Reality of living in the Philippines

The Truth about Living in the Philippines

Just my opinions follow - from a guy who has lived here for over 6 years and visited for over 10 years before moving here, Bottom line is that I really love it here. But would I advise every one else to move here - then my answer is no way.

It's not about the Philippines. It's really about you. You can do all the research on the cost of living, starting a business, medical care, blah, blah, blah. My personal take on it now is that those are only things of secondary importance. What's of the first importance? I'd say it's you and your ability to really know what you can and cannot do and how well you can adapt.

Sounds simple enough, but I think most of us spend a good part of our lives not really truly understanding our real capabilities. This is especially true if you come from a developed country. Mostly because in developed countries the government provides all sorts of protections to cover your butt. Living in a rich country is kind of living in a protected shell where a lot of the risks in life are minimized for you. Living in a poor country - well no one's covering your ass except yourself. And are you really prepared for that and capable of that?

Cost of living -

I believe it's cheaper to live in the Phils if you can adapt to the realities of the country. If you can't adapt, then I truly believe that it is much more expensive. If you need to replicate your comfortable lifestyle back home, I think that's going to cost you more - and that goes for food, housing, and other daily living expenses. Ensure you follow my other link to read more about this.  Just Click Here 

Beautiful women -

Sinulog 2013

no doubt that you can find a younger and beautiful woman who would want to be your partner. That's the easy part. It's a lot more challenging to learn to live with one. Can you really handle the age gap, the cultural gap and the social-economic gap that separates you? If you can, then you might be walking around with a smile. On the other hand, if you get irritated by simple behaviors like people pointing with their lips or not answering questions directly, it's going to be a real up hill battle. And if you think a big bank account is enough to keep her happy, that's probably another myth. She's a real person and she has social, individual and cultural needs that need to be fulfilled as well.

Beautiful country -

no doubt the Philippines has some beautiful and pristine places to see. But if you're more of an urban kind of guy, the city is a place that holds the best and worst of humanity. Seeing young kids sleeping and crapping on a filthy street can take a lot of steam out of your retirement dream.

Beautiful people -

Filipinos can be wonderful people. But like anywhere else there are rotten apples in the barrel. And in my opinion in a poor country, there are a lot more rotten apples. I generally remain happy by putting blinders on. Forget the rose colored glasses - that doesn't work - it only tints the crap. You need blinders to block out the crap that your mind/body can't handle. We have a narrowly defined social circle that we live in and pretty much exclude everyone else. So I mostly see wonderful people - not the ones who are trying to pull you down into their crap.

Affordable health care

- yes, healthcare is lots cheaper than the US. But it's a cash economy here, and if you want to access that care you need the cash in hand. As a result, you pay much more out of pocket because there is only a small amount of health care support from the government. If you're in decent health, it works out fine. If you need more frequent healthcare, it can get irritating having to go to pay up front when you're puking your guts out or bleeding to death. Ensure you read my other topic on this same issue. Just Click Here.

Affordable real estate -

I think this one is a mixed bag. In general prices are rising as the country is developing. You can find good deals but you need to look for them. If you have 100K US to plunk down, my guess is that on average, you'd get a better deal back home. But with a bit of work, you could find a nice place here - depending on what you consider nice. And if you're good at real estate, you might actually find some good investments. If you're a nipa hut kind of guy, then you can do it on the cheap. 

So as I said before I love it here. But I've made a lot of changes in my lifestyle. I've adapted in so many ways that I'm not even conscious of. I'm not living on the edge anymore with my retirement income. I'm on social security now and I don't have to touch that at all for everyday living. I've learned how to blend in without speaking the language. I don't need to work to live. Most people assume I'm pinoy or Chinese now. I really am having fun in this country.

But you know, as more foreigners have moved to Davao, I do see more instances of angry foreigners shouting at some poor salesgirl or civil servant. If that foreigner eventually learns to take things in stride he might end up a happy camper. If not ... the Phils is a long long way from home.

If you consider retiring here, here's my take. Do you have the right stuff? If you do, then you probably can live anywhere in Southeast Asia and make a go of it. If you don't it'll be tough. Recently met a guy who lost a sizable amount of change in a bad deal. The guy was able to take it on the chin and keep on going. Kind of like the Energizer bunny. I think that's really what you need to have inside to be happy here. It may have very little to do with the state of the Philippines at all and how the press ranks the country for one thing or another.

