A lot of retirees have been coming and settling in the Philippines after retirement as the country is said to have great tropical weather, and of course, your retirement money can go a long way with the cheap cost of living. However, like any other venture that you want to go into, there are essential things that you need to learn before deciding to go to a foreign land for your retirement or your permanent residency.
Whether you have married a Filipina or you want to enjoy the tropical weather and great beaches of this archipelago and settle in the place permanently. Here are a few things that you may want to know about life in the Philippines to help yourself prepare and understand what awaits you in the place.
1. Cost of living.
The cost of living in the Philippines is pretty cheap. Depends on the exact location of where you want to settle, there may be little differences in the cost of living in major cities like Manila and Cebu. You may also find it a low expensive to pay in places near the premiere beaches and touristy islands where housing can be a little pricey.
But if you are spending your dollars in the country, it would be a lot cheaper compared to other countries. Keep in mind, however, that as the cost of living may be more competitive, you may also find some inefficient essential services, though, and this should be one thing you have to consider.
2. The people.
Filipinos are hospitable, but of course, you cannot deny the fact that any society may have their share of crimes. If you want to settle in the Philippines, you may want to choose specific places where the crime rate is low and are generally safe for foreigners. The southern part of the Philippines is often a battleground of a Muslim extremist, and you may want to stay away from that area too.
Life in the Philippines is also a little laid-back, especially if you are in the provinces. Living in urban areas like the capital city of Manila can be a bit fast. Still, these metropolitan areas also have a lot of traffic problems, and you may not want to settle in these places if you’re going to go to the Philippines to enjoy your retirement life.
3. Weather and attraction.
Weather in the Philippines is a bit inviting. A tropical paradise it is, it only has the rainy season and the sunny season. However, you have to consider that occasional monsoons and typhoons visit the archipelago, especially from June to October. Although you can also find areas that do not experience hurricanes, beaches are the main attractions in the country, but premiere resorts can be costly as well.
These are just three of the things you need to learn about life in the Philippines. There is still a lot to learn, though if you want to settle in the country, thus do your research and make sure you are well-informed before packing your things and deciding in the area.