TWO CLICKS - PLEASE Subscribe & check this vid out: FULL VIDEO: How Much It Cost To Live In The Philippines After 6 Years? kzitem.info/news/bejne/249o33ZqbJ6TY6g Thanks for your support. Salamat Greg & Lindie
@dr5129
27 күн бұрын
I live not far from Dumaguete and I confirm that this very realistic budget in the video
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
18 күн бұрын
Hi D R @dr5129 Thank you for confirming that! Your local insight is invaluable, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment! All the best. Greg
@gmm5550
3 ай бұрын
Rules in se-asia: Longer u live in the country cheaper it gets, u learn If u dont drink in bars and chase ladys living is very cheap if u dont try to live like in the west with food and all day life its cheap There is a BIG difference in hollidaylife and expatlife so yeah living well under 800$ is pretty easy
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi gmm @gmm5550 Like anything - I know Expats who have spent 20+ years in the Philippines and spent way too much money but they lived life to the excess wherever they are not just the Philippines - sometimes people have more money than brains. I agree with your points - and those that come for the bars/bar girls are usually just tourists or visiting on a yearly holiday. You would think they would get tired of that - there is so much more to the Philippines. I agree 100% with your great observation about the BIG difference in holiday life and expat life. I obviously agree you can live under $800 like I showed BUT I am not sure about "pretty easy" - I am with you again 100% for those that are disciplined - but for some reason some Expats forget that we all make choices in our lifestyle. I know many who have taken on the responsibility of kids from 2 to as many as 5 kids from previous multiple fathers - and the ones I know who did this are not rich. For me this would be impossible on my retirement budget - a normal budget not a rich one - so I chose differently. When I was single my budget was very low - from Sept 2018 to Dec 2019 I didn't own a car - that was the key for taking my budget up a notch higher - then it went downhill (much higher spending from living costs to daily costs like higher grocery bills) when I moved to the fancy BGC condo during Covid lockdown. But once I got back to Negros Oriental - my monthly spending dropped dramatically. As I mention in the video HOUSING and TRANSPORTATION are the two categories completely within your control to keep your budget low. I have a follow-up video idea I am working on right now - it will show how to do this. For many who want to come it is completely doable - and if disciplined I am with you again in your words PRETTY EASY! As someone else commented people need to remember when planning these are SPENDING BUDGETS not your RETIREMENT INCOME. If someone is back in their home country and think I have that monthly income exactly it works for me - they need to be ready for unexpected expenses that always arise - and that is for anywhere we live not just here - that is just life - so hopefully you have a cushion to cover bumps along the road - like in December 2022 when my Appendix burst - OUCH I can feel the pain as I type this - but luckily I had PhilHealth which covered part and I had savings to cover the rest - but many would be crushed by a 200,000PHP unexpected Bill. Let’s just hope those that come are disciplined and as you also mention - one learns - so if they are not so disciplined at first - they can learn quickly and stay close to budget so they can enjoy their retirement because they deserve that. Amping Greg
@apoloestrada2908
Ай бұрын
Thanks for the video and sharing, I live with the budget of $1500 a month and that's in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. Very happy enough to not pay any mortgage or rent. Only 5 farangs living in that area and both military veterans.
@KevinMullin-iz9bp
3 ай бұрын
I'm a single dude and live in La Union, Philippines and consistently spend less than ₱60,000/mo. My lifestyle is modest but comfortable. I went to Metro Manilla to see the National Museums and while I was there looked at what rent and other recurring expenses would be and I don't think I would wish to live there for ₱60,000/mo. It would be a depressing life.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Kevin Mullin @KevinMullin-iz9bp Thank you for sharing your experience! It's always good to know what works for you and what doesn't. Your insights are valuable. It's great to hear that you've found a comfortablel lifestyle in La Union! Your message is an important tip for anyone considering the Phillipines (or other country) - it is important to live within your means and be happy with your choices. I am sure many who have never been to the Philippines don't know your area. You are in a beautiful part of the country and can get to Manila for a brief sample and then back to your paradise. After I left my BGC condo rental my cost of living dropped by 50% - it is not just the expensive housing it is the higher cost of everything there - higher grocery and restaurant prices, crowding, crazy traffic - PROVINCE LIFE is GREAT! Again thanks so much for contributing to the discussion. Amping take care, Greg
@KevinMullin-iz9bp
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Thanks for the kind words. I'm going to like and subscribe. Hope to see more videos from you.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for the support Kevin Mullin @KevinMullin-iz9bp! I really appreciate it. I working on an interesting one now - but my long videos take so much time - doing it all my self and still learning as I hit a road block - but gradually improving. Have a great day. Greg
@zeronineoneone2613
3 ай бұрын
Oh welcome to my hometown. But i llive in alberta, right now but looking forward to retire in My hometown la union hehe
@KevinMullin-iz9bp
3 ай бұрын
@@zeronineoneone2613 I can understand why you'd retire here. I love San Juan, LU.
@50Options
3 ай бұрын
I just bought a 2019 Toyota Rush (cash) here at the Sibulan Toyota branch and was told to get it notarized by an attorney and take it to the LTO for registration.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Congratulations Trader Lady @50Options on your new Toyota Rush from Sibulan Toyota - SANA ALL - I have driven by that location many times but never stopped in. It's always exciting to get a new car, even when you buy a used vehicle - which is a very sound financial move you made. In 40 years, I have never bought a new car/truck - always used and saved so much money. What document did they want you to get notarized? I have done 4 cash deals for vehicles in the Philippines and never had anything notarized. In all 4 the ownership was transferred to me or my wife. In 2019 I bought a Honda Civic private sale and the seller signed the transfer papers and we wrote up a simple sales agreement when I paid430,000 for the vehicle (set out the full details of the vehicle and our details and we both signed) - I took those documents to the LTO and did the transfer to my name - no lawyer was involved. Since then I bought 3 from dealers (2020 bought a Suzuki motorbke, 2021 a Honda scooter and 2024 a small Suzuki 4X4 Multicab) and never had anything notarized - also all 3 dealers handled the LTO transfer. So sorry can't be of assistance - but congrats on your purchase - I would stop by the Dumaguete LTO and ask the guard - I had a question last week and stopped there the guard didn't know and he let me go to the inside counter to ask my question and they were very helpful. Amping Greg
@MikeHoncho884
3 ай бұрын
Wow, that’s a lot of information. Great job!!!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Mike @MikeHoncho884 Your support means a lot, thank you for watching and acknowledging the effort! I had many hours of content and got it down to 55 minutes - but was told by some it was still too long so I really cut it do get down to the 22min one - I am not sure if I will publish the 55 minute one - I don't think many will watch that. Probably better off to make one videos about each topic - so much info and tips, especially housing and health care I cut those both in more than half. Amping Greg
@SimpleDidz42
3 ай бұрын
Wow Greg congratulations good job this video is really informative, and lots of foreigner interested of this to know about Philippines 🇵🇭 good job amping
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi @simplerealfilipina42🇵🇭 @SimpleDidz42 Your support means a lot! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. So excited to see your channel close to 3,000 Subs GO GO GO!!! Amping Greg
@BeerBikes
4 ай бұрын
thanks for the budget breakdown, reassuring to know it's doable under $1K just blows my mind the $2-3K sweet spot budget so many vloggers preach about. thanks again. Peace!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi again BeerBikes AndBeaches @BeerBikes Just a quick note - will reply to your NAIA T1 update - just heading out to do a drone video. Just wanted to be clear my low estimate was 44,756 (US$762) and hight estimate 132,682 ($2,077). BUT as noted on the tables in the video this does not inlcude Medical Transportation and Miscellaneous expenses as these are very individual and depend on age/health for the first one and choices for the other two. Most expenses can be controlled by choices made and especially if looking for a GF/Wife if pick someone with no kids like me or someone with 5 kids like others - the cost to live here will be VERY DIFFERENT. You plus GF plus 5 kids makes for 7 mouths to feed and also every other cost goes up rent (bigger place needed), water, electricity, medical everything you can think of DON'T DO THAT!! Chat later. Greg
@notsocrazyjohn5348
4 ай бұрын
Totally agree with you Greg. My GF? is 50 yrs old, never married, no children, always lived at home, runs her small income earning gigs, cares for her elderly parents. At 67 yrs old, married twice, 5 children, even though I love kids I think my duty has already been done.lol Cheers Aussie John
@jamesconnolly5260
2 ай бұрын
I lived in costa rica for 15 years thats the way to do it your spot on
@timmytravels23
3 ай бұрын
Nice video Greg.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hey, thanks for watching Timmy Travels @timmytravels23, glad you enjoyed it! Hope you are having a good summer - as you know summer here all year round. Amping Greg
@davelight2220
3 ай бұрын
Watching from Ontario, great video.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
HI dave light @davelight2220 Representing Ontario! Glad you enjoyed the video, eh! I did some hard time in Ontario 14 years - no early release! 1 year UofT - then transferred to UVic - I think that is when this Saskatchewan flatlander fell in love with island life - back to Ontario for 10 years later in life and then to Vanvouver before ending with 3 years in Ottawa before retiring 2 years ealier than planned (Maybe that was my EARLY release!!) - but it all worked out as I would have been stuck in Canada during Covid so instead I was stuck in the Philippines during a hard covid lockdown - could have been worse places! Hope you are having a great summer there. Amping take care, Greg
@davelight2220
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Wow you get around! I'm glad you're not here now, everyone is struggling here to make ends meet, stay there forever if you can and live like a King. I grew up just outside of Toronto in a town called Milton, I now live about a hour north of London Ont. Thanks for responding back to me, take care eh!😁
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
How's it going EH dave light @davelight2220 Nice - I have been in London and Milton a few times - my ex's family is from the Woodstock area. Hoping to be hear - no that we have a house paid for since 2022 living month to month is very cheap as that big expense is done. BUT will still come back and forth while my dad is around at least. Amping take care Dave. Greg
@4KVideoPlaces
4 ай бұрын
Great Informative video Greg! For me as retired Canadian in Vancouver B.C. It's TOOOOO expensive! So considering returning with my Philippine wife back to, and retire in the Phil. 👍
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi @4KVideoPlaces Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. Best of luck on your retirement plans Ron. I moved to White Rock from Toronto in 2005 then to Yaletown in 2012 before moving again in 2015. When I bought on Beach Cres across from Granville Island I was stressed about the price then the next person paid us 25% more 2 years later - she sold last year for double what she paid us in 2014 and still going up CRAZY. It is apples and oranges here but I am not chasing the golden goose anymore - life is much simpler. It is not all rosey - there are still stresses then I give my head a shake and look around - life is good in the Philippines - lots to be thankful for. All the best to you and your Filipina bride. We had lunch Friday with a nice guy from Victoria who is also married to a Filipina - they plan to eventually retire here also. Amping take care, Greg and Lindie
@KGnines
4 ай бұрын
Good choice , Godbless you Welcome to the Ph.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hello @KGnines Your kind words mean a lot. We appreciate the support and blessings! Amping take care, Greg and Lindie
@davey_M
4 ай бұрын
Hi Greg, nice summary, which after watching your video I figure I could handle living on about $1,500 Cdn no problem, not including health care, which I can look after out of my capital when needed. Appreciated the information, you seem like an honest guy, definitely a Canadian, like myself, living in Kingston, Ontario, now a new subscriber too!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Davey M @davey_M Living on $1,500 Cdn? You'll be budgeting like a pro in no time! I am sorry for the late reply - it has been a crazy week but I gave your comment a thumbs up on my phone - then I try to reply on the laptop as I can personalize the “Hi (channel name)” which KZitem Studio doesn't let you do on the Phone app. There are a couple of qualifications that a few people mentioned in comments that I want to pass along. 1. the budget is your living target - but it should be smaller than your income - you don't want to equating the two - as I mentioned it is best to have a nest egg for unexpected expenses and simply life happening, you can't budget for everything. 2. it is more expensive to get established and once you get established you can settle into your monthly budget. This second one of course I have to add a few qualifiers - when I first came I rented a furnished pool house - the only thing I bought was towels, linens and a small bar size fridge. The second place I rented on a different island was half the rent 13k of the pool house 27k , and was fully furnished but I had brought along my linens and towels - I left my small fridge behind (it cost me 10k). My life was very simple and I had a great low budget as I had no car and no scooter. Now that I live here again (but now I have a car and scooter etc) I realise I should have used the bus system to explore the island more - it is a great system and very cheap with nice air conditioned buses. I did rent a scooter a few days enough to explore around Dumaguete - Dauin and Bacong but I didn’t go much further - I should have explored more. One thing I did was took the ferry to Siargao Island and rented a scooter there for the day - that was a great adventure. I did a van/snorkel trip from Dumaguete for Apo Island (van to Dauin, boat, breakfast, snorkel, lunch, snorkel, boat and van back to Duma) - things like this are cheap and you don’t need a vehicle. Once you add a car (double the cost of North America to buy) your budget takes a hit - although I bought a 2011 Honda Civic in 2019 for 430,000 - that was a good hit to take on the monthly budget but I have enjoyed having the car option. We have a motorcycle (too small for me) and a scooter - the scooter we paid 72,000 Honda Click brand new and it was a great purchase - much easier to park in Dumaguete - and nice to have an option for touring around on nice days. Not sure how gas compares - I just got some at 65PHP or (CDS1.51 per litre) - I just checked Vancouver CD$1.80 and Regina $1.50 and according to Gas Buddy CD$1.47 in your hood. Car Insurance is very cheap here. I bought my car after 15 months here, we bought a house 3 years and 7 months after I moved here - so just take things slow. Rent your housing - try to find a good furnished place (lots out there) add a few necessities to make it your own, MAYBE budget to buy yourself a scooter (makes life so much easier and fun to explore - so many nice island days) and try to find an area, even if it’s on the big island (Luzon) where Manila is - but be away from the big city and hopefully near the water somewhere - someone wrote in from La Union north of Manila - I have heard great things about that area - but there are many like it around the Philippines. Once you find your place and settle in you will be good on your budget and then the thing is just to enjoy it. I am working on the next video which I also think will help you - that last one took so much time and editing and captions etc it burned me out for a bit - but retired life is good in the Philippines. By the way I spent some time in the Kingston Pen years ago … I did the public TOUR!! Also did the city bus tour which was interesting - very nice area. Please keep me updated if you are going to make the change - like I said in the video and in comments come for visits and try out different islands first to make sure it is something that you want. 2 I know that sold everything and moved here are no longer here - one died in January and one went back to the USA in May - I came here 4 times in 2017-2018 and toured around and realised even if I didn’t land in my forever spot there are so many places here if you aren’t happy keep exploring. Then of course I bought a house - can always sell it and keep exploring but it makes it more difficult - a simpler life is easier. Amping take care, Greg
@davey_M
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Wow, Greg thank you so much for taking the time to give an amazing response, but I'm afraid you will never get another video done if you keep answering your comments in such detail . 🤣🤣Interesting that you mentioned checking out the Philippines. I have a few years to go before I retire, but I think I might just come out for a month next year to see how I like it. Lots of time to plan and I am actually looking forward to off loading the costs of owning a car, a scooter sounds great like you said for zooming around and getting where you need to go. Gas here is up and down from 1.39 to 1.69, so pretty much the same as it is there, which is very surprising to me. I think I'll try the same as you, to make it into a vacation spot for a couple of years to do some investigating and exploring. Thanks again for your response, appreciated the effort you put in to your videos and your replies.
