Southeast Asia is loved by travellers for its exotic culture, spectacular beaches, great food and warm climate. The cost of flying to such exotic locations is no longer reserved solely for the wealthy, with several budget airlines competing on these popular routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who has spent time in Southeast Asia will know that the general attitude of the region is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPlease visit. Please spend lots of money. Please leave.<\/p>\nNaked Expat<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Southeast Asia welcomes tourists with open arms (why wouldn\u2019t they, tourism forms a substantial part of their GDP). Unfortunately, for expats, retirees and long-stay visitors like digital nomads and freelancers, living in Southeast Asia remains difficult and a culture of \u201cWhy are you still here?\u201d exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike most of its Southeast Asian neighbours, the Philippines makes an effort to attract expat retirees, offering an easy, perk-filled path to permanent residency. The standard of living in the Philippines is high and the opportunity for adventure is great, whilst the cost of living is one of the world’s greatest bargains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is the Philippines the place for you to retire overseas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visit During the Rainy Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although you can never tell when an earthquake or volcano is going to hit, you are definitely guaranteed rain during rainy season. Throw-in some violent typhoons for good measure and this is what it\u2019s like in the Philippines during rainy season. It’s one thing to be in the Philippines during the dry season, when skies are bright and the weather is idyllic, but it\u2019s a whole different ballgame when the rain is falling so fast and hard you quickly find yourself wading in ankle-deep runoff while walking down the street. If you’re OK with life in the Philippines during monsoon season, you’ll love it when the sun is shining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experiencing the Philippines during rainy season will also make you appreciate how vital it is to take the risk of flooding seriously and make it a top priority when deciding on where to live. It is also a key factor in deciding on whether to buy or rent a property and the fundamental design of any house building project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Advantage of Convenient Residency Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Philippines offers several competitive retirement programs through its Philippine Retirement Authority. Most expat retirees opt for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa. You qualify if you’re at least 50 years old and receive a pension worth at least $800 per month for an individual or $1,000 per month for a couple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, you’ll be required to deposit $10,000 into an accredited Philippine bank ($5,000 for retired foreign armed forces\/agencies). You can also qualify without a monthly pension by depositing $20,000. This amount can be put toward a long-term lease or the purchase of a condo or townhouse valued at more than $50,000 (as long as the transaction is done within 6 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to granting you the ability to stay in the Philippines long term, a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa also entitles you to PhilHealth, the government health care program, exemption from certain taxes and access to special Philippine Retirement Authority benefits, including its “Greet and Assist Program,” where you’re met on arrival at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read: The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) SRRV program<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
English Is Widely Spoken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Philippines is a linguistically diverse place with more than 100 local dialects spoken. English is an official language alongside Tagalog, the primary language. You can enjoy a full life here without having to learn Tagalog, although any effort to do so will be met with wide smiles of appreciation from locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Low Cost of Living in the Philippines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your lifestyle and where in the Philippines you choose to settle, your cost of living could be as low as $800 a month for a couple. Much depends on location and whether you wish to live as a peasant or a King! The cost of fast internet (where available), electricity and foreign imported goods is high. Many foreigners forego air-conditioning unless the heat is unbearable as air-con gobbles-up electricity, causing your monthly electricity bill to skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tax situation in the Philippines is friendly to expat retirees. The country taxes income earned in the country, but not foreign pensions, Social Security and annuity income for foreign residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose From Beach, Mountain and City Lifestyle Options<\/h3>\n\n\n