Worst Advice For Expats Moving To The Philippines... (AVOID THIS)

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Savvy Expats, be sure to list your video suggestions down below. God bless and take care! Give Your Video Suggestions - form.jotform.com/220607656250048

[@Tedinthephilippines]

@Con Descending you can tell him when you will be back and he can meet you around that time. It might cost extra but it might be worth looking into. Negotiate the price. 👍

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I have lived here 21 years. The pattern I have seen for Expats is after getting settled in and developing a social network the biggest challenge they have is finding things to do. A life of no challenge, no learning and nothing to do is not all that it's cracked up to be. A lot of expats who fail at this wind up literally drinking themselves to death. I've attended more than one funeral of expats who drank themselves to death here. Luckily I have been able to keep myself busy. I have volunteered, tutored, taken courses online, establish an exercise routine and healthy lifestyle, learned gardening, restored houses, learned cuisine, charitable work and got involved in church. I have discussed this with expats who are so negative thinking they can not/refuse to think of anything to do and end up in bed 24/7 (even eat in bed) staring at 4 walls. These seem to be the most unhappy people and they aren't difficult to find among the expat community. IT IS A MAJOR KEY TO FINDING CONTENTMENT AS AN EXPAT.

[@beatglauser9444]

I totally agree: Those broken people are more common than the ones that find real happiness in the Philippines. And they drink themselves to death, some slower, some faster. The only thing is: Keep yourself busy and curious and try to discover new things and places.

[@clit_niblr0375]

Exactly. A person who can't find something to keep them engaged in the world/society will eventually develop bad habits and fall into those same traps you listed above.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Spot on.

[@jjdelamo6246]

if you have not planned what to do in "retirement", start planning now. ideas - write a book, play golf/etc/for health, volunteer/teach, start a small biz, travel in Asia, Europe. That's what I do. I still have investments , all passive- real estate, stocks/trading, so I keep abreast of the market, i get busy sometimes managing money, property managers, etc.

[@marcofluff]

Best over comment I have read about this yet. Thank you sir

[@jsabz3]

hi! I'm a fil-am and just moved to cavite for med school this past september. I watched a few of your vids out of curiosity and just want to let you know that you're doing a great job! great quality content delivered in a clear, concise way. hope many expats find your channel because you're speaking nothing but the truth! good luck on growing your channel!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Jesse!

[@lil-g4879]

The content is great, I agree. I watch the vids as I am planning on moving to the Philippines asap. Really helpful!

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, I lived well on $1000 a month in the province but you are right, it sure was not living like a king. It was hard for me to "fully settle down" in the islands of paradise I do not want the rat race but l do like the hybrid lifestyle. I have to repeat myself in English quite often. I have found older people speak more English that the younger crowd, (unlike you). I made a lot of acquaintances but few close friends. I shunned going into business. I lived there about 6 years until my health gave out. Churches and schools seemed to be the best place to find good women. Hospitals are another great place to meet good educated women. I like a hybrid lifestyle instead of a local lifestyle. Thank you for sharing some very valuable advice.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly James. The hybrid lifestyle would fit most expats' preferences. The best girls to meet are also at the churches too. Thanks for sharing.

[@waterheaterservices]

@@TheSavvyExpat The best place for us to search for gold is gold mines. The pastor's daughter was my target, as long as I behave to her before vows Pastor will not target me 😁😅😂

[@mikga45]

@@TheSavvyExpat good info, bars are not the place to meet woman. And this video speaks the truth. You want to live good here I agree with the 2500 us a month or more. I make less than that I live in province and get by ok. Far from living like a king, have roof 9ver head, food to eat and a beautiful girl by my side who keeps me on a healthy unhappy diet, no Pepsi or junk food. She good. Not a bar girl.

[@levaann]

I'm not even an expat I'm a local Filipino and I subscribed because you're very interesting to listen to! Straight to the point, concise without sounding boring. Good work sir!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you very much!

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Evan, you are wise beyond your years. Your growing up in a western lifestyle and then moving to the Philippines at a fairly young age gives you an unique and interesting viewpoint. You are the youngest vlogger I’m subscribed to and I like your advise and insight. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I really appreciate that Gary 🙏 glad I can provide some insight for you my friend.

[@jenserikjohansson6228]

Agri

[@roninbushito]

I agree thats why I subscribed to Evan. Im tired of listening to Joe blow who just moved to PH 3 months ago and has never encountered a filipino in his life in the US lol.