@minnesotasalamander5913
2 ай бұрын
Good video.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Minnesota Salamander @minnesotasalamander5913 I appreciate the comment. Not sure if you saw the second one, based on feedback from the first I did another one with budget information showing more detail on each category and showing 4 buggets, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $4,000. Hope you have a chance to check it out, here is the link kzitem.info/news/bejne/o22B1oqto6J3bGU Take care amping, Greg
@joseprotacio-nc5dn
3 ай бұрын
👍👍👍 this is great!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi jose protacio @joseprotacio-nc5dn I appreciate your positive feedback - it means a lot! I am just finishing my next one - takes me a long time to do on my own - still learning all the editing posting things in my retirement!! Wish I had learned when I was younger!! Amping take care, Greg
@PhilippinesMyParadise
4 ай бұрын
Interesting "How Much It Cost To Live In The Philippines After 6 Years?" video, well done! please keep them coming! Full support already & Good luck po/Ned 👍👏👍
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Maayong Gabii @PhilippinesMyParadise Your support means a lot to me, Ned! I appreciate you watching and encouraging us. Amping Greg and Lindie
@PhilippinesMyParadise
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes maayong swerte and best regards! amping ka permi bro /Ned🎉
@stevencohen5494
3 ай бұрын
Hi great video as a fellow Canadian who has been to the Philippines 5 times I am now ready to spend a lot more time there starting in September. I personally could use more advice about immigration I have plans of living on Bohol where my gf lives, but that isn’t set in set in stone I know I’ll be just a ferry ride which is pretty close to you maybe we could meet up. Thanks
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi steven cohen @stevencohen5494 Nice to meet a fellow Canadian on here. FANTASTIC you have done it the best way - you did 5 trips and I did 4 - I am always surprised at some who come here after selling everything and never been here before. For sure - we also need to get to Bohol - want to see the Tarsiers! I did the tourist visa route from Sept 2018 to Dec 2019 - to keep it going I would go on a few trips Hong Kong, Thailand, USA, Canada - but then got the SRRV Special Resident Retirement Visa - that is good forever as long as renew each year for $360. I have some more info on that in my next budget video - just finishing the editing now - then need to correct the captions - I am a slow editor. Who knew I would be learning this in my retirement!! Ciao for now, Greg
@floribertosousa2251
4 ай бұрын
Hi Greg. I just became a new subscriber to your channel. Great 👍 information and prices on expenses on living in the Philippines. Thanks and keep up the great work.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hello Floriberto Sousa @floribertosousa2251 Thank you so much for subscribing AND letting me know. I'm glad you found the information helpful. Do you live in the Philippines or are you thinking of maybe moving here one day? My first visit was April 2017, I did 4 trips between April 2017 and March 2018 and then retired early in Canada and moved here in September 2018 - time flies AND next year I become a senior here. My banker said next year I get to skip to the front of the line as a Senior - I said NO WAY I DON"T WANT ANYONE KNOWING I AM 60 !! 🤓😆 Thank you for the compliment also - I try to do my best but I am doing everything and I am slow so everything takes longer as I am continually learning - but I am getting better. Amping take care, Greg
@mikecrowley7486
3 ай бұрын
Thanks and good luck to you.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Good luck to you too Mike Crowley @mikecrowley7486 ! We can all use a bit of luck in this retirment journey, right? Amping take care, Greg
@mikecrowley7486
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Thanks again, Greg
@davidparrish3538
Ай бұрын
Well, I'm single looking at retirement at 62 .retiring early should have anywhere from 1323 to say 1600 give or take that will be in 6 more years. Plus my 401k.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
Ай бұрын
Hi David Parrish @davidparrish3538 It's great that you're planning for your retirement! Having a solid financial plan in place will definitely help you enjoy those years to the fullest. My only advice is for you to come and do some exploring before you retire. I did 4 trips (7, 10, 14 and 30 days) before I retired. Try to see a variety of the country - just explore and see what is the right fit for you. Keep me updated on your plans/progress. Regards Greg
@harrivennola8687
4 ай бұрын
Thank you for that information that was great!! Love your videos they are nice fun and very informative and good quality!! Thanks Greg!! Send a hi to Lindie!! Amping Harri
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hello Harri Vennola @harrivennola8687 We can't thank you enough continued support. Also your feedback makes me want to make even better videos! Lindie got that "hi" when I saw your message earlier today! She was going to go back to the mountains Saturday - but something came up with our latest coconut harvest so she went back with her cousin this afternoon. I will go in a few days. I am waiting on a FedEx package stuck in Manila - it arrived in the Philippines June 13 at 7:16AM and when I wake up in the morning it will have been in the Philippines for two days. I don't understand how a small package can fly across the ocean to Philippines and be here in a day then sit at a warehouse waiting for the next step. My last online order arrived in Dumaguete and sat there for a day only 10 minutes from our house - I drove over and got it. It was still sitting in the arrival bin not even sorted to the delivery bin - they said they would have delivered it but I said I didn't see the need for me to wait for 2 days like last time when I live 10 minutes away!! Because I am friendly to them they don't understand my lack of appreciation for the lack of customer service - so this time I used FeDEx and ... it doesn't matter - no better service. Oh well it will arrive eventually and I will go to the mountains. Amping Greg and Lindie
@harrivennola8687
4 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes that's like the Swedish posting! It took 3 days for a package that I could have went to fetch my self in 3 hours!! 🙄🙄🙄 Hope you will have a great weekend my friend!! My vacation started last Monday and I went to a favourite place a couple of hours south!! Now I have 8 weeks to relax! 😎👍 Amping Harri
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
WOW congrats on your vacation Harri Vennola @harrivennola8687 enjoy some relax. My parcel did arrive today but I showed the driver the FedEx app showed it was still in Manila even though it came to Dumaguete on the morning flight and was delivered in the early afternoon. So much for real time tracking. Hopefully one day Lindie and I can tour your area also. Amping Greg
@harrivennola8687
4 ай бұрын
You are most welcome my friend I would love to show you around here for sure!! You should come in summer then if you of course like snow and rain come in winter!! 🤣🤣👍😀
@jmfarrell5
4 ай бұрын
Great smart discussion on living in the PH… appreciate your telling us the points that aren’t true…
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi @jmfarrell5 Separating fact from fiction is key, glad you enjoyed the debunking - I bit my tongue as much as I could - in the full version I go into more detail (links to it in the Description and the first pinned comment) - I haven't made it public yet as I have to finish reviewing the Captions - I am so slow doing all the editing and it will take me about 4 to 5 hours to review them but I will try to finish Monday so I can make that video public - rather than people just relying on the links I provided to those who watch the 22 min one. Thanks for your feedback. Amping take care, Greg
@rickswing6849
2 ай бұрын
Thank you I married my wife in the Philippines and plan to move there. I’m 71 and she is 64. She has the old traditional values that I’m looking for. She’s one of the finest women I have ever met. I don’t mind living simple and love the food here. She has a great family and they know I live on a budget. I’m looking into some health care here. Also looking into living in la Union . I’m looking forward to it.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
2 ай бұрын
Hi rick swing @rickswing6849 That's wonderful to hear! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and adventure in the Philippines. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and adventure in the Philippines. PS: I am working on a healthcare in the Philippines video - hope you like it also. Amping Greg
@bj5083
4 ай бұрын
Hey Greg, nice video. Thanks for all the great info you shared! 👍
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Ben @bj5083 for your kind words, I appreciate your support! I just replied to a guy who callet it Click Bait and clearly doesn't understand the definition of Click Bait - if I had a pic of 2 Filipinas in Bikinis on the Thumbnail and then had that video that would be click bait - the video answers the question in the Thumbnail and Title - not sure why he made that comment AND I just had to deal with someone who said I don't know how to pronounce Philippines - man some people really think the world needs to know their take on the smallest thing. I got my wife to listen to it and she disagreed. I make lots of mistales and misprounounce things defintely not perfect but some comments push the wrong buttons especially when I am exhausted from working crazy hours editing. Oh well - I will carry on for now - at least the majority of comments are good AND some constructive comments I do learn from - but then some people have to be mean and rude for unknown reasons. Have a great day ahead for you. Amping Greg
@bj5083
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes It's pretty sad that some people don't seem to be happy unless they're being judgemental and/or condescending. Keep up the great work! Amping! ✌️
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Thank you so much Ben @bj5083 Note: edited this to change my Philippine Phone plan - I have been telling people it is 999P for 2GB it is actually 20 GB - no wonder I never go over - AND my team lost the Stanley Cup! Some tell me to delete the rude comments - some I do but some I try to explain better where they clearly didn't watch the video OR simply didn't understand it - one took me a long time to reply to yesterday where he was very rude and crapping on my ending summary table calling my phone plan numbers magic 200 to 999 - he clearly did not watch the video where I explained the phone system here of PRE-PAID and POST-PAID - how most locals (and some expats use the cheaper PRE-PAID, and that will cost about 200P per month but I use the POST-PAID one time charge to my credit card of 999P for 20 GB and unlimited calling and texting to all companies. He then continued the same rant slamming my low end number for utilities of 1,360P asking DON’T YOU OWN A REFRRIGERATOR - I am glad he wrote this because I wasn't sure where the confusion was on the Phone example but his words on the Utilities he doubled-down and proved he didn't get my point of giving a range - I gave a low estimate of 1,360 and a high estimate of 11,900 BUT as with all categories I said some will have a lower amount and some a higher but my RANGE is based on my observations over the last 6 years - I clearly never said I paid 1,360 per month NOW - he obviously doesn’t watch my videos as I laid out my history here - renting small places when I arrived in 2018 and YES I would be at the low end and now owing a house I am in the mid-range of the RANGE but have neighbors at the top end of the range. In addition - I know people in Manila in the fancy subdivision Ayala Alabang where their Meralco Electric bill is 80,000P per month - that is crazy and includes a giant swimming pool and a big house with industrial air conditioners he always kept on 18 degrees - too much money and low functioning alcohol filled brain - obviously I didn't include this example in my range of estimates for people to plan, but it would be an example of one that is HIGHER THAN my range. Then there were the two or three people that called it CLICK BAIT - they didn't pay attention to the 800? question in the thumbnail and the title which I clearly delivered on in my video - therefore clearly NOT click bait but they choose to be mean or uneducated or BOTH. I can hear the national anthems just ended on the hockey game time for me to log off. Amping Greg
@robertmcnair983
3 ай бұрын
I got. Gf. A. Cat. Nice. Air con. Apt. In. Cebu city. Near. Mall. Good food lots beer. So good. 800. Usd.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Robert Mcnair @robertmcnair983 Thanks for sharing your awesome setup with us! That's what it's al about finding what works for you and staying in that budget - too many can't do that. Enjoy your retirement. Amping take care, Greg
@brianmcintyre8563
3 ай бұрын
You should come back to Canada and do seminars, pay per view. A lot of Canadians want to leave Canada. Can you get the SSRV visa in the philippines or do you have to get it in Canada.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi brian mcintyre @brianmcintyre8563 Thank you for the suggestion, I appreciate your support. We are planning another trip back to Canada to see my dad but as usual waiting on Immigration Canada - the delays are incredible no wonder people get frustrated and enter illegally - we won't do that hopefully we can have another visit with my elderly father! I wrote them a heartfelt message asking about the process and that our application was the same as 2022 except for updated financial records (last 3 months) and giving details on my dad’s new health/living situation and their AUTO reply was they won't read or reply to our message if it is within their estimated service window. We applied in Feb and the estimated Service window was 12 months at that time (so Feb 2025) - what a brutal “no-customer” service system. In 2022 we applied in May to come to his late August birthday and Canada tour - the delivery estimate was early July, lots of time to book our tickets then they kept on delaying and delaying and finally it arrived Nov 7 and we flew home Nov 10, arriving Nov 11 for a very short cold visit. As you know Alberta (Western Canada) in Nov is very different in November than our planned Aug/Sept 2022 tour. We heard later the delay was because they shifted resources to deal with Student Visa applications - so Visitor Visas took a back seat - then we later learned many student visas were fraudulent and the government ended up cutting back on the Visas - so much for the extra workers they put into examining applications - they couldn't approve our honest application but approved fraudulent ones!! HMMMMM Seminars - we would have to put a time limit - I tend to talk/write too much!! My favorite tip is for people to just come on a holiday before they make the leap - I did 4 holidays from 2017 to 2018 - each time I confirmed my love for the Philippines and the ease of living here compared to other Asian destinations. The nice thing about having the Philippines as your base - you can easily travel and cheaply travel around Asia for a fraction of the cost of Canadian flights. You can fly from the Philippines to Thailand for under $200 good luck flying from BC to Alberta for that - at least I couldn't the last few times we visited. SRRV Application I had a much longer section on this (and all sections) my original video was 55 mins but cut it down as I was told by a KZitem expert my video was too long so cut it down to 22 mins. For the SRRV you have to be in the Philippines to process it at the PRA in Makati. I was in the Philippines on a tourist visa at the time BUT there are documents that are required from your home country and these must be officially certified in your home country - so it is better to do this before you come to the Philippines OR like me you will have an expensive trip back. I had to fly to Edmonton have my Canadian documents notarized by a lawyer then attend the Alberta Legislature office that authenticates documents (they put a very fancy seal on the document - and the lady working there was great and efficient). I was there waiting when she opened and she did it while I had coffee. I then had to rent a car and drive to Calgary (the Philippines closed their Edmonton consulate) to then take the documents to the Philippines Consulate. I arrived in the early afternoon and the worker told me it would take 5-working days and asked if I wanted to pick them up or have them couriered to me. I said I was not here for a visit just here for the documents and would have to wait for them before flying back to Manila. He then said they had an express service (a few hours for a small fee) - I went and grabbed some food (there is a great deli at the ground floor of their building) and a few hours later my documents were authenticated. One night in a hotel by the Calgary airport and flew back to Manila to complete my SRRV submission - so learn from my mistake and do the document authentication BEFORE going to the Philippines. PRO TIP: The Medical and Police Clearances are valid up to 6 months from date of issuance - so you have lots of time to get to the Philippines to complete the process. The PRA mentions coming into the Philippines on a special visa application prior to getting your SRRV - I didn't do this I just did the regular tourist arrival Visa. The other thing is to do the Deposit transfer - I would recommend also doing this before going to the Philippines. My bank in Canada was great - they did the wire transfer to the PRA Bank in New York City. BUT then crickets - the PRA claimed it never arrived and could take days - I questioned this as it is an e-transfer that takes seconds. This went on for quite a while and my Canadian bank assured me everything was good on their end and they had confirmation of receipt - they advised me the next step was to do a funds trace investigation to determine where the funds ended up. I advised the PRA I would be taking this step and COINCIDENTALLY my funds ARRIVED in the proper account the next day! So all that to say - it may not take as quickly as a normal funds transfer would take so best to have this done and receipt confirmed prior to departing for the Philippines where you must complete the process in person. If you want to email me (my email is on our KZitem home page ... canadianinphilippines@gmail.com note there is no "the" someone said they emailed me but I didn't' receive it as they added a "THE" in my address. I can email you back the 2 pdfs which set out the PRA process. OR go onto the PRA official website and look for them - there are two: (1) SRRV Application Procedure Step by Step (2) Guidelines For SRRV Applicants Outside of the Philippines Be mindful when googling PRA and only click on PRA official pages not consultants pretending to be the PRA. This is something you can do without a consultant - the process is straight forward and the PRA staff is helpful - there is no need to involve a consultant - SAVE YOUR MONEY. Once you have your home country documents authenticated and the proper deposit wired to the PRA account in USA (the PRA recommends adding US$45 in case of service fees) and then come to the Philippines with your authenticated documents and Proof of PRA deposit (ONE MORE PRO TIP - after you deposit wait a few days and email the PRA asking for confirmation deposit received - once they confirm this print this email and bring it with you also ) the rest of the in process steps are done at the PRA office and is basically just paying more fees and submitting your documents - there is no need for a consultant as I learned from other Expats I chatted in the PRA waiting area - most were smarter than me and did it themselves. Good luck with your process if you decide to go down this route and let me know if you have any follow-up questions. Amping take care, Greg
@dkleenjanitorial3457
3 ай бұрын
Hi nice video and very informative I want to set up also to open phone app how can I do this? Thanks
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Dkleen Janitorial @dkleenjanitorial3457 Glad you liked the video. As far as the app just look on what ever app store you use for your phone. The Apple App Store for Iphone or Google Play for non-iphone AND they even have a desktop version you can use on your computer which I have never tried. I see your next question will jump to it now. Regards or as we say here AMPING (take care) Greg
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Dkleen Janitorial @dkleenjanitorial3457 Just an update to my first reply I said OpenPhone app is available in Apple and Android as well as desktop - to be clear here are the options of what you can download: - IOS for Apple phones or tablets - MAC desktop off for Apple computers - Android app for non-Apple phones or tablets - Windows desktop App for non-apple computers - and finally something called WEB APP (I think this is Linux but too techie for me - maybe someone else knows)
@Cubevanlife
3 ай бұрын
It’s my understanding that the Canadian government stops paying out your OAS if you’re gone more than six months. Is this true? Oh look we both had colonoscopies Sept 23. Mine was in Calgary.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Cubevanlife @Cubevanlife I have set out both a short answer and more detailed answer below, but your understanding is not true - you are not alone this is often incorrectly stated on Expat FB chat groups. I think the main reason most Snowbirds only stay out of Canada for 6 months is the want to keep their medical care running - for that you cannot be out of Canada greater than 6 months. Before I get into my answer - your CubeVan idea would be an amazing way to explore the Philippines - you could modify something here like that and travel island to Island. You have probably heard there are 7,641 islands - but most are remote and unoccupied - the reality is there is a much smaller number of islands connected by the ferry system - if you look on Google Maps for the Philippines you can see a good driving route of islands connected by ferries (shown by faint blue lines as you zoom in) so you drive an island and then short ferry to the next drive that island and hop to the next on a ferry. You could do the touring you now do in North America here in the Philippines - as well as Thailand, Vietnam etc if that interests you - or maybe you want a break - do your tour find the perfect spot and relax. BACK TO YOUR QUESTION SHORT ANSWER: If outside Canada for more than 6-months per year YOU CAN RECEIVE OAS IF YOU QUALIFY, and most people qualify if they lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18 (see below where it says You can qualify to receive Old Age Security pension payments while living outside of Canada IF ONE IF (note error on government page this should be "OF") THESE REASONS APPLY TO YOU:) ... BUT YOU CANNOT RECEIVE GIS (also see below) So if someone after turning 18, left Canada without living in Canada for at least 20 more years - they could only qualify if they meet the second category, viz., lived and worked in Canada for at least 20 years and are in a country that has a Tax Treaty with Canada (many countries do, including the Philippines - which is great for Philippine OFWs they can collect OAS). I suspect you fall within the first category so this second category doesn't apply to you. Remember I am not a professional tax or finance advisor but a reading of the Canadian government web page. Your answer is found in the Government of Canada website. They have lots of good info. As I always say when Googling make sure are getting info from official Government of Canada sources and not private consultants masquerading as government Web pages and many try to look like they are government sites. www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/while-receiving.html DETAILED ANSWER (right from the Canada.ca page) Your first payment You will receive your first Old Age Security (OAS) payment either: - the month after you turn 65 (note error on government page there should an "OR" here) - the specific date that you’ve chosen The Benefits payment calendar has details of the exact date Old Age Security payments are made. Receiving your OAS pension outside of Canada YOU CAN qualify to receive Old Age Security pension payments WHILE LIVING OUTSIDE OF CANADA IF ONE IF (again this error should be "OF") THESE REASONS APPLIES TO YOU: [I added the CAPITAL EMPHASIS HERE] - you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18 - you lived and worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada. The time you lived or worked in that country and Canada must be at least 20 years If you do not qualify to receive your Old Age Security pension while outside of Canada, your payments will stop if you are out of the country for more than 6 months after the month you left. YOU CANNOT collect the Guaranteed Income Supplement IF you are OUTSIDE CANADA FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. [I added the CAPITAL EMPHASIS HERE] Take care Amping, Greg PS: it is 7AM Tuesday - I have my alarm set for 7:45 AM so I can watch the Oilers game #7 - I haven't watched a single playoff game yet - but will watch this one. GO OILERS EH!
