Mistakes Expats Are Still Making in The Philippines

[@dovoso5685]

One of the best videos I have seen , thank you for sharing.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@don476]

Twelve years in the Philippines. I have had enough. Going back home early next year.

[@CUNDUNDO]

Talaga

[@ThomasRose-mu9vg]

This is the best video on the Philippines ❤ thank you

[@craigsphilippines466]

My first year in the Philippines, I never signed a lease, plenty of people will rent you a place month to month,I never bought anything or accumulated anything I couldn't fit in my car, oh yeah I bought a car,( it has been the best decision since I have been here, ) I like that I can pack a couple of bags and throw them in a car at a moments notice, I recommend to travel around the islands and check places out first before you settle anywhere, there is so much to see, with woman here, they will be on their best behaviour, it takes months before you meet the real her, if you don't know the culture learn it before you commit because you wont understand half the things she does and you will fight over things that are always just a miss understanding , I learned patience and to hold my tongue, Filipino are super respectful and saving face is everything, that's something I learnt early, but its easy to be nice all the time, the Philippines made me a better man.

[@kindheart3475]

this guy speaks straight forward about the idiosycracy of the Philippines. Kudos for you sir!

[@BIgBass255]

May I say your hardwood floors are stunning.

[@scottsachs2547]

39 minutes of Great Advice. Free Too!! Listen to Mark. He's the real deal! So many similarities to China. Take Care Mark! Good To See You!!

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Scott! 😊

[@johnbrian1046]

Similarities to China?

[@scottsachs2547]

@@johnbrian1046 Yes. In so many ways..

[@misterhappy8682]

@@johnbrian1046 Here you don't have to bathe the women before you bang them. Even the skanks bathe. Exponentially better chance at an STD though as you are one of hundreds if she is over 24 here

[@jazzpianoman01]

Hi Mark, good to see you here and good video with good subject matter.

[@edwinholcombe2741]

Once on a flight from USA back to Philippines I met a guy who inherited parent's farm. He met a girl online, fell in love, sold the farm and sent all the money into Filipina's bank account. He was flying to Philippines to meet the love of his life for the first time. Upon arrival he discovered that she was a he.

[@jshepard152]

That's wild.

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

Haste makes waste.

[@vaeldsable]

The adventure opens up (back)doors of new exciting personal experiences. What's not to like?

[@ericpowell4350]

@@vaeldsable it's not to like if that back door is attached to a dude. 😒

[@vich7287]

Many gay men in PI look more feminine than the real women

[@meyertomnet]

This is a very serious man and he gives us the best advises.

[@gymratt17]

the dog jumping out in front of you is my exact motorcycle story. Bought a car soon after instead. Listen to this man! His words can save you a lot of trouble.

[@mymidlifeadventures4248]

A lot of this advice applies to all of SE Asia.

[@mikebacchus721]

great video my friend. i lived in Cebu 2019 to 2021 then back to Canada. i listen to Bloggers like yourself in the Philippines before I visited. listening to guys like yourself is very helpful to foreigners. keep up the good work. thanks again. God bless.

[@stevencasley499]

Good advice. The main thing is keeping your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. Be careful about who you allow into your inner circle.

[@fayfleur55]

Very important advice.I am a Philippine born,left in 1978 to live in Australia (45 years) and Naturalized. Planning to live there part of the year in my retirement. Am so westernised and to live back there permanently is out of the question. Health care is very important and financial plan is a must.Have this in place.I can still speak Tagalog and still love Philippine cuisine. I intend to just want to live the best of both worlds.I am blessed.💐

[@tmb3131]

I've been doing 'month to month' condos and hotels for 6 months. DOGS and KARAOKE are the biggest nuisances here and it's great to be able to get away from it with minimal inconvenience. Too many places to choose from to be stuck for a year right off the get-go.

[@herbigp]

Is karaoke a good place to meet single women? Or is it mostly guys?

[@michaelflynn4880]

Very informative. I have watched a lot of your videos and paul as well and have learned a lot. I am moving at the end of September to Duma. Am 70 y/o in good shape. Will be staying at hostel while i look for month to mo. I don't drink so its a priority to find a sober environment. Thanks again mark!