[@roqueb1557]

This is the most accurate piece of advice I watched. Thanks Savvy Expat. Im a Filipino, as a general rule, this scenario could happened to you wherever you are but I really appreciate your thought about living in the Philippines and also it all depends on your purpose in life living here. After all, we all strive for happiness.

[@roninbushito]

This is what I call quality content not some random trust fund baby vlogging about their staycation in the PH "juicy vlogs" "making it happen" and others.

[@MG77740]

I appreciate this guy’s advice. I was in Manila in 2002 and got into a few really great conversations. I was always very careful about being too opinionated. I usually let the other person set the direction of conversation which I think is a good way to have rewarding conversation.

[@timsannicolas7562]

Hello Savvy Expat. I totally agreed with you. I’ve been to the PH many times for many different reasons. I couldn’t agree with you that meeting locals are amazingly friendly. Monthly expenditures of 2,500 or more would be a reasonable lifestyle. Besides, things and services will continue to increase. Great advices.

[@jes2731]

Back in the day when I was stationed in the Philippines (NAS Cubi Pt.) before the bases closed, and the peso rate was P20 to the dollar. Me the lonely E-4 making $714 a payday... Not even back then did I think I was living like a king. I did keep an off base apartment the whole 3 yeas I was stationed there, and a car and finally a motorcycle, but I wasn't raining in any left over cash by the end of the pay period. It was the best years of my young adulthood life and I did meet Mrs. right, and we'll be celebrating anniversary #31 later this year. We've started to gear down for retirement and are both looking forward to the quiet life of the Philippines in the next 18 months or so, and yes, we'll be in the more than comfortable living life style $$ range if we so choose so, but I am looking forward to the slower provincial life. !!!-MABUHAY-!!!

[@ThuyPham-lr5dc]

Shit River commando

[@surfboy344]

Thank you Evan for another great video. Could you do a video on the best ways to help the needy there. Some of us are charitably inclined and with your caveats, I would be interested in knowing from your perspective on the best ways to help people there. Thanks again. God bless you and your family.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Coming up Jimbo! We have some experience in that area so I have been pondering on a lot of good tips for doing that. God bless.

[@TheOriginalRick]

Working thru the locals is really the best way. They know the needs, and the people. For example, our cousins provide a food bank for the needy in their province. The past two years have hit many families really hard, and struggles to even survive have turned into a daily challenge. There is zero dollars used for administration, and everything they receive goes directly into providing the necessary food for families. Looking around the local area should provide you with a similar opportunity to work with the Filipinos who are taking care of their extended communities on some type of project.

[@rignacio9586]

It doesn't matter how much your monthly budget is, it really depends on each person's individual lifestyles..

[@romanfernandez4055]

the second point is accurate, i was in the province side of philippines and it actually gets boring overtime. Just being at the beaches with perfect weather.. I start to lose motivation. Now I'm back in Canada I realized how much I loved the fast paced life here.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Agreed Roman. You can only go to the beach so much before things get old.

[@thnaykhwam2425]

It's true what u said Savvy, u cnt help everyone but just do what u can afford .use ur discretion tho.. with empathy 🙏

[@azadmichael3241]

Another great video, thanks bro

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got it Azad 🙌

[@denni97424]

Hi, greetings from Germany. I just spend 5 Hours watching your clips. They are all unbelivible informative. Way better than the vids some creepy expats do. Not all of them, but a few. Thank you very very much

[@spiritualexercise265]

Thank you for putting first things first. My favorite KZbinrs have become my not so favorite by always building a new house, out spending money like crazy and avoiding typhoon relief by fleeing to safer islands. Sad but true... we can assimilate into the culture and enjoy the people and places without being extravagant.

[@johnclark7973]

#1 and #4 resonated with me. I always laugh when I see people say they are going to live in $500 to $1,000 usd/mo in the Philippines. I guess they are gonna eat roadkill every meal and wipe their behinds with leaves. Lol. 🤷‍♂️ And I used to wonder would I chose living there on a beach or live in the city, but you totally made sense here about living in Metro Manila with all the modern conveniences, and still having access to Cavite and Bantangas (for me on weekend trips to the beach). That is having best of both worlds. I think I would be bored out of my mind living fulltime in the province. So thank you for helping me come to this all important conclusion!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely man, this how my family lives. We cannot bare living in the province full time, very boring and tasteless at times. But live in the metropolitan and go out to the beach on the weekends and you're set!