@jhunSebastian-t9t
4 ай бұрын
Be a reasonable person it's depends your outlooks and places 1,400.00 will do...
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Great point jhun Sebastian @user-gz5mp6sw6b Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspective on this. When I was single and no scooter/car and rented my beach place for 13,000 I was way under even that amount. But you are right US$1,400 or 82,000P is very doable and can have a nice life. The key for any one coming here with that budget in mind as I said in the video remember your budget and stick to it - follow Jhun's advice keep your perspective and don't take on responsibilities and buy things that are not within your budget and you can have a great life in the Philippines on that budget. Amping take care, Greg
@TropicalTodd
4 ай бұрын
I’ll have about $5k a month when I make the move but will have a family of 3 and it’s the medical cost I’m frightened about . I can afford to self insure but a stroke or open surgery or cancer are things that can wipe you out even if you have a big portfolio. I keep reading about expats medical claims being denied by the various health insurance
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Tampa Todd @TampabayTodd I chose not to go with the Expat insurance for exactly what you are saying. I am not sure if you clicked on the link to my LONG video - it is a fuller discussion of all sections (55 mins long) but you can just watch the medical - I saw a video last week by a Dumaguete Vlogger that got me all fired up as it was filled with false information and exaggerated claims by an insurance salesman. The vlogger never challenged him either because he was being polite or because he was new here and had no clue - I hope the latter - in any event there were a number of crazy comments that I cover. I agree with you 100% denial of claims is a huge issue that most don't consider. But this is not unique to the Philippines it is well documented around the world and some company insiders have reported on aggressive tactics of some companies - but the insurance industry is a business - they are your friend when you sign up and accept your fees for life. Hopefully most clients were fully honest with them to divulge all pre-existing issues so that they will not investigate your lifestyle and medical history and deny your future claims. I always tell people it is better to be honest when getting a quote there is no point in holding back to get a cheaper policy as you won’t get anything down the road if you weren’t truthful. I don’t hold this against insurance companies as I noted they are a business and they insure risk and that is based on full information so when someone withholds information their insurance coverage is not supported because the risk was not properly assessed. My dad was a snow bird for years in Maui and most recently Arizona - but this was the first year in many winters he stayed in the cold North because of the cost of insurance. I had very wealthy friends that had to sell their Florida home they had for years as despite their wealth they could not get health insurance and they both died within a year. I have had 2 open heart surgeries, 2 back surgeries, cancer surgery, stomach surgery, and in the Philippines July 2021 Severe Covid (amazing care at St Luke’s BGC 5 blocks from my condo) where I was on oxygen as I couldn’t breathe - I had received two doses of Sinovac, which was readily available in the Philippines, December 2022 burst appendix (amazing care at a modern hospital Negros Polymedic a few kms from our house). Of course I would not have wanted to pay - but I am glad I had the Nest Egg (as I mention in the video) to draw from. Within a few blocks of our house in the last year. I guy from England died after falling off on his insulin meds - he portrayed a very wealthy life (FB photo in front of large castle and in front of a gull wing sports car) but in reality, he was poor and met a lonely end. But he moved to the Philippines after having a stroke and instead of changing his lifestyle he kept on a steady course of cigarettes and large daily quantities of rum/coke which aren’t great choices for a guy with high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes. A Swiss neighbor left in January for medical reasons. An American neighbor left in May for medical care in the USA. Another American was comparing the cost of St Luke’s BGC, Bumrungrad International Bangkok (both places world class destination medical tourism hospitals) versus going back to the USA for his health care. Maybe one day I will have to join them (the departers hopefully NOT THE DEPARTED!) Unfortunately, we don’t know when our number will be drawn - I spent a few weeks doing the 7PM to 7AM bedside shift with my mom as she was dying. We had some amazing chats - she was the one who told me to retire as soon as I could as she worked so hard and never had one day’s retirement up to her terminal cancer diagnosis. Finally, you mentioned a family of three. That is a hole other factor that I have no experience in - but I see Expats with young kids here and obvious Expat families who live here - so I know many do it. I hope you enjoy whatever decision you make - just consider your options and plan. Also in my head and as I tell others NO WHERE is FOREVER - I moved to Texas when I was 18, I moved to Quebec (the French part of Canada when I was 20) then moved to France when I was 23, lived all across Canada in 5 provinces and now have lived in 3 provinces in the Philippines. Given that track record I wonder where I will be in the future. But I will say if it is here in the Philippines I will smile because I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! Amping Take Care Todd and please update me on what you decide to do if you can. Regards, Greg
@TropicalTodd
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes thank you so much for that reply. That is a lot to process. I’ll watch your other videos and if I have time reach out to you. Thanks again for taking the time to provide such an in depth response
@jamesgilbert2181
4 ай бұрын
thats good if you can get a private car for 500 a day here in Cabuyao it cost 2k to get to Minila just about one hr way
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Sorry james gilbert @jamesgilbert2181 The 500 is for the private driver and the higher amount if you book the driver throught the company. To rent a car for the day it is about 1,500. I recommend people drive themselves with Google Maps but some don't want to drive so they need to hire a driver. That is an expensive ride for you to Manila - I would take the bus! Take care James - have a great week ahead. Amping Greg
@mikk1332
4 ай бұрын
Great video Any recommendations on bank to use in Canada when living in the Philippines? Or banking ( getting money from Canada abroad ) in general?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hey Mik @mikk1332 Thanks so much for the support! When it comes to banking from Canada to the Philippines, check out banks with low international transfer fees for convenience. (1) I did a few videos showing how to use ATMs here for travllers BEFORE they have bank accounts set up here, the key here is never select the option that does the conversion here the fees and exchange rate are terrible. Always pick the option to do the conversion in Canada and you will save big money - again that would be before you have an account set up here. The problem as I point out in many videos is most banks limit you to 10,000P per transaction (so you would need 10 transactions to get out 100,000 - which means 10X the fees), but Bank of Philippine Islands allows 20,000 per transaction (so you would only need 5 transactions and only 5X the fees, but this is still not the cheapest) - but the cash is received instantly so sometimes that is more important. (2) Also some have used Western Union and sent it to their girlfriend here when they are here. This often confused me as there is no need to send to anyone else you can send it to yourself and pick it up at any Western Union outlet with the proper ID (the name on the recipient mus match exactly the name on the ID). (3) Once you have a bank account set up here you can send direclty from your Canadian Bank Account to your Philippine Bank account. On the Scotiabank app (and likely the other major banks) on the bottom of the phone screen (or laptop) select MOVE MONEY, then you will see a section INTERNATIONAL Send Money Across The World. The next screen is selecting the country and sending, but at the bottom of this second page is the button for MANAGE CONTACTS - this is where you have to first go if you haven't set up the contact. Once you go there you are given two options - set up Bank Deposit Recipients AND Set up Western Union Transfer Recipients. You fill in the details and save the contact and you never have to enter this bio data again. Then you go back to the previous screen to the Send money portion and put in Philippines then Compare and Send button and you will see any Contact you have entered the bio data for. Once on this screen, called Transfer money you have two sections, Bank Deposit (to a bank account) and Cash Pickup (through Western Union). I just checked the online fee for the bank deposit is $1.99 (cheaper than 1X at the ATM machine) and you can send much higher amounts, so the 100,000 example I gave above could be sent in one transfer for only CDN$1.99 fee and you avoid all the ATM fees - but it takes a few days - sometimes I send at night and it is there the next day, sometimes it takes 3 to 5 days to show up (the screen says UPT TO 5 business days). With planning your money needs this is never a problem. The Western Union cash pickup you can send up to CD$999, roughly 42,000P but it will be there in minutes. I find the bank to bank transfer offers the best fees, but not the best exchange rate ALTHOUGH way better than anything you would get in the Philippines - especially currency exchange places which will rip you off unless you have brand new crisp (unused US Dollars, especially US$100 bills). Note: on the Scotiabank app (and likely the other major banks) you can send the Western Union transaction in #2 directly from your Bank App no need to go on the WU app or to a WU outlet. You just have to set up each recipient - so if to yourself just add yourself as a recipient - after that any recipient will be on the list and it is very easy to send. I just checked today the fee to send bank to bank is CDN$1.99 and the WU is CD$15.00, but he Western Union option offers a slightly bettter exchange rate of 42.4786PHP v. 41.8800PHP with the bank to bank. I used to use TRANSFER WISE, now WISE, app similar to WU they charge a higher fee but offer a better exchange rate - to use them you have to set up an account. Transfer from your Canadain account to your Wise account then from your Wise account to the Philippines. For me now that Scotiabank (and likely the other brands) offers direct bank to bank transfer, for the small overall difference in fees it is so much easier and safer to do a one click trasnfer from my Cdn bank to my Phil bank. Also a number of people commented on my videos that Chase Bank offers really good Fee Free transfers to its customers - not sure if you have a Chase branch near you - I prefer to deal with the Cdn banks - but it is a great option for any Americans. I hope this helps you. Good luck. Regards Greg
@JohnBabcock-qy1cs
3 ай бұрын
Yes, your food budget is much higher than mine.. Unless "we", means you buy for a partner too.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi John Not sure if you watched the full video or just saw the table? As I said I was setting out a range of costs for people to think about when considering coming to the Philippines. I am not sure what you are referring to my food budget - I never mentioned my current spending - I gave a range for people coming here. As I also mentioned for all categories some will be lower and some will be higher depending on the choices you make. My actual food budget is higher than the top range - yes I could get it down but I don't want to - I like the food we eat. Do I need to buy imported steak - NOPE but I like it and will continue to do it. Maybe one day I will lower my food budget again - but not for now. When I first came to the Philippines in 2018 I tried to keep a low budget for all categories - but at that time I actually had a very high entertainment budget as I explored all over as well as other nearby countries - but in the Philippines I lived low cost life in my rental apartments - for the first year. Then my dad asked me one day when I was complaining about the bar sized fridge and roof leaking in the beach front cottage WHY? He was right - I decided I wanted a better retirement not a cheap retirement - setting a budget does not mean low. I always have stayed within my budget, even when I was working - and delaying large expenditures until I pay cash - for example I have always paid cash for almost everything the last 25 years - except one expensive condo in Vancouver. I am working on a new video that hopefully will clear up some confusion - I took a different approach showing different budgets that people can live on and expected costs for those budget levels - rather than setting out a range of values which seemed to cause some confusion on the first video. Like when I taught a college class a many years ago - if there was confusion or questions, I figured I wasn’t delivering it clearly enough - so I would try to modify it for the next year. I hope my next budget video makes more sense. Take care, Greg
@JohnBabcock-qy1cs
3 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes oh. I just wondered if you were spending over $400 on yourself for food or is that for a family? I spend about $250 total food costs for myself in Michigan..
@JohnBabcock-qy1cs
3 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes Good video by the way. Enjoyed your presentation and insight.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi John Babcock @JohnBabcock-qy1cs That video is about a range of low-high you can expect here for one. But like I said some will spend less and more, for eating I was at the low end when single when first moved to the Philippines and the longer I was away the higher my grocery bill became. NOW I am married and we have a live in helper - I AM WAY ABOVE the top end. BUT after my 4th year here I started eating better meals like I did in Canada, still Filipino dishes but good quality ingredients. For example, for some reason beef is terrible here so I have to buy imported - the popular ones I see are Australian, Brazilian and American (some Japanese wagyu also but out of my budget) - I will buy $100 piece and they will slice my exact thickness and then vacuum seal each steak. I don't need it BUT it helps not missing home by having an amazing steak once in a while. I also buy pork tenderloin and chicken at better stores - we have 2 roadside chicken stalls near our house but you can smell them as you come down the road - the one time I bought there I asked if they had boneless breasts the lady said no problem - she took the bone in ones turned around put them on a cutting board and a cloud of flies flew up - let's just say the cost was a bit cheaper but I never bought there since. I won't pay triple for mangos in the fancy grocery store, that I will buy at the roadside stands, but to be honest I don't even look at the price when I buy my chicken and pork. Even TP I buy triple ply - LOL again I don't price compare and maybe when I am older I will but for now I like 3-Ply - just like a good steak ... a nice comfort in my retirement life 😜🤓 I have thought about it - maybe because I don't see a rent payment going out each month, I don't feel it in my budget - maybe that will change one day. Also, I need to track better - I had an expat neighbor that tracked every PHP spent since he arrived in 2019 but he went home in May this year. One of those guys that sold everything and came here - but picked a partner who had five young kids 3 to 15 so his budget taking care of 7 was not sustainable long term - he returned to the USA after here 6 years and went back to work. So I started tracking my daily expenses on Excel from June 16. My last half of June, 16 to 30, I spent 24,586P (US$418.61 and Cdn$572.40) on all food/supplies - Groceries, Valencia Sunday Public Market 2X, Eating Out and Delivery. FYI I am doing another video following up on some of the comments and rather than separating all the food options (groceries, eating out, food delivery) I combined them into one category - I think it will work better for people and rather than a range like I did in this video - I am showing a variety of budgets to show people what they can do on various budgets as people come with different resources and all can have a very nice retirement as long as they stay within their budget. An Expat + 1 is not a big difference from a single budget but Expat +6 plus they had a helper is not good budgeting. When I was in Manila and did the online dating, I met many with multiple kids but would say sorry looking for single no kids. I knew my tastes for my retirement life and new my budget and had to stick to the +1 - some don't think with their right brain. I met one who was amazing - on our 3rd date she told me 5 kids from two Americans - I said sorry my budget can't handle that - she said no problem the exs pay for the kids - I said maybe now when you are single but if have a live in relationship that may change and I can't afford it - hope she finds someone she is a great person but I couldn't go down that road - the American that was here had a bigger heart than budget and didn't plan properly - I don't want to follow that route. I may end up in Canada part time - SNOW BIRD - but for now not there yet and definitely don't want to tap out from the life here. Amping take care, Greg
@charlesetienne6037
4 ай бұрын
If i move to the Philippines i could live easily on $700 dollars a month, because in Seychelles me and my wife we live on $1300 dollars monthly and Seychelles is 5 times more expensive than the Philippines.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hello Charles Etienne @charlesetienne6037 I hope you had a great weekend and thank you for your comment. Have you visited the Philippines before? You and your wife would have a hard time living on $700 per month. I have seen stats of 30% to 62% cheaper in the Philipppines over Seychelles not 5X. But I agree with you, one person could live on $700 if they picked the right area and right accomodation and had no vehicle - but you wouldn't have much left over to enjoy life - and as one person commented earlier, people need to keep some savings for their return flight home (thanks @MrArcher181) I think that is a perfect reminder for those that come hoping for the low end - as unfortunately life always has twists and turns. So I wouldn't say one could EASILY LIVE on $700 dollars per month - it can be done for one person but as I noted not a great standard - it depends what your goals and quality of life you want. Good luck Sir Charles. Amping Take care, Greg
@charlesetienne6037
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes we live very low key here because it is very expensive where we live not on the main island, so things are twice more expensive. Google La Digue Seychelles A breakdown Examples of our monthly expenses, we never eat in a restaurant, we cook all our dishes at home 365 days a year. There are no private vehicles on the island only bicycles and commercial vehicles. Electricity and water are costly here my bill averages 5000 pesos, my internet and TV connection around 7000 pesos, housing loan repayment around 15000 pesos, food bills even we cook at home our budget around 15000 pesos a month. My consider 5000 pesos savings per month. Misc expenses easily 10000 pesos e.g.clothes, sanitary, hygiene, laundry materials, transportation or taxi between islands . We do not have A/C but we use LPG gases for cooking and heating water around 1000 pesos a month, sewage and waste collection 150 pesos. Health care and education is free here. My wife works in a hotel for around 50000 pesos a month and I am medically retired with a pension, I also have shares in solar energy company special in solar PV installation as director. I am a middle class citizen, and worked for 25 years in hotel managerial positions.
