RETIRE IN PARADISE OR IS IT HELL? SHOCKING PROS AND CONS : PHILIPPINES VS THAILAND

In this episode, I am interviewing Paul Old dog ‪@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234‬ about retirement here in the Philippines compared to Thailand and a lil bit about Malaysia. in this video, we discuss the pros and cons of both countries and weigh which one is the best place to retire.

[@edm4844]

Excellent video Mia! A lot of things to consider when thinking about somewhere to live or a home base. When considering living in the Philippines there are many other places to consider that is going to be different than life in Dumaguete. In the end you have to look at the pluses and minuses and decide what are the things that are important to you. Even the nicest places you find if in the Philippines or outside of the country will have some negative things to consider. Good video makes you think about things. 🙂

[@tilapiadave3234]

AMAZING advice ,, how did you EVER think about looking at the positives and negatives ,, MIND BLOWING ,,, you could be the next Aristotle :)

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you for the comment! Indeed, choosing a place to reside involves taking several factors into account, and the Philippines has a wide variety of possibilities outside of Dumaguete. It's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages according to our own priorities. No matter where you are, every area has pros and cons. Thanks for watching, Ed!

[@christianlink7287]

WoW What a Great Interview!!! It’s Sooo Much Fun Seeing 2 Great Interviewers Asking all the Questions we want to Know! What a Treat!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@StanHasselback]

Great video Mia. This felt like I was listening into a conversation between you and Paul. Both of you, enjoy talking to one and other and you both are very happy people.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks, Stan!

[@keithrichard391]

for Me--the food is much better in Thailand

[@norrisbethke7770]

Well that was a fun interview, well done..lots of points made and unmade and on we go ✈️

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Much appreciated!

[@les8518]

Paul, I have been in Thailand for nigh on 14 years. I felt quite strongly for some time that I should have gone to the Philippines. But I have made my bed now. Thank you very Mia for bring Paul onto you show.

[@MyBeachLife]

Great video yet again Mia. So good to see you both laughing so much. You both have a great sense of humor.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@rickpineo2588]

Started to watch to listen to Paul and was blown away how entertaining the video was! You both are fun! Thank you both for the video Mia

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you, Rick!

[@freedomwillring6749]

Thanks Paul, Thanks Mia. Your channels are entertaining and informative. I love both of your outlooks on things.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Glad you like them!

[@gregsarah430]

Nice video Mia, and Mr. Paul makes it easy !

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you :-)

[@bryankoziar2867]

Always a pleasure watching your videos Mia. You've come a long way and you keep getting better.

[@secretagent86]

absolutely agree

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you, Bryan & Secret Agent! I appreciate it. I am doing my best 🙂

[@shosmyth1454]

Thank you very much for a Wonderful Interview! And May please keep up your Wonderful Humor? I laughed so much!

[@scottgillespie3655]

2 excellent videos from this visit. The two of you are a comedy team together as well.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Appreciate that!

[@AlstonSD]

I really enjoyed this interview! Thanks Paul and Mia for the Good and honest information!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fredericfavoris2564]

So nice video, both of you look so happy to share stories and very interesting feedback. Thank you Mia and Paul

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Our pleasure!

[@WhenTheManComesAround]

I always enjoy listening to Paul tell his story. He has much a great voice and speaking cadence. Great gent too 👍👍

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Yep.

[@user-up9lj3ui9f]

Nice to hear a positive and funny conversation with a great number of details about living in the Philippines versus Thailand. Great work Mia.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks, Don!

[@Michael_Lane_Fishing]

Pros: Variety of Islands, Heat, Gwapas, Friendly locals, Underwater life, Natural Sights, Cons: Heat, Brownouts, Amount of trash, Lack of organisation/structure/infrastructure, Tampo

[@gangstagummybear3432]

all countries have heat, the brownouts is a product of trying to get a powergrid across a archipelago which isnt easy at all, amount of trash is irrelevant to me as a person from the US I see it daily and much worse, lack of organization depending on where you go in any country many people may find organization bad anywhere on earth, lack of infrastructure? I would suggest you get caught up with the times, Philippines development is scary, the old ancient infrastructure in Thailand is going to look like relics compared to the ultra modern sh1t in development all across ph, so past tense talk like that is going to look stupid very soon.