[@jimwest4862]

@@YoussefAhmarHabib out side your bedroom window? then the roosters start good morning

[@Rocket9944]

@@herbigp , when they're talking about karaoke they mean karaoke everywhere, could be in the street ,could be on a parking lot ,could be on a balcony, the mall etc. You could meet single girls anywhere.

[@kiwipinos]

Got no problem with parties there, thats why we leave the boring west, but yeah dogs are annoying.

[@keeyoni]

I love your take on the relationships. A lot of foreigners look at the pinays as a usable commodity to use as they please, Your view towards pinays is respectful and compassionate. Kudos to you!

[@buyerofsorts]

And the Pinays do the same.

[@mariayumi0216]

Very well said!I have so much respect to a person like you who shows the same respect to all my fellow Filipinos. I’m jealous that you’re living in my home country,Philippines 🇵🇭 I’m living here in Japan for 30 years,married with 2 daughters and a granddaughter.I missed the chaos,going out with my filipino family & friends and life out there.There’s no place like home🏡 .It’s true ,it’s more fun in the Philippines 🇵🇭.Thank you for saying the good side of filipinos and the Philippines 🇵🇭 More power to you!God bless you and your family🙏

[@windellchapman8397]

Thanks ! Many Downsides There , But Up Sides Too .... I m planted ! 20 yrs w/ a wonderful lady from Leyte, who is my wonder- wife ! 🤗☺️

[@ccorti]

Excellent coverage of various key topics that most people need to consider. Succint, clear explanations in a serious and credible presentation. Helped me a lot.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Great channel and your comments are on point. I'm a Westerner from USA and I moved to retire in the Philippines in 2016. I'm North of you in the Western Visayas about 50 miles South of Bacolod City. And your so right that you must have a plan before coming over to the Philippines for good. I grew up in So San Francisco and most of my neighbors were Filipino. So I knew and understood their culture. I met a woman online and we talk and write each other for over a year before I travel to the Philippines to meet her in person. She was an OFW working abroad and when we meet it just was perfect. After our vacation and our meeting in the Philippines she went back to work abroad and I came back to America. We finally decided to both retire and live together in Philippines in her province in 2016. And because I understood their culture and ways it has really worked out. I also came with sufficient pension and social security to live comfortably in the Philippines. It's a beautiful life and beautiful friendly people here. But you are so correct about people needing to have a solid plan when they think they want to come and retire here. The Philippines is incredibly beautiful, but it's not for everyone. 👍🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@johnnyg7899]

Hello. We might be neighbors one day. I have a question. I have the opportunity to build a home near one of the provinces in Pontevedra but I found out that the locals don't have weekly trash pickup services. They are used to burning their trash weekly or daily. Is this a problem leading up to rat infestation? Did you have to deal with this? Also, how often do you feel earthquakes in your area? I know I sound paranoid but I have to plan for things like this.

[@bartonpercival3216]

@@johnnyg7899 Hi I'm about 4 towns South of PonteVedra, and have been living here now in Negros Occidental since 2016,but have also visited here since 2010. We just got garbage pickup started just last year, before that, people burned their garbage out in the streets or in their backyards. Although we do have rats here, we also have a large population of cats here so we've never had a rat problem in our brgy. And since I've been here there have been 2 felt earthquakes here. One in 2016 that was just 3.4 and another here in 2020 that was 4.7. my gf said in 2013 there was a 6.8 earthquake that struck in Eastern Visayas but there was no damage to our home which is steel and concrete block. I'm not sure if PonteVedra has garbage pick up yet. But I pass by that town at least twice a month when traveling to Bacolod City and it looks like a nice area. Good luck in the future!!!!! 👍

[@johnnyg7899]

@Barton Percival thank you so much for that update. I appreciate it. I am closer to Antipolo where they will be expanding the highway. So I guess I will just have to wait and see.

[@cynthiarussomanno5014]

Thank you so much for this video. My husband and I are considering moving to the Philippines when I retire in a few years. I’m from the Philippines and he’s American. I realize now that he will never be able to adapt to life there.

[@stevelawson68]

I love it in Cebu. Too bad he can't adapt. So much better than America

[@mamba777jv]

Bravo... you've touched every nook and cranny any ExPats need to understand when moving to the Philippines! As far as not finding your clothe sizes, it is very cheap to have a local tailor make them for you..