@justinfidelcastro2861
4 ай бұрын
What do you do for your mail like credit cards, government and taxes?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Justin Castro @justinfidelcastro2861 Good question - I come from Canada and for years I didn't get mail - or very little - every single bill I get is electronic. I remember paying attention to my mail and anyone sending mail for example, my old universities for example would always send mail - lots of it and big magazines - I changed them all to just reading online (do I read them in my retirment time - NOT - but at least, or hopefully, the paper is not stacking up somewhere. But good point maybe my last address is getting tired of seeing my inevitable junk mail. Many people I know who are expats go back one or two times per year or more - but I know some who came here on very low budgets without planning can never do that - so it is more important for them. The ones that go home will often use a relatives address for sending things and pick it up when then visit. I know some have their mail forwarded you can have a courier pack sent with your mail but it is not cheap - I did this one time when I lived in Manila but now I know I don't recieve anything that is that important to justify spending CD$100+ for a mail package to be sent. Its funny how priorities change - CD$100 goes so far here (4,275P) many make just over that per month! I think Expats who complain about the cost of life here forget how expensive it is where they came from and most are here because they can't affort to retire in their home country or if they did retire there they would have a lower standard of living and higher cost. Sorry for the ramble - tired after replying to many comments tonight. Need to sleep. And again thank you for a good question that everyone needs to consider - switch to paperless for all you can and you will be happy. Amping take care, Greg
@justinfidelcastro2861
3 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes I'm a fellow Canadian who will retire in the Philippines. I was just wondering how everyone deals with those things. Ons last question, can you renew your passport at the Canadian embassy there?
@gmm5550
3 ай бұрын
as a swede i haven't seen a cheque book since 1999 haven't seen a paper bill since 2010 and all government tax etc and banking is done online since 2012 and nowadays sweden is a total cashless country Ur american? america seems to long after rest of the world in most tech and online and only 51 % in america have access to pure fiber..thats 3rd world standard nowadays
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Wow gmm @gmm5550, that's impressive! Sweden is ahead of the game when it comes to digital transactions. No I am not American - I will give you one guess - I think it would be false advertising for an American to call their channel CANADAIAN IN PHILIPPINES. I was born and raised in Canada, but also lived in the USA, France and the Philippines. Not that I am a defender of USA tech advancement but you mention that ONLY 51% in American have access to pure fiber. You need to do a fair comparison - Sweden has only 11 million people and is the size of only 10% larger in land than the state of California (which has 39 million people). It costs A BIT more to provide the tech you want across vast countries like the USA and Canada My small province in Canada is 45% larger than Sweden but we only have 1.2 million people. As of June 2024 93.5% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014. Since your country is totally cashless you better save some cash OR convert it to US$ (and only new bills) before coming to the Philippines. And if you plan to live here in the Philippines get ready to turn your tech clock back - banks and most companies still use paper - in my Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) bank I can go to a touchscreen monitor and fill in my account and transaction info then receive a slip with a waiting #. In Philippine National Bank (PNB) and Land Bank - you have to fill out the transaction slip with pen and paper - this was ended in my Canadian province in the early 1980s. As far as cheques - again if you want to live here - you might have to start up a chequing account especially if you rent and they want 12-post dated cheques at the signing of the lease - which has happened to me 2 times since 2018 - we own a house now so hopefully won’t need that.
@rickmessler7404
3 ай бұрын
Good video Greg thank you for the information I was wondering on the open phone app if you could reply by comment or do a video on it I need to bring my American phone to the Philippines so I can receive the verification code from my bank and credit card companies I have mint Mobile in the USA and they say that that will work in the Philippines but it's like 60 or $65 per month that is one of my biggest problems right now figuring out how to bring my American phone number to the Philippines
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Rick Messler @rickmessler7404 Note: edited this to change my Philippine Phone plan - I have been telling people it is 999P for 2GB it is actually 20 GB - no wonder I never go over! I don't think it matters if you have an American phone or a phone from here - the same companies sell all over - but you can definitely bring the phone you have in the USA. I had the same problem when I left Canada - when I first retired, I think I was paying $100+ per month (sorry was 2018 a bit foggy but Cdn cell prices are high so probably even more) I lowered it to a basic plan to keep my Canadian # and I think that was $75 (US$55). Once I arrived here, I added a Philippine SIM card as you will also need a Philippine # - most phones (make sure the one you have, allow for dual SIM cards and some phones now even allow for E-SIMS). Note: the eSIMs are great as you don’t have to install a SIM card. The nice thing about OpenPhone it works for Canada and the USA (there are companies all over the world offering the same thing) - and we can keep our Canadian and USA number - that is number portability and I got this from the OpenPhone page. You can port any local US or Canadian number, including North American toll-free numbers, into OpenPhone from any traditional or virtual carrier. Phone numbers from areas outside of US and Canada cannot be ported in. When I did mine, I didn’t port my # so I got a new Canadian # and had to update all my contacts with my new #, then just closed my Canadian phone contract. If you port your # you will have the advantage of not having to update all your contacts with a new number. Once you sign up with OpenPhone you just download the App on whatever cellphone you want - I have two - the one I have my Philippines SIM card in and one I only use on WIFI - I put the App on both. I just looked at both phones before I wrote this to you - both phones where I have the App installed mirror each other. I guess the nice thing with that is if your battery is dead or you lose your phone - you will always have that backup - but this second phone is completely unnecessary as you can just get a new phone, install the OpenPhone app and you are back in business. I don’t think I ever used my second phone for an OpenPhone call - but it is an option. One thing I went through my call records. I have calls and texts from family - the nice thing is when I miss a call (I rarely have my ringer on in my retired life) - the OpenPhone app includes voicemail and the nice thing there is no dialing into a number to retrieve the message you just click the play icon and you hear the message or it also includes a voice-to text feature so your voicemail also appears as a text so don’t even have to listen to the message you can just read it. I have a text message from my bank with a six-digit verification code for an online transaction I was doing as well as calls received and made to my bank, government agencies and various businesses. In addition, when we were doing our 6-week Canada-USA driving tour in 2023 I used my OpenPhone # on the reservation (rather than giving my Philippine #) so I have many messages and calls from hotels, rental cars, theme parks etc. Besides the one OTP from my bank - I have changed almost all my notifications to come by email - as I found this much easier to receive when I travel. In addition, some agencies use a multi-grid number code which is very convenient to use - I just save my grid and refer to it when asked for my entry code. They update the Grid occasionally. So for contact I have a Canadian phone number (through OpenPhone - automatic monthly charge to my credit card) and a Philippine number (through Globe - as I mentioned in the video there is PRE-PAID (paying as you go very cost effective way as low as 200P per month, or the way I do it is the POST-PAID which is an automatic monthly charge to my credit card of 999P for 20GB data (rarely go above that as I have Globe WIFI at our home. eSIM: When touring away from the Philippines - instead of paying expensive Philippines Roaming fees - use an eSIM - if your phone allows it (just check your settings or google your phone make and model and ask if eSIMs work with it). I use the Airalo app (there are many countries) - I don’t get anything from them but I have used them in Thailand, Hong Kong, USA and Canada - so easy and much cheaper than Roaming fees. Before you leave for a country you just add a plan for how many days you will be there and if you run low on data it will give you a warning and you can decide if you want to top up. Let’s say you are flying to Thailand - before you leave your local area go on the app, pick your plan and pay for whatever your stay will be, for example 7-days - once your flight lands and you turn your phone on it will see you are in Thailand and the Airalo automatically kicks in - no more expensive roaming fees and also no more running around trying to get a local SIM card and have it set up. The first time I went to Thailand it took me going to three different 7-Elevens to find someone who spoke enough English to help me with the SIM card purchase/installation - no problem like that in the Philippines - people speak English - but as I stated if your phone allows for an eSIM you don’t even have to worry about that - you set it all up yourself without leaving your house. Amping take care Greg
@rickmessler7404
3 ай бұрын
Wow what a great detailed response . I will check to see if my phone takes an esim I know it has dual SIM card but all that great information you gave us left me kind of fuzzy on how to begin and I know the open phone money costs money per month but the other app you mentioned is there a fee for that per month? I think it would be a great video very popular if you could do how to get this done coming from like the USA bringing your USA phone number so that you can get six digit authentication from your bank or credit card company when you're in the Philippines I think it'd be a very popular video and I know it would definitely help me out a lot thank you Greg for putting all the effort into the response
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Rick Messler @rickmessler7404 Anything allowing you a # to call will cost money. I pay US$10 per month, auto charge to my credit card and is well worth it. Some Apps work on credit and you pay for credits and have to keep topping up credits and if you don't use in a certain period they take them - I don't like this method, and any free ones do not allow a # to be dialed - they are App to App (Messenger, WhatsApp, and the meeting apps, etc) I signed up for OpenPhone and pay US$10 per month. I picked a # in my dad's town so no long distance for him - you can Port (keep) your existing # when signing up with OpenPhone. I updated all my contacts with that #, personal, any business I deal with including financial, and government agencies. I use OpenPhone to call Canada and USA contacts I can text Canadian numbers but not USA #s - BUT yours will be a USA # so this won't be an issue for you. I receive calls and texts from both Canada and USA, inlcuding one OTP from my bank - but I then switched my authentication method to email. Regards Greg
@rickmessler7404
3 ай бұрын
What is OTP please?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Sorry OTP is the One Time Pass code that many places send to verify you are doing the transaction (reduces fraud)- many send it to your verified phone or email.