It is more fun to be in the Philippines. But it's not something that's given to you when you get off the plane. You have to go and find it for yourself. It's about your state of mind ... somewhat less about the state of the country. 

This was an artictle written by Rainy Mike on Living Cebu Forums.  Read more about the Philippines here and at Living Cebu Forums.

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Expats with Run-ins with the Law

Philippine Expats Run-Ins with the Law

"Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas, USMC-Retired" proposed a question to the Living Cebu Forums.


As you read through many of the more recent topics you see a constant theme of people being anti establishment. This is more then just being upset over an excessive search but a feeling they were

Do the Crime, Do the Time

wronged previously generating their anger. You see this as they discount everything that has now afford them the opportunity to live in the Philippines. Before someone says oh I worked hard for it. So did that Filipino so compare equally the Social Security payout for equal work. Any person that says they will never return to their homeland also leaves to question why not. Never is a longtime. For those that are married sharing your culture with your SO I would think is important. Even if its only for an extended vacation. Maybe I am just a skeptic when a 50 something tells me never, I ask what your hiding. My thoughts.

So this was an interesting topic with several hundreds of views and 30+ replies.  They range from the agreeing to the disagreeing and justifying.  Though to my suprise the majority read like this one:

I plan on being buried here, the operative word is plan.
Why dont I take my wife back to the states at least for a visit?  Mainly because we are raising six kids here, buying property and dont have the extra few thousand that it would require.
Anti American sentiment I read here is mostly about anti Obama, and what the US has/is becoming now...I havent read what I consider to be anti America, mostly anti the direction the country is taking....when I was growing up, (Im 67 now)  there were certain unassailable rights and privacy that are non-existent  now.
As for the reason folks come here, I came here for a girl...that didnt work out, met my wife and stayed.....

Then it seemed you had several rational posts that showed the exact positives and negatives of living in both the west and in the Philippines.   

Reasons why not to return to USA: a) women suck (not in bedroom but outside it,mostly) b) government sucks no longer servants of the people; corrupt c) populace is rapidly becoming retarded, ignorant and/or violent. d) police state; big brother intrusions into your life-one. e) unfriendly, dishonest, no moral compass, moraless capitalism Reasons to return: a) better shopping; still some consumer protections (best reason) b) flawed but better legal system c) more pollution controls-cleaner air, water d) more legal rights, if you're white and can afford them. e) better medical if you're not poor or have good insurance. f) better postal system, no corrupt customs for out of country deliveries. g) few to no blackouts h) better internet, phone system. I am sure there are others, just my ah*le opinions, take it or leave it.

Then you had the final thing which were the political naysayers that believed everything is just going on a negative slippery slope and can not watch it head in that direction.  

My opinion is that what made America great was the deep and natural distrust Americans has had for big government. Throughout the years, those with the balls to rock the boat changed America - sometimes for the worst, lots of times for the better. Most of the benefits that Americans enjoy today are the result of some unhappy camper rocking the boat and changing the country. I think America would still be a third world country if it consisted only of the love it or leave it flag wavers.

If you look at history - everything from veteran's rights, social security, labor laws, environmental laws, and so forth was the result of people who thought the current establishment wasn't good enough. Some decided to change it. Some were even persecuted for it. But a handful of them saw the changes through. Frankly, I prefer a new generation who continues to challenge authority. They're the one's who will keep America on the leading edge.

As for me, there are lots of benefits to maintaining US citizenship - lots of rights fought for by those who challenged the authority of an imperfect country. Living in the Phils or Oz or Russia or wherever doesn't mean anything. It's just where you live and where the opportunities you want are found. Lots of benefits (and disadvantages) to living in the Phils. On my balance sheet of good and bad, the Phils still comes up on top. It's a global and electronic world society now ... being stuck to national boundaries and brick and mortar is the past.

I'm one of them creatures not likely to ever return home. Not pro or anti-establishment. The best opportunities in life for me are right here and right now. Simple as that. I be a happy clam and smart enough to know it. For everyone else, you go and find your own clam shell and enjoy it - wherever that may be.