[@garyjohn]

Excellent video Mark! Everything that you mentioned is true. This certainly could be a go-to video for expats thinking of relocating to the PH🇵🇭. Thank you for doing this for us. Be safe and enjoy your evening tonight. 🌙⭐️🌙

[@lucas5101]

You are so right about patience and raising your voice,I have lost my patience and raised my voice and regretted it every time.

[@KrayPurn]

Moving to the Philippines is an overwhelmingly stressful event. Planning, and making connections with trustworthy people already in the Philippines is the key. Having a couple of foreign guys that you have become really good friends with will be an invaluable source of support when you finally pull the trigger to relocate to the Philippines. Depending on your girlfriend that you met online for that much needed support is ill advised. Filipino's experience in planning is subpar at best.

[@JRINASIA]

Mark, My 45 years in & out experience of the Philippines your advice is on target. Love your channel you always give great advice. You don’t pull any punches giving advice for other older folks who wants to retire in the Philippines. Please continue with your outstanding channel.

[@gben82]

12:40 - Great advice! I've experienced much of the same. From the debit/credit cards expiring, to the low water pressure. One thing you forgot to mention is that the land, and the building ON the land, are two separate entities, and not packaged together like it is in the USA. Foreigners cannot even own land, but they can own a building on a land (you can own a condo, but only if half of the condos in the building are owned by Filipinos). I know it's a weird concept for us Westerners, but it's how they do it here.

[@gwestcot]

Well I am married to a filipina and probably plan to naturalize when the time comes. Not exactly a problem for everyone.

[@stanberry4000]

There's a new law that has been passed recently that foreigners can own 100% of a business here in the Philippines. Some foreign companies buy properties through their businesses. Some foreign property management businesses let their foreign clients take a 20 yrs lease (land or house) or longer. There are ways now.

[@jamestopeka2236]

My bank made me a 3 year debit card for 15 bucks

[@mrgilok755]

Greetings Mark. Well said. One thing to add is when people here burn garbage and leaves or wood and the smell is terrible. That's my biggest problem as I despise the smell. Take care

[@ernestjohnson1275]

Good information, unlike other youtubers who bash their home country trying to make a point on how great the PI is. I prefer Thailand myself

[@countryroads5234]

Salamat Mark …spot on as always…it took be getting burned once to find the right Filipina…sorry to miss you when i was there last month…hope we can meet you and Jen in Bacong where my fiancé lives …and we can catch up on things here in “The Ville “ so take good care and God bless my friend

[@geoffreyharbinson2488]

I am a BRILLIANT man 'reason' I am listening to this guy and he is More BRILLIANT

[@jesustorralba2360]

Listen to Mark, I grew up in the Philippines until I was 19, lived in the US until I was 59. Having said that, what Mark is talking about is can you live in the Philippines with your comfort level. Don't buy a big bike because you'd be lucky to go 25 miles and hour for 2 minutes during rush hour.

[@ByronWatts]

No matter the situation (married or not), building for the family is a gift to the family. It is not a personal investment.

[@ByronWatts]

Not everyone is looking for American 'comfortable'....and you really shouldn't be if you want to live in the Philippines.

[@ByronWatts]

Met a Canadian with major disabilities who managed to get around just fine, wheelchair and all. Key point for everyone is, BE flexible which means adjust to the country, rather than expecting the country to adjust to your expectations.

[@rexmascarina2169]

Correct!

[@michaellawver1088]

Such great advice. People need to listen to this advice.

[@alfredchapman8756]

Great stuff...very practical. I was relieved that most of the things Mark addressed are things that I have already addressed through common sense planning. He had a few topics that I still need to plan for and I'm really glad I spent the time to watch his video. Thank you Mark, you have definitely contributed in a very tangible manner, to the success of my upcoming initial visit (4 months) to the Republic of the Philippines!

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

Love the Great straight talk. Holding nothing back but the truth. Great job.

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@stannmcb3]

In my experience I have to agree 100%. Things work differently there and it’s not your job to try and change it. Always remember it’s not your country and you are a guest. The minute you lose site of that you will no longer be welcome. As far as rents etc. also right on the mark. Very possible in the first year you decide you love the country but hate the the town your in. We are not all cut from the same cloth. One other thing to add. The women are definitely a breath of fresh air but if you had a bad track record finding the right person in your home country the problem might not be the country. It might be you. Even if you want a long term relationship you might not be cut out for it. Nothing is wrong with that as long as you recognize it and can live with it. If your not happy alone then it’s going to be difficult to be happy with the responsibility of a relationship.