@MrRizzo1961
4 ай бұрын
I thought a person applies for a srrv not purchase a visa.? So you saying I can purchase a visa not apply for a visa.?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi again Dennis Garcia @MrRizzo1961 GREAT observation and you were paying attention. I chose my words very carefully - that doesn't mean I don't make mistakes speaking - I am just an amateur doing this - filming myself, editing myself (SLOWWWW), and trying my best. As I said in the longer video maybe I should do a video on SRRV - there are many how to videos maybe I could talk about the program. Not sure?? So the word I used BUY. To start I am not sure if you are familiar with the requirements. One aside to start - there is NO NEED (ZERO) to hire a consultant to help you with your package. Everything is online - either the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) web page and their FB page - as well there are lots of KZitem videos - but ignore any comment that says you need a consultant. SERIOUSLY SAVE your money and buy a plane ticket here instead!! Just to give you an example one consultant I have seen describes the steps of the SRRV: 1. Remit the visa deposit to PRA's designated bank account. ... 2. Complete and collate all documentary requirements. ... That is a good indication of why I say BUY! But don't do that first. If you want to do the SRRV do this: - first complete all the documents, medical and police clearance (all required info is on the PRA Site called "Guidelines For SRRV Applicants Outside of the Philippines) - if you don't satisfy these requirements stop there no need to continue. - ASSUMING you have no issues there and still want to proceed then BUY your Visa (send the required Deposit and NOTE they have a fee but they suggest ADDING an EXTRA US$40 !! :-) in case there are "fees". - you need to process your SRRV here so you book travel here and go to the PRA Office - I went to the Manila office they were very helpful there and that's where I chatted many Expats who were doing it themself. Learn from my mistake - I used a well-known consultant with a fancy car and office and was almost scammed - long story I was lucky one of their workers tipped me off and I was able to get my PRA appointment without too much cajoling - but that is why I say no need for a consultant - everyone has an angle - you can do everything yourself and the PRA staff are very helpful (emails, calls, in person) when you have questions along the way. It is much better to control the speed and flow of your application rather than relying on a third-party who is doing it if and when they see fit. So finally that is why I chose BUY there is no mystery behind the curtain - if you complete the documentation and the medical and pay your deposit - then come in person (as the form I mentioned above says they want you to apply for a Visa through them before you come to do your application) not sure if this was in place when I did but I was just here as a tourist when I found my not so honest consultant and visited the PRA office a number of times since then. As an aside instead of sending my renewal application to the PRA HQ in Makati we went to Cebu City (next island over to the PRA Sub Office in Cebu - was very funny I handed them my papers expecting them to process them and they thanked me and that was it. I was very confused - I said are you not going to process them and they said no they just receive and forward to Manila - I said so there was zero need for me to come to Cebu then - expense of a 2 ferries, 12 hours of driving, and one hotel night - I suggested that perhaps the next time they are chatting a PRA member they might want to mention that since I had chatted them a number of times confirming location, renewal requirements. All my other renewals were done at the PRA NHQ - if I had known that I would have hopped on a flight to Manila - 2 nights there would have been much better than Cebu and no 12 hours of driving on a road that beats up my car! Hopefully I remember to do that in 2 years the next time I have to renew. All the best in whatever decision you make. Amping Take Care. Greg
@MrRizzo1961
4 ай бұрын
Your numbers. That's not cheap that's more expensive than how I'm living in the U.S.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Dennis Garcia @MrRizzo1961 I am shocked every American I meet here (and Canadian) always say they are here because of the cost back home they can't afford to be retired there. I have lived in the USA and Canada and travelled both for 6 weeks in the Fall of 2023 and the prices everywhere, at least the West are way higher in the USA and Canada. BUT as I clearly say on my video this is an estimated RANGE - some will be higher and some will be lower. I guess you fall within the lower. Have a look you will find other videos telling people they can liver here on $500 a month - as I said in mine BS and that is why there are many expats who go home broke - they came with an unrealistic budget and/or did not stick to a budget after they arrived. You can make your own budget and stick to it - I choose not to have a poor retirment here. I can live way better than I ever could in North America and for way less. I will cut this off and go on to your other comment. Besides being able to afford a retirement in North America as you do - I would never want to be there. But this place is not for everyone which is why I tell people don't follow others who sell everything and move here - instead come for an exploratory holiday and you can do that very low budget - fly into Manila tour around the Philippines for 2 weeks (or even a week), fly to Bangkok (flights under $200) and tour around there for 2 weeks (or even a week) then slide next door to Vietnam for 1 week. Fly home from there but don't decide anthing. After you get home think about your holiday the pros and cons of all the places you visited and then decide if you want to keep living where you are or make a move to one of those places or save up again and try other countries. I had a buddy from Canada come here but went way over budget and cut his winter vacation short - he hasn't been back - he goes to Panama for the winters and he says the cost is even cheaper than the Philippines. I have been to many countries and I love the Philippines - I am sure given my history I will move around again more - or use Dumaguete as our base and explore from here. The cost of travel in the Philippines and around Thailand/Vietnam ++ is very low - AND WAY CHEAPER THAN THE US!A or CANADA. Amping Dennis now I will get to your next comment. Have a great Sunday in your part of the world. Greg
@marianeil6630
4 ай бұрын
Philippines people speaks English
@Vanrchy
4 ай бұрын
Hi fellow Canuck here, thanks for the info, any chance for a video on the how the internal phone number works for banking? 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Vanrchy @Vanrchy Note: edited this to change my Philippine Phone plan - I have been telling people it is 999P for 2GB it is actually 20 GB - no wonder I never go over! Sorry for the late reply - it came in during a very long days period of editing and then as I get back to replying to comments earlier ones are pushed down and I have to remember to do a search/filter for Comments "I haven't responded" to on KZitem Studio - it is annoying. Do you mean the OpenPhone app and how it works for banking? I will jump to YES and give you a quick reply and if I am wrong, please let me know and I will do my best to help you. With OpenPhone app (available on Iphone, non-iphone as well as on computers apple and non-apple - sorry I am not so techie - it has been a struggle spending many hours learning editing and doing this channel by myself - always learning something - some have told me to hire an editor and I get many emails of people offering their services but the US$1 per day that I make on KZitem doesn't even cover my coffee tab let alone allow me to hire an editor 😜🤓 I also know some channels that hire someone to do their social media and reply to comments - I wouldn't do that even though I tend to be wordy - like my wife called me to come to eat dinner, while I was replying to the previous comment -I saw yours next in the queue so thought I would reply before eating. 8:04PM here in Negros Oriental - the Oilers game 7 starts in 12 hours - I hope to watch it as I haven't seen any other playoff games. I will take a break from KZitem editing! OK back to the app. After you download the app you pick the area of Canada you want your number from - I picked my town in Alberta so that my dad could dial easily from his landline and then my number will ring wherever I am in the world, as long as I have an internet connection. It also receives texts and does voicemail. I can also call Canada and the USA numbers but the only thing I can't do is text an American # there is message at the bottom of the screen that says "You need to register with US carriers before sending outbound messages to US numbers. You can give this # to whoever you want - family, friends, businesses - its all the same and they can all contact you the same. For here in the Philippines I have a Philippines cell # - it is very cheap here to have a cell # - many people do the Pay As You Go for about 200P CD$4.66 (depending on your usage) but I do the auto-charge called Post-Paid for 999P CD23.25 (20 GB data, unlimited calling and texting to all carriers - the Philippines is unusual in the sense that they don't automatically allow all people to call all #s if you are with Globe the basic plans allow you to communicate with Globe numbers, but you need to pay a bit extra - or pick a different plan, to contact non-Globe #s, for example a Smart #. When travelling to avoid Philippines roaming charges I use Airalo App which is an E-sim - I have used it in Thailand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA in the last year and it was great and much cheaper than paying roaming charges. Sorry for the extra info - time for me to eat. If I didn't answer your question properly about the internal phone number (which I was guessing was the Open Phone app) - please let me know. Amping take care EH, GO OILERS, Greg
@Vanrchy
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes thanks so much for taking the time, just trying to get everything set before I take the long flight over hopefully within the next 24 months, I hope to retire in 16 months . I don’t have a lot of friends or family to worry about staying in contact with but what what I am concerned with is if it works for when the bank wants you to send in a text verification code to authorize transactions? I don’t want to have to keep my expensive Canadian phone plan but have had many advice me it’s wise to do so until at least I’m settled. Go oilers Go hopefully they have already sipped from the cup by the time your reading this. Again thank you! 🙏🏻 🇨🇦
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Still waiting on game time Vanrchy @Vanrchy. I set my alarm for 7:45 AM but was up at 5AM so no need for the alarm. 7:20 AM now - watched a bit of the pre-game show already and thought I would reply to a few more comments so I can turn off the computer during the game. You are exactly where I was in 2018. In 2018, if I recall I had a CD$100 (4,307P) per month phone plan. On my four trips here, I would add in a Philippines SIM card each time (now they have apps like Airalo (and others) that allow for an E-SIM to avoid roaming charges - as long as your phone allows E-Sims, some don't). After I moved here and never used my Canadian plan I cut it down to a basic plan but that was still CD$75 (3,231) . As I mentioned in the video (which one guy complained I came up with MAGIC numbers - he clearly didn't watch the video) there are two types of plans here PRE-PAID, which is pay as you go, topping up every few days as needed and many people do that for 200P per month (so that was my low number) and the one I do is the other plan POST-PAID, which is pay one-time per month and you can use your credit card - I do this and get 2GB plus unlimited calling and texting. And then I used VIBER but since then OpenPhone has come out and I found it much better. I have received calls and texts (and voicemail) from all types of callers and haven't yet had a problem with it. I just checked my last Auto-charge by OpenPhone is US$10 per month. I don't get anything from them, someone commented it is not secure - but this is not true - I did some research on it afterwards and as usual it was internet BS - they have high security as any reputable company does - and Forbes Magazine did an excellent report on them. Not a frequenter of Forbes Magazine but that was one of the sources I found in my brief search. If a better option comes along, I will consider it also - but for now OpenPhone has worked great - as I mentioned before I used Viber and before that Magic Jack, OpenPhone is far superior to those two. Got to go answer a few more comments and get a fresh cup of coffee. ANOTHER ASIDE - if you like coffee when I lived in Manila on one of my driving road trips I discovered amazing coffee in Lipa Batangas - now that I live away from Manila on a different island I order it online (there are 2 main online shopping platforms like Amazon here Shopee and Lazada - I prefer Shopee after getting scammed on Lazada and getting zero help from Lazada so I just deleted their App - but many like Lazada. I haven't yet tried it but many also use Amazon and ship it here.). Chat later. Greg (Game 7 countdown now at 7:40AM - overcast light rain - WE NEED IT was dry so long, 27 feels like 32, overnight low was 26, but high 20s with humidity.
@Vanrchy
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes disappointed with the game, after coming back being down 3 games to come up short … oh well it was exciting lol
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
@@Vanrchy I chatted a childhood friend in Sask for the whole second period (using the OpenPhone App) and I said I know the Oilers will win because the Panthers wore colors and let the Oilers wear Home Whites. My guess was wrong. Too bad their stars had no gas at the end. Would have been nice to see a less known player with fresh legs get a chance to be a hero - maybe that's just in the movies!
@michaeltakayama8415
4 ай бұрын
I know that you, as well as most long-time expats, recommend living outside of Manila, and for many good reasons. But, let's suppose that one needed to live in the area in/around Manila, in order to visit St. Luke's Hospital, or perhaps the US Embassy ,on a regular basis - say, 3-4 times per week. Are there any neighborhoods that you would (or definitely would not) recommend? Does it make any sense to use the LRT in order to commute, and live a bit further out from the hospital/embassy, perhaps near an LRT station? And, what is your opinion about living in low-rise apartments, rather than in high-rise condos or gated communities? For the sake of variety, if nothing else, let's leave out any recommendations for BGC and Makati, and also assume that access to a pool or gym is not a necessity. :)
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Michael Takayama @michaeltakayama8415 I am very sorry for the late reply - as I mentioned to a few others I saw your message on my cell and only tonight did a filter for "I haven't responded" to comments. KZitem is very odd in their organisation - I need to remember to filter for this rather than just relying on KZitem to order the comments I need to reply to. There are two St Lukes BGC and Quezon City. I lived a few blocks from the BGC one and used it very often - AMAZING health facility and in addition to regular health care with access to top notch specialists that you don't need a referral for like in Canada and no waiting - they saved my life when I had severe covid and had to rely on high flow oxygen to breathe - I was in one of the high risk groups and had a bad case of it - but was in good hands unlike other stories I have heard of people in smaller centers - where the medical care is not the same. Here in Negros Oriental we also have a few great health facilities (despite the fact many Expats complain about them) I have had great care from the two I have used most, not St Lukes BGC care but not many other places can compare - of course there is also Bumrungrad International in Bangkok - I went there once for their executive half day head to toe amazing diagnostic testing which was incredible. I later learned St Lukes offers a version of that as well. I guess it depends how long you will be there for. US Embassy is in Malate - St Lukes BGC is not close at all. Look at Malate around the US Embassy there are some condos and hotels that will give you a good rate for a longer stay. BUT don’t discount BGC if it is where you will spend most of your time. As I noted my BGC condo was 56k monthly on a year lease, and that included parking, but was 75k if month to month. Check them out it is a great location but make sure you get a renovated suite - not an older model. They have lowered their prices since I was there google The Luxe Residences. Another option is to look on Google maps for the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila (despite the name this is in BGC a few blocks from St Lukes) - you can look online for rentals in the area there are tons of towers with rentals for all budgets - but keep in mind like apartments across the islands there are many to choose from - the best is to book a hotel for a few days and find something in person. There is an area called Forbes Town a few blocks away that looks great online but depending on the unit (and you need to look in person) many are terrible - but there are some good finds. Look at Fort Bonifacio Rent they have listings for studio, 1bdrm ++. Whenever you find a place make sure you check it on google maps because many online descriptions are not honest in their location - I love that area and walked most of it for 14 months - it is the best/nicest area for safe walking day and night - which I miss out in the province where we rarely have street lights and no shoulders (and of course no sidewalks) to walk on in our area. There was no LRT in BGC when I was there - I am not a fan of commuting but definitely check it out if it is ok with you. I see Google maps shows the station is a 12 to 15 min walk to BGC - this is wrong it is much closer than that the route is wrong - they take you around to the back side to an office entrance, the main entrance is on the opposite corner of 32nd St and 5th Ave - not the back side they show. So in summary Malate is an option close to the US Embassy. But also don’t discount BGC if you are going to be there often - besides the area I lived in there is also a newer area Uptown (also close to St Lukes) - but as I mentioned to others be careful of places saying they are BGC that are not - McKinley (which someone commented was a good price in BGC) and Venice Mall area are not in BGC - they are nice to walk by on an hour walking route but I would never live in these places. Hope some of this was helpful. Greg
@michaeltakayama8415
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes No need to apologize for any delay in response. Many KZitemrs never reply to their commenters, so a late response is far better than no response, right? Besides, my plans are still several years out, so even if you had taken a year to reply, it would still have been timely enough... lol. So, thanks, yet again, for the detailed response. :) I think you are absolutely spot on about needing to search for places to live in person, rather than rely on descriptions on the Internet. I do plan a "boots on the ground" approach, initially staying in a hotel, upon arrival, and spending 1-2 weeks exploring various neighborhoods, to find a relatively short-term rental (1-3 months). I will continue exploring, with the goal of finding a longer-term rental (6-12 months) to "hang my hat", while I putter around Manila and see what it has to offer (good & bad). I do not plan to put down any permanent roots, anywhere, until I've spent at least 2-3 years in any given location. So, if I do not like where I am at, I will be able to pack up in 15 minutes and go somewhere else. Easy peasy. I do not think that I will be in BGC often. I may visit once or twice, after I first arrive, but it does not hold much appeal for me. Living in high-rise condos, drinking in sky bars, dancing at trendy night clubs, shopping at luxury stores, eating at international fine-dining establishments, chilling at the mall, swimming in the infinity pool, looking out over the city skyline with a glass of wine or stein of lager in hand - none of this is of any interest to me. Been there, done that - absolutely bored to death of it. Now, going to Jollibee's, to try their Chickenjoy fried chicken, and other items... that sort of thing is of peculiar interest to me. :) I do want to be relatively near, but not necessarily within walking distance of, a good hospital and the US embassy - but only just in case of emergency, not because of any pre-existing conditions on my part. Manila, and the Philippines at large, are simply too big to consider as a whole, so I need to set criteria to create my search limits. I figured that living within 30 minutes commute, by light rail or river ferry, of a hospital & the US embassy was as good a place to start as any other initial criteria. A Filipino friend of mine, who used to run a company out of Makati, suggested that I take a look at Mandaluyong (he actually prefers living it Ortigas, since he has a wife & kids). Do you have any personal thoughts or opinions about the Mandaluyong area?
@RAndomlyEntertained
4 ай бұрын
Jamaica and Philippines is kinda similar, with veggies, fruits.(just the names or different).. I could live there easily..
@HF-ft8ln
4 ай бұрын
There is a channel named Now Living in The Philipines, they are a bunch or group of black Americans and Jamaicans living in Cebu Philippines. There are many of them living there with their wife and kids, they seem to love it and thrive living there
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi RAndomlyEntertained @RAndomlyEntertained Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's always fascinating to discover similarities between different cultures and countries. I am from a very cold/flat part of Canada but I always loved Maui Hawaii and our area in Negros Oriental is very similar to Kihei Maui - with mountains behind us and a protected ocean side in front us, protected by other islands - so we don't get the direct hit of storms like some parts of the Philippines or even North America, and similar to how you are protected a bit by Cuba Haiti/DomRep. All the best to you and your family hope you can come to the Philippiens and try some fruit and veggies here. Amping take care, Greg
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi H F @HF-ft8ln It's great to hear about their positive experience living in the Philippines! I wonder where exactly they lived so I looked at a few videos. When saying they live in Cebu to be clear there is Cebu City, which in my mind is a mini-version of Manila - I looked at moving there in 2019 but it was too much like Manila and wanted a quieter lifestyle in the Province. From what I can tell they live down the coast from Cebu City on Cebu Island. In the video he shows some very nice subdivisions. Another person commented on his nice life south of this area but equally nice - there are many places like this and they found a nice one. I note how he says he lives on US$1,000 per month with his family - but as someone else pointed out cost of living is one thing but he would have had to spend much more that that to get established where he is - he has a car (very expensive here - double the cost of North America), he has a scooter (cheap here - most under $2,000) and has a nice place - not cheap to furnish and fill with all their needs -unless they are renting. But it looks like they have found a great place for them, which is what it is all about. People from all over the world living, loving and thriving in the Philippines. Amping take care, Greg
@HF-ft8ln
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Have you seen their group, there are a lot of them living in different compounds around the same area. They seem to be living there for a long time, and they often get together at group gatherings and parties. I hope you can reach out to them and interview them, would love to hear their story. Btw I'm also from Canada, Vancouver to be exact. You mentioned you're from a very flat area of Canada, so I'm guessing Manitoba or Saskatchewan right?
@KB3TLE
2 ай бұрын
The absolute beauty of the Philippines (in my opinion) is the opportunity to live - where and how - on whatever budget you require or desire ! -- A wonderful collection of choices on numerous islands to choose from. -- Very good variety - from rich to poor ! -- I am amazed at the number of US expats able to retire with reasonable comfort and some dignity - on about $800 -- $1200 / mo. depending on health and location. --?-- Most certainly not available in - '''Biden's America''' - on those budgets !!!