The final word for this was said exactly how it should be said:

Staying on the right side of the Law here, is really about keeping your nose clean, not upsetting the wrong people, and living a low profile lifestyle.  It also helps if you know the right people of course.  Fact is, most of the assh*les I've come across in SE Asia are from the West.  Because, God knows, idiots can be exported.

Tim Potter 

US Credit and Living Abroad

Being a Philippine credit Ghost is not all that fun.

When I first moved to the Philippines I had a few debts and few credit cards.  Which were all paid off and left my credit in ok condition prior to my departure.  That was February of 2007 and though I had ok credit and nothing to scream about I was able to get loans and credit cards.  At that time I also closed my bank accounts and opened a prepaid Master Card from Western Union.   I did this because of the fees they charged for overseas transactions and it was convenient.   These fees can be extremely high as much as 40 dollars per 1,000 dollars you take out.  So read this tip to save money.  Click Here.    So lets flash forward to present day March of 2013.    I am currently in the process of taking my wife and children back to the US.   I have two children and a wife so some of the expenses to this process listed below.

The wife and children need:
NBI and CFO - $160.00
Philippine Passports - $190.00
Certificate Birth Abroad Children - $225.00
US Passports Children  - $240.00
US Visa Process Wife - $850.00
Air Fare for Family - $3500.00

So as you can see this is a situation that would strain many a budgets.  This is not to include the nickle and dime expenses that happen and they seem to happen at every turn.  So getting a line of credit to help cover the expense that come up is important.   Yet here I am the Ghost of Christmas past.   I managed in the last 6 years of zero credit have nothing on my credit report.  I had no Bank reporting and zero updates to my income or my address.   At this point I am Casper and no one would consider me for a credit card or loan.  Mostly it was establish some credit and we will give you some credit.   Now that is an oxymoron.   Plus then you must complicate it I am not living in the US.  So combined all those situations I am a credit risk.   In addition on my return to the US I would also have problems reestablishing credit for housing or other needs that revolve around credit.

So as a warning to others as you move your life overseas.   You should keep some form of revolving credit and always keep a US bank account.  You never know what the future may hold.  I have solved this issue with a line of credit but I must reestablish and relevance to credit worthiness. 

Living off the grid can be fun.  Yet when that sudden emergency or when you need those extras in life it is always necessary to maintain a plan.  When I first came here I never thought I would be here this long.  Nor did I give much creedence to needing of credit cards or banking accounts.

Related articles

• Losing Money at the ATM (timpotter-philippines.com)
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Philippines Pass the Salt, PLEASE.

One thing there is not a shortage of is salt for food in the Philippines. 

I can say that old Uncle Sam would have a field day with the way they prepare food here.  

                                                 





We add a healthy does of Majic Sarap .  Flavored Salt in a bag.












We add our favorite AJI-NO-MOTO to the dish.  Pure MSG in a package.







Then for good measure we whip this all around in an aluminum wok.

Not exactly what the Surgeon General had in mind for non-cancer causing effects.  

However back to the salt.   The food is so heavily salted it is beyond my belief and actually I can not eat food with this much salt.  I was trying for a while yet my ankles swelled up to the size of tree trunks.   So I just had to cut that out of my diet.  One of the Filipino Favorites is Buwad  (Dried salted fish).  I will not begin to describe the smell as a western nose when cooked.  Lets just say my gym locker had a better aroma.




So why is everything so heavily salted.  Going back to my post on poverty.  It is my belief that because of lack of refrigeration.  They salt to food to preserve it for extended periods of time.  Over time and over generation the taste for Salt has become a critical part of food here in the Philippines.  Not only in respect to taste but preservation of food.

Bon Apitit

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Related articles

• Being Poor in the Philippines

Missing Home as an Expat

Missing the things from Sugar Land Texas

  As I have said in my other blogs living here presents so many challenges and ease to getting things done.  I try for the sake of sanity to not think about the USA much.  I miss many things and miss the varieties of things I can get.  Living in a third world country choices become limited.  The number of people that can afford things becomes lower and lower. So you choose what is available and not really always what you want.   At times this can be frustrating.  The ability to get your like items is even harder.  This type of life is not for everyone.  

  So what do I really miss.  

