Is it worth retiring in the Philippines and is it safe to live there?

Answer 1

The Philippines is a safe place to travel/ live/ retire as long as you exercise discretion and common sense. You'll find the same con artists and hustlers that you'll find anywhere else, but most Filipinos are friendly and helpful.

Be a wise traveller (you must know the safe travel guidelines & it depends on those places where you are going). Then be prepare to be interrogated by everyone you meet. Some of my fellow Filipinos will want to know where you are from, why you are in the Philippines, how old you are, whether you are married, if not why not and so on and so forth. We pride ourselves on our hospitality and are always ready to share a meal or a few drinks. Don't offend us by refusing outright.

A sense of 'delicadeza' is also important to us Filipinos. This is what you might refer to as propriety, a simple sense of good behaviour, particularly in the presence of elders or women. Some of my fellow Filipinos who don't speak good in English will often answer any question you ask them with a smile and a nod. Be careful: a smile and a nod doesn't always mean "yes". It can also mean "no", "maybe" or "I have no idea what you are talking about". Don't be offended if everyone in the provinces thinks you are a 'kano'. or somebody will cheerfuly greet you like 'Hi,Joe!'. American people left its mark on the national psyche, Protestations that you are from Britain, France or Australia will often be greeted with the response, "Is that in America?"

It's not advisable to lose your temper in the Philippines. We Filipinos hate to be embarrassed in front of others and our culture of revenge is strong, so you might end up being the one that is sorry. <*-*>

Answer 2

To even ask about retiring in the Philippines, you must be giving it a serious thought.

My answer is YES.

There is a program for foreigners wanting to retire in the Philippines. The working group is made up of builders, medical practtioners, security experts, etc.

The special needs of the retirees are anticipated and taken care of. Thus, in retirement villages, community activities are planned, which the retirees may join or opt not to, depending entirely on what they want to do. these villages are/will be equipped with medical care, as well as proper ambulances for more serious medical conditions.

The climate year-round is perfect for the fragile health of the senior citizens. The weather is never freezing cold, nor burning hot. Such that some of these ratirement havens could be found in the cooler areas like Baguio or Tagaytay.

Is it safe? Everyone is only as safe or as vulnerable as they manage themselves. A friend of mine was ripped off twice in one day in Rome. The USA? Even students have guns and they kill the students in school when they go on a rampage. At least in the Philippines, the retirement villages are more secure. But common sense provides us the best security of all.

My suggestion is for you to go check it out. If you do npot feel like it, then go where you will be most comfortable. Afterall, we should spend this phase of our lives in utmost bliss and comfort, to enjoy the benefits of hard work in the past.

Answer 3

I am an American, retired U.S.Navy who has been living in the Philippines since January 2002.

Is it worth it ?
Cost of living is way cheaper and a beautiful tropical island sure beats New Jersey hands down. The natives are friendly and most around here (Iloilo City) speak English well.

Safe ?
Well I have been all over the Visayas (Middle) evan up into the mountains where they never see foreigners and never had a problem yet.

That's the short answer. Feel free to E mail me if you;d like to know more.

I moved here over 5 years ago and have never looked back and have zero regrets.

Answer 4

Yes, it is with all the beautiful beaches around it. There are tons of places to go in the Philippines.Friendly people, there maybe some places that it is not safe but not the totality of the place. If your family is in the Philippines it is worth spending time.

Answer 5

Anywhere in the world theres a danger waiting for you. However, if you plan to retire in the Philippines you will likely to encounter the same level of risk as you where presently residing. If you do really want to retire in the Philippines, you better check the places that is appropriate to your lifestyle. How about Batangas? Cavite? Laguna?...

Check those places in Wikipedia and in Wikitravel to give you a small insight about the situation in there....

By the way, make sure that the person you will be staying with can be trusted... and his/her family... and his/her relatives too!

Ciao!

Answer 6

Retiring in the Philippines is quite safe and comfortable if you will choose to live in the province/ rural place, where the scenery is beautiful, unpolluted, free from the hustle & bustle of the city & where the peace & order situation is stable. Also, in these places, the value of your money when converted to the local currency, will let you live very comfortably.

Answer 7

Beautiful country , beautiful people, wonderful culture and just like any other country in the world it has its ups and downs when it comes to safety. I have the say your chances of getting mugger or killed in Los Angeles, Chicago or New York are much greater than in the Phil.
The Phil is where I will be retiring without any hesitation. i have plenty of friends living in there for long time and they would never think about leaving.
You will love it!!!

Answer 8

First thing if your asking this question you have not been to the Philippines so you need to plan a trip a spend some time here to see if its your cup of tea before making your permanent move. I have lived here 2+ years now and have no plans on returning. You should also join yahoo groups "FREE" and talk with others. Here is one you can join, its called "Moving to the Philippines"
http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/movingtothephilippines/

Answer 9

i'm from the Philippines, not all areas are secure purely like on different international places. My suggestion is once you desperate to return over to the Philippines, constantly be alert of your assets. As on your counterpart, not all Filipinas are undesirable , yet some are. purely take greater precautions ok.

Answer 10

Oh ,Philippines is such a beautiful country. The have some of the prettiest beaches, however I heard that it is possible to get malaria on the island of Palawan.