@jasona5806
3 ай бұрын
Is it difficult for a Filipina to get 30 day visa to Canada?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Jason A @jasona5806 I only know our experience. I will share it briefly - and as anyone who has seen my replies before is saying - BUCKLE UP - but I will brief! It can be a bit challenging, but with the right preparation and documentation, it's definitely possible! But first to clarify - there is no 30-day Visa like for Canadians coming to the Philippines it is automatic. Going the other way, for someone from the Philippines going to Canada, it is a Tourist Visa for up to 6 month stays and the visa is good for 10 years. We did both the USA Visa and Canada Visa - first the easy one. USA - all done online, lots of info to complete, but less than Canada - last step is meeting for the Filipina at the USA Embassy in Manila - basically they want to see the person. When my wife went, they had a few questions, verified her information and took her passport and that was it - her passport arrived a week later with the Visa inside. CANADA - keep in mind I am Canadian and it was a brutal experience. We applied in May 2022 so we could attend my father's 82 birthday at the end of August. At the time we applied the estimated return was early July, lots of time to book our trip. As part of the application we had to give an itinerary (we set out a 5 week driving vacation - Aug-Sept 2022 - beautiful time to show my wife Western Canada), lots of financial information, school history, work history, complete family information, etc - it is an online application like the USA but the Canadian one requires more information. After we submitted everything we waited. July came and no documents. We checked online and the estimated deadline kept on getting further out. When we asked questions, we were advised there was a massive number applications, including student visas - remember this was Post-Covid so people were eager to move/visit. My reply, which was ignored, said NO PROBLEM with increased applications - but when we applied early in May we were given our July date - so how is that when people come after us we get bumped and bumped and bumped - I said I wasn't asking for special treatment but when I go to the bank and have #25 but then a bus of tourists pulls up and gets their numbers I still have #25 in the cue - but I learned it doesn't work that way with Immigration Canada. My dad's August birthday came and went. Her Visa showed up Nov 7, 2022. I booked a flight immediately and we flew Nov 10, arriving Nov 11 but only for 6 days. As you know a mid-Nov holiday is not the same as Aug-Sept 5-week driving tour. The -22 and poor road conditions in mid-Nov didn't lend themselves to a nice Canada tour. BUT now my wife has a 10-year tourist Visa for Canada. There you go that is my SHORT reply!!! Good luck - make sure you complete all the required documents and fill out all completely or they will be returned and your application will be delayed. I just checked the current processing times for Tourist Visas for Canada from the Philippines. Just google Check Processing Times Canada - make sure you click on the link for the offical government site and not a consultant masquerading as a government site. Then you sellect the type of application, in your case: Temporary Residence (visiting, studying, working) - when you do the application there will be one for Visitors Visa but here it is lumped with the other 2 groups. Then pick which one applies for you, Visitor Visa from outside Canada (if she is not in Canada at the time of the application) Then select the country, Philippines and you will see as of today (June, 24, 2024 the estimated waiting time is: ... WHAT THE HECK the answer is 19 days!!!!!!!! Ours took over 180 days. WOW - congrats - so I guess the answer is the timing is quick (apply quickly as this MAY change like ours did as students applied for the next school year and bumped ours) Regards Greg and Lindie
@Filo-Joe
3 ай бұрын
Wow you're enjoying your life and money in the Philippines 😅
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi shawshank redemption @Filo-Joe Nice to hear from you again. I hope you are well. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way in the Philippines! It's not all sunshine and rainbows - I miss my dad and friends but like today I caught up with one hometown buddy on a 3-hour call!!! Felt like 1 hour as we reminisced - doing it in person over a coffee at the beach would be much better! But Post-Covid international airfares are expensive (around Asia and within the Philippines it is still a great travel value). One thing I know for sure - the life I have here I could not afford it in Canada - it would be a very different retirement. Amping Greg
@marianeil6630
4 ай бұрын
What area do you live in Dumaguete??
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Maria Neil @marianeil6630 in Sibulan, right beside Dumaguete. I first moved to Dumaguete to that Beach cottage June 3, 2019 (that is about 100 feet from Port Royale (the new waterslide -wasn't there when I lived there) - that was my move from Ayala Alabang Metro Manila - so that was a great move for me. Amping Greg
@marianeil6630
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Is it nice there?. How is the Healthcare in Dumaguete? Do you use senior discount, did you have PhilHealth or private Insurance?. Is the Doctor’s are excellent?. During Typhoon season, how do you handle it?..Thank you and keep up your KZitem channel going because it’s very informative.
@Jonases_20
4 ай бұрын
New sub here
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Jonas Santos @Jonases_20 I appreciate your support! It means a lot to have you as a new subscriber. Thanks for letting me know. Amping take care, Greg
@Jonases_20
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes yw and ty too
@VirendraPatel-l8f
4 ай бұрын
Is there one month rent for tourist in dumagutte too how much pleaseif you tell ?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Virendra Patel @user-dv6nz3oc8o Sure there are lots of places that will rent to you for one month - even some hotels will give you a better rate if you stay longer. As I tell people book a hotel for 2 or 3 nights and when you arrive go exploring and find something for the rest of your stay - there are many options and it just takes some touring around. You can walk around the downtown area - checking out the places and you can even as a trike to tour you around for a few hours to some other places if you don't want to walk land explore a bit further from the downtown port/boulevard area. When I came I stayed at the FieSole Residence Inn for 3 nights and found my place on the second day. There are many good value clean places like that to start your stay. You might want to move to something else you find or even try another place or extend - there is no need to book in advance like in big cities. I know of one guy who paid 2 months in advance of his arrival - completely unnecessary in Dumaguete and not smart. MANY places look very different in person than they portray online - finding a place on a quiet (or quieter) one way street (not a busy street), clean, easy walking and of course meets your budget should be no problem. Good luck. Greg
@VirendraPatel-l8f
3 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes thank my friend for your immediate response to my information .I vacations in beautiful Manila cebu Quezon caloocan Makati tagayatay sipalay subic olongapo dumagutte bacolod bohol tagbilaran ubay city luboc floating restaurant since 2014 to 2019 except 2017 ,so it has been 5 years gone so many things changed in this world after covid 19 so trying g to know situation in beautiful Philippines ,thank again
@ntech1507
4 ай бұрын
Others expats are saying $3k is not enough
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Discerning Dash @ntech1507 WOW - $3k is living large - doctors here don't even make that much Just wanted to be clear my low estimate was 44,756 (US$762) and hight estimate 132,682 ($2,077), but as I said some will be lower and some will be higher based on personal choices. Also as notd T as noted on the tables in the video this does not inlcude Medical Transportation and Miscellaneous expenses as these are very individual. Amping take care. Greg
@ntech1507
4 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes It's crazy to me as well my girlfriend and I actually did our own cost break down in cebu. For 2 of us with medical insurance included , 40kphp for wants and travel it would cost it $1800 a month. But expats are saying $3k is not enough. I see budget videos people spending $600 a month of groceries for me I can eat the local food no problem.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
I agree with you Discerning Dash @ntech1507 Someone who had $3k would be (OR SHOULD BE) living like a king here. Not sure what you mean by local foods , I guess you mean non-imported. I agree you can - but I still like many things that I don't need: for example I bought 3 jars of jalapenos at the import store the other day, 1 jar of sauerkout, dijon mustard, French's mustard, Chipolte Tobasco sauce, imported beef (no idea why but the beef in the Philippines is horrendous) - great pork and chicken, but not beef, milk and butter comes from New Zealand even in the regular grocery stores - there are local brands but the New Zealand product is very good quality. Almost all of that can be cut out for someone who wants a smaller budget. I would say 80%+ of our food is Filipino dishes/food but some of the ingredients are imported. I should keep better track - I have a friend that records every single peso in his book - I am not that disciplined. For your budget I would suggest you rent a furnished place at least to start - one thing that is not covered in that budget is furnishing an apartment/condo/house - that is where your budget will go over very quickly. The longer you live here you will see whether you want to buy something or continue renting but in any situation you have control over it and since you already have a GG that is great - the two of you can plan and do it together as a team and you will be fine. Just have a bit of a nest egg or, at least not spending, your monthly source of income. I move my money as and when I need it, some months more and some months very low if we don't travel or just stay between the city and the farm. Good luck. Keep me updated on how it works out for you. You and your GF can make it happen. Regards, Greg and Lindie
@ntech1507
4 ай бұрын
@CanadianInPhilipipnes I see you eat a lot of local foods even if you get some imported foods it's fine, a lot of expats eat mostly imported foods that why some their grocery cost for the month is 30k php. I meant that I could eat local foods because my girlfriend and I cultures are similar, so I am also a big rice eater, and our foods are similar. I do not really plan on eating American foods in the Philippines as much because it's making people sick it's one of the worst foods you can eat. I'll keep you updated when I come there. I am so excited it's difficult to wait.
@Once800-
3 ай бұрын
$4-5K/month will give you a good life in the Philippines.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Lana Bern @Once800 $4-5K a month in the Philippines? Let's go! PLEASE INVITE ME FOR DINNER at your beachfront estate!!! As someone pointed out wisely in one of the comments there needs to be a distinction between RETIREMENT INCOME and RETIREMENT BUDGET. As I noted in the video you need room for a NEST EGG (buffer) for unexpected expenses - as I mentioned a few times like when my Appendix Burst in December 2022. If my RETIREMENT BUDGET was equal to my RETIREMENT INCOME I would have been in trouble. Maybe that is why many Expats end up jumping back to their home country. But as I have told many people we all have different budgets and incomes and we have to make choices based on our individual decision. We can’t pick when our Appendix Bursts BUT we can pick our relationships and how many mouths we take on to feed each month (which affects the size of the HOUSING we need) - there are so many expenses we control, and depending on budget almost anyone with a realistic budget can have a stress free retirement. IT IS NEVER COMPLETELY STRESS FREE - but island life is pretty darn good. Now back to the $4-5K hmmmm PHP235,000 - 294,000 That would barely get you a mansion rental in Ayala Alabang Subdivision where I saw an average NOT FANCY NOT MODERN house rent for 200,000 and I know their electric bill was 80,000 because of their giant swimming pool and massive industrial air conditioners on cold temp all the time. BUT THAT IS not the retirement life I want - and I could never afford it. BUT just to keep things in perspective I just did THE GOOGLE and found this info for comparison ... In Manila, the average salary for a Doctor is ₱52,504 per month for a lawyer is ₱89,167 per month, it also says nurses are 23,000, but I have seen advertisements 0for hiring nurses here in Negros offering 20,000 per month - so the rates will vary across the country. ALL THAT TO SAY if you had a monthly budget of PHP235,000 - 294,000 you would be living the lifestyle of the rich here in the Philippines. As I said PLEASE invite me for dinner!! Amping Greg
@RaymondWalinski
3 ай бұрын
Greetings from new jersey surf s up
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Raymond Walinski @user-ld4kr9fo8q Surf's up in New Jersey? Better watch out for those Jersey Shore waves! Sorry I couldn't resist! We were close to you in October 2023 - we flew into JFK after a long 4 week Canadian driving tour, then 2 week west cost driving tour down to LA - then flew LA to NYC JFK - did the NYC tour then flew onto Abu Dhabi before heading back to Manila and finally flying back to our island. We flew home Eastward to be different and do an inexpensive around the world trip as we started out flying from our Island to Manila to Tokyo to Vancouver. CHEAP flights but way too long. Next time we will skip the novelty budget world tour and just pick something more direct! Amping Greg
@Earnie-g1q
3 ай бұрын
Dude that said he lives off 3000 a month in philippines and impossible to live under thst is crazy..i live in USA iff 2000 a month..let be real 1000 be my bet u can live decent 1500 i can live good and 2000 domewhat like a wesren..u got to live within in ur means
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Earnie @user-tl5pv6xd2m I agree with you that living within your means is definitely key, but it's also fun to dream big sometimes and sometimes people have big budgets - not me! I always wonder who is in the big fancy houses we see as we explore the island - also see some fancy cars - not many here in Negros Oriental but someone has a very fancy Mercedes that had very low-profile tires and was broken down with flats - definitely NOT a good vehicle for the side roads where they were driving - need to stay on the main roads. Also have seen a few BMWs and a few Ford Mustangs - but most are pickup trucks, 4X4s - regular cars and of course mostly motorcycles and scooters. Manila has some really fancy areas - when I lived in BGC I would walk past all the high-end dealers on my route and pick my next car NOT ... Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Mercedes, Land Rover, BWW, even an Aston Martin (James Bond's car) dealership! STAND by on your guess on your cost - I filmed my next video at Silliman Beach and another nearby beach - just doing the final edit today then proofreading the captions (takes me forever) - but will post it this weekend. It is another budget video but setting out different budget examples and you can see where you can fit in. I also did a poll asking what budget people did/wanted to live on $500, $1,000, $2,500, $4,000 or higher - all got votes but $2,500 the most votes. I agree with your commentary on the 1k to 2k range if stay single or no more than +1 (not getting a partner with multiple kids like some do, which I can't understand when someone is on a fixed pension from the USA - makes no sense). Since we bought our house in 2022 - our monthly cost can be very low as a big housing # is now not needed - but my budget took that hit when we bought in 2022. Back to my editing - I will get this editing done today so you can see the next one. Let me know what you think - I think you will be very comfortable in the $1,000 and $2,500 budgets - and with the $2,500 one you will see how you can even get lower - as long as you are disciplined. Amping take care Earnie, Greg
@didierdenice7456
3 ай бұрын
When I first saw that goofy girl's hat I was not going to watch the video... However at the end of it I did subscrib to the channel 😅
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Bonjour Didier deNice @didierdenice7456 I'm glad you gave the video a chance and decided to subscribe DESPITE MY HAT! It is one of my favourite tropical hats - and gives great protection for the head and ears - which is important because of the high sun exposure here. Are you from Nice? I lived in Villefranch-Sur-Mer many years ago before moving to Paris then Tours - then back to Canada to continue my university. I hope one day to be able to return to Nice/Villefranch-Sur-Mer for a visit. Amping Take Care, Greg
@didierdenice7456
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Beautiful Villefranche, yes ! And Nice ! 👍 Three weeks ago I was in Dumaguete on the bouldevard... 😂 I will definitely come back to Dumaguete early next year. Let's have a drink Greg ! My treat... 🥂
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hello Didier deNice @didierdenice7456 OMG maybe you saw my goofy hat in person! Did you try Bulot when you were at the Bouldvard? Here is the link to that video - kzitem.info/news/bejne/ppdvzX55hJN0pm0 I only did ONE TIME - I said next time I will have 1 or 2 San Mig Lites first then try again! LET'S GO Cheers to future adventures in Dumaguete! Can't wait to raise a glass with you. Take care until then - amping, Greg
@didierdenice7456
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes 😂 👍
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hello Mon ami Didier deNice@didierdenice7456 Just for you I wore your favourite bucket hat in my latest video - I actually laughed on the beach thinking of your comment - I have a bigger all tan one, now flowers and a giant one made of bamboo - but both are way too big it would be hard to see me. So here is my next video that came out today - hope you like it, also filmed it at two different beaches. How Much Money Do You ACTUALLY Need To Retire in The Philippines kzitem.info/news/bejne/o22B1oqto6J3bGU Have a great week ahead. Amping take care, Greg
@georgmeyer9104
4 ай бұрын
Thank you! Very valuable Information!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Georg Meyer @georgmeyer9104 Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot! Amping take care, Greg
@MrArcher181
4 ай бұрын
I've lived here ten years and never came remotely close to living on 1000 per month. We have zero rent and owe no-one a peso. My expenses are between 2500-3000 per month. We are not drinkers and rarely dine out. If you're expecting to live on 1k per month keep some savings for a trip home.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi @MrArcher181 You said in your ten years living here you never came remotely close to living on $1,000 per month. And you noted for those that are expecting to do that keep some savings for a trip home. Salamat for a great line - I think I might have to borrow that from you!!! I had a good laugh it is so true. Like the Manila guy with him, his wife and new baby saying he was living on 1k - today I just saw another guy being interviewed saying he lives for under $500 - those in particular annoy me especially if someone sitting in their apartment in some town looking at Philippines videos thinking I can leave this hole for that amazing spot for $500 per month! Then they load up their truck and head to Beverly … Hills that is, swimming pools, movie stars !!! (Do you remember that one?) Not sure of a Philippines reference for that! You mentioned MY expenses are between 2,500 and 3,000 per month. You have a very nice budget and that is great - I have had a number of friends ask me if that range is enough - I always say depending on your choices you can have a nice life here on that budget. You also noted WE so I will assume you + 1 - so 2,500 to 3,000 is close to my range of estimates although as I noted that is for one person and if you have more mouths to feed the cost will go up. When I first arrived and had no vehicles after 9 months of renting in Manila I moved to a 13,000P beach front cottage - I had no wheels, I walked most places and occasionally used a trike, but rarely - I am pretty sure I was living for less than $1,000 per month but it was a very simple life - I only but small quantities of food for my small bar size fridge. Now we have scooter, motorcycle, Honda Civic and a Suzuki 4X4 import), we have the house we bought (so zero rent - but had to pay the 3 million price plus 1 million closing, taxes and renovations), and it was not cheap to furnish with all the “needs”, which were actually wants and NOT needs - but I really like our comfortable place - we could never have a place like this in Canada. Like your WE, my wife doesn’t drink and I will have 0 to 4 San Mig Lites per month - many months nothing. I was gifted a nice bottle of scotch Dec 2022 it is still unopened. We both don’t smoke. But we eat out maybe 1 every 7 to 10 days, and we will order in the same. As I mentioned I don’t skimp on groceries but I am not a fan of shopping so I tend to buy big supplies - today I spent 1,100P at the Valencia Sunday Market on a pineapple, watermelon, bananas and the rest on vegetables. Then I went by Robinson Mall grocery store and spent 10,000 on house supplies and more groceries. We do big shopping 2X per month and smaller shopping as things are needed throughout the month. The range I set out in the table was US$762 to US$2,077 but NOT including - Medical Costs (our costs have been low except for my 2 big bills (Severe Covid and Burst Appendix, but not bad for almost 6 years) these will vary greatly depending on medical history and lifestyle here - I have seen some not healthy Expats living unhealthy lives - but at least I hope they are happy while there are ripping it up. I just bought a 2-month supply of Coversyl Plus 10mg/2.5 mg a popular high blood med that many take - the cost here was 30P per pill (US$0.52) - I wonder what the cost is in the USA - I saw an online pharmacy that sells in Canada and the USA for $2.64 per tablet, which I am guessing must be high. - Transportation - varies depending on choices made - my costs for the first 15 months were so low for this, then the Honda Civic Dec 2019, the motorcycle 2020, the scooter 2022 and the 4X4 2024 - I should really sell my Honda Civic but it is hard for me to sell it - I don’t use it too much but it is nice in the heat like today running around getting groceries/supplies. - Miscellaneous - again hard to judge but totally dependent on choices people make (I guess that could be said for almost all expenses though) Thanks again for your feedback and input and as I said I LOVE YOUR LINE - I will try to remember to give you credit when I use it !! Amping take care, Greg
@utubenewb1265
4 ай бұрын
If a person can't live in the Philippines on $2,500-3,000/month then you will be truly suffering in the US or Canada. Seriously, if you can't separate actual necessities better than that you will be sleeping on the street here.