 Well being a Texas Boy I miss my Blue Bell ice cream. This by far is the best ice cream in the world. Yes they have ice cream here yet never as good and always twice as expensive.  A 1/2 gallon of ice cream will set you back $6.00.  So this is left for special times such as birthdays weddings and the likes. Yet still never that creamy goodness I know as Blue Bell.  I miss good beef and a good steak. There are not many cows in the Philippines.  The beef they have are grazed on what little vegetation they have available.  I had never really seen an anorexic cow till I arrived here.  This makes the meat tough and liking to shoe leather.    With lack of cows there is also this lack of milk. No going down to the local store and picking up a gallon of 2%. for $3.25.  You can buy carton milk from Australia zapped so it lasts a life time on the shelf in a box.  However be prepared it is sold in a liter box and if you wanted a gallon of it that would set you back just over $7.00. 

  Food is just one thing living here you must adjust to.  Yet being away from family and friends can be tough at times.  I have two children and wife that my parents have never met.  We are working on that process right now to the US.  Yet those phone calls just do not seem to cure the appetite for a big hug or meal around the table.  I was in the Marine Corps for 20 years so I traveled a lot and lived away for extended periods of times.  So I am use to that to a point.  However for those loved ones back home it can be really hard.  Harder then it ever is on you as the person abroad.  Yes I have found ways to call for cheap and found easy ways to communicate. So we talk all the time yet there are times when you just need them right here.

  I am thankful as I have a wife and two lovely children.  I am glad I made this journey.  At times it is trying and difficult yet without the struggles I would have missed out on the adventure of a life time.  A wise person once told me to get to the Roses you might have to step in some manure.  Well soon we hope because the more I work at a return the more I think about it.

  So as an expat you must prepare physical emotional and mental drain that will be placed on you.  Not every plan living in a Third World country happens as expected.

Love You Mom and Dad we will be there soon...

Being Poor in the Philippines

What does it mean to be poor in the Philippines

Philippine Slums

When I first came to the Philippines I did not understand what being poor was all about.  Being from the US I really did not understand the concept.  See in the US we are lucky we have a safety net to catch us if we fall.  It is not a rose colored view of what I am saying either.  

Children with meals

In the Philippines there is very little in regards to social programs that take care of the poor.  Yes they have programs and they do have some things.  Yet they will not feed if you are hungry or house you if need a home.  They will not give you money nor pay for your hospital bill.  

Public Hospital for the Mothers to be.

Being poor in the Philippines is not something I would ever want to experience.  People live here day to day.  When it rains, there is no work for the many that live this way.  How do you explain that babies go hungry or with out food.  Or that they have little or no clothes to wear.  They do not wear diapers not because of want because they can not afford.  

Field workers after a rain

This is a country where the daily salary in Cebu is 250 pesos a day. That is $6.25 dollars a day.  That amount of money goes to feed more then just themselves but the extended families.  Commodities in life are no cheaper here then the rest of the world.  So people do without.   Many would say get a Job or work and they can provide. With unemployment around 7% and underemployment at 23% (underemployment is defined as earning 1 peso or more a month but want a better job). It makes life very hard for those that live it.

I am thankful I have a Government in the US that protects it people and ensures they are fed and cared for.  I know that people abuse it however the alternative could be far worse.  

If you like this check out my Blog on my Hospital Experience 

Society blogs

Watch NFL Super Bowl Abroad

Do Not Miss the Big Game Being an Expat FREE

There is one thing that I missed when I first moved from Sugar Land Texas was American TV.  

There was just something I had to see and it was an addiction.  With the age of the internet there are options that make this free.  Yes free to watch all your Free to Air stations in the states.   

Click Here To learn more

I have tried so many things to watch TV in the states.  I have had programs I bought and programs I created.   Some worked good and some,,, well not so good.  

I am not paid to endorse this product nor am I using an affiliate link.  I just think for free you get 5 stations you could get back home free over the internet is cool.    They have various subscription packages and honestly I have not tried any of them. I am just happy with the Free to Air TV.  Yet with time zone shifts and such having a DVR at your finger tips is nice.  

If you like free stuff and who does not check my post out on Google Voice.