[@michaelforehand2350]

Mark, many thanks for your most outstanding advice.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Michael. 😊

[@nitaihammari6994]

Very good advice, and I have lived half every year for the first ten years, and at least a month every year for the past 13 years, since I brought my family to the USA. Each of these points is essential. Once my wife said, “If you ever use the F-word on me, I will be gone from you forever”. Believe me, I never have, in 23 years, used that word talking with her. I take her seriously, because she has made my life, Heaven on Earth.

[@floribertosousa2251]

Great 👍 video Sir. This is probably the best "info" video ever made for anyone, like myself, that is planning "one day" to go and live their retirement time in the Philippines. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment 😀

[@dtinymaynartry]

Although I don't live or even thinking about living in the Philippines I think this is very informative. Thanks for this information..Always thought the Philippines was heaven just the way people speak about it

[@kennettle]

Ramble on, excellent advice. I look forward to your videos. Positive information.

[@marksealy1805]

Of all the videos I have watch,and trust me they have been many, some very good,but none has been better than yours sir,not even close,without this video,I see many costly mistakes I've made, I have repeat listening to this video several times to make sure I didn't miss none of this great advice,man you are good,you are really good,thanks for your awesome advice,you have saved me from being a BIG DUMMY...I appreciate you very much.

[@BelusTraveller]

Mucho Respect ✊, Trying to help the expats, Bro These me think with their wrong heads, I feel for them up to a point. Then I just shake my head, Sink or Swim it’s life. I really have respect for you and your channel. I’m set, for life only poor health worries me, disabled. God Bless You Kuya

[@danielgriffin5737]

I'm glad you're okay. You have such good information and how you explain things. Thank you

[@Andy-cw3kx]

Great Video keep them coming, my brother just moved there 3 months ago he married there and is very happy, he also watches your channel, stay safe and happy.

[@canadude2010]

I’d be curious to know what he does for employment….

[@sherinick7523]

@@canadude2010 me too.

[@alr818]

Free and sensible advise!

[@harrycarson2119]

Great advice ! Thank you 😊 I have been talking to my princess for 11 months and 1 WK and she never ask for anything !! She is beautiful and I'm going to see her soon 🙏🙏

[@normbograham]

This might be the greatest ramblings I've ever heard. All these points, apply to any country.

[@engnate]

Good info, concise and organized, un garnished.

[@bernardknowles8421]

Thanks for your honesty and your thoughts of your life and advice 👍

[@jasonking6892]

Expat 🇺🇲 lives in Cali Colombia 🇨🇴 well on $1400 a month..I have a scooter..Traffic here is Terrible.. but never had any problems...PS the food here is top quality..Amenities are Great..and most importantly NO TOURISTS 👍

[@Rob_Harrison]

Very sound advice, if not followed you could live a life of regret or worse. Buying a house with someone you have never met or do not properly know is far to irresponsible and risks disaster. Good video.

[@Rocket9944]

Anybody who buys a house in a foreign country with someone they never met or barely know is just dumb, absolutely horrible decision making.

[@Mountain_Valley_Sky]

Wow!@! I'm not moving to the Philippines, & yet, this is some fantastic advice. This video needs upvotes & traction. To help save the honest people who will very likely make all the mistakes discussed here.

[@francismartin2427]

Girls in the philippines are Western now. Coming and going since 1981 and I see the change. The filipina in the USA is the filipina in the philippines. It's not like 40 years ago.

[@henryvanderbeek2973]

Excellent video....very upfront....a lot of wisdom and knowledge here....

[@gerard8020]

This is without a doubt the best video I’ve seen on coming to the Philippines. Thanks for all the info.

[@JR-vs1zl]

From Joe, A sincere thanks for caring for others.

[@johngrisham3703]

Excellent information video, I'm planning to come to Philippines but coming very prepared and have gained much information I didn't know or had forgotten about, I was in Philippines 5yrs in the 80s.

[@suttonmatthew]

Outstanding description of a roadmap to success and the pit common pitfalls. My wife is from Bacolod City, and I’m a potential expat. I am considering Cebu City or Dumaguete as a full retirement location. We happily live in Honolulu.