@JamesHickman-g5c
4 ай бұрын
It's nowhere NEAR that expensive, at least if you're not living in the biggest urban area, no rent and dining out? What, then, is costing you so much? Are you paying for a lot of others? Either you're WAY overpaying, or something you're not telling us. Perhaps you have huge house and paying high electricity costs?
@notsocrazyjohn5348
4 ай бұрын
I'm scratching my head about the costs as well. I live in the 7th most expensive city in the world according to a recent report, Melbourne Australia. Yet I still save half my pension here, I am frugal but never go without the necessities including driving my car. I holiday in the Philippines for 1 month each year, even travelling around, hotel accommodation, no real opportunities to cook for myself and an aversion for street food, I still manage to spend less than $1500USD for the month excluding airfares. In 6-8 weeks I intend retiring in the Province, in the city there I can get a brand new studio apartment for 5000PHP, public transport is readily available, I am pretty confident that I can expect a budget under $1000USD/Month. But then of course I don't drink/smoke/go to girly bars, or any of the other wasteful exploits. No medical conditions, bodybuilder/athlete, but still will need to keep a close watch on my health as I am no spring chicken and health insurance costs do increase as we get older. I enjoy getting down with the local Filipinos, as a foreigner I find them extremely welcoming, kind and helpful. Probably because we are a novelty and they appreciate being treated with respect and dignity. Just my two bobs worth. Cheers Aussie John
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Aussie John @notsocrazyjohn5348 Thank you for sharing your detailed experience and budgeting insights. Your retirement plans are inspiring! Retirement in the Province sounds like a wise move, especially for your wallet and health. No girly bars, but plenty of savings! I understand everything you wrote and am so happy you have been able to determine a budget that fits within your means. My one question is later on after I butter you up 😊 I note you did it right and have already explored to determine where and what you want and determined a realistic budget - that is the way to do it. When I was single and no car, because I am a non-smoker, not a big drinker (I know expats who drink more at breakfast that I drink in a month - not judging but stating a fact) I too was able to hit your budget. THE KEY is to start with that first category - you have nailed it correctly (Aside: what Province are you heading to?), I just replied to another smart Expat who lives with his bride and child and chose a 10,000P apartment in Valencia, a beautiful area minutes away from Dumaguete, the problem people get into (I guess it may not be a problem if they have a huge budget) an American arrived here a few months ago and never stepped a foot in the Philippines and rented the first place he saw for 40,000+ for him it was much cheaper than his recent American experience - but he probably could have had a much cheaper place - but I must say I saw it and he rented an amazing brand new, modern beach front apartment - probably the nicest I have seen in Negros Oriental - so for him I hope he is happy - but he also made a second error, brought a woman he met in Cebu after his flight landed and she has 2 kids - so not only does he have the cost of the expensive apartment he has 4 mouths to feed and related expenses. That is something my budget could not have handled. But he had no problem jumping in with both feet. I knew another Expat when I first visited in 2017 who also jumped in with both feet and was back in North America after months of blowing his annual budget - but again he made adult decisions. He hasn’t been back to the Philippines. So my question why are you scratching your head about the costs? You say you holiday here for $1,500 per month but expect to live for under $1,000. So you fit within my estimated range of costs, my low estimate of US$762 to my high estimate of US$2,077 - BUT not including medical/health, transportation, miscellaneous costs, and as I noted some will fall below it or above it depending on choices they make. Given what you wrote you won’t have car/truck/scooter purchase and related costs, your miscellaneous costs, other than Visa costs, will be almost nothing so YES I agree with you - you have done it right and have a realistic expectation and I am confident you will succeed as long as you rent a furnished place. As another person comment the set-up costs of a new life will throw any budget out of whack. What I scratch my head about is why don’t more people do what you did? I did 4 exploratory trips 2017 to 2018 and knew what I needed - in fact I retired 2 years early based on my planning. Way too many come with an unrealistically low budget, with no back up and end up posting they need help to get home. We wish you a long healthy experience in the Philippines - you are starting off on the right foot and you can stay the course. Good luck Aussie John, Amping take care, Greg and Lindie
@dkleenjanitorial3457
3 ай бұрын
Hi nice video and very informative, can you tell me more about the open phone app… We’re planning to move back and I need my Canadian phone number Thanks!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Hi Dkleen Janitorial @dkleenjanitorial3457 You are exactly like me - at first I used Viber and before that Magic Jack - but I have found Open Phone app the best for me. My dad is in Alberta so I picked an area code from his area so he could dial me from his landline and my cellphone would ring wherever I was in the world as long as I had an internet connection - data or wifi. I set up my credit card to pay the bill automatically each month so it is easy. Just make sure you sign up as an individual and not as a company because they have company plans. Just go to the App store of your phone brand (Apple or Android) and search Openphone app for more info do the google and search for www openphone com with periods between those like any web address. Good luck Greg
@michaeltakayama8415
4 ай бұрын
Do you eat a lot of Western & imported food? Your "low estimate" number for groceries is actually higher than my monthly cost of groceries here in the US. And, I eat all my meals & snacks at home, ie. 100% cook at home & no eating out. That number also works out to something like 300 PHP per meal (assuming 3 meals per day, 30 days per month). I was under the impression that you can actually eat out, every meal, for that price, at some fair-to-decent places, even in Manila (not BGC/Makati). Am I wrong? Anyways, the groceries number just seems high, for someone who is trying to live on a lower end budget. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! And please feel free to ignore my 2 pesos worth of comment/opinion. I do not know anything first-hand about living in the Philippines (yet).
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hello Michael Takayama @michaeltakayama8415 WARNING - make sure you have your morning coffee before you dive into this one. Wow your grocery budget in the US is $450 that is great and you are very disciplined to eat all at home. Yes your math is close if you are sticking to that math, about 293P per meal based on today's conversion. But remember the monthly budget is not just eating - you have cooking oil, salt (I use Himalayan pink salt) pepper, spices, butter (I buy imported New Zealand butter), cheese (most of the good ones are imported - although there are some Expats with some good ones I have recently found), I also buy imported pickles and condiments - almost all are imported brands and are not cheap. Good luck to you if you can do that here 30 days in a row - for me that is very low and the bottom of my estimate. If you think my low end # is high - then I guess you fall in the category where I said I will give a range and some will spend less and others will spend more. You mention that my grocery “number seems high, for someone who is trying to live on a lower end budget”. Is that your goal to live on a low end budget? I am sorry if you felt that was the goal of my video. To be clear - it was not. There are many videos and comments out there (FB expat groups, FB, YT) filled with misinformation and exaggeration as I called it BS - with low end numbers setting up people for failure. If you plan on having a relationship - my low end #s will be impossible to hit. I know many Expats with GFs/Wives and many with 1 to 5 kids, plus some with dependents. The highest I met is an American who came to Dumaguete in 2019 the same month I did (I came from Manila and he came from the USA) - I picked a GF, and now wife, with no kids and all her family work or are in college. He picked a woman with 5 kids and her father and sister live there also - 9 mouths to feed - I have no idea how he does it. Another American I know arrived the same month - his GF had 5 kids living with her parents - they soon arrived to live with them as well as a friend of the GF who became the housekeeper - 8 mouths to feed. REMEMBER every addition to the household means higher food, water, electricity and even rent because a bigger space is needed. I am giving you my information based on living here for 6 years. I also clearly said one thing I do not skimp on is food. I would rather take what some spend on drinking and partying (maybe smoking) and instead I add that to my food - that is how I justify in my head anyways. I have no problem justifying my high food budget. I mentioned we eat our or order in once in a while. For example, we met a Canadian friend for lunch today. He is visiting the island. There were 5 of us - but my friend paid his shake and pork liempo and rice 300P. The other 4 got a much more extravagant meal (one of my favorite seafood restaurants) that we shared and brought leftovers home: 400 grams of scallops that were baked with cheese, 500 grams of shrimp cooked in garlic butter, and a whole fish cooked in a Filipino style called Escabeche as well as a platter of rice for 4. We also each had shakes, 1 mango, 3 buko (coconut) and 1 watermelon. The shakes alone were 120P. The cost of our lunch was 3,000P including taxes and tip. So deducting my friends, 300 - the 4 of us at for 2,700 or 675P each. That is not a normal meal, maybe once or twice per month - and as I mentioned we would order in a few times per month which is generally 1,000P each time. So just looking at my share - 675P for lunch. My breakfast was Barako (Philippine) coffee I made at home (order the beans online and is 1/3 the cost of Starbucks beans) and 2 slices of whole wheat toast and imported peanut butter. Local peanut butter has way too much sugar in it for my tastes - I even asked one person who made if they would make me batches without sugar and I would pay the same price as the sugar ones (extra input costs they wouldn’t spend for my batch) but they wouldn’t do it. Maybe I will make my own - peanuts are very cheap in the mountain farm. Have you ever seen a raw peanut? I had no idea they are white and taste like a pea - before they are processed (dried, roasted with oil and as I mentioned lots of sugar added here). As I mentioned I buy fruits and some vegetables at roadside stands. This week I bought 2 kilos of amazing mangos for 110P per kilo. The same mango at the big box grocery store would be 300P per kilo. I also mentioned I go to the Valencia Sunday Public Market - I do that a few times per month and the normal bill for vegetables and a few fruits would be 1,000 to 2,000P. Again as I noted the rest of my shopping is split between the big box stores (there are 3 I go to) and a small import goods grocery store. But this is not for just me - I have a wife and we have a live in helper who eats the same food as us. Your budget will depend on where you go. I could eat 100P meals at the road side canteens called Carinderia - you have to be very picky where you buy. Sure you can get a small portion of meat dish, veggie and rice for 100P but is the place clean? I am certain wherever you live you can find a regular place that satisfies you - but for me I could not do it - on an ongoing basis. Do you really think the quality of the products are high if they are selling it for 100P - don't get me wrong many people eat this but I am not on a strict budget that I would do that on a daily basis. I will buy from these at clean ones in malls but not on ones from the road unless they are family owned attached to their house - but they are also more expensive than the roadside. Most of the cheap ones do not have refrigeration - my wife’s 24,000P hospitable bill after getting food poisoning at one in Tanjay could have paid for some nice groceries. I would rather pay more and be safe. Your question whether you can eat out every meal at “fair to decent places, even in Manila (not BGC/Makati). Am I wrong?” You seriously need to come here and see for yourself - you can eat out in food courts in the malls even in BGC and Makati for that price - but good luck with your health doing that. So you will have no budget left over for household needs? I know an Expat who bought a condo and isn’t putting a kitchen in it (Malati - not Makati, Metro Manila). Also you say not BGC/Makati - don’t believe the online BS about rich Makati and BGC yes there are areas of nice condos and business towers but I know both very well - and there are low end apartments and even more low end room/bed sharing spots for low budgets with street side food options at very low prices - DO NOT DO THIS - if this is your option stay home. There are even squatter shacks where very poor live in both areas - you can step out of one of BGCs fanciest malls and across the side lane of the building begins a giant squatter are (similar to what you would see in Tijuana Mexico) between the mall and the nearby cemetery and 3 fancy towers on the edge of the cemetery. If you are truly on a lower end budget skip Manila. I don’t know what you are used to living in - but I have lived in some big cities and Manila is on a different scale - great to visit for a few days but nicer to leave to a more relaxing place to live. Ok Michael you sound very disciplined and you note you haven’t been here “yet” - I hope you turn the YET into a plane ticket and come and try it. I am certain you can stick to whatever budget you set. Pick a beach or mountain or rural away from the expensive urban areas and you can do it. The quality of life will be simple but relaxing and amazing AND if you are looking you will be much better off meeting a Filipina in one of these areas rather than someone in Manila who wants the condo tower lifestyle which I definitely would not recommend. But for me I can’t do it - it is like the beach front cottage I had only paying 13,000P per month. I lived very low cost then - but one day my dad said WHY? You need to enjoy your retirement. I agreed - moved back to Luzon, rented the brand-new house in Cavite for 35,000 (signed a year lease - MISTAKE) and was near my favorite golf courses - but golf is not cheap in the Philippines so don’t even try it. But everything is relative - golfers from other countries come to the Philippines because they find golf here a great value. I gave up my fancy lifestyle when I moved to Negros Oriental and got married in November 2022. To be honest we found a dump that had been abandoned for 2 years and was on the market for a long time - BUT I saw great potential, corner lot, size of house, size of compound, and with time and money and labor, we could make it a nice place. Of course I had to put down the 4 million total but that is very cheap living for now. And if we ever move we can sell and get much more than that now. So it all depends on your perspective and experience - you can come with a lower end budget BUT please have a nest egg reserve for any overages or unexpected costs. And like I tell other people depending on your age what are you waiting for - I moved here at 53 (now 59) if you don’t like a place you are not stuck (unless financially stuck) you can always move home or try another spot. That’s why I always tell people to come here on a vacation - the best thing to do would be tour Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines and check them all out - there are even others some might suggest. For me - the Philippines is the place for me - but I have friends that have decided to retire in Thailand after checking out many options - they are very savvy people and for them Philippines wasn’t the right fit. I respect that as they tried other options (their last trip one month here, then another 2 weeks in Vietnam and one month in Thailand). Good luck to you in whatever decision you make. Amping (take care) Greg
@michaeltakayama8415
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Wow, Greg - that was one awesome reply! I've read it twice already... and without coffee - thanks! I will try to write a more proper/comprehensive reply to your reply soon. :)
@angelsantana3001
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes this reply in itself should be its own video. You brought up many interesting points that most won’t consider since they don’t read the comments section. And it would also benefit those who are contemplating the move but never stepped foot on the Philippines.
@michaeltakayama8415
4 ай бұрын
@@angelsantana3001 I agree completely, and was planning to say the same thing, in a follow-up reply, but you beat me to it. :)
@michaeltakayama8415
4 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes Let's start the replies to the reply with food! Himalayan pink salt, NZ butter, imported cheese... hmm... ok... yep, I've bought that stuff before, too. You definitely have good taste. I used to frequent specialty food stores & restaurant supply shops, when I was younger. It definitely bumps up the grocery bill. :) These days, I do not usually indulge in higher-priced specialty ingredients (although I will admit to having a packet of Taiwanese cinnamon on my shelf). Primarily because, at my level of cooking skills (or lack thereof), it just does not make that much of a difference, in the end result. Your mileage undoubtedly differs, since you are likely to be a much better cook than I. I also have shied away from imported foods, since I've found that there is almost always a locally-sourced food, which is equally suited to my admittedly pedestrian palate. So, based on the info you provided about your grocery preferences (and using some recent Manila grocery numbers from a Western/Filipina vlogger couple - Tom & Lay), I'd guess that the average American (ie. not a connoisseur of fine food) could discount your grocery number by 20%-30%, while still shopping for the same sort of things he/she bought at the local Walmart in the US. I'd guess that a higher discount of 40-60% would be doable, if he/she were to adapt to a diet based primarily on locally-sourced food. As you said, it will come down to the individual, and his/her personal tastes & preferences. Thanks for providing the additional details on your food preferences. It makes all the difference in knowing how to apply your numbers to my own unique situation.