Google Voice Free 2013

Calling US Free

Keywords: Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas, USMC Retried, Free TV, Internet TV

Travel blogs

Moving Abroad and Jealousy

Moving Abroad Prepare The Family 4 Tips

I started this blog primarily because I have a Cyber Stalker.  This individual once lived in the Philippines though I have never met him.  He was unable to adjust to life abroad and unable handle the day to day pressures of living abroad.  This must have made him a bitter man and I feel sorry for this guy.  As he wastes his life chasing after people that have the life he so longs to have.  I now live mine in Cebu a long ways from Sugar Land Texas.

The reason I bring this up is there where will be people that do not understand why you choose to do what you do.  You should be prepared to answer these questions prior to just up and moving.  This is a destination you will be at for a while.  It is not like you can hop in your car and head down the road.  Families and Friends need to be prepared not to see you for a while.  

Here are 4 tips to help you through this time:

1) Your family may be dumbfounded at your decision.  

  This is to be expected no one moves half way around the world to live another life.  They can not figure out why you would want to do such a thing.  Additionally they will then do the compare game.  What is wrong with here?  What do you not like about here?  So prepare.  They may even resort to guilt trips to make you stay.  You need to be firm with your decision.  

2) Try to tell your loved ones before you tell anyone else.  

   Is there nothing worse then finding out from a third party what a family member is about to do.  So before you share this down at the local Pub share it with your family.

3) Expect a million and one questions from your family.

  I like to play the what if game.  I will ask myself the questions if I was presented the situation   I write down both the question and the answer.  Thus I am prepared and do not look hesitant about this life altering decision.  

4) Come up with a plan of how you will communicate.

  There are so many ways to communicate. I use Google Voice and Video chat. I can talk for hours and hours to land lines or cell phones for free.  Google Voice Free 2013 is a good article about this.  

If you enjoyed this read:

Expat 101

Living Abroad

Links to Other Blogs

Tim Potter Sugar Land Texas

Losing Money at the ATM

Spending more they you need to

I recently had to change my bank do to Philippine Hospital Situation.  

While reviewing information about banks I discovered a few things. I had been using a prepaid Master Card from Western Union.  Reason was they only charged 1% for foreign conversion fee and $2.00 ATM fee.   I have now USAA the charge the same 1% foreign exchange fee and no fee for first 10 ATM withdrawals   What I found was some banks charge up to 3% foreign exchange fee and $5.00 ATM withdrawal fee. The reason for change was the amount I could withdraw daily as I recently had an issue with that.  I was limited to $500 dollars a day and now its double that.  Plus a better customer support if I needed more.

The foreign transaction fee (aka international transaction fee) is the fee charged to your credit card for making purchases overseas, and is generally between 2-3 percent of the amount of each purchase you make. For example, if you make $1,000 worth of purchases while traveling outside of the U.S. on a credit card that has a foreign transaction fee of 3 percent, you will be charged a $30 fee. This can add up to a lot overtime, so it may be worth applying for a credit card that does not have a foreign transaction fee before going on a long trip abroad, or if you travel frequently.  For more info click here

For More Tips Read
Expat 101
Living Abroad
Philippine Travel

Keywords:  Tim Potter, Sugar Land Texas, USMC, Retired, 

Avoid Being a Tourist Target

Will being a Tourist make you a Target in the Philippines

One thing I notice  are peoples experiences ranging from the good to the awful.  They go from  experiences in taxis to hotels and local people.  Normally these revolve around money and the thinking of a Kano Tax.  (Kano is short for AmeriKano)

First you must remember you look different then the locals.  So you are spotted no matter where you go. Additionally your plane ticket here was more then most make in a year.   So those two factors make you a target for the less desirable and thus they try and apply the Kano tax.

Second thing is that just because expat A says you can get this.  Does not mean you will also.  People in this country are so non-verbal.  Your body language and your tone of voice will determine if you will get the same service and have the same experiences.  There is not set rules for anything.

Third thing is no matter how upset you become you must never ever lose your cool.  You must always try and resolve issues in a smiling happy mood.  If you lose your cool and raise your voice you will normally lose in a situation.  This is probably the hardest thing to learn.  However you being there expressing displeasure in a reasonable tone. Will get you what you want when the realize you are not going away. 

Lastly there are no rules to what will happen.  The rules are determined by you and your reaction. If you react in such a manner as being a rude guest. Well you will be treated as such.  They can smell new meat and know if you are a guest or a resident. 

