After more than a decade living in the Philippines, one American retiree shares the lessons, mistakes, surprises, and practical advice he wishes someone had told him before he boarded the plane.
One of the most important lessons foreigners can learn in the Philippines has nothing to do with visas, money, or dating. It’s understanding how Filipinos communicateāand why taking things literally can save you a lot of trouble.
I left the Philippines once, blaming the country for my mistakes. Years later I returned, wiser and better prepared. Here’s why I’m not fleeing the Philippinesāand why some expats never find happiness here.
One of the best ways to understand the Philippines isn’t through restaurants or resortsāit’s by sitting down at a local carinderia and eating what everyone else is eating.
Retiring in the Philippines doesn’t mean living in fearābut it does mean using common sense. From online scams and pickpockets to snatch-and-grab theft and tourist traps, here’s what experienced expats learn about staying safe while enjoying life in the Philippines.
Many expats struggle in the Philippines because they try to change it. Here’s what one American retiree learned about avoiding conflict, adapting to Filipino culture, and living a happier life overseas.
After years of living in the Philippines, I’ve learned that retiring overseas isn’t just about saving moneyāit’s about adapting to a different culture, different expectations, and a different way of living.