[@throughblindeyesmyphilippi2015]

Outside of Metro Manilla $1,000 a month is more than enough as long as you live a moderate lifestyle and not beyond your means. Yes $1,500 and up is more ideal but not necessary based on my research, investigations, and talking with a local (my Filipina) for the past 21 months. This is not a one size fits all thing. Some can live off from much less than others. But all in all no I would not come to live there with less than $1,000 a month for me personally

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Very true. To each their own.

[@Chr1s808]

Great advice. I’m currently vacationing in the Philippines and everything this guy said is 💯% true.

[@EasternDreamer615]

Another brilliant video, excellent work man.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for watching as always brother 🙏

[@Abelius]

Absolutely spot on. But it still takes a cool mind to accept the truths you've just told, before going there and fail in two, three... or all of them simultaneously, haha!

[@ramier66]

Nice resume, quick, short and good👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Always 🙏

[@DefendUSA1776]

The best way to make one million dollars in the Philippines is to start with two million dollars. Do not EVER give money to any beggar. Some are addicts, others are scams set up by criminals. Some are sincere, but you are much better off finding a sincere charity and helping them to help the people.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got that right.

[@dasfritz1]

Hey! Great video! You make some very valid points, and I totally agree. I am happily married to an amazing Filipina, whom I met after several travels to your beautiful country. I hope to retire there in a few years and you bring up valid points. I would encourage everyone who think along those lines to visit frequently before to understand the culture and experience first hand how it is

[@chuck9112]

I'm living in upper Antipolo, and we have a brand new 2-bed 2ba townhouse style apartment for $319.00 per month. I bought a used car, and I'm paying $150.00 per month we easily stay below $1,500. and we eat out a lot. 3 people. In California we needed 3k For the same level of lifestyle.

[@mgoldberg777]

I'm new to your channel and you give excellent advice for foreigners wanting to move to the Philippine. Love it, gonna follow you

[@rickmccarroll9993]

Happy to see my special friend video again. Have a great day my friend

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You too Rick. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

This is my comment on one of your other videos. For over 3 years now, my wife, son and I certainly don't live like kings, queens and princes, but we live like middle class provincial Filipinos. That is fine for us... "How about doing a video for those considering retiring in the provinces! I live in the provinces in a small fishing community 100km south of Cebu City. We built our nice little house on land we got from my wife's family. Total cost was about 300,000 pesos ($5400USD). Now there is no rent, we eat simple Filipino food, and live comfortably on 30k pesos ($540USD) per month. There are completely different dynamics but it is an option for many."

[@ermarios4281]

That’s right! It depends on how they live. If those locals and foreign people likes to live like a KING AND QUEEN IN BGC, and other urban city like DINING INNS five star restos, buying branded things online, travel in different countries and local places of course the $ 500-1,000 would not be enough for their family.

[@juhdah2146]

I have been in more countries than an average person, Philippines being the most visited. I found your information to be most accurate about the Philippines.

[@albertsammut433]

I found out through 40 years of traveling that MOST filipinas prefer their partners to be faithful in God just by asking them directly. .Many expats say I talk rubbish and filipinas will go with any guy as long as hes got money to support her and her family..Can we do a video on filipinas preferences on the type of men they MOSTLY admire?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got that right Albert. While their are Filipinas looking for a man with the dough, I find most want a Godly man that aligns with their morals. I'm going to interview Filipinas and ask them so that you can hear from them.

[@albertsammut433]

@@TheSavvyExpat Of course we will have filipina GOLD DIGGERS..but I'm talking about TRUE GENUINE LADIES who want a serious relationship and marriage and a family..Thanks for your offer on this video subject..No other vlogger on KZbin has covered this important topic that I know of..God bless

[@manilamartin1001]

I find water seeks its own level. Men match with women with similiar ideas

[@mikga45]

Philippines woman hate cheaters the good ones. Bar girl could care less. A good woman from the Philippines will not share her man with others. If they are only interested in you taking care of their family you have the wrong girl. Give small amount for her family, maybe 5 or 6000 peso a month. If more she is using u as a cash cow, walk away.

[@genejordan9983]

Good advice. Expats first need to learn to say no. And not all items are cheaper. Many items in the store are higher than the US. A big aggregation I have there is expats that act like kings. I can’t stand when foreigners look down on the Filipinos. Good video. Enjoy watching you

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Well said Jene. Thanks for watching.