The thing to remember is these are not just for the Kano it is for the culture that everyone lives in here. Filipinos are targets also.  Handling it correctly in a Filipino manner of displeasure will get you more miles for your Peso. 

If you Enjoy this:
Read Expat 101 or Life as an Expat


keywords: Tim Potter, SugarLand Texas, Living Cebu Forum, 

Getting Around 101 in Philippines

Travel in the Philippines 

Traveling in the Philippines can be an adventure for the faint of heart. 

I have traveled via almost every mode of travel in the Philippines.  Some are considered safe some not so safe.  Because of the way the laws are written I tend not to drive myself. However take forms of public transportation.  If you are visiting I recommend that you get a driver for that rental car if you so choose.   Most rental agencies have drivers available for hire that are company employees.    This will shift the liability to the company from you in case of accident.   One thing to never forget with cheaper cost comes a pay off.  In many times this comes in the form of safety.  These forms of road transportation will just about stop anywhere. So you must be alert to your surroundings at all times.  There are also crime elements that infect the Buses and the Jeepney.  So keep your valuable close and a low profile is also best.  I have traveled these forms and never been a victim.  Yet it happens and you must keep your wits in the fore front.

Here are the most popular Forms of Travel:

Triciade

This is used to travel from the main road to your home.  It is a very easy form of travel.  They just pedal you home.  It costs 5-10 pesos ($0.25) for a short trip.  Excellent for that hot day when you do not want to walk that Km to your house.

Trike

These are used to travel just a bit farther.  They offer door to shop service and in return.  You can travel from the market to house and then back again.  Makes life pretty easy for the quick trips to the market.  They charge 10 pesos for your first Km and then 1 pesos for each one there after.  

Jeepney

Consider this your Buses for the city.  They will travel all over the city and will take you to every part of the city.  Each Jeepney has a number on the roof that gives the route.  Understanding the route will take time.  However you can get almost anywhere in the city.  It is a slow go and no AC.  Smog and such from the street will be ever present.  However it is the most popular form of transportation. Additionally it is so cheap.  At 8 pesos for the first KM and 1 pesos for each one after that.  

Taxi

Well as it says Taxi.  There are Taxi stands at every mall and every store.  You can hop in and head on home.  One thing not all taxis are created equal.  So just because it is first does not mean you must take that taxi.  Over time I refuse to get in the older worn out taxis. I either wait or pull another one for the line.  So do not be pressured into just jumping in a worn out taxi.  The rate is 40 pesos flag down and 2.5 peso per Km and there is idle fee also.  

Bus

Getting from one side of the island to the other can be a chore. Yet this is a very economical means of travel.  You can get from Cebu to Toledo for 65 pesos ($1.65) or about the same as Austin to Houston.  

V-Hire

These are simple 15 passenger vans that do the same routes as buses.  They tend to have a few more creature comforts and just get there a lot faster.  The same route as the one mentioned above will cost you 100 pesos ($2.25).  

For more info read my Expat 101

Little Humor about riding a Jeepney though this is so true.  

keywords: Tim Potter, Sugarland, Sugar Land, Texas, USMC, Norseman

Document Nightmare 2.0

So as the world turns. 

 We called today and were told that the document was approved by Manila and need us to come in to the City for a few more T's to cross and I's to dot.  Then the document is back off to Manila for correction.  The current process took us two months for Manila to approve it.  Now they must enter the document after correction and approval of the correction.  They approved that it be corrected.  So we are going to get the correction done pay 1,500 pesos for that.  Then back to the same office it came from to make sure it was done correctly and remove the older entry.  Then they forward it to the NSO for entry into the system.  This process takes 1-3 months to accomplish.  

Now just imagine that is this a simple typographical error.  Two letters reversed.  

Now on to my youngest sons birth certificate.  Paid for express filing and went to the NSO office to have it done.  This was two months ago and did this also when he was born.  Well as of today Manila still has not entered it into the system.  So we have a NSO paper saying No record found.   So we must go to NSO office again and find out why there is a hold up with his Birth Certificate and why it takes 6+ months to get NSO to registrar his Birth Certificate.  More money more time.

