The DO'S of Living in The Philippines...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Those are the eight "do's" of living in the Philippines from my experience. Stay tuned for our next video on the "don'ts" of living in the Philippines! Take care and God bless. Get access to exclusive content + Support the channel - www.patreon.com/thesavvyexpat

[@peters7229]

Great points. I wish I had been aware of these when I first visited years ago. It's so important to be culturally sensitive and respectful. BTW, your description of the fugazi long good-byes is a riot!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

haha you live and you learn Peter! Fugazi is such a common saying used in Chicago lol!

[@MarkTushingham]

Good video/call Sir. Thank you for taking the time to record this.

[@kevinburke9255]

Great Job Evan 😁... Now that the Philippines has announced they are opening on 10th of Feb. this is really timely stuff... look forward to the next one... Cheers🍻

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sure thing Kevin! New video on Philippine travel to come out soon. Stay tuned my friend!

[@robertreynard2916]

Been going through a lot of your videos…great channel and great host. You’re doing a fantastic job!

[@thnaykhwam2425]

Thanks for d video Savvyexpat. Added infos 🙏👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got it Pat!

[@katolau]

A very thoughtful list, and well-articulated. My Mom keeps reminding me when I'm doing things "American style..." :) Look forward to seeing the next video, wonder how many I will need to admit I actually would do...(probably most/all )...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Haha very relatable. My grandparents say the same thing. Don'ts of living in the Philippines coming soon :)

[@stecar9122003]

I'm one of those who doesn't get angry very easily and most of the time I will laugh along with people even if they are making jokes about me. I even make jokes about myself so why not have some fun instead of getting angry.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely Steven. It's always good to just lighten up and not take things too seriously. I noticed that it's especially good in the Philippines! Thanks for watching

[@stecar9122003]

@@TheSavvyExpat You are very welcome and thanks for the video my friend.

[@brendangriffin1791]

I'm doing my research 🙂 I hope I make it there one day. Thank you for the information 🙂

[@rodeloperez5138]

Thanks for the video bro. Very informative .

[@jameslonergan5840]

All good points Evan. Thanks for the video, will be watching for part 2.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got it James, coming soon!

[@pmags1331]

Thanks for the info . 👍.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You bet!

[@azadmichael3241]

Good subject , thanks savvy 🌹

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sure thing Azad

[@devonferris]

Love it. I forgot some of these cultural differences in Phillipines being in America for so long.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for watching Devon

[@RandyA7]

Thank you Evan. Awesome video as usual. I was laughing multiple times. I love your style of presenting, mixing in humor and keeping it real. Looking forward to the next one.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got it Randy! Glad you enjoyed the video. Next one coming up real soon!

[@methemonkeyking]

Excellent advice. I think #6 should be #1.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely, patience is a virtue as they say. The list was in no particular order, but it definitely should be up there

[@pilippepine3299]

I am not a pushy person..i am very respectful and smiling and enjoy your country so much because of the kindness in the culture...! I always end up having fun even going to the sari sari can turn out into a party of laughters...hehe So yes foreigners be kind and respectful in Philippines and it will come back to you a thousand times bigger and make your trip beautiful...! Salamat for the videos po...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Well said!

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, Elderly people are treated very well in The Philippines. Filipino youth seem to really enjoy senior citizens. Many youth are surprised that not all Americans are rich. I enjoy take out food even in the provinces. I really enjoy your channel.

[@ricknolte6846]

A very accurate video I must say. I go knowing that during my stay, something will probably go wrong. It's just how it is and if you let yourself get upset, it will only ruin your time there. As long as your safety isn't compromised, learn to just roll with it. I have had some very interesting experiences that have become priceless memories and travel stories like staying at a maid's house because the beachfront room I was supposed to have in Dumaluan got double booked. Only for one night, but it was a lot of fun staying with them.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Well said Rick. Learning to just go with the flow is a crucial thing we also learned and it led to many unforgettable experiences like you mentioned. Thanks for watching!

