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Some of the major advantages of retiring to the Philippines:
Affordable – The Philippines offers a much cheaper cost of living for those facing retirement on a limited budget and confronted by the soaring cost of living in the West.
Climate – The all year round warm temperatures will be a welcome change to many that dread facing another bleak and cold winter. Most will find it easier to deal with a warmer climate and increased humidity than the bone chilling cold.
Relaxed – The Philippines has a much slower and more relaxed pace if life compared to the Rat Race in many western cities.
Language – English is widely spoken and understood. There really is no need to learn the local language if you do not wish to.
Friendly – The Philippines embraces Western values and culture. In many other countries westerners are only tolerated but in the Philippines many genuinely like us.
Personal Safety – There are certain parts of the Philippines not recommend for foreigners but most areas are relatively safe. There are safety considerations but most involve simple precautions and common sense. Day-to-day living is carefree.
Shopping - The Philippines has many modern shopping Malls where almost everything you would need is available. Most western foods and products are easily obtainable.
Communications – It’s easy to get the telephone connected. Mobiles are widely used and calls are relatively cheap. Broadband Internet and cable TV are readily available.
Housemaid – The cheap availability for full time housemaids is another big plus when considering the Philippines. For less than $50 per month you can have someone there to keep the house clean and prepare meals.
Nursing / Home Care – Those that already or may require in the future additional home care can employ full time trained nurse at a fraction of the cost of doing so in the West.
Medical – There are many fully equipped medical facilities and highly trained specialists around the Philippines with most concentrated in the two major cites.
Dental / Optical – Getting dental work or new dentures in the Philippines is really cheap. The same goes for getting a new set of prescription glasses.
Companionship – If you are facing retirement alone that the Philippines is a great place to find someone special to share your retirement with.
Visas - The Philippines actively promotes itself as a retirement destination and has set up a government agency called the Philippine Retirement Authority. There are a number of special visas available to prospective retirees.
Interested in retiring to the Philippines?
Before you make any decision the next step is to extensively research retirement in the Philippines and the best place to start is with the following two excellent e-books.
Philippines Dreams includes information specifically on retirement and will give you a better idea what its like to live day-to-day in the Philippines and list some of the disadvantages also.
Making A Living In The Philippines will be of interest to many that may either need to supplement their income or just need to be doing something. In particular the section on starting a business or investment will be most relevant to the retiree.
THESE TWO BOOKS ARE THE BEST GUIDES TO LIVING AND MAKING MONEY IN THE PHILIPPINES
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