[@BugYall]

Wow! Honesty instead of the bahala na-mentality! Good job! Keep it up!

[@puertoprincesapalawanagri-7263]

Good advice. I have found that yes......one can indeed live on perhaps $1000 or so, but it's a very, very simple life and usually not the best accomodations, foods, etc.....living in the province, and for sure no rent....everything paid for, your own house, etc. More likely, and a better life similar to perhaps your former western lifestyle would mean something closer to $1500-2000 a month income or expenses, including rent. I have SS of a bit higher than that and live very well, eating out, local travel, importing things from the US when desired, renting, own a newer truck, helping my GF's family, and so on. As to business.....it can be hard here for foreigners. From my experience, investing in and owning titled (important to be titled) land in the name of your filipino wife or a very trusted resource (can be done and retaining control through various legal agreements), renting tourist cottages, etc is a stable way of producing incomes. Otherwise, stick to an internet based business doing business internationally. You're right, the margins are tough here, the laws are complex especially per employment regulations, and unless you have a very, very unique and hard to start concept, every filipino and his brother will copy you and put one up next door to you selling goods for a few pesos less. As to GF's, my suggestion is find a good, traditional but educated province girl, or a city girl who wants to live outside of the city and is interested in a simpler life. Too many now seek the rich foreigner who will support their extended family, take them to the US, spoil them, etc. Avoid this at all costs. So much could be said, but your points are well taken.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Well said. Thanks for your insight.

[@Olivier_G_]

You may be young but you are the most reliable and relevant youtuber I have seen so far talking about living in the Philippines! Many thanks for your fine quality work!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you for the kind words. More content to come!

[@Olivier_G_]

@@TheSavvyExpat Awesome! I saw in one of your video that beggers are not uncommon. Are most people poor in the Philippines? My question might seem dumb but I am talking about differences in classes. Some people are ok being wealthy around struggling people, but I am not, and that's a factor very important for me to decide to stay and live in a country or not. Your feedback on this would be greatly appreiated. Thanks Evan

[@martinedward2697]

Pretty good video! I’ve been here in Leyte for almost a year. Took an ‘early out’ retirement at work due to Covid. I’m 65 now, and have an 8 year old daughter. I try to make a $2,000 dollar budget per month work, but usually go a little over. Hybrid living I guess. Rent is $600.mo. for a pretty nice house. I get to buy most of the food for my wife’s family. It is something I can do. $800. For everything else. Not many expats near me, only a few. I’m a little bored, even though I stay mostly busy. Everyone is nice. Ladies give me smiles, and my wife stays on top of that! All in all, good. May just go back and forth to US and PI. Daughter’s education, and healthcare the main reasons.

[@theshadow532]

Do you go to Guam for your health care? I wonder will Medicare pay if i fly the 3 hrs flight to Guam since it's American territory?

[@martinedward2697]

@@theshadow532 I go to Hawaii at least once a year. That’s my home base. I don’t think Medicare will pay for the flight, but I don’t really know. Guam is the closest though, just a 3 1/2 hour flight. I pay out of pocket for medical here in Philippines.

[@theshadow532]

@@martinedward2697 Are you a permanent resident yet in the Philippines or are have you decide to stay a tourist? And how hard is it to extend my tourist visa for 29, 59 and 6 months?

[@martinedward2697]

@@theshadow532 I think it is easy to extend your visa for six months at a time at the Bureau of Immigration. I think max. Is 3 years, then you have to leave the country. Then you can come back and start over, but I’m not an expert on that. I’m married to a Filipina. So, I can stay here for one year at a time on a Balikbayan visa, no fees.We usually travel every year back to US, so no problem. I could get a 13A visa for permanent resident status, but haven’t done that yet.

[@gamboa7665]

I'm just in awe how mature and insightful you are because you look so young. Keep it up! Great content.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Michael

[@edmarfegidero3887]

Hands down the best filam vlogger there is!

[@richardsteinbergmakingknives]

Excellent video, you're good ant this!!! And great advice, thanks!