[@travisjones8186]

I really enjoyed watching this, felt like I was watching two old friends having a great time😊

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kurtvonklopfenstein3106]

Paul is a great interview. Wonderful stories and a charismatic personality.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

He is. Thanks for watching!

[@tjking1909]

Wow, PAUL you really put my thoughts into words when you said you felt like you could never close that gap. That is exactly how I felt in Thailand I always felt like a foreigner, and then I will always be a foreigner.

[@boonyrabba]

Very uplifting chat with two of my fav utubers

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Wow, thank you!

[@rickylee6129]

Very Good Video/Interview Mia 😊. I've been watching Paul since the beginning. Love his channel and also Baby Mae's channel ❤️. Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@garyjohn]

Nice interview Mia! Always nice to see Paul and you together. Both of you interview the other well and you have a great chemistry together. Thank you for sharing this with us. Take care always.🤙

[@RetireandGo]

A nice conversation on Thailand and the Philippines I love both places

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you, Gary. Take care as well.

[@Chris-yr2hs]

Great job of entertaining view point lots of repect for both of you enjoy your travels

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for watching

[@djwashx]

Love your smile and laughter!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@whatevertheworldholds]

Enjoyed the video very much Mia❤

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you so much for watching :-)

[@tryscience]

Great video Mia! Paul is a funny guy for sure 😂 Good luck with your voyages to Kuala Lumpur, it'll be interesting for me to learn from your video 😎👍

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank youuuu :-)

[@johnclark1469]

I just couldn’t keep from smiling listening to these two. just a lot of fun conversation here.😄

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for tuning in 🙂

[@mikesimpson9997]

Love the two of you and the story of Mae in thailand was awesome. She is a good soul in this world . Great interview mia

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks, Mike

[@TenYen4796]

Excellent points Paul for a person to consider where to live.

[@saleemakhtar87]

Nice happy vlog, You are a very bright & intelligent person with a beautiful smile, enjoyed it from Toronto Canada....keep smiling & keep that laughter coming!!!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you so much 😊

[@marilouremo1076]

Thanks for your video. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for watching!

[@rorybellamy2533]

Mia scores the Super Star interview! Good for you Mia! hello Paul

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

HEHEH thank you, Rory!

[@jamesnichols2511]

a great interview with Paul, Mia. I absolutely enjoyed listening to both of you. I'm in the process of getting everything together for my move to Cebu from here in Texas in about 6 months. I plan on using Cebu as my homebase, then venture around asia to look at the other countries. I've watched many videos of thailand and really love the countryside, but the visa issue is a problem with me. the philippines, as Paul said, the visa is so much easier to get and to stay there, compared to other countries. I would love to try thailand for a couple months after I get settled to see how I like it.

[@RetireandGo]

Great idea to make Philippines your home base and travel around Asia. Low cost easy entry. Many Asian countries just a a few hours away

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It's wonderful to hear that you're getting ready to relocate. Using Cebu as a base and touring other Asian places looks like a good option. The visa issue is an important factor, and it's great that the Philippines provides a more simple approach. Best wishes for your preparations and future trips!

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿🇵🇭! Enjoyed it!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

So glad!

[@billboker3848]

Great interview Mia - big fan of Paul

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you, Bill!

[@margarettownsley9500]

Thank guy’s for your video Paul old dog has the best sense of humour I’ve ever listened to that’s a gift man it can’t be bought fantastic vlog I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and laughed with use

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@margarettownsley9500]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 excellent video Mia thank

[@sampinto3079]

Mia such a great interview keep it up gurl!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you :-) HAHAHA I'm trying! It's not my forte, tho.

[@Aileensjournal]

Thanks for the information

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

My pleasure

[@ThanaykhwamMai-ff4ni]

Subscribed .great interview with Paul.hilarios n full of humour

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for subbing!

[@dwaynedarockjohnson2023]

Hello, and thank you for making a great video. I keep running into Paul, as i research lol, he gets around! I am finding other youtubers through him i guess? Well done, A very fun video and informative. Keep it up Mia!

[@dwaynedarockjohnson2023]

by the end of the video 🤣 🤣

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for watching!

[@patrickmchargue7122]

A good, fun, interview.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank youu

[@allen9129]

I have not met Paul yet. But I really have to respect this guy. Hats off to the video.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Appreciate that!

[@lwrgbr]

KL has a lot going for it!! Chiang Mai Thailand does also, love the cooler weather there.