[@waterheaterservices]

Very very important information

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely Jim

[@markbannister5586]

Ha-Ha! Long good bye’s!!! Yes, I’ve experienced that at many times at parties with Filipino friends and family. Not only does karaoke 🎤 go on for hours, but when it’s time to leave it’s well in to the early morning hours 😉🇵🇭👍🏾✌🏾. Nice, Evan, thanks for the laughs😂

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly! Filipinos love having company like no other 😂 thanks for watching Mark

[@edmondpharez5028]

THANK YOU EVAN I'VE HEARD THAT THE PHILIPPINES WILL OPEN FOR ALL FOREIGN TRAVEL ON FEBURARY 10TH. IN THE EVENT YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE IT.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Edmond, I'll definitely be sharing that soon

[@LB-ty6ks]

Go things to be aware of.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

🤝👍

[@lukemaxwell96]

So true! Before the Grab app existed we mostly used taxi (if not jeepney or tricycle). The number one question you have to ask them is "will you use your meter?" Because most won't if you don't ask. Also, I remember going to so many Filipino parties as a kid. They would take ages to leave. Be stuck there for hours even though they already said bye lol.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Big time! The Grab app has been immeasurably useful for us ever since we got to the Philippines. And no matter where, whether Filipino parties in the Philippines or in the U.S, long goodbyes are always the same 😂

[@keithfaccone8124]

If it happens to you and some kid comes up and asked if he could have your coffee I would take him somewhere to get something to eat and drink and not be upset about it. Some of us have been blessed more than others and even though we work hard in lotta cases for those things never forget that we are all human beings

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Oh absolutely. I'm not saying I was mad, I ended up playing around with those kids in the short time we were stopped at a gas station. The point was that there's times people come up to your window and because some of us will react differently than others, keep a level head.

[@toddhildebrand]

Hey Evan, as always a very informative video!. Where is the best place to find a good honest local to be a guide? Thanx!~See you in the jungle~Todd

[@GreenManalichi]

Thnx Evan. Hey, did you hear the news? The borders will open for tourism on Feb 10 for foreigners who don't require visas !!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Video coming up on that very soon!

[@markmene1975]

How did you retire so young and early ?? Inheretance ? Crypto ? Stocks? No way its a job from the US..I'm just curious because I've got all 3 ..Just continuing to dollar cost.Any tips ??

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hey Mark, I'm not retired. Research plus my Dad being an early retiree is where I learned about this subject. So I learned from experience of moving to the Philippines and learning from him. We also invest in all of the same things. I'd be careful with stocks though as a crash is likely to come soon.

[@markmene1975]

@@TheSavvyExpat sweet !! If I may ask? What crypto are you invested in? What coins are your horses ? Also is Philippines a crypto friendly country ? What exchanges do you reccomend using in the Philippines ? Is it safe to bring my ledger in the airport ? Im pinoy too..

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@markmene1975 We invest in Ethereum, Cardano, Monero, and a few others. We also have used Binance in the past. And I wouldn't say the Philippines is very crypto friendly like Malta or Switzerland. I'd also be very careful with bringing your ledger to the airport.

[@MultiPasswordman]

After finding a good Filipino who is trustworthy, make sure you get their info! We keep in contact with some good people we met. They always took care of us. Since the pandemic, we made they know we appreciated them! We've sent them chocolates, iphones, ipads, and other luxury items to let them know we really appreciated their kindness and honesty!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Oh absolutely. When you come across someone who's trustworthy it's a must to stay in contact with them. We learned that because finding someone we are able to let our gaurd around is like finding gold, though many Filipinos seem to be nice upfront. I'm sure your friends will never forget you guys after your gratitude towards them!

[@527ctguy]

Cute guy! good video.

[@douglasgeorge6186]

My wife and I’s plan is this; 6 months in the PI and then one year in the US, rinse and repeat.

[@skyekjet7156]

ur cute, also nice editing

[@joewtjjoewp1]

lol somewhere around 3:20 i think, you mentioned it would be a disaster if a cab wouldn't have airconditioning. In my experience when I was in the Philippines, many drivers turn their AC temperature so low it seems like sitting in a freezer. My guess would be that Filipinos who like cold weather and feel like they were born in the wrong country, become cab drivers.

[@brianbaxter3913]

I have been to the Philippines 3 times already. I find a lot of Filipino's to be loud when they are talking. They take so loud and fast that it sounds like they are arguing. As for taxi rides yes the first taxi ride I was over charged but the 3rd trip the average was about 350 peso and that was going between Pasay and Manila. Some did not use the meter but gave a flat rate and often the flat rate was less then the meter rate. I am planning to retire there and I know that I will be frustrated at times but I won't have to be anywhere in a hurry. As for Filipino time that is easy to fix just make the meeting time about an hour ahead. I had lots of practice at that here with my brother-in-law always being late haha.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Great points you brought up Brian. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@vonerich0926]

So True. We are confident speaking English to foreigner without fellow Filipino overhearing. You will be teased and laughed at after hearing, not because of your grammar/sentences but for the exceptional effort you made in speaking English that may cost you your life from nose bleeding. 🤣🤣

[@TheSavvyExpat]

A lot of Filipinos are good at speaking English but so shy because of their friends 😂 it least they try. I'm happy I've never got laughed at or shamed when messing up speaking tagalog

