Retiring to the Philippines isn’t the right decision for everyone—but it turned out to be the right decision for me. From family circumstances and a fixed retirement income to lower living costs, trusted Filipino friends, and a simpler way of life, here’s the personal story behind why I chose to spend my retirement in the Philippines and what prospective retirees should consider before making the same journey.
How patience can save you thousands of dollars—and years of regret. This article is part of the My Philippines Retirement Hub, a collection of practical advice, personal experiences, and hard-earned lessons about retiring and living in the Philippines. Slow Down If I could give every American considering retirement in the Philippines one piece of advice, … Read more
One of the first surprises many foreigners encounter in the Philippines isn’t the weather or the traffic—it’s the stranger who quietly says, “Sir… I can help you.” Here’s what every retiree should know about fixers and why the safest shortcut is often no shortcut at all.
Every American retiree remembers their first Philippine Comfort Room. The bucket. The tabo. The missing toilet seat. The trash can beside the toilet. At first it’s culture shock. Before long, it simply becomes another part of everyday life.
Credit cards and digital payments are becoming more common, but cash still runs much of everyday life in the Philippines. Here’s what every new retiree should know about exact change, small bills, tipping, and the mysterious way Philippine coins seem to multiply.
Many Americans think they’ve experienced hot weather before moving to the Philippines. Then they discover tropical humidity. Here’s why the heat feels different, how to stay comfortable, and why air conditioning becomes one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
What should retirees know about the climate in the Philippines? Learn about heat, humidity, typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, brownouts, and how expats prepare for life in the tropics.
One of the biggest surprises about retiring in the Philippines is discovering that owning a car is no longer necessary. Here’s how expats really get around—and why I never want to own a car again.
For many retirees, the hardest part of moving overseas isn’t selling the house—it’s deciding what to do about the dog that has been their faithful companion for years. This is the story of the hardest retirement decision I ever made.
One of the biggest surprises of retiring in the Philippines is discovering that massages are not considered a luxury. They’re affordable, widely available, and for many retirees, a regular part of staying comfortable and healthy.