[@FRUGALWITHJOHN]

Both interviews were good, this one and the one on Paul's channel.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

Every video with that old dog seems like a 5 min chat lol Great video girl!!!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Right!!

[@martinsmith6971]

Great video. Being in the Philippines offers other regional possibilities if one wants. It’s the people of the Philippines that attracts me most Marty

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

True, because of our personalities and smiles that warm other people's hearts and make them stay.

[@George-ux6zz]

You 2 laughed a lot. Take care and God bless you Mia. 🙏 😊

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you! You too!

[@joeysmith4189]

I love Paul thanks Mia 🎉for guesting him nice vlog

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Any time!

[@georgevaldez1449]

Great interview.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you

[@andrewcrimmins8173]

He has a unique and very contagious laugh, haha. love it!

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Truee

[@katheryn7318]

I lived in Mexico for five years. There are no real police, they are part of a bad organization in police uniforms. Also, the gossip and then character assisination more with the gringos than the locals was not what I enjoyed. I am now in Ecuador but finding medical care if you are not a local is lacking. Going back to the US to take care of my health and some business issues while looking for the next country. These videos are very helpful! Thanks.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Once you get to a country and stay a bit, the attraction starts to subside. The travel with going out and exploring and new sights and smells starts to become old hat. So it takes a few months to get the big picture in any new culture. Good to keep looking for a change of pace if you can bank role it. So many places you can think it's just perfect but then it starts to go sour a bit. You may keep it going and just settle back to where you started from after the years go by.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

You make an excellent point about the initial attraction of a new country diminishing with time. The thrill of discovering new places and seeing diverse cultures might fade with time. It is important to allow yourself ample time to properly learn and appreciate the larger picture of a new culture. However, it is common for early excitement to fade and obstacles or unhappiness to occur. People's tastes and interests might shift with time, causing them to reconsider returning to their initial home or seeking a change of scenery elsewhere.

[@hermanedwards1981]

Wow i loved it hey paul😂

[@BadEinsteinReal]

I am a subscriber to both you and Mia’s channel… she’s fun, cute and intelligent… with those odds you cannot lose…

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank youuuu

[@jamesbraun7709]

I been here in the filippines for 12 years . I live in Mindanao and it somewhat sucks , it's like this place is not part of the filippines . I really hope the rest of the filippines is not this bad .

[@b-41subject57]

What sucks about it?

[@jamesballard6564]

From what I've learned many others seem to agree with you. However,CDO is well liked by many and an easy ferry ride to Cebu. Rest of Mindanao can pound sand.

[@michaelkobulnicky3399]

You picked the worst place!

[@johnelst4232]

Paul is cool and also has great Videos good interview Mia…👍🏻

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

He is. Thanks for watching!

[@bigmikessenioradventures]

I have lived in 8 countries including Thailand. I though it was way over rated unless you are looking for bar ladies or lady boys, both of which I am not. I have dated Filipinas for 15 years and love the lifestyle, history and overall culture not to mention the geography is unmatched to any where. I am now permanently in the Philippines thank God!

[@BuzzSargent]

Funny thing! I was not paying attention so I clicked on the video thinking it was Old Dogs but then saw it was Filipina Life with Mia. I have not been on this page for 8 months or more. You had just left Cebu and gone back to Duma. This was a good time video. I still plan to retire to the Philippines. However, a good friend that was headed to the Philippines took a detour to Bali and is still there 3 years later. I will look forward to your review of Malaysia. Malaysia has some benefits for US citizens to live there, depending on certain factors. Congrats on getting married to Paul. Happy Trails

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you, hehe, and good luck with your future endeavors.

[@geejay1123]

My two favorite vloggers. What's not to like?

[@TravelingWithTheDon-xz8xb]

Excellent video guys, lots of laughs and Paul I thought you were going to make the young lady pee her pants a few times. Cheers

[@dehuillanddeleveaux5039]

That is a great story very interesting both of you keep on doing this Yes I will be leaving America August the 1st to fly back to the Philippines All goes well for good chap 🙂

[@grandadan]

I like the laughs of our friend

[@Max-oi9es]

Paul you're wearing that white hair very well my friend, you're looking good there👍

[@Joe-ff1oh]

I like the sincerity of Paul . 👍🏽

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

😀

[@nikolavanzettiteslasacco4991]

Paul!!!! Hey buddy!!👋👋👋

[@RetireandGo]

I agree There is so much to explore in the Philippines I loved Dumaguete I still need to see Cebu and other places

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Truee. You can't explore all destinations in one tour.