[@glennhiggins5425]

G' day Evan, new subscriber here. Thanks for your advice, look forward to seeing more videos from you. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@michaelfeehily5926]

@Great channel great advice New Sub lol

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Michael, hope you enjoy the other vids

[@sterlingmad7763]

Agree 100% good video and good advice. Not much difference in the cost of living between the PH and the West if you want to live a half descent life.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly

[@kjmkhulit1331]

At kung maarte kayo sa uri ng pamumuhay namin , d wag kayong pumunta dito ,

[@markpeters9332]

I agree, your monthly budget really depends on your way of living and where you live. For me, I like the province lifestyle and when I have gone on holiday there, I try to eat like a local, the calanderia etc. not like a westerner. For sure, if you have minimum $1.5k monthly budget, you can easily live in a province, but I have worked out I can live $750 AUD/month (not including rent) just living a simple non western lifestyle. And that is the key, to embrace the local lifestyle and live a simple life, for me anyway. Good video young man.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly Mark. Depends on the lifestyle.

[@lpg12338]

Good video, subscribed.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Glad you enjoyed it 🤝

[@waynewes9466]

Great video my friend lives like a king in cavite for $2,200 a month with a big house and a full time house keeper and cool. He is pretty busy and hasn’t slowed down In 8 years because he has a pretty good business acumen. Your advice is pretty solid thank you for being balance.

[@BEACHDUDE71]

2500 is even better

[@marie.s9995]

Listen, for $3 grand you can live in USA and live in rural and yet still enjoy better things in life. 57% of USA is likely small town America! So for that reason, no NEED to relocate in the Philippines unless you just wanted to!

[@donquixote1502]

I think you are absolutely right about the money. I agree that 1500$/month outside the most expensive areas is a good rule. You are right about the slow life outside big cities, you have to love it, or you go crazy.

[@darrylk808]

How about a video on how you ended up in the Philippines from Chicago? I know you moved with your family, but maybe ask your parents things...I'm interested because I'm probably your parents age. I am looking for investing in a foreign country (need to diversify outside the US in case SHTF). But I'm not Filipino or probably will never be able to get a Philippine's passport... 1. are both your parents Filipino? two sides of the family from the Philippines? If not how was the non-Filipino convinced to make the move? 2. what triggered your parents to make the move? Maybe their parents getting older? Had enough of the USA? Better opportunities for growth in a up and coming country? 3. how did they know they could financially afford to make the move? Or are they planning on working in the Philippines or starting a business? 4. what kind of school are you guys going to? (don't name the school) International schools? local schools? 5. what are your parents sources of income? (no need specifics) Have social security? passive income from investments? 6. what is the monthly spend for your sized family? Are you renting or did you buy? Is any or all of your family a dual citizen of both USA and Philippines? I'm just curious and think it would make a different video than all those old single guys that moved there living on social security.

[@kayflip2233]

He didn't move from the Philippines. He was born in America.

[@darrylk808]

@@kayflip2233 ? moved from Chicago to the Philippines. Why?

[@kayflip2233]

@@darrylk808 Family, better scenery, low crime, low cost of living, geoarbitrage with US savings / remote work etc. Tons of reasons.

[@nadiaexplores6489]

If you're looking to invest in the Philippines, foreigners are not allowed to own land here but can own condominiums. Real estate is very expensive in Metro Manila and just keeps on increasing unlike in the US where it's more volatile. A middle income class worker can't afford to buy a house and lot in Metro Manila with the very low salaries unless one is amenable to living in the slums with a high crime rate. In the US, a middle class income worker can buy acres of land depending on the state.

[@schlurpie]

the "live like a king" advice was applicable 15 years ago. currently, the philippines is like 3rd world country with 1st world cost of living prices, especially in manila

[@marshallayers7282]

you have some good and realistic information. i can stop work and move there on a 2500.00 buget now. that will go up to 4k when i hit 62. from all i have heard, i am pretty sure that it is doable. i am coming in june for a 6 week visit to find out for myself. then i will know a little more and decide if ph is for me. keep up the good content.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's a great budget Marshall. All the best!

[@skyramafoil]

Wow what a revelation staying in slow island paradise losing drive is true. I suffer from this and now aware of it. Traveling is the spice of life.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Gotta get back out there!

[@theupsidetv2007]

You're absolutely right on all your points. For example, I hate it when some KZbinrs claim that you can live with $500 a month. The minimum budget for living somewhat nicely in the Philippines, in my opinion, is $3,000+ a month.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you... Very refreshing to hear

[@jimbob276]

Those vloggers are mostly kano vagrants $500 no ways definitely not in Manila

[@Proserpina858]

amazingly nuanced and realistic observations evan, thanks. i am transitioning going back to the philippines. i was born there and miss the sense of community and humor that seems to be missing in the west because things just don't resonate as much and time is scarce.thanks.

