fraction of all that great stuff that would happen when you got here actually plays out, at least for me. So many of the vlogs are a bit exaggerated in my opinion, in both directions, but it is what it is.
Now I like the Ph. more than Thailand, ppl reach out, not that you'll be bff, but it's still nice since it happens on a regular basis.
If I'll have it my way I'll get some land up in the mountains where it's cooler and build a simple house there. Not Filipino style really, but not some expensive "western transplant" either, a simple but liveable house. In wood, wouldn't that be great (not bamboo though 😊).
One thing that has surprised me since I got here is how little I care for beaches, swimming, or, for that matter cultural sites. Now the latter, not a big issue in the Ph., but just the idea to go around in the heat watching some Buddhist temple say in Thailand, not my thing really. I'm not much into girl bars either, particularly not in Thailand, but I'll take that before a Buddhist temple anyday.
So, I guess I'll see what happens, maybe I'll stumble on to some land that suits me in the Ph. or maybe I'll check out some other Asian countries. Language is a way bigger problem in mainland Asia, but the food on the other hand, man, sometimes you miss good food on the islands 😅
No regrets moving to the Philippines, I only regret moving back to the USA. 🇺🇸 Can’t wait to be back in the Philippines
Why did you move back to the USA?
Gio, did you say inexpensive and friendly people? Yeah, that would be one way to set yourself up for disappointment. As for being pressed up against strangers, okay if Miss Philippines.
Is $3,000 really enough? If you are living with a partner /family I would think $3000 isnt going to cut it. Thoughts??
..
$3000 in my opinion is plenty but everyone is different.
Based on several TH-camrs videos I've calculated $2000-2200 will be a good number to start with. I'm going to put up about $3000 a month as a cushion..
I might kind of miss live sports 🏈 hockey
Most if what u say is valuable or true for the average newbies but you had way more problems your first 7 years than I did in 4 other countries; Japan Thailand Vietnam KSA. I hire local professionals and have no problems.
Bad philipina relationships cost me dearly, I stayed in Philippines 6 months and traveled around to see where I like to live, I stopped with relationships, and focused on me, then I returned to America to regroup, and to think about what's best for me, now I'm coming back in march and will try again, it's just too expensive for me to live in America
❤
Correct, ATM card is 3 weeks…
I think your video you should ask the westerner whether living in western country is better compared to se Asia country. Both may not be ideal and chosing the better of the two is the wise decision