[@RetireandGo]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 it will be fun to see some smaller islands and chill

[@donaldkinsey5245]

I spent a month in the Philippines and hated it. I left to explore other SE Asian countries, but had to return for my flight back to the States. I returned to stay in Makati and GBC. It was like staying in a different country that was far more advanced than the rest of Philippines. I love GBC and plan to return every year.

[@clydekimsey7503]

What did you not like about the Philippines?

[@geoffwhite7535]

Philippines been there lots, you no see good, go Pattaya, Thailand get yourself a ladyboy ?

[@Hammocktraveller]

Super vidéo Mia.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank youu

[@bernardknowles8421]

Love your chemistry together 👍

[@TruthFinder7839]

I really enjoyed your interview with Paul, great job Mia ❤ I really think the Philippines will be the best place for myself also start to retire for all the reasons Paul described. I’d really like to move to Iloilo for my home base, & look around the Philippines, then travel to other locations like Thailand, and Malaysia to check things out. Yes the Gossip is very dangerous, such bad energy, & very manipulate behavior.😮

[@SimpleDidz42]

Good job 👍

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Tnx for watching

[@SimpleDidz42]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 your welcome 😊

[@frankkluz9787]

It really makes me think - and realize - that - " attitude is everything " - when seeing how the people in the Philippines deal with adversity - on many levels ! -- The rest of the world could really benefit from watching them in action as " shit happens " - in their lives ? -- Great interview - many enjoy Paul and his demeanor since he started his channel - myself included.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Yep, I agree. It will all come down to your attitude, wherever you go and whatever you do. Because your attitude will determine what your life is going to be like when living in that area.

[@patrickfreeman8257]

"We just 'shined it on' ". I haven't heard that expression in years

[@fredhowsare5736]

That was an extremely informative blog. Thank you and a Paul both! Many foreigners, such as I just want the facts and how it is in the Philippines. Most appreciated and thank you to you both🙂

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you for watching, Fred!

[@surfwaves8636]

Got stuck on Palawan when the wuflu hit in April 2020 and shut the airlines and ferries down. Being on an island makes one too isolated. Never again. Vietnam is the place to be 4 me. Great food, no power or water disruptions, fast wifi, restaurants are never out of stock, beaches clean, beautiful girls, nice weather, accomodations a lot nicer and overall better value.

[@andrewbrann6231]

I've been to both places in language was not a problem I just Google translated. But the visa thing as a major problem. If the Visa was the same I would choose Thailand but the visa thing is really one of the most important issues

[@jaredcolahan759]

This was a great video, First time watching your videos. I'm subscribed to Paul. Now I'll hit yours , because I want to move there.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you and best of luck with your move :-)

[@jawwaadwilson592]

I love Paul’s channel also

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Oh nice

[@kevinripley4405]

Thankyou both for 2 videos today. I have been to both Thailand and Philippines and chose the Philippines with all its good and bad issues. I disagree with Paul but I think the filipina is probably the most feminine and most beautiful women in the world. Many have the cultural mix which many thai women do not hence their physical beauty. And so many look after their man well. I have been coming to the philippines for over 34 years and never regretted it once and I will retire here soon.. I live in Mindaneo and brownouts are numerous there too. Often all day especially if there has been little rain. Take care always

[@RetireandGo]

Wow 34 years of travel to the Philippines You have seen many changes I imagine. I enjoyed my stay in the Philippines and I will return

[@alucardcount9478]

Kevin pinoys eat rice and candy they r blobby...Thais eat noodles n no candy. It's like comparing apes with gazelles

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences! It's good to hear that, despite its challenges, you have decided that the Philippines is where you want to live. It's also nice to know that you've enjoyed your trips to the Philippines for many years and have made the decision to settle down here. In some places, brownouts might happen frequently, but that's just part of life. Best of luck with your retirement plans, and take care!

[@davidbenavides3445]

Hi Paul!🤠

[@paulmillward7009]

Thank you Mia. Are you still studying nursing ? I think important for your future, to be independent, when life goes wrong. Something as a young lady probably does not think about.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks for watching, Paul. Nope, I am transitioning to become an IT.