[@donieambrocio403]

This is my reply to your episode: Ten reasons why expats leave the Philippines. This is my opinion about your thoughts savvy. After reading all the exchanges of replies you and readers of comments on display (because replies needed click first to show up). You live in the Philippines and you enjoyed it in some degree..however, of course there must be some negatives anywhere in the world including the Philippines. But would you take responsibily ...to appease/minimize the many extreme negative thought about this country they are trying to imply generally? Because you are the one they ask!! ...Not all the Filipinos are expecting/waiting all the time for a 'hand out' from any foreigner their family member/relative involved with, you can oftenly see relatives feed by their foreign partners but mostly only on special occations/celebrations. More often they're just having curiousity & wanting to be friend to you. Many of us are farmers, fishers, sellers, drivers, mechanics, artist/painters, carpenters, decorators, beautician, technicians, musicians etc. Of course there are some lazy individuals everywhere, you even have machines even on simple dishwashings.. there are some do always thought of money in their minds, gamblers, drunkards, addicted to dangerous drugs, psychopaths, Godless..Now tell us, where in the world not having some individuals like these? America? Nope. You are the one to correct them because you started all these..but instead, you allow them to mock Filipinos and adds futher points in agreement to their saying. Be true to your conscience and experience! Do you really a witness or actually witnessing, that generally as I read all your exchanges of thoughts.. Filipinos are robbers/ lazy?.. if you are unsure, Say it to them. I know you are still young but you started this. You even suggested go ahead signal to a query to take Filipina fiance/wife just to spare them the hassles of life here in Ph.. that's Ridiculous. You victimized us with Asian hate crimes in your country not to mention other difficulties.. still you'll pursue us in our own land? And still we treat you right and respect you. Of course we know Government has issues of corruption and mismanagements! And that sincere/voluntary/unconditional love/help to needy.. that is the thing what we welcome from anyone, thank you. God may bless us all.

[@thnaykhwam2425]

Grab is convenient even in many countries

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Very true Pat

[@manilamartin1001]

I find westerners to have bad tempers here. Asian expats are much less likely to have bad tempers. Great do list. Please add do practice speaking local languages. We filipinos love when foreigners learn our languages.

[@jefgosselin852]

To my brother in this world I'm coming September I value your opinion ware when how who ext lol. Any input would be helpful any info is helpful and like you said research

[@haldepet12]

I like no 2 the most. There are some hard points on the list, but somehow reasonable. However, I most oppose the no 5. Really stay away of travel buddies, they make your day miserable. They come like moskitos and you really have to be rude to keep them off. Some foreigners like me have a lot of travel experiences around the globe, that will also help in the Philippines. But Filipino travel buddies do not know how to travel the world. They just think they know how and they even feel that they are the expert. Really, do the travel research yourself and never take on any advice of a travel buddies.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I can see why you say that. I've experienced having Filipino friends that are very clingy and won't give space. I should've mentioned to bring a travel buddy if they know how to travel or at least have a good personality to travel with.

[@PhilipCamps]

The Philippines sounds alot like Caribbean culture, especially where I am from in Trinidad. Looks like i'll fit in easily

[@jimbob276]

It’s not

[@PhilipCamps]

@@jimbob276 how so?

[@thnaykhwam2425]

Some taxi drivers do drugs just on d pretext of long hours of driving just to keep awake as they operate on a 12 hrs basis sometimes 24hrs .d boundary has escalated . Whilst it's true , but they shouldn't resort to drugs as as d negative impact on them is disastrous . Also many taxi drivers does not pay heed on their attire. Many shabby and stinks

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly, that's why we choose to not take taxi because of the many issues that come along with it some times. Thanks for watching Pat

[@krakerjak3]

This was pretty much another "dont" list. A list of Do-nots lol

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Lol

[@Hicks-g1m]

It's easier to move here when you have family and cousins here

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Big time

[@martincha3477]

I push my way to the front of the line at Jollibee... 🤣🍻

[@methemonkeyking]

That is very common in the Philippines’s. The ONLY way to avoid it, one has to stand one inch behind the person in front of you. Make sure it’s not a pretty 👯‍♀️

[@TheSavvyExpat]

"Single file lines" are definitely not used by a lot of locals 😂

[@xo7454]

Their kind of joke is by using slapstick and shaming.

[@chuck9112]

Question, please. I understand Filipinos are more quiet and shy than Americans, but what if something is wrong, say at a restaurant, and you are upset 😡? I don't want to just lie down and take it. How do you express unsatisfactory service without raising your voice? Hummm?

[@WarrenRCG]

S I G U R O 😹😹😹

[@TheSavvyExpat]

😂