[@dennisgordon7767]

this is a great video man and from someone so young. im 37 and your second point is right on - im living on an island in phu quoc in vietnam and no one here wants to rush and accomplish anything really. but i went to saigon for a month and the city's buzz made me start thinking about all the things i need to do. its is def dangerous to coast in a chill place.. kind of like quicksand. same time i cant stand the cities now so this is complicated issues.

[@antoniorangel5011]

I like your videos, you always give good advices. I just subscribed. I am thinking about retiring in the Philippines. Keep up the good work.

[@Dennis-fg5sd]

I am a Filipino American just like you are used to live in Chicago Illinois just like you Now I live in state of Florida, where it’s sunny all the time I have been following you in depth and your point of view living in the Philippines are spot on, yes I do agree. Some of this bloggers tend to be deceptive on their blog Just to attract viewers and likes that is not very good. I am going to keep on following you .

[@Patrick-s1c4p]

I live on 25$ a month in the Philippines. I eat grass, drink seawater, and spend my days lying on th beach all day

[@Jopacob]

Concise, detailed and honest. Thank you

[@rephillips56]

Cebu is the best! I love Landers and Ayala mall. Retiring in the Philippines is the safest and highest quality of life.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

And extremely affordable I might add!

[@UrsBaumgartner-md7nv]

You are the first and only one of many "experts" who know what he speaks about. I come to the Philis since 30+years and live here since nearly 20. I know what I m speaking about.....and I say: you are still young but wise enough to see and describe the truth👍

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Truly a great video. I'm not one of those that could live the province lifestyle, but my wife and I recently moved into our own little condo in the beautiful city of San Fernando, Pampanga and I love it there. We're currently back in Vancouver, but planning to be back perhaps permanently this October.

[@tonym992]

All brilliant advice. Thank you

[@wrathroc]

Very good. Nicely done in explaining

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks a lot

[@adianok7046]

Great job !!! Thanks for sharing.

[@davidtesler1198]

Good general advice. I lived there for years and I spent about 1700 a month in Northern Luzon and when I went to Makati that easily doubled.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly. Big price jump from province to city life

[@jaime8318]

I pay for my gf's flat in San Pablo, Laguna. Right now, it's her, her mother, and our daughter. I pay 3,500 pesos a month for a 2 bedroom flat. Six months ago, I told her to have her Mom come and live there. One more mouth to feed isn't going to break my bank. They eat healthy food (for the most part), doing their shopping at the traditional market, which is walking distance from the flat. Last month our expenses, including rent, my daughter's allowance (1,000 pesos) and the money I give to my gf's Mom every month (500 pesos to supplement her 500 per month pension) was 29,000 pesos. They eat very very well. Not food deprived like they were before she met me. I will be moving there at the beginning of next year, I don't think my expenses will go up much while we are living in the flat. It will go up when we build our house, of course.

[@philrose7716]

Hi Evan great video! Have you thought of taking us on a field trip so we can see the real Philippines where the everyday people live.

[@BpGregor]

Thank you for a very realistic video. Too many people get the idea that anything is better than what they have - the proverbial "Grass is greener...". Definitions are also necessary. As you mention some will try to outdo one another about how inexpensive something is when comparing to where they are from, especially in the US. A "king" usually conjures up Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace. But for a person struggling on $3,000 a month in New York City, half of that in the Philippines may really seem like a king to that person. But to a person living in Alabama on $3,000 a month $1,500 may seem like he has nothing compared to Alabama. The definition of "king" when giving advice, if someone is so proned to do, becomes very important. To a person, living in San Francisco, California, and paying $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, living in the Philippines on just that same $3,000 may feel like being a king. We from the US are no longer aware of what true affordable living is. Also, being friends and being "friendly" are not the same! Being friendly is good but still requires that one be careful. My apologies for writing so much. I know you are sort of limited in time (attention span of the audience), but I just think I would like to clarify some things so, hopefully, people understand more. Besides, I am a frustrated writer! Thank you and God bless. Keep up the good videos.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Couldn't have said it any better myself Kenneth. That's a great point. Living "like a king" is relative to where you're from and I know for sure $3000 per month in San Fransisco vs the Philippines is like night and day. God bless and take care!