[@paulmillward7009]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 Good luck with your new profession

[@Srichardson64]

LOLOLOL Ole Dawg... brown outs 3 yesterday.... of 4th times a charm... sorry for short email... will try again tmrw lololol

[@garyzies3486]

After experiencing that for a while, it gets reaaaaaaaal old! That, along with the many other issues ia making people go elsewhere.

[@nineseven420empire3]

I am thinking of starting in Bukidnon. I like the cooler mountain areas. But the Tagaytay area and the mountains north of Manillia, are to volcaniacaly active for my tasts.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Wow, that's great choice.

[@roygoad2870]

Always comparing between different countries, every place will have pros and cons. I’ve visited nearly all countries in SE Asia, if your adventurous in spirit and willing to experience different cultures and can adjust to it, you will have a great time. Visit every country if you can afford the time and money to find out what suits you!

[@RetireandGo]

You are right Roy Travel and experience… compare… that’s important

[@eduardochavacano]

If you care about exotic Asian culture, places like Thailand have it with temples and culinary heritage. Vietnam and Malaysia also have iconic cultures like that of Bali. If you just want to be close to a hospital and have English speaking cleaning ladies and gardener go tk Singapore or Philippines.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

And I couldn't agree more.

[@JCMmusicstonehaven]

I think it will be a bit of a hassle for tourists who have to apply for a 'clearance' visa before they leave the country. (or am I understanding this wrongly?). It is just a 'stealth' departurte tax.

[@kennethedwards1677]

No you are not, and those unaware will be kicked off their flight, if they don't have the proper document. Cost not a big deal, but the inconvenience is.

[@martypoll]

I visited KL for 3 days and while I liked my short visit I didn't think it was a particularly interesting destination to live. I admit I wasn't there long enough to really say that. It is a modern city. I've lived in Bangkok and I found it both modern and, at the street level, very Thai. KL just seemed modern to me. After KL I traveled to the small city of Kuching on Borneo. That was much more interesting experience. Also, Borneo is a great eco-tourism destination. Nice parks and wildlife. Maylasia is a fascinating country worth a visit.

[@RetireandGo]

I understand I’m in KL now I enjoy my walks to Perdana botanical gardens. I have found some great curry locations and Chinese food. Overall it’s a stay but not my choice for long term retirement. It’s a big growing city with much to see though Low cost also

[@eduardochavacano]

KL and Bangkok are better places to be a poor traveler, because the poor on those places eat better food in places that have culture.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Indeed, we all have preferences about whether we want to live in that area or not. But for me, I completely fell in love with Malaysia. With its infrastructure, a city with trees in it, foods that are of good quality, and botanical gardens that you can take a stroll in the afternoon or morning.

[@RetireandGo]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 very true I’m in KL now Heading to Thailand soon I’ll miss this clean and impressive city

[@dlhanson51]

Thailand has more retirement visa options. Over 50 retirement option, requires a deposit of USD$23,000 in a Thai bank (one variation of this option requires medical insurance). For USA citizens and some others, you can switch to a monthly deposits of USD$1,900 per month after the first year. All deposits must come from foreign country. This visa must be extended each year and you have to prove your bank deposits each year. Next option is Elite visa which is good for 5 years and costs USD$17,000. No medical insurance required. Another option is the 10 year Long Term Residence visa for wealthy pensioners which requires USD$80,000 retirement income per year. There is also a marriage visa for those married to a Thai. These require the applicant to have some financial ability but not near what Malaysia requires.

[@martypoll]

Extending your visa for reason of marriage halves your financial deposit requirements. I had an OA and now I have an LTR. I don't necessarily recommend it but many people use visa agents who can get around the deposit requirements but saddle you with yearly fees. In general though, visa agents are relatively affordable.

[@dlhanson51]

@@martypollisn’t what the visa agents are doing illegal. I wouldn’t want to get blacklisted.

[@ferney2936]

@@dlhanson51 I don't think you need to worry David.

[@martypoll]

@@dlhanson51 I never used visa agents because it seemed dodgy to me. Over the years though I’ve come to the opinion that is an acceptable way of doing business by both the agents and immigration officials. The explanation is that the head of each immigration office has discretion regarding visa approvals. Also I’ve heard that immigration officers recognize that visa agents make their work easier by making sure that all the documentation is there and in order. Using a visa agent does put a third party into the middle of the process. About twice a year to read a news story about a visa agent that disappears with money and passports leaving expats in the lurch. I’ve decided that it is mostly safe and quasi-legal but look for agents with a good reputation and don’t be cheap. I still recommend doing it “the right way” if you can afford it.