This is what has transpired prior to this point.  Click Here

Keywords: Tim Potter, Sugarland Texas, USMC Retired, Document, NSO, Manila, Philippines, Cebu.

Rentals Rentals Rentals

Finding a place to Rent

It is very difficult to find a place to rent. They do not advertise like they do in the west. So boots on the ground get you the best deals.

During my time here one question always seems to come up.  How much can I rent a place for. I have seen places that range in price from 2500 pesos or $60.00.  However does that mean you want to live there.  Figure out what the going rate for a place is and what you need to feel comfortable. The basics in life are water and electric.  So that will move your spear up to 5,000 peso.  Now I am looking at this from a Metro Cebu point of view. As prices when you move farther from the city hub get cheaper and cheaper.

What would you get for 5,000-10,000 pesos.  You would get a basic  apartment.  No shower and small water closet that has a bucket and dipper to shower with. It could be two or one bedroom. Yet the rooms would shrink accordingly.  This would not have a conventional kitchen but a dirty kitchen.  It would be 100% unfurnished. No Fridge or hot water.  It would have no A/C.  Your electric outlets would consist of maybe one in each room. They floors may be tiled though unlikely and just painted concrete. The Sqm would be up to 25 for the size of the place.  The rooms and such would be unfinished so you must paint and add decor.  This would be a range that most would feel uncomfortable with coming from a western society.

Typical 6,000 a month place

Dirty Kitchen

Typical Restroom

The next price range is where most people fall. When they move here.  The 10,000-20,000 peso range.  Improvements that you will see are a regular kitchen yet with out appliances. Tiled floors and finished rooms.  Though depending on age this may be very dated.  You will have a shower head in the bathroom and a toilet seat. Yet it still will be a water closet and small. Still this will come with no hot water.  You may get A/C in several rooms or none at at all.  You will get a few more sq feet of living area around 30sqm. The finished nature of the place will be more complete. Living conditions will be much improved and location could also be better.

Kitchen Dining Area

Molave Home 15K 28sqm

The next range is where you start to really see an improvement towards western standards.  You will be able to find a western home for the 20,000 to 30,000 range. It would be more adapt to living like in an small home or apartment in the west.

Hope this helps.

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Decision to Return

Returning to the US Soon

I have lived in the Philippines since March 2007 and enjoyed many things that come with living here.
However times change and life changes.  This decision comes with alot of thought about my family and my lifestyle here.

I have found over the last few years that cost of living continues to rise. Food and Electric being the primary rising prices. We once never had electric bills over 2,000 pesos. Now we are lucky if it does not go over 4,000 pesos. Our food cost minding that we now have 2 baby. The cost for our essentials has risen from 9,000 pesos to well over 15,000 a month.   What once seemed like an inexpensive lifestyle now costs me more then what I would pay if I return. So the biggest factor in my decision is money.  I have to have enough money to not only live but survive on an economy that continues to raise prices.   Though some can say they can live here much cheaper I ask at what cost.
Then my son needs receive surgery for his hand. The doctors are just not up to standard.    No I am not being overly critical  When the leaders of this country wish to seek medical in the US there is a reason for that.   Additionally I have medical insurance yet it is out of pocket till reimbursement if and when I get it. So that adds into my decision.
Schooling is of huge concern yet I would have to pay to receive an educational value equal to that of US public schools.  Again money plays into this decision.
My opportunities and that of my wife / childern are limited by the bounds the Philippines has set for the people here.  Thus them rising in the social standard is very unlikely unless we spend large sums of money.

For the nay sayers and saying what a horrible decision or people saying I should try this or that. We discussed all scenarios prior to reaching a decision.  We must no matter what give our child the best opportunities that life can offer.  Those opportunities in the Philippines are not available or come at a high price.  That is what ultimately pushed us over the edge for our decision.


The Philippines is a great place just not great for raising a family.

Enjoy
Tim

Read More about struggles with Visa and Returning.  Click Here

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Life As an Expat

Sugar Land Texas Town Square

Expat Life from Sugar Land Texas to Cebu Philippines

Cebu City Philippines

When I run into people from all walks of life, if they are new to here or back home in the US the first question is what is it like to live in the Philippines.  My first reaction is how do I answer that question.