[@GUITARTIME2024]

"king" means access to 20-something ass that's not really available to older guys in the West. Make no mistake. Lol

[@djdg1973]

Please explain what you would spend 125000 (2500$) pesos a month ON? What are you doing? Going out everyday, paying for college, living in BGC ? I don't get it I'm foreigner and lived here off and on since 2003.

[@katana2665]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing.

[@dazzaustralia4618]

Keeping it real ! Good work 👍

[@thetruth2648]

Thanks Evan, Great information, Well done my Friend.

[@melanae23]

Please assess Dumaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental. 🙏🙏🙏

[@michaelforehand2350]

Outstanding video. Many thanks for the valuable insight and info.

[@AbogadoMichaelBlack]

glad I stumbled across your video - thanks!

[@fedgie7277]

Very insightful Evan. Thank you . I'll forward this to my delusional friends who thinks they can live like a King and Queen in the Philippines. Oh you forgot to tackle if expat will get Sick ... the Hospitals charges are ridiculous 🙄

[@beatglauser9444]

Yeah: Many older guys who emigrated to the Philippines had to leave as they got very sick. And hospitals are expensive even in the Philippines I ended up in intensive care about ten years back on a long vacation. It drained our budget radically within a few days.

[@fordbrackin6289]

Excellent channel! Great advice.

[@faronray5765]

Good video and spot on. I'm retired in cebu city and $1700 a month with no house payment gets us by but it would be harder in the USA for that kind of budget.

[@budphillips8235]

Thank You Evan, I agree I'm going to be retiring and hope to be involved in helping the underprivileged, I'm looking at Cebu or Naga, I have an opportunity to start a small business with a partner

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Good for you Bud. Hoping all goes well with your endeavors. God bless.

[@budphillips8235]

Well that all went sideways fast, I guess I'm refocusing on Cebu or Davao, just staying focused

[@marvinphillips1326]

Very good advice!

[@TravellingMan20]

Thanks for more good advice, you have a different niche and perspective to many other vloggers.

[@beatglauser9444]

When I was younger I thought it would be a great idea to live in the Philippines with my Filipina wife and my two kids. But once I learned more and more I saw so many problems occurring: I mention only a few: It does not matter how well you adapt, you will always be regarded as the "rich buting unggoy". I was surprised by the statement of a guy who wrote dictionnaries in different Pinoy languages. He was a tough traveller, survivalist and adventurer, had a family in the Philippines and lived there for over twenty years. He said one crucial thing: People who immigrate to the Philippines are extreme individualists. But the Filipinos live for their families and never only for themselves. So somehow you will always stay an outsider. Business success in the Philippines is close to impossible for Foreigners. It is the mentality thing. And the moment you don't watch carefully enough you are taken advantage of. I met a guy who worked like crazy for many years, built Hotels, great restaurants, resorts and more. When I went back to Palawan I heard that all failed because there were kidnappings in the region and that the tourists did not show up for a year. If they hang around in the same place, most foreigners get frustrated, lazy, agressive, stupid and in general heavy alcoholics. I always say: If you do not want to get insane, you must write a book, build a boat or explore places. After a while you know the first name of every single Buco tree on your island or beach. In general the simple Filipinos are very kind and friendly people, but it is hard to say what needs to be said without offending Filipinos. It seems to be a hobby for many people there to be offended for nothing or simply because they are confronted with the truth. And being rude is an absolute NOGO. The worst and most dangerous people in the Philippines are criminal foreigners. I heard terrible things of murders, kidnappings, blackmailing, fraud and more. Most of the time the victims are naive touists having the same origin as the goons. I have a house in the Philippines but I hardly go there and stay there. I tend to travel to the deep Provinces and explore places. An even most of my Filipino family members and friends living in Europe or the States hardly ever go home and stay in the Philippines. They are postponing it foever. Their kids stay were they were born and grew up and would not like to stay in the Philippines forever. In general they have kids and often partners who are not Pinoys. It is exactly as it was with the Italians, Spaniards and other nations who left Southern Europe to work in the richer Countries in Northern Europe. Few return to their place of origin and when they do, they very often return to the places they have worked for ages. By the way I know of a case where a very stupid foreigner was incarcerated in the Philippines for attempted drug smuggeling and the only person who kept this guy alive by financially supporting him in prison for many years was his prostitute girlfriend who kept on working the streets for him! So if a guy is lucky he can find a loyal girl even in bars.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Good video. Just a tip: weary, wary and aware are 3 different words with different meanings.