[@stacy7785]

Do you know which is better for expats for assisted living? Thailand or Philippines?

[@joekahno]

Traffic here in the Philippines, most vehicles have functioning turn signals, most drivers are reasonably concientious about using them. However, you can't drive anywhere without having at least one person in view at all times who neglected to cancel their signal after the last time they used it. It's so annoying I bought a beeping signal relay for my own cycle just to be sure I'm never that guy.

[@RetireandGo]

Joe, I’m in Malaysia now, the traffic here is very heavy in KL. The lights work but walking lights are useless haha. It’s a go for it walking culture :-)

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

That's pretty normal here in the Philippines. Wherever you drive, you will see and experience people driving without their tyres on, or most of the time, they leave them on and don't care about the person behind them. It gets pretty frustrating actually. Most of the time, it causes confusion for people behind it and may even cause traffic.

[@joekahno]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 Better not to signal at all than to signal one action and do something else.

[@patrickbarnes5531]

Good interview. Paul is always great for a good laugh.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Thanks!

[@George-ux6zz]

The grass is rarely greener on the other side.

[@garyzies3486]

unless you look for the blue grass.

[@DaveS1969]

considering you can get a 1 bedroom condo furnished with all bills for under 200 usd a month in a fantastic building with roof pool and a workout room yea its def a good place for a possible long term stay

[@alucardcount9478]

Wat bollox where?

[@TomBTerrific]

I was in Dumaguete in 2009 and thought the traffic was bad then mainly became of motorcycles and tricycles. I attributed it to the colleges. I liked it for the most part but didn’t see it a very modern. I remember going to a movie theater there and thought my girlfriend was trying to get my popcorn but turned out to be a rat. I also didn’t see any nice mall then like I saw in other towns. Maybe all that’s changed. My wife also fell in love with Thailand at all levels except the the language.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

Oh. Well, now the traffic is getting worse. With cars parking on the side of the road and motorbikes just don't know how to drive, and trucks that drives too fast in a small road that causes the traffic. Well, now the malls here have improved, and they have nice theaters-not that nice like the ones in Cebu or any other big city, but yeah.

[@beachcomber4785]

Ive done near 20 years in Thailand- speak and sing in the language. Worked lucky with some very profile people. Now considering Philippines after getting my eyes 'done' there last year. I also enjoyed doing music there. The GOSSIP is x10 worse in Philippines than Thailand- I could barely believe the sudden errupting drama and gossip when taking even a friendly interest in someone local. Cuisine and infrastructure better in Thailand.

[@Landmantx]

My number one challenge in the Philippines is the inefficiencies vs the US. We are all about making things easier and faster. There you have to get in a line to get to a screen to type in your order to carry it over to another line to get to a cash register to pay only to get in another line to pick up your food and that is what they call “fast food” ie Jollibee. In America we would have our food, ate and left by the time I get done at the screen which is stage 1 of three lol.

[@RetireandGo]

This is a real factor. There has to be a mind shift into chill mode or “Philippines time” It can get frustrating and I have to catch myself and smile while traveling through the Philippines. And … give myself and extra two hours anytime I go anywhere haha

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

I know that efficiency gaps between the Philippines and the US may be pretty apparent. In some cases, the process you described for ordering and delivering meals might be more time-consuming. When it comes to service, each country has its own set of systems and cultural norms. While living in a different place, it is important to adjust expectations and embrace the local way of doing things. That's why we have this thing called Filipino Time, which includes everything. It's normal, however, to miss the speed and ease you're used to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@michaelkobulnicky3399]

America: extremely expensive, high inflation, violence and crime, housing is very expensive, liberals are crazy people, I could go on.

[@timhusk2913]

I guess that I will do good where my asawa lives because it's the style in the provence that i love the most, because I miss the slower pace in life, with no neighbors 😊

[@dlhanson51]

It is very expensive to get a "retirement" visa in Malaysia. Since 2021 you have prove you have liquid assets of USD$360,000 and USD$9,600 monthly income just to apply. Upon approval, USD$240,000 plus an additional USD$12,00 for each dependent must be deposited in a Malaysian bank. Must stay in Malaysia a minimum of 90 days per year.