Living in this country has been one of the most wonderful things I ever did.  However at times it has been the most trying thing I ever did.  I guess the biggest adjustment is getting use to people that never complain.  They will allow some of the worse things to happen and just not complain.  You can be at the restaurant and there are flies and such.  People covering their food with napkins yet not a one will complain.  They will buy merchandise that is broken when they arrive home and they will not request a refund.  I think it has something to do with saving face on the part of the shop owners and restaurant managers.  I really do not know why.  This can be annoying and think if people complained a little more and demand service it would improve.

The next thing that has been a change is family. The size and closeness of the family is really a change.  Though the society is poor for the most part. It is not uncommon to see families that have 7 or more children.  Then you will see generations of families living in the same house.  The house grandma and pa had 40 years ago.  The world will stop for celebrations of a birthday or other event.  People here feel there is nothing more important then that celebration.

With the size of families does come the detractors also.  You will see school aged children begging in the streets and kids not going to school. It is a travesty to see such poverty.  Kids without any hope of a future because they have no education.  You feel for them yet you know there is really nothing you can do.  Do not give as there are crime elements just as the movie "Slum Dog Millionaire" here.  If you need to give find a orphanage or school donate supplies rice, shoes, clothes, paper, pens or something that will be used. NEVER MONEY.

The poverty level affects everything in daily life here.  If you go to the grocery store finding higher end items becomes challenging.  The selections become limited and getting what you want becomes harder. This is not to say it can not be found.  Though hoping down to your local store for a nice bottle of wine and cheese just will not happen here. Planning your days and planning your life becomes a way of life.  No 24 hour stores or restaurants outside the Metro Cebu area so be prepared.

I deweled on the negative a little long however knowing them prior to arrival would have saved me a few heartaches along the way. One thing I found that is so nice you will never go hungry.  Go to any families house and instantly you will have a plate of food.  You will have something to drink and they open the doors up to you.  This is not a foreigner thing it is a way of life.  They feel if you came to their house they should do their best to make you feel welcome.  Hope you like rice.  It will become a staple of your diet.  Walk down the streets and people will say good morning. People will actually respond to when you talk to them.  They will answer you.  It never seems they are to busy to stop and say hello.  Little kids will come and want to practice English and they want to talk to you.  You will laugh and smile as they say good morning at 7pm or want to know everything about you.  I think they see it on TV and never really met a person from there.  The kids are so wonderful they will talk to you and ask you questions that are so simple yet something you have not thought of in years.

I know that people talk alot about crime here in the Philippines. Maybe in Metro Cebu you will find the crime rate higher then alot of other places.  So just keep your wits about you.  I always remember the time I was waiting on the V-hire and was fumbling around in my pockets for something.  Out fell a 500 peso note.  I had not known it fell out of my pocket.  Two kids ran up to me and returned my 500 peso note to me. I was knew here and really shocked by what had just happen.  I reached in my pocket and gave each one a 100 peso note for returning it to me.  I looked over and mom was yelling at the kids when they showed her the money.  I had to explain to her what good kids they were and that they had given me my money back.

I guess in the end what makes this place what this place is, are the people.  The time they will take to make you happy and comfortable is second to none.  The day is never to busy or have to much to do just to show you, your welcome here.  With everything in life it is a give and take.  Some good and some bad.

If you like this article Check-out 101 tips for success.
101 Tips for Success in Living Overseas

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CUTE FOOD NAME IN THE PHILIPPINES

FUNNY FOOD NAMES IN THE PHILIPPINES

I thought, I would take a few minutes and write about the strange and unusual food of the Philippines.  Filipinos no matter what seem to keep their sense of humor even if eating.  So here are my strangest of the strange.

Adidas -  Chicken Feet

Chocolate Pork - Blood soup

Neck Tie - Neck and Thigh

Walkman - Pigs Ears

PAL (Philippine Air Lines) - Chicken Wings

Beta max - Square Blocks of blood

Helment - Chicken head

IUD - Chicken Intestines

Now if I have not made you hungry by now.  There is one dish that is served here in the Philippines. Balut it is an unhatched duck egg, boiled to perfection.  You can get this in the 17, 19 or 21 day variety. What that means is how old the egg is before they boil it and serve it to you with some vinegar and hot sauce.  

Now you Enjoy

Little more humor check out 99 Reason I live in the Philippines

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