More and more people are reaching retirement age and looking for a retirement haven. A place with warm weather, an easy lifestyle and a cost of living that won’t break the budget.
The Philippines is one of the best retirement locations in Southeast Asia. It boasts warm tropical climates, exotic food, stunning landscapes and an easy relaxed lifestyle.
Research
Read everything you can find about the country. Find out about visa requirements, political stability, infrastructure, and rules of property ownership.
Talk to anyone you can find who has visited or lived there. YouTube has countless videos about retirement in the country.
At some point, you might feel frustrated with all the differing opinions and countervailing points of view. That’s the time you have to go and find out for yourself.
Visit Before Moving
Manila is a busy city with a decidedly “Western” feel. English is widely spoken. You can interact with farmers, fishermen, market sellers and waitresses. They are friendly and happy to talk with you. While you’re there, enjoy a 5-star hotel in the Philippines. The Admiral Hotel is a great place to start your exploration of the Philippines as a retirement destination.
Makati
Makati is located in the Metro Manila region and it is the country’s financial hub. It’s known for skyscrapers and shopping malls.
If you decide you like the fast-paced urban environment, you will get easy access to essential services, healthcare, shopping malls, supermarkets, speciality stores, art galleries, museums and theatres. The Western amenities come with a cost. As a modern city, Makati isn’t a cheap place to live. The Greenbelt area might be one of the most expensive places in the country.
Even if this is not your final stop, it is the best place to start. The Ninoy Aquino Airport provides direct flights to destinations worldwide. It also provides easy access to travel within the Philippines.
If you have your retirement planning in order, Makati could be for you.
Dumaguete
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Dumaguete in the Province of Negros Oriental. It’s a small city that has been dubbed “The City of Gentle People”. It is highly regarded for its serene atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings and welcoming locals.
One of the big advantages of Dumaguete is the low cost of living. Rent, food, dining and the daily necessities are less than those of larger cities in the country. You can find 3-bedroom apartments for as little as $400 per month. If you go a little outside the city, costs drop even further.
The city has a laid-back atmosphere which is perfect if you are looking for a slower pace of life. Its location on the coast provides opportunities for beach outings and other water activities.
There is a large expat population which makes it easy to meet people and make friends.
The Philippine Retirement Authority makes retirement in the Philippines easy and affordable. There are different programs with requirements based on age and financial resources. You can get a retirement visa as young as 35 years old, making early retirement attainable for many.