[@jamesballard6564]

I believe monthly income is now $10,500 USD. They love tourist but hate expats! 🤔

[@HEILtotheconDON]

When I retire I certainly would consider the Philippines for the following reason >Language. Most Filipinos can communicate in English. When having difficulty communicating with one person, talk to a group. Each one in the group can come up with suggestions, to come up the accurate word, phrase or sentence . Personally, I am too old to learn a new language. In places, culture is close to many Western countries >Respect. Most Filipinos have high regard for foreigners. Sorry to say but the colonial mentality is still pervasive (ie colonialist are superior). This ia a legacy of the 333 years colonization by the Spaniards. Gratitude by the Filipinos for Americans during the American rule of 25 years and during the second world war is still evident. Foreigners are almost never considered as “second class citizens “ >Diversity: Filipinos have been to almost all parts of the world as Overseas Filipino Workers. They have brought back culture and good ideas from all over the world. You can find Middle Eastern, European, African, Mexican and South American, and of course Asian foods and culture. There is a diversity of religion including most Christian denominations, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and South East Asian religions. >Cost: It is cheaper to live in the Philippines than in most part of the West, Europe, and even many Asian countries . But because of the improving economy, cost of living might increase in the future (just saying) but hopefully social and safety and protective services will also improve. >Friendliness and Helpfulness: Filipinos are, arguably (and based on other bloggers) friendlier and more more helpful that other people. Humility is deeply inculcated in most of the people because of religion and culture. Deep in the Filipino is sharing of food, labor, even condiments. Most Filipinos are willing to share, help, and they understand poverty or difficulty.They like to socialize by chatting, but lately chatting has been replaced by social media. Filipinos are arguably the most prolific users of social media in the world. Almost everyone has a facebook page and Manila was known as selfie capital of the world. I am not sure but maybe also the karaoke capital. >Safety: It is unfortunate that there was a time in the past crime is ramphant, police services were then inadequate. Most businesses hired private security guards to ensure safety . Now police services have much improved but yet still businesses hire security guards for extra protection. Malls have much still retained many security guards and security measures including inspection of bags in malls and undercarriages of cars on some hotels. Security guards are specially instructed to be courteous and friendly. Most malls even have wheel chairs you can borrow. >Foreign Affairs: Philippines has very close relations with almost all countries all over the world. “Friends to all…enemies to none”Foreigners are well treated and consular services to most countries in the world are available. >Facilities: It can have facities that can equal the best in the world. There are world class hotels, resturants, entertainment,museums for those that can afford it. But it is still a poor country where 25% of the people is under the poverty line. Good facilities are not available everywhere especially remote area in the provinces. >Natural Beauty: The Philippines have 7100 islands of a variety of shapes, beauty to explore. Swim with giant sharks, explore the tropical rain forest, waterfalls, and be involved in aquatic, mountain, forest and land activities. It is teeming with over 400 years of history that is still well preserved.

[@filipinalifewithmia5208]

These factors that you mentioned contribute to the appeal of retiring in the Philippines, but it's important to consider individual preferences and circumstances when making such a decision.

[@HEILtotheconDON]

@@filipinalifewithmia5208 I could’nt agree with you more.

[@rayrdelle]

Philippines is wonderful. I love Philippines.. but do *not* discount Thailand.

[@rayrdelle]

Are you trying to sell everyone on moving to the Philippines.?. but yes everything you say is beyond true.

[@fazbell]

I’ve lived in Thailand for eight years. Thai Immigration seems to delight in making it as difficult as possible to stay here long term. The Philippines has its downsides, but overall, foreigners seem to be welcome. Best course of action seems to be “Immigration By Marriage”, which is impossible in Thailand.

[@RetireandGo]

The long stay Thailand visas are pricey. I plan to make Thailand a two or three times a year stop. But there are many low cost wonderful countries in the area to visit and thus no expensive Thai elite visa

[@martypoll]

You can extend a nonimmigrant O visa as married to a Thai and the financial requirements are half that of a single retiree.

[@neolee8206]

It's been at least 7 years, But Visa's with a Thai wife were significantly cheaper. Half price seems to sound familiar

[@user-er1on9yi9e]

Is it though ? Having to get married as a means to make retirement affordable enough ?

[@RetireandGo]

@@user-er1on9yi9e no need, you can just move to the Philippines as you are, no need to be married. Do some exploring