[@kendethstryke3020]

I'm going to have to live on around 1100 a month. But one thing for sure watching expat videos is you have to learn to live local. Eat local especially. Saw that 2 Hot Pockets were 10 bucks USD. And 6 Eggos were 9 bucks USD. That's almost triple the price here. So you have to buy Filipino products to eat cheap. Shop the local open markets. You'll save a lot of money and probably eat healthier too. We eat way too much processed food for cheap here and veges are expensive. Its the opposite there And thats healthy.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's true Ken. Just shop and ear like the locals and you'll be fine budget wise

[@stanleybuchan4610]

1100 what?

[@kendethstryke3020]

@@stanleybuchan4610 1100 dollars a month USD.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Ken, 1100 US is low, and make sure you have a 20k backup fund.

[@kendethstryke3020]

@@GUITARTIME2024 yeah I plan on having a extra fund. But I definitely plan to rent in a regular neighborhood and not an expat condo tower. Those condos charge like 600 a month for a small place. I've found lots of small 2 bedroom homes for around 200-300 in middle class neighborhoods. Can save a lot right there. I'm just looking to retire by the beach. I don't need a big tower with a pool and stuff. I live a pretty simple life.

[@twomp1162]

Great info, thanks for sharing

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You bet

[@wek3000]

Thanks for been realistic about suggestion!!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

No worries!

[@sosodave4192]

hey evan, I'm glad to see you took my advice on moving further back from the camera. it makes it much easier to view you since we can see you from the top of your head down to your nipple range. it's more comfortable, like sitting across the table from you. I'm wondering if I can request a video from you. I am planning on coming to the Philippines for about 3 months in August or september, and I would like to visit Manila, Cebu, and CDO for one month each. can you do a video on where to find and a typical cost of lower-end accommodations such as basic airbnbs, how to rent a scooter or motorcycle, how to find local restaurants instead of all of the fancy tourist places, and things like that. I would love to see a video series for a given City of how to vacation for $25 a day or $30 a day or something like that. thank you!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sure thing Dave. Your advice really improved my videos so I just want to say thanks for that. Never realized how bad the past positioning was until you brought it up. Cheers!

[@davethompson2038]

Wow, it's really refreshing to here how things really are, and what a realistic cost of living is. Thank you.

[@manilamartin1001]

Please do a video on free time. I recommend guys to volunteer in the community. We have habitat for humanity, philipppine red cross. Local churches. Where do others volunteer?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Just wrote down your video suggestion. Coming up!

[@skydance2012]

Nice vid!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you

[@Tedinthephilippines]

great vid, just moved to nabas aklan, its too quiet here so i can relate to what your saying about losing ones drive. Bought a scooter to finally get around made a big difference, not so isolated now. some great locals around me but barely any english. was told everyone could speak english here. lol Its still better than Canada was. No snow for one 👍😎😁 Look forward to seing more vids from you.

[@joekahno]

Nobody anywhere, ever, has decided they need $X/mo. to live and then cut their throat if they didn't meet that income level. You start with what you have and determine what sort of lifestyle it will buy you. What most Americans consider a middle class lifestyle is going to cost about the same in the Philippines, with gaps. Some things aren't just expensive, in many cases they are not available.

[@shaunmckenna1923]

I enjoy your videos lots of very good info, I have been traveling and spending my winter in the Philippines for the last 17 yrs its a wonderful place to retire beautiful people and a great place to live so many choices. I think you may want to say where BGC is as most people will not know its part of Manila most Expats will feel at home there for sure . BGC. Bonifacio Global City.

[@geraldfirme1213]

GOD BLESS YOU for your HONESTY!!!

[@RobbieTravels]

Great video! I just returned from Manila I was there for 1 month and I agree with you for 100%.

[@moovitalong]

I don't know where you live but I will be arriving in Cebu next week and would be honored to invite you to lunch. A simple thank you for your inciteful information. Well done, well done indeed

[@loden888]

Very good points! You can't get what you want if you don't know what you want.

[@tommywu8778]

I totally agree with this video...Philippines is not all fun.

[@RobertLofrano]

Very informative video thanks, I'm 71 so it would be difficult for me. From what I've learned living outside a city in a province would be great for me.