@utubenewb1265
4 ай бұрын
The graph at the end, makes little sense. Your phone bill magically went from 900 to only 200. Your "groceries" cost reflects eating high end and imports, ridiculously expensive for a "low end" budget. On a "budget" people would cook from scratch. You could probably afford to hire a cook/maid and save on food at those prices. Then you claim electric and all utilities are only 1,360? Don't you have a refrigerator? How do you cook? Free gas? Then you leave out any transportation, visa costs, "miscellaneous", and don't even include PhilHealth premiums (those wouldn't change). Some of your prices are incredibly low, others are incredibly high, others just "don't exist".
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
WOW utubenewb @utubenewb1265 TELL ME WHAT YOU REALLY THINK I guess you didn't watch the video or you didn't understand it. The chart (not graph) summarises the video and gives a RANGE of costs. As I said throughout the video I wasn't going to give one price like many videos do because that is not helpful - everyone is dfferent and each person's # is dependent on the choices they make so I gave different options and set out a range that you could expect to fit within and I noted some will be lower and some higher. There is NO MAGIC as you say if you are able to follow along - as I said if you want a low budget with the phone and I clearly labelled it PRE-PAID the cost is 200PHP that is a low estimate of what a typical local pays going every few days to add load to their phone as they run out in a month they would spend about 200PHP - as I said this would be a low cost. I also set out another option 999P for Post-Paid, which as I said is what I do - it is a one time fee for 2GB data and unlimited calling and texting I won't waste my time or yours going through more examples you clearly did not understand the video or chart - you completely mistate what you say I said. BUT I can't resist - why did you write such BS about utilities crapping on my 1,360 # and then put ridiculous questions - the range of utilities is 1,360 to 11,900. WAIT - I am glad you wrote that about Utiliities it clarifies you were not only mistake about the MAGIC around phone costs you double downed on your lack of understanding of utilities. SORRY I couldn't make it clearer for you - the video gives it in words and the Chart summarizses the video. AND PS I didn't say that my utiliites were 1,360, like all the #s I clearly said I am setting out a range of expected costs after my 6 years of living here. As someone else pointed out and I feel I need to spell out for you since you had such troulbe with basic expense categories - this is a budget for expenses - don't come here if that is your available money - like anywhere your money needs to be higher than your budget to survive. Sorry I don't have the energy to try to correct more errors in your comment. I hope you had a bettter day today than the day you wrote that message! Take care, Greg
@mikegabzzz
Ай бұрын
Hi Greg, I really enjoy your content and learning a lot. Im planning on moving back home. Can I message you thru email for some specific advice to ask. Salamat
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
Ай бұрын
Hi Michael @mikegabzzz I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying the content! Feel free to reach out via email, and I'll do my best to help you with your questions about moving back home! My email is listed on our channel page in the ABOUT section, but I can give it here, it is canadianinphilippines@gmail.com Just make sure NOT to add THE - one guy sent me an email then said I didn't reply but he added a THE in my email, so I didn't get his first email. Amping Greg
@bentleymalshi7953
3 ай бұрын
If your only goal is to have a roof over your head and 3 meals a day, then $800 a month is enough.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
LOL Bentley Malshi @bentleymalshi7953 - you really need to explore the Philippines and see for yourself and read the comments of people who are doing it - maybe tell them they are wrong.
@bentleymalshi7953
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes I've not only explored the Philippines, I built a house and live there part-time. The Philippines is not as cheap as it used to be.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Excellent Bentley Malshi @bentleymalshi7953 No country is - I am from Canada and have lived in the USA - have family in both places and did a 6-week Canada-USA tour in 2023. The Philiippines is by far relatively cheaper in almost all expense categories than most modern countries - Expats from all over the world have told me they are here because they can't afford the lifestyle they have here in their home country. I can definitely retire back in Canada - but no where near this quality of life or weather. Good for you to be able to afford the best of both worlds for you. Amping take care, Greg
@bentleymalshi7953
3 ай бұрын
@@CanadianInPhilipipnes I agree the Philippines is cheaper than most modern countries around the world and that is why you and I are there. However, because of over-commercialization in the last 30 years, this country is no longer one of the most inexpensive places to live. I just don’t want some of these KZitemrs raising the hopes of their subscribers that they can just move here and “live like a king” for less than $1,000 a month. My wife and I, with small children, tried to live here back in the early 1990s. It was tough then and I am sure it is even tougher now, even for a single person, because of over-commercialization. I say to these wannabe expats to the Philippines that they need to do their homework first in their home country, ease their way into moving here by taking mini-vacations, until they can get a good feel for what the lay of the land looks like. Even if just living here part-time, which is what a lot of “working stiff” (like myself) in their home country are doing, until they can get all their “ducks in order." That’s what my wife and I did for more than 30 years, up to the point we became empty-nesters: we built a house in the Philippines gradually and held off moving here full-time until we’re good and ready. Good luck to you and enjoy life in the Philippines to the fullest.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Well said Bentley Malshi @bentleymalshi7953 I agree with all you wrote and agree - I say similar over and over to people - come here and try it before selling everything and moving here on their first visit. For one thing they need to explore the country and find the best place for them and see what their planned budget will give them and then they might have to readjust their plan to get their Live Like A King lifestyle - which will be different for everyone. When After 4 holidays of 7 days to 30 days touring around the country I moved to Manila and after 9 months, I explored more and tried Dipolog City- gave up after 2 days (that was my 2nd exploring visit there) and came to Dumaguete - my rent dropped from 27,000 in Manila to 13,000 in Dumaguete and I had that beach front cottage - it was a good move for me - but the cottage was not fancy and the landlord was an old guy who bought the land and built in the 1980s and could have had a great place to rent but wouldn't spend any money so I moved on. Since then, I have had cheaper rents and more expensive rents and I agree to have a nice quality of life it is tough to get it down under $1,000 all in and as you move from single life to adding more mouths to feed (and other costs go up - space needed, water, electric etc) it is even harder - NOT IMPOSSIBLE but harder. Personally, I am enjoying my retirement and my budget is nowhere near that 1k number. I have the same thought as you with some seeing the low-cost videos (as low as $500) then coming here being set up for failure. That low # requires specific places, lifestyle and while it can be done, I would ask WHY do it - especially over a long time period - unless they are saving a big nest egg for other expenses. Like my move from Manila to Dumaguete in 2019 - I was single had that cheap cottage, no vehicle, low utilities - and since I had a tiny bar fridge, I bought simple foods every few days - and I enjoyed being on the beach especially after a hectic Manila life BUT after a while I realized it was too low end for my retirement - I guess despite the beach I WAS NOT living like a King there! BUT I didn't stay there then complain about the Philippines like I see some doing on Expat Groups - I kept looking and tried a few more places around the Philippines, and even considered Thailand, but I am happy now in our Negros Oriental situation ... FOR NOW 😜 I am working on my next video and I hope you like the attempt to better set out reality for people considering moving here. Amping Greg
@neilyounan3241
3 ай бұрын
$800 ?? In a hut in the middle of a village maybe
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
LOL NEIL YOUNAN @neilyounan3241 thanks for my Sunday laugh. You obviously didn't watch the video OR read the comments. Many people criticized me for being too high!! There are many places here where you can live on that budget - the question is do you want to AND as someone else pointed out this is a budget not your retirement income - you better have more for unexpected life expenses. If you are single, like I was for a long time in the Philippines and before I bought a car - you can definitely meet that budget - some commented EASILY - I wouldn't go that far you need to be disciplined but it is totally possible almost all over the Philippines - but I wouldn’t recommend living on that budget in Metro Manila - the extra costs of daily life there are too high eating into your budget (I lived there for 23 months) - one can have a much nicer lifestyle for much less cost out in the Provinces - BUT if you are looking for BGC or Makati nightlife you won’t get it - all depends what you value in your retirement. Regards Greg
@JefeLee1267
4 ай бұрын
Whats your age? And are with lady freind?
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Jefe Lee @JefeLee1267 Retired here at 53, now 59. That is mywife in my profile pic (met July 2019 and married Nov 2021) - click on our channel name to get to our Main Channel Page - you will see some more videos - the first one is our lunch date on the 4th anniversary of us meeting - it is our most successful video so far. Regards Greg
@markreynolds5363
4 ай бұрын
00:55 - great job starting your video with misinformation… “the province” is *not* anything outside of Metro Manila. Besides Metro Manila and Cebu City, there are many other cities in the Philippines…and none of them are considered “the province”
@JamesHickman-g5c
4 ай бұрын
Exactly, we do just fine for a family of 3 a little outside of Cebu City for about $850, basic expenses (excluding extras, like vacation traveling or eating out a lot). Many of these vloggers use the big cities as the basis of their budget videos. High rent areas anywhere cost more.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the NICE feedback - but you mis-quoted my comment. I said: YOU WILL OFTEN HEAR PEOPLE REFER TO LIVING CHEAPER IN THE PROVINCES, ITS BASICALLY ANYTHING OUTSIDE METRO MANILA. YOU obviously do not know the Philippines or have lived/travelled to many places - of course there are MANY small cities around the Philippines - Dumaguete is one of them, BUT IT IS STILL considered LIVING IN THE PROVINCES. Thanks for your misinformation. Or maybe you don’t understand the nuances of the English language - the word I used was BASICALLY (used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct.) I was trying to make it simple for anyone trying to decide where to go in the Philippines as most people I have encountered are thinking Manila or Cebu City (mini-Manila) - two cities I would not recommend for living but are great to visit. By the way great work on your Channel - in 11 years, 3 videos (and 2 of the 3 are the same video posted on the same day) and you have a total of 1,382 Views - maybe instead of crapping on a small channel trying to be helpful you make your own HELPFUL VIDEO - I can’t wait to see your effort.
@markreynolds5363
3 ай бұрын
00:49 - wow, I didn’t mis-quote anything. You demonstrated by doubling down. Calling (basically) everything outside of metro Manila “the province” is ridiculous. “Living in the province” is basically another way of saying living ‘rural’ or ‘in the sticks’ there are plenty of cities in the Philippines and the people living in each one of those cities, or even towns, will refer to those living further out as living in the “province” instead of getting all defensive and into ‘attack mode’, just say “thank you” for the correction. Maybe you can edit out the mistake. 🤷🏻♂️ (Oh, and Cebu isn’t “Mini Manila” Cebu couldn’t be more different than Manila…they don’t even speak the same language. Now who’s showing their ignorance?) Oh, and I don’t have a KZitem “channel”, and I don’t aspire to have one. I’ll settle for trying to help people like you to do better.
@CarlCutts
3 ай бұрын
800 month. No way
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
3 ай бұрын
What and where is your experience Carl Cutts @user-bh1se9hn9j You say NO WAY to a 22 minute video - did you actually Watch the video and see what was included in the numbers and what was not? Did you actually see that I gave a range of $762 to $2,077 - it all depends what choices one makes. Maybe for YOU NO WAY - but for many YES WAY.
@ricke6854
4 ай бұрын
Way too many cuts in this video
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
LOL thanks for the feedback - maybe watch more KZitem. That is a shortened version of the FULL 55 minute video - I saved you time - but I am guessing you didn't watch to see the links to the Full Video. You might want to take a few KZitem courses there are many online to find out about cuts - I don't even do close to what they recommend. Looked at a few of your videos and see you are of the film and post without editing - you might want to try CapCut or Kapwing free versions - they will even edit it free for you if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself. I do all my own editing and am continuously learning - thanks for the feedback I am not a professional but I try to do better. Take care. Good luck with your channel - keep posting you will get there.
@RandallGlatt
4 ай бұрын
Canadians can definitely make that budget their all CHEAP!!!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Thanks for the GREAT START TO MY DAY Randall Glatt @user-qs5hz4mf3p What a joke - you actually didnt' watch my video then because I gave a MUCH HIGHER range than the thumbnail To explain it so you can understand it says $800? The punctuation means it is a QUESTION. As I noted many Vloggers say you can live here for $500 and not one of them is Canadian - I call them BS posts and I try to set out a more realistic RANGE, which as I noted doesn't include health care, transportation and Miscellaneous so my range #s are low. By the way I checked out your great content - oh wait, right of course there was none - you just go on YT and slash other channels. Your mom must be proud of you! Have a Great Day wherever you are angry in this world. Take care EH!
@richarddefrancisci8584
4 ай бұрын
Sorry, i heard nothing about health care.
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi Richard Defrancisci @richarddefrancisci8584 I cover it from 15:31 to 18:32, just after the Transportation category and before the - Miscellaneous category. If you watch on a TV or laptop/computer monitor - you can see the Chapter Headings of each section - just skip to the section that interests you. Also to guide you in the Description I have included all the times for each chapter to help you go directly to what you want. I also have a link to the longer video (55 mins) where I go into a bit more detail. from 27:16 to 36:16. The link for the Full Video is in the pinned comments and in the description. Was there something specific you wanted to know? Regards Greg
@JamesHickman-g5c
4 ай бұрын
If you're worried about the cost of healthcare and/or are in bad health best to stay in your home country, especially if your country has socialized medicine, where it's free. For the Philippines, you should learn to be your own doctor, and research what it takes to stay in good health, both diet and first aid. For emergency costs, a heath saving account might not be a bad idea, or at least have a credit card available. Other than that, for non emergency procedures, some US expats fly to Guam.
@guspagoulato859
4 ай бұрын
CLICK BATE!!
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Sorry gus pagoulato @guspagoulato859 Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? You make a rude WRONG comment. Please look up the definition of CLICK BATE this is NOT Click BATE AT ALL Click bate is NOT personal taste it is getting you to click on the video and then not delivering in the content - you are clearly wrong. To save you looking it up let me help you, The Google says: ... Clickbait typically refers to the practice of writing sensationalized or misleading headlines in order to attract clicks on a piece of content. It often relies on exaggerating claims or leaving out key information in order to encourage traffic. The term is generally used in a dismissive sense. In that sense I do not appreciate your inaccurate classification - complain about something else like some other guy saying too many edits LOL and now you saying CLICK BAIT - makes me laugh - I looked at your channel to see your expertise you have had a channel for 14 years (FOURTEEN) and have made zero videos - but I am sure you have spread your wisdom in misguided comments throughout the internet - I am sure most just delete your words - but not me. The Thumbnail me doing a thumbs up and the words $800? (in case you do not understand "?" means it is a QUESTION. THEN my title: HOW MUCH IT COST TO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINPES AFTER 6 YEARS? I set out my experience living in many different places since 2018. I talk about not giving BS and giving the facts. I also say I will not give one figure like some do, as others say you can live here for $500 - in my video I set out in 22 minutes my experience BUT also give a link to a fuller discussion of 55 minutes video with more details - I did the shorter video to still give the info with less commentary that I included in the 55 minute video. In the end I clearly set out a table showing a low estimate of 44,756 (US$762) and high estimate of 132,682 ($2,077). BUT as noted on the tables in the video this does not include Medical, Transportation and Miscellaneous expenses as these are very individual and depend on age/health for the first one and choices for the other two. Some will have very low expenses in these categories and some very high - for example my first year my medical expense was ZERO and my Transportation was VERY LOW as I didn’t own a car or scooter - I walked most places and took public transportation. Also most of the Miscellaneous costs can be ALMOST zero if someone chooses to do that. Most expenses can be controlled by choices made and especially if looking for a GF/Wife if pick someone with no kids like me or someone with 5 kids like others - the cost to live here will be VERY DIFFERENT. You plus GF plus 5 kids means 7 mouths to feed and also every other cost goes up rent (bigger place needed), water, electricity, medical everything you can think of as I tell people DON'T DO THAT!! Please don't offend my channel with misstated comments when you have zero clue what you are talking about.
@charlesHUECKSTAEDT-e8p
4 ай бұрын
''NORTHERN,WISCONSIN,HELLO..,NEW,SUB=SALAMAT....
@CanadianInPhilipipnes
4 ай бұрын
Hi charles HUECKSTAEDT @user-hm4oy7hw4tI I appreciate your support as a new subscriber, salamat - thank you! Greg PS: If you come this way bring some of your famous cheese!!!
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