If you’re considering a move to the Philippines for retirement, family, work, or a fresh start, this site offers practical, experience-based guidance grounded in real life here. We’ve lived it. We share what works and what doesn’t so you can make confident decisions and avoid costly missteps.
I’m a U.S. citizen married to a Filipina for more than 20 years. We retired, sold our home in the U.S., moved our dog across the Pacific, settled in Laguna Province, Philippines about 35 km south of Manila, rented for a while, bought a car, and eventually built our own home.
We’ve met generous, decent people, and we’ve also met scammers. We’ve made smart decisions and a few expensive ones. This site shares what we’ve learned so you can avoid some of those mistakes and make informed choices.
What This Site Covers
A move to the Philippines involves more than booking a flight. You’ll want answers about:
• Visas and residency
• Cost of living
• Housing, gated villages, and yes, the neighbor’s rooster
• Healthcare and insurance
• Daily life and cultural adjustment, including “wait lang po”
• Language and communication
• Infrastructure, utilities, and systems that can make you pull your hair out
Who This Is For
This guide is for people who are seriously considering living in the Philippines.
• Retirees
• Couples relocating internationally
• Foreign nationals planning long term residence (expats)
If you are looking for practical realities rather than romantic travel writing, you’re in the right place.
Why This Exists
There is plenty of information online about beaches and island hopping. There is much less about:
• What daily life actually feels like
• Bureaucratic annoyances and how to deal with them
• The cultural nuances that can break you
• How to find the clean restrooms at the market!
This site exists to balance the “welcome to paradise” narrative with a more grounded and realistic perspective. Start with some of the blog posts and post your comments and questions!
Please note: Nothing here should be taken as legal, financial, medical, or real estate advice. Always consult appropriate professionals before making important decisions.