[@710melpgh]

Hi Mark good to watch your video again. I’m from Vegas 🇵🇭🇺🇸

[@garyt7232]

Never ceases to amaze me that newbies end up in deep trouble because they didn't do their homework or think stuff will never happen to them. Enjoyed the vlog.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching Gary

[@geraldboykin6159]

Been There and Did That!

[@anthonydowling3356]

Most of your advice would apply to Thailand also ,where i lived many years .

[@everymanhasastory]

True

[@marklapierre2163]

Thanks for the great insight’s Mark God bless

[@armandmorin1823]

Sir youmake alot of sense this videoshould be listen by a ybody wanting to come to the Philippines

[@BigJoe1]

Some good advice's Mark, keep up the good work!

[@andershedberg8867]

Many good comments, thanks. My first visit to Philippines was April 1990. Since then 25+ visits, hoping to retire then within 3 years with my Filipina that I met on that first trip.

[@markcassel5346]

Love you tell things as it is. Always show respect and be a good person. That’s my motto

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Your opinion means a lot to me Mark. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@andyjames2082]

Thanks Mark, from an Aussie ! Really practical

[@SithLordmatthew]

Iv owned a landscaping business for 20 years if I was to go to the Philippines the last thing I want to do is starting a business again. The high end condo rout sounds best to me nice to have a place that doesn't need to watched when I'm not in country.

[@outdoorescape2619]

Sage advice. Hope all newbies take it to heart.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Good video Mark, sensible advise as so many men are just coming over without any income coming in and ending up broke.

[@maiacapule7763]

To a local, your insights come across as very funny, but so on-point!

[@richardwolter2368]

Thanks for taking your time and for the precious information. I do live in Thailand but most of your advice fits here as well.

[@mypov4343]

Excellent reminders, thanks so much!

[@JohnSmuloTV]

This is an encyclopedia of all the advice anyone needs to know before moving here. I think a lot of people think they will be the exception to the rule

[@JohnSmuloTV]

@@foreignermakingmoney-phili1458 Appreciate it

[@randolphpinkle4482]

Not only the Phillippines. Many SE countries.

[@attadeal3130]

That’s so true. I’m ten feet tall and bullet proof so why do I need health insurance and if I’m about to run out of money then no problem I’ll just bet someone on which dog will do his business first and then take her shopping.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you John. I'm sure you could add volumes of useful information

[@rodrigodelaconcepcion7478]

Mark, great advice for newcomers. LISTEN & LEARN! Wishing you continued success with your wife & channel. Appreciate your honest evaluation of life in the Philippines for anyone. Keep Up the Fire!

[@tonymars1093]

Great advice and you covered some important things that are many times overlooked by people who are coming to the Philippines. Love your videos and your perspective. Hopefully many will take your advice. Congratulations on going over 50 k subs. Quite a milestone! I’ll still be here when you hit 100 k. 😎

[@loudasthunder]

Excellent advice. . . and concise! You hit ALL of the important points. Well done.

[@seandunn3666]

Excellent video! Full of information. Totally agree with everything you discussed.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Sean so glad you liked it 😊

[@harrylessinger5769]

Hi Mark, Wow! Excellent Excellent practical advice for anyone considering a move to the Philippines. Thanks so much.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Harry. So glad you liked it

[@jazzpianoman01]

Great Video Mark packed with good advice, thanks.

[@ronmccumber5218]

PNC refused to send me a new card when mine expired. I opened a BDO account & had my SS transferred into it I don't pay any ATM fees & can withdraw $1000.USD daily. Ne picked me up at the A/P 4 years ago & we R still great together. I agree not every Filipina even wants a foreigner. U r right we R guests here, if U don't like it U can always go home. I like it here sometimes U just have to go w/ the flow. Good advice Mark.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

Very wise remarks. Into my 3rd year here on a 13(a), and you speak from experience. 🙏🍻

[@gazz1468]

Sage advice Mark. As a new comer to your channel your overview is comprehensive and covers so many essential areas which I would not have considered. a heartfelt thank you!

[@GH-wt7ww]

Great video I live in Houston Tx., Filipinos all around me and have and are experienced every issue you stated there. Im gonna fit in.

[@lakeeriewest1102]

Great advice Mark. You have presented so much information in a short amount of time. Succinct and to the point. You're an 'Informational Rock Star'

[@everymanhasastory]

Your comment made my day! Thank you 😊

[@pubkentos4501]

Mark video so informative… there’s a precision in what he is saying , knowledgeable…listen to him.. he’s an expert expat living in Philippines paradise 🇵🇭 you can see in his eyes 👀 and body bounce how he love 💕 and happy living in the country of PH with a compatible wife as his partner in life..thankz a lot mark…keep it up 🔝 doing great job 👏 so helpful.. ;0)

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words

[@pubkentos4501]

@@everymanhasastory thankz for doing the research 🧐 as well as plus the back-up of your own personal experience for sharing …

[@philippinophisher]

Sir, you are spot on. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and insights. Much appreciated!

[@gemox3225]

This channel gives solid advice instead of wasting the listener's time with empty words.

[@markc2108]

Great info! I'm looking to retire there in the next 2-5 yrs. Your home looks nice.

[@bc6352]

To me this is the premier expat channel on you tube. Unfortunately my wife and I are ending our relationship. We got married in Manila in May of 2019. She got tired of waiting even though we are the last step of the process. She decided to go work in Singapore instead of coming to America. But I still have aspirations of relocating to either the Phils or Thailand. I'm 53 and I don't drink or smoke. I'm in pretty good health except I take losarten once a day for high BP. I want to spend my remaining years in another country. America has grown trite and stale. The culture here stinks.

[@jtla370]

Dude she did u a favor!!! She didn’t have good intentions

[@noth606]

Well, realistically speaking no one is gonna wait around for years, doesn't matter where they come from. A few months maybe, but not more than that, and asking that of someone is unrealistic and unfair I think. After things got rolling with my now ex wife she moved in with me in Europe a little over 4 months later, 3 months after that we were married, about 9 months after that she gave birth to our son. We got divorced several years later, but she still lives here and I see her about once a week and hang out with my son.

[@MJFUYT]

Excellent video/commentary as usual. Thx for sharing, Mark.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@fredbalos4015]

Very informative video.

[@m32m1m]

Great down to earth realistic advice and information. Thank you.

[@Kingalily14]

Hi Sir, wow I really love your wise advise and how you view our country and people. More power to your channel🌺

[@kubenmoodliar477]

Awesome video and I am glad you spend so much time on financial matters and property matters.

[@annanarra8979]

You are absolutely right, everything you just said is very true 👍🇺🇸👏

[@a.advincula7953]

This was an excellent, well thought out video that covers probably all of the things foreign guys need to know when first coming to the Phils. I couldn't agree more with what you said Mark. The most important items for me would be to get your money right while you are still in your home country, don't do any kind of a business here (online work is the best way to go), keep your mouth shut and your eyes open and observe first, don't commit to a long term lease or housing arrangement, and start slowly when it comes to relationships with Filipinas. Great point also on starting off in a bigger city as you will miss many of the modern conveniences. Patience is a virtue and again this is not the place to be if you are short tempered and a hothead. Long lines, brownouts, low water pressure, slow internet speeds, poor driving habits will really test you. As Mark says, it's best not to complain publicly as this won't really change anything and will only get you in hot water. Our logic and way of thinking coming from the US, Europe, Australia, etc. is often different and our expectations can be higher. You have to remind yourself that you are not in America anymore and this is a different country. Focus on the positives and why you decided to move here permanently. 😀

[@katherinechase3674]

Good advice & common sense. I live very close to Mexico and have been to Tijuana many times. T.J. is definitely is not a place I would want to live! I did always treat the area and locals with respect. I am white in a clear way there. I have a friend who did move down there. He is very tall, like 6'5", and hard to ignore, but not loud or obnoxious, super mellow. He moved into a nice single family home for $600 a month. Which, at the time, compared to approx., $2,400 here locally in San Diego for the same type of home. He furnished it nicely, with a brand new large screen TV. So one day he comes home, and someone stole everything! They left no trace, zero. They cleared out EVERYTHING- his bed, his clothing, kitchen appliances, artwork, you name it! He said he thought he walked into the wrong place when he first saw it. Anyway, I don't believe being a big, tall guy helped him from being a target. Also, I have not heard of too many expats learning the language there. I imagine learning a few phrases can't hurt.

[@simonbaillieu7976]

thanks for the video , really valuable information